Chapter 31

Kiana Lede‘s heavy flowed soothingly through Lux’s speakers, casting a peaceful aura in her bedroom as she lay onto her paisley print covered sheets – her eyes plastered to the ceiling. Winter break was finally here, and that meant two things; Her senior year was halfway through, and she would soon have to navigate the world on her own.

Technically she had already been doing that – with a strung out Mom and a disappearing act of a Dad, Lux had no choice but to learn the necessities of life on her own. She was grateful for both GG and Lu, as they scraped together the very little they had to take care of her. And while she always insisted she could work to help out, Lu refused.

Lux knew once she graduated, things would be different – she would be different. Would she walk the same path as her mother, who couldn’t deal with the weight of the world; Who instead ran to the streets and found solace in her own sadness. In all honesty, that sounded easier than actually excelling in life.

That was one of the main reasons she still hadn’t decided what colleges to apply to, even with admissions right around the corner. It was Midterms, and she knew the pressure was soon to come. She tried her best to push the doubting thoughts to the back of her mind. With two weeks of winter break, she now had free time to hang with her friends and to worry about growing up later.

Startling her, the blaring of her ringtone echoed throughout the otherwise peaceful room. Reaching for her phone, she could see Sasha’s contact picture appear. She smiled to herself hoping it was good news coming.

“Hello?” She answered almost immediately.

“She said no,” said Sasha getting straight to the point, “Said she’s going to need help with my brothers, since Quan isn’t coming.”

Lux rolled her eyes, “So how long will you be gone?”

“The whole two weeks” Sasha sighed, “I’m going to miss you. I looked forward to seeing you during the break, spending time together like old times…”.

“Yeah, me too..”

“Well, I have to go help my mom put the bags in the car. Love you.”

Lux frowned, “love you too.”

She tossed her phone to the side of her, staring back up at the ceiling as she was seriously dreading having to spend her whole winter break most likely alone. Sasha and her were just getting back on good terms, and she actually looked forward to the two of them hanging out.

Sitting up, she dragged her feet to the kitchen to grab something out the fridge. She rolled her eyes at the sight of Don in between the door frame, with his head poked out. She undoubtedly loved living with her brother, but Don was another story. If he wasn’t flirting with her when Lu wasn’t around, he had multiple flings in and out of their apartment.

“Ima hit you up lata aiight, lil sexy ass.” He flirted, hanging in the doorway.

Lux snickered to herself. He was really a class act.

“Something funny?” asked Don, closing the door behind him, “That could be you.”

Lux pretended to choke herself, “I’d rather die.”

“Yeah okay.” He rolled his eyes before disappearing back into his room.

Lux finished making herself a sandwich, shaking her head as she wondered what exactly drove her to deal with him the summer before. That had to be her biggest regret to date, and it was something Don would never let her forget. The summer where everything in her life seemed to be going wrong and she found comfort in her brother’s best friend. She knew Lu would kill both of them if he ever found that out, and no matter how much Don annoyed her she would keep her lips shut about that.

Walking back into her room, Lux saw that it was just in time as another phone call began to come in.

“Hellooo?” She sung as she plopped onto her bed.

“Are you just as bored as I am?” Valencia sighed dramatically.

Lux bit into her sandwich, “You know it. What’re you up to?”

“Painting my nails. Are you free to hang out?”

“Your parents are okay with you coming over?” Lux raised her brow.

Valencia’s parents weren’t the strictest, but they were typical parents who didn’t want their daughter always running the streets – something Lux couldn’t relate to.

“They’re out of town for the night.” replied Valencia excitedly.

“Ouuu, do I hear sleepover?”

“I’ll be there in an hour.”

Lux smiled to herself as she disconnected the call. She didn’t have Sasha, but she did have Valencia – someone who she had grown extremely close with over the past few months. Her past wasn’t that petty with female friends, but it seemed like her senior year was proving to her she could do a lot that the younger her would have never believed.

“You up?” shouted through her bedroom door, giving it a few knocks.

