Chapter 79

Esined

"Why are your eyes so low and red?" Erica asked me as soon as I walked in the house.

"I just woke up," I said.

Which was true, but I did smoke with August again before leaving his house.

"Where's LeLe?" I asked, referring to our baby brother, Fabumi.

"Mama just put him to sleep,"

"Where's Brandon?"

"Somewhere around the house," she looked at me. "Are you mad at him and mama?"

"Why would I be?"

"I don't know. There's just been tension in the house lately," she shrugged.

I had to admit, my nightmare did kinda have me on my toes around them. I wasn't letting anything pass them until I got answers.

"Nah. We're all good," I said. "Who cooked?"

"It's your day to cook,"

"You want me to get pizza or something?"

"Is it Friday?"

"No?" I laughed.

"Then we aren't eating pizza. You know how I feel about eating pizza on any day that isn't a Friday,"

I rolled my eyes.

Erica was always like that. If it wasn't Friday, she wasn't eating pizza. She believes that pizza is a food that should only be eaten on a Friday.

"How about salad?"

"I'm not on a diet," she said.

"What do you want to eat?"

"I don't know,"

I sighed. "Chinese carry out?"

"Sounds good. Sesame chicken, thanks," she walked off.

I walked to Fabumi's room and went in quietly.

"Hey, ma," I whispered.

"Hi, Essy," she smiled.

"I'm gonna order Chinese food for dinner. You want your usual?"

She nodded. "Thank you,"

"No problem," I left the room as quiet as I entered.

I walked around the house in search for Brandon. I ended up finding him in the man-cave that he made for himself.

Brandon's fingers tapped on the controller as he played GTA. "Ha! Got yo a-" he paused when he saw me walk in. "Wassup?" his eyes went back to the tv. He pushed his headphone back a little so he could hear me talk.

"I'm ordering Chi-"

"Oh my gosh! Why would y'all kill me?" he said.

"You came through wit dat weak ass pistol!" I heard Mel say through the headphones.

I tucked in my lips, trying not to laugh.

Brandon wiped his face down and looked at me. "Your boyfriend and his brother are cheating in GTA. They keep stealing my cars and running me over. Weak asses,"

"We'a show you weak!" August laughed.

"Oh, shove it!" Brandon gave me his attention. "Did you need something, sweetheart?"

"Don't call my girl dat!"

I giggled. "Well... I forgot what I came down here for now,"

"You said you were ordering something," he said.

"Oh! Chinese food. Did you want something from there?"

"Sure. Sesame chicken is fine with me,"

"I guess we're all getting the same thing," I laughed a little.

"Do you want me to get it? I can tell you're faded as hell,"

"Sure," I took out my phone. I called in our orders and gave him money for the food, but he rejected.

"I got it,"

"Thanks. Hey, I have to talk to you about something when you get back,"

"Alright. See you,"

"Drive safe,"

He left the basement and I stared at the game for a moment. I sat down and put his headset on. I picked up the controller and started playing GTA.

I found a car and got in it. I drove it and I heard August laughing through the headphones.

"Es, you playin'?"

"Yeah, don't kill me,"

"I won't," he laughed. "Why you stoppin' at the red lights?"

"I don't wanna break the laws,"

"This is online, ain't no laws. Even if it wasn't online, you can still run red lights,"

"Oh," I laughed lightly before pressing a button. I began to speed through lights.

Suddenly my car blew up and Wasted appeared on my screen.

August started laughing.

"You said you weren't gonna kill me!" I said.

"I didn't. It was Mel,"

"Awe. Mel, you suck," I frowned as if he could see me.

I continued playing and I found Mel's character. I threw a grenade at him and it blew up.

"Dats my baybeh. Go, Esined," August cheered.

"Now don't get mad when I find yo lil ass," Mel said.

"I need more weapons," I said. "Where's the gun shop?"

"Use yo map ta locate it. Set it as yo destination,"

I did what he said and found another car. I got my weapons and then left.

"Boy, I'm bouta pull up on yo ass now," I said.

They started laughing.

