P I N K Y

"Nuh body never tell you fi follow behind me," I rolled my eyes and picked up the broom.

Cause why him follow behind me and now him a complain say the sun hot.

"Yuh did more than want me come," he waved me off. "Gwaan yuh ways."

Disregarding his presence, I wielded the broom, diligently sweeping away every speck of dirt that marred the pristine surface of the tiled area.

No dirt to the lady place.

As the sun's heat began to sear through, I reluctantly acknowledged his earlier assertion, realizing the truth in his words.

Waah burn up me nice clean skin.

"I can't see anything, likkle miss," my aunt remarked, her voice emanating from my phone, which was propped up on the grills.

If it ever drop.

I walked over to the phone, broom in hand, and picked it up, ready to address my aunt's concern.

"Me a sweep off the sumn," I said to her. "How me ago hold the phone and do that?"

"Kotch it up pan sumn nuh young girl," she instructed me. "Me waah see."

"Me a go put it down on the next side and see if you can see better," I said to her.

Moving to the opposite side of the rectangular area, I carefully placed my phone down, ensuring a better view for my aunt to observe the surroundings.

With her faas self. Still love her though.

"You can see better now?" I asked her, hoping that she could see where he best friend laid.

"Yeah, thank you," she replied and I shook my head with a smile.

Returning to the task at hand, I efficiently swept off the area, completing the task in a mere five minutes.

Me hungry enuh.

Girl you always hungry.

Me know, and cyaa gain no weight.

Such is life.

Leaning the broom against the grill, I walked out to the car.

Placing my hands in the open trunk of the car, I lifted the flowers before making my way back to the grave.

Once I had delicately placed the flowers on top, I looked down at them, my brows knitted together in contemplation.

"Neicey?" My aunt called on the phone and I walked over to it and picked it up.

"Yeah?" I answered her.

"How often yuh normally do this? Come look fi her and clean up and sumn?" She inquired.

"Every month, or when me mad cap take me," I told her honestly, taking a seat on the tiled surface.

"So how you a go continue do that when you a plan fi -"

Her mouth!

"Aunty," I stopped her from speaking and laughed. I turned the camera to back camera. "Remember that I'm not alone."

"Oh, I forgot," she grimaced and I turned the camera back on myself.

"Yup."

"Call me when you reach home, I have a meeting in a few minutes," she said to me.

"Alright, I will," I replied and nodded my head. "Later Princi."

Concluding the call, I turned my attention to Zachary, finding him already gazing in my direction, our eyes meeting in an unspoken exchange.

"Wah she did o' say?" He asked me. "Wah you a plan fi do?"

"Nothing," I shrugged, getting up and brushing off my skirt.

"Cause me an idiot," he mumbled.

"Maybe," I picked up the broom and stepped out of the grill, closing it.

"Later, good nobody Danette," I waved as I walked off.

Unserious bad!

Returning to the car, I stowed the broom in the back before closing the trunk and taking my place in the passenger seat.

"Chauffeur you a move too slow enuh," I joked. "I have places to be."

"Nuh inah no chattings with you enuh,"he mumbled.

Hmmm.

"Wah me do now?" I laughed, glancing at him.

He settled into the car, starting it without uttering a word.

Him lucky.

Reaching for the pack of wet wipes, I began cleaning off my hands, ensuring a sense of cleanliness before doing anything else.

Cause me love touch my face every minute.

I picked up my phone from my lap and went to the camera.

"Look pan me eye them," I laughed. "Fava some Chinese."

"A cause yuh bawl too much man," Zachary shook his head, driving off.

"Yep," I agreed with him. "I am a professional cryer if yuh never know."

"A you a tell me," he answered me while focusing on the road.

I yawned and covered my mouth.

"Me hungry," I said to him when I was finished yawning.

"Come nyam me," he replied sassily.

Dah likkle batty fish here.

I scrunched up my face immediately and glared at him. "Me prefer nyam shit, honestly."

"Your loss," he replied with a smug smile.

Eww.

"Nasty like," I hissed my teeth, exiting the camera app on my phone and went to one of my reading apps.

"Wah yuh want fi eat?" He asked when we were on the main road.

That's a really good question.

"Umm..." I trailed off while thinking about it. "Me nuh know."

Per usual.

"Yuh hungry and yuh nuh know wah yuh want?" He raised a brow.

"Yup," I nodded.

"Your usual habit that man," he shook his head. "You affi make up yuh mind, we almost reach round desso."

"Chro," I let out a sigh.

