Heaven.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Back at school, lunch in particular, the table is quite quiet but there are no shockers there. Kat glanced around the table, lowering her voice. "So... did Jasmine say how long she's suspended? I liked her, y'know. Too bad about Maya," she added, side-eyeing Rose. Rose sighed. "No, she didn't mention it." It goes back silent.

Zianna rolled her eyes, leaning in toward me. "I don't get why Maya's so pressed," she whispered. "Like, she's still calling him like she didn't start that whole mess." I scrunch my face. "Wait what do you mean?" I'm lost. "Look at o3." I take out my phone opening the group chat and Myles is still ranting about Maya.

"Girl bye, if he don't go ahead" I replied talking low. "She acts like I'm the problem when I'm just here for lunch, minding my business." I peep Sadie look up at us. "Wait, so... she seriously thinks you and Myles fuck?" Never thought I'd hear Sink curse.

"Oh, she's convinced," Zianna answered for me. Dawg ain't really let me talk. "I just didn't like how she was tryna start with me, she needs to keep it cute." Kat spoke with a fake chuckle then nudged Millie. "You good?" Millie was deep in her phone. "Huh? Yeah. I was just on Instagram my apologies." We all chuckle a bit.

"Wait, so Jasmine and Maya just met that day and started throwing hands?" Sadie raised an eyebrow. "Yup. Maya thought she could run her mouth and Jasmine was not having it." Zianna chuckled shaking her head. "And now they both suspended, shit sad as fuck." I spoke. "Guess Maya didn't think that through." Sophia said and this caused the whole table to laugh.

"She's still going on about you and Myles, though?" Kat tilted her head glancing at me. "Oh, trust boo," Heaven replied. "If she's got anything to say, she'll make sure it gets back to me." I just roll my eyes, that girl needs some therapy or something to heal her heart or something.

—

Zianna, the twins, and I are chilling at my house after school. The twins are coloring at the table while Zianna and I talk in the living room. "You think Maya's going to try to act like nothing happened when she gets back?" Zi asks not looking up from her phone. "Probably, I wouldn't put it past her. Yet, she can't just keep running her mouth like that. It's gonna backfire eventually." I shrug sipping on my cranberry juice.

Zianna nods. "Yeah but I'm ready for whatever. She won't be able to stir anything up with us." Zi isn't lying, shawty is ready for whatever. The twins call from the other room, "Sissy, can we play outside?" I grin. "Yeah, come on, but don't get dirty! I don't want to hear your mother's mouth." Even though I don't speak on it, mom has really been on our ass about the twins. I don't get why because she's with them more than we are but go off queen.

Zi and I step outside and sit on the porch watching the twins chase each other in the yard. The afternoon sun casts a warm glow, making everything feel more peaceful than usual. "You know," I start, "Jasmine's actually been pretty chill. She's new and even though things went down with Maya, I don't think she has any beef with us." Zi shrugs leaning back in her chair. "True. She doesn't know us well enough to start anything. But I still wouldn't put it past Maya to drag her into some mess when she gets back."

Absolutely right because Maya just doesn't know when to stop. She reminds me of a gnat that won't leave you alone. "Maya can't seem to stay out of trouble. But I'll be ready for whatever. I'm not worried about Jasmine though cause she seems cool." I say. "You say that now, but we'll see what happens when Maya starts calling the shots again. I just hope Jasmine's not the next one caught in the crossfire." Uh oh. Who she feelin like? Giving me this messy ass smile after that comment.

The twins run over giggling. "Sissy! We want snacks!" Alexis says, not even asking but go off. Alright come on, after this you're staying inside though. Only because you guys have to get washed up for dinner soon." I inform them. "Awww." Ava frowns.

"Girl bye, you can play inside still. Ya have a whole playroom." I say opening the front door. We all take off our shoes and they immediately run to the kitchen. Zianna watches the twins, a small smile on her face. "At least they're keeping us distracted from all the chaos." Fair point. "Let's just enjoy today," I say reaching into the pantry. "We'll come back to that topic once when we get there." I started pulling out snacks but the twins quickly follow me inside, their eyes wide with excitement. Greedy.

"Can we have the cookies?" Ava asks her voice full of hope. "Sure, but both of you go have a seat. Finish your juice." Zi gave them juice boxes but they opened it and left them. "Deal!" Alexis grins and both of them scramble to finish their juice, as if the cookies are already in their hands.

Zianna chuckles from the island. "They don't waste any time, huh?" I started to laugh. "Nope they know what they want and waste no time."

Once the juice is gone, the twins eagerly grab the cookies, their faces lighting up with joy. Alexis takes a big bite, then grins up at Heaven. "Sissy, you're the best!" Ava nods. "Yeah! You always know what we like." Aww my heart. "I try my best girls." I twirl my ponytail smiling.

"Man, they have you wrapped around their little fingers." Zianna shakes her head amused. She's seen me in my soft mode but it's still pretty rare. So when she does, I can tell she's melting."Don't I know it," I laugh handing them another cookie. The twins sit down at the table, chatting excitedly about their plans for the rest of the day, making everything feel simple and carefree.