Didn't We Almost Have It All? | method man

Chapter 34

Shayla took a slow sip of her coffee, while she texted Tia for the hundredth time but to no avail. She bit her lip, thinking if she should text him for his birthday. He wasn't answering her texts or calls neither but she decided to anyway.

Shay: Happy birthday Cliff. I'm not sure if you'll ever see this message. I hope one day we can mend our friendship and talk everything out. Enjoy your day. Wishing you many more. <3. 

Four months passed since she got into that fight with Jaida and got thrown out by Mef. Everyone cut her off. She was pissed because her and Tia been through worse. She couldn't shake the feeling of being replaced, especially by someone new who seemed to have taken her place in Tia and Mef's affections. She missed calling Mef and stopping by his house for nothing. No matter how she acted, he had always understood her in a way that few others did. She didn't feel sorry for how she came onto him though. She felt it needed to be done and could care less about his and Jaida's relationship. She did miss Tia though, it hurt to know that she's not speaking to her without even hearing her full side of the story.

As Shayla sat there lost in thought, a chime rung in the door as a tall male and average high female walked in. Bitch is that Elijah with another chick?! Shayla tried to look busy with her magazine but couldn't help peeking at them. Something about the girl caught her eye, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she knew her from somewhere. She watched as they got their drinks and sat at a table talking and laughing. It looked harmless but Shayla couldn't really tell. Elijah looked around casually as his eyes briefly landed on Shayla but she quickly averted her eyes to reading the magazine and he looked back at the female that sat across from him. Shayla looked back up, that chick looks real familiar but she couldn't piece together where she knows her from. She sat there observing Elijah and the mystery woman, wondering what was going on.

***
Later That Night

Tia and Jaida rushed to the car, tip toeing in their heels. "Girl we're three hours late to Cliff's party messing witchu. And there's traffic!" Tia exclaimed, her tone tinged with anxiety. "Next time you decide to move last minute, don't call me." Tia said in a rush as she put her seatbelt on. A text notification flashed on her phone.  She sighed looking at the text. "It's Shay," she muttered. Jaida remained silent, her gaze fixed on Tia. "She said to call her asap," Tia continued. Tia had a mix of emotions when it came to Shay. She's never gone this long without talking to her and honestly Tia didn't even know what to say. From the text she hoped that Shay was okay but right now wasn't the time to talk. "I miss Eli," Tia whined.

"Call him," Jaida urged.

"I tried but he doesn't answer, I know he is too through with me," her tone mixed with sadness and disappointment.

"Keep trying. If you love him, you wouldn't give up," Jaida advised.

Tia kissed her teeth and sighed, she tapped on her phone keypad quickly and shoved her phone back in her bag. "Anyway," She started to say, wanting to change the subject, "How you think Mef gonna react when he sees you? You told him you weren't able to make it," Tia asked looking over at Jaida.

Jaida shrugged, "Honestly I don't know, he sounded disappointed when I told him that."

"Well I'm sure once he finds out your moving in he ain't goin know what to do with himself." Jaida smiled at the thought of him being surprised. She had pondered the decision to move in with him for a while, and she had finally made up her mind. She planned to surprise him with the news after the party. Even though she was excited she was still worried about all of the things that could go wrong. She never lived with a guy before and always imagined her and her partner getting a place together. The fear of dependence or the possibility of being kicked out by a man had always loomed large in her mind, which is why she made sure she had everything on her own. So for her to make this big step was big for her. Tia smirked. "What?" Jaida asked noticing Tia's face. "Nothing. I'm just proud of you girl." She replied. Jaida's eyebrows furrowed a little, "for what?" "I'm proud that you're stepping out your comfort zone. You've been going out more. Been glowing. Finally got yourself a man honey!" Tia exclaimed causing Jaida to laugh. "I don't think ima be going out much anymore," Jaida said. "Uh yeah! Now that you're carrying my niece or nephew, I can't drag you outside anymore. Mef will cuss me out," Tia said. "I know things are about to be different for you but on the real...I'm happy for you girl." Tia's face softened into a playful pout. Jaida gave the same expression, "Thank you friend." They gave each other a hug before pulling off.