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E P I L O G U E

         In her bathroom on facetime with DeVante, Cali was in the process of tying her head scarf over her head as he watched silently while playing the game. "Is that what you do in your free time? Play the game?" She questioned causing him to look back at the camera briefly.

"Yeah, it helps me release stress. It's either working out or play the game when I'm free those are my two hobbies, and with me not knowing anybody here in Houston just yet the game keeps me entertained." He explained and she nodded understanding what he meant.

"Interesting, but I'm sure you're gonna love Houston, well I guess I could say Texas in general." She smiled.

Smiling back, he smirked. "Oh I'm sure I am, I'm sitting here talking to one of the most baddest females right now so yeah I'm digging Texas alot." He joked.

Placing her hand over her face to hide her smile, she just laughed his comment off. "You're so dramatic. Baddest female? I think not."

"I think yes, I mean ontop of you being darkskin, your smile is breathtaking and your eyes are so beautiful and easy to get lost in and I know that shit may sound corny and cheesy as hell but I'm serious and don't get me started on that body. For somebody to have had four kids, you damn sure don't look like four kids came out of you." He complimented.

"Thank you, I really appreciate the compliments. You aren't too hard on the eyes yourself." She smiled.

Raising one of his arms to show off his muscles, he flexed. "Oh baby, I know I'm fine. After being over three-hundred pounds majority of my life, I gained a lot of confidence over the years."

"Three-hundred pounds!? I don't believe that."

Laughing, he turned the game off. "Believe it, I was fat as hell as a kid. I couldn't dress for shit, had no game whatsoever, played no sports and my confidence level was non-existent."

"So what made you want to lose weight and actually stick with it and make a career out of it?"

"You want the truth?" He questioned.

Cali nodded, "Of course."

"Well honestly it was because I didn't like my body naked, I wanted to look good undressed. Plus I wasn't proud of my body either and after growing up being bullied because of my weight and love for snacks, I wanted to change that so I did. Especially with me wanting to join the army I already knew I had to be a certain size so I got on it. Came back my senior year of high school a whole new man and I never looked back." He admitted.

"That's amazing, I'm sure when you came back all the girls was tryna get at you." She laughed.

Laughing along with her, he nodded. "Man, you'd be surprised. But with the way a lot of them came at me it made me not even want them because they paid me no mind when I was big. Like yeah, I knew I was more attractive once I lost weight but I was the still the same sweet and shy guy that nobody wanted to get to know when I was big and I ain't like that. All that changed was my looks and my confidence nothing else so I just felt like if I wasn't worthy of your time back then, then I'm sho' not worth your time now." He expressed openining up about that tough time for him growing up.

"I'm sorry to hear that DeVante, nobody deserves that. But you do look amazing and I can tell all your hard work and dedication is really paying off, but I'm sure wether you were big or not you would still be handsome." She smiled causing him to do the same.

"I appreciate that Cali, thank you. But yeah so working out and shit is one of my favorite hobbies to do, that rush you get after a good work out is unexplainable and everyday I chase that feeling because it makes me feel good."

"I love that, I've been trying to find a hobby of my own to keep me occupied as well. Like I love doing hair and I love all my clients but sometimes I do grow bored of that and want to do somethig else, but I don't know what." She sighed. "And besides me being a mother that's all I really do, but I need a release outside of my kids and my career..if that makes sense."

Putting his full focus and attention on her, he held his phone up so she could fully see his face. "Makes perfect sense, so shit let's figure this out then. What's some good qualities you have? Can you sing?"

Laughing she walked back into her room and plopped down on her bed. "I can cook, I guess I can dance .. uh I have unique since of fashion and people do say I have an eye for interior designing. And yeag I can sing, but the real question is do I sound good?"

Laughing along with her, he shook his head. "Okay okay, well singing is off the list fasho then. But hell those other qualities could easily be turned into hobbies. Signing up for dance classes, going back to school to get your degree in Culinary Arts, being a stylist or hell even look into becoming a part-time interior designer."

"Eh, I don't know I'm not really feeling those that much to make a hobby out of it honestly." She stated.

"Hmm, you ever tried Yoga? My homeboy back in Atlanta used to teach a Yoga class with his wife and I always heard good shit about it."

"That actually doesn't sound too bad, I've heard good things about Yoga as well."

Smirking to himself, DeVante smiled showing off his pretty smile. "Maybe we should go to a class or some shit together one day." He suggested.

After that comment left his mouth, Cali's smile sorta faded which confused DeVante into thinking he said something wrong. "You good over there?" He questioned.

Letting out a sigh, she nodded. "I'm fine, but I have to be honest with you DeVante, I can tell from our many conversations we have had within' the three days of us getting to know each other that you're a great guy but before feelings get involved I just want to say a relationship is something I am not ready for and even need at this moment. I just lost my husband and that is still something I am not over so I don't want to lead you on or have you thinking something else is going on between us." She expressed.