"Or yuh want cook food?" He suggested. "Mommy round a yard enuh."

A smile formed on my face immediately. Long time me nuh ray from them mother.

"She a cook?" I raised a brow.

"She nuh always cook when she deh home?" He asked back.

"Take me there," I said excitedly. "Zoey's cooking is top tier."

"Belly long like," he laughed.

A who and him? A really who and him?

Me nuh know enuh girl.

"Me ever beg yuh nothing fi eat yet likkle bwoy?" I asked me.

"Cyaa beg me nothing fi eat cause me nuh cater to animals," he replied with a shrug.

Me naah take that. Me personally? Me nah take that at all.

I stretched my hand out and landed a punch on his shoulder.

"Yuh stink like," I replied with a laugh.

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"If yuh make me dead, one thump me a give yuh," he hissed his teeth.

"Just take the sumn from me nuh," I complained pushing my empty plate toward him.

"Bring it out nuh," he groaned. "Yaago make me dead."

"Me nuh waah bring it out," I pouted, shaking his hand, causing his phone to fall from his grasp.

"If yuh ever make me dead," he picked up the phone.

I folded my lips and held back a laugh when I realized he was dead.

Oops.

A never purpose.

What a wicked likkle girl.

A never purpose fi real.

"Bad man," he hissed his teeth. "Look wah yuh cause."

"If yuh did bring out the plate fimi, that wouldn't happen," I laughed.

"Waah fi know if you a stanger."

He threw his phone down on the bed and took the plate from my hand and then he walked out of the room going to the kitchen.

All that complaining and he still brought it out.

A spoiled brat, that's what you are.

A so it go.

Remembering that I was texting Olivia, I opened my phone and went to chat to see what her reply was.

*What are you going to do then?*

I read the message twice before letting out a high pitched laughed.

Wah kinda question that Olivia deh ask me?

Still laughing, I typed back a response.

*Nth at all me love🥲🤷‍♀️*

Zachary came back into the room and he stared at me with his brows furrowed.

"Wah yaaw laugh bout?" he raised a brow.

"Yuh too faas," I replied to him, swiping out of the chat and locking my phone.

He held on to my leg and pulled me closer to him.

"Yuh can ramp so?" I slapped his arm.

Smiling he came between my legs and laid on my chest.

Then look how the man a press me out with him big self.

"You're heavy," I groaned under his weight, grumbling about the burden as he sprawled comfortably over me.

His smirk widened as he retorted, "Me, heavy?"

Nodding, I pushed at his chest, urging him to get up. "Get up nuh sir cause yuh know yuh heavy."

"Yuh never did a complain bout me weight other day when-" I quickly covered his mouth, preventing him from divulging whatever he was about to say.

Lawd a mercy.

Him naav no limit?

"Yuh chat too much enuh," I pushed him.

He grabbed his phone and effortlessly rolled us over, placing me on top of him. "Better now?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Me a go home," I declared, attempting to get up, but he playfully pulled me back down, his grip firm.

"Love vex suh?" he chuckled, amused by my glare as I tried to maintain a stern expression.

"Me nuh vex," I hid my face in his chest. "But why you a bring it up."

"We ago just act like it never happened Brittney?" He had one hand around my waist while the other scrolled on his phone.

Yep.

Murda.

Me have bigger things fi worry bout and it's something serious.

"Yes," I mumbled. "Why we cyaa do that?"

"Me nuh waah do that," he groaned in response.

"Why?" I questioned, looking down at him and meeting his eyes.

"Cause me love yuh, me must tell yuh that over and over again?" He asked me.

Gi the man a chance man, Jesus Christ. From high school til now?

Excuse.

"I love you too Zachary, but now is not the time," I told him, gently emphasizing the need for more time.

Me nuh ready for a next relationship, I needed to heal.

Man a wicked and whilst I knew not all men were the same, I was still not ready for a next relationship.

It's not even two months as yet, everything literally happened other day.

Me still traumatized!

I found it challenging to heal from the wounds of my last relationship.

The pain lingered, and I was not sure how to navigate through it.

It felt like a process that requires more time and understanding.

"Anything yuh say," he mumbled.

Me feel sorry fi him.

Despite his constant support, I felt hesitant to give him a chance as I wasn't emotionally prepared. The timing didn't align with my readiness for a new relationship.

Yuh shoulda think bout this before yuh did yk the other day.

Me never did a think bout nothing at all other day, me nuh know wah kind a medz me did a whole.

Reflecting on it now, I realize I should've considered all of this before engaging in what happened between us the other day.

