A/N: Chapters 28-39 are on Patreon along with other exclusive scenes if you want to check those out!
Jasmine's POV:
I just finished my therapy session not even 20 minutes ago, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I'm finally starting to understand myself. And in two hours, I'm going on my first real date—no more half-hearted attempts or being hidden away.
"Oh my god, he asked you on a date???" Nya's voice bursts through the phone, full of excitement, practically squealing with joy.
"Yes! He told me to wear a dress and everything. I've never done this before, I can't believe I'm finally doing this... a real date!" " I say, my voice bubbling with excitement.
"I thought Kendrick took you out on a date for Valentine's Day?" Nya asks, a hint of confusion in her tone, like she's trying to piece things together.
"I literally had to beg him to take me out. And we didn't even get dressed up. He wore sweatpants and took me to the movies. Marc is literally telling me to wear my nicest outfit," I explain, my voice laced with disbelief.
"Damn, girl, my bad. You've been throwing it in my face for the longest that Kendrick took you out on a date before, but now all of a sudden, it doesn't count. Now I know," she replies, sounding slightly scandalized, but also amused.
"It's okay. I just don't want to talk about him tonight—or ever again," I say, the weight of my words making me feel like a chapter is finally closed.
"I never thought I'd hear you say that. Ever. If anything, I couldn't get you to stop talking about him," Nya says, her voice full of surprise and a hint of nostalgia.
"Nya, a lot of things are changing around here," I add, my tone serious but full of new conviction.
"Like what?" Nya asks, genuinely curious, her voice now tinged with anticipation.
"I am no longer the 'I only see the man I like in his bedroom after 9 PM' kind of girl. I'm no longer the 'hide me from the world because you don't want to be seen in public with me' kind of girl," I say, feeling like a new version of myself is finally emerging.
Nya bursts out laughing, the sound so genuine and infectious I can't help but laugh too.
"Damn, girl, not you acting different already, but I'm here for it," she says between her giggles, clearly delighted.
"I don't think you understand. That therapy session was exactly what I needed. For the first time ever, I don't want Kendrick in my life. Do I miss him? Yes. Do I want to move forward without him? Yes. And I've never thought that way before. After all the years he's had me in a chokehold, I'm moving onto bigger and better things, literally" I say, feeling the strength of my own words, like a weight has been lifted.
Nya smiles softly, a warmth in her voice.
"I'm so happy to hear that. How was the therapy session?" she asks, her voice now full of genuine care.
"I didn't tell you this, but I fucked Kendrick. I know, I know, you can scold me later, but it's out of the bag now. I know we tell each other everything, but I was embarrassed about it. I was ashamed. When I thought about it not too long ago, I've never felt so disgusted in my entire life. I beat myself up for it. But it was brought to my attention that shame and disgust were never words I associated with Kendrick. And for the first time ever, I'm using them. Which is good because I'm growing, and I don't need to make excuses anymore. I just need you to support me and understand that I know what I did was wrong, and I'm moving forward," I say, my voice a little shakier now, but stronger because of it.
"Was the dick at least good?" she asks, cutting right to the point, the teasing tone in her voice making me laugh.
Leave it to Nya to always focus on the dirty details. I can't help but laugh inside my head.
"No. Like, the last few times Kendrick and I fucked, they weren't good, but they weren't bad either. The last time? Just not it. And I don't know if it's because I'm not delusional over him anymore, or if his stroke game just isn't as good as it used to be, but regardless, it's exactly what I needed to realize that I'm completely over it," I say, feeling surprisingly relieved.
"I need to meet Marc. This man is performing wizardry. I've never heard you speak like this. His dick game must be next level," she says, her voice a mix of awe and excitement.
"We haven't fucked, Nya. Our bond supersedes the physical realm—mentally, emotionally, spiritually—we are locked in," I reply, my voice softening with the sincerity of my words.
"So, where is he taking you?" she asks, curiosity clearly piqued.
"I have no idea. I do know food is involved. And if I'm being even more honest with you, this whole getting dressed up thing? I always thought it was extra and unnecessary. The dresses, heels, purses—I've never been that kind of girl. But like, I'm actually excited. And not only am I excited, I feel more feminine. But I'm scared because I don't own any heels. And I really don't own any dresses. I own a two-piece that looks like a dress, but that's it," I admit, feeling a little vulnerable but happy about it.
"Oh my god, not him putting you in your feminine! I'm so happy for you. You two gonna hook up afterward? Wait, girl, you don't own a dress or heels?" Nya exclaims, her voice full of disbelief but also delight.
"We aren't fucking, Nya. This is just a date, as friends. And no, I don't own a dress. I had one dress a few years ago for prom, but that's it. And I wore flats with that dress," I say, laughing a little at how ridiculous I sound.
"Girl, if you would've told me earlier, I would've let you borrow mine. You know we're the same size, but my ass is a little fatter," she says, her tone teasing and full of mischief.
"Please, Nya, your ass is not fatter than mine. I don't know why you'd lie like that," I tease back, rolling my eyes even though she can't see me.
"You're really hyping this date up for it to just be friendly. Are you sure there's nothing more than 'friendly' going on?" she asks, a little suspicious but still excited for me.
"Nya, that's him knocking on my door. I'll call you later," I say, my heart pounding with anticipation, already feeling the nerves creeping in.
YOU ARE READING
Friends
RomanceMarc'Qwuan Reid is a 23 year hopeless romantic with a crush on his roommate, a woman named Jasmine. Their friendship was perfect until she took her first steps into getting over her ex. Now they notice new things about each other that puts their fri...
