(A/N: What's good, my people?

Forgive me if there's some mistakes, I did a hasty edit just to hurry and get this out to y'all. Y'all have waited long enough for this to pick back up.

Feels great to write again.)

Michael 

Tuesday, July 27th

5:52am Arizona/7:52am Chicago

  Jesus help me. This jet lag is really kicking my ass. 

  I stretch and yawn, and the sunlight is already shining and blinding me. Laying here for a few minutes, I decide to take some time to actually wake up. I knew Arizona was farther behind than Chicago, but this getting up at 6am is not for me. I mean, I know I gotta get to the club early and make sure everything is perfect for the opening show tonight, but damn. If this was the case, I would've gotten an earlier flight to give myself more time to sleep. 

  Sitting up in my bed, I can already hear Amiyah up and moving in the hotel room connected to mine and Bishop's side by a bathroom. That girl is on her business, I swear. 

  I lean over and pick up my phone, taking it off the charger. I don't wanna wake Bishop up, so I'll take this call outside to the hallway. I really should be getting in the shower, but this is more important, before I do anything else.

  I press and hold 1 on my speed dial list and after three rings, I already hear Foolish by Ashanti playing through the phone. I just chuckle to myself; sounds like her New Age R&B playlist. It must be Tuesday.

  "Hey, Lady. Happy Tuesday."

  I hear her laugh on the other end. "So you hear my music going? And happy Tuesday to you too, Applehead! What are you guys doing today before the show? And how come you're up so early? I thought you didn't get in until late last night! It's like 6am over there!"

  "Whoa whoa, one at a time with the questions, Gabi," I laugh back. "But to answer them all, yes I do, we're going over the stage design and sound check, and we have to start it all at 7:30 to be ready in time for the first show tonight."

  She lets out a small groan. "Jeez, you guys sure hit the ground running. Are you all even going to have time to eat?"

  I let out a yawn. Actually, I have no idea myself. Amiyah is probably going to give some sort of break schedule once we get on the way to the club venue, but I'm expecting a working-all-day type of thing. Which is fine by me. I didn't hustle this hard to stop now. 

  "Of course we will, ain't nobody got time to be passing out once the show starts. I'm too hype to eat right now though, I'm trying to see what this stage is gonna look like." 

  She chuckles a bit, and the conversation falls into a comfortable silence, with a Tamar Braxton song on in the background now, Love and War. That's gotta be my favorite one on this playlist that Gabi has. Gives me a great idea, actually.

  I hear dishes clanging in the sink, and figure she's doing the dishes while she's on the phone with me, and she just doesn't wanna hang up. I know she misses me already; I miss her too. I can't imagine what it's going to be like if--no scratch that--when I go on tour. 

  My phone vibrates, and I don't even have to look to know it's Amiyah texting me and asking me where I'm at. I immediately get in a pissy mood; my girl's gonna be upset once I tell her. 

  "Babe..."

  "I know, I figured you'd have to go soon." She already says, quiet. "Make me proud, Applehead. You'll do great."

  I smile, even though she can't see it. "You know it. I love you, Lady."

  "I love you more. See you soon, Michael."

  I press end on my phone, and no sooner when I did that did Melanie open the door next to me, already dressed. Shit, how long was I just sitting here?

  "Aye Mike! We got 45 minutes 'till the rehearsal, what you doing?!" She rolls her eyes playfully. I smirk, knowing she knew who I was talking to. I hop up from my seat on the floor, hurrying into the connected bathroom. 

  "Had to call the bae, Mel. You already know how it is. Take a tip and give your old man a call."

  She kisses her teeth. "Already called him an hour ago. Time management ain't a hard skill to learn, my dude!"

************************

7:30am Arizona/9:30am Chicago

  We pull up to the venue right on time, and it's already bustling with people. I see some crew members hanging up the lights already, and mostly the early morning janitors are cleaning away some of last night's trash. Admittedly it isn't much left over from a Monday night.

  I walk in behind Amiyah and while Bishop and Melanie trail behind me, I see one of the promoters that offered me the deal in the first place, Ron. He spots us by the entrance and hurries on over, and I can see he has Marcella behind him, clipboard in hand. 

  I shake his hand, excitement already flowing through me. 

  "What's happening, Ron? I see everything's already hustling and moving around here."