DeVante only smiled, "I appreciate your honesty and I kinda already knew the moment you said you were divorced you had other things on your mind and finding a man was the last thing, so I knew trying to persue you now would get me nowhere. But, that's not gonna stop me from at least becoming your friend and getting to know you better. I still wanna take you out and show you a good time, men and women can do that without it being romantic right?" He questioned.

"Yeah, they can."

"Then it's settled, I'm not looking for anything serious at the moment either so we on the same page." He smiled causing her to smile back as well.

"Thanks for understanding."

"Always, but if you don't mind me asking. What happened in your marriage? I mean I have to ask because just from what I have experienced with you I can tell you're an amazing woman, you're beautiful, funny and smart so as I'm sitting here I can't help but wonder why a man would let go of something like that." DeVante questioned causing Cali to stiffen.

She knew that question was coming, and she honestly didn't even want to answer it but she knows she can't keep running from the truth.

"Maybe because I'm not that amazing." She shrugged.

"I don't believe that for one second, but I do believe due to that comment you must have been the cause of the divorce...am I right?"

Cali only nodded her head, before she released a deep breath. "I cheated, but I didn't just cheat I did so much more to break that trust and loyalty we had within' each other and he deserved none of it. He wasn't perfect, but he was good to me and treated me with so much respect and love and like a dumbass I fucked it all up."

DeVante remained silent not expecting that confession at all, but he respected her being honest about it.

"And before you judge me, trust me I beat myself up everyday for what I did. Now I have to sit back and watch him love another woman and be everything he was to me to her, but he deserves it and I'm really happy for him." She expressed sadly.

DeVante's face saddened, "I personally have no room to judge so trust me that's the last thing I'm doing, but I do appreciate your honesty on the situation and if you don't wanna talk about it we don't have to."

Smiling small, Cali thanked him as she wiped the tear that fell.

Deciding to change the subject, DeVante got back on her discussion of wanting to find a hobby to lift her spirits and get the mood back right.

It wasn't in his intentions to bring down her mood and he was kinda mad at himself for being his typical nosey self, but nonethless he was grateful that she opened up alittle even though her confession was not what he expected.

He assumed she was about to explain how her ex-husband did this and that, but to hear she was the reason blew his mind.

"Aye, I know something you can also try as a hobby, it might seem kinda cheesy but it helped my little sister when she was younger."

Becoming intrigued, Cali sat up. "What is it?"

"Scrapbooking, I actually did that shit myself and it does occupy your mind, keeps you busy and its actually fun once you really start getting into it. Plus with you having kids it should really be something you could find joy in." He suggested.

Thinking about his suggestion, Cali actually liked it and could really see herself enjoying that. "I actually wanted to make all my babies personal books of themselves for throughout the years of their lives up until they were eighteen, I used to tell Ahmad about doing it but never got around to it."

DeVante smiled, "Then its settled, you don' found two new hobbies to get started on."

"Thank you for that, I know for a fact the kids would love that and I'm sure my little diva Armoni would have a ball helping me as well."  She grinned as she thought about what all she had planned for their personal books.

"Tell me more about your kids." DeVante stated wanting to know more about her outside of her marriage.

Getting comfortable in her bed, she let out a sigh. "Well first you have my oldest baby Marq, he's six almost seven. Probably one of the sweetest and most respectful child you could ever meet. He's the child I had before I got married, then you have my second baby Armoni, my little superstar in the making aka the Beyonce of the family who is four. She's a good mix of both me and Ahmad when it comes to personalities, like when she doesn't want to be bothered she will literally shut everybody out much like her daddy, but warm, energetic spirit is all from me."

"Next you have my special baby boy Adrian who is now two years old, but I also like to call him my warrior child. Since the day he has touched this Earth life for him has been a struggle health wise, but he fights a good fight and keeps on pushing. He was actually recently diagnosed with level 2 Autisum. We haven't experienced the serious affects of that, but for now he doesn't talk much or at all even and stays to himself or around his siblings or Me and Ahmad. Lastly, you have my newest baby Mariah who is almost nine months come next month, she's actually has to be one of my easiest babies to deal with. All my other kids gave me and Ahmad hell during their first year, but she actually sleeps through the night and gives us no problems."

DeVante nodded, "I can really tell your kids mean a lot to you, just looking at the way your eyes lit up as you talked about them told me everything and I like that."

Cali could only smile a little, "Yeah, they are my world and I can be the first to admit that as a mother I made some horrible mistakes, but I'm trying so hard to fix them so my kids don't ever have to question if I love them or not."

