“Oh, okay.”
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. I was just curious.”
She looks at me skeptically, but I flash her a smile, assuring her that I am fine. She nods before turning her attention back to her phone. I pull out mine as well and open IG. After a quick search, I found Raine’s profile, and damn…she was so attractive. I could feel the infatuation growing, and I was getting anxious that I hadn’t stopped to talk to her, so I followed her. I wasn’t sure if anything would come out of this, but at least I’d get to see her new photos whenever she posted.
I then swiped over to her videos, hoping to see more of her dancing, and the first one made my eyebrows shoot up. It was a post in a collaboration with another account and had over half a million views. I switched over to the other page and saw that it was one specifically for her dance videos. So, I followed that one too, and then scrolled down to finally watch the video. When I pushed play, I was taken aback as my song blasted through the headphones.
The choreography was different from the one I’d seen her doing earlier. This one was something she’d no doubt come up with all on her own. Honestly, I don’t think anyone could keep up with the way she moved.
She was graceful but powerful, and watching her was like watching the best scene of my favorite movie over and over. I could see why this video had gotten so many views, but it definitely deserved more because she was talented as hell. And by the looks of the comments, everyone else thought so as well. So, I did something that I rarely do.
I shared the video on my story.
Over the next thirty minutes, I watched as her follower count started to climb. I was content with the outcome, but I hoped it wasn’t too overwhelming for her. I know how hectic it can get to have so many people follow you out of the blue. I just wanted her to get the recognition she deserved because her skills were worthy of that and more.
I finally locked my phone and sighed to myself as we pulled up to my parents’ place. It wasn’t the same house we’d grown up in since I’d purchased a house for them right after I got my first big check. It was a token of my appreciation for them always being there for my siblings and me. I adored my parents like crazy, and without them, I wouldn’t have had the guts to follow my dreams.
They’ve always encouraged us since we were younger, constantly telling us to follow our hearts. They wanted us to be happy and enjoy life to the fullest. They never said to us that what we wanted to achieve was unattainable. In fact, they repeatedly reminded us that we were capable of doing anything we put our minds to. In a world full of people praying for your downfall, it was nice to have people who genuinely supported you.
“The company rented out the entire store, so y’all can just take your time when you get there,” My aunt said as I climbed out of the SUV. I thanked her, and she smiled. “You sure you don’t want us to go with you?”
“Nah, we’ll be fine,” I assured her. “Devin doesn’t like too much attention being drawn to them, so I prefer just to drive myself. Dominic will be with us too, so don’t worry.”
“Okay, well, I'm off to another meeting. Call us if you need us.”
I wave as they pull off. Once the gate closed behind them, I turned to walk up the few steps to the front door. Instead ofknocking, I used my key and let myself in. Bud, our family dog, immediately greets me. After giving him a few head scratches and switching my shoes for a pair of the house slippers by the door, I travel deeper into the house and towards the smell of something delicious. We’d stopped to get food on the way, but my stomach was growling once again because I knew that my mom was making her specialty of fried fish Po’ Boys.
“Mmm, it smells good in here,” I say as I enter.
Four heads turn towards the sounds, and soon, I’m being pulled into hugs from every side. It’s been too long since I saw them, and I instantly felt at peace in their embrace. There was nothing like being around family to brighten the mood.
“How have you been, my love?” My dad asks as my mom continues to pepper my cheeks with kisses. I giggle.
“Okay, Mom. Okay,” I say. “I’ve been good. Dang woman, I’ve only been gone two weeks.”
“And that’s two weeks too long,” she pouts. “You can’t blame us for being worried about you always being on the road.”
“And I don’t. I’m glad to be back, even if it is only for a little over a month,” I say, walking over to greet my sister-in-law Jennie. I place my hand on her protruding stomach. “How’s my nephew doing? He’s not giving you a hard time like his bigheaded ass daddy, huh?”
“You better chill out, Dawn,” Dominic warned with a laugh. “Already starting, I see.”
“You know I gotta keep you on your toes, baby bro.”
“Y’all two are something else,” Jennie replies. “And he’s doing well. He’s really active. Dom keeps saying that it means he’s gonna be an athlete.”
“Or, he could be a singer who happens to dance like his auntie,” I suggested.
“Whatever he is, he’s gonna be the best, I just know it,” my brother says, staring at his wife with pure adoration in his eyes. “Just like his Mommy.”
“Aww,” she gushes, and they share a kiss.
“Ugh, kill me now,” I joke, pretending to gag. He throws a plastic fork at me, which I dodge. “Alright, relax. Now, where is my favorite sibling?”
“I’m right here,” he says.
“Ew, yuck. Don’t flatter yourself. Just because you were born only ten months after me, doesn’t mean that you’re my favorite, loser,” I tease, causing everyone else to laugh. He flips me off, and our dad pops him upside the head.
