FUCKED.

10

"We have to go to the carnival before it's ten!" Sapphire yelled, her impatience palpable. "I don't want to miss the wheels!" Her frustration was evident, and I could barely manage a smile through the agony gripping my abdomen.

"Babe, you have to get up and wear your clothes before Fireball starts lecturing us about wasting time," she continued, trying to be humorous. My smile faltered as the cramps intensified.

"Can I stay, please? I'm dying," I pleaded, hoping they'd understand my pain.

"Bitch, get your boujee ass here before I break down the door," Keisha snapped. "It's just cramps; at least you can endure it. My head's splitting, I've got a rash, and I'm still going to this carnival with this blonde bitch." Her frustration echoed my own, and I felt a pang of empathy.

Travis stepped in, trying to help. "That was a great speech, but I'm not letting you suffer. Wear my shirt, and I'll help wrap your hair."

I was stunned by his offer. The door swung open, and Sapphire, Keisha, and Jason looked at Travis with surprise.

"Why are you here—"

"Oh shit, I said that out loud, didn't I?" Travis's face turned red as they nodded. I was still too stunned to respond.

"Bitch, it's yes or no, not maybe," Keisha demanded, throwing daggers my way. "Hurry up, I need to pee!" Sapphire's phone was live, adding to the chaos.

"I don't think I asked properly, ladies," Travis said, his voice steady.

The room fell silent as he knelt before me, holding my hands. "Chloe Marie-Ann Montana, I know I'm not perfect, and there are stories you might not like. But you're the one I want to be with from dusk till dawn, through every gray sky and fading memory. Will you grant me the honor of being my girlfriend?"

The revelation of my maiden name surprised Sapphire. "Wait, her maiden name is Marie-Ann? No wonder she—"

"Shut up, Sapphire," Keisha interrupted. "The speech, remember? That's what you heard."

"What are you waiting for? Just say yes!" Sapphire shouted, her voice filled with urgency.

"I'm sorry, Travis. You know I don't do love—"

"It's okay," Travis said, rising. "I understand." He turned toward the door, his disappointment clear.

"Owww, man, you're live, Chloe! You could have said yes and dumped him later at the carnival," Keisha groaned. I felt a pang of regret, but my feelings were conflicted.

"I don't believe in love, Travis, but with you, I feel safe and I really like you. I'd love to be your girlfriend."

Keisha dashed out to catch Travis, who was heading back in. Sapphire's excitement was contagious as she screamed, "Yes! Finally!"

Travis reentered, looking at me with a relieved smile. "I'd love to be your girlfriend, T," I said softly.

He picked me up, his lips claiming mine in a kiss that felt like fireworks. Our tongues danced for dominance, and the intensity of the moment was overwhelming.

"That's enough, kids. Save the PDA for the carnival," Keisha said, walking out and leaving us alone.

"That was scary, babe. You're one hardcore girl," I admitted, apologizing as I kissed him again. "My shirt looks good on you. Let me show you how to wrap your hair."

As he raised my hair, I stiffened when he touched my bruises. "Your bruises aren't healed yet," he said, his concern evident.

"I'm fine," I lied, though the pain was sharp. He noticed but didn't press further.

"If you ever want to talk about it, I'm here," he said softly.

"You know, eating that pus—"

I smacked him on the head, quickly grabbing my canvas shoes and purse.

"Are you guys done? We need to lock the apartment!" Sapphire barged in, glancing between Travis and me before heading out.

We took Jason's car, which was more spacious and cozy. The ride was filled with music and debates over trivial topics like Oreos vs. Kit Kat and Jennifer Lopez vs. Madonna. The conversation took a wild turn with discussions on 50 Shades and even Acrimony, leading to a lively and hilarious exchange.

We got pulled over twice by the police, and Keisha responded by singing a diss track to Jason, which turned into a full-blown rap battle.

"You must think that I'm stupid, you must think that I'm a fool," Keisha rapped, with Jason firing back, "It's a big, big world, it's very easy to get lost in it."

Sapphire joined in, "Said, lil bitch, you can't fuck with me if you wanted to." Keisha smirked triumphantly as Jason's mirror reflected his disbelief.

"Ion give a fuck, bitch. I don't fuck with you," Sapphire added, and I could tell Keisha had won this round.

"Chloe, want me to take him down slowly or just end him?" Keisha asked, a playful smirk on her face.

I grinned. "Rule number one to be a boss-ass bitch, never let a clown nigga tryna play you. If he plays you, then rule number two, fuck his best friend..."

We ended the rap battle with high fives and laughter.

"That was sick," Travis said, kissing my ear and pulling me closer. "I can't believe we lost to her."

"That's not the worst. Imagine her snatching a position you've targeted for years in just two minutes."

"We'll finish this battle when we get back, but for now, paradise awaits us!" Sapphire screamed as the carnival came into view.

"Wait, is it a carnival or a fair?"

"Both, I guess. But whatever it is, you'll meet celebrities here, so don't lose your cool," Sapphire warned as we got out of the car.