Listening to that small confession caused DeVante to frown slightly wondering what she meant by mistakes, but instead of prying and getting all into her business especially since they have only been communicating for like three days he let it go.

But it was clear it was a lot more to Cali that he didn't know that he wanted to know, plus despite her confessing to her cheating that didn't make him look at her differently. He was more so curious as to what lead her to doing that and just simply getting into her mind and learning more about who she was and why she made certain choices.

          Opening his front door for Derek to come inside, Ahmad slapped hands with him before moving out the way to so he could come in. "What's going on man? I came over soon as I got your text."

"Not much honestly, Shanice, Tae and Crystal all went shopping for tonight's events, and Dave upstairs napping so I felt this was the best time for you to come over so I could talk and vent to you about a few of my personal thoughts and emotions." Ahmad expressed and Derek nodded.

Walking to the living the room, they both took a seat on separate couches getting comfortable. "Oh aye, before we get started did you want anything to drink first?"

"Yeah, I'll take a water."

Getting up Ahmad grabbed two water bottles from the fridge and some chips before walking back into the living room and handing Derek his stuff.

After taking a sip of his water, Derek sat back to let Ahmad have the floor. "So tell me what's going on."

"Honestly, a lot man. Ever since that day Cali finally opened up about her emotions throughout our marriage and expressing why she cheated, I just feel like I failed her as a husband and I'm not tryna make that same mistake with Crystal or hell anybody in general for that matter. I thought I was doing everything I needed to do to keep Cali happy, hell for four almost five years she seemed happy but in reality it was like I was killing her."

"That was why I went so long not letting people in because I knew all my demons and issues were a lot to handle, I never wanted to feel like a burden on anyone not even my own parents. But with Cali it was different, when I opened up to her I didn't feel judged or shamed but now its like a part of me regrets doing that because its clear now that she couldn't handle all of that. And that shit is eating me up, because this woman I am seeing today is so broken down in spirit and I can't help but blame myself for it all." He admitted.

"Why do you blame yourself though Ahmad? It's like I understand, but I don't understand at the sametime." Derek stated wanting a little more insight.

"I don't know, I just be thinking that maybe I just didn't do enough on my end as a spouse even though I thought I was. So now it just has me reflecting myself on my faults within' relationships so I can fix it, because I never want to make another woman feel the way Cali did while being with me. So honestly, with Crystal I'm scared I'ma break her too without even knowing or realizing that I am."

Derek felt what Ahmad was saying, but he also felt he was taking too much credit for things that he had no control over. "But Ahmad, we both know Cali's issues go beyond just you and your problems. I've watched you from the very beginning change from this scared and heartless person, to this person who learned to let love in and trust people. The way you loved Cali was something many women want and need from a man, when it came to Cali you became very selfless in my eyes and you constantly asked if she was good and if she was okay and she chose to stay quiet."

"Now trust me, I get why she chose to remain silent just like I understand why you stayed quiet about your problems for so long as well. But in a marriage when you say those vows before God, you two are suppose to become one. Your problems become Cali's and Cali's problems become yours and y'all are suppose to work together to solve it. But I also know for some people its kinda hard for them to get out of that mindset of feeling as if they have nobody even if they're in a room full of people. It's like mentally they want to open up and spill their emotions, but that fear of no one understanding or caring keeps them from doing so."

"So when you break it down you and Cali share a lot of the same qualities, the only difference was that you chose to seek help and tried to fix yourself as much as possible to make the relationship work and Cali didn't. I remember on your first day of our session you told me, that you wanted to seek help and get better mentally and emotionally so you could be a better man for Cali since that is what you felt she deserved. When you saw Cali, you knew she was a good woman from jump and knew you had to get your shit together and what you did was right and probably saved you guys from even more issues than y'all think."

"So as I break all of this down, I personally feel Cali truly wasn't ready for marriage at that moment, but she didn't know how to tell you no without hurting you. It was clear she had demons of her own she has yet to face and it blew up in her face during the course of you guys marriage. So we both can't sit here and say it was solely just your fault, but also Cali's for her fear of opening up."

Ahmad sat in silence taking all of his words into consideration and thinking about everything that has happened up until now.

"What can I do or what do I need to do to make this right though? And to make sure that I don't make these same mistakes with Crystal? I tried coming back and talking things out with Cali but I know she's still mad I left her the last time and honestly I'm not liking the turn our relationship has took. Like yeah, I don't see myself with Cali anymore and I'm really feeling Crystal and hoping what we got last, but still knowing that Cali and I aren't on the best of terms bugs me cause I want things between us to be cordial for the sake of our kids despite all the bullshit that has happened." He expressed and Derek smiled.