Lux shouted back, “Yup!”

Moments later her door slowly swung open, revealing Lucious in his all black Dickies attire. Lux was always relieved when her brother made it home after a long day in the streets – she was well aware of the type of work he participated in and there was no telling the consequences he would one day face for  his crazy lifestyle. Either way, he got it from the mud and took care of her like he always promised, and Lux assured herself she would pay him back one day.

“How was your last week of school before the break?” Lu asked, stepping half way in the bedroom.

Lux sat up, folding her legs over in a pretzel.

“It was cool, midterms are coming up. Including this huge project, so most likely that’s what I’ll be doing my whole break.”

Lu smirked proudly, “That’s what I like to hear. I’ma head back out in a little, I was just coming to check on you and make sure you’re good.”

“Yeah I’m good” Lux nodded, “Oh and Valencia is spending the night, is that okay?”

“Oh yeah?” Lu asked with a raised eyebrow,  all ears.

“Aht, mind your business!” Lux playfully scolded him, “My friend does not want you.”

“Why you blocking me sis, I thought we were closer than that. Wassup with her, she got a boyfriend?”

Lux shrugged, “Something like that.”

“So I’m taking it as a no, and even if she did he ain’t me.”

“Boy.” She laughed at his cockiness, although Lux knew her brother was indeed handsome.

He was a male version of her – only difference being in their height as he stood at a solid 6’0. Lu was a stunner, possessing a golden brown sun-kissed skin tone that held no blemishes, only radiance. Years of braces blessed him with a Kodak smile – one he barely showed because of the hard exterior he put on while in the streets. He was a friendly dude, but was also very intelligent and knew that niggas would take his kindness for weakness – and that was the last thing he needed. His hair was always sharply cut and complimenting his baby face, along with a goatee he maintained with pride. At a young twenty one, Lu was just getting started when it came to killing the other cats in the game and he knew it good and well, although he tried his best to be humble. The girls loved him, however he had his eye on one. Valencia.

While he wasn’t the creepy type who liked to push up on high-school girls, especially his sister’s friends, there was definitely something  special about the young bombshell and she just happened to be legal. Out of respect, he asked Lux’s permission to go after her – but that would only go so far and eventually he would have to make that move on his own.

“What, you think I’m not good enough for your little friend?” Lu smirked devilishly.

“I’m not saying that. She’s just…not like other girls Lu. She’s sweet, and innocent, and I really like her. I don’t need you messing up her head. So stay away, for me please?” Lux pleaded.

She loved her brother, but he was just like the rest…a typical nigga.

Lu turned away from his sister, making his way back out of her room, “I hear you sis…I hear you.”

“Sasha, wake up!”

“Mhhh?” Sasha slit her tired eyes, catching the drool that was escaping her mouth as she sat up in the front seat of her mother’s car.

Her blurry vision cleared enough for her to see Ty standing above her, the passenger side door open.

“We made it, come help with the bags.”

After a long three hour drive, Sasha and her family finally arrived to their hometown. There was a time when Sasha would’ve been ecstatic to touch the concrete of D.C again, to smell the rural air, see the skyline from a distance as she drove into her hometown, all of it. Now, all she could think of was Philly and her friends back in her new home. Two weeks she could bear, but with the current status of her parent’s marriage she could foresee her mother picking up everything and moving back to the place where her heart felt comfortable. She prayed she was wrong.

Sasha climbed out of the tiny sedan that could barely fit the five of them, continuing to wipe her tired eyes as she slowly dragged her feet to the trunk.

“Ohhh myyyy Goddd, look at my babies!” Myda’s sister, also known as Aunt Mo exclaimed.

Myda forced a smile onto her face at the sight of her younger, more fulfilled and happier, sister. Everything about Mo was radiant. From her glowing skin that hadn’t aged a day over thirty, to her tight figure she kept it shape, and of course her overly bubbly personality. Myda and Mona were the definition of opposites, and no one let them forget it.