  He gives a smile back. "You know it. We're planning this show to be one of the biggest yet for The House." He nods at the co-owner next to him. "Marcella and I here were just making sure everything was being put in it's proper place, in terms of design and all of that good stuff."

  Taking a look around, I can already see what he means. The club itself seems to have a typical club scene feel, with purple neon and white lights around ice white sofas everywhere. I can't help but think about how much Gabi would love this color. It'll be mostly blue for the show (as per my request) to give it a chill vibe for my music, though the chandaliers made of crystals and cloths are a light purple. 

  "I love it." I say, feeling my cheeks hurt I'm smiling so hard. "Where can me and my crew set up? Gotta get into how the stage feels if I'm gonna give my fans a show worth seeing."

  Marcella nods, and starts leading us towards the front of the club where the stage is set. "Of course. Do what you feel, get your setlist up and ready. We'll do the soundcheck around 2, then again an hour before the show at 6. Anything else you need from me before we get started?"

  I look back at Melanie, who shrugs her shoulders. Bishop and Amiyah do the same. Guess they're just eager to look around like I am.

  "Nope, I think we're aight, thanks. I'll let you know if we end up forgetting something."

  She guves a smile, and shakes my hand. "Great! I'll see you guys in a bit, and here's to a great show set, Michael."

  She and Ron leave, and me and the rest of the crew start our own set up. Melanie takes out her makeup kit and Amiyah starts making a floor plan of how the whole set up will look once it's done. Bishop stands watch, as he always does. 

  I’m on cloud nine right now. It’s still surreal that I’m standing here in a new city, ready to promote my new album. I already know what the setlist is gonna be like. I can’t help but tap my feet, and I can feel that familiar, bubbly feeling that I always seem to get when I wanna dance. 

    Moving towards the stage, I nod to one of the sound producers to turn on the music, and Wild Thoughts comes on through the loudspeaker. Melanie and Bishop whip their heads around to look at me, and I can’t help but smile. This the kind of beat that makes somebody wanna get silly.

    “Hell yeah, that’s my SHIT, Mike!” Bishop hollers, throwing his hands up. "Aye, aye producer man! Turn it up for me!”

    Melanie just laughs as me and Bishop hop onto the stage, two stepping and Milly rocking all over the place. Bishop makes a motion pretending to have a girl grind on him, making me holler in laughter. The crew’s still moving about taking care of business, but they slow down to watch our messing around. I don’t even care. I’m riding on a high and I can’t find it in me to come down. Even though Gabi ain’t here to see this, I’m still surrounded by my people. 

    Shit. Life’s good. 

********************

Gabi

11:30am Chicago/9:30am Arizona

  It's hot as ever out here, but it still isn't as bad as the nerves rolling around in the pit of my stomach right now. Even Jordan's cute gurgling in my lap isn't helping much. 

  I've decided today is the day to get up and go meet Zara. We're meeting at a coffee shop (away from our house, of course) for brunch and coffee to talk about everything. Nelson made me promise to let him know when I planned on going, so he can drive me and come with. He couldn't get his babysitter, so Jordan came along for the ride also. He's going to stay in the car, but honestly, now that we're here, I'm having second thoughts. 

  Zara's already here. I can see her through the front of the coffee shop windows, her short black hair framing her face in a bob and sipping on a drink. I just hate how awkward this is going to be. That, and the fact that Michael has no idea this is even happening. I feel bad for waiting until he left for Arizona to do this, but I have to do this. I have too many questions to ask her.

  Nelson sees me hesitating, and nudges my shoulder. "You know you won't be able to have any type of closure if you don't go in there and talk to her." He says, taking Jordan out of my hands. "Don't worry, I'll be right out here if you need anything."

  I just look at him, wringing my hands together.

  "Michael doesn't have to know. Ultimately, this is just for you to decide on. It'll just be between us, I promise."

  I nod, forcing my hands at my sides. "Thanks. Love you, Nel."

  He smiles back, and I open my side door and step out. My sundress gets ruffled by the light breeze, and I take a second to feel it on my bare legs. Then, taking a deep breath, I head inside. 

  The light jazz music calmed me as I stepped through the door. The amount of people was overwhelming; if Zara hadn't already been here, we probably would have had to go somewhere else. I did hear that this place was really popular though. 

  I go straight to Zara's table, and once she sees me, she gives a hesitant smile, which I return. I take a seat, and cue the silence. Luckily, it doesn't last too long.

