Ugh, Monday, the most dreaded day of the entire week. I reluctantly dragged myself out of my bed and got ready for school. I was and wasn't looking forward to school today because Jazleen left yesterday, Elyis would be there and i would eventually run into Taj and deal with her attitude since I haven't spoken to her since I dropped her off at home on Saturday. I finished getting ready and went to go wake up my big headed brother.
"Jamie, get up," I said pushing on his head.
"Five more minutes Twin," he whined groggily.
"No, get up now, party boy," I pushed on his head again.
"Twin, five more minutes please," he begged with his eyes still closed.
"Jamie Andrew Elliot, I swear to you if you don't get up I'm going to pour water all over you," I tried not to laugh as I was speaking.
"Temperature?" He peeked on eye open at me.
"Freezing cold."
"Alright Twin, I'm up," he bolted into an sitting position.
"Good and Jamie stopping calling me Twin when you address me," i rolled my eyes.
"But I love calling you Twin," he chuckled, getting out of bed.
"Lord Christ Jamie, can you warn a girl next time before your little friend makes an appearance please," I screeched with my hands covering my eyes.
"Shit, I'm so sorry Twin, I totally forgot," he gasped covering himself.
"Just hurry up and get dressed," I said walk walked out of his room.
I made my way back to my room and put on my makeup and did a once over in the mirror. I looked pretty good today for not wanting to actually attend school. About ten or so minutes later, Jamie stopped in my doorway and started looking around the room like he had lost something. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow; I knew he was going to ask to wear something in my closet. His eyes eventually fell on one of my many New York SnapBacks, that didn't match anything he had on.
"Hey Twin, can I wear that hat of there?"
"No, where are all my other hats, my belts, and the shoes I let you wear the other day?"
"In my room," he scratched the back of his head.
"I want them all back right now, along with my M&M's jacket and maybe I'll think about it."
"Alright one sec," I watched him run across the hall and do some banging around, then come back with all my stuff including some stuff I didn't even know he had.
"Okay Jamie boy, you're free to wear this hat," I handed him a hat that actually matched his outfit for the day.
"Thanks babe," he said reaching for my phone.
"Do not touch it," I hissed.
"That's no fair, how come I didn't get one?" He pouted.
"Because you were out with you boy toy all day."
"Fine, be a jerk," he said with a huff and walked away.
"But here, take this one," I threw him my own phone when he came back.
I grabbed my shoes, my backpack, my phone, and went downstairs. My mom was on the phone and my daddy was in the kitchen grabbing his morning coffee. After putting on my shoes, I yelled "goodbye" to my dad and blew a kiss to my mom. I jumped in the car with Jamie and we headed off to school.
When we got into the school parking lot, I went to to park in my usual spot, but when I got around to my side of the parking lot, in my spot sat Elyis' red and silver motorcycle. I groaned and parked in the spot next to it. My brother gave me his signature, 'what's your problem' look and got out of the car. As I walked into the school, I could feel tension thick in the air. I wasn't paying attention to anything in front of or around me, so I ran into something hard or should I said someone. I recovered quickly and felt heat rush to my cheeks.
"Oh my apologies," his husky voice rang in my ears.
My head shot up, "Elliot?"
"Oh, hey Keyshia, what's up?" he said with a smile on his face with his hand stretched to the back of his head.
"Running into you obviously. Sorry about that by the way," I smiled.
"No sweat. Don't worry your pretty little head."
"Okay, so uh... I'll see you around," I walked fast to my locker, just a tad bit embarrassed.
When I opened my locker, a handful of cards fell out onto the ground. What the hell? I looked around, I hope whoever did this knew I wasn't trying to deal or read all of these. Looking back into my locker, I saw a bouquet of white roses (my favorite flower). I picked them up and read the card which said they were from Elyis. Ugh, why must he try so hard, he knew I was pissed at him and he thinks this is going to make things better? I had to run to class after shoving everything back into my locker because thanks to that I was now late. When I got to class my teacher Mrs. Michaelson gave me a death glare.
"Nice of you to join us Miss Elliot," she spoke with narrow eyes.
