Changez

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Mo

I stood over the toilet clutching my stomach as I threw up again. I've been calling Earl since 5am and it still hasn't settled down.

The more I hurled, the weaker my legs got. I sank to my knees and flushed the bile.

Keke busted in and handed me lemon water.

"Here, drink this. My mama used to always give this to me when I had a upset stomach. Works like a charm."

I grabbed the cup and took a swig, desperate for this feeling to go away.

Dijah walked into the bathroom.

"Girl, what the fuck? Are you okay?" She questioned.

I wiped the corners of my mouth and looked up at her with tired eyes.

"Couldn't be better." I scoffed.

"You was drinking, bitch?" Dijah raised an eyebrow.

"Must've been something I ate." I shook my head.

"That Chinese food from down the block'll do it to ya. Well, get better fast. We going to FunWorld later." Dijah smiled.

"FunWorld, what for?" I picked myself up from the floor.

"We wanna take Kemorre. If you don't feel better by then, you don't have to come."

"Uh, yes she does. I don't need her getting in any trouble here... Tupac fuck around and pop up. You know how he do." Dijah smirked.

"Chile, please." I nervously laughed.

"I gotta head back to bed, you good, Mo?" Keke rubbed my back.

"Yeah, the lemon water helped out. Y'all can go on back to sleep before Kemorre wake up and see y'all gone." I shooed them off.

"Come get us if anything, g'nite, boo." Dijah said as she left the bathroom with Keke close behind.

I looked in the mirror and exhaled. I haven't gotten around to telling them about my reconciliation with Pac.  I mean, everybody got their own shit going on. Who cares about us?  It's not important.

Pac and I have been hookin up and knockin major boots since that night. I just can't seem to get enough of that man...I still don't know what it is about him that has me hooked. All bullshit aside, that boy is somethin special.

***

I munched on a Charleston Chew as I swept the front porch while Kriss Kross blasted from the radio inside.

I danced a little as I used the broom as a mic.

"They tried to step to the Mac then they got jacked to the back you'll be sportin' the gear that's coincidental Act like you know and don't be claiming that it's mental -"

"Ooooh- weee! I never seen a woman look fine while sweeping." Devante's voice cut me off.

"You wasn't supposed to see me." I stuck my tongue out at him.

"I'm glad I did. Goodmorning beautiful." He shot me a smile.

"Goodmorning, how was the week in Connecticut?" I asked as I emptied out the dustpan.

"It was cool, I got to take my moms out and shit. She's getting married..." Devante looked off into the distance.

"Really? Wow, congratulations to her!"

"Yeah." He scoffed.

"You don't seem too happy about it," I looked at him.

"My mother should've settled down a long time ago with my dad. I don't even know this busta she's engaged to. He got bank though. Maybe that's why she's doing it." He shook his head.

"Huh, she's grown, Tay. She's gonna do what she feels is right for her and hers. Atleast you over here so it ain't in your face." I rubbed his chin hair.

"I know. I missed you, though. What you been up to?" Devante raised an eyebrow.

"Eh, nothing really. Hanging with my girls." I shrugged.

"Something seems different about you..." He dimmed his eyes.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

"I can't put my finger on it, but it ain't nothin bad. You still a Roni." He bit his lip.

"Boy, you better stop." I grinned.

"You know what I was thinking about all that time I was away?" He nudged me.

"No, what?"

"Them soft ass lips." He eyed me.

I felt myself blush.

"Quit playin." I pushed him.

"You need to stop playin."

"We're going to FunWorld later!" I blurted out, desperate to change the subject.

"Oh yeah? When? Maybe I can go with y'all." He smiled.

"Maybe you can drive us, too." My eyebrows jumped.

"Maybe not. I got some food in the crib, you hungry?" Devante asked.

"Thanks but I haven't been able to keep anything down all day. I think I have a lil food poisoning." I shook my head.

"How you going to FunWorld like that? All they have are rides. You'll be throwing up all night."

"I won't get on any rides."

"You need to stay here, let me take care of you while they're gone. I have tea." He pleaded.

"You're sweet. But I'll be fine, quit worrying."

"Well if anything, don't hesitate to call me. You know I'll drop whatever I'm doing for you, pretty."

I bit my lip and smiled. Devante gave me a small kiss.

I was taken aback a bit, but I said nothing.

"So I'll see you later?" I asked Devante.

"Yeah, I'll come check up on you before that, though." He tried to kiss me again but I moved so he'd make contact with my cheek.

"See ya." He said before heading back into his home.

I went back inside and closed the door. I stood there for a second and thought about my life's decisions because I had the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other.

-That boy really wants you. You can have a fresh start and put everything behind you. Pac cheated once and he'll cheat again. If he really loved you he wouldn't have put you through all of this.

-But then again, you know Tupac Shakur. You know his heart. You was there before all the fame and nonsense. The heart wants what it wants. You didn't get this far for nothing. You didn't risk your life for nothing. Monika, what'll make you happy in the long run?

I shook my head and inhaled.

Everything falls in place, what's meant to be will  always be.

***