Chapter 69 - Soul Food Sundays

A/N Warning: This chapter contains mature themes.

Sadé's POV:

— Sunday, November 13th, 3:39PM

It was late afternoon, and I had just gotten off of FaceTime with Alabama. She apparently has met her a new lil' boo. He was some rapper from New York named DD Osoma. I didn't know who he was because I'm not too granular with the whole hiphop world despite me dating Marshall. I listen to hiphop and rap (often, but not daily), but I didn't ever care to do a deep dive into the community. Regardless, I was happy for her because it seemed like she was really feeling him!

I had ordered some groceries to be delivered to the house earlier today so that I can cook Marshall some soul food that he has apparently been dying for. I already had all the seasonings I needed here, which is my little mark that I left in his kitchen, because when I first I met him & visited I swear he only had about 8, which included salt and pepper... It was truly giving flavorless, but I fixed that real fast! I went to the kitchen to gather all the ingredients and items that I would need to prepare my home cooked meal. I lit a candle, turning on some light music to get in my cooking zone, before getting started; I really do just like to cook in tranquility, where I'm able to put all my love into my food and relax. Marshall was somewhere about in the house, but I wasn't too worried about him right now.

I was planning to make pot roast with white rice, baked mac n cheese, collard green, candied sweet potatoes, and corn bread: A classic Soul Food meal. The pot roast made it more comforting, considering the cold weather. I seasoned the roast, putting it in the crock pot immediately since it would take the longest of the dishes to cook, about 3 to 4 hours. I chopped up carrots, baby potatoes, and bell peppers to add to it. I also chopped up the sweet potatoes and anything else that was necessary, setting it to the side. I then rinsed off the collard greens, boiling them in a pot of water mixed with chicken broth since those would take approximately 2 hours. I added a few seasonings, but not too much since the flavor would mainly be coming from the pieces of ham hock that I would be adding & the chicken broth that it would be simmering in. I was lost in my element as I went through the motions. I was listening to the music, currently hearing a mix of Sza, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Tyler, The Creator as I continued to make everything else. Knowing that it would take a while and that wasn't a quick & easy meal to prepare, I took my time.

— A Few Hours Later

I was in my zone, singing America Has A Problem by Beyoncé to myself quietly, not that I could anyways. I had noticed earlier that Marshall was watching a football match as I heard him cheering on the team of his choice along with commentary from the people on the screen. I was just about finished, needing to take the macaroni out of the oven then having to let the food cool down a little bit. I bent over to take it out of the oven, when I heard a loud smacking sound followed by a stinging sensation that I felt on my butt. I jumped up, quickly setting the dish on the counter, letting out a yelp. Marshall had walked by and slapped my butt hard as hell! And now he was leaned against the kitchen island with a smirk plastered on his face, and his arms crossed trying to look innocent. I gave him a death glare for him sneaking up on me and scaring me like that - Also because it was clearly a very harsh slap.

"What? No need to give me that look, girl." He said nonchalantly.

"Ouch!" I said in an exaggerated way, giving him a blank stare.

"My bad." He raised his hands defensively, "Not my fault you got all that back and no body fat!" He said cheekily, making me laugh.

His choice of words can be absolutely ridiculous/vulgar sometimes, but it's just how he is.

"Chile, anyways. The food is ready, but it needs to cool down." I told him turning the stove and crockpot off.

"It smells so good in here. I've been smelling it all throughout the house for hours now. I'm so ready to eat." He said as he hugged me from behind, pressing his body against mines, "Thank you." He murmured against me.

"You're welcome. Anything for you, love."

"Paul let me have Wednesday and Thursday off, by the way. So we can go to the Windy City to meet your family then." He informed me.

"Really?!" I turned around in his arms to look into his eyes expectantly.

"Yes, really. Go let them know then we'll eat dinner." He chuckled lightly.

I squealed from excitement, ready to show him off to my family. I ran to my babe cave with my phone, already dialing my grandmother. I spoke to her on the phone for a few minutes, catching up with her quickly, and letting her know that Marshall and I would be visiting them for dinner later during week. She said that she was looking forward to meeting him, but her tone told me that she was feeling apathetic. I ended the call five minutes later, walking back to the kitchen. Marshall was stood there, pouring us both glasses of iced tea along with glasses of water. I moved to make our plates, putting some of everything on there. I set our plates on the dining table while he set our drinks down. We sat down across from each other, ready to eat.