While her baby sister pursued her career and traveled the world – Myda married Joseph right out of high school and popped out twins a year no later. She prided herself on being a stay at home wife, and any dreams she ever had were swept under the rug due to her dominating husband – but she didn’t mind. However years later, her regrets showed on her tired face.

“Hey Mona, how are you?” said Myda, allowing her sister to hug her.

“Hi Aunty Mo!” Mikey smiled as he hugged his aunt dearingly.

Mona kissed Mikey on his head, making sure to greet her other nephews and Sasha as well.

“I’m good, but the question is how are you?” She gave her sister a knowing look, “But we’ll talk about that later. Let’s get inside, it’s freezing out here.”

Mona ushered her family down the walkway and into her lavish home, and although Spring Valley was a nice neighborhood Sasha would’ve preferred to at least stay in the Pinnacles, her old neighborhood. There she could at least visit all her favorite spots – the Rosedale Rec center being at the top of the list as it was where the ball player in her was born, and just picturing the home court in her mind made her fingers tingle. That would be her first stop once she was able to escape her family.

“Sasha, my pretty girl. You’re getting so big, oh and that hair!” Mona said as she brushed Sasha’s bushy hair back, “How’s school?”

Sasha placed her luggage down, “It’s good, I like it.”

“Please tell me you’re playing basketball this year.”

Myda rolled her eyes as she passed her sister, “Don’t encourage her.”

“Oh hush chile, that negativity isn’t healthy.” Mona slit her eyes, “And Dan will carry ya’ll luggage up to the guest rooms so don’t even lift a finger.”

Myda shook her head, “They have hands, they can carry it. Sasha, Ty, go take the bags upstairs.”

Sasha reluctantly picked the luggage back up, but was interrupted as the tall chestnut-colored man sauntered into the living room, an apron hanging from his waist.

“Nonsense I got the bags Myda, you and your family get ready for dinner. I just finished up actually.” He smiled charmingly, “How are you all by the way?”

“Even better now, I’m starving!” Ty exclaimed sprinting into the dining room.

Envy wore heavily on Myda’s face at the sight of her sister’s husband. Not only was he extremely handsome, he did everything Joseph wouldn’t even consider doing and the only reason she was aware of that was through her mother who wouldn’t shut up about him. The two had only been married for a year, however it was clear that their family loved him more than they ever did Joseph.

“I’m good, thank you.” Myda forcefully grinned once more, “Well then…I guess we should eat.”

Sasha wasn’t mad at that idea, willingly handing over the bags and following behind Ty – making sure to pick up baby Joe on the way. She could smell the mouth-watering food, and after a long depressing drive she was ready to dig in. Dan had outdone himself with a spread of southern food that could’ve been on the cover of a magazine.

“You hungry Joe-Joe?” Sasha asked after washing her and her little brothers hands, and returning to the table.

He nodded, pointing to the sides that grabbed his attention first.

“Sooo, tell me all about Philadelphia. I’ve never been but I heard it’s Lit…is that what the kids say?” Mona joked, “Dan is from there.”

Sasha chuckled as she filled her brother’s plate.

“Baby what I tell you about making bad jokes, it’s embarrassing.” Dan laughed entering the dining room.

“You’re right Aunt Mo, it is lit.” Sasha assured her Aunt.

Ty pouted, “No it’s not. I hate it. It’s nothing like here.”

Dan furrowed his brows, “See those are fighting words. Philly is where it’s at, I can’t get with this D.C lifestyle. I’ve been trying to convince Mo to move down there.”

“Oh hell no” Mona shook her head, “I love to travel but D.C is my home. Period.” She said making the room laugh.

“What do you like about it Sasha?” Dan asked, interested in hearing from the young girl who his wife spoke about so much.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love D.C too” replied Sasha, “But I don’t know, Philly is just different – and I actually have friends there. A lot.”

“Yeah, Sasha is actually popular. Can you believe that?” Ty scoffed, still in disbelief.