Feeling the need for a break, I yearned for some time to myself - perhaps a vacation or something that would provide the escape and rejuvenation I craved.

So take the vacay then. Memba you a meech.

Me a bruck gyal, my brother them a meech though.

And what does that make you?

A sister of two meeches.

Period gyallie.

Zachary's hand ventured lower, finding its place on the exposed skin of the back of my thigh.

As I settled into my thoughts, my mind traced the events that unfolded since my birthday.

Memories of laughter, surprises, and the unexpected twists of life filled my contemplation.

From joyous moments to unforeseen challenges, each experience etched a unique chapter in the unfolding story of my life.

Suppose me did suicidal though Lord?

Mi say!

Me strong yuh fret, that's all me know.

Me traumatized from me eye deh a me knee but God kept me going.

Deep in contemplation, I found myself seriously considering the prospect of surrendering my life to God.

Cause one likkle girl nuffi salt so.

My navel string mussi cut a Hellshire and the last time me check a Cornwall Regional me born.

Too much things a gwaan man.

The desire to move grew within me, fueled by the constant reminders of Tyreek at every familiar spot.

Each place echoed memories of shared moments, and the weight of those recollections made the idea of a fresh start and a new environment increasingly appealing.

My aunt supported the idea. However, a lingering awareness settled in, knowing that my brothers, particularly André, might not share the same enthusiasm for such a significant change.

André naah go want me go pan me own.

Contemplating André's reaction, I pondered how he would respond not only to my desire to move but also to the realization that there was something else major happening in my life, a secret I had yet to reveal.

Only Olivia and Aunty Andrea knew. Not even Ashie who had been assuming.

The anticipation of André's response added another layer of complexity to my decision.

Me cyaa bother enuh.

Hoping for a fresh start, I yearned for André's understanding and approval, anticipating that he would allow me the opportunity to embark on this new chapter in search of renewal and personal growth.

I really needed it and I hoped he would understand that I'd always be his little sister but he couldn't keep me sheltered forever.

Me ago talk to him when me go home, but me fraid bad.

I wondered if everyone would look at me differently.

As the weight of my secret pressed on me, I couldn't help but wonder if Zachary's feelings would endure once my hidden truth was laid bare.

Da da Dee.

How he felt wouldn't change my mind of moving though. I needed peace and I owed that to myself.

Sex too hot fi me make buddy change my mind from what I wanted to do.

And man a crawsis, me nuh waah nothing fi do with them fi the rest ah me life.

Learnt my lesson the first time I got associated with one.

"Wah kind a medz you a hold?" Zachary asked me pulling me from my thoughts.

Responding with a sigh, I sought solace by nuzzling my head in the comforting crook of Zachary's neck, finding a quiet refuge in his presence.

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With one hand engrossed in scrolling through Netflix options on my iPad, I simultaneously navigated through my phone, seeking a captivating book to delve into.

The ambient glow of screens cast a soft illumination in the cozy comfort of my room.

Cyaa bother enuh. Me cyaa find nothing fi watch and nothing fi read.

Frustrated with the endless search on my devices, the idea of turning to one of my hard copy books appealed to me.

Amid everything that happened, I had finished reading all the birthday books Danté gave me. They became a welcome escape during these times.

Colleen Hoover did her thang! I'd read almost all of her books.

Me want some more book now though.

Exiting Kindle, I navigated to Amazon, eager to order some books by Ana Huang to add fresh literary adventures to my collection.

I embodied the essence of a bookworm, constantly seeking new stories to explore and finding solace within the pages of captivating tales.

That's what thing Danay and I had in common. I love a girl who loves books.

As I leisurely added a selection of books to my cart, the tranquil ambiance was disrupted by a sudden knocking at my door.

Startled, I swiftly whipped my head around to face the source of the interruption, curiosity and caution intertwining in my gaze.

A who so rude inah the night here?

"Pinky?" I heard Kayla's voice calling from beyond the door, prompting me to consider whether to respond or maintain my chosen moment of seclusion.

Me ago answer.

"Yeah?" I replied, acknowledging Kayla's call.

"Can I come in?" Kayla's inquiry hung in the air.

"Umm... yeah,come in," I responded, welcoming Kayla into the space, curiosity about her unexpected visit piquing my interest.

She entered, closed the door behind her, and walked over to the bed.

Without hesitation, she lifted the sheet and joined me, settling in beside me.

The air held a mix of curiosity and comfort as we shared the space.

Yeah, me shock.

Same.

"Wah you a watch?" she inquired, glancing at the iPad screen, her curiosity piqued by the content that held my attention.