"Sorry Mrs. Michaelson, it won't happen again," I whispered (she hated when we were late without a valid excuse or pass.
"Good, now back to what I was saying," she hobbled over to the board with her giant pregnant belly leading the way. The woman looked like she was going to pop any day now and she wasn't even to full term yet.
I didn't pay attention to a word she was saying after that, i sat there at my desk with about half a million things on my mind at once. The thought of marriage one day popped to the front of all the clutter, I wanted to one day be married to someone whether it be male or female, that actually loved me and cared for me and not have to put up with the constant bull I've been putting up with these days.
When the bell finally ran, signaling the end of class, I was pulled out of my thoughts and rushed out of the room and down the hall to my locker once again. When I stepped around the corner, my locker was surrounded by a bunch of students. Oh what the hell, I thought in frustration. I pushed my way through the mass of bodies so I could get to my locker. On the floor was a giant "I'm Sorry" card, a large teddy bear, and another bouquet of white roses. Sighing, I gathered everything I needed for my next class, stuffed the card and the roses in the locker, then proceeded to walk to class carrying the stupid oversized bear.
As I walked in class, my teacher Mr. Sullivan looked in my direction confused, but just left me be. I placed the bear at the back of the class and then took my seat right in front of it. A few minutes into class, I was trying to concentrate on my work, when the door swung open and someone walked in.
"Sorry for being late Mr. S," a frown spread across my lips at the sound of the person's voice.
"Yeah, you're excused Mr. Dalton. Now take your seat and get started on the assignment," Sullivan ordered.
The footsteps echoed through the quiet classroom, I didn't bother to look up because a large part of me didn't care that much. Second later the footsteps stopped and looked around but didn't see who it was anywhere until I get a presence behind me. I turned around slowly and came face to face with the owner of the voice.
"Hey beautiful," Elyis grinned.
"Um, hello," I sighed.
"Did you get my little gifts?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Yes I did," I sighed again.
"Did you like them?" He knelt down in front of me.
"Elyis, the bear, the huge card, and the roses were beautiful, but the cards in my locker this morning were a little much," I shook my head, but a part of me, I hate to say was grinning.
"I did all of this because I love you," he looked down.
I almost choked to death," y-you love me? Is that right?"
"Yes Keyshia, I've loved you forever. I guess I was just to dumb to actually realize it," he looked me in the eyes.
"Well, you have a funny way of showing it," I whispered, while a small part of me started to grown very loudly.
"I didn't know how to handle it. Keyshia, I would do anything to have you back," his eyes were pleading.
"I want you back too kind of. 'Oh no you don't' But what about your baby and baby momma?"
"Things with her are a little complicated," he shrugged.
"I'll forgive you on one condition," I told him. 'Don't do it Keyshia!' Why not?' 'He'll hurt you again.' 'Whatever.'
"What's the condition?" He straightened up.
"You have to actually be there. Don't lie to me anymore and you can't just blow me off whenever you want," I told him with a shrug. 'Yeah like that'll happen.' 'Go away.'
"I promise from the bottom of my soul that I won't hurt you, again." "Dumbass!' 'I have to try!' "You're still stupid.'
"Well it's better than nothing I guess," he smiled.
"You two get to work," Mr. Sullivan smirked.
You could say I was a hopeful, but I knew it wouldn't last too long. I just knew that the big voice in my head was pissed at me but at the moment it just seemed right. I should probably listen to her though. Class ended after what felt like forever and I went to switch my books, then headed towards Biology. I've always felt like this class was a huge waste of time. The teacher went on and on about the biological genes of different animals and I was silently praying that the bell would just hurry up and ring. I was cursing the day my mother made me sign up for this blood retching class.
As if my prayer was being answered, the bell sounded and I was out of class. I bumped into Taj in my haste to get to my next class. Dammit, I forgot we had class together.
"Oh hey," I rubbed my neck.
"Hey, what's up?" She nodded her head (she was definitely mad).
"Not much just... yeah nothing."
"So I heard about you being showered with gifts today."
"Yeah," I shrugged.
