Love's Mercy

Laya

Walking out of the airport into the hot Tampa sun, I couldn't help but smile. This was home. No matter where I went to, Tampa would always be home. Looking around I couldn't hide the grumble building inside at the fact that Bryelle wasn't present yet. What made it even lovelier was the fact that my phone had died right after I texted her earlier so I had no way of calling her to see just where her ass was.

Pulling my shades out of my purse, I sighed as I walked over to a bench, tugging my bag behind me. I might as well be comfortable while waiting on her slow self. Sitting down and crossing my legs I took in my surroundings, more so watching everyone as they passed by me, secretly judging them. Hey, everyone does it but not everyone admits it. I will openly admit that I do that, only I don't get caught because of the oversized shades. See, smart.

"Ya know, with all the money you make one would think you could afford a proper charger."

I turned as I heard Bryelle's voice, instantly smiling. I jumped up and wrapped my arms around her. Bryelle was more than beautiful and I honestly found myself envious of the beauty she was. Even though most everyone that came in contact thought we were biological sisters due to the uncanny resemblance between the two of us, we really were just cousins. Those Hudson genes were strong, but it also didn't help that our fathers were twin brothers as well. So, basically, she was my twin.

"Stop being hateful and love me." I whined as I gave her a harder squeeze, smiling at her groans.

"Cant. Freakin'. Breath." she dramatically gasped out, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Jeez, here you bitch about not ever seeing me and I'm trying to toss out my lovin' and you're just crushing the moment here." I huffed, stepping back and gripping the handle on my suitcase.

"I kind of want to live to see tomorrow and you were cutting off my air supply there, Butch." She teased.

"Ugh, I hate that nickname. Tommy Hubbard was such a dick in middle school." I scoffed, remembering just where that nickname came from.

"He was just mad that we were better JV football players." She shrugged one of her shoulders.

"Such a douche." I grumbled, beginning to walk in sync with her. "So, you're looking good babe. In amazing shape."

"Thank you, thank you." She smiled brightly. "I've been busting my ass in the gym, switching up my routines, and I've even tried out some CrossFit because Seth swears by it."

"Oh." I perked up, raising my brows up and down as I peeked over at her. "Who's this Seth who worries about how toned your body is?"

"Down bitch, he's just a friend." She replied monotone.

"Ya know, if you got laid you wouldn't be such an ass." I smiled as she glared at me, unlocking the car we had walked upon. I placed my bags in the back and climbed into the passenger seat. "Now dear peasant, take me home!"

"Hook your seat belt whore." She replied unphased, starting the car and placing it in reverse.

Tampa traffic sucked no matter what time in the day it was. If you were in a hurry you better leave an hour before the time you were meant to get to your destination because if not, you were screwed. Even though we spent nearly 45 minutes stuck in traffic, we made the best of it. Conversation always flowed between Bryelle and me because no matter what we always had something to talk about. Even though we spoke every day and shared everything that went on in our day to day lives, we still found things to talk about between us.

The relationships that I had with my family were the ones I was most proud of. Each of them different, but always holding the same bond. Uncle Carl, Aunt Elaina, Poppa, and Bryelle were the ones I held closest to my heart. They were the ones that knew who the true Laya was and accepted me no matter what. I had some of the biggest faults and I was hard to handle at times, but no matter the circumstance I knew those four people were the constant in my life.