Mel and I were in the middle of the street and I ran pass him. I stuck a stickey bomb on his car and when he chased me, I pressed a button. His car blew up and killed him, causing him to yell in frustration.

Mel and I kept on meeting up just to fight and kill each other's characters.

"You're cheating!" I said when he killed my character for a third time.

"Ain't no cheatin'. Ain't no rules, big head,"

"Stop talking about my head size,"

Brandon came into the basement with our food and I smiled.

"I gotta go, losers. My food is here," I said.

"Lame'o," August said.

"Long neck," I said back.

"Five head,"

"You can't talk about nobody's forehead,"

"Y'all both got a lot on y'all minds. Shut up," Mel said. "Y'all can't go on each otha. Y'all both skinny wit big ass heads. Long neck asses tryna go on each otha when y'all almost built the same,"

I gasped and so did August. "Melvin," I laughed. "You know what? Bye. I'll see y'all tomorrow,"

"Bye baybeh. Enjoy ya food!" August said.

"Thanks, Snugga,"

"Snugga?" Mel erupted in laughter.

I covered my mouth as soon as I realized it slipped.

"Esined," August groaned. "Why?"

"I didn't mean to say it. I'm sorry, honey,"

"You just... Bye,"

I giggled a little and told them bye again. I turned off the game system and turned to Brandon.

He had set up for us to eat.

"Thank you," I said.

"No problem," he sat down and I say across for him.

We ate our food in quiet until he spoke.

"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" he looked up at me for a moment.

"Oh, um..." I laughed out of nervousness. "I had this nightmare and I can't stop thinking that there was truth within it,"

"Mhm,"

"I don't want to make this conversation anymore awkward than it could get. I don't even know how to phrase what I want to say," I admitted.

"Just say what you have to say. You can't put it bluntly. It doesn't matter," he said.

"Um..." I looked down then up at him.

He continued eating his food.

"Is there a possibility that you're my dad?"

"What?"

"Are you my dad? Like, my real dad?"

He got quiet and I felt foolish for even bringing it up.

"Forget that I asked. I'm sorry," I mumbled.

He wiped his mouth with a napkin. "How old are you again?"

"Eighteen, almost nineteen,"

"And you were born December twenty-third, right?"

"Yeah,"

He looked at me and studied my face.

"Are you looking for similarities?"

He nodded.

"Well, I don't really look like Eric much. Just my lighter skin-"

"Where's your birthmark?"

"That'd be kinda awkward to tell you,"

He chuckled. "On your butt cheek?"

I looked at him strangely before laughing a little. "Yeah..."

"Same,"

"I have one on my neck too. It's really close to my chin, so it's not visible,"

He chuckled. "I'm not sure if you're my daughter, but I did know your mom around that time. And we did intimate things on and off for about a month or so. Then she cut me off,"

I frowned. "Would you be okay with getting a DNA test?"

"If that's you want to do, yes. I'm completely up for getting answers,"

"Yeah. I would like to know,"

"Me too. If you are my daughter, I'm sorry for not being there. I know I can't make up for the years, but I'd like to actually be something you'd consider as a father to you,"

"Well, although we've only know each for almost two years, we're close,"

"I agree,"

"If I can be honest, you've been more of a dad to me within the short time of two years more than Eric ever was in seventeen years... I wouldn't even be mad if you were my dad. I'd be happy, honestly. You're what I think of when I hear dad,"

Brandon looked up at me and sighed. He covered his face with his hands. He started sniffing and he pulled his hands down to wipe his tears.

I stood up and went to hug him. "I didn't mean to make you cry,"

"That's the nicest thing someone has ever said to me,"

We hugged tightly.

I rubbed his back. "Whatever the results are when we take the test, I'll still love you regardless,"

He smiled and kissed my forehead. "How are we gonna talk to your mama about this?"

"I don't know, but we can do it together. Wanna talk to her about it tomorrow?"

"Yeah. It's getting pretty late,"

"And I'm tired,"

"Same,"

I began to clean up my mess and he cleaned up his.

"I'm glad we talked about this," he said.

