LEMONADE 2||

Chapter 45: Temporary Highs

Josie

We decided to pay Ricky's family a visit. The holidays were around the corner and this was the time when I started to get the blues wishing that I had a solid family foundation. My father is in remission, my mother is God knows where and I never got over how estranged my family is. I literally don't have a connection with either side. Everything was heightened and starting to get to me on top of that these therapy sessions with Ricky have been so intense. One week I'm feeling like an asshole then the following week he is, where having those tough conversations but it's been pretty exhausting emotionally. I walked into his bathroom watching him shave his beard. I sighed wrapping my arms around him. "What's wrong? He asked. "Are we doing the right thing? She asked. "Y-yeah what are you getting at? He asked. "You know with the therapy sessions? She asked

"Yeah I mean it's needed, whatever is going to get us on the right track," he said continuing to shave. She could tell he was still bothered by their conversion days ago. He hasn't had too much to say definitely hasn't given her the silent treatment but she knows when somethings wrong. "Are you mad at me? I'm not Tryna to be indecisive or difficult-

"No baby, I'm not mad at you. We're good" he said. The doorbell rang "I think that's Raymond" she said. "Imma go say wassup" he walked off. "Okay," she watched him walk off. She plopped on the edge of his bed feeling hopeless.

Ricky

"Jace come on" I called him. Jace followed behind him with his book bag. "Damn you leaving me kid .. don't stay too long" he smiled. Josie walked over towards him "Bye baby, love you be good" she hugged and kissed him. "Bye, mommy... Bye Ricky" he waved. "Bye little man enjoy your trip," he said opening the door. Raymond stood there caught off guard this would be our first time seeing each other in 4 years and 4 years ago I threatened this man's life and probably punched him. I can't remember but now I gotta be cordial and act like this shit isn't awkward. "Yo," they both said in unison.

"Hey, Raymond" Josie spoke. "Wassup Jo" he nodded. "Umm I'm just gonna let you two .. yeah" she awkwardly walked away. "So y'all two are a thing? Raymond asked. "Y-yeah, we're official " Ricky nodded. "Okay well that's wassup, I mean I already know you look out for our little man so" Raymond nodded.

"Yeah no doubt, always looking out," he said. It was an awkward silence even Jace noticed it. "Yeah I know we had our beef back in the day but I was being a kid. I don't want no beef between us" he said

"Shit at least you know," Ricky said. The both of them laughed. "But all jokes aside I commend you for doing the right thing and I probably should've done things differently back then. I don't have any problems with you" Ricky spoke. Raymond nodded "I appreciate it" Raymond nodded. The both of them dapped each other up. "Alright fat boy let's go," he said. Ricky closed the door feeling relieved that it didn't go left he just knew Raymond was going to be in his feels. Josie was in the cut being nosey "Aww y'all little reaction was nice.. I was worried" she said. "What you thought I was gonna beat him up? Ricky asked walking away. She rolled her eyes. "Nooo, why you say that? She asked

"I don't know seems like you think I'm the same nigga years ago so," he said. "Wow, so you are still mad? She asked.

"Nah it's just an observation," he said walking back into the bathroom. "That's not true, look I know I have to let some things go but please don't think I haven't noticed how great of a person you are today. I know I've been indecisive as hell-

"Hold up for a sec" Ricky interrupted her taking a phone call. Her mouth dropped "Oh wow" she mouthed. She rolled her eyes walking away

Cortez and Victoria