"Cyaa find anything," I explained to her. "I think I'll read a book instead."

"Eww," she exclaimed, scrunching up her face at the mention of books, clearly not sharing the same enthusiasm for reading.

"Ratbat," I laughed, playfully teasing her as our banter added a light-hearted touch to the atmosphere.

The lady hate book.

"Make we watch Good Girls again," she suggested, steering our attention toward a shared indulgence in a familiar series.

Me kinda tired fi watch that enuh but okay.

Good Girls was our comfort movie so I instantly picked up on the fact that something was wrong with her.

Daa da Dee.

"Yuh good?" I asked, my inquiry carrying a genuine concern as I noticed the subtle shifts in her demeanor.

"Yeah," she nodded, but her phone chimed at the same time, creating a momentary distraction that hinted at a potential layer of complexity beneath her response.

Observing her actions, I noticed Kayla turning her phone screen over, revealing a message from the contact saved as 'My Man.'

Oops!

As she read the message, a subtle hiss of irritation escaped her lips before she swiftly locked her phone, leaving an air of tension in room.

"We ago watch it?" she asked, shifting her attention to me. "Or you waah watch something else."

I couldn't help but burst out laughing at her earlier reaction when she read the message, the shared humor momentarily easing the tension in the room.

Pinky yuh fi wul medz enuh.

Laugh out loud dah one yah funny star.

"Wah André do yuh?" I asked, my laughter lingering as I inquired about the cause behind her reaction.

"André a battyman," she grumbled, expressing her frustration. "Him down deh so pan phone with dutty Valentina."

The revelation carried a mix of annoyance and disdain, adding another layer to the unfolding drama.

Me nuh business bout them enuh. That wasn't my business at all.

Wait, why she a style good body Val.

"Girl. Not too much on my sis-" I paused, correcting my statement, hoping she didn't catch on. "Not too much on Valentina now."

Yuh mouth likkle girl.

My attempt to downplay Valentina's involvement reflected a desire to tread carefully in the conversation.

Cyaa inform pan me meech brother enuh.

Yuh zimmi!

"She a chat bout she waah come a Jamaica," she hissed her teeth, irritation evident in her tone.

The mention of Valentina's desire to visit Jamaica added another layer of tension to the unfolding drama.

She did deh here every week when Dré did unresponsive too but me naah say nothing.

Valentina coming to Jamaica every week when André was in a coma was a piece of information I held back, choosing not to disclose it in the current conversation.

Wicked Frigga. Me wouldn't want you fi be my sister in law.

I don't business. Yuh nuh hear me bredda say a Ezekiel and Elizabeth against the world.

"Girl, memba a him personal client," I said to her, subtly alluding to André's involvement with Valentina by framing it as a professional relationship.

"She a gwaan like him a her man," she mumbled, her frustration palpable. "Kiss me teeth."

"Come make we watch the show," I suggested to her, attempting to shift the focus away from the current tension.

I took up my LED lights remote and changed the lights to white, creating a semblance of normalcy in the room.

"Okay," she replied, her gaze shifting to the iPad screen. "Which season though?"

"Season three," I replied, lifting the sheet and sliding off the bed. "Me ago fi some snack."

The prospect of snacks adding a touch of comfort to the plan of watching the show.

Heading to the kitchen, I opened the snacks cupboard and gathered a variety of treats.

I also took out two bottles of water, two Capri Suns, and two frozen Kisko's, preparing for a cozy and indulgent viewing session.

Returning to the room, I dropped the assortment of snacks on the bed in front of Kayla, aiming to create a cozy and enjoyable atmosphere for our Good Girls marathon.

"Yuh man soon come up here fi yuh," I mentioned to her, settling comfortably into the bed and under the sheet.

The attempt to lighten the mood with a playful comment lingered in the air.

"Me fraid a battyman," she laughed, rising from the bed.

She walked to the door and locked it, injecting a light-hearted moment into the tense atmosphere as we prepared to immerse ourselves in the show.

Two a unuh unserious alike.

Me say.

"Me did miss yuh enuh," she smiled, plopping down onto the bed.

Her genuine smile added a touch of warmth, momentarily alleviating the tension in the room.

I looked at her and laughed, changing the LED lights to pink.

"Me know yuh never miss me, yuh emotionless bombowul," she playfully teased, giving me a light shove.

"Nyam shit, Kayla," I chuckled, grabbing one of the Capri Suns.

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Me must ask the same question every night? Cause me naah get the right answer enuh. 🚶‍♀️