Turned Out

Chapter Twenty Five Point Five

My eyes popped open as I sat up in bed. My face was wet from tears and my heart was pounding. Everything I had just saw was so surreal. It was strange to dream about my mother calling to inform me of Landyn's death, well murder. It couldn't piece together why I would be having such a dream, but something felt off. It didn't scare me, okay it did, but it wasn't a scare that Landyn was actually laid up somewhere dead. It was one that we could go forever without communication and then one of us dies without mending the broken pieces.

I wasn't going to hold this grudge against Landyn forever, but I needed to figure out the right time to actually forgive him. I closed my eyes, laying back onto the bed letting out a loud sigh. Now was as good a time as any, right? I reached for my phone which laid in between Shannon and me. It was a habit that we had picked up, sleeping with our phones in between the pillows. It was weird, but we couldn't sleep at night if both of our phones weren't there.

I picked up my white iPhone, laying against his black one and quietly got out of bed. I made my way to the balcony. The chilly morning air hit my bare skin. I was only wearing boy shorts and tank top, both made of thin material. I instantly regretted my decision to not slip on any other clothes. I went back into the apartment and grabbed a Pink jacket that was lined with fur. I slipped it on as well as a loose fitting pair of sweatpants from Pink. I left my feet bare and tiptoed back to the balcony. I sat on the medium sized lounging couch and pulled up Landyn's contact information. My finger hovered over the 'call' button as I contemplated back in forth in my head. I looked up at the still peeking moon, closed my eyes and sighed.

As soon as I made my decision to call him, my phone vibrated in my hand. I don't know if it was by luck, coincidence, or what but Landyn's name was flashing across my screen. I pressed answer and hesitated a bit before answering. "Landyn..." I spoke softly after sighing deeply.

"You wanna talk to me?" I was shaking my head no, but I couldn't bring myself to agree with that. I wanted to talk to him, I needed to talk to him. We had both did some fucked up shit to each other, his worse than mine, but still we needed to build a bridge and walk our asses over it.

"Unfortunately, I do..." He chuckled deeply, sending chills down my spine. I hadn't realized until now how much I missed his voice, missed him. "I had a dream, a crazy one."

"I did too... This bitch, she killed my ass."

"My mom called telling me you were dead in mine."

"So," He paused, indicating he was thinking for a short while. "So, we had similar dreams at the same time?"

"This some movie shit or what? I swear, our whole life is written and produced." I shook my head, saying so seriously. Landyn laughed taking my words for a joke.

"I missed you..." He spoke after his laughter died and moments of silence had passed. I stayed quiet on my end. I did miss Landyn and I had honestly already forgave him in the short amount time we had been on the phone. I hated him, but at the same time I loved him so it was easy for me to forgive him. People might think it's crazy of me, but I did.

"I missed you, too."

-

Landyn and I talked until the sun came up. We straightened out our differences to some extent and basically put the past in the past. I couldn't see myself going straight back into bestfriend mode with him, but we were cordial. I couldn't say if we would ever reach the heights of friendship that we had, but we had friendship nonetheless. That's all I wanted, friendship.

I smiled to myself, still sitting on the balcony. The sun was peeking, but the wind was still blowing a little. Shannon had bought an apartment near the beach, so I could see and hear the waves. The water being so close sent a little chilly mist throughout the air that I loved. There was nothing about California that I hadn't loved so far- besides the fact that Jazlyn was here.

I hadn't brought up the subject to Shannon because I didn't want to seem obsessive or jealous, but my mind couldn't help but to wonder. Why would he bring me here when she's here? Why wouldn't he tell me? The biggest question on my mind revolved around Raiona though. She was a sweet girl, fun. I wouldn't have vouched for her to come here with us if I knew she was just going to turn on me within days. I couldn't put a finger on it, but it was almost like she was against the love that Shannon and I shared. She started out loving us, complimenting our relationship, but recently all she did was talk about how Shannon and Jazlyn were. She compared our relationships nonstop. If he loved her so much why wasn't he with her today? She is the mother of his child and the first girl he loved. Why didn't he leave me in Atlanta and come down here alone to play house with her? I knew Rai wouldn't have an answer and I wasn't going to press her for them either. If she wanted to switch over to her mothers fantasy life now then I wasn't going to stop her. I couldn't and wouldn't let them tear me apart from such an amazing person.