"I am too and I'm happy you understood. Thank you for not freaking out,"

"No problem," he said.

"Goodnight," I said.

"Goodnight,"

I went upstairs and went to the bathroom. I did my nightly hygiene routine and prepared for bed. When I took care of that, I went to my room and put on pajamas.

Erica walked in while I was getting dressed.

"Ever heard of knocking?" I asked as I casually pulled one of August's t-shirts over my head.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

"What's wrong?"

"Just thinkin' too much. Can I sleep with you?"

"Yeah... Wanna talk about it?"

She shook her head as a tear fell down her cheek. She climbed into my bed.

"Erica," I frowned and got into bed with her.

Reluctantly, she turned to me. She rested her head on my thigh and sniffed quietly.

"Tell me what's going on. Maybe I can help,"

"Sometimes I miss you, Esined,"

"What do you mean?"

"I miss you being around. I mean, I know I just came back around, so it's strange. It seems like we never get to spend time with each other..."

I rubbed her back as she spoke.

"I know when you have a boyfriend, you're supposed to spend time with him, but it seems like you're always with him. And when you're not with him, you're always on the phone with him or talking to him somehow. I don't want to seem selfish, but ya know? I haven't seen you in eight years, Esined,"

"I didn't mean to make you feel this way. I'm sorry, Erica. I'll spend more time with you,"

"You promise?"

"I promise," I put out my pinkie finger and she locked hers with mine. "In fact, I'll tell August that I need to spend time with you,"

"I don't want you to cancel on him,"

"He won't mind. I'm sure he'll understand,"

"Okay,"

I reached over and grabbed my phone. I had a message from August, so I opened it.

SnuggaPoo: still up? 11:12 pm

I'm late, but yeah. You mind if I cancel tomorrow? 11:34 pm

SnuggaPoo: nah, but why? 11:35 pm

Erica misses me. I wanna spend time with her so she doesn't feel like I'm abandoning her. 11:36 pm

SnuggaPoo: do what u gotta do 11:37 pm

I know you're not mad... 11:38 pm

SnuggaPoo: 💀 no. I'm good. we got time to chill whenever lol 11:40 pm

Oh okay. Well, goodnight. I'll see you when I can ☺️ 11:42 pm

SnuggaPoo: I thought u was gonna stay up and talk to me 11:43 pm

Congratulations. You played yourself. 11:44 pm

SnuggaPoo: U gon play yo self outta dis bracelet I just bought u 👌🏽 11:45 pm

I'm sorry 💀 11:46 pm

SnuggaPoo: Mhm. goodnight beautiful. iLove u 11:47 pm

I love you too, Snugga. Goodnight 11:48 pm

I put my phone of the charger and onto my dresser.

Erica's head rested in my lap and she slept.

I moved a little and she lifted. I lied down next to her and cut off my lamp. I pulled the cover over us and closed my eyes.

Next day

I was walking through the mall with Erica and buying her whatever she wanted. I was taking this day and dedicating it to her. We were doing whatever she wanted to do even if I didn't want to do it.

Now we were in journeys and getting shoes. I thought that her taste would be more expensive like mine had became, but it didn't. She seemed nervous to ask me for something, although I had told her three times that a price didn't matter to me.

"Thank you," she said as I swiped my card.

"No problem," I smiled.

We were walking by a jewelry store and I stopped to look.

"Why are we here?" she asked.

"I'm just looking," I said. "You think August would like this?" I pointed to a gold chain that had a cross.

she sighed. "Doesn't he have one already?"

"He lost it. I know he loves it, so I wanna get him a new one,"

"Esined,"

"What?" I glance at her.

"You said we were gonna hang out today,"

"We are," I laughed. "I can't bring up his name either?"

She sighed and looked away.

"You don't have to act like that when I bring him up,"

"Like what?"

"Like you don't like him,"

"Well," she mumbled.

"What did he ever do to you?"