In their old high school, no one knew of her – whereas in Fels she was top ranked with the best of them. Her best friend was Isaiah – and once you were tied with him you were like high school royalty.

“Ouuuu popular?” Mona cooed, “See, I knew eventually kids would see how cool you are. My niece got swag.”

Dan playfully rolled his eyes, “This one doesn’t shut up about you, just know that.”

“Yup, she’s my sweet Aries baby.” She said making Sasha blush, “I swear, she looks just like me at that age. I told Myda she just carried her for me, but that’s my daughter.”

Sasha smiled, and she too felt way closer to her aunt than she ever did her mother. However, a mother like Mona was but a dream.

“What colleges are you looking to apply to?” Dan asked.

Sasha’s face lit up at the mention of college.

“Bloomsburg, UPenn, Howard definitely” Sasha nodded. “I have a lot on my list, and my counselor says my grades are really good and I have a chance of getting into all of them.”

“Yes, of course you do – you’re a Swedenburg. How about Quan?” Mona chimed in.

Sasha twisted her lips at the mention of her brother. Quan’s future was looking shaky, but that wasn’t her business to tell.

“I think we have some of the same choices.” She lied.

Mona smiled. “Wow, you know I’m so proud of you all. I really am. As much as you guys moved around, you still succeeded and that’s all that matters. God is good. Maybe I will come to Philly to visit and see how it’s shakin down there when you both graduate. It can be a lit celebration.” She caused the group to chuckle once more.

Everyone except Myda. She was so busy into her own thoughts, her head down as she picked away at the food on her plate. The last thing she had was an appetite, especially after seeing the happy home that her younger sister possessed while hers was falling apart.

“Mom, wouldn’t that be cool if Aunt Mo came to Philly?” Ty exclaimed, pulling her out of her thoughts.

“Mhh…” she lifted her head, “Well…actually, I’ve been thinking about us moving back here. Would you guys like that?”

Ty beamed, “That sounds even better!”

Mikey shrugged, not caring either way.

Sasha on the other hand couldn’t hold back her twisted facial expression, or the feeling of her stomach in knots.

“But why…everything is just fine in Philly. And we’re in the middle of the school year.” She rejected the idea.

“So, we can just transfer your grades. And I think we need a new start…just away from everything in that filthy city. Home is where the heart is.”

“You mean where Dad isn’t.” Sasha mumbled.

“Excuse me?” Myda hissed.

“Nothing, just forget it.”

Sasha knew that there was no use in arguing with her mother, who would do what she believed was best anyway. That was one of the main reasons she couldn’t wait to be an adult – so she could make her own decisions and not be bound by the ideas of her closed minded parents. Inside she was feeling horrible; She couldn’t imagine the rest of her school year without Zay and the guys, Lux, or her basketball team. Just the thought was making her angry as each second passed.

Myda placed her fork down, folding her arms over her breasts, “No, please continue -“

“Myda just leave it alone.” Mona told her sister.

“No, I won’t leave it alone. I would love to hear about the sacrifices that Sasha here has to make, if we move back home. Do you pay bills, do you have to raise a family on your own, no! I do! So what, what exactly are you leaving behind -“

“Everything!” Sasha raised her voice, “My school, my friends, my team —”

“You don’t even like cheerleading Sasha, stop it. I get that you like Lux -“

Sasha scoffed, “It’s not about Lux, and it’s not about cheerleading. I’m on the basketball team Mom, for once in my life I’m doing what I like despite what you and Dad say. And Lux isn’t my friend…she’s my girlfriend. But you wouldn’t know that because you don’t pay me any mind unless I’m doing what you want.”

Sasha didn’t know what made her blurt out the secrets she had been holding for months – but it definitely felt good. Meanwhile Myda’s face was practically red as she glared at her daughter in disdain.

“Sorry…” Sasha dropped her shoulders, “I know that you’re going through it with Dad, Mom. I just -“

“You’re just selfish!” Myda shouted, startling Sasha, “You think you disobeying me and sinning in my household is a good thing!? You belong in hell just like your father!”

