Growin’ Pains

By Xlibris US

Growin Pains by Deshonda C. Fields is about Michelle Collins, an eighteen-year-old girl from Detroit, Michigan, who tries to balance her family and friends after her mother was killed in a tragic car accident. This left Michelle to take care of all her siblingsher three sisters and her two brothers. For her its hard being the oldest, but its even harder for her when her father is constantly unemployed. So its up to Michelle to save her family before it is too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499055221

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Deshonda C. Fields.

Cover Designed By: Shana Dorsey A. k. A Shacream

Edited By: Shawntell Parr Nash

ISBN:          Softcover          978-1-4990-5523-8

                    eBook               978-1-4990-5522-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 11/24/2014

Xlibris

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

This book is

dedicated to the people who surround me with support and love. First and foremost, I want to thank god for blessing me with everything I have. I know I may not have everything I want but I’m thankful that he gave me exactly what I need. Second, I would like to thank my family and friends who supported me throughout this process, which is my mother, Darlene Fields, my father Cranston Cross, my Auntie Shacream, my sisters Danielle Fields & Candice Thompson and Angelina and Prentice for showing me so much love and support. And also my friends, Quay & Angel. And lastly I want to thank my cousin, Shawntell Parr Nash for encouraging me too finish my book, thank you.

I want to thank everyone for all their love and support. I really appreciated. I hope you enjoy!!

Prologue

Hi my name is Michelle Collins and I’m eighteen years old and I’m from Detroit, Michigan and my life is perfect. I live in a big beautiful house with a big happy family with parents who are happily married with seven beautiful kids. They call us the Black Brady Bunch, we’re so happy. I’m a lie. I don’t have a big house or a big happy family, I’m miserable. The truth is I have a Growin’ Pain that’s bigger than any pain that I have ever experienced. I always thought that a girl my age couldn’t get stressed out, but I was wrong. I thought stressing came from bills, work and other emotional issues, but let me tell you, my crazy family makes it hard for me to feel that way now. Here I am, struggling—trying to keep my family together but it seems that they don’t want to fix the problems we do have to forgive and forget, they’d rather add on more problems to destroy our bond. Everything I do seems to go wrong, nothing seems to work. I yell and I shout, but nobody hears me. Every night before I go to sleep I pray that my family gets better but it seems like God ignores my prayers. Why do I feel like I’m the giver and not the taker? I want to feel like a normal teenage girl who’s smart, beautiful, confident and sociable. But I’m too stressed out.

In December of 2006, is where the trauma began, my mother was killed in a serious car accident and that nearly destroyed our family. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and she was the only person in the family who really gave a damn about life, and that’s what I love about her. I know that if she was still here with us today she would bring us back together and mend those special moments we once had. My mother raised seven children by herself, of course my father was around but he worked so much we forgot we had a father. My mother had two jobs and she went to school full time. She always had time in her schedule to cook, clean and relax to do it all over to keep her family satisfied. Rachel Collins, that’s my mother. She was a strong black woman and I would give up anything to have her back in my life. Since the death of my mother I was force to find a job to support the family in every way that I could. Therefore I was then put in charge of my two wild brothers Jordon and Dorian, and I can’t forget about my three lovely sisters Angel and my two twin sisters Jayla and Kayla. You know, it’s hard being the oldest, but it’s even harder when my father can’t even keep a job long enough to keep a roof over our heads. So for that matter I have two jobs to keep food and electricity in the house, I didn’t think it would be so hard to take care of everybody; it’s just too much for me to handle. It’s damn near breaking me to the point where I don’t have any money to spend for myself, if you think my life is fabulous well you’re wrong.

My big dream was to become a doctor or a professional writer, but I know I can’t do it with my busy life, if I had one. My mother told me I can do anything I want if I put my mind to it, that’s what she told me before she passed away. Her words stuck to me like glue and I’ll never forget them. I wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility of taking care of all my siblings by myself, just the thought of me keeping up with their attitudes and lack of responsibilities was too much for me to digest. I couldn’t handle losing my mom and taking on all of this responsibility. I can still recall the day of Mama’s funeral, I think about it over and over in my head. I am tired of the agony and pain that I feel, and I wish that someone anyone could help take this pain away. The day of my mother’s funeral, I wasn’t very comfortable about the situation. I wasn’t ready for strangers coming up to me asking if I was okay or if I need or wanted anything.