"I just don't see what you see in him,"

"You're not supposed to. He's my boyfriend, so I see him differently than everyone else does. You haven't known him for long. And August likes you, he's nice to you too,"

"Well, it's not that I personally dislike him. I just don't like you two together," she admitted. "I'm sorry if my honesty is offending you. It's just an opinion,"

"An unasked for opinion,"

"Most are unasked for,"

"How can you have an- Never mind,"

I ignored her small comment, deciding not to go back and forth with her. I received help and bought the gold chain for August.

"Did you want anything else? Are you hungry?" I asked.

"Nah. I wanna go home," Erica said.

I frowned. "Why?"

"I'm tired,"

"We've only been here for about fifty minutes,"

She kept her head down.

"What's wrong?" I put my arm around her.

She continued to walk with her head down. She stopped responding to me, so I led the way out of the mall.

We walked to my car and put our bags in. We got in and I drove off after we were situated.

"Do you want me to stop and get something? A movie for us to watch and some food?"

She didn't respond for a moment. "Thanks for taking me shopping..."

"You're welcome. Is that a no on a movie and food? What do you wanna do when we get home?"

Erica stared out of the window and stayed silent.

I drove in the uncomfortable silence and tension.

Once we got home, Erica and I got our bags then went inside.

"Okay," I said once we put up our stuff. "What do you wanna do now?"

"I actually just wanna be alone now... I'm sorry,"

"Is it because of what happened at the mall? I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings,"

"No. It's just me. I don't feel good and I don't wanna be around anyone,"

"Okay. I hope you feel better," I said.

"Thanks,"

"Call me if you need anything," I left her room quietly and went to my room. I took my phone from my purse and called August.

"Hey," I said.

"Wassup?" he asked.

"Are you home?"

"Nah. I'll be home in about an hour or so though. You tryna chill?"

"Yeah,"

"I thought it was Erica's day,"

"I thought so too. We were at the mall and she just didn't wanna be around anyone anymore," I intentionally left out the part of Erica saying that she didn't like him.

"Damn. Maybe she's just not feelin' it. You know when you so hype ta go somewhere, but when you get there, you just wanna go home?"

"Yeah. That's understandable,"

"Just give her some time, baybeh. She'll tell you about whateva it is soona or lata. Don't pressure her about it,"

"I'm not,"

"I'm just sayin'. I know you," he chuckled. "Wanna meet me at the house?"

"Yes,"

"Okay. I'll be there soon,"

"Okay. Drive safe. I love you," I smiled to myself.

"I love you mo'. You betta not be whippin' them corners,"

I laughed lightly. "Bye,"

I heard him laugh before I ended the call.

Standing up, I grabbed my keys and my purse. I made sure the chain that I bought him was in my purse. I walked to Erica's room and knocked lightly.

"Go away," she groaned.

I opened her door. "I'm going to August's house. I'll be back in a little while. Did you n-"

"No. I don't need anything. You've done enough for me today and I appreciate. If I need something to eat, I'll go to the kitchen. All of the emergency contacts are on the fridge, I know. I'm fine, Esined. Just go," she spoke with her back towards me.

I sighed. "Okay. I love you, Erica,"

She stayed quiet for a moment. "I love you too,"

I left her room and closed the door behind me. I went downstairs and left after locking up.

I began to drive my way over to August's house. Although I was alone in the car, I felt tension as if someone was with me. I took a deep breath and let my arms relax, releasing a bunch of built up tension. My hands gently rested on the steering wheel.

I drove for a little longer until I was in his driveway. I parked and took off my seatbelt. I took my keys out of the ignition and got out of my car. I reached back in and grabbed my purse. I closed my door and looked up.

I was here before August was, but waiting on him was no big deal.

I walked up to the door and knocked.

The door was opened and Travis smiled.

I smiled back at him. "Hey,"

"Hey. How are you?"

"I'm fine, and you?"

"I'm good," he stepped to the side, letting me in. He closed the door behind me. "Here fa Aug?"

"Yeah," I said. "Hey, I need your opinion before he gets here," I sat down on the sofa and he sat beside me.

"What's up?"

"Two things. So one, I got August something,"

"Lemme see,"

I took the small velvet box from my purse and opened it.

"Gold cross, I know he'll love it,"

"You think it's his style?"

