Köhler (Book 9 of the Köhler Series)

𝐋𝐗𝐗𝐕𝐈𝐈

"I think we need to straighten your hair...."

"NO! Have you lost your mind? I happen to love my curls. This is why I keep my hair like this. Just because you like to straighten your hair means shit to me." Shanice said as Xylia listened to her argue with Ryleigh through facetime.

"She's right, Leigh; leave her curls alone. Just because you and Evie straighten your hair all the time doesn't mean she wants to. Damn, I wish was there... do an updo. That would be cute." Xylia said as Ryleigh started to torture her head, making Xy laugh. It was nice to see them help her prepare for the wedding, although it seemed they were against it initially.

"Ms. Parker, could you look this way? I would like to get a shot of you before the makeup goes on."

"Tell me again, why is there a camera woman in here taking pictures of my every move? I feel violated."

"Shy, it's just to document the moment before the wedding. Something that you can look back on and smile about... tell me why you have mixed people hair?"

"Yes, do tell Ryleigh. Why do you have nigga hair and black as hell?" Nova asked, making everyone in the room laugh as Noemi and Shanice looked at each other with a smile.

"I don't see it as mixed people's hair. It's just curly, but my mom is mixed. I guess I got my hair from her, and you are beautiful. I like how you and Evie are different from your siblings...."

"You mean black. It always made me feel that we weren't our dad's children because out of us, we were the only two that were black. Oma always says it because we have more of our mom's genes, while the rest of us have our dad's and look like our dad. I don't know. Maybe that's why she favors us more." Ry shrugged as Shy noticed Xylia looking away from the camera.

"Hey, enough of talking about things that are not wedding related. It's your day, Niecy and the only thing we should be talking about is your day and how proud your father would have been to see it. I know I was against this at first, but I came around and sees how much Xavier loves you. It's real, and I'm happy for you. I know my baby is safe. I'm sorry that Mark and I couldn't keep you and your brother safe as they do their family. I should bring up the past today, but it's time to leave it there... It's time to take off these. No one is here to judge you anymore, and you have all the help you need here." Noemi spoke as she slowly took the bands off her daughter's wrist. Shanice looked around, waiting for one of the others to say something. Instead, Adele and Paris walked over to her, pulling her into a hug. A few seconds later, she felt Ryleigh, Ava, Eva, and her mom.

"You don't need to hide anything from us, sweet girl. We know pain, and we have many that can help—starting with those two. A lot of the younger ones love to go to them. Heaven and Neveah have their way with the youth."

"Thank you...."

"No crying. We are not fucking crying yet!" Nova said, standing. "You don't get to cry until my sexy nephew is dicking...."

"NOVA!" Violet yelled as the younger one in the room laughed. "How about we get to the basics before she gets started? Adele, Paris, are you going to lay down the law, or do I have to? Noemi, she's your daughter. You can do too, you know."

"I'll do it," Paris spoke. "And I'm talking to all of you when I say this. Especially you and Xylia...."

"What for? I'm not getting married anytime soon, Granny. I'll be lucky to find someone that wants me."

"Chile, your ass is blind... anyways. I know you see the problems with my daughter and their dad in front of you. That's only because of a lack of communication, trust, and neediness. Don't be like that. You can't have a good relationship if only one of you is trying. You and my grandson have a strong bond that came in during a bad part of his life. You were there for him when he needed the most, and he let you in when he wouldn't let any of us in. Allow him to do the same for you. Sometimes you must open your eyes to what's in front of you to see the true... like TRUE LOVE!" Paris yelled, looking back at the phone. Shanice couldn't lie. It was funny because Xylia still wasn't catching on.