Away From Home

|Chapter 11| ✔

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Kim... "

In an instant she fired back, shouting. "Monica!"

The look of hurt displayed in her cousin's eyes made her feel ugly for flashing out at her that way. A moment passed by as she regains her self-composure and breathed in, mentally reminded herself that this relative was among those that truly cared for her.

"I'm sure, okay. Besides, I have to do this sooner or later." she covered her black jumpsuit with an olive green blazer as her cousin Monica wore a breathtaking outfit, laced mid-thigh black dress paired with nude stilettos that collided perfectly to her glowing tanned legs.

Overall her cousin outfit was well put together, however, Kim couldn't help but wonder why she was so... overdressed. They were merely paying their families a quick visit.

Was it something that she wasn't aware of? Or was it that she was just dressed way too dressy as usual.

There's more to it than that. She had lived with Monica for many years that she mastered her odd behaviors so well that she was certain that she only wore those shoes when...

"Why the fancy outfit?" Kimberly asked, her brows raised waiting for an answer that she most likely already knew.

"Oh, nothing," she laughed nervously. "I just wanted to look pretty--" her words were cut off with soft knocks that came from the door.

She limped her to the door with one shoe on and the other barely... on.

"I'll get it."

Kimberly watched her go.

She couldn't help but utter soft laughs as she watched her dear cousin, struggle.

"Stop walking like a penguin and wear them shoes probably before you trip and fall."

Irritated by her bossy relative, Monica sticks her tongue out like it was her only come back,

"Whatever." she retorted, and somehow made for the door without injuring herself and turned the doorknob to welcome the guests that await.

"Brett and Troy. What are you doing here?" she asked as if she didn't know.

Troy Sternberg completely bewildered by her statement chose to clarify their reason for coming. "You invited us, remember?"

So this is what happens when I try to be a matchmaker?

Tragic.

She rolled her eyes, Way to ruin everything, Troy!

Don't you know that I'm doing this for y'all, remember???

Kim spoke with a strong thick Spanish accent to let her know that she was in deep trouble, "Monica.."

Play it, cool.

The poor gal could sense her favorite cousin intense glares channeling behind her back.

Play it, cool.

"Just say you invited them." added Kim.

Oh shot, she knows!

Troy pointed, "that she did."

Brett nudged him in the elbow warning him to keep a low profile.

Whatever storms that they walked in needed to be resolved by them only and only them.

Brett was a man that strives to avoid conflict at all cost, although he sacrificed his morals to fulfill someone else wishes not too long ago.

With that, he vowed to have no part of this.

Taking note of Brett Dawson's strategy Troy, volunteer to be the one that changed the subject.

"I mean," he cleared his throat. "Nice place." emerged in the gals' home.

"Very lovely," Brett added, not taking his eyes of the woman that had slowly captured his heart. The handsome men complicated.

"Thanks." the two cousins, both answered at the same time.

The only difference was that one actually replied with a cheerful voice while the other mainly answered flatly not hiding her disagreement of them showing up.

"Excuse us," Kim snatched her out from sight.

Monica called out, "Don't mind us. Make yourself at home."

Kim and Monica fled upstairs, leaving the guys downstairs in the living room occupied by the big screened television so that they wouldn't overhear their conservation.

"I understand that Brett came to see you and that's fine and all." she locks the door and whispered softly. "But why is he here?"

"I can explain." Monica began, "Okay, maybe I can't. I just..."

Kim frowns. "Just what?"

"A sister just want you to have a man too. Is so wrong?"

"Yes, it is because I don't want or need a man."

"Keep saying that you might just end up, growing old with your career and cats."

"Monica, I'm glad you're happy with a mister, mister, and now you want y'all love to shine on at the rest of us. I get it, but my goodness, I'm going to be okay."

Her cousin studied her for a good minute. "Alright, if you say so."

"Oh, do you still want to go over your parent--"

"... Nah, maybe next time, besides, we have visitors."

_______

It was amazing to see two months swift by, so much had happened in such little time. Monica along with her man Brett was surprising... close. Like lovers from romantic movies.

It was painfully beautiful.

From giving each other adorable nicknames to not wanting to depart from one another when it was time to say goodbye. The lovebirds couldn't stomach being away from each other.

Which resulted of Brett is coming over almost every day and sometimes bringing his best pal along with him.

Not that he minded.

In some ways Brett also wanted him to experience what he has while they were still here. Although the woman he got his eyes on appeared to be tough to get close to.

With all those barriers, she built around her. Nonetheless, Brett was confident that his fellow friend will soon discover how to soften her heart. Because he was a man that never gave up and with all that he has been through, inevitably he deserved some sort of happiness.

______

"How do I look?" She asked, everyone as she twirled around showing off her lace black dress.

Not glancing away from her. Brett stood up from the couch that he seated in seconds go as the soccer match played and marched towards her, seized his strong arms around her slim waist.

"Beautiful..." his lips rested on her left cheek. "Absolutely, beautiful." his compliments caused Monica to giggle effortlessly.

Kimberly couldn't help but admire the love that radiated around the new couple.

She sighed heavily, taking another glimpsed at them.

I've been forever alone.

There was so much love in their eyes it would be impossible not to notice it.

She sensed the brown, piercing, eyes, fixated her way waiting for her to see. Knowing that he would not give up until she does want he longs for.

Girl, you got a man that wants to love you too.

She then forced herself to look at the man that hunger for her attention and love.

Stop pushing him away.

_________