Don't take it Personal

Summer Reunion

Stephanie Pov

As we parked and made our way to Devon House, memories flooded my mind. I couldn't help but recall all the times I'd asked Miller to join me for a date here, only to be met with excuses of being too busy. It's a peculiar thing how someone can claim to want you, yet never find the time to prioritize you.

Blacks was walking ahead, engrossed in a phone call, while Trey remained steadfast by my side. Trey and I go way back, from the age of four to now, at 28 and 29 respectively. Regardless of how many times I've pushed him away, he's always been there, a constant presence in my life. Having friends like these is truly a blessing.

Inside Devon House, I proceeded to place my order and was ready to pay when Trey interrupted with a firm "Steph." It's an unwritten rule that whenever I'm around him or Blacks, they insist on taking care of the bill. I often find myself yearning to find someone like Trey, a true friend who selflessly cares.

Trey stood there in his white polo, black denim, white and black Puma sneakers, complete with his signature diamond stud earring and curly dark hair. He was undeniably good-looking, but after all these years, it's hard to imagine a romantic relationship with him. We're more like brother and sister.

With ice cream in hand, we settled on a concrete bench, enjoying the scorching summer day. Blacks, spoon in one hand and ice cream cone in the other, proclaimed, "Bad man nuh lick ice cream," causing me to burst into laughter as our ice cream began to melt rapidly. It seemed like we were sitting directly beneath the relentless sun.

The taste of pistachio and crunchy munchy ice cream was pure bliss as it melted in my mouth. For that moment, I felt like a carefree child without responsibilities or heartaches. I wished life could always be this simple.

"I've missed us hanging out, Steph. Don't disappear on me like that again," Trey said, pulling me out of my reverie. I smiled and nodded, understanding the value of cherishing the people around me and not allowing anyone to dictate who I should distance myself from. In companionable silence, we both finished our ice cream. Blacks had disappeared somewhere, but I didn't mind.

Trey broke the silence, asking, "Feel like having anything else?"

"What would do me well is a hotdog and going to the beach," I said to Trey, and he chuckled. "Why am I not surprised? Let's get you your hotdog," he responded, and we strolled over to the Baddog shop to satisfy my craving. As we approached the shop, there, to my surprise, was Blacks with hotdogs in hand. I couldn't help but smile; they knew me so well. Trey burst into laughter as Blacks carefully carried the food. Trey rushed over to help him, and Blacks nodded at me, a silent exchange of gratitude. We made our way to Blacks' Black Toyota Tacoma and settled in the back, devouring our hotdogs.

Trey then suggested, "So, we'll drop off the bags at Blacks', everyone can change, and then we head to Wickie Wackie." I smiled, appreciating his thoughtfulness for remembering my favorite beach. We drove to Blacks', where I changed into my beach attire. Trey headed to his White Audi, which was just a five-minute drive from Blacks' place.

Entering Blacks' five-bedroom home in Barbican, I noticed he had made some changes. Trophies from his school days adorned the living room, the first room you encountered upon entering. I heard a woman's voice and followed it to the kitchen, where I found Blacks' girlfriend, Cindy. She was a petite, light-skinned girl about my height, currently peeling potatoes.

"Hey, Steph," she greeted with a warm smile. "Hi, Cin. How are you?" I asked, wondering if Blacks had informed her about my recent breakup. Cindy and Shelly worked at the same place, but they weren't close friends. Cindy was the head chef at the restaurant.

"I'm good," she replied, walking over. She revealed her baby bump, and I couldn't help but smile and jump with excitement. Cindy was dressed in black shorts, a red spaghetti crop top, and black Tory Burch sandals.

"I am so happy for you guys," I said sincerely, hugging her tightly, and then giving Blacks a hug too. My eyes began to well up with tears; I wished that could be me.

Blacks noticed my emotions and whispered reassuringly, "It's going to be okay. Your room, same one as usual." I nodded gratefully and made my way to my room. Over the next couple of weeks, my room had been painted white, with a closet and attached bathroom. I placed my suitcase to the side and lay down on the queen-size bed. The room smelled of cinnamon, a comforting scent.

Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, my phone rang. I glanced at it, and it was my mom. With a heavy sigh, I answered, "Yes, Mom?"

"You need to talk to your sister, let her explain. Just think of it like this, Miller was made for her, and your man is out there," she said, and my heart sank. Did she really just say that? I hung up the call and placed my phone on "Do Not Disturb." Sometimes, you can't choose the family you're born into.

Author Note

I am trying to make the chapters long as I write them.