"Where are they?" She had her eyebrow raised.
"My locker and in Sullivan's classroom. I couldn't carry that stuff around with me all day."
"Oh okay," she said slowly.
"What's wrong with you?" I sat down in my chair.
"Hmm, why don't you tell me? Why don't you tell me what happened earlier?"
"What the hell—," I stopped before I could even finish.
"Exactly, you know what I'm talking about. Why Keyshia? Why are you back with him? Why?" The anger in her eyes made me cringe.
"Because Tajinae, everyone deserves a second chance," I looked over at her.
"He's going to hurt you again and you just don't care. You don't even care Keyshia," she got more angry.
Grabbing her by the arm, I pulled her into the hallway so we could actually talk, "I do care, but I have to try again."
"Why do you need to try with him though? I don't make you happy enough?" She was practically screaming at me.
"Tajinae, stop yelling. Yes, you make me happy and I'm happy with you, but I could be happy with both of you," I sighed in frustration.
"So what does this mean?" She asked leaning against the wall.
"It means we make this work," I told her.
"I guess I can share," she sighed in reluctance.
"We'll be okay Taj, don't worry."
"I love you Keyshia. Just please don't push me away like last time."
"I promise I won't."
I turned away from her and went back into class. Why did life have to be so complicated. How come it couldn't just be like old times when I didn't want to be with anyone, guy or girl? I was a changed person I guess? My days of living behind a shield were over, although sometimes I really wanted them back.
Class took forever, but I didn't really notice because now everything seemed to be going slowly. Soon the bell rung and I walked out of class after everyone left. I looked up after opening my locker to see my large teddy bear moving towards me. I laughed when Elyis began talking in a scratchy old man voice.
"Hello beautiful, have you seen Keyshia?"
"Elyis you're a dork," I chuckled
"I know, but I'm your dork," he said still behind the bear.
"Unfortunately, yes you are," I said being serious. 'See now you realize you've made a mistake.'
"Ha-ha um yeah. Are you ready for lunch?"
"Yes I'm starving! Are you ready?"
"Sure I guess."
"Alright then, let's go."
We walked down to the cafeteria and Elyis still had the dumb bear in front of his face. In the cafeteria my loving friends started shouting my name like they haven't seen me in years. We finally made it to my table, getting my sides poked before sitting down causing me to squeal. I turned to Taj and just shook my head while sitting. My friends heads shifted back and forth between both Elyis and Taj as if they were foreigners. This went on for a few minutes before I slightly lost it on them.
"Okay, what are you weirdos staring at? I mean take a picture , it'll last longer."
"Oh , it's nothing Keyshia. Just how do you manage both of them?" CeCe asked.
"Yes, how do you do it babe?" Jamie added.
'Well, if you both keep your mouths closed and listen to what I have to say, I'll tell you," I shrugged.
"We're listening," they said in unison.
"The answer to your questions is, give them both what they want."
"If you weren't my sister and if I weren't fabulously gay, I would so make you mine," Jamie laughed.
"Marco, please control your boyfriend," I laughed with him.
"Leave your sister alone babe. You know you'd still be mine even if you weren't fabulously gay," Marco purred in my brothers ear loud enough for us all to hear.
"Ew, never mind, keep that to yourselves. Next topic of conversation," Taj groaned.
"Tajinae, you're just jealous because you're not me honey," Marco snapped his fingers.
"Marco, I'm dating your boyfriend's twin sister, so I don't think I'm taking any loses here honey," Taj fired back.
"Alright that's enough girls. Marco thank you for your help and Taj calm down, he was joking around," I intervened.
"Well, I'm going to go get some food. I don't know about the rest of y'all, but I'm hungry," Jewels stood and walked away.
"Me two, me three..." everyone else stood and followed after her.
When we got back to our table, Addison turned the conversation to Friday's party. I groaned inwardly at the mentioning of me on a table, dancing with Shauni. I choked on my food when they started talking about body shots. Where did those come from? I don't remember participating, but then again, I wasted out of my mind, anything is possible. 'Good job party animal!' 'Don't start with me.'