    “Alright, I don’t want this to get too awkward, so I’ll just go on ahead and start.” She pauses taking a deep breath. I do the same again, wringing my hands together. 

  Zara sets down her drink, which looks like coffee. "I'm so, so, so, so sorry about everything my sister had done to you and Michael. She's always been a very... How do I put this? ...A very spiteful person. And I know you're probably wondering why she hates you to the point of going so far to kill you, so... If you have questions, youi can go ahead and ask."

  I nod, taking in her words. Should I even trust what answers she gives me? But I’ve already said to myself I’d listen. Guess I should at least hear her out...

  "Well, first I guess I'll ask this. Why did Angel hate me so much? I've done nothing to her or your father, so I don't understand why she had to go through all of this to torture me."

  She pauses. "That's the thing. You didn't really have to do anything to her. Our dad was the one that fed us the propaganda I guess you can call it, against you and your mom. I guess it's no secret that my dad loved your mom, right? Well instead of trying to better his own life, he tried to make us hate you, to try and deal with his jealousy in really lousy way. 

  "He would tell us things like your mom betrayed him, and your dad stole everything from him, and that's why he had to sell drugs just to make ends meet and live in a bad ass neighborhood. As I got older, I felt that there are other ways he could've made our lives better, even using the money he made from the drug game. But Angel, she started to resent your parents, mainly you for having the kind of life she felt she should have had. She's the label hoe of the family."

  She chuckl;es a little, then continues. "His sob story was really convincing, but you know, eventually you wise up to these things. I haven't spoken to either one of them in almost 4 years."

  I'm stunned, to say the least. A waitress comes over to check on the table, but I barely register that she's there. I hear Zara order me a coffee with cream, while I try to process what she's just told me. 

  "So then, all of this was just because of her being jealous?"

  Zara shakes her head, confused. "It's deeper than that, her rage has had time to fester, and now Marlone's dead, so she has even more reason to hate you. At this point, she won't even listen to me."

  I nod, thanking the waitress who comes to set the iced coffee in front of me. Honestly, I can't say that I feel too bad about Angel hating me now, knowing that it's something within her that makes her so bitter. Marlone, too. God, does he just set out to destroy every life he touches?

  We look at each other for a minute, then Zara looks down at her empty mug.

  "Again, I'm really sorry, Gabrielle. I've been wanting to come to you and tell you everything, but, I was nervous about what you would do, if you'd even come see me, and--. I didn't know where you were, then after I saw you on the Leeza Greneer show, I came up here and, well. Here I am. We don't have to be best friends, but, you know, if you want we can just...start over?"

  I stay silent, looking at her still. What she's told me adds up, and I don't doubt that there's even more she can tell me about my newly discovered family members. Seeing her like this, her eyes wide and hopeful, I feel no anxiety or bad vibes from her.

  She just wants to make amends.

  Of course I'll keep what Michael said in the back of my mind. However, they do say to keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Time to figure out which one Zara is.

  Digging around in the breast part of my dress, I pull out a flyer for a viewing party of the first of Michael's Arizona shows, at none other than Studio 51. Sliding it towards her, I can't help but grin back at the beaming smile she gives me.

  "Of course we can. By the way, you can call me Gabi."

8888888888888

Melanie

2:45pm Arizona/4:45pm Chicago

"And make sure I can hear myself in this earpiece. I know it's got the track music coming in, but I gotta hear my pitch, y'all." 

  I chuckle to myself. Michael's such a perfectionist, I don't even think he knows exactly what he wants at this point. He's been nitpicking every detail since we started this soundcheck, and ain’t sat down since we got here. 

  I set down my half done, custom palette for Michael's skin tone. Let me get over here before he forgets to eat today.

  Going over to the front stage, Michael's still fiddling around with his earpiece and singing a few lines into the mic. A few quick snaps of my fingers gets his attention.

  "Don't forget, we need to take a break to eat sometime, mijo. I know you didn't eat breakfast, either."

  He looks conflicted, glancing back at the soundboard behind him. Reluctantly, he takes out the earpiece. "Aight, aight. I'll go tell Ron we're gonna take a 15."

  "Boy, you mean an hour, at least! Sit down for a bit and relax, you'll make yourself sick stressing so much." I pull out a $20 and smack it in his chest. "That money better be spent on a full meal by the time I come back in here, got it?"

  Michael rolls his eyes, but has a small smirk on his face. "Fine, we'll take 2 hours to go chill and eat or whatever. Thanks, Mel."