"I hope you like it. It's a little early taste of thanksgiving if you will." I told him before we both started to dig in.

I subtly watched his reaction, wanting to see his sincere thoughts on the meal. He first took a bite of the pot roast & rice, taking a deep sigh after he chewed and swallowed. He then took a bite of the Mac n cheese, then candied sweet potatoes, doing the same thing he had earlier: Taking a deep sigh. I was starting to feel disappointed, worried that maybe he didn't like soul food; Maybe this just wasn't his cup of tea. He then went in for the collard greens, closing his eyes, bowing his head and shaking it as he set his fork down. There was a moment of silence as he just continued to hold his head down, chewing the food. I was so anxious because he wasn't saying anything. He then took a few more bites of everything, running his hand over his beard in deep thought. A smile eventually crept onto his face before he spoke.

"I'm sorry I had to pray to God for a second, yo, because this shit hits... I fucking love black women, dawg." He mumbled more to himself than me.

I placed my hand over my mouth, surprised, relieved, and amused by his reaction.

"Sadé, what do you be saying when something slaps again? Like when the food is really really good? When whoever cooked it did a good job." He asked, referring to one of the many expressions that I use to describe good tasting food, being the foodie I am.

"It's bomb." I replied.

"Nah, the other one."

"Someone put their foot in it."

"Yeaaa! It taste like you put your foot in this, baby. Mhmm." He said so seriously as we both continued to eat, causing me to start dying from laughter.

"MarMar, that's because I made it with love and care." I giggled at his antics.

"I can tell. Thank you." He showed me his appreciation for my cooking.

His love for my cooking filled me over the moon with joy. Food truly is fuel for the heart & soul. I had made enough for the both of us plus a few leftovers since I would be too lazy too cook tomorrow after doing it for almost four hours today. He went back for seconds, stuffing himself.

— A Couple Days Later, The 13th

It was early on a Tuesday night, and Marshall & I were packing our suitcases for the next two days to visit Chicago. We were supposed to be leaving tomorrow morning around breakfast time. We had booked a hotel instead of staying at my family's house, where I had my own room and private dwelling area. Marshall rationalized it to if the dinner didn't go well, they didn't like him, or whatever case may be then we could simply leave and not have to worry about being around them or feeling uncomfortable. I agreed with his statement because he made a good point. I didn't want to possibly make him nor myself feel uncomfortable for any reason incase some crap went down. You just never really know with my family sometimes. One minute they were cool then the next they weren't. It was confusing in all actuality.

We had basically finished packing at this point, and were relaxing on the bed for a while. His body was propped up against the headboard while I was laid across the bed with my head in his lap. We were currently watching a new episode of BMF from a few days ago when he started to run his fingers through my hair without much thought. I let out a satisfying sigh, enjoying the feeling. It was short lived, however, because I felt his body heaving up and down in an anxious manner. I turned my head in his lap, looking up at him as he continued to watch the tv. I could tell his mind was somewhere else though because he was bitting his lip and a could see the ever so tiniest expression of panic. I placed my hand on his lower stomach as I looked at him with alarming eyes.

"You alright, love?" I asked him.

"Yea." He gave a one worded answer not bothering to look at me.

I lifted my head up from his lap, moving to sit on his lap instead. He moved his head to "continue" watching tv, but I knew he wasn't I studied his face with squinted eyes before grabbing his face firmly to bring his attention towards me. He finally made eye contact with me, an emotionless look on his face now. He was trying to hide his feeling from me.

"What's wrong? You know you can talk to me, right?" I asked, offering my emotional support to him.

"Nothing, Sadé. I'm fine." He lied.

He went to reach back for the remote to turn the volume up, but I quickly grabbed it to pause the show. He rolled his eyes and let out a sigh of annoyance.

"Sadé, give me the remote." He huffed out.

"No. Tell me what's wrong."

"I already told you nothing is wrong! Let's just finish watching the show." He raised his voice slightly.

I frowned at him taken aback. He never yells or raises his voice at me, and I hate when people are loud. He noticed the look of repulsion on my face, and he tried to kiss me to make it better, but I dodged his kiss, turning my head. I gave him a "bitch please" look as I was about to catch an attitude of my own, starting to move away from his lap. He hurried to wrap his arms around me, keeping me in place.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get loud with you." He quickly apologized.