"Well, its clear that Cali just wants to be heard with no judgement. I remember you telling me how she grew up with her mom selling her body, and losing her brother behind drugs so I'm sure it is a lot that Cali has always wanted to say but for so long has been silenced so she grew accustomed to that. So I feel the best way to fix this is to have a sit down, and just listen to her. Let her open up without you walking away even if it hurts, her truth and her emotions have to be heard in order for you guys to understand each other and to successfully move on."

Nodding his head, Ahmad agreed. "Okay bet, maybe before the trip ends we'll be able to talk or something and I'll even have a sit down with Crystal and express a few of my worries and hopefully she'll open up as well."

"Sounds like a great plan to me."

"Thank you man, you always know exactly what to say." Ahmad boasted as he sat back in his seat relaxing.

Derek shrugged, "It's my job to be your voice of reason, I know you want to do the right thing and I believe you will. This transition is a lot, you went from being with this person, building with this person and creating a life with this person so I know it is hard to just sit and watch it really end."

"That's exactly where I am at right now, just like damn we really here now not together nomore and moving on with our lives."

Derek smiled, "Crazy how life works huh?"

"Indeed crazy, but from your honest opinion what do you think of Crystal?"

"Who cares what I think? Only thing that matters is what you think and feel about her."

Ahmad smiled, "I like her, but I just feel guilty and I don't know why. Seeing Cali at that beach and the look in her eyes when she saw me and Crystal made me feel bad. I didn't want to throw my relationship in her face like that, nor did I want them to meet like that as well."

"That's normal, and I don't think you're neccessarily feeling guilty Ahmad. You just have a big heart and despite Cali hurting you, you still don't want to hurt her and that's perfectly fine and understandable. Especially with you guys not being on the best terms, I can see why you feel the way you do. But one thing is that you're gonna have to get over that and accept it for what it is Ahmad." Derek stated sternly.

"I know and I hear you man, you're right." He sighed.

"Is there anything else you need to get off your chest?"

Ahmad thought about it for a second, before shaking his head no. "Nah, that was mainly it. But I have been meaning to ask you how are you and Hazel doing with the whole loss of the baby situation?"

Derek sighed, "We're making it man. We thought this pregnancy was gonna be successful but sadly we thought wrong, but for the most part Hazel seems to be handling it as best as she can and we're starting to just look into having surrogate instead. The doctor explained to us how next time Hazel might be the one who doesn't make it and I'm not tryna chance that."

Ahmad nodded, feeling bad for both Hazel and Derek. "That's understandable man, prayers to y'all during this time. But aye you know if you ever need anything don't ever hesitate to ask me."

"I know and I appreciate that but for right now we're good. Tyler is healthy and if Tyler is the only child we were meant to have then I'm okay with that." Derek smiled.

"Speaking of Tyler, we need to get him and the boys together one of these days. I wanted to do like a little boys trips, like go fishing or something just an outting."

Derek smiled, "He would love that and I'm down for that as well. You know they love the Zoo so we could take them there or Dave and Buster's."

Ahmad nodded, "Yeah, I just gotta figure out what might Adrian like to do. We're still tryna figure him out and get him to talk. We picked up him loving to draw so when he comes over we just make sure he has plenty of blank paper and coloring books to use."

"Is he doing better health wise?"

"Yeah, thats my soldier he good now just this Austitic stuff is taking sometime to get used to though." Rubbing the back of his neck, Derek could tell this was something that was hard for Ahmad and Cali to experience. "They told us by time he's eight, his case might turn severe and after a while his mind will stop developing to where as he gets older mentally he'll still be a kid."

"I'm sure it is, but I have a strong feeling everything will be okay for him and he'll come around with his speech and all that."

"I do too, but the hardest part is sending him to daycare and him being isolated to himself. His teachers were explaining to me and Cali that alot of the kids try and play with him, but he's very sensitive to loud noise and you know kids are naturally just loud as hell so he can't be around them long." He started. "I just fear that my boy gon' get bullied for simply being different, I love him just the way he is but you know how cruel some kids can be and I just don't want that for him."

"Have you guys ever thought about homeschooling? I mean its becoming very popular now and seeming to be a lot safer, especially with the rate of school shootings rising." Derek suggested just as Dave came walking downstairs and into the livingroom where they sat.

"We thought about it, but its hard because we want to give him a normal life so as he gets older he won't feel as if we're treating him differently or even sometimes better than the others."

Dave frowned, "Wait, what we talking about?"

"Adrian, we're thinking about homeschooling him."

Dave nodded, "I say try it for a whole school year when he's a little older and just see how it affects him. Watch if his progress improves and if it comes off as better way for him to learn, but if you see no progress whatsoever then that's your answer on what you need to do." Dave explained causing both Derek and Ahmad to agree.

