I look at Choie and she throws her hands up in defense.
"Well, did she lie?" Frank shrugs.
"I mean, no," I say.
"Mani, don't play that 'I'm too good to cry' shit. You're going through a divorce, let those emotions out," Choie says softly.
"For real Mani. You know we gonna be right here the whole time," Ally adds.
I nod, "I know. I don't know why y'all think I would do it in front of y'all."
I start laughing and I cut my eyes at them and their silence.
"Laugh niggers."
They start laughing and I flip them off, focusing my attention back to the road.
Quincy taps my shoulder, "Yo, let's drink all day and eat ice cream with sad movies all night. Sounds good?"
Ally joins in, "I second that."
I give them a faint smile while chuckling, "Okay."
My phone goes off and I glance down at the hands free monitor. Here she go.
Ally shakes her head, "Don't answer it."
"Do not," Frank says.
I let it go to voicemail and not even a second later she's calling back. I answer it and let out a long sigh.
"Yes Lauren?"
"I want the twins."
"Okay? Go get them."
"Normani stop this shit, bring me the kids."
"Why should I? You know where they are."
"You know your parents don't wanna see me."
"That's your fault, not mine."
"Norma-"
"If you want them that bad then it shouldn't matter to you."
I hang up the call and pull into the party city parking lot. We get out and go straight to the birthday aisles, grabbing plates, cups, and all that stuff. We grab some streamers and confetti and head to the checkout.
I get another call but this time it's from Justine.
"Hey Jus."
"Hey what'd you get today?"
"I just got the plates and stuff like that, along with some streamers and confetti."
"Aight cool, I'm bout to pick up the cakes."
"Alright bet, ooh I'm so excited."
"I know, right? Ugh, they getting old bitch."
"I knooww, ain't no one tell em to do all that."
"Hehehehe, for real!"
"Ima come by later though, see how you doing and shit."
"Justine I'm fine."
"Anyway! See you, byeee!"
She hangs up before I can protest any further and I sigh while sliding my phone back in my pocket.
No, Im not fine but I wanna cry in secrecy.
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