I heard the glass door that led to the balcony sliding open and slowly turned to face Shannon. He was only wearing a pair of loose gray pajama pants that hung low off of his hips, exposing his white Calvin Klein briefs. He held two mugs in his hands, steam billowing out of each cup. "What are you doing out here this early, mama?" I fiddled with my fingers, pondering my answer.

"I... I couldn't sleep, so I came to get some fresh air." He handed me the cup of hot tea and sat beside me on the balcony's couch. He sipped his coffee as I blew on my tea.

"You been out here for hours, Ash. What's up?" He looked at me and sat his cup on the nearby table after taking another sip. His eyes burned holes into my skin as I stared down into the cup. I couldn't tell Shannon that I had talked to Landyn, let alone made up with him. I don't know how that would make Shannon feel, but I know he wouldn't like it. As much support and trust Shannon puts into me, I just know that would break it.

"It's really nothing, I just couldn't sleep. Thanks for caring though, babe." I sat my cup down and snuggled up into his side. "I love it out here. Do we ever have to leave?" He chuckled and rubbed circles into my back.

"We can stay as long as you want to... Under one condition..."

"And what's that?" I looked up at him, immediately seeing his sly grin.

"You gotta make me breakfast once a week..."

"I make you breakfast everyday."

"I wasn't done." I motioned for him to finish, "You have to make me breakfast once a week naked." I shot up from my laid back position, snapping my head to look at him.

"You got me fucked up." My face was scrunched up and my eyebrows were knitted together. His stupid smile was upsetting me even more and when he started to laugh, I rolled my eyes. Pushing his chest I stood up from the couch mumbling to myself. Before my hand could touch the door handle I was pulled back into Shannon's hard chest. "Get off of me." I smacked my lips and tried to pull from his hold which only made him grasp me tighter.

"Stop Ashleigh I was just playing. You know I wouldn't say no disrespectful shit like that to you if I actually meant it."

"Quit being an asshole towards me." I whined, relaxing into his chest as he held me. He nuzzled his face into my neck, applying soft kisses. Turning my head sideways, I allowed him better access.

"I'm sorry, baby." He kissed more and bit down lightly, progressively making his bites harder. I opened my mouth to speak again, but couldn't get the words out. I wanted him to stop, but then again I didn't. "You accept my apology?" He continued to kiss, lick, suck and bite my neck continuously in the same spot.

"I guess."

"Hmm?" He bit down hard making me jump.

"Yes." He pecked the spot on my neck before laughing and walking my forward into the apartment, his hands on my hips. "You gone stop biting me too."

"You liked it this time, though."

"I did, but that's not what we talking about. I'll bite you back next time."

"Don't tempt me with a good time, baby." His voice was deep and smooth in my ear, almost sending chills down my spine. I stiffened then thinking about how just hours ago Landyn's voice had done the same thing to me, sent chills down my back. "What's wrong?" He questioned. I instantly shook my head, shaking away thoughts of Landyn as I did so.

"I'm okay. What do you want to eat?" Shannon took his hands from my hips and sighed, he walked around me and headed for the stairs.

"I'm good. We leave at ten for the shoot." He semi-yelled halfway up the stairs. I could tell that Shannon knew something was wrong with me by the way he was acting. I had never kept anything from him before, I never wanted to but this had to be kept until better timing. I couldn't let this be a potential breaking point in our relationship.