"I'll talk with Cali about it and see what she thinks, but I like that idea forreal."

Staying to talk for almost another hour, Derek, Dave and Ahmad just continued to talk and chill before Derek had to get back to Hazel.

Both standing to their feet, Ahmad slapped hands with him before they both walked to the door.

"I appreciate you coming out so last minute, and I really needed this talk thank you."

"You know I'm always a phone call away. Let me know how everything goes alright?"

"Will do, and I'll keep you updated on the plans we have for tonight since Shanice tryna conduct all of this." Ahmad stated rolling his eyes after.

Laughing, Derek nodded. "Okay bet, I'll see you later then."

Watching as he got inside his rental, Ahmad eventually walked back into the house and into the room him and Crystal shared once he saw Dave had disappeared again.

Grabbing his phone off the nightstamd to check the time, he soon tossed it on the bed then laid down himself to catch some sleep before they went out tonight as well. He could already feel that this was about to be a long night and he wanted all the energy for it.
After an hour or so passed Ahmad woke up to the sound of movement around him only to see it was just Crystal. Sitting up alittle, he watched as she moved back and forth through the room oblivious to him being awake confusing him as to what she was doing.

Once five minutes or so passed, Ahmad grew bored and stood to his feet startling her. "Did I wake you up? I'm sorry."

Coming up towards he wrapped his arms around her, "It's cool, whatchu up doing anyways?"

"I'm trying to pick out the perfect outfit for tonight, since it is my birthday I want to look my best and I have a few outfits in mind but I don't know." She sighed. "I've been trying on multiple outfits and I'm not liking shit so far, I half way don't even wanna go anymore."

Listening to her rant, Ahmad moved his hands down to her butt before lifting her up and carrying her over to the bed and laying her down as he hovered over her. "Chill and just wear one of those body suits you love to wear, yo ass be hella fat in those be having my shit on rock solid." He suggested as he pecked her on the lips a few times before trailing them down to her neck.

"I do have a few of those I never wore so I guess I'll try a few on for you and which ever one you like the most I'll wear that, thanks baby."

Getting comfortable on top of her, Ahmad rested his face in the crook of her neck as he laid in between her legs causing her to laugh. "Comfortable?"

Nodding his head, she sighed in content as she relaxed underneath him and began playing with his hair. "You know I've been thinking a lot lately." Crystal mumbled.

"Me too,"

"What's been on your mind?" She questioned curiously.

Raising up some so she could see his face, he sighed. "What's been on yours first?" He questioned.

"You can go first, cause I can tell yours a probably a little deeper than mine."

"You sure?"

Kissing him, she laughed. "I'm positive, so come on tell me what's bothering you."

"Everything, but mainly us and what the future may hold."

Frowning, Crystal wasn't liking his tone and she hoped like hell he wasn't about to end what they had going on. "What about us Ahmad?"

"I'm just scared that maybe one day you'll realize that this really ain't whatchu want, or that you'll become unhappy with me or that I'll break you when those aren't my intentions." He expressed. "At the beach, when you pointed out that we don't talk much about me and Cali the reason being is that because I'm not fully over what happened and that shit still hurts like hell to even think about it."

"Like I know most people would probably look at me foolishly wondering why after a year and some months I'm still not over it, but who would be? Like yeah I have moved on and I'm extremely happy with you, and I know one day this will all be a blur in the past but for now you know it does still bother me and its not just with her cheating, it was all her confessions on how drained she became within' our marriage, and how unhappy she was. I would never want you feeling that way and feeling as if you can't come to me without thinking or feeling as if you're a burden." He stated.

Crystal nodded understanding what he meant and understood his worries and concerns, but she wasn't really sure how to respond to that. "I can't speak for Cali since I don't truly know her or know exactly what she was battling with in her mind during the course of you guys marriage, but I will say for myself no matter what whenever I am feeling sad, or dealing with any problem of my own, I will come to you."

Ahmad smiled, "Can I be honest and open up to you about something?"

"Of course,"

"All my life bad shit has happened to me to where I just grew accustomed to the shit and any piece of happiness that came into my life never lasted too long, so I always felt good things were always gonna be temporary. And I'm not exaggerating when I say all my life bad shit has happened to me, when I was eight years old my innocence was taken from me by my Aunt and her guy friends and for years I hated people and didn't trust a soul." He opened causing Crystal's eyes to water up immediately at the confession.

"She made me hate letting people in because I always felt eventually they'll fail you and do you dirty. Majority of my life I tried to run from my past rather than facing it and seeking help and that fucked me up in the worst way. For years nobody knew about me being molested except my brother and I was content with that, but in the end I only screwed myself more. Growing up my aunt and those guys had my mind so fucked up to where I was even questioning my own sexuality, I always contemplated suicide and was depressed all the time like shit was really tough for me, but that kinda changed when I met this girl named Chanel Jackson."