"Definitely. Anything expensive is his style. How much was it?"

"My bank account isn't crying, so it wasn't too much. I didn't go all out,"

He nodded, laughing a little. "Well, he likes anything from you. What's the second thing?"

"So, before I bought this, Erica and I were spending time together. We were having a great day, but I saw the chain and it was calling my name. I asked her if she thought August would like it, then it turned into this small disagreement,"

"What happened?"

"Well, she was annoyed that I even said his name. She said that she didn't like him, but it wasn't personal. She said she doesn't like us together. I'm thinking, maybe she doesn't like how much time I spend with him? I'm not sure,"

"Well, I understand where she's comin' from,"

"How so?"

"If you want me ta be honest, I don't like y'all togetha eitha,"

I frowned. "Are we that bad?"

"Y'all just irritatin',"

"How?"

"Y'all argue then make up like shit ain't neva happen. It's understandable ta not wanna argue wit yo partner, but goodness. Y'all crazy as hell. One minute, y'all will literally be ready ta fist fight, then I look up and y'all cuddlin',"

I laughed at how he spoke.

"Does it get tirin'?"

"What? The arguing?"

"Yeah,"

I nodded.

"Why y'all do it so much?"

"I don't know," I giggled. "We disagree sometimes,"

"Y'all ain't heard of respectfully disagreein'?" he chuckled. "I know yo feet be hurtin' from chasin' dat boy all the time,"

"I don't chase him,"

"Who you tryna convince? Me or you?" he asked. "You're always da first one ta apologize. You don't be doin' shit and you stay apologizin' like you did somethin' wrong,"

"Well, I do mess up sometimes,"

"I'm just sayin', he should be able ta see his faults and apologize like a man. You shouldn't have ta follow him like a lost puppy and let him talk ta you how he does. Dat whole I'll see you when I feel like seein' you shit is wrong. He be doin' you dirt sometimes, but I guess love can really blind someone,"

"August doesn't treat me like that," I defended automatically. "I don't follow him like a lost puppy either. He does apologize when he's in the wrong. Don't discredit him like he isn't trying,"

"I'm not discreditin' him-"

"Then what are you doing?"

"I'm pointin' out what I see. I'm givin' you the opinion dat you asked fa. I'm statin' what I think. I'm not gonna sugar coat shit and lie. You know me and how I feel about August. Now you know how I feel about y'all relationship. I think you deserve betta than August,"

"As far I can see, it doesn't get better than August. He's the one for me and I'm happy with him. No matter what you, Erica, or anyone else has to say,"

"Well, I guess you can't see far,"

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, Travis,"

"You're really blinded by this high school love and shit," he said. "You've got a good man sitting right next ta you, waitin'. Wheneva you done playin' these games wit August, let me know. I'm only patient fa so long," he stood up. "Wit yo mental, you need a man, not a boy,"

Shocked by his words, I remained sitting as he walked off.

Did Travis just tell me to leave August and get with him? I thought to myself.

I shook my head and stood up.

Right on cue, August came into the house and smiled at me.

"Hey baybeh,"

"Hi," I brushed off my confused state that Travis left me in and smiled.

"How are you?" he closed the door behind him and walked over to me. He wrapped his arms around me.

I embraced him, inhaling his cologne. "You smell good,"

"You smell like lemons,"

"Is that a good or bad thing?"

"Good," he chuckled.

"Why are we hugging for so long?"

"I don't know,"

Suddenly, August lifted me up.

"Put me down,"

"You don't complain about me liftin' you up when I'm givin' you-"

"Stop it," I whispered.

"What? You always want somebody ta give you a piggy back ride, but when I pick you up, you complain,"

"I thought you were talking about something else..."

"Yo mind stays in the gutter,"

"You made me this way," I laughed.

"It's all your fault," he sang.

I caught on and began to sing with him. "My standards are impeccably high, high,"

August lowered me some and I wrapped my legs around him. He chuckled. "Nasty,"

"Whatever," I laughed a little as he walked over to the stairs.

