Girlfriend: Sophomore year (REMASTERD)

13

XXXTentacion

"Y'all muthafuckas ready?" I scream into the mic as the crowd roars, hyping me and Ski up.

"Y'all better catch my vro, y'all hear me?" Ski shouts, his energy contagious as the boys in the crowd start swarming toward the stage.

"1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4—FUCKED UP, FUCKED UP, FUCKED UP!" The beat drops, and the sound shakes the floor. The lights flash, and they throw me into the crowd. This is it—the adrenaline, the wild excitement of people screaming my name, singing my songs, and bringing me back to life.

The bass thumps in my chest as they toss me back onto the stage, and Ski holds up his phone to show me a picture: Kehlani's ultrasound. Twin boys. I freeze for a moment, the weight of the news settling in. I reach out to stop the music.

"Ayo, guys! Guess what? I'm having twins!" The crowd explodes. Hell yeah, I'm happy as fuck. I'm having boys—mini me's. Ski hugs me tight, and the rest of the boys follow suit, showering me with congratulations. It feels like the world is finally on my side. I'm blessed, but as I look out into the crowd, I realize—there's one person I wish I could share this moment with. Keh.

⸻

Kehlani

Last period. Robyn and Michael are by my side as the rest of the class finishes their homework or watches Jah's and Ski's performance live from the gym. I can hear the crowd screaming from the speakers. I've got my own world to focus on, though. I'm watching Jah on screen, but my mind's elsewhere.

I smile to myself. "I'm having twin boys," I hear Jah shout over the mic, and I can't help but feel a mix of emotions. He's so hyped about it, but I'm just... still processing everything. The boys can't keep anything to themselves, but it's good that Jah knows. He seems happy about it, and honestly, that's all I wanted. For him to know.

"So, do you have names for the babies yet?" Jess asks, breaking me from my thoughts. She's a friend I've slowly warmed up to over the past few weeks. She's small, dark-skinned, with striking blue eyes and freckles. And her sass? I'm here for it.

"Nah," I say with a grin, rubbing my belly. "Definitely not gonna be no damn junior." The thought makes me chuckle to myself.

Jess smirks. "Ooooh, girl, you still mad at him?"

"No," I shake my head, the truth coming out smoother than I expected. "I'm over him. I'm focused on school and my lil ones." I rub my belly again, the weight of motherhood sinking in. It feels amazing to finally say it out loud. My babies are coming. They're real. They're mine.

Jess pauses for a moment, the look on her face thoughtful. "Well, listen," she says, her tone softer. "I know you said no baby shower, but I really think you should reconsider. And as much as you hate Jah... he needs to be there."

I freeze, a sharp pang running through my chest. I hate that she's right. I hate how she knows me too well. Her and Ed—they always have a way of reading me, and it irritates the hell out of me, but I can't deny that they're right. I don't want to see Jah. I don't want to deal with him. But... I can't keep him from his kids. Not after everything.

"Have a good afternoon, everybody. Remember to do your assignments," the teacher calls out, and the bell rings, signaling the end of class. I stand up, feeling Robyn's hand slip into mine as we make our way out of the classroom.

Kodak and Michael have been helping me and Robyn since the rest of the boys are off on tour. I didn't expect them to stay behind, but I guess they wanted to make sure we had support. Honestly, it's sweet of them. They didn't have to do it. They didn't have to be there. But they've been good uncles, checking in on us.

I can't say the same for the rest of the boys, though. They're caught up in the hype, loving the attention they get from all the girls willing to do anything for them. It's exhausting to watch. I just hope one day they'll grow up and leave all that behind. For now, I'm doing this on my own. And honestly, with Robyn and the others here, I think I'm gonna be okay.