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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
Trigger Warning:
This book also includes depictions o...
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Onika Maraj Smoky Mountains
December 23
I was in the kitchen with Lauren, making a pot of coffee when I walked up behind her and kissed her on the forehead.
"Hey, sis," I said softly.
Lauren leaned back a bit, giving me a playful side-eye. "Girl, you be sucking dick."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Girl, you don't know that."
She smirked, "Boo, you was probably in there slobbing all on that."
I rolled my eyes, trying to keep a straight face. "Only 'cause she's sad," I teased back. "But I brushed my teeth and everything, so relax."
Lauren waved me off, laughing. "I don't care, nasty."
We both laughed, the lighthearted moment a nice break from everything that's been going on.
After a beat, I turned serious, looking at her. "How you holding up, though? With Mom and everything..."
She sighed, leaning against the counter. "I mean... I'm dealing. It's hard, but being around everyone is helping, you know?"
I nodded, feeling the same way. "Yeah, same. I feel like being around everybody, staying busy, it's the only thing keeping me from getting stuck in my head."
Lauren glanced over at me, a small smile on her face. "For real. I think I'd lose it if I wasn't here with y'all."
"But you have Ermias to go home too"
She ignored me and kept eating her cereal, clearly lost in thought.
I leaned against the counter, watching her for a moment before asking, "What's going on between you and him?"
She sighed, not looking up. "Honestly, we're just not the same as we were. I think we're growing apart."
I nodded, letting her take her time. "So... do you think y'all are gonna end things?"
She paused, then said quietly, "I think it's best."
I moved closer, sitting next to her. "Listen, whatever happens, I'm here for you. You don't have to go through any of this alone. If you need to talk, if you just need a break from it all, I got you."
She finally looked up at me, her eyes softening. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
I smiled gently. "You know I'll support you through it all, no matter what."
The girls started coming into the kitchen one by one, greeting Lauren and me with hugs and "Good morning"s.
Kehlani wrapped her arms around me, giving me a tight squeeze.
"Morning, y'all," she said with a smile, grabbing a cup of coffee. Rihanna followed, pulling me into a quick hug and patting Lauren on the back.
"Morning, sis," Kelly said as she gave Lauren a warm hug, and then me.
