Everything Started Here With You

What's In An Ending?

"Sad ending always leave a lasting impression."

-- Mr. Sunshine

"And now, a little update on Lexi Daniel's move to New York. Reports say she's been doing extremely well in this change in environment. Living with your brother and sister-in-law, who's also your best friend, must be a blessing."

"For others it might not be..."

"I'm going to ignore that. She's brought more tourists to New York. Last year's ball drop was packed with tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of Lexi and her family. The Thanksgiving parade brought a bigger crowd. Lexi led the parade, singing multiple Christmas carols."

"Did anyone hear about the new movie she's in? Tickets are already sold out for the first week in Theaters for next week. I was able to see the finished product two nights ago. Once Upon An Us: The Devil's Bride isn't your typical Romance movie. It perfectly portrays Lexi's life like you've known her forever."

"I can't wait to see it. I heard it was very intriguing. A must-watch for young couples and--"

Lexi clicked off the television and stood in front of it with her hands on her hips. Hayden and I smiled up at her from the couch.

"What?" I asked.

"Why are you guys watching that crap?" she snapped.

"...Because it's interesting. It's not everyday we get to see you be famous in New York."

"I was famous in California, how is this any different?"

"Sis, you know it's not that serious," Hayden butted in. "Ian's enjoying the attention he's getting from being related to you. It's doing him some good."

"It's not doing me any good," Lexi complained. "I can't even look for a house in Manhattan, because everyone wants to know where I'm going to be living. Even if I wanted a huge house, I wouldn't be able to find one. Even the rich people would snitch on me for a couple more bucks."

"If you'd asked, Kera and I would have helped you."

"That's why I didn't ask. I've always had things done for me in California, I wanted to do something like this on my own."

"Lexi." I stood up. "It's perfectly normal to ask for help when you need it. Even I do it."

"...Don't you always need help?"

I laughed and pulled my friend into a hug. "Promise me that if I help you look for the perfect house, you'll help me do something."

"Depends on what you need help with."

"I guess it's a deal then."

Let's just say that helping Lexi pick out a house is far easier than looking after three kids. I knew what she wanted and what she needed to stay far away from. Nosey neighbors were one thing, but loud neighborhoods were another. I didn't want her to stay in the heart of Manhattan, but close enough to drive there if she ever needed anything. I knew a lot of places she could live, but she needed something close to how she was living in Palm Springs.

Don't judge me about this. Lexi's a kind person. She deserves the best of everything. If Asher doesn't come and get her soon, she's going to be in the arms of another man. I'm more than sure that if Hayden weren't her brother, and he wasn't married to me, he'd have a strong interest in her. I'm thinking of her future for her. She's young enough to have more kids, so we're looking for a house that wouldn't be too small or just right.

"Sha'Kera, why would I need a seven bedroom house?" Lexi asked.

"...You might have more kids," I reasoned.

"Have you heard of sharing rooms? It's not like any of them are gonna beg me to have their own rooms."

"So, you're admitting you might have more kids?"

Lexi sucked her teeth and crossed her arms. We stared at the house once again. She could change her mind. Jasmine will definitely want her own room when she's a teen. All teenage girls do. Dominic will definitely want his own room, too. Maybe I can convince her to buy a bigger house. It's not my money we're spending.

"Come on. I know another one." I tugged her arm. "It's just down the street from this one. Since it's technically in Queens, you can send the kids to a good private school."

"Why would I want to send them to a private school?" she snapped.

"You want them to suffer from bullying--"

"You get bullied even more in a private school. I don't have time to sue the student body. Let's go look at the house."

We continued walking down the sidewalk, deeper into the neighborhood that smelled of overripe fruits and snobby people. Lexi seemed to sense it, but held her head high. Coming from a wealthy father, dead mother, and making a living for yourself, you get used to this feeling. I won't ever relate.

The house loomed over us like a castle, but not a castle. It disturbingly reminded me of her old home, but less...homey. I guess it was time for a change.

"If you don't like this one...we can always get that penthouse," I said.

"Let's," Lexi agreed.

Anything that reminds you of your past life means nothing good for you in the future. I didn't want that to be the case for Lexi. It's better we start smaller then get bigger. Asher was right. It's better she lays low while Luca figures out what he's going to do after he gets out of jail. Whether he comes for Sha'Kayla or Lexi, it's better she tries to hide while she still can.

"Why are we here?" Tamera snapped. "I thought we were done with each other. Are you gonna admit we were right?"

"No." I pursed my lips.

"Then...I guess we're finished here," Abby said.

"No, you're not." Lexi walked up to the table. "I understand everything Sha'Kera's going through with this Sha'Kayla thing. And while I don't completely agree with her forgiving the cunt, I think you should respect her...willingness to continually forgive the wrong people."

"Hey!" I exclaimed.

"What? It's true. Sha'Kayla is not the woman you should be forgiving, because she said she was wrong. You should make her work for it. Think about it, honey. She took my husband away from me."

The diner seemed to get quiet as they realized who had graced them with her presence. Lexi sensed their stares and took a seat facing away from them. We all sat in an awkward silence. Tamera seemed to be debating on whether she was going to leave or not. Abby was looking at her watch every five seconds. Were they really that desperate to get away from me?

"Fine. I forgive you for being so fast. I just felt like you were giving in to her lies and it made me feel like I was losing you," Tamera admitted. "Kayla's just...Once you lose a good friend to what she did, it's hard to treat them the same as always."

"I never said you had to like her again..."

"Well, you never said I didn't have to like her again."

Touché.

"I don't regret what I said. Just know that if she does something idiotic again, it's her or us. No picking and choosing. Sha'Kayla's bad news. Even if you don't fully see it yet," Abby said.

"Alright!" Lexi leaned forward. "Now that the hard part's over, why don't you all tell me what's safe to eat here." She paused. "...Anything gluten-free."

∴∴∴∴

Well...this is the ending before the epilogue. Kera got her friends back and she's helping another out. Everything does happen for a reason.

⚜Author-nim⚜