The Taylors

Chapter Twenty Two

Homecoming Pt. 1

"Wow Kai. I picked out the perfect dress." Coco congratulated herself with a pat on the back as she beamed at her baby sister. They were in Island's apartment, putting the finishing touches on Kaia's overall look. Island had already slayed her hair to the Gods and Coco helped with applying her flawless make-up.  Kaia looked gorgeous in an all white one shoulder gown, showing off what little curves she possessed. Savage would, indeed, be impressed. Kaia couldn't wait to get to the Homecoming dance to see him.
"And tell me again why this boy isn't picking you up?" Island wondered.
"We're just gonna meet at the venue. It was his idea and I'm cool with that. I just wanna have a good time tonight." Kaia smiled weakly. Both Coco and Island shared a look, like they knew she was lying. However, neither one of them investigated further. This was Kaia's first Homecoming experience and they didn't wanna ruin it for her.
"Alright. Well, let's get you to the dance." Said Coco, hiding her reservations.

When they pulled up to the venue, it was like a red carpet Hollywood affair. Students were dressed to the nines, crowding the front entrance with proud parents taking countless photos. Kaia didn't see Savage anywhere but she linked up with O'Shea whom emulated a glowing princess beside her date, handsome running back, Hakeem. Khalil was on GQ status, holding hands with gorgeous Ali.

He was on cloud nine after winning the Homecoming game and impressing the Auburn scout with one of his best performances to date. Three passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, over 300 yards passing and no interceptions. Second string wide receiver Morrison took full advantage of Savage's misfortune, catching anything thrown in his direction. Coach Law was satisfied enough to remove his foot from Khalil's neck. Now, Khalil was free to enjoy the rest of his weekend with the most beautiful girl at the dance.

The crew took a few group photos and tons of individuals before finally heading inside.
Coco and Island went home. Kaia was still looking around for an absent Savage. She grew nervous after calling him five times with no answer.

Half the night went by and her feelings were beyond crushed knowing her boyfriend had stood her up. Maybe everyone was right about him. Savage just made her look mad stupid getting all made up for no reason.
"Pick up your bottom lip, ma-ma. He's a fuck boy and we all knew that. Come to the after party and take your mind off of him." Suggested the Homecoming Queen, O'Shea Washington. Kaia couldn't even be happy for her best friend because of her own troubles. But hey, maybe this party won't be so bad.

Chassity, Khalil's ex, was hosting the after party at her fancy two story home. Khalil almost didn't come for obvious reasons but everyone knew she threw the best parties. As long as Chassity could mind her business, all should be well. She was smart enough to leave Ali and Khalil alone for the night.

Kaia grabbed the first bottle of liquor she could find, trying to drown her emotions. All the kids were guarding red plastic but no one was truly intoxicated yet. No one except the one person she had been looking for all night.
"Savage?" Kai squinted her eyes, wanting to be sure that was him. The house was crawling with people all over but Kaia could spot him like a needle in a hay stack. Savage was dressed casually in contrast to most of the other guest. The music blasting, he was joking around and drinking straight from a bottle, too. Surrounded by a few of his teammates and a couple thirsty tricks, Kaia could tell he was lit by the way the he stumbled about. Kaia gathered some liquid courage and marched over to their circle, bottle in hand. Needless to say, Kaia was beyond pissed.
"Eric! What the fuck?!" She said, finally in his presence. His eyes bucked when he saw her, mainly because of how stunning she looked. He had never seen her all dolled up before but the young man was definitely impressed. He almost felt bad for blowing her off.
"You look good, Kai. You wore that for me?" He asked with a goofy smile on his face.
"I did and you missed out. What the fuck happened to you?"
"Coach suspended me. I wasn't even allowed to go to the Homecoming game. You think I wanted to go to that dumb ass dance still? Have to see yo ugly ass brother hype that shit up and throw it in my face? Fuck that. I'm good." Savage took the bottle to the head like he didn't give a fuck and he didn't.
"We agreed to go together. In fact, you're the one who asked me to go with you in the first pl-"
"I changed my mind." He stated, plainly.
Kaia scoffed. "Really? Really, Eric?"
"Listen, why don't you just go home, Kai. Before this alcohol have us all too lit." Savage gave her a firm look. But all he could see was pain in her eyes. He exhaled and glanced at his home boy Eddy sitting beside him. Eddy gave him a knowing look then shook his head. Savage, feeling defeated, sighed before he stood up.
"Look, what you drinking?" He approached her and grabbed the bottle from her hand. "Put this down. Let me get you a drink. I know I wasn't there earlier but I'm here now and we gon' make the most of this night. Okay?"
Kaia gave him a shy smile and nodded her head. "Okay."

Savage walked off with his friend and Kaia took his spot on the couch. She ignored the hateful glares from the thirsty whores of his entourage. They were probably shocked that popular ass Savage had started talking to lame ass Kaia Taylor. However, Kaia didn't care, thanks to that liquor settling in her system. She had her man back. Savage retuned minutes later with a red plastic cup that he handed to her. He let Kaia sit in his lap and they both began to drink until they were feeling all the effects of the liquid. Something started to take over Kaia. She could feel the room spinning and her body temperature increasing by the minute. Both of them were starting to sweat lightly but Kaia didn't care. She was lost in the euphoria that is Eric "Savage" Cooper.
He was gripping and groping her with their tongues dancing to the rhythm of their own song. Kaia figured they were giving everyone a show but, again, she didn't care. She was lost in Savage and he wanted nothing more than to rip that beautiful dress from her skin.
"Let's go upstairs." He whispered in Kaia's ear. She hardly understood him but when Savage started leading her upstairs, Kaia asked no questions. Actually, she was feeling a bit woozy. Savage suggested they lay down in the guest room. For some reason, Kaia's vision was getting blurry and she wasn't sure but it looked as if one of Savage's friends eased into the guest room as well, closing the door behind him. Kaia figured the liquor had him just as weak as she was. Maybe he needed to lay down, too..