Lunch ended and the rest of the day flew by in a swift blink of an eye, but I had homework out the booty. I went home to drop off my school bag and grabbed my cash wallet so I could head to the pet store with my overly excited brother.
"Are we getting a new pet?" Jamie asked when we pulled into the pet store parking lot.
"Well, I was planning on getting a puppy. You sir will have to get your own," I told him getting out the car.
Stepping through the doors of the store, my eyes landed on the two most adorable puppies ever; a black yorkie and a Snow White Shisu. I wanted both of them very badly, but I only had enough money for the one and I didn't have my phone to call my parents to ask them for the extra money. Jamie and I argued about which one to get, but in the in the end I chose the little Yorkie. I was slightly upset that I couldn't have both and I could tell my little guy was going to miss his little friend
When we got home my mom and were finally home from work. I walked through the front door and I could smell Chardonnay, garlic, and tomatoes. My dad looked up with a smile when he saw us walk in.
"What's in the bag sweetheart?" He asked.
"A little gift for myself after a long day at school Daddy," I beamed.
"Can we see your little gift sweetie?"
"Of course. I think you're going to love it."
I set the doggy bag on my dads lap and took his glass, taking a sip of his drink in the process. He opened the bag and the little puppy jumped out onto the couch cushion next to him. My dad quickly put the bag on the floor and grabbed for the dog.
"Oh pumpkin, he's so small!" My dad exclaimed excitedly.
"I know! Isn't he just the cutest?" My smile was stretched from ear to ear.
"Yes he is sweetie. What's his name?" He asked playing with the dogs tail.
"Uh, hmm, I haven't thought of one yet."
"Well, we'll have to fix that now won't we little guy?" He was talking to the dog.
"How about Charlie?" Jamie said with a mouth full of grapes.
"How about no," I rolled my eyes playfully.
"How about Johnny?" My dad lit up.
"Nah, how about Shadow?" I smiled at the little pup.
"Oh yes! I like that name. He just looks like a Shadow," Jamie cooed.
Shadow wagged his tail fiercely and let out a small bark. He jumped out of my dad's arms and raced towards me, standing near the tv. I laughed and picked him up; he licked my cheek and settled into my arms.
"I think someone likes the name we gave him," my dad laughed, reaching for his glass of wine.
" I think I like it too," I said making my way to him.
About an hour so after I got home, Taj and Elyis decided to show up at my front door. When I opened it Taj practically tackled me while Elyis lag behind caring a black bag. We all gathered in the family room with my dad and my mom who finally emerged from the kitchen. Elyis out on the floor with that damn bag in his lap.
"Elyis what's in the bag?" We all asked him.
"It's a surprise," he smiled.
"Well, get on with his son," my dad saluted with his class.
"Sorry sir," Elyis said.
He unzipped the bag and out popped a little snow white Shih Tzu; The same exact one from the pet store earlier.
"Oh my gosh! How'd you know?!" I screeched.
" Jamie sent me a picture of her," he nodded towards my brother.
"Oh Jamie, thank you," I gave him a huge hug.
"You're welcome honey," he laughed.
" A second furry baby," Elyis' smile widened when I turned turned to him.
"Thank you Elyis."
"Am I invisible or something," Taj asked.
"Of course not, you did tackle me remember?" I cocked my head to the side. 'Oh here she goes again.' 'Don't start.' 'What she's being bitchy.'
"But yet you haven't said a word to me since I walked in," she pouted.
"Sorry hon, now come sit," I demanded irritated. 'See now she's pissing you off too.' 'We're the same person!'
"Okay," she said, " does the black dog have a name?"
"Yes, his name is Shadow," smiled and picked him up again.
"Oh, so what are you going to name the other one."
" I was thinking about going with Snow," I shrugged.
'' I like that," she said in a monotone voice.
" Okay, okay put the dogs down and let's go eat dinner," my mom chuckled.
We let the pups run around while we gather at the dinner table in the bar counter. My mom made roasted garlic and dried tomato spaghetti with a side Caesar salad. I poured glasses of wine and Chardonnay for my dad. My mom started being nosy and asked why Elyis was giving me such an expensive gift since my birthday was it for another month. When I told her, she and my dad choked on their food. I told them I gave him a second chance because a part of me loves him, but Jamie looked beyond upset.