I went into the kitchen, digging out the ingredients to Shannon's favorite breakfast meal. He didn't want me to cook for him because he was upset, but I knew he would eat if I did. I cooked the food and plated it. I made Shannon a fresh cup of coffee and sweetened it to his satisfaction. I added in some vanilla flavored almond milk because that's how he loved his coffee. Two sugars and and inch of almond milk.

I walked up stairs slowly, balancing the plate of food and the hot drink in both my hands. Te door was slightly cracked, so I pushed it open with my foot and proceeded to walk in. Shannon was laid out in the bed, hands behind his head and the comforter covering from the waist down. He wasn't sleep, I could tell by his breathing. When he sleeps his breathing is deep and slow, it's normal right now. I went to the side of the bed, placing the items in my hand on the bedside table. "I know you're not sleep, Shan. I made you breakfast and more coffee." I left it at that and went to gather my things for a shower.

I showered and brushed my teeth in record time. Instead of my normal hour I took thirty or so minutes. I buttered and clothed my body while still in the bathroom. I dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a simple white tank top. My hair was straightened, slightly frizzed from my shower, but it was good enough for me. I didn't put on any makeup just a little lip gloss.

Once back in the bedroom I noticed that Shannon had ate the food. He had showered while I was cooking, so he was already dressed. He wore an all black outfit. Black fitted jeans with a black shirt that hugged his muscles. The Jordan's on his feet were black and white and the Rolex on his wrist was white gold. "You ready?" He spoke snapping me from my lust induced trance on him.

"Yeah, can I know who this video is for now?" I asked going to slip on a pair of short chestnut colored Ugg boots.

"What are you wearing?" He asked completely ignoring my questions.

"Clothes... I think?" Was my sarcastic response.

"Cute..." The sarcasm in his voice matched mine. "You wearing shorts with winter boots. Are you confused about the weather or..?"

"Shut up..." I rolled my eyes finally getting both my socks and boots tugged on. I didn't care what I looked like right now obviously. I stood to walk to the door, but Shannon stopped me before I could reach it.

"Ash, we don't keep secrets do we?"

"Huh?" I was so caught off guard by his question and that was the only response I could get out while I was in my dumbfound state.

"We have honesty in our relationship, right? We don't keep secrets. We don't tell lies."

"Oh, um, yeah. Of course. Why'd you ask that?"

"Just because." He shook his head making his way to the door ahead of me and leading the way downstairs, out of the door, and to his rental car.

I was relieved when we arrived to the place of the video shoot. The whole car ride was awkwardly silent and you could feel tension between us. I exited the car after Shannon and walked behind him, waving and smiling at people as we passed them. I took in the different plots placed in their own areas around the place.

We came to a halt as Shannon stopped to speak with another director of the video. I continued to look around until my eyes landed on just the person I'd been looking for. He was tall, dark skinned, and sported long dreads braided to the back. He was at a distance, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to know who he was. Cortez, one of the best lyricist to ever do it. He could rap and he could sing, but most of all he was a poet. He only made music about his life. He didn't do that booty hoppin, sex praising music. He had went incognito a while ago, laid back in the cuts and staying out of the lime light. It made sense now why Shannon wouldn't tell me. This was going to be Cortez's big comeback.

It also made a lot of sense with the video plot. The song was about a daughter going through it after her mother passed away. Then someone came into her life while she was having a hard time and helped her back on her feet. Cortez's now wife and ex-socialite had to deal with her mothers death. She took it hard and fell into the line of Paris Hiltons, Brittany Spears, Nicole Richies, and Lindsey Lohans. She went into rehab and when she got out and started back doing what socialites do, she met Cortez. Of course things were still hard for her, but he helped her cope with a lot of her personal problems. That's the story that the media displayed anyways.

I felt honored now knowing the part that I would play. I was going to be playing Alonna, Cortez's wife. This role gave me the chance to get out of the background. Leading lady puts me upfront, but all people care about is the artist and how big the girls booty is. They don't actually see me. This video is more of a silent film, I get to act and I love the idea of that.

