Lethal

Chapter Twenty-Six.

Throughout the week, Jibri and I spoke nonstop, my feelings for him felt even more intense than they had before. It felt nice to know that I could call him if I wanted to. He was my guiding light, the one who always kept me grounded when I was in danger of going crazy; having him back made me feel much safer. With that came the soothing sense of weight being lifted off of me; his effect on me was still a powerful one, but it didn't hurt anymore. Instead of flying off the handles when I didn't like something, I'd made a personal vow to try to see things from his perspective- I wanted to be more mature with my communication style. 

Although my mind could have spent an eternity focused on the now happy thoughts that replaced all the memories that had been marred by the breakup, I had to get some work done. It was only nine in the morning and I was already in my living room with a vision board in front of me as I tried to create outfits for an upcoming video shoot. Jericho had come over early in the morning and promised to help me with the projects that I had lined up for the day.

"Something is missing Rico; can you give me a second opinion?" I asked my friend. 

Jericho, who had been answering emails while seated on my couch, set his laptop aside. "What's the theme?" He asked as he scooted forward to get a better look at the board. Jericho had practically set his office up in my living room while waiting for me to call on him.

"I think that the song has a nineties feel to it and they want the clothes to reflect that but..." I sighed and pointed to the outfits that I'd mocked up. "I'm doubting myself a little right now."

He stood up and walked towards me and examined the board, "These fits look good Za, just walk me through the thought process until you get that eureka moment." Jericho suggested; it was something that we both did with each other if either of us was stuck on something.

I took his advice and began to explain each outfit and why I chose it, until I got to the one that had been bothering me, "I think I know what I have to do, I need to include some more unique or hard to find pieces to make this shoot more memorable. Thanks bro."

"No problem Za, you would've figured it out without me." He playfully nudged my shoulder before taking his place on the couch once again.

It took another half hour for me to finish up, which was followed by me sending a few emails and texts in search of a few limited-edition pieces that would be perfect for the shoot. After that, I slumped down onto the couch next to Jericho with a sigh of relief.

"What's been going on with you and ol' boy?" Jericho set his laptop down on the coffee table and gave me his undivided attention.

I chuckled softly and rolled my eyes, "Not much has changed since our face to face meeting." I laughed again, "Well, that's not true because we're obviously back together."

"You seem happier, but I don't want to give him the credit for that. You've been maturing a lot on your own." His eyebrows knitted together in concern, "However, I think you still need to be cautious with this situation."

I nodded in agreement at his words, "I know, but I just get lost in him sometimes. I just want to be happy with him Rico- I don't want to stir the pot."

"There's a difference between stirring the pot and speaking your mind Zana." Jericho hugged me tightly, "I don't want to rain on your parade or anything, you know that right?"

Jibri's words rang in my head, he'd said that he was the only person who really had my back. "It's only our first week back together, we're doing well and that's all that matters." I responded defensively. 

"Alright Za, I hear you." Jericho sighed, "Have you seen him since that day?"

I shook my head, trying not to appear disappointed by the fact. "He's been busy with work and so have I. Plus he's really trying to find time for Yanise and him to catch up after all the drama that I caused."