"Awe, Blake our baby girl is growing up," my mom said.
"Awe, I think I'm going to have to stop calling you pumpkin, pumpkin," my dad said.
"You guys are being so extra right now. I will always be your baby girl and dad you don't have to stop calling me pumpkin, I like it," I grinned.
We went through the rest of the dinner laughing and telling jokes. I was pulled out of my daze when Snow nudged my ankle with Shadow whining in the doorway. We finished up dinner and moved back to the family room with dessert.
"Alright kids, we're calling it a night. We have to wake up early in the morning," my mom yawned.
"Alright, goodnight mom," Jamie and I waved in her direction.
"Oh what, y'all too good to hug or kiss me now?" She stood with her hands on her hips.
"Sorry momma," I stood and gave her a kiss on the forehead and she bear hugged me.
"Alright Daniella, let the kids be," my dad laugh/yawned.
"Oh fine Blake. Goodnight kids, love you all," my mom waved over her shoulder as she headed up the stairs.
"Night mom, night dad. Love you both," Jamie and I called.
We waited until they were all the way upstairs with their door closed before anything was said. I looked at Jamie, who looked at Taj, who glared at Elyis, who smirked back at me, then we all bursted into laughter. I moved to the couch and Taj followed suit, sitting across my lap, throwing her arms around my neck. I laughed a little and tried to push her off.
"Get off me," I shifted my body uncomfortably.
"But I have something for you," she smirked.
"Oh really? What is it?"
"Oh nothing," her smirk grew.
"Why would you be getting me anything when you have nothing to apologize for," I sighed deeply.
"I got this for you because I wanted you to have it," she pulled a box from her back pocket.
"Awe, that's a really cute box," I cooed.
"Well you better like what's inside. Because it cost me a good amount of money," she glared.
"Well let's open it and see what's inside shall we," I smiled.
She opened the box and handed it to me. When I looked down, I was at a loss for words because it was the diamond in crested choker I've been wanting. I put it on and pushed Taj off me so I could look at myself in the mirror. I wanted to cry when I saw how good it looked on me. I looked up to my brother who was just staring at me like I was another planet.
"Jamie, what're you looking at me like that?" I cocked my head to the side.
"Sis, you just look so gorgeous, like different than any other day," he sighed heavily.
"Oh my, I put a pretty choker it doesn't intensify or define my beauty," I blushed.
"Actually sweetheart, it does somewhat add a bit more to your looks," my mom said standing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Holy crap mom, you scared the shit out of me," I jumped with my hand covering my heart.
"I'm sorry sweetie. I just came down to tell you guys to call it a night here soon and get to bed."
"Is that an invite to have a sleepover?" Taj asked.
"Yes, but everyone sleeps upstairs, the basement is off limits and so is the living room," she laid down a few rules.
"Yes Mrs. Elliot," Taj and Elyis smiled.
"Yes mother," Jamie and I groaned.
"Alright then. Goodnight, I love you all," she waved going back up the stairs.
"Okay, if you need to get anything out of your cars, go now and then come upstairs," i told them.
"Yes ma'am," they all saluted.
"Hurry up because now I'm tired," I said picking up the dogs and started heading to my room.
When I got to my room, I put the pups down and got out my pajamas for my shower. When i got out about fifteen minutes later, my brother was going through my closet like he usually did whenever he stepped foot in my room. I cleared my throat loudly, causing him to nearly jump out of his Avengers boxers. I laughed and sat on my bed where Taj was already curled up in her Minnie Mouse pjs. After Elyis and Jamie were ready for bed, I turned out the light and curled up with my body pillow and fell asleep.
The next morning, I woke up to my phone going off in my ear. Groaning I turned off the alarm and cursed inwardly. I bounced on the bed to wake up Taj, applied to Jamie's body with my foot, and slapped Ellis in the head. While everyone woke up, I got dressed in a pair of red skinny jeans and one of my many black t-shirts. I pulled my hair into a messy ponytail, applied some mascara and finished off with some eyeliner. I gave the dogs goodbye cuddles and we all gathered downstairs, shouting 'see you laters' to my parents as they were leaving for work.
