Together

115. Forever

Tryna find, find the words to say, words to say
To describe what you mean to me, mean to me
Side by side like the ying and yang, ying and yang
Like the cyrup to my Lil Wayne
And it'd be hard, it'd be hard at times, hard times
But in the dark boy you are my light, are my light
The boom boom to my dynamite, dynamite
Baby you, you my ride or die
—Becky G

"Can I have my phone back, now?" Kiara asks, as she and her parents are driving back to their house from the Christmas party.

Mike and Anna are beaming, talking excitedly about their plans now that they have a solid deal for investments and don't hear her request. She gets irritated, frustratedly repeating herself over their excitement. "Mom," she addresses. "My phone?" She holds out her hand for added emphasis.

Anna sighs, and pulls out the cell from her clutch. Kiara is quick to go to her text threads, reading through the messages that she's missed in the Pogue chat and some from JJ as well. John B has invited everyone to the chateau.

They pull into the drive way of their house and Kiara practically leaps from the vehicle. She's fulfilled her obligations to contributing to the high society and "behaving" herself, so she decides she's not staying with her parents the rest of the night.

She quickly changes out of her dress and slips on more comfortable attire, grabbing the Fast Arch long sleeve that JJ left behind one night and slipping it on. She immediately feels better, his scent engulfing her senses as she hugs her middle. It's only a second though, she wants to head to the chateau quickly.

She starts gathering her phone charger and a couple other items for the night when she hears a softy knock on her door.

"Hey," Anna says, taking in her daughter's movements. "Going somewhere?"

"Ah yeah, I'm heading to the chateau for the night," she confirms. "Is that okay?"

Anna pauses. Kiara asking to go to the chateau isn't unusual, but she knows her daughter and can sense when something is off. "That's fine, is everything okay?"

"So, you and dad got the investments?" she asks, ignoring Anna's question about her wellbeing. "With Thomas and Tabitha?" And Travis.

Anna allows the change in conversation. "Yes, and a couple others. Thank you for your help with that," she says.

Kiara scoffs. "Yeah, glad I could 'behave' myself."

"It's not just that, sweetheart," Anna explains. "Apparently Thomas heard good things about you from his son, and your friendship with him was helpful in him agreeing to invest. Was able to pull some of the other investments as well."

"What?" Kiara says, dumbfounded. "All I did was get him his food, he's not a friend," she bites. Why does everyone think there is something between them? She doesn't know him. He doesn't know her. It's growing beyond irritating, especially since he is acting so entitled with her.

Anna recognizes the frustration and pulls back, hands coming up slightly in defense. "I wasn't implying anything," she assures.

Kiara shakes her head, at least it's over. She doesn't have to go to anymore events or parties. Her parents have the money they need and she can be free to go to San Diego and a degree in whatever she wants. "When are you going to talk to dad about my major?"

"I'll do it, don't worry," Anna confirms. "Let's just let some of the dust settle, okay?"

"Sure," she agrees, just because she wants to leave.