Mirrors

Two

                                       ✰Jaliyah ✰

It's been a few weeks since I last saw Aubrey, and honestly, it's been a whirlwind of emotions. Khalil, my boyfriend, was thrilled when he found out I had tickets to Drake's concert. He's somewhat of a fan, which I find amusing. Khalil and I met last year, and he's been a breath of fresh air compared to the chaos that was in my relationship with Aubrey.

Aubrey, he's always made sure I was taken care of, paying for everything my house, my cars. I've tried telling him I can handle my bills, but he's adamant about supporting me. Deep down, I knew it was his way of keeping me tied to him.

We go way back, Aubrey and I. I'm originally from Memphis, and I used to see him every summer when he visited his dad. We didn't start dating until our early twenties, and it was always an on and off thing, mainly because there were always other women in the picture. When I moved to Houston, he was always here. He'd visit, showering me with affection and treating me like a queen, but the pattern of other women never stopped. I put up with a lot, always forgiving him. But when he became a father, that's when I realized I needed to step back. It just got too messy. He got Adonis's mom pregnant one year then maybe five months later Chance and Chase's mom was pregnant. Of course, I ended up at his side during that situation.

"Babe, your boy just followed me on IG," Khalil announced, showing me his phone. Internally, I rolled my eyes. Khalil is a producer, not big time, but passionate about his music. "You think he'll listen to a few of my beats?" he asked. I tried to temper his expectations.

"Khalil, chill," I advised.

Then, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Aubrey, I read it. "I'm back in town. Dinner tonight? I want to see you." I hesitated but eventually agreed, thinking it would be a harmless dinner. I'm sure with his crew there. Khalil, oblivious to my inner turmoil, was absorbed in the idea of networking with Aubrey for his music.

The evening came, and Kahlil had just left. Maybe about five minutes later Aubrey arrived. Entering my house like he owed it, well he does. This is a usual thing so I don't know why I was surprised. I really need to take that key from him."You look beautiful, Love," he greeted me, trying to kiss me, but I deflected it to my cheek. "Aubrey!" I warned.

"What? I can't kiss you?" He smirked, but I wasn't in the mood for his games. "Let's go," I said, eager to get this over with. He led me out to his Maybach, where his bodyguard, Jeremiah, greeted us with a rare smile.

As we drove, I confronted Aubrey about following Khalil on IG. " Why did you follow Kahlil on Instagram?"

"Just figured I needed to follow the nigga that makes you smile," he replied, holding my hand. I shook my head, a mix of frustration and nostalgia swirling within me.

Arriving at the restaurant, I noticed the familiar lineup of SUVs. The guys were already there. Walking in, hand in hand with Aubrey, felt strangely familiar yet distant at the same time. The warmth of the greetings from his crew was comforting. "Jaliyah!" they chorused, each hugging me. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the old times, the kind of camaraderie I had missed but had also outgrown.

As we sat down, the evening unfolded with casual ease. Drinks flowed, and the banter was light-hearted. I couldn't help but notice, though, how Aubrey's lifestyle hadn't changed. He was still the same, hopping from clubs to strip clubs and hosting non-stop parties. The last time I really talked to him which was a few months ago I tried to urge him to take a break due to his stomach issues. Did he listen? Of course not. Aubrey never knew when to stop.

Excusing myself to the restroom, I overheard a conversation that didn't surprise me. Two girls were discussing how Aubrey wanted to see one of them tonight and told her to come to this restaurant with a friend, he'd pay for dinner. She explained how they were supposed to meet up later for a drink. Same old Drake, always playing the field. I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment.