Thick & Thin

Chapter Twenty-Nine; BBQ Talk

(2 Years Later)

Cars lined up and down the narrow street clustering the curbs and adding more weight to the party near by. Ms. Tina's annual 4th of July cookout resembled a scene straight out of a Tyler Perry movie and was definitely as humorous considering the folks gathered around. Tunes from the classic Staple Singer's "I'll Take You There" blared in the backyard for the entire neighborhood to hear.

Cursing herself for her choice of shoes, Michelle sauntered through the grass and around the house until someone called her out.

"CHELLE!!" Her mind cluttered with so much racket, Tina yelled out in hopes of finding someone to throw a task at. With over 50 people to entertain, her current state was more than understandable.

"Yes?" Michelle smiled, stopping dead in her tracks and turning towards the fair skinned woman who resembled her best friend so much it scared her.

"How you doing baby?" Tina kissed her cheek and rushed a quick hug. "Do me a favor will you? Go find Shawn and tell him I need him to help me out here with this grill. Kay? Thanks!"

Michelle chuckled knowing something like this was going to happen as soon as she arrived. She had just pulled up no more than 5 minutes ago and was already being put to work. "Alrighty." Michelle grumbled and walked up the steps of the deck.

Entering the house through the back patio, she spoke to a few of the familiar faces that refused to sit out and bake in the sun. Due to the girls lifelong friendship, Michelle was no stranger to Beyoncé's family members. Known to be easily sidetracked, it wasn't exactly a good thing that she kept running into everyone except for the person she was suppose to be relaying a message to.

"Aww!" She cooed; spotting the newest addition to the family Beyoncé and Shawn were blessed with less than a year ago. Even after all of the drama surrounding her accident 2 years ago, when B found out about 'this one'- she was more than elated.

"There's my lil mama!" Michelle reached out making a face and causing the 7 month old to giggle and squirm around. Angie, B's cousin shook her head and approached her with the child in her arms.

"Take her!" Angie roared and handed Courtney over. "She's been crying since B left her with me.

"Aw!" Michelle arched her brows and eyed the little 'butterball' as she liked to call her; automatically pointing out the dry tear streaks on her chubby cheeks. "That's just because she can't stand you!"

"Boo you whore ! She loves me!" Angie retorted; arrogantly adding to her claim. "She's just spoiled to death."

Michelle laughed and looked at her. "She doesn't seem to have a problem here."

"That's because you're the main one that spoils her. I refuse to contribute to this little diva in the making!" Angie rolled her eyes and walked away while Michelle continued roaming around for Shawn.

Halfway through the house, she bumped into Brendan and a few of B's younger cousins running around. "Hey!" She snatched up the back of his collar and stopped him from zooming past her.

Out of breath, he laughed and looked up. "Huh?"

"Where's your mother?"

"I don't know!"

Rolling her eyes, she continued bouncing his little sister on her hip and pressed him. "I'll give you $2 if you go find Shawn for me. Your grandmother's looking for him!"

"TWO dollars?" he scrunched up his face and repeated her; obviously not impressed with Michelle's offer.

"Alright 5!" she reached in her back pocket and pulled a five dollar bill out.