I’m here for you, they would said.

The only thing I wanted was someone to answer me this one question, why did God have to take my mom away from me?

Detroit, Michigan December 2006

It was 9:30 am. On a Sunday morning when the black stretch limo arrived in front of Michelle’s house. There were several cars parked in front of the house with funeral flags attached to the windows, and some of the people from around the neighborhood were standing outside of their homes watching. The neighbors were kind and caring enough to show Michelle and her family respect and most of them pitched in and helped the family for her mother’s funeral.

Come on everybody let’s go, Michelle’s father said as he stepped out on the front porch.

He looked tired and his eyes were red and puffy from crying. You could tell he didn’t get much sleep, he had bags under his eyes. Michelle’s father is a forty-five year old, good-looking man with a round face, and when he walks into a room everybody takes notice. When he stepped out of the house onto the porch, he had on a black suit with a red tie that his mother had given him before she went to glory. Michelle’s parents were married for over seventeen years and, of course, had their ups and downs like most people, but they stuck together and made it work for the family. Her death was devastating to the entire town and Michelle never thought in a million years her family would be attending their own mother’s funeral. She was very young and should not have died so tragically. Michelle hated funerals and, for some reason, they made her sick to her stomach every time. As Michelle’s father made his way to the limo, his twin daughters eight year old Kayla and Jayla followed behind him holding hands. They both had the same hair-style with black dresses that had different colored ribbons on the back. Michelle’s fifteen year old sister, Angel, followed closely behind them. She had on a simple black dress with a wide white belt and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Following after them were Michelle’s younger brothers, seventeen year old Jordon and her other sixteen year old brother Dorian, and they were both dressed in nice looking suits. As the family got into the limo, Michelle was the last one to leave the house. She wore a long black dress with flats. Michelle had a sweet round face with pretty light brown eyes that made her look older than her age. Her eyes were tired and heavy from crying all morning, but with a little make-up you really couldn’t tell. As she made her way to the limo, she noticed all her neighbors were watching. She was honored to see everyone come together on this devastating day of her life and it brought a tear to her eye.

Okay, driver we can go now, said Dad to the driver.

Yes sir, the driver nodded as he started the car and slowly pulled off.

As Michelle and her family drove to the funeral there was dead silence the whole way there. Michelle stared out the side of her window, looking at the people on the street watching her and her family as they pass by. Why is this happening to me? Why am I here witnessing something I never thought could happen? I’ve always dreamt that something bad would happen, and I guess that bad thing is this, me having to bury my mother that didn’t deserve to leave this world. I wish that she was here, but she’s not. And if she was here I would hug her and tell her that I love her so much, Michelle bitterly thought to herself.

Are you okay, sis? Angel asked, snapping Michelle from her thoughts. Michelle sighed deeply and said nothing. Angel sat back and shook her head. Are we there yet? asked Kayla, one of Michelle’s younger twin sisters.

We’re almost there, sweet pea, Dad said, wearily. He sat up and looked at Michelle staring out the window and forced a smile. Are you okay sweetheart? he asked.

Michelle shrugged her shoulders and continued to stare out the window. Dad sighed in silence and put his head back. He knew today was tough for them, and for him. He’s been down and stressed about everything, losing his wife and the fact that he’s been hiding a dreadful secret from his kids. He knew if he told them now they would be too concerned. I should just tell them rather than keeping it a secret, Dad thought to himself. He looked back at Michelle, and sighed. She would be too concerned and worried. I don’t want to upset her, Dad thought to himself shaking his head. He knew he had to say something before they eventually found out. He thought it would be best if he told them at a better place than at the funeral.

A few minutes passed before the cars in front of them came to a stop in front of the church. Just as Michelle’s family pulled up the people in the cars in front of them were heading inside the church. Michelle saw her Aunt Carla and her Uncle Gerald walking up the steps to the church. Followed behind them was her mother’s younger brother Robert Collins. He was wearing a nice-looking suit. Michelle also noticed two older looking women heading into the church, wearing those big church hats with the veil covering the front.