"Chanel, I guess you can say was my first love, I had told her all about my problems in the past and for once in my life I felt as if I had somebody who truly understood me and I got hooked onto that. I became so devoted to her because at that one point in my life she was my only source of happiness besides my family. But due to me being so blinded by love, all the signs that she didn't really love me went unnoticed. Anybody else could tell right off the bat that she was only with me for the money and probably just felt sorry for me." He stated and as soon as those words left his mouth, he thought about him and Cali's situation and compared the similarities.

"She gave me my first heartbreak by sleeping with my bestfriend at the time and once again that made me shut the world out and scream fuck love and I became this totally different person. I used sex as an escape from my past to not think of my aunt touching me, and I never allowed myself to get attached to any female due to my fear of getting hurt again and that went on for years."

"And I know you probably don't want to hear this, but when I met Cali she changed my outlook on a lot of shit and I often sometimes felt like what we had was too good to be true, I just hate that I was right ya know?" He mumbled. "But I know where I went wrong in those two relationships, I depended on them for happiness and that was selfish of me. I couldn't even properly love myself and what I was doing felt right because I knew I loved them and cared for them deeply and I assumed that was enough to the point that I didn't take a second to even think or wonder that this may be too much for them and in the end it was."

Crystal could literally feel his pain and she understood what he meant and partially how he felt. She knew Ahmad loved Cali and she would be stupid to think that he didn't still have love for her, it honestly broke her heart to know that a man as good as Ahmad gotten hurt like this.

But what she liked most about all of this was that he was opening up and being vulnerable around her, she knew whenever she was around he tried to keep it all together but she knew deep down this was still a lot for him.

Crystal was now crying as she listened to him to open up about all of this, "I'm so sorry you went through all of that Ahmad, but I can't help but to admire your strength through all of this though. My heart breaks for you knowing that as a child you went through something so traumatic, you were just a kid and you didn't deserve that at all." She sniffled becoming more emotional as she thought about younger Ahmad getting taken advantage of.

"But I have to say something else, I'm pretty sure that Chanel girl probably didn't love you and just used you being vulnerable as an easy target to get what she wants in the end, she just didn't realize how great of a guy you are and the blessing she just lost. But with Cali, you weren't right about things being too good to be true, I mean despite what all she has done can you really sit here and say Cali is a bad person and that you guys relationship was just horrible and that she didn't love you? Or that she's a bad mother? Now do I respect some of her choices? No not at all, the whole abuse and cheating situation doesn't sit well with me, but when I see Cali I can tell from first glance she isn't just bad news, just someone who is lost and battling her own personal demons."

"Plus the way you still talk highly of her lets me know even more that she isn't a horrible person and that is one thing I admire about you. Most men are quick to bash their exes and baby mamas, but you don't ever do that or let others do that. You respect her and treat her good still and I honestly love the way you treat her, it says a lot about your character."

Moving so he would raise up, she pulled him close and kissed him on the lips sweetly. "But like I always say I can only imagine how you feel having to experience all of that, and as I say that I need you to be 100% sure that this—"motioning her finger inbetween themselves, "—is what you really want."

Frowning, Ahmad went to speak but she stopped him. "Ahmad, I know you're not over Cali and what we have going we did sorta just jump right in and due to how much I like you I went for it. But, sometimes I can't help but often feel that maybe you and I aren't really meant to be. I mean like a part of me does, but then in the same breath I don't want you to later realize that your choice of leaving Cali was a mistake and that you settled with me to fill that void of her."

Ahmad sat there confused, "Where are you going with this Crystal? I'm not understanding."

Grabbing his hands, Crystal smiled. "What I am saying is, I want you to talk to Cali and have a real sit down with her and while you're doing that I want you to fully know if walking away from her and the life you guys have built is what you really want. I love you so much Ahmad and I just want you happy, and if being with me makes you happy then okay, but if being with Cali makes you happier then that's okay too."

Ahmad could see the tears forming in her eyes as she stared at him. He wasn't expecting none of this, but he understood what she wanted and meant. She was willing to sacrifice being happy even if that meant losing him, but Crystal simply would have been content with knowing he was truly happy if he chose Cali because that's all she wants for him.

Watching as she raised up off the bed, she planted a soft kiss on his lips before walking out. Ahmad sat there for a moment before taking a deep breath and laying back on the bed in deep thought over all she just said.

Later that night almost everybody was at Ahmad's beach house getting ready to head out to a club Shanice had found, ready to party their lives away for the night and to bring in Crystal's birthday with a bang.

Stepping out of the shower with his towel wrapped around his waist, Crystal had looked up from her spot on the bed and smiled as he passed her. Walking into their closet they shared grabbing his clothes that were hanging, along with a gift bag he had tucked behind his stuff.

