~Michael's POV

I hang up the phone once more after calling Rayne five times, her father says she doesn't want to talk to me. It's crazy how she and I are neighbors and she's been successfully avoiding me for three days. "Mike, breakfast is ready." Janet knocks lightly. I sigh and turn to my side "I'm not hungry."

"Are you still sad about Rayne?" She asks frowning.

"A little." "Why don't you just apologize?" She asks. "It's not that simple Dunk." I groan, I really didn't wanna talk about this, especially with my 13 year old baby sister. "Well why not? I think-" "Dunk, I'll be down in a second for breakfast. Can you just give me a minute?" I interrupt, hoping to stop anymore conversing about the matter.

I sit there pushing my food back and forth on my plate. I could see Marlon shaking his head out the corner of my eye. I don't know why he cared so much about the relationship between Rayne and I, but I was pretty over it. My album was coming out in two days and that's all that mattered to me right now. "Michael you haven't touched your food. Is everything ok?" Mother asked quietly. "I'm fine mother." "No you're not. You're miserable. It's only been three days." Marlon interjects, "just go apologize and it's over." "I'm not apologizing, I didn't do anything." I slam my fork down angrily and shuffle back upstairs slamming the door. Before I could lock my door, Marlon burst in. "What the hell is your problem Michael?" "What the hell is yours? Why are you so into my relationship?" I yell, "I told you Rayne is a good girl, and your just gonna let her get away? Why haven't you gone over there? Make it right. Your my little brother, I like to see you happy. But you're being unreasonable right now." Marlon sighs. "I'm being unreasonable? She's the one who doesn't believe me. I did all I could for her.." My mind wanders, I think of how after three days, I miss her terribly. I miss her smile, her laugh, her scent, the way her hair tickled my chest when she slept on me. It felt like an eternity being away from her. My legs wanted to carry me over to her house, but my mind was too stubborn. "You should go over there, just saying." Marlon shrugs. I hated when Marlon was right. He never lets me forget when he is. "Fine." I pout.

I walk outside towards her room window, tossing small pebbles until they make a loud enough sound to catch her attention. She pokes her head out, no sight of a smile on her face. "What do you want?" She scoffs. It honestly felt good just to see her face again, even if she was angry. Her attitude just made me need her more. "Three days is too long to be away from you. Can you please come down so we can talk?" I beg. The sound of desperation filled my voice. "I don't wanna talk to you, Michael. You really hurt my feelings." She leaned further, resting her arms on the windowsill. "I'm trying to fix it Ray. Please come down?" She gives me a deep sigh, as if she was giving in to something she really doesn't want to do. "Ok." She says simply, closing the window immediately after. My heart beats faster while I think of what to say. I wait in the garden for her. She quietly stands in front of me, our distance feeling miles apart compared to how close we've been. I attempt to hug her but naturally, she backs away before my arms reach her. I sigh, "Ok.. I'm still learning this relationship stuff. I'm sorry I hurt you, that wasn't my intention. It was just a joke."

"You don't understand, people have been telling me all month about how your unfaithful and you date anyone, just because. It takes a toll on my views of you when you come back with a number in your pocket." She says, on the verge of tears.

"I get that now, and I'm sorry. But you have to know that people say untrue statements about me constantly, they see my brothers hurt women and cheat on women so they associate me with that life. I would never do that to you, my feelings for you wouldn't allow me to intentionally hurt you." My hand slowly crept into hers. "Besides I need you by my side when the album releases, you're a huge part of it Ray. Please forgive me? I've been so miserable these past three days." My eyes stare into hers, giving my best puppy impression causing her to smirk. "You have to promise me that this won't happen again." A serious tone in her voice. "Done. But you have to promise, that what people say about me.. You won't instantly believe it. Promise me that." "I promise." She smiles, leaning her lips slowly onto mine. It feels like forever since I've had her kiss, it felt amazing to receive it again. I kissed her repeatedly and she held no fight to kiss me back.

~Rayne's POV

With Michael and I back on good terms, I was nothing but supportive when his album finally released. He held a release party and I stood by his side as his date. "I'm so proud of him!" I overheard Diana say. My eyes scan the room left to right at all of the guest enjoying his music, I was proud of him. Nobody knew the struggle he went through to make his album. I was annoyed that none of his family bothered to show up. "Hey!" Michael startles me, his hand on the small of my back. He places a kiss on my cheek. "Look at all these people, they love the album!" He smiles, "this album is gonna be big!" I grin. "I hope so, I wanna separate from my brothers once and for all." "You will. I can feel it." I say, wrapping my arm around him.

***

"My album is number one in the country!" Michael crashes into my room, scaring me. "Jeez! Michael what the hell?" I jump. He practically picks me up off of my bed, causing me to cling to him tightly as he swung around. "My. Album. Is. Number. One!" He screams again, placing on my feet. "Really? Congratulations!!" I yell excitedly. "How do you know?" "Quincy just called and told me the good news. I did it Ray!" He smiles, I couldn't help but be happy for him. His excitement couldn't be contained and neither could mine. "I can't believe this.." He lays on the bed. "You better believe it." I chuckle.