Before Michelle and her family got out the limo, Dad had a little talk with them before they went inside.

Well we’re here kids, Dad said, with a smirk.

Dad, I don’t feel so good, Jordon said, rubbing his stomach. I think it’s something I ate.

You’ll be fine, Jordon, Dad said, tapping Jordon on his leg. Then he sat up and looked at everyone in the limo. I know this might be a hard time for you all, but we’re gonna get through this as a family. Your mother was a good woman and we’re gonna pay our respects to her. Dad’s eyes got moist as he spoke. I know this is gonna be a tough time for you but we have to be strong. I’m here and I’m going to do everything I can to keep this family together if it kills me. He paused for a moment, and wiped his eyes. Well, let’s go inside.

Everybody got out the limo and headed up the steps into the church. Following her family, Michelle stopped when she noticed a Black Range Rover pulling up in front of the church, bumping loud music. The windows were tinted so she couldn’t tell who was inside. The music inside the car was suddenly turned off and both the car doors swung open. Michelle couldn’t believe her eyes, her two best friends who she’s known since high school stepped out of the car all dressed up. Alicia McDaniel and her dearest friend Elijah Davis, the coolest gay guy you’ll ever meet. They arrived just before the service was about to start. Alicia was wearing a short black dress, and Elijah had on a fine-looking black suit. Michelle was honored to see them come out and support her and her family through this difficult time.

I’m so happy you guys made it, she said, wrapping her arms around Alicia, and then around Elijah.

Girl, you know we got yo back, Elijah said, warmly.

We would’ve got here sooner if Ms. Diva over here didn’t take all day gettin’ dress, Alicia said, looking at Elijah rolling her eyes.

Elijah took off his sunglasses and glared at Alicia. Girl, please get yo life. You’re the one that held us up putting on two-hours of make-up, he snapped.

Michelle smiled for the first time in days. It’s cool, she chuckled. I know this day wouldn’t be perfect without you two here. As she spoke, Michelle’s father approached the three of them.

Hey, is everything okay? Dad asked, looking at Michelle’s friends curiously.

Michelle turned to her father. Yeah everything’s fine, she said. These are my friends Alicia and Elijah. She pointed out. They came out to support me.

Dad smiled politely and shook their hand. It’s nice to meet you, thank you for coming out, he said.

Oh, no problem Mr. Collins, Alicia smiled.

We’re so sorry to hear about Mrs. Collins, Elijah said, sadly. She was a fabulous woman and she will be missed.

Thank you, Dad nodded. You kids come inside the service is about to start, he added.

Michelle, Elijah and Alicia nodded and followed Michelle’s father into the church to take their seats.

Girl Michelle’s Daddy sure looks good in that suit, Elijah whispered to Alicia.

Oh my god would you stop it, Alicia chuckled, nudging Elijah in his arm.

What he looks good. I’ll rock his world for a dollar. Elijah stopped and put his hands behind his head and did a little dance.

Quit it we’re in church, Alicia said, playfully punching him on his back.

Elijah stopped and straightened out his tie. Alicia shook her head, and then sat down in the back row, Elijah sat beside her. As Michelle made her way to her seat to join her family in the front pew, everybody stopped talking and looked at her. With everyone’s eyes focused on her she felt like she committed a crime. But she did feel like something special was taken away from her that she can never get back, her mother. When Michelle took her seat in the front with her twin sisters she saw her grandparents, her Mother’s parents sitting on the far end holding hands. She left her seat and walked over to them.

Hi Grandma Ruby, Michelle said, with a smile.

Grandma Ruby and Grandpa both looked at her and smiled. Their eyes looked tired and heavy from crying.

Hey, how you been? Grandma Ruby asked, giving her a hug. I’m so happy to see you, you look pretty.

Oh, thank you, Michelle smiled and straighten out her dress. Then she turned to her grandfather. Hi, Grandpa, how are you doing?

I’m doing alright, sweetheart. It’s good to see you, Grandpa said, wearily.