"See: Keeping those built up emotions inside for too long isn't healthy for you. Just tell me what's wrong." I ranted, getting frustrated with him.

"I know, you're right. I'm learning to work on that. It's just... Do you think your family will like me?" He asked me vulnerably.

I was not expecting that one to come out of his mouth at all. He acted so nonchalant about the entire situation, and made it seem like it was no big deal to him at all. So when he asked me that question I was a little confused on where this insecurity was coming from. I was quiet for a few seconds before I could find my words.

"Is that what you're worried about? That they won't like you?" I asked, making sure I heard him right.

"Yea. I mean, your family seems like they type to either like me or hate me. Like there's no in-between with them." He stated nervously.

While that is true, I don't think they'll hate him, honestly. I think they'll be hard on him, yes. But they won't hate him. He's a likable man, and it's very obvious that he cares about me a lot. They're just protective over me and want to make sure that I'm not making any stupid decisions, which being with him is not. I mean, my grandmother was the one to suggest that we all meet anyways. If she wasn't at least open to getting to know him or possibly liking him then she would've said so. She's a very blunt woman, and doesn't care about anyone's feelings. So I have no doubt that they'll like him. Whether it's now or later, they'll start to warm up to him. And that the honest truth.

"MarMar, they're gonna like you. They may seem all cold and hard on you at first, but that's just because they don't know you, and are trying to get a feel of your personality & intentions. Yes, I'm unsure about my brother and grandmother a little bit as they might take more time to come around, but everyone else will love you right away. My sister already likes you a lot from what I tell her, my cousins are chill people, and the rest of my family are kind too. Don't overthink it, baby. I promise they'll like you. Just be yourself, be real, and be patient." I told him softly, meaning every word I said.

"Are you sure? I don't want this to put a wedge between us or anything if they don't end up fucking with me or something." He looked at me sadly.

"Marshall, I promise you this isn't going to make me think any differently about you or our relationship. They'll like you, just give them some time."

"Ight. Ima take your word for it. You know your family better than I do." He gave me a subtle smile, "Can we finish watching the show now? You paused it when it was getting good."

I shook my head yes, pressing play as I went to lay back down on his lap. We continued to watch the show together completely fascinated by it.

— Later That Night

It was around 9pm, and I had to be in an emergency zoom call with my lawyer and Jordyn about an update on the situation with the account that leaked my information and the whole getting a court order thing. They were telling me that for some reason, the judge denied the court order to allow the investigators to find the person who's responsible for the account through their internet provider. Now, that didn't really make any sense to me considering all the evidence that had been collected, the threats, the literal fact that my life was in danger, the break in, or that they can continue on with their negativity. I thought it was a bunch of crap. I was about to speak when I heard a knock coming from the door of my babe cave that Marshall had made for me.

"Oh, one second." I excused myself, muting the call on the computer.

"You can come in Marshall." I told him softly, waiting for him to enter.

"You have a phone call, Sae." He said with my phone in his hands.

I must've left it in the bedroom, but I was so busy right now that I couldn't exactly take it. It might've been important though so I asked if he could just answer it for me.

"Can you answer it for me, please? I'll be right out in 5 minutes max." I gave him a pleading expression.

"I got you. Handle your business." He replied, understanding.

He left the room, answering my phone for me. I unmuted myself, telling the ladies that I could only talk for the next five minutes before I needed to go. We continued to exchange words over the course of the next few minutes. To say I was upset and disappointed was an understatement. I was fed up. I was tired of having to deal with this, tired of having to worry about what's going to happen next. And now because the CPD couldn't handle it, it was a cold case. Nothing more could be done. Everyone who was involved had already been convicted and sent to prison, and that was that. They asked if I wanted to go ahead and sue them for negligence for failing to serve and protect because they clearly weren't able to get the account taken down or even arrests anyone despite them committing literal crimes. I told them no because I just wanted to put it all behind me, even though I knew that whoever this was, supposedly Karinna, basically got away with it. They even asked if I wanted to hire my own private investigators so that the account could at least be taken down, but I declined that offer as well. I felt like... I really don't even know what I felt, to be honest. I just didn't want to deal with it anymore, and wish I could've gotten at least a little bit of answers. But no, the case was closed and dropped and would never be reopened again.