He laid his clothes neatly on the bed being sure not to wrinkle them, then walked in front of Crystal causing her to stop applying lotion to her arms as she stared up at him with a confused expression. "What?"

Laughing, he shool his head. "I wanted to wait until your birthday, but felt the need to just go ahead and give you your final gift now." He started causing a huge smile to spread on her face.

Handing her the small bag he took a seat beside her as she watched his every move. Reaching in the bag she pulled out the card first and went to open it, but he stopped her. "Save that one for last."

Doing as he wanted she sat it off to the side then reached back into the bag grabbing the rectangular shaped black velvet box. Opening the box she covered her mouth the moment she saw the most beautiful charm bracelette ever created. The charms consisted of her birth stone, her zodiax sign, her and her sons intials, and other cute items to fulfill the charm out and she loved it. "This is beautiful Ahmad, thank you."

Taking it out the box for her, she held up her wrist watching as he placed it on for her. Once he latched it together, she stood to her feet embracing him into a hug and kissing him on the lips repeatedly.

Continuing to retrieve her gifts, she saw he had got her a spa giftcard, some of her favorite snacks and even some lingerie that she was most definitely going to use tonight after the club.

Once she was done looking at all of her gifts, she focused back on the card growing even more excited.

"Before you open it..I just wanna say I know as a single mother and watching you handle so much on your own shit gets tough and you feel like giving up. But I also know due to your goals and ambition to give your son the life you didn't have growing up pushes you to keep going. As parents we make sacrifices daily for our kids so they can never go without so today I am here to gift you something you have been wanting for a very long time." He started as she stared at him in a confusion wondering as to what it could possibly be.

Opening the envelope and taking out the card, she frowned when a check fell out. Picking it up she looked at Ahmad for a brief second before looking back at the check, seeing that the check was of course made out to her. Scanning over the check her eyes went wide and she almost fainted when she saw the check was written for four-thousand dollars.

"Ahmad what—what is this for? I can't take this."

"Tae told me how bad you wanted to get that shop for your clients so this is the money for the down payment you needed so it can officially become yours." He explained as he got down on his knees in front of her.

Wiping her eyes, she shook her head not believing he actually did this. "Ahmad, I appreciate this but I can't accept this gift. You have already done so much with this trip and inviting Tae here, and all the other gifts. I am so grateful for you, and this gesture alone makes me love you more. But please keep your money, I will get that shop or another shop another way."

"Crys—" Kissing him on the lips to stop him from talking, she smiled. "I love you and I appreciate this amazing and thoughtful gift, but like I said you keep that money okay?"

Seeing that her mind was made up on that decision, he nodded. "Okay, I'll keep it but its not dated so if you ever need it I got you."

Watching as he stood up holding onto his towel, she smiled. "I'll keep that in mind, but you just go focus on getting ready so we can go out, celebrate my birthday and then come back so I can test out this lingerie for you." She smirked.

Shaking his head, he started to dry off as he made his way back into the bathroom.

Standing in the mirror after he brushed his teeth Ahmad glanced over into the bedroom to see Crystal standing in front of the full body mirror checking herself out and just watched her.

She was unaware of him taking a notice of her and the longer he stared at her Ahmad couldn't help but shake his head at the thoughts that entered his mind and the wave of happiness that came over him as he watched her.

Looking up she saw his reflection in the mirror as they locked eyes, blushing she looked away and went back to doing what she was doing.

Walking out of the bathroom he caught her attention as she gave him a small smile, once he stood directly infront of her. "You smell nice." She complimented.

Not saying anything else, Ahmad just brung her closer to him and kissed her deeply on the lips. Wrapping her arms loosely around his neck as his arms were wrapped tightly around her waist, the two stood in the middle of their room making out passionately.

Pulling away from the kiss, Ahmad rested his forehead against hers. "I'm more than positive this is what I want, I want you Crystal and I'm sure of that. I'm still going to talk with Cali and get a few things off my chest but being with you Crystal is my choice and I know for damn sure this isn't a mistake that I'm making."

Watching as her eyes watered up, Crystal kissed him again as her response and hugged him tighter so glad he did choose her. She honestly didn't want to lose Ahmad, but she would have understood if he hadn't chosen her.

As they hug tightly she englufed his intoxicating scent of the cologne he was wearing, wishing she could stay just like this forever. Exhaling the air in her lungs content with being right here with the man she has grown to love over the passed few months, Crystal couldn't express the emotions she was feeling she just knew it felt right.

Pulling away completely, Ahmad held onto her hands kissing the back of em'. "Tonight is all about you no one else okay?"

Smiling, she nodded. "I love you."