It’s good to see you too, Grandpa, Michelle smiled.

Will you all be joining us for dinner later? Grandma Ruby asked. I cooked a lot of food and I want you all to be there to enjoy a home cooked meal.

Okay, we’ll be there, Michelle nodded.

Alright baby, Grandma Ruby said.

Michelle hugged and kissed her grandparents and walked back to her seat and sat in between her twin sisters. Kayla rested her head on Michelle’s shoulder with her eyes closed, like she was about to burst out in tears. Michelle looked at Jayla and wrapped her arm around her. She looked over her shoulder and saw her father and his older brother, Lawrence greeting the mourners who came to pay their respects to her mother. She was surprised to see how well the funeral turned out with the little money and time they had to put it together. But in her eyes it was perfect. In the crowd, Michelle noticed her Aunt Carla and her Uncle sitting in the third row, and her Uncle Chris and his wife Kelly sitting beside them.

Aye, Michelle, Jordon whispered to Michelle. When they gone start I can’t this no more.

Michelle shrugged. Sit back and chill out, she said.

Jordon grunted, sat back, and folded his arms. Michelle looked back over her shoulder again and stopped when she saw her older brother Demetrius walk into the church, with some woman wrapped around his arm. They arrived just in time before the service was about to start. He looked much different than Michelle remembered him. Demetrius was wearing a nice-looking black suit, and his women a simple black dress. Michelle was happy to see her brother all dressed up and committed to sharing his grief with the family. He was hurting inside, and Michelle could tell because his eyes were red and tired. As Demetrius took his seat he glanced up and saw Michelle sitting in the front row with the twins. He smiled and calmly walked over to them. When the twins saw Demetrius they jump for joy.

Demetrius! the twins exclaimed. They both wrapped their arms around him and held onto him like a teddy bear.

Hey, how you two been? Demetrius asked.

Good, Jayla giggled.

I’m so happy to see you, Kayla smiled, grabbing Demetrius by his hand.

Demetrius smiled. I’m happy to see you too, he said, pitching Kayla on her cheek.

Michelle smiled and glanced over at Demetrius’s female friend standing off to the side. I wonder if she’s his girlfriend or just a chick on the side, she thought.

Well it was good seeing you, Demetrius said. He bent down and stretched out his arms and the twins gave him a hug and then sat down. Demetrius stood up and looked over at Michelle and smirked.

Hey little sister how’s it going? Demetrius asked, trying to hold back his tears.

Michelle looked at Demetrius, stood up and wrapped her arms around him. As she held onto him she could hear him sobbing in her ear.

Momma gone Michelle, she gone, he cried. She gone, sis.

I know bro. I know. It’s okay she’s in a better place now, Michelle cried. Be strong, bro.

While Demetrius was hugging Michelle he looked over her shoulder and he saw his brothers Jordon and Dorian crying. Angel had on her big sunglasses so you couldn’t see her eyes, but her face was so red it looked like she was about to pop. As Demetrius pulled away he wiped the tears from Michelle’s eyes in the same way her mother once did. Just then, the women he came with stepped up beside him and gently rubbed his back. Michelle glanced up and down at her and slightly nodded. She was pretty, much prettier than his last girlfriend he brought over for thanksgiving dinner, Michelle thought.

Oh, Michelle this is my girlfriend April, Demetrius smiled, wrapping his arm around his girl.

April smiled at Michelle with her arm extended. Hi, sweetie, she said, gently shaking Michelle’s hand.

Hi, Michelle replied, glancing at her up and down.

Demetrius told me all about you, April said. Matter of fact he told me about everybody.

Really, Michelle said, looking at Demetrius who slightly nodded his head with a smirk. Then she looked back at April. Well, it was nice to finally meet you, April, she added.

Same here, April continued. I’m really sorry to hear about your mother. She invited me to join you and your family for Christmas dinner, and I was excited to meet her. But when Demetrius told me the news I was devastated. So I’m telling you now, if you or anybody need anything don’t hesitate to ask.

Michelle turned her head and rolled her eyes, and then looked back at April with a smile. Then she sat back down with her sisters. Suddenly, Dad walked up to them not even noticing Demetrius and his girlfriend standing there. Demetrius squeezed his hands into fists and took a deep breath.