I got up from my chair, shutting down my computer. I turned the lights off, going to find Marshall so that I could handle this next phone call. I was starting to become stressed, but I managed to keep myself together. I eventually found Marshall in the living room, sitting on the couch. I went to reach for my phone, but when he passed it to me nobody was on it. I looked at him puzzled because I thought whoever was calling me was still on the line.

"It was actually your brother, Malik. He wanted to tell you that he wasn't coming to meet me for dinner tomorrow. And by the way, I mean this with no disrespect, but he's kind of an asshole." He said nonchalantly as if he had no care in the world.

I silently looked at him dumbfounded. I blinked rapidly, the words registering in my brain what he was telling me right now.

"You're joking, right?" I asked him calmly.

"Nah. I'm so serious, Sae. Look at your call log." He replied with zero regard for my feelings.

"No, I'm talking about him not coming. He really said that?" I asked him carefully.

"Yes, he said that. I'm sorry..." He confirmed in a now softer tone that wasn't as harsh.

I didn't say anything. My face became emotionless. I did nothing other than walk away. I couldn't deal with this right now. This is too much. I walked to the foyer, grabbing one of Marshall's hoodies to wear over my pajamas. I put my Ugg slides on and just walked out the house. I heard Marshall saying something, I don't know what, but I had zoned him out. I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to be by myself and to be engulfed in my own feelings.

I wasn't mad at Marshall. Well I was a little bit. Because he knows how much this means to me, and he just had this whole "doesn't give a fuck" attitude to him when he told me he wasn't coming. As if he didn't care, or as if this wasn't a big deal for me. It was just how he said it that made me angry with him. He could've been nicer or used a less harsh tone about it. But no, he just told me straight up, then only apologized because he probably felt bad for me not because he really cared about my feelings forreal.

Then Malik: I was livid with him. He seriously cancelled last minute just because he can't put his pride aside and meet Marshall. And why? For what? Because he's older than me? Because he's white? Because of his past? A thing that everyone has? It makes absolutely no fucking sense at all. I don't get it. Malik knows that I wanted him to be there. We even spoke briefly about it over the phone so for him to blow me off like that really loaded me off. He's my brother. He's supposed to want to meet my boyfriend. He's supposed to want to see the guy I'm involved with because he wants to make sure he's a good fit for me. Not completely act like he doesn't exist!

I just think this whole thing is stupid. Entirely. The reasoning behind it was idiotic. From Marshall saying he's an asshole, to Malik not liking Marshall & vice versa, to Malik deciding not to come meet him over dinner. I just wanted everyone to get along. I wanted all of us to sit down like grown adults, not argue, not call each other out, eat a great meal, and get to know each other. I wanted everything to go right - For it to go well. We haven't even touched down in Chicago and it's already bullshit! Why can't things ever just go right for once? Why's there always have to be some sort of drama with my family? This is the toxicity that I was talking about that I hate. That's why I fucking left. That's why I distance myself, now. Maybe this dinner shouldn't be happening in the first place. It's just too much right now.

From the phone call with Malik to the case going cold, and then having to deal with that I was feeling made me extremely overwhelmed. I found myself wondering about on Marshall huge property when I ended up by his pond. The moonlight lit up the sky ever so gently, and there was a few lights in the ground that lit up the area. I took a seat at the bench that was placed in front of it, and started to cry. I was crying tears of anger and frustration. I didn't know how else to show those feelings in a positive, healthy way aside from this. Honestly I felt like I wanted to scream.

I propped my knees to my chest, hugging my entire body. I felt the need to have to shelter myself from the outside world right now so that I could get my head straight. I just wanted to let out all of my emotions and feel free by the end of it. Tears streamed down my face as cried, sniffling as I kept myself warm with Marshall's hoodie.

I quickly went from crying out of anger to crying about my life. I don't even know how it took that turn, but it did. I still didn't understand how life could be so cruel to some people or why. I was left wondering why did my family have to be so toxic. Why couldn't they just be normal? Like a regular family that loved each other. I guess the answer for that one is pretty simple: Because we were anything, but a normal family. We couldn't possibly be because of all that we've gone through together and individually. From my mother passing, to us grieving separately, to me having the health issues I did as a child, and to me growing up without a father. I mean despite all of that, it was toxic regardless. It's like my mother was the only one who genuinely tried to change my family around for the better and didn't instill negativity into me or my siblings. It was only after she passed that it all really went crumbling to the ground. That's when I saw the true colors of who my family really was. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't all rainbows and sunshine. It was fucked up. It was dark & twisted. It hurt... A lot - Like hell. It was physical abuse and emotional damage. It was like a war zone. I hated it, and I hated how it made me feel, and how it made me want to die because it was just that bad.

