Star: Take 3

Chapter 33

COTTON POV

I was cleaning my hair equipment when Randall walked into the salon. He had a serious look on his face, and I could tell something was on his mind. "Hey, Randall," I greeted him, smiling warmly. "What brings you here?"

"Hey, Cotton," he replied, his voice steady but filled with anticipation. "Can we talk for a minute?"

"Of course," I said, setting down my tools and leading him to a quieter corner of the salon. "What's going on?" Randall took a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine. "Cotton, I have something important to ask you." I felt a surge of curiosity and concern. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, then spoke with determination. "I want to ask Carlotta to marry me. But before I do, I wanted to get your blessing." A smile quickly spread across my face. "Randall, that's wonderful! Of course you have my blessing." He looked relieved, but there was still a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "Thank you, Cotton. It means a lot to me. I love your mom, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

"Just don't break my mama's heart, okay?" I said as I pulled him into a hug. Randall nodded, his eyes filled with joy. "I promise." As we were finishing our conversation, my mom walked out from the back of the salon. She looked puzzled when she saw Randall.

"Hey," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What are you doing here?" Randall smiled, holding up a garment bag. "I came to drop off your dress for our date on Friday."

"You didn't have to buy me anything," she said, kissing him on the cheek. "I know, but it's a special occasion. It's Valentine's Day," he said. My mom's eyes softened, and she smiled warmly. "You're too sweet, Randall. Thank you." I smiled as I watched them. They were perfect for each other, and I knew that Randall would take good care of her.

ALEX POV

I was helping Derek unpack the last of our boxes, trying to make our new apartment feel like home. After everything that happened with Olivia, I couldn't stay at my old place. The fight with Olivia keeps replaying in my mind. "Hey, can you hand me that box?" Derek asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Sure," I replied, passing him a box labeled "Kitchen." I watched as he started unpacking dishes and utensils, his movements steady. As I opened another box, I found a photo album. Flipping through the pages, I saw pictures of us at our wedding, and family gatherings. It was hard to believe how much had changed.

"Alex, you okay?" Derek's voice was gentle, filled with concern. I looked up, meeting his eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking about everything." He walked over and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a comforting hug. I rested my head on his chest. "I just couldn't stay there anymore. Every corner of that place reminded me of what happened with Olivia. I needed a fresh start."

Derek kissed the top of my head. "I know. But we're going to get through this." I gave him a reassuring smile before we continued unpacking.

STAR POV

I was sitting on the couch, the TV flickering in the low lit room. The familiar scent of drugs and despair filled the air, as dread washed over me. Davis was sitting on the floor, watching TV, his innocent eyes glued to the screen. I reached for the small bag of coke on the table, my hands trembling. I took the rolled-up dollar bill and did a line, the burn filling my nostrils, I felt my body relax. Davis looked up at me, his innocent eyes filled with confusion.

"What are you doing, Mommy?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity. "Something that makes Mommy happy," I said, forcing a smile. "Alright, It's time for Mommy's medicine."