“I got you. Good night, Cocoa Puffs.”
“Good night, daddy!” She hung up before I could respond. I shook my head, chuckling to myself.
Everyone thought we were secretly in love with each other, and they weren’t wrong on my end. From the moment I laid eyes on Naiari, I knew she was special. Over the years, we fell into a rhythm of being best friends, but I wanted to marry her one day. She admitted to having a crush on me years ago, but she claimed she stopped seeing me in a romantic way because I was sexually free. Well, in her words, I was a hoe, but it was the same thing. I explained to her I was only doing what single men did, but she claimed I didn’t have the ability to be monogamous.
To be honest, I couldn’t say she was wrong. I rarely dated, and when I tried to take someone seriously, it always ended the same way. Either I would find out they had an ulterior motive, or I would end up fucking with someone else. I didn’t think it meant I couldn’t be faithful; I just hadn’t found a woman who made me want to try. Most of the bitches who chased after me only wanted to be around for the benefits. They weren’t interested in my heart; they wanted my money and my dick. I gave them what they were looking for, and in return, I got what I needed. The way I saw it, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement. When it came time to settle down, I believed I would be able to do so with no issues. The problem was that the only person I saw myself settling down with was her.
A Week Later
“You think Justin is gonna ask me to the homecoming?” Nova asked. I rolled my eyes as I walked back into the house to grab some water for us. It was fall, but the weather didn’t seem to know that.
“I thought you were done with him for good?” I shook my head at my friend because I smelled the bullshit from a mile away.
“I mean, I’m still mad at him, but we’ve been talking here and there. I’m not saying we’re getting back together, but I also don’t want to see him with anyone else.”
I nodded in understanding, even though I would never agree with her going back to him. The two of them were joined at the hip at one point, so I could see why it was hard for her to let himgo completely. However, what he did to her was unforgivable in my opinion.
“Don’t give me that look, Ari. Justin is my first love and the person who took my virginity. I love him.”
“I get it, Novie boo. You love him, and you aren’t ready to leave. My only question is, does he love you?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“If he really loved you, then he wouldn’t have hurt you the way he did. I’m gonna support whatever decision you choose to make, but you can’t blame me for being concerned. He didn’t forget your birthday or anniversary. He has a baby on the way with the girl you hate. How can you even consider taking him back?” Nova’s tears fell as she dropped her head.
We were both caught off guard when Aleessa confronted her about Justin being her baby daddy. Apparently, he was pressing her to get an abortion, so he wouldn’t lose Nova, and that pissed her off. She figured if she exposed the secret, then he would have no choice but to accept her and the baby.
“I know. I feel so stupid for even wanting to be with him, but I don’t have anyone else. Outside of my friends, he’s the only person who truly cares about me,” Nova reasoned.
My heart broke for her because she had been through so much in her life. I completely understood her attachment to Justin because it was the same way I felt about Keynauri.
I got up and hugged my girl because it was clear this was affecting her more than she had been letting on. Nova possessed one of the biggest hearts, but life hadn’t been kind to her. Seeing her hurt broke my heart because she deserved better.
“Yo! Yo! Aww, shit. What y’all over here crying about?” The moment I heard his voice, I felt a calmness wash over me.
“Your punk ass friend.” Nova huffed while wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. Keynauri’s head dropped in understanding.
“Aye, you know I don’t fuck with that nigga anymore. He switched up on the crew once he moved to the westside. He doesn’t even answer East’s calls anymore, so I told him to stop trying. I can’t tell you how to feel, but if a nigga doesn’t put you first, then you shouldn’t be crying over him.”
“I agree, but it’s easier said than done. Y’all love to play with bitches’ hearts and then leave us to pick up the pieces,” I shot back.
“Aye, unswole yo’ chest, Cocoa Puffs. While I can agree that some men do play mind games, you can’t lump us into one category. It’s all about maturity. Some dudes love the idea of being in a relationship but lack the discipline to be with one woman. Now, chill out with all that attitude and come give your best friend some love. A nigga ain’t talked to you all day, and this is how you greet me?” Nauri showed off his beautiful smile, and I instantly turned to mush.
“I’m sorry, friend. You know I don’t play about my girl.”
“As you shouldn’t, but fuck all of that. Come here.” His arms were open, waiting for me to step into them. I told him time and time again that his hugs were magical. Anytime I stepped into his embrace, it felt like everything was gonna be okay.
“I missed you today. Why you ain’t text me like you normally do in the morning?” he asked. This time, it was my turn to drop my head in embarrassment.
“Umm, my phone’s off.” Nauri’s eyes squinted as he processed my words. My dad usually paid my phone bill, so I had never had an issue before.
“What’s going on with that? I thought you were on yo’ daddy’s plan.”
“He and my momma got into it about my school fees and some other stuff. He bought my school clothes and shoes this year, so he felt like he shouldn’t have to pay my portion of the phone bill.”
“Why would your mom pay his phone bill? Aren’t you on a plan with him and your other siblings?”
“Yeah, I am. Ever since he remarried, his wife has been complaining about all the things he does for me. I’ve overheard them arguing about it a few times when I spent the night with them. My mom never put him on child support because he always took care of my needs, but now, all of a sudden, he’s complaining about every little thing.” My feelings were hurt when I heard my parents arguing about me.