Oh, hi, Mr. Collins I’m April Demetrius’s girlfriend, April smiled, extending her hand out to him.

Excuse me, who are you? Dad said, looking at her sideways.

Dad, please don’t be rude, Demetrius said, stepping in front of April. What’s up, man? Do we have a problem?

Baby, baby let’s go back to are seats, April said, grabbing Demetrius by his hand.

Demetrius snatched his hand away from April and looked at his father. I came here for my mother, not you. So don’t disrespect me or my lady, you got that?

Demetrius you better chill out and step off, Dad muttered. Now go back to your seat, or leave.

Demetrius got up in father’s face, his hands shaking with rage. Michelle got in between them to stop them from fighting. Dad and Demetrius never got alone with each other; they were always fighting like cats and dogs. Since last year, Demetrius moved out and stopped coming around. He even stopped coming to family activities. Dad wouldn’t include him as family because of the trouble he got himself into hanging around his out of control friends. He didn’t want him setting a bad example, so he kicked him out. Demetrius knew today was a bad time to pick a fight so he took a deep breath and stepped back.

Let’s go, Demetrius said as he grabbed April’s hand and walked back to his seat.

Dad watched him from the corner of his eye and shook his head, and then sat down beside his daughters. Michelle sat back down and closed her eyes and thought about all the good times their family shared. Like the time when they all went to the lake and played around and threw rocks into the water, and watch the sunset. Her mother loved watching the sunset, it reminded her of when her mother and father first took her. When Michelle opened her eyes she saw her mother’s coffin in front of the church, with a display of her picture next to it. She looks so beautiful I wish she was here with me, Michelle cried.

At the end of the service, Reverend Jackson invited some people up from the family to say a few words about Michelle’s mother. Michelle’s grandparents went up first and gave a heartwarming tribute to their daughter. Michelle took her focus off her grandparents and looked at her family and saw that Jordon, Dorian, Demetrius and Angel were to grief-stricken to speak, and Dad had his head down the entire time crying. So she knew she would to be the one to go up and speak for them. Finally after, Michelle’s grandparents were done Reverend Jackson directed his eyes to Michelle.

Now I’m gonna bring up Rachel’s daughter to say a few words, Reverend Jackson said as he looked at Michelle and smiled.

Go head baby girl. Go up there and say something, Dad said, wiping his eyes.

Michelle didn’t know what to say in front of all those people, but she wanted to pay a tribute to her mother. Tensed and nervous she got up and made her way up to the podium and looked at everyone’s faces. The church waited patiently as she stood there in complete silence. She closed her eyes and began to speak.

When I think about my mother I think of a strong black women who would do anything to protect and love her family, Michelle began. My mother was a good woman, a very good woman. She had two jobs and she went to school full time to become a nurse. She took the time out in her busy schedule to cook, clean and help us with are homework, and take care of our father. She chuckled and continued on with her speech. And the beautiful part about it is she got up every day to do it all over again to keep her family happy. I love her for that and I can’t thank her enough for what she did for us. Michelle paused for a moment and looked out into the audience and saw her older brother Demetrius crying like a baby. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and continued. This is a rough day for me and my family, and I thank you all for coming out and supporting us on this day. I never thought in a million years that I would be here, but I have to expect that she’s gone. She did everything in her power to get us back together again. My mother was a beautiful woman inside and out and I’ll give up anything to have her back in my life. Michelle’s voice cracked as she spoke.

As Michelle continued her speech she looked at her mother’s coffin and broke down. Her father got up from his seat and hugged her as she sat down. As Michelle sat down Jayla gently held onto her hand and cried. She knew that even though her mother wasn’t there she felt her spirit, watching over them. After the Reverend said his last few words, Michelle looked over her shoulder and saw that Demetrius was gone. She shook her head and focused her attention back on the reverend. She was disappointed that her brother left without saying goodbye, and it wasn’t the first time she’s been let down by Demetrius. He left to avoid the unnecessary tension between Dad and him, so he felt the need to leave before things got out of hand. Everything her mother did to bring the family back together was destroyed.

