|A L W A Y S & F O R E V E R| B O O K 1

13||T h e T r u t h

Date: 8/10/15
Day of the Week: Monday
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Place: Ciara's Grandmothers Home

Ciara
Today, my grandma was holding a family barbecue at her home. So Russ and I flew out to Atlanta early this morning. Instead of staying at my grandma's, we're staying at a hotel about an hour away. I was nervous because I hadn't seen all of my family in a long time. So I don't know how things will turn out.

"Babe, chill out. Why are you so nervous?"

"Because I haven't seen my family in a minute, and me and certain people don't get along." He reaches over with one hand, grabbing mine into his as the other holds the stirring wheel.

"Don't worry, baby. Everything's gonna be fine."

"You don't know that. You don't know my family." I sighed while resting my head on the window, watching the trees as we passed by.

"There's always some sort of drama," I mumbled. He rubbed my hand gently.

"Whatever happens today, I want you to know I'm right here, baby." He kissed my cheek after parking in front of the house.

"Thank you. You're the best." I leaned over, kissing his lips gently before pulling back.

"Well, we're here now. Let's just go in and try to have a good time," He spoke. I unbuckled my seatbelt, he did the same before getting out and walking over to my side to open the car door. Once I got out, he closed it and grabbed ahold of my hand, leading me down the sidewalk to the front door. I knocked a few times and shortly after, I heard footsteps coming. The door opened, and I sighed in annoyance. She rolled her eyes.

"She in the kitchen." Afterwards, she walked off to the back where the rest of the family was.

"Who's that?" He whispered in my ear.

"That's my cousin Kennedy." I led Russ through the house to the kitchen. There my grandma was at the stove cooking.

"Hi, Granny..." She stopped what she was doing and turned around. She walked over to us and pulled me into a tight hug, rubbing my back soothingly.

"Sweetie, I'm glad you came." She says while pulling away. I nod my head in response.

"Where's Mama?"

"She went to pick up a few things from the store. She should be back soon."

"Alright." I took a seat at the table. Russ followed behind me.

"Look at you. I'm glad that you could make it. I see you've been taking up all of my granddaughter's time."

"Hey, Ms. Gladys." He extended his hand out. She dodged his handshake and pulled him in for a hug instead. She smiled widely.

"You better be treating my granddaughter like the beautiful queen she is?" Before he got the chance to respond, he was interrupted.

"Did I hear someone say my name?" I sucked my teeth at the sound of her voice. She smirked before walking into the kitchen.

"Oh, sweetheart. I was just telling your cousin's boyfriend that he better be treating my granddaughter like the queen she is." She snickered under her breath.

"Oooooh, boyfriend. I'm sure he treats her very well like the queen she is." She turned my way, wearing that nasty smirk on her face. I shook my head, already fed up with her. She turned to Russ.

"Hello. I'm Ciara's cousin, Queen." She grinned.

"Hi." Russ gave her a little wave, not interested in her. He felt the vibe change.