A GIRL LIKE ME

•Chapter 23

Jayde groaned at the alarm that went off. She was supposed to be taking her brother Jaylen around to find a job, but she was still feeling the buzz from last night.

Micah was gone and Julian was still asleep. Rolling her eyes , she took the covers off and went to the bathroom to do her daily hygiene routine then she made her way to her mom's.

"You must've had a time last night." Marilyn said sipping her coffee , looking at Jayde who wore sunglasses because she was still hungover.

"I did, and I'll probably never do that again."

"Was it that fun?" She asked.

"Somewhat." Jayde said , she thought the party was okay but the after party was the real deal.
She went upstairs to check on her babies who were sleep and gave both of them kisses. Jayde heard her brother in the other room on the phone , which seems like a woman.

"Alright , I'll talk to you later baby. I love you." His muffled voice said. Jayde couldn't really hear the woman , and besides she wasn't trying to be in his business.

The door creaked opened and he walked out , seeing Jayde tucking her kids in.

"What's up lil sis." Jaylen said trying not to be so loud.

"Hey bro. You ready to go?" She asked giving him a hug.

"Yeah I'm ready."

"Who were you on the phone with?" Jayde couldn't help but to ask. She wondered how he found somebody already and he hadn't been out of jail for a full week.

"My lil lady friend." He said smiling like he just hit the jackpot.

"Who is this 'lady friend'? And when can me and mom meet her?" Jayde asked folding her arms.

"Soon. Real soon. Don't worry lil sis."

"Okay. If you say so."

The job search was going good , Jaylen was offered three job interviews and he couldn't have been happier. All he wanted to when he got out of jail was be with his children and be stable enough to where he could take care of them , he meant well.

As they were on their way to get lunch at Hollywood Burger , Jayde recognized a familiar face.
"Malik?" She said waiting in line with Jaylen to order their food. He was sitting with his children and a lady who was very appealing to the eye.

"Jayde? It's been a minute how you been girl?" He asked getting up to give her a hug.
His kids waved at her and the lady stared , wondering who she was.

"Yes it's been a while. How have you been?" Jayde asked really excited to see him.

"Good. Life's been good. I gotta new job and I found me a girlfriend." He said smiling at the woman and she smiled back.

"Oh-well that's , great. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you." She smiled, pretending to be happy about the news she wasn't really happy to hear. She did have some romantic feelings for Malik, but Julian was always her number one and now she feels like she's having second thoughts.

"That's not Julian." Malik said looking at Jaylen awkwardly.

"No. This is Jaylen , my brother I was telling you about." She said laughing at his facial expressions.

"Oh. I'm sorry man. What's up? I'm Malik , a friend of Jayde." He said shaking Jaylen's hand.

"What's good my guy?" Jaylen said back , returning his attention to the menu not really interested in holding a conversation with him.

"So , do you want to catch up sometime? I haven't seen you in forever." Jayde said, truly missing their friendship and the things they did.

"Y-yeah , that's cool. I'll be around." He said waving at her , going to sit back down.