The Queen's Game

Chapter 18: The Untouchable Kehlani

(Soleil's POV)
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In Oakland, it felt like there was always this low hum of something in the air, a tension you couldn’t quite place. Sure, LA had its own vibe, but Oakland had an edge that made you feel like someone was always watching you, sizing you up. And lately, the name that seemed to echo everywhere I went was Kehlani Parrish. People spoke her name like she was some kind of legend, like her reputation alone could make entire blocks fall silent. I’d seen her once at a party, but it was more like seeing a shadow—quick, dark, and powerful. People got out of her way like she was royalty, but with a side of danger you didn’t want to mess with. She was untouchable. And honestly? I couldn't help feeling drawn to her.

Tonight was one of those rare nights where everyone was actually home, so Mom decided to do a big dinner. I was helping her chop vegetables, while my triplet sisters, Ivy, Azalea, and Dahlia, were in the living room bickering over what to watch on TV. My little twin brothers, Orion and River, were running in and out of the kitchen, trying to dodge each other in some kind of made-up football versus basketball rivalry. It was chaotic, but it was our normal.

"So," Mom said, chopping up a bell pepper, her acrylic nails clicking against the knife handle, "how's school? Making any new friends?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. I mean, I've got a little group now."

"Oh, that's good, baby," she replied, glancing at me with a soft smile. "Anyone interesting?"

I smirked, thinking about my friends. "I guess. Kailani’s always got some story about getting into trouble, Maya’s the chill one, Devin’s just wild as hell, and Tiana...she's the one who knows all the tea on everyone."

Mom raised an eyebrow. "Trouble, huh? Tell me you ain't out here gettin' mixed up in that mess."

"Mom, relax," I laughed, rolling my eyes. "I'm not getting into trouble...yet."

She shook her head, muttering, "I swear, y’all gon’ be the death of me."

Dad walked in just then, carrying a bag of groceries. He kissed my mom’s cheek before dropping the bag on the counter. "What we talkin' about? Soleil getting into trouble already?"

I groaned. "Really? You guys act like I'm the problem child."

Azalea piped up from the living room. "You kinda are, Soleil."

"Girl, no one asked you!" I shouted back, and she just rolled her eyes, going back to her argument with Ivy and Dahlia over which TV show they should watch.

Dad laughed, shaking his head as he started unpacking the groceries. "Anyway, you better stay focused. I’m starting up as the new football coach, so if I catch wind of you acting up, it's gonna be a problem."

"Yeah, yeah," I replied, waving him off. Dad was all about discipline, but deep down, he was a softie. The real problem would come from my mom if I actually got into trouble.

As I finished up with the vegetables, I noticed the conversation had lulled, and I decided to test the waters. "Y'all ever heard of someone named Kehlani?"

Mom gave me a confused look, pausing her chopping. "Kehlani? Like that singer?"

I shook my head, biting back a smirk. "Nah, Mom, not the singer. The...other Kehlani. The one people call The Queen of Oakland."

Dad’s face turned serious as he exchanged a glance with Mom. "What you know about her, Soleil?"

"Just what I’ve heard," I shrugged. "Everyone at school acts like she's some kind of big deal. People say she controls a lot of stuff around here."