We loved each other, but we could only love each other from a distance. It would never be a normal family. It just wasn't who we were. So maybe I should just cancel this dinner, call it quits, and stay here with Marshall instead. Maybe introducing him into that mix wouldn't be a good idea. I didn't want him to see the ugly side of them nor did I want to make him feel uncomfortable. I mean, it's already in shambles just from a phone call. What would happen in person? I don't think I even want to know.

I continued to cry, feeling better as the time passed. Despite all of that, I knew I was truly happy. I know it might not seem like it sometimes because of how emotional I am, but it's true. I wouldn't trade what I've gone through for anything in the world because it's made me who I am today. I wouldn't be the woman I am today if I hadn't of gone through those things. I see it all as character development. Yea, I get overwhelmed sometimes with my feelings because I'm still working on healing from my past, but that's just life. It's okay to cry and feel helpless. Sometimes it can get tricky, but I just have to push through it. I am happy at this stage in life though. I'm just an emotional wreck right now. I know I'll get over it within the next couple of minutes. It just how I am.

Marshall's POV:

— Before Sadé Stormed Out

Sae had to hop on a zoom call with her lawyer and manager about something that couldn't wait until tomorrow. So she went to her office space that I had built her that she now calls "The Babe Cave". I'm so glad she adores it. She's been spending a lot of time in there actually; Creating, lounging, etc.

I was sat on the bed, watching tv still on the same spot that she had left me in. That's when I heard her phone begin to ring, signaling to me that someone was calling her. I didn't bother to check the caller ID because whoever was calling her phone was none of my business nor concern. I trust her and know she wouldn't have random dudes contacting her for any reason. I simply took her phone in my hands, going to the room she was in to let her know that someone was calling her. I  politely knocked on the door.

"You can come in Marshall." She said.

I opened the door to come inside the room, stood by the door frame. She look pretty stressed out when I finally saw her face as she turned to me with a small smile.

"You have a phone call, Sae." I informed her as I held her phone still.

I was about to pass it over to her when she gave me a panicked look before flashing me a pleading one.

"Can you answer it for me, please? I'll be right out in 5 minutes max." She asked meekly.

I could tell she had a lot on her plate right now. Being the man I am, and her man more specifically, I told her yes.

"I got you. Handle your business." I told her understanding her situation right now.

I left the room, finally taking a look at the caller ID. It read "Big Bro Malik". I answered the phone, knowing her brother was on the other end. I walked to the living room as he greeted himself to whom he thought was Sadé.

"Hey, Sadé."

"Sorry, Man. It's Marshall, she's busy right now and asked me to answer the phone for her. What's up?" I introduced myself, getting straight to the point.

I heard him let out an audible sigh of annoyance. There was a short moment of silence between the two of us before he spoke up.

"Bruh, put my sister in the phone." He said with a slight attitude.

I really didn't appreciate the way he was coming at me, but I held it together, knowing this was Sadé's brother. I know she wouldn't want me to just go off on him or else she's be pissed. So I kept my cool.

"She's in a meeting, dawg. She said she'll be back out within the next 5 minutes." I calmly replied.

"Ight whatever. While we're on the phone, we need to have a conversation anyways. Just me and you before this little dinner tomorrow night." He said sternly.

"Ight. I agree. Sae, told me some things and I ain't really too fond of that. So what's up?" I told him honestly.

Truth is, I really didn't like how he was talking to her about me. I'm not who he thinks I am, and I'm most definitely not going to take what he said lightly. To be frank, I could care less, but the fact that he tried to put his own sister down for being with me was kind of fucked up. She had nothing to with my past. She's simply dating me.

"Oh it's like that?" He piped up.

"It's however you want it to be. I'm cool, dawg." I piped up as well, matching his energy.

