More Life

Free Smoke

The nectarous scent from the bouquet of red carnations from the night before fills the room. While slowly adapting to the strange although familiar smell, Aubrey opens his chestnut brown eyes groggily and checks his phone. The time reads 6:16am. Three missed calls and a message from Kendrick appear in his notifications. He rolls over noticing that side of the bed Kendrick slept on is gently folded back into its original state. He must've left. Aubrey sighs and unlocks his phone. His phone wallpaper a photo of Kendrick from the Pop Up in L.A. If only Kendrick knew Aubrey was really there, proud of his accomplishments and newfound success with his diss tracks aimed at him. It hurt him deeply to know Kendrick really thought of him that way. Aubrey quickly flicks through pages upon pages of various apps before opening iMessage. He scrolls through his contact list and searches for his lovers number. Pulling the sheets off his body, he stands up, then hurriedly slips his gorgeously pedicured feet into his Pg Lang slippers. Jumping from foot to foot, he scurries to his wardrobe to curate the perfect outfit, phone still in hand. He's going to find Kendrick. He needs to know what's going on. Ever since the Pop Up, Kendrick's been distant. Almost as if he wasn't there. As if he's a silhouette in the distant fog. Hard to make out who he is.

"What to search for today..." Drake says pondering and rubbing his chin. He searches through a wide array of different pieces of clothing in every colour and style imaginable as if he were looking for true love. A slender hand reaches out for a chic pink Chanel cardigan on a crushed velvet coat hanger. It was gifted to him for their fifth anniversary. He makes sure not to let his long passionate blue nails snag at the carefully knitted fabric as he holds it close to his chest and twirls, looking at himself in the mirror.

"Perfect." Aubrey exclaims, giggling and clapping his hands together in delight. "Just what Kendrick would like to see me in."

He gently slips into the cardigan then picks out a micro denim Balenciaga skirt. He chuckles as he slips into his Pg Lang stripper heels. He stumbles up from his rickety faux fur ottoman and sashays over to his mirror, blowing himself a kiss. Aubrey bats his wispy lashes and rudely snatches a monogram Gucci purse on the way out.

Passing his bedroom, walk in robe and multiple other rooms, Aubrey fiercely struts into his makeup room. Stopping to admire himself in the mirror, he notices how his outfit glows under the harsh white lights. Aubrey then rummages through drawers full of makeup, hoping to get his complexion just right for his partner.

...

"Alright sweet. I'm cheesin' fam!" Aubrey exclaims showing off his flawless white teeth. He has finally finished his makeup and is looking as breathtaking as ever.

He grabs his keys from the kitchen counter and slams the front door behind him. His heels loudly tap against the concrete path as he dodges paparazzi.
"Drake over here!"
"Where are you off to Drake?"
"Why are you up so early?"
Paparazzi ask him as he stumbles into his metallic pink Range Rover holding back a smile.

"Where to?" His driver asks, looking at Aubrey in the rear view mirror.

"Just the usual fam. And can we stop at a Starbucks on the way?" Drake says while taking a selfie with an unserious expression.
"I haven't had my meds yet."

The driver turns up the volume of the music in the car only to find 'Not Like Us' blaring through the speakers. Feeling comforted, Drake pulls his sleeves over his hands and rests his head on the window staring out into the bustling city. The weather is rainy and bleak, although soothing. While quietly humming to the beat of the song, he finds his eyes fluttering shut and the world goes dark.

Drake is roughly awoken to the sound of car tires on gravel. It has stopped raining. The harsh American sun seems like it's out to get Aubrey. A cup of Starbucks is waiting for him in the centre console, still warm enough for him to drink.

"Aww shucks..." Aubrey trails off adjusting himself in his seat. "I forgot to wear SPF." He looks at his face in his compact mirror and slams it shut with a loud click. He blinks quickly trying to adjust his eyes to the sun. Aubrey's heartbeat races as the car approaches Kendrick's front gate. He gulps as the driver turns the music down and approaches the security.