Coming Out

Chapter Seventeen

Rayla POV

"Goodmorning." I said to Carmen as I entered our bathroom the next morning.

When I got home, she was already knocked out, but she wasn't laying in my bed, she was in her own.

Carmen ignored me and continued to brush her teeth.

"Are you mad at me?" I touched her arm.

"Don't touch me."

"Listen Carmen, I am not cheating on you I promise," I looked at her. "It was just a party, we were just dancing. It was nothing serious really."

"Mhm"

"Look the press is hyping it up to more than what it is." I shook my head.

Wait.

What was I saying?

Carmen and I aren't a real couple. Why am I apologizing?

"I'm so confused." I stated.

"Confused about what?" Carmen snapped. "The fact that you're getting other girls numbers?"

"What? Are you kidding?" I laughed. What's gotten into her? I play with other girls all the time.

"What's funny?" She gave me attitude.

"I have no idea what's going on with you." I said. "We are not a real couple, I can do whatever the hell I want."

"Well don't embarrass me in the process!"

"Embarrass you? How?" I gave her a puzzled look.

"Can't you see?" She pleaded.

"See what?"

"Nothing. It's nothing." Carmen walked out. "You're right, we're not real, do whatever the hell you want."

"Hello ladies!" Kaci sauntered in the room.

Thursday. Wedding Rehearsal Day.

"I have your outfits for tomorrow!" She held two big black bags. "No peeking! But I want you two to wear your shoes to rehearsal."

Carmen went into the bathroom and shut the door.

"What's her problem?"

"Carmens mad at me." I stated.

"Ehh, let's step on the balcony Ray." Kaci set the bags down and headed for the window.

We sat by the fire pit and enjoyed the breeze in silence until Kaci broke it with a merging question.

"Have you ever thought for one second that maybe Carmen enjoyed being more than friends?"

I thought it over and stared at the waters ahead.

"That maybe she wanted that relationship to be real?" Kaci continued.

"Why?" I shook my head. "We are family, there's no way."

"Are you sure about that?" Kaci looked me in the eye.

It definitely got me thinking. Why didn't I see this before? Carmen is so perfect, why would she want someone like me?

"Think about it." Kaci stood to her feet and I followed her back into our bathroom.

"Okay first things first, rehearsal starts at 3. You two party animals wanted to sleep the day away! it's already 12 PM for crying out loud." Kaci shook her head and we all chuckled. "Aeriona will be here in 30 minutes to make you look fabulous and your cab will be down at 2:30"

Carmen sat on the edge of the tub. I wasn't listening to a word Kaci was saying, I was too busy thinking about our conversation. Did I feel the same towards Carmen and was just fighting it this whole time in denial?

"Rehearsal dinner is at 7, it is going to be fancy so make sure you're on your best behavior and etiquettes in front of the Willinghams." Kaci continued. "I will have Ben bring you all something to snack on while you get ready for this afternoon, tata ladies!"

Kaci blew us kisses and was out the door.

The bathroom was silent as minutes went by, waiting for Aeriona to arrive.

"Why do you like me?" I blurted.

"Huh?" Carmen whipped around to face me. She held a shocked expression.

"I know you like me, I just want to know why."

"Why not?" She questioned.

"Because Carmen! Can't you see that I'm no good for you?"

She stayed silent.

"You're bright and I have nothing going for me, you're passionate and I'm mediocre, you're everything and I'm nothing!" I exclaimed. "Let's just forget about all of this relationship mess before it ruins us."

I left the bathroom before she could reply, coming face to face with Aeriona.