I grabbed Shannon's hand lightly, getting his attention. He finished what he was saying then turned to me. "I'm in the middle of business, Ash... What?" My eyebrows furrowed and I dropped his hand from mine.

"Nothing." I didn't need to be annoyed right now, this is probably going to be one of my greatest moments in life. I'm standing just ten feet away from Cortez, the Cortez, this is already one of the greatest moments in my life.

I walked away leaving Shannon to his "business" and found the trailer with his and my name on it. I went inside and stretched my body across the couch. I screamed, letting out all of my frustrations as I planted my face firmly on the couch pillow.

I hadn't even been in the trailer for ten minutes before I heard small knocks on the door. "Come in!" I yelled, face still firmly planted.

"You okay in here?" Came a soft female voice. I turned my head in her direction, only to have my air get stuck in my lungs. It was Alonna. Here in the flesh. She didn't do much but socialize, but she had a story that I admired. Her life went from great to turmoil to extraordinary. She had overcome so much.

"Yeah, I'm okay."

"I saw you with Berry out there, boyfriend problems?" I chuckled nervously.

"That obvious, huh?" I sighed sitting up as she sat down beside me, rubbing her swollen stomach.

"I've been through the motions a few times myself." She laughed, smiling brightly. "So, you're going to be me in this video?"

"I would have to guess so."

"Well, I'm going to help you out a bit. You can't be me without knowing my real background." She shrugged and made herself comfortable. She kicked off her flats and crisscrossed her legs beneath her as well as her belly would allow. "Where should I begin?"

"No better place than the beginning..." I shrugged, relaxing myself too.

I talked to Alonna for hours. There was some strange connection between us. We didn't have that much in common, but she was so easy to talk to and get along with. She told me everything about her past and what led her down the dark path after her mother passed. Everything she was telling me was to help me get more connected to the role I was playing. It was like I would be doing actual acting, which I found out I would for the extended version of the video. I never before saw myself in this line of work, but now I could find myself making a career out of it. Doing more important music videos and then moving to acting.

Because Alonna wanted to do the whole connection thing with me Shannon and the guys went ahead and shot parts of the video that didn't include me. By the time they finished I was knocked out in the trailer along with Alonna. Shannon and Cortez had come in the trailer at the end. Their laughter woke me up, but Alonna stayed sleep. I tapped her shoulder waking her up. She was confused and drowsy at first, but lit up once she saw Cortez. You could see the love in her eyes. And when Cortez looked at her you could see the same in his. It was so cute. "Finally woke. You ready to go?" Cortez helped Alonna up off of the couch.

"Yes." Alonna turned to face me. "It was nice talking to you, Ashleigh. We should do this again sometime."

"Definitely." I smiled, reaching up to hug her. We embraced for a short moment and then released each other so she and Cortez could leave. "Time to go?" I stood directing my question to Shannon.

"Yeah, let's get of here. How you feeling?" He wrapped one of his arms around my waist bringing me closer to him.

"I'm good. You're not mad at me anymore?"

"Nah, I'm over it." I nodded slowly, accepting his answer. "Come on. I'm tired as a bitch." He wrapped his other arm around me and walked behind me out of the trailer and to his car.

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Ladidadidaaaaaa. Y'all I couldn't kill Landyn like that, it didn't feel right... Yeah, so that's that. And for those of y'all that wanted Landyn to die, y'all cold hearted! Lol, y'all was mean talking about some he needed to die. It was weird how I did it with the two chapters and all, but I'll fix it at a later time, this story is nothing professional so I'm okay with it right now. If there's any confusion just let me know and I'll clear it up for you.

Oh, and I love ya'll! Especially if you commented on the last chapter, *whispers* I love y'all the most, but you ain't hear that from me! But there's nooooo favoritism so I love all of you. Anyways, them teachers got me so fucked up already. Im bout ready to throw one of these heavy ass books at they heads 😒 but that's mean, so I'm just kidding. So, until next time babes. Peace and hair grease!