When It's All Said And Done (You're The One For Me) 2

Chapter Twelve

Kaydence

The look on Tai's face when he sees his family is like he's seen a ghost. I'm a little confused because I know he said his mom and sister were coming, but he didn't say anything about anyone else. He lets Regan go and pulls his mom into a hug.

"It's so good to see you," she rubs his back.

They pull away from one another.

"And who is this?" Tai's mom asks looking at me.

"Ma, this is Kaydence...my girlfriend," he introduces me.

The mood shifts instantly and both his mom and the girl's faces drop.

"Girlfriend? You neva told me you had a girlfriend Tai," she says and I become slightly uncomfortable.

"I neva told you 'cause when we spoke it was never the right time." Tai looks at me, "Kay, this is my momma, Tiana Alexander."

I extend my hand to her, "Nice to meet you."

She politely smiles and shakes it, "Same here."

"And that's my shadow, Regan," he points to her while smiling.

"Hi," she waves.

"Hey," I wave back.

We stand in an awkward silence for a moment and I wait to see if anyone, including the girl, is going to introduce her.

"Uh, this is Layla," Ms. Tiana introduces the girl. "She's one of Tai's old friends from back home. She offered to drive us down so I thought it'd be nice to surprise Tai since he hasn't seen her in while."

"Nice to meet you," I smile.

She's a little hesitant, but smiles back, "Likewise."

"Well, uh, let's go inside," Tai says and grabs Regan's hand.

We head inside and purchase our tickets. Once we start making our way through the aquarium, we become divided. Tai, Regan, and I stay together and Ms. Tiana and Layla are a little behind us. Tai occasionally looks back at them then at me.

"Why do you keep looking at them?" I ask.

"No reason."

"But—"

"Tai, look!" Regan interrupts.

She points at a whale swimming by in the tank and pulls him closer to see. At this point, things are weird and I'm just ready to go home.

After leaving the aquarium, we go to the Varsity to get something to eat. I've been wanting to eat here since coming to Atlanta, but never got a chance to. We get our food and look for a table. Regan finds one and puts her tray down.

"Tai, sit by me," she pulls out her chair.

Tai makes his way to sit by her and before I can claim the seat on the other side of him, Layla sits down. I stare at her for a moment wanting to push her out of the chair, but I just go sit on the other side by Ms. Tiana.

"So, Kaydence, you in school?" Ms. Tiana asks as everyone begins to eat.

"Yes ma'am. I go to Clark Atlanta with Tai," I take a sip of my lemonade.

"Oh, you a junior too?"

"I'm a sophomore."

"Oh, what you studyin'?"