"Keep singin' ta me,"

"You've been telling me that I can't sing, and now you want me to sing to you? Nah fam,"

"Baaae," he whined. "Sing," he patted my bottom and began to walk up the steps.

"I don't remember the lyrics," I lied.

August smacked his lips. "You know the lyrics. Stop playin',"

I rested my head on his shoulder and hummed before singing quietly. I sang low enough for only August to hear.

You made me this wayIt's all your faultMy standards are impeccably high... highYou're the one to blameFor my open heartHow could I ever say goodbye?

Happy or not, you're all I've gotTake me with you to heavenLet me hold your handYou're the reason why love existsYou're imperfection at it's purestYou teach me the meaning of forgivenessI'm forever humbled by your presence

One day people gonna seeWhat a gift you are to mePlease share your love with the worldI would be too selfish of a girl to keep youTo keep you

"To keep you," August did the backgrounds, making me laugh lightly.

Today, I look forward to tomorrow everydayPlease don't ever leave, don't ever go awayI would be sadTears, would fall for hoursThe lip of my smile would linger

"You didn't sing the word linga right," he cut me off.

"Yes, I did,"

"No, you didn't," he said. "She said Ling-uh uhhh,"

"You just heard that song a few days ago when I played it. Shut up,"

"But I've had it on repeat since,"

"So you think you know it?"

"It doesn't take that long to learn a song,"

"Whatever. I know I sung it right,"

"You never sing anything right,"

"Don't get me started on your vocals," I mumbled.

"Aiight, lemme stop fa you hurt my feelings," he chuckled. "You know dat no matta how much I clown on you, I love ya voice. I love when you sing ta me. You got dat motherly singin'. It's comfortin' and warm,"

"Thank you," I smiled.

We were in August's room and he placed me on the bed. He gave me a kiss before we went into our now usual routine. He'd roll backwoods and we'd just talk.

"What'd you do today?" I asked.

"I went ta get some weed,"

"That's it?"

"Mhm,"

I giggled. "Did you eat?"

He stayed quiet and I sat up.

I pulled his ear. "I'm not playing with you,"

"Ow, stop it. I'ma eat," he hissed.

I pulled on it more.

"Esined, I am," he groaned.

I let his ear go. "I don't play about your mental and physical health. Don't play with me because you already know I don't play that,"

"Okay, Mama Esined," he mumbled smartly. "I hea' you,"

"But are you listening?"

He sucked his teeth and passed me the backwood and lighter. "Yeah,"

I put it to my lips and lit it.

"You should cook for me since you wanna make sure I'm eatin'," he said.

"Or we can cook together," I suggested after releasing smoke from my mouth.

"I can burn water. You want me ta do dat?"

"Hush. You know you can cook," I passed the backwood to him. "I wanna try that famous chicken of yours that your family keeps telling me about,"

"I'a make it fa you one day,"

"You should make it for my going away party,"

He got quiet as he passed the backwood back to me.

I brought the backwood to my lips and inhaled as I watched his whole mood change.

"Baybeh... Why you gotta leave me?" he asked quietly.

"August, we've talked about this,"

"I know, but I can't help dat I hate the thought of you leavin' me. I don't even like it bein' brought up,"

"I don't like it either, but we can't just pretend that I'm not leaving or ignore it. It won't even be as bad as you think. We'll still be together, technology exists, and I'll be coming back every vacation,"

He sighed. "It's not the same. I have to break my patterns of seein' you as much as I want. You know how I get when I can't see you,"

I was getting frustrated, so I just stayed quiet as we passed the backwood back and forth.

"I don't think you understand how attached I am ta you," he said.

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you talk about leavin' so nonchalantly. You talk about it like you don't even care that we'll be apart,"

"Because I'm not worried, Aug. I don't worry about us becoming distant. I know how we feel about each other, so I don't worry about you meeting someone new. I don't worry about our communication because we've discussed that. I'm not worried because of my views on where we stand,"

"I'll stop complainin' about you leavin' then. Since you're assured, then I can at least assure myself. Or at least pretend ta be assured. Just somethin' so I won't irritate you about it,"

"Thank you,"

"Yep yep,"

I started laughing at how he said yep and so did he.

