Never Meant to (Book one of series)

|He's Beautiful |

Ace
He couldn't contain the smile on his face. It's not like he responded or anything, but he unblocked him. He was waiting for some food at a little soul food place about 8 miles out from the school. He contemplated for hours texting Zhi, and knew it was a long shot. But seeing the message say 'Delivered' meant more to him than anything. That was 3 days ago, but he was still smiling about it.

"Did you want the chicken extra crispy?" Tanisha pulled him from his thoughts.

"You know I do." He danced over to the counter.

"You are all cheery today, what's the reason?" She smiled.

"It's just a good day, the food about to be good, the weather good." He pulled her closer to him.

"I can't disagree with that. Thank you for letting me catch a ride, I've been craving this food."

He rubbed his hands together. "The macaroni and cheese are worth the drive."

The bell rung and he laid for the food, taking a bite before they could sit down. "This place was on 'Dine in' you know it's good."

Zhi

"Well ma, it's time for me to head back." He was loading his stuff in his trunk.

She gave him a big hug. "Tiana told me she overheard you talking about Ace."

"Ma, I swear I ain't know she was listening."

"Shh, how is the sessions going?"

"It's helping, I guess. I do have a better understanding." He leaned against the car.

"Meaning what? You think you'll be able to have a conversation with him soon? Or ever?"

"Ma, not yet. Actually, I'm not sure if ever, still too soon to know." Zhi kicked at the snow.

She yanked his face in her direction. "Tiana said he's having a hard to just like you baby. I really believe he's remorseful."

"Maybe, but I should get going." He wrapped his arms around her, and she hugged him back. "I love you ma."

"I love you too baby. Call me the minute you get there."

"Okay,"

Zhi turned his music up and was thirty minutes into his drive when his phone rung. "Hello?"

"Baby, you need to turn the car around." His mom was crying. "Maybe even pull over."

"Why, what's wrong?" He pulled over on an exit and started driving towards a gas station.

There was a pause and just crying. "Ma, what's wrong?" He was worried.

"Coco has been in a bad car accident and they don't believe she going to make it. She went through the windshield window."

He hit a U-turn and hit back on the road to head straight to the hospital. "I'll be there." He drove as fast as he could, not caring if the cops got behind him. He warned her several times about texting and driving. He just knew that's what happened. He was trying to drive but tears were blinding him. What if she doesn't pull through? He was at the hospital in no time. He ran to the front check in. "I'm here to see Camiah Millers, she was in a car accident." He was talking fast. The woman typed in her information.

"She's currently in surgery. You can take a seat, and someone will keep you updated shortly."

He glanced around and saw her mom, and sisters. They all gave him a hug. He sat by her mom holding her hand. After three hours they were woken by the doctor. She suffered a skull fracture and broken neck. She's resting for now and you are able to go in and see her. Zhi didn't wait to hear the rest of the update, he followed her sisters to her room, but stopped when he saw her. She had tubes everywhere, her head, neck and face were covered. She was bruised up, eyes swollen. He hated seeing her like that. He gave her sisters some time it's her family some time with her first. One of her sisters were screaming so they had to take her out. He stood by the bed just looking at her. "Damn, baby." He closed his eyes and said a little prayer. He pulled a chair close to the bed and took a seat. He wouldn't be leaving her side anytime soon.

Ace

Kurt was back and all was good. Class started back on a Tuesday but since they were back from break and exams were done, it was easy sailing. Professor Mackey was always easygoing most of the time. He loved history and would even dress up in clothes for whatever time period they worked on. Kurt asked Ace to have lunch with him, so they could catch up on everything, since the night he got back, he had jet lag.

"I can't believe you didn't go home, this place had to be dead without most of the students and administrators here."

"It was alright, I spent a little time with Tanisha."

Kurt lifted an eyebrow. "She's a nice girl, would never give someone like me the time of day."

Ace smiled at him. "You crushin on her man?"

He shrugged. "I just like the way she carries herself, but she like yo type."

"Which is?" Ace was interested in what he had to say.

"The pretty boys who could have anyone they want, and you think she cool but you ain't trying to make her your girlfriend. The thing is, she knows that but just to even be noticed by you keeps her coming around." Kurt took a bite of his food. "I can relate, because when she speaks to me, it feels good just knowing she sees me."

"Look man...honestly you right. I really don't have much to say. I can cut off all ties if you want to pursue her."

He gave him a look. "You know she'd never give me a chance, even though she's the type I'd definitely treat like a queen and see myself marrying one day."

Ace felt bad. He would have to have a talk with her, he wasn't about to block anyone's blessing. Tanisha wanted love and Kurt had all there was to give and some. It's not like he ugly or sloppy. He was handsome and he was pure muscle, he took good care of himself for a big boy. If Kurt could get past the fact that she and Ace got busy a few times, then he was going to make it happen, because like Kurt said. Ace wasn't trying to make her his girlfriend.

There was a call that came through and it said Day One. The world stopped in that moment. He turned the phone to show Kurt.

"What you are waiting for bro, answer it!" Kurt was more excited than him.

Ace hopped up and could barely slide the phone to answer. "Hel...hello, Zhi, bro... hello."

"Can you please come to me bro; I really need you here with me." Ace heart was aching hearing his friend sobbing.

"Where are you?"

His voice cracked. "I'm home."

"I'll be there as soon as I can. I'm comin." Ace took off back to the dorm to pack, with Kurt on his heels.

"What's wrong? Is he okay?" Kurt helped him pack.

Ace was shaken up and confused, but he had to get to Zhi and quickly. "I don't know, he was crying and said he needed me. So, I'm going to him."

Kurt grabbed his shoulders turning him to face him. "I understand but you have to calm down before you get on that road, aaight?"

Ace took a deep breath. "You right."

"I'll carry everything, you just go get your car warmed up, don't forget your wallet and charger." Kurt finished packing his suitcase for him.

Ace sat in the car while Kurt put everything in his trunk. When he was done, he leaned down into the driver window. "Drive safe man and call me every hour until you home, that's all I ask." Kurt prayed for him, and he was off.

After a four-hour drive, he was pulling into Zhi's driveway. The nerves were coming over him now. He hasn't seen him in almost 7 months now. Their last encounter wasn't the best. He gripped the steering wheel, leaning his forehead against it. Please not now. He felt a panic attack coming. He called Ace though, so he wanted him there. Right? He rubbed his hands on his pants because they were sweaty. He looked at himself in the mirror. "Stop being a bitch and go to your best friend."

He opened the car door and made his way to the front door; he went to knock but it flew open and standing in front of him was Zhi. Fuck! He's beautiful. He falls into Ace's chest and Ace pulls him tightly into his embrace. "Ace, you came."

"Always," Ace closed his eyes inhaling that scent he thought he'd never smell again, his favorite scent. "No matter what."

My heart can't take this.

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