  "Of course, Mike." I smile. Seeing him get so excited is hilarious and adorable, but no food, no show.

  I go back and start locking up my palettes--bitches pay a lot of money for the shit I got--and make sure to have it in a space where I can get right back into it. But first, it's time to eat. And to gossip.

  Usually Gabi would listen to my ramblings and whatnot, but my girl's not here at the moment, and neither is my Nelson. Then, I hear that oh so familiar loud ass voice.

  "Hey Mel, you trying to go to this burrito house up the street?!"

  Turning around, Bishop comes right over, and I gve him dap.

  "Man, am I happy to see you, B. Yeah we can go on ahead."

  As I finish putting away my things, I see Amiyah talking with Michael over by the entrance. I guess the two of them are going to pair off and go get something to eat. Better keep my eye on her though. I still don't trust that snake bitch, and I never have. I notice Bishop next to me looking in that same direction. Sighing, I motion for him to follow me, and we start to head out.

  Something's happening in the circle, and it's time to do a little digging. 

  We get outside and start heading down the street, and immediately I lay into him. I don't waste no time.

  "So B, what's up with you and Amiyah, hm? Don't even try and lie, I seen that look you gave her before we left out here."

     "Damn, Mel, I don't get a hello first?" He chuckles, avoiding eye contact. That’s how I know something is up, for real. 

    “So B,” I say as we turn the corner after leaving the club, the sound of the cars rushing by having to make me talk louder. “What’s been going on with them sad puppy dog looks you been having, hm? You know I don’t waste no time. Spill the shit.” 

    He’s silent, and after a minute, he keeps walking, eyes on the ground. This must be serious if even Bishop is quiet. It’s not even until we reach the burrito house that he starts talking. 

    “Look, I probably don’t gotta say, but Melanie this stays between us, got it?” He says, going up to the counter and ordering a steak burrito. 

    “What do you take me for? I just want to know the tea for my own personal amusement. I’m not into all that drama and gossip. Unless it’s with my girls. I’m gonna spill it with my girls.” Going up to the counter, I get my own burrito with chicken. We go stand to the side to wait for our food, Bishop with his tongue in his cheek glaring at me. 

    “What?! Of course it’s because I care about you, too! Look,” I put my hand on his shoulder, and I see him soften just a little bit. “I don’t like seeing my people upset. Somebody or something messing with you, I’ll help you out. Now, what’s going on between y’all?”

    Heaving a big sigh, he nods to a table by the window and grabs both our burritos. I follow him over and sit as he sets my food in front of me. I start tearing into it, ears wide open. Bishop keeps his arms crossed, already on the defense. 

    “So it’s been real complicated. You know, with her past with us and all. But lately she been acting different towards me. Like, I’m not gonna say I ain’t been flirting and whatnot, but she took it to a whole ‘other level. I… I kinda liked it.” He starts to open his food, but then sets it back down again. 

    “Check it. It was like, three months ago, something like that. After Tyrell’s basement party, you remember. She was wearing that short white dress she wore to the BET Awards, and I don’t know what it was, but I couldn’t stop staring at her, you know? It was crazy. We got to drinking and talking. At one point, I had leaned in to kiss her, right? I thought she wasn’t for it, and I backed away, but she pulled me in and, yeah. We ain’t talked about it since, but, you know, that’s what happened.” 

    I stopped chewing. He actually had me speechless. Who would’ve thought this had been going on for months?? What would even possess the two of them to get together? My head is spinning like crazy. 

    “Are you for real right now? You know that’s Mike’s ex, right B?! Don’t ruin your bond with him over some snake hoe like that! I knew I couldn’t trust her ass, moving on through the crew like—“

    “Melanie wipe your mouth, you spitting.” Bishop hands me a napkin, not breaking eye contact. “And I know dammit. But it’s not all her, really. I haven’t stopped thinking about that since. I don’t know what to do. Obviously I don’t want to go around telling everybody to figure it out, but you know, it hurts to keep it in.”

    I shake my head. I honestly don’t know what to tell him. This shit would change the group dynamic for good, and I don’t know if it’ll actually turn out good or take a turn for the worse. It’s beyond my pay grade, dealing with this. I’ll have to keep a close eye on them from here on out. 

    “You can’t tell Michael, aight? I mean it. I’d rather have our friendship more than anything. I know that much.” 