"Look, I really don't like you at all. I don't care if you go by Eminem, Slim Shady, Marshall, whatever. I don't like you for my sister. Let me just get some shit straight with you right now before tomorrow, Nigga: You're not black so don't try to act like you are. Don't think you can just be welcomed into the family because of how you grew up or what you got. I honestly don't care about how many felonies you got, your baby moms, or the hood you grew up in, in Detroit. I don't care about you being white. I don't. My issue is that you're too old for her. And quite frankly, it's a bit weird. You two can't even connect with one another on some real shit forreal, nigga. And on top of that you're a fucking rapper. I don't need my little sister out here getting hurt when you go on tour and start fucking different women every night or when you have bitches with you at the studio. I don't want her coming home, crying to me, saying that a white boy done broke her heart because he cheated on her. I don't know what the fuck she sees in you, but it must be something because I don't get it. And I'd be damned if you put your hands on her like you did to your ex wife." He ranted angrily, cussing me out.

I waited for him to finish before I spoke. The way he's threatening me, makes me assume that he must not know what Zach did to her then. Because if he did he would've been handled that. But that's not any of my business to tell him. If she wanted him to know she would've told him. Clearly, she didn't for a reason I'm unaware of.

I don't like his tone at all neither. Like he he's trying to make me afraid of him. I get that he's her brother, but he straight up sounds like a total asshole. I've never met him in my life, and he hates me for no reason at all. I usually don't give a fuck what nobody has got to say about me, but something just wasn't sitting right with me. I couldn't let up this time. I was pissed off now. I was pacing the room as I started to speak to him.

"Malik, right? Listen, dawg. I don't know what you heard or what you been told about me, but all that shit was the past. Ight? I ain't that type of man no more. I would never put my hands on Sadé nor hurt her feelings. She's means too much for me to do that. And plus she's a woman. I don't do shit like that anymore. I ain't gotta explain my life story to you because I'm sure you can google that too, but that's not me no more; I would never cheat on her neither. And I ain't gotta act black. I know I'm a white man who raps in a genre that is made for black people by black people. Yea, I'm from the hood. Yea, I got felonies. Yea, I got a baby momma. And what about it? I don't have to act like shit when I'm really a product of my environment. When I'm really like that. If you don't like it, I don't give a FUCK. I'm older than her. So what? She doesn't have a problem with it. She fucking LOVES it, dawg. And another thing, you need to apologize to your sister. Because I really don't appreciate you disrespecting her like that by calling her all types of stupid. She's everything, but that. I'm not even saying that as her boyfriend, yo, but as a man. That's your fucking sister. You're blood. You don't say or do shit like that. It's fucked up. Especially when she's providing you with the house you live in, the various amounts of cars you drive, and all the money and support you could ever need. If I were you, I wouldn't bite the hand that feeds you." I told him furiously.

"Nigga, what? You ain't talkin' to me like that. Fuck you. And you can tell Sadé I ain't coming tomorrow neither." He said bitterly before hanging up.

I don't even care. At all. If he doesn't want to meet me, then oh well. I don't want to meet him neither at this point. I sat on the couch, running my hand over my face out of frustration. Malik was a straight up asshole. I didn't like him so far, and I barely even knew him. I was so angry at him and how he was judging our relationship. He didn't even give us a chance. Shouldn't he want to see his sister happy?

I know I should've stayed respectful for the sake of Sadé, but I just couldn't bite my tongue anymore. I had to say something. I had to.

Almost two minutes later, Sadé came back out. I had managed to calm down a considerable amount, but I still had a bad state in my mouth. I had my feet propped against the coffee table, my arms spread over the top of the couch. She looked at me with a confused facial expression when I gave her, her phone back. I'm assuming because no one was on the other end of line like she expected them to be.

"It was your brother, Malik. He wanted to tell you that he wasn't coming to meet me for dinner tomorrow. And by the way, I mean this with no disrespect, but he's kind of an asshole." I told her smugly.

Like I said. I really didn't care to meet him at this point. Sae was quiet for a few seconds. She looked at me blankly.

"You're joking, right?" She asked me eerily calm.

"Nah. I'm so serious, Sae. Look at your call log." I deadpanned.

"No, I'm talking about him not coming. He really said that?" She asked me slowly, her voice kind of breaking.

"Yes, he said that." I replied seriously, then saw a flash of hurt across her face for a split second before she replaced it with a numbing look.

"I'm sorry..." I piped up, realizing that maybe I was being too blunt with her.

It was too late though because she had already shut down. I could see it all over her face and her body language. She walked away, not saying a word to me.

"Sadé, baby? Wait. I didn't mean to be so blu-" I started to say, but she slammed the front door walking out.