When Reverend Jackson concluded the service, Michelle and her family stood outside the church exchanging emotional hugs with the family. Dad spoke with Aunt Carla and Uncle Gerald, while Grandma Ruby held Jordon as he cried in her arms.

Girl, that funeral was beautiful, Elijah said, walking down the steps. I’m really gonna miss her.

Yeah, me too, Alicia said, wiping the corners of her eyes. She looked around and stopped when she spotted Michelle and a family member of hers talking.

When Michelle was done talking and exchanging hugs with her people, Alicia and Elijah approached her.

Hey, Michelle, Elijah smiled.

Michelle turned and looked at them, her eyes still wet with tears. Without a word, Alicia wrapped her arms around her.

It’s gone be okay girl, Alicia repeated over and over again.

I wanna thank you guys for being here this really means a lot to me, Michelle said, wiping her eyes.

Anything for you girl, Elijah said, with a smile. But we have to go now.

Michelle quickly looked at them with a sad look on her face. Wait, why? she asked.

Ugh, are boss called us in today, Alicia said, rolling her eyes. I can’t stand that job sometimes. It’s breaking me down, you feel me.

I understand you guys go ahead, I’ll be fine, Michelle said, trying to hide her sadness.

Okay. Oh, don’t forget to save me some of your Grandmother’s sweet potato pie, Alicia said, as she put on her sunglasses.

Okay, call me later boo-boo, Elijah said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Alright, y’all drive safe, Michelle said.

Okay we will, Alicia nodded.

Alicia and Elijah hugged Michelle, and then headed to the car. As Alicia’s car pulled off Michelle waved at them. They both waved back as they drove by. Michelle watched as Alicia’s car turned the corner and disappeared. She sighed and walked up the church steps where her father and her brother Dorian were standing, talking to Grandma Ruby. She sat down on the church steps and watched the cars as they drove by.

Just then, her brother Jordon sat down beside her with his tie unfasten around his neck. Michelle looked at him and she could see the hurt still displayed on his face.

I can’t believe she’s gone, Jordon said, with a blank stare. It took all this for these fools to know that Mom was a good person. Jordon gestured to the people standing outside the church. Before this even occurred no anybody here gave a damn about mom, now they’re all down here actin’ like they care. If you ask me they all suck.

Michelle looked at everybody standing around, and then turned to Jordon. I don’t know Jay. Mom was a good person and she’ll always be with us, she said, putting her arm around Jordon’s shoulder. She’ll be missed, Jay.

Jordon nodded and wiped his eyes. Yeah, maybe you’re right. But the crazy thing is Demetrius punk ass didn’t even show up. What kind of son is he not to show up to his own mother’s funeral? Now he’s a sucka, he said, shaking his head. Now I see why Dad put him out. He got up, shook his head and walked down the steps, with his hands in his pockets.

Michelle wanted to tell Jordon that Demetrius was there, but the look on his face showed that he didn’t care. She sighed deeply and shook her head and followed Jordon down the steps. She stopped when she saw Aunt Raquel and her boyfriend Charles with their two twin boys, exchanging hugs with Reverend Johnson and his wife. Michelle hadn’t seen her since the family moved to Detroit. Raquel use to baby-sit Michelle and the others while her mother worked a double shift mostly every night, until she moved to Atlanta with her boyfriend Charles.

After Reverend Johnson and his wife were done talking they headed back into the church. Michelle took a deep breath before she walked over to Aunt.

Hi, Aunt Raquel, Michelle smiled, as she approached her.

Hey, sweetie, Aunt Raquel said, with a smile. How are you?

I’m okay, Michelle shrugged. How are you?

Oh I’m good I can’t complain.

That’s good, Michelle nodded. You still live in Atlanta, right?

Yes, and I love it. I been down there for three years now, it’s nice, Aunt Raquel smiled. Well, don’t just stand there give me a hug. She stretched out her arms.

Michelle leaned in and hugged her. As she hugged her Aunt she could smell the sweet scent of her perfume. It reminded her of something that her mother once wore. What perfume are you wearing? she asked, as she pulled away. It smells really good on you, she added.