When we got to school, I was ambushed by Addison and lots of dramatic screaming. I covered my ears in protection of my ear drums and my head from the headache that would've formed if I listened to the loud pitch.
"What the hell Addy?" I snapped.
"Oh my gosh, Keyshia, student council just put the tickets for prom on sale!"
"Oh my gosh! Did you guys go with the theme and location I suggested?"
"Yes ma'am we did. The theme will be "Blood Moon Ball" and we will be holding it at the Staples Center."
"Wow, I'm so excited!" My face was starting to hurt from the amount of smiling I was doing.
"Excuse me, earth to Keyshia Tasha Elliot," Jamie interrupted.
"What is it Jay? I'm clearly having a conversation here," I said over my shoulder.
"I can see that, but if you must know, the bell is about to ring in about five seconds," he crossed his arms over his muscular chest.
"Crap, thank you sweetheart for actually paying attention," I said using my most angelic voice.
"Did you just call me sweetheart? Keyshia, I'm older than you," Jamie laughed.
"By like seven minutes. I mean come on, are you going to hold that over my head forever?" I hissed.
"Only because you're reaction every time is so damn funny."
"Whatever Jamie," I rolled my eyes.
"Get your feisty ass into the school and get to class."
"Yeah, whatever," I walked away with Addison so we could finish our conversation.
While we were discussing dress colors, Addison told me that she planned on wearing hot pink and I talked about wearing something along the lines of red or black. Since we had our first three classes together we talked prom pretty much all morning. It would be my first time going and I wanted to go all out for it. I had a big dilemma on who I was going to ask or even go with. I weighed on both hands how mad Taj would be if I didn't go with her against how mad Elyis would be if I didn't go with him. This honestly was going to be one hell of a decision.
I got to lunch and was pulled to the side by CeCe, Jewels, and Shauni, just so they could bombard me with questions.
"You guys, I'm at a crossroads right now. I don't know whether to ask Taj or Elyis to the dance," I confessed.
"How come you don't go with them both?" Jewels asked.
"Because they don't get along, you guys know that," I sighed.
"If I were you honey, I'd tell them to suck it up or go dateless," Shauni shrugged.
"Shauni, that's just because you don't care," CeCe said.
"It's not that I don't care really, it's that some people care too much," Shauni snapped.
"Alright, you two aren't helping her," Jewels stepped in.
"Whatever, how about we ask my step brother Elliot," Shauni suggested.
"Wait a minute, Elliot is your brother?" I asked a little puzzled.
"Yeah, now let's go get his opinion," she nodded and took my arm.
We walked around the cafeteria avoiding the stares from our table until we found where Elliot was sitting. He smiled when he saw us approaching.
"Shauni, what can I do for you sis?" He asked.
"We need your help," she smiled.
"What can I help with sweetie?"
"Keyshia here doesn't know whether to take her annoying girlfriend or her annoying boyfriend to prom."
"Well after meeting her the other day, Taj seems like the jealous, controlling type. I've also met Elyis and he jus seems like one of those no good types," he analyzed.
"Exactly and I don't want to hurt them," I said getting mad about it.
"I think you should just go with both of them and tell them to deal with the decision," he crossed his arms.
"That's the same thing your sister just said," I laughed, shaking my head.
"Because great mind think alike," he smile up at Shauni.
"I suppose that kind of helped," I shrugged.
"Good girl. Act more like me and everything will be a lot easier," Shauni put her arm around my waist.
"Thank you Shaun," I hugged her.
We went over to our table where Jamie was whispering in Marco's ear, Taj was taking pictures of herself, and Elyis was talking to some girls. Everyone looked up when Shauni dropped her purse in the chair. The girls Elyis was talking to walked away looking sad. I almost laughed when I saw the look of horror on his face. I sat across from both him and Taj, just to watch them. For now, I'll just let prom be and worry about it later.