"I need you ta promise me somethin' befo' you go,"

"What's that?"

"That you won't forget about me and get wit some olda college nigga,"

"August," I laughed.

"I'm serious, Es. I'll be pissed if you forget about me,"

"I could never forget about you, babe,"

"You can't give anyone my love," he frowned, moving closer to me. "You're mine," he kissed my cheek after pulling a small box from his pocket. He placed it in my lap and rested his hand on my thigh. He watched me intently as I opened it.

I gasped at the ring in the box. It was a heart shaped diamond. It screamed expensive and I knew he was serious. "August,"

"Promise me," he said as he stared into my eyes.

"How much was this ring? Babe, we could have just locked pinky fingers and kissed, or something,"

"I'd rather it be symbolic. Words can be forgotten, but when you look at dis ring on your finger, you'll think of me. I want you ta promise me, Esined,"

I sighed at his logic of it all.

Not because I thought it was stupid, but because it made perfect sense.

"I promise," I said.

He smiled. "You were probably scared. Thought it was an engagement ring, huh?"

"Yeah," I laughed.

"Congratulations, you-"

"Shut up," I cut him off.

He slapped my thigh and I sucked in air.

"Stop doing that!" I hit him in several spots.

"Don't cut me off," he laughed.

I rolled my eyes and took the ring from the box. I slipped it on and smiled. "It's so cute," I looked at the box. "I got you something too!"

"Why?" he didn't even seem excited.

"You can't even fake the hype, huh?"

"Nope,"

August hates when I buy him things, but he loves to buy everything he sees for me.

"You better like this,"

"Is it something I can take off of you?"

"No, but I can choke you with it," I replied smartly as I got the velvet box from my purse.

"Hmm. S and M. Kinky," he wiggled his eyebrows.

"August, that's gross," I laughed.

"Well, it depends-"

"Stop it,"

"A few chains and handcuffs don't hurt nobody, except if you gettin' arrested, but you know what I mean. Maybe add in a lil paddle and it'd be lit-"

"August," I gave him a side eye.

He frowned and I placed the velvet box in his hands. "You should have got an edible thong or somethin'. I would be hella excited. Dive in the pus-"

"Can you stop and open it?" I laughed.

"Aiight," he chuckled and opened it. He closed it once he saw the cross. August looked up, shutting his eyes tightly. "Lord, I am so sorry fa speakin' like dat. If it make you forgive me faster, I ain't go nun in almost two years,"

I slapped his chest and he started coughing. "Stop playing before you get a one way ticket to hell,"

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

I shook my head at him and he opened the box again.

"Thank you, Pooh. I love it," he gave me a kiss.

"You're welcome, Snugga," I smiled.

He put on the gold cross and smiled. "So thoughtful of you,"

"Mhm. I'm glad you like it,"

"I love it. Thank you fa replacin' my otha one. Although dat came from my dad, dis one means just as much ta me. And it's not just because it's from you. It's the thought of you tryna get me somethin' dat I felt incomplete without. Thank you," he gave me a hug.

"It's no problem," I rubbed his back. "You're welcome,"

August kissed my cheek and touched his chain with his fingertips.

A genuine smile was on his face and I was happy to see him happy.

-Hi.

I'm sorry that I haven't been updating a lot lately.

I have my reasons, but honestly, it's no ones business. Time will reveal.

I've been getting asked, so I thought I should tell y'all.

I won't say that my decision is final, but I don't think I'll be writing on wattpad much longer.

The sequel to this will probably be my last book on here.

I have so many great books in my drafts that I need to complete.

I would give them away, but I don't think anyone can write like me tbh. Not in a conceited way or saying I'm better than anyone. I just think my style is different from others lol.

That's all tho.

Any questions?

Don't ask when I'm updating again 💀

Just know this next chapter is just as lit as I am rn lmfao.

Remember when y'all said y'all love me? Hold onto that.

Excuse typos please.

Comments & Votes are appreciated.

Much love, Shia. Xoxo