ALL TO MYSELF

VI - Liyah

"I'm still not understanding why you're upset," Tiff said as we headed back to my apartment.

"I don't have time to be wondering if he's fucking somebody else."

"He's supposed to be fun. Have your way with him and somebody else."

"Right now there is nobody else so I'll be giving too much of my time to him. It's just not a good idea."

"You like him."

"What?" I asked looking in her direction.

"Don't look at me like that. You like that man. And his ass just might like you back."

"Please. He's probably waiting on someone else to come through. I'll never hear from that man again."

"Girl, you made him breakfast and dipped. And I've had your cooking. He ain't leaving you alone no time soon."

"It's just sex. He can get that from anywhere."

"Exactly. Sex. Not someone caring about him. He might try to be nonchalant but he's definitely coming back."

We continued the ride in silence, heading upstairs for the night.

"You still staying over?" I asked, walking into the bathroom to take a shower.

"Yeah, Pat gotta work in the morning and I wanna cuddle."

"Well, don't be rubbing on me, bitch. I'm not Patricia," I laughed.

"You Patricia tonight!" she laughed back as she took off her makeup. Once we finished our showers, we laid in the bed doing our bestie cuddle.

"You think he's with someone right now?" I asked into the darkness.

"Probably. You can always call and see."

"I don't think I want the answer right now, honestly."

"It's okay if you like him, Li. You're a person with feelings."

"Those feelings can also be hurt. I just don't wanna deal with cheating again. I'm over that toxic shit."

"Just hear him out if he calls and have fun with him until you find someone else."

"You're right. It's not like I'm trying to settle down with him. Maybe I just overreacted."

"At least get something out of it. Some bags, shoes, jewelry. Then use that to get a new nigga," she laughed.

After a while she fell asleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Did I like him or the idea of him? Is it that my crush on him has finally become something real and its messing with my head? Is he up thinking about me like I'm thinking about him? Does he really have someone else over right now and I'm playing myself? I pondered over all of these thoughts until sleep finally came over me.

the next morning

*knock knock knock*

"Tiff, get the door," I mumbled half asleep.

"It's your house."

*knock knock knock*

I got out of the bed, yawning as I made my way to the front door and opening it.

"Ms. Aaliyah?" an older man asked, holding a large box.

"Yes, I'm Aaliyah."

"These are for you."

He handed me the box along with a bag and an envelope.

"Where is this coming from?"

"Not sure. I was just told to deliver it. Have a nice day," he smiled before walking away.