Shit. I just know she's mad. I know her. She's a sensitive and emotional girl. I immediately regret being so straightforward with her. I should've told her less harshly, and more caringly. I was just so wrapped up in my own distaste towards Malik that I forgot that he was still her brother and the end of the day, and that he's somebody she cares about despite me not necessarily feeling the same way. I did act like a little bit of a jerk when I told her, almost like I didn't give a fuck. I mean, I didn't, but I could've been a bit more nice to her.

I pulled on one of my sweatshirts and a pair of Nike slides before leaving the house. I felt the cold breeze hit my face. It was freezing out here. Why the fuck would she leave the house in the middle of freezing November at night?! I swear this girl has a bad habit of just walking away whenever she needs space. I huffed out a hot breath of disapproval of her being out this late at night. I don't even see her anywhere. She just left like a minute ago. What the fuck? I went to the backyard & pool area, not finding her. I hope she didn't leave the damn property. I went up to the security, asking if they seen her to which they told me no. I guess that was good. At least she was still here somewhere.

I continued to search up and down the property outside for the next 8 minutes, suddenly regretting buying such a big home. I had already looked around the tennis court, the backyard, the pool area, the garage, the guest house, the pool house, and the basketball court. I was about to give up and go back inside to wait for her to come back because she probably needed her space anyways. That was until I heard light sniffles in the distance. I stopped in my tracks, listening to where it was coming from. I started walking towards her, following the should when I found her curled up in a ball by the pond. God, that sight made me feel like the asshole in all of this. All I had to do was tell her in a nicer tone, and not be so mean about it.

She had her knees pressed to her chest, my hood was over her head, and her face was in her arms that were crossed over her legs, hung low so I couldn't see her. Instead, I only saw the silhouette of her. She looked so tiny and fragile. I quietly walked over to her, taking a seat next to her. I placed my arm around her body, feeling her tense up a little until she relaxed once she realized it was me.

"Go away." She said in between shaky breaths.

"No. Why are you crying, pretty girl?" I asked her my voice soft compared to earlier.

"Because... You were mean to me, and because you and Malik already hate each other. And he won't be there when I really wanted him to. He's my big brother. He's supposed to want to meet you because he wants to make sure his little sister is happy and in good hands, but he's not. That kind of hurts me." She cried still not moving from her position.

"I'm sorry for not caring about your feelings earlier. I was just upset. I should've considered how you felt too." I apologized to her genuinely.

"It's fine. I know you didn't mean it. It just caught me off guard." She admitted.

"I know and I'm still sorry. I should've been more mindful, regardless." I told her honestly.

It's true. I should've been more mindful of how she could've felt. I basically told her that I didn't give a fuck if he came or not while she's over here crying about. And that's pretty fucked up of me.

"And I know you're upset that he isn't coming, but at least I can still meet your sister and grandmother." I said hesitantly.

"I don't think we should have the dinner anymore. It might not be a good idea." She began second guessing herself.

I noticed that she had stopped crying, but was still curled into a ball. I didn't want to move her since it seemed like she was more comfortable like that at the moment. As if she was protecting energy or something. I've noticed that with her over time: Whenever she fears that her emotions will show, she tends to feel the need to hide it before she can openly express them with others. She'll either remain quiet, she'll make herself small, or she'll distance herself. It's like a trauma response for her. I've learned to just let it be and remain patient with her.

"No, baby. We're having the dinner. It'll be fine. What happens, happens. I want to meet them."

"Alright..."

She sniffled a few more times before she eventually came out of her makeshift cocoon. She leaned into my side, wiping her tears with the sleeve of my sweater that she wore. I couldn't help but notice that she looked so pretty under the moonlight glow despite her literally having finished crying. She still looked pretty to me though. She always does.

"I'm sorry for leaving like that. I just needed space. I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed out."

"I understand. You never have to apologize for you you feel. I made you promise to always tell me how you feel, and you did." I shrugged not making it a big deal.

I sat there in a comfortable silence for a few minutes not wanting to ruin the mood. I felt her shivering against me as she moved closer to be warmer. I internally smiled to myself at her cuteness.

"Can we go back inside? I'm starting to get cold." She whispered.

"Yea, let's go." I agreed, getting up.

I picked her up so that she could feel my body heat to keep warm until we got back in the house. I walked to the crib, taking our shoes off once we got inside. We had already gotten ready for bed a while ago so she slipped in the covers, pulling the thick blanket over her. I turned the heat up in the bedroom and turned the lights off before getting in bed next to her.