    I sigh. “Honestly B, you need to get this shit under wraps. I won’t say anything, but you gotta work on getting whatever it is you fantasizing about with her out of your head. It’s a crush. Treat it like one.”

    He nods, though I can see that’s not what he wanted to hear. It hurts to see him upset, but it’s for his own good. He’s only going to get his heart broken. I flick his forehead playfully, knocking him out of his thoughts.

    “Come now, chico, and eat your burrito. We still got work to do.”

888888888888888888

    5:49pm Arizona/7:49pm Chicago

    “Mike, if I got to tell you to be still one more time, I’m popping you upside your head.”

    Everyone’s making the final adjustments for the show that’s about to start in another hour. I’m prepping Mike’s face, while Bishop checks the fences by the floor seats and Amiyah stands off to the side on her phone. Marcella is running around like a chicken with her head cut off. I find it funny that Mike’s the one getting on stage, but she’s the one ‘bout to bust a gut. But that’s just me. 

    “Sorry Mel, I can’t help it. This is a big show, you know? I’m hype as fuck.”

    I chuckle as I finish applying his foundation. He definitely looks ready, with his black jeans and black blazer on, looking like light-skinned Daniel Ceaser. 

    “Yeah, well you can’t have blotches of uneven skin showing on camera under them bright lights, so let me finish! Besides, you know them people all lining up outside already love you. They just got lucky enough to see you blow them pipes in action.”

    Mike blushes a little, but his big smile doesn’t leave his face. “Hey, you think it’s packed at Studio 51 right now?”

    “Hmph! If I know Gabi, she done let everybody in a 50 mile radius know that you was performing live right now. I don’t doubt she sitting right in front of the television.” 

    He closes his eyes as I graze the brush over his forehead, and I feel my smile drop for a bit. Speaking of Gabi, it’s been killing me not to be able to talk about what Bishop told me earlier with her, but still, I don’t even know if I should tell her. She’s better than me at sorting out emotions and all that, but would she tell Michael? No, she wouldn’t. I trust her to keep a secret. But if he did  find out, would he get touchy at the thought of his friend dating his ex? Looking at Mike right now, he ain’t thinking nothing bout a relationship between them. But the nagging in my gut every time I think of this won’t go away. 

    “You good, Mel?”

    I snap out of my thoughts to see Mike looking at me, concerned. “Yeah, I’m just trying to get this layer just right. Did you go to the bathroom before? You don’t wanna get on that stage just to have to pee from excitement. And you actually ate on the break, right?” 

    He kisses his teeth. “Yes mom, I didn’t leave the table until I ate all my vegetables.”

    I lightly smack the back of his head, chuckling. “You know I only worry. Jordan’s at home, so who else needs babying around here?”

    He shakes his head, smile back on his face. “But for real, something’s on your mind. What’s going on? You miss Nelson that bad?”

    “It’s not that.” I pause, thinking of the right way to put this. “Just…keep your wits about you, you hear me?”

    “Mel—“

    Marcella’s voice comes over the loud speakers, announcing that the doors were opening and there was only another 30 minutes until showtime. I start quickly packing my makeup to take it to the back and get ready to watch the show. I look up and see Mike standing, giving me a hard stare. I know he doesn’t like being left out of the loop when it comes to the crew, but this is not my story to tell. 

    “Boy, if you don’t get over there for the sound check. I’m good, I promise!”

    Just then, Amiyah comes over. “Michael, they want you over there to get your mic, what are you doing?!” She grabs him by the arm, and I see the excitement come back on his face as he rushes off, ready to start his performance, with her following. I take a deep breath. This shit is too hard to keep down. I can see where Bishop is coming from now. I need to bounce some ideas off of somebody, ASAP. I take out my phone to send a quick text before heading to my seat. 

    ‘Gabi. When we get back, meet me at Wildberry. We gotta TALK.’ 

8888888888888888888

Gabi

8:53pm Chicago/ 6:53pm Arizona

    It’s packed in the club tonight, everyone chatting amongst themselves waiting for Michael’s live performance in Arizona. DJ had it broadcast on the big screen TV in the club to celebrate his and Michael’s partnership, and of course I’m right in the front row. A few people recognized me and let me through, which was really nice. I can’t wait to see how the show goes. 

    “Oh my God, it’s almost about to start! I can’t believe Mike’s come this far!”

