Growing Pains (Book II)

Chapter One

You should've known better than to think

I would leave
You should've known better than to doubt me
It don't matter if you're up,
matter if you're down
Either way I'm gonna be around

You should've known that
I would stay by your side
You should've known
Your girl was gonna ride or die
And it just don't matter if you're rich or poor
Out here doing five to ten
You should've known better

What makes you think that I would forget about you
Think about it, who comes to see you
Every Saturday and Monday I was on that receiver oh boy,
It's me your girl, your life, your world
My family and friends, they just don't understand
They say I should leave you alone
But I say that they should all just leave us alone
Don't you get it?

I never every cheated
I never ever lied
So you can stop asking
Asking me why
Why I never left you
And why I've kept it real
And why I'm still with you
(Monica - You Should've Known Better)

👸🏾

Sunday, December 26th, 2021
8:45pm...

Aaliyah

"Feel free to mix and mingle, bounce ideas around and enjoy! I'll be nearby if anyone wants to discuss anything further, and last but definitely not least, thank you all for taking the time to come out and hear me speak." I finished up as the claps and cheers began to erupt.

I stepped off the stage and greeted people individually who had come from near and far to hear me speak all damn day.

"Ms. Davenport." I turned around and a handsome man in a suit was approaching me.

"Yes?" I smiled.

"I love your idea of having a small virtual information packet on each child created for families that want to adopt." He began.

"Thank you." I smiled. "Hopefully it'll mean less children in foster care."

"That is the hope. It's a brilliant idea." He responded.

"Well, th--"

"Baby girl!" I turned around just to be swallowed into a hug from my mom. "That was so beautifully put!"

She let me go and Dom was standing there cheesing make me instantly roll my eyes.

"I didn't understand half the shit you said but you looked very smart saying it." He laughed.

"Don't do that! You know you could understand me." I playfully pushed him.

"Aye, I swear." He held his hands up as he laughed. "After the seventh big word, I was like fuck it. I'll clap when everyone else claps." He laughed.

"Maaaan, I hate you!" I was cracking up.

"You were perfect." Ma slapped Dom's arm.

"Where's Ari?" I asked, looking towards the table she was sitting at when I finished my speech.

"Cyn had to use the potty." She informed me.

I nodded, knowing that could take all night.

"I loved it!" Jas approached me with open arms.