Aunt Raquel chuckled. Oh, baby I don’t know my boyfriend bought it for me, she said, looking back at Charles with a smile. And he also bought me a new car. She pointed out.

Michelle turned and looked at the car parked on the street and nodded. It was a candy apple red Mercedes-Benz. That’s nice. I wonder what happen to her old car, she thought.

Where’s your old car? Michelle asked.

Aunt Raquel looked at Charles who smiled nervously. Then she turned back to Michelle and said, Oh… it’s in the shop, she said, looking back at Charles again. My car got wrecked.

Oh. Are you coming to Grandma Ruby’s house? Michelle asked.

I’m sorry Michelle but we have a flight to catch back home, Charles interrupted. He looked at Raquel and tapped on his watch, then grabbed his twin boys and walked them to the car. Come on Raquel, he yelled out as he put the boys in the car.

Aunt Raquel smiled, and then looked at Michelle. I’m sorry, but I have to go, she said, putting on her shades. She hugged Michelle and walked to her car. Just a few feet away Aunt Raquel spoke again. Oh, Michelle tell everybody I said bye, will ya.

Okay, Michelle waved.

Aunt Raquel waved back and then got into her car. Michelle sighed deeply, and watched her Aunt’s car drive off and disappear. As she walked up the steps to join her family she noticed a familiar looking young man walking down the street. Her heart dropped as he approached, and without a word, she threw her arms around him.

Marcus, I can’t believe you made it! Michelle exclaimed.

Marcus was Michelle’s boyfriend. They dated for two years, but they broke up last year because of an argument but got back together to make it work. It’s been six months since they got back together.

Your sister Angel called me and told me what happen. I wanted to be there for you but I overslept and I rushed down here before you all left, Marcus explained. How was the service?

It went pretty well. I wish you were by my side, Michelle said, sadly.

Yeah, I’m sorry about that, Marcus said, holding his head down. Without a word, he grabbed Michelle by her hands and stared into her eyes. Baby, we need to talk, he said.

What is it? Michelle asked. Unaware of what was going on Michelle got nervous.

Marcus took a deep breath and began. Alright, you know I love you, right. And I know we had our ups and downs but I think it’s time for us to see other people.

Michelle snatched her hands away from Marcus and looked at him like he was crazy. She couldn’t believe what was happening to her. Trying to recover from the passing of her mother and now losing the love of her life. Why is this happening to me? This nigga done lose his mind, Michelle thought.

Wait. What are you sayin’ to me right now? Michelle asked, confused.

I don’t want this relationship no more, I moved on, Marcus said, as he backed away.

Tears welled in Michelle’s eyes as Marcus spoke. She couldn’t believe her ears. Two years of their relationship gone down the drain for nothing. Michelle was heated and she wanted answers now.

Marcus I just came from my mother’s funeral and you came all the way down here to tell me that you’re leaving me, Michelle said, wiping her eyes. I can’t believe you right now.

Well, believe it baby because I’m done, Marcus said, stretching out his arms like a free man. We can still be friends.

Friends, Michelle repeated. Marcus, I love you. Why are you doing this to me?

This isn’t workin’ out for me. All we do is argue and I’m gettin’ tired of that shit and you know it. Marcus stopped and looked around, then stepped closer to Michelle and whispered, You barely let me touch you and if I did you get all defensive.

Oh, really. So this is about sex, huh? Michelle asked, raising her voice.

You weren’t givin’ it up so I had to get it somewhere else.

Alright, who is she? Michelle asked, folding her arms.

Marcus looked at Michelle and laughed. What are you talkin’ about? he asked.

Michelle put her hands on her hips and looked at Marcus. Don’t act stupid! she yelled. The bitch you’re leaving me for! Who is she?

Everybody immediately turned their heads and looked at Michelle and Marcus standing face to face. Jordon and Dorian were on the steps watching them. As everyone looked away, Michelle closed her eyes to calm herself down, then she took a deep breath and looked at Marcus.

Who is she? Michelle asked again.

She’s my ex-girlfriend, Marcus said. And she’s pregnant.

Michelle’s jaw dropped. What! she said in a voice of disbelief with an attitude.