Forever And Always (HCBTO Sequel)

3

"How long y'all gon be gone?" Jayceone asked. He pulled Sky into his lap and she cuddled up against him.

"Just a week" Sydney shrugged. "Now I want y'all to behave and don't hesitate to call ok?"

"I go too mommy?" Sky asked.

"Not this time baby girl. But we'll bring you back a big gift though" Damian smiled. He grabbed Sky and threw her over his shoulder.

"While you're away, we can have friends over right?" Imani asked walking into the living room with a hot pocket and a bag of skittles.

"Yea but only Xavier and Lona. Nobody else and I mean that shit" Sydney said sternly. "Alright, our flight leaves in a few. See y'all later babies"

Sydney kissed all 3 of her kids on the forehead and Damian did the same to the girls. "Watch over your sisters"

"Got you pops" he nodded.

A few hours after Damian and Sydney left, it was dinner time and Xavier was over. Imani stood in the kitchen cooking while he stood against the counter.

Sky was watching TV in the living room and Jayceone was upstairs with Lola.

"How long your parents gone for ?" Xavier asked.

"About a week."

Xavier moved closer but didn't touch her. "Can I take you out tonight?"

Imani looked at the time over the stove. 7:19pm.

"No, I have to finish cooking for Sky and Jay and besides, I have to watch Sky until my parents get back"

"She can come with us. We could go to the movies then come back here" he suggested. "You know Sky loves her some X" he smiled.

Imani laughed because that was true "Not tonight Xavier"

"Why not?"

"Just not up for it" she shrugged while turning the stove down. She turned and faced Xavier and started into his mesmerizing brown eyes. "Maybe another time though"

"Be ready by 8. And don't forget about Sky too" he said turning and walking out the kitchen.

Lona sat in the middle of Jayceone bed with her legs crossed, eating a bag of chips. She had on a sports bra and sweats with some socks.

Jayceone laid out across the bed in only some basketball shorts and Nike socks. His head was in Lona lap while she munched on her chips.

"Damn girl, quit dropping crumbs in my eye" he said, laughing.

"Then move out my lap" she laughed, pushing his head.

"Naw just chill. I like laying in your lap"

"I know nigga so shut that shit up" she laughed.

He said texted away on his phone while she watched TV and ate her chips. "We need to spend some more time together"

"Like best friend time?" She asked looking down at him. It took Jayceone awhile to speak because that's not what he meant but eventually he did. "Alright, I'm bringing my baby with me"

"Sky?" He asked. Lona nodded and smiled wide "Cool with me, but I get to choose the time and place"

"Cool with me" Lona said mocking Jayceone. He sat up quickly, knocking the chips over the bed and pinned Lona down. "Move nigga. Yo heavy ass" she giggled.

"Naw you like playing. Talk that shit now"

"Talk that shit now" she mocked. She giggled some more but stopped when Jayceone stopped. He looked down at her with something in his eyes. Something she couldn't figure out. "Jay" she said.

He didn't answer, just kept staring. He leaned down towards her lips and just a few centimeters away, Sky bust into the room all dressed and smiling.

Jayceone quickly moved and sat on the side of the bed while Lona sat up and backed up against the wall.

"Bye Jay Jay. Bye Lona"

"Where you going baby girl?" Lona asked, waving for Sky to get in the bed.

"Movie date with Sissy and X" she smiled.

"What about our movie date Sky?" Jayceone asked smiling.

"You not ask" she shrugged turning to climbed off the bed. Sky smoothed out her shirt and turned to walk out. "I know how to keep a secret. Shh"

Jayceone and Lona bust out laughing and went on with the night like nothing happened.

Xavier reached for Imani hand and when she didn't pull away like she did so many times before, he smiled to himself as he entwined their fingers.

"How you liked the movie baby girl?" He asked Sky as she skipped a short distance in front of them.

"It was funny. And the candy was so good"

"What you say Sky?" Imani said.

"Thank you X"

"You're welcome" he said. "How'd you like the movie?" He asked Imani. She looked up at him and smiled.

"It was cool. Thanks for bringing us"

"It ain't nothing. I'd love to take you out more often but you don't like spending time with me" he fake pouted. "Its OK though, I'll just find another female to chill with" Imani yanked her hand away from his and sped up her pace. "Imani, I was playing"

She ignored him and grabbed on to Sky's hand, leading them to Xavier's car.

The 30 minute drive home was long and quiet but that's only because every time Xavier tried to apologize or make conversation, Imani ignored him.

Pulling up to Imani house, Xavier got out and opened the door for Imani then Sky. He picked Sky up and followed Imani into the house.

Going to her room, he plopped down on the bed and just watched her. "What?" She snapped.

"I apologize for what I said"

She nodded her head slightly and turned to her dresser.

"Why you so upset over what I said anyway?" He asked.

"You shouldn't have said that to me or while I was around"

"I'm thinking we just friends. If I knew your true feelings for me, trust me. I wouldn't have said no shit like that. I don't know how you feel about me so I don't know what shit to say and what not to say"

"So that's your excuse? My feelings for you dictate what you do and don't say to me?"

"Its not an excuse ma. I'm taking you out on these dates, or trying to take you out as many times as I can, and every time I try and make a move on you, you shut me down so I'm thinking we just friends. As friends, I should be able to say certain things without you getting upset. Am I right?"

Imani nodded but didn't speak. Xavier stood up and stood beside her.

"But I ain't mean that Imani. It was just a simple comment that I ain't think would get you mad."

"OK" she mumbled walking into the bathroom. Xavier grabbed her hand and turned her around.

"So how you feel about me?"

"We're just friends" she said pulling her hand away and walking into the bathroom. Xavier sighed, wanting her to be honest. Over the past few days, her feelings have been clear but Xavier wants Imani to speak on them.

Xavier grabbed his things and left .

Imani sat on the edge of the tub, feeling more overwhelmed then ever. She doesn't know if she likes him as a friend , or more.

But even if she did like him more than a friend, there's no time in her life for a boyfriend. But it would be nice to call Xavier hers and only hers.

Imani smiled to herself before running her water and showering.