    I chuckle at Zara’s excitement. She actually decided to show up to the event, after I invited her at our meeting earlier. She’s been like a kid in a candy store the whole time. I think it’s endearing. 

    Nelson’s not paying her much mind, and I turn to give him a look to be nice. His eyebrows furrow, but he doesn’t take his eyes away from the television. Guess it’s gonna take him some time to get used to Zara being around. 

    Sure enough, once I check my watch it’s 8:54pm. The show is set to air at 9, and I can see Kevin, Michael and Zara’s partner, getting up on the set up stage. 

    “Alright y’all, you ready to get this party started?!” Hoots and hollers answer him, and he lets out a big laugh. “That’s what I like to hear! This my boy Mike giving us some new tracks off his debut album, Facts of Life, and I can’t tell y’all enough how big this is for the homie.

    “Now, me and Mike started this club as a space for good vibes, good food, and good drinks, ya feel me? So let’s keep it respectful and cool it at the bar. Don’t get ignorant in here while the show’s going on. But, lemme stop the rambling. Get ready for Mike’s big show, y’all!”

    The crowd starts to die down and I can hear my heart pounding hard in my chest, and I can feel my cheeks hurting from smiling so hard. Michael’s worked so hard for this. I want all the success in the world for him. 

    The lights go down, and the television comes on, showing Michael on stage already addressing the crowd. My smile gets even bigger. He seems like he’s flying he’s so high on excitement right now. 

    He grabs onto the mic and points out towards where the cameras are in the back. “First off, I wanna dedicate this to my family, y’all know who y’all are. I wouldn’t have gotten here without y’all. Let’s start off with an oldie, I’m feeling sentimental right about now. Y’all ready, Phoenix?!"    

    Cheers echo from the TV and through the club, and the beat to one of Michael’s first singles comes through the loud speakers. The crowd waves their hands in time with his, and his smile is infectious. It’s a good thing the people seem to be lively tonight. I started to rock back and forth to the 90s beat.

    It was a bright, sunny day

     Hanging tight with my crew,

     When I saw a pretty young thing,

     And could've sworn it was you

    I slowed down once I realized which song it was. This song was about Amiyah when she and Michael dated in the past. Nelson glanced my way, and I forced a smile back, focusing on Michael. 

    Wondering what you was doing out,

     Tried to stay calm,

     But I remember you distinctly saying

     That you were at your mom's

     But it didn't add up

     Eventually I was able to see

     That the nigga you was walking with

     Damn sure wasn't me

     It started with a touch

     And led to even more,

     You don't even know how much it hurt,

     Pierced me right down to the core,

      And only four

     Days passed before i decided to leave,

     But you promised the only one you could ever be with was me,

     And best believe

     No matter how bad I ain't want it to end,

     I couldn't be with nobody

     Who was with my best friend 

    While Michael did the adlibs to the outro, I swear I screamed louder than anyone in this place. He was off to a great start, and was really engaging the crowd. I’m so proud of him. 

    By the time he went through his cover songs and title track, I could barely stand anymore. My hair was sticking to my forehead, and Zara looked about ready to pass out. Only Nelson was still standing up straight, but he thought it wasn’t “cool to fangirl” over his friend. Whatever, his loss. 

    “Alright, I know y’all been rocking with me all night, but I got one more song for y’all. Forgive me but y’all know I’m sensitive.” Michael wipes his forehead, people in the crowd yelling for more. When the music starts again, I get teary eyed. I haven’t heard this song in a good while. 

    “Yo so my lady couldn’t make it out with me on these shows, and I’m missing her like a mothafucka, can y’all help me sing her song to her with me one time?” He holds out the mic and I can feel eyes in the club turn to me, amused looks all around. God, I wasn’t expecting this, but I can’t say I’m disappointed. 

    Love you like a brother,

    Treat you like a friend,

    Respect you like a lover,

    Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

    As he sang, he made eye contact with the camera, and all my anxieties about our future melted away. 

(A/N: WHAT IS GOOD Y'ALL?? 

I swear, I didn't mean to be gone so long. I'm going through some major changes in my life, and I forgot how much I loved to write. I sat and read the whole series over again and I don't know what came over me, I just started typing, and I punched this whole chapter out in a day. And I'm still going. 

Thanks for rocking with me for so long, I'm finishing this sequel, if not for me, but for y'all too. I appreciate all the love. 

Vote, comment, and all that jazz, cause chapter 6 is coming at ya. 🙏🏽)