“Myda!” Mona scolded her sister, “What kind of shit is that to say to your own daughter?”

“She’s not my daughter, I don’t know who she is.”

Sasha sniffled, wiping her tear ridden face with the back of her hand.

“It’s okay, she’s right.” She cried, standing from the table.

Sasha wasn’t sure where she would go, but she had to get away. This was the second big argument she had with her mother, and all it did was solidify the fact that the two would never be anything but two people who shared blood.

She stormed out of the large home, her feet picking up more quickly as each second passed. Suddenly a thought came to mind, and she knew who she could run to. Chris. The two hadn’t spoken in what seemed like forever, and she was sure that he probably hated her – but she needed him. He was the only person who truly knew her, and she just hoped he was happy to see that his best friend was back home.

“Marry, fuck, kill – Dave East, Chris Brown, and Ryan Henry.” Lux challenged Valencia as the two lounged in her living room, pigging out on snacks.

Valencia placed her hand on her chin, “That’s a hard one…marry Ryan, fuck Dave, kill Chris.”

“Good choice, but why Chris?”

Valencia shrugged, “I don’t like his perms.”

Lux doubled over in laughter, shaking her head at her friend who didn’t even crack a smile as she was just that serious. Suddenly her flat expression shifted – her eyes now glued to her phone screen.

Lux spiked her brow, “What are you cheesin at?”

Valencia gave her friend a devious grin, “Zay’s having a get together.”

“And I have two feet, what else is new?” Lux rolled her eyes.

“Alex is going to be there.”

Lux didn’t respond, instead continuing to eat away at her snacks to fill the awkward silence. She could feel her friend’s intense stare – telling her that she could read her like a book.

“Okay fine, I’ll tell him that we’re not interested.”

Lux sat up, “Wait, I didn’t say that. I mean…we could possibly slide through.”

“Mhh really? So just to be sure, we’re not going because of Alex?” Valencia smirked, “Because everyone knows he likes you.”

Lux wasn’t oblivious to that fact, however she honestly wasn’t sure how she felt about Alex. He was definitely cute, that much she knew – and unlike the other boys in school he was sweet and not a pig. But as far as she was concerned, her heart was with Sasha, her curly haired baby who still gave her butterflies. The two were just now getting back on track, but she would be lying to say she wasn’t intrigued by spanish ball player.

“I’m with Sasha, so he’ll just have to admire from afar.”
Lux shrugged with a smile.

“Oop, okay then girl.”

Valencia knew exactly what it was like to like someone despite their faults, and that was Zay to a T. He had multiple faults, but she couldn’t help the palm sweat and rapid heart acceleration whenever she was around him. Especially since he began to take more notice in her and only her, and Valencia began to believe he was actually the one. But only time would tell.

Lux gestured Valencia to her bedroom where the two began to get ready for the kickback, changing into something party friendly. Lux let her famous bun down. allowing her curls to cascade down her shoulders. She rummaged through her closet, finally settling for a burgundy Milano sweatsuit and a pair of Timbs for the bitter winter weather. Valencia, who was content with her fit just touched up her light make up – and before they knew it they were out of the door.

“You ready for a good time?” Lux bounced her eyebrows at Valencia, reaching across the counter as she grabbed the pack of wraps from the cashier.
It definitely wasn’t a party without sparking up.

“Yup. I have a feeling he’s going to ask me to be his girlfriend tonight” Valencia beamed.

“Ohh child, be careful what you ask for” Lux giggled, “Just kidding, I’m happy for you guys. I think I’m going to ask Sasha out once she gets back.

“Well here’s to us not being lonely anymore.”

The two friends shared a laugh – however Lux was indeed right. You should be careful of what you ask for.

[IM GOING TO TRY MY BEST TO GET THE NEXT CHAPTER OUT THIS WEEKEND! THANKS FOR BEARING WIRH ME]❤️