Kissing her on the forehead, she smiled wrapping her arms around him as she looked up at him with nothing but love and admiration in her eyes. "I love you too, now come on so we can get this crazy night started."

          Leaving out of their room to be met with everybody in the living room conversing, Shanice perked up the minute she saw Ahmad and Crystal enter. Walking over with a birthday sash and a crown she placed it on for Crystal before stepping back. "Now you look perfec, let me take a few pictures of you before we go."

Playfully rolling her eyes, Ahmad went to step away but she stopped him from leaving wanting him to be in them.

Standing directly in front of him Ahmad and her snapped a couple of pics together before Shanice felt that was enough and just like that they were all headed out the door and towards the rental.

"Shaun and Alisha said they would meet us at the club with everybody else, only Derek and Hazel decided to ride with us." Shanice explained as they loaded the car. "I got us a small section as well so when we get there just let me do all the talking."

"What all do you have planned?" Crystal questioned as her and Ahmad got in the very back of the SUV.

Shanice shrugged. "Not much, with us not being in the states I'm limited on what things we can do but I heard this club plays a mixture of our music and their music and they got a lot of good reviews so I feel this would really be fun for us."

"Sounds lit." Dave commented as he rubbed on her exposed thigh.

The rest of the ride was spent with majority of everybody talking and listening to the music the driver was playing. Shanice, Tae and Hazel rambled on about how drunk they was about to get and how ready they were to start dancing. While Dave and Derek just talked about whatever came to mind toning them out.

In the backseat Ahmad and Crystal where off in their own world kissing and stealing feels from each other. With one of her legs tossed over his, one of his hands rested in between her thighs as they made out hungrily.

Sliding his hand further up since she decided to wear a dress instead tonight, he spreaded her legs a little more to give him more access to her girl down there as he rubbed his fingers over the lace underwear that was covering her other set of lips causing a moan to escape her mouth as they continued to kiss.

Moving her panties to the side, he slid two fingers inside of her causing her to grab at his hand to stop him since people were around. Ignoring her movements Ahmad slowly slid his fingers in and out of her as he started kissing her on her neck.

"You so wet for me." He whispered against her ear sending a chill down her spine, while still working his fingers inside of her.

Covering her mouth with her free hand to shield the moan that wanted to escape, she looked at him with pleading eyes hating he was doing her like this but loving it as well.

Going a little faster Crystal bit her lip and threw her head back alerting Shanice who glanced back, but once she saw what was going on she quickly turned back around in her seat with a smirk on her face.

Moving his fingers in a come here motion, he got close to her ear kissing it softly as he continued pleasing her. "You want me to stop?" He asked knowing she didn't.

Crystal couldn't form words as she looked down to see her dress hiked all the way up and watching as his fingers slid in and out of her making her spread her legs even more.

Slightly rubbing his thumb over her clit a moan escaped her mouth as tears came to her eyes as she stared up at him feeling that pressure in her stomach build up.

Once he saw she wa close he decided to stop teasing her. Sliding his fingers out that was now drenched in her juices, he looked down at her watching as she tried to control her breathing and laughed sticking his fingers in his mouth.

When she heard him laugh, Crystal nodded her head before leaning close to his ear. "Since you wanna play games, I'ma show you how dirty I can play." Kissing his ear, she sat back in her seat causing Ahmad to laugh again and pull her into him more.

Squeezing her thigh, she glanced up at him. "I'll finish what I started..trust me." He whispered.

          Arriving to the club everybody got out making their way towards the back of the long line. "This hoe packed, seem like everybody and they mama in this bitch." Dave pointed out while holding onto Shanice from behind.

Laughing, Crystal held onto Ahmad's arm as she glanced around the parking lot and bobbin' her head to the music that was playing from the inside of the club.

She was amazed at how many of their people where here, but she was liking the energy. Females of all races were looking bad as hell, the music was jumpin' and due to the nice weather they was experiencing made it even better.

Feeling a nudge on her shoulder, she looked back to see it was Shanice. "You good Crys?"

She nodded, "Yeah, just taking in this moment that's all ready to let loose and fuck some shit up."

"Girl right! I'm so fuckin' ready to shake this ass, its not even funny." Shanice blurted out the moment they started moving up in the line.

"I'm ready to see some ass clap my damn self. I got some bills in my pocket I'm tryna throw tonight." Ahmad admitted as he slapped hands with Dave and Derek who agreed laughing.

Shanice held her hand up. "As long as those bills are being thrown at my bitch Crystal then cool."

Smacking his teeth, Ahmad muffed her head. "Who else would it be?" Gripping a handful of Crystal's ass he pointed at it. "You see all of this? Niggas would pay to have a girl with an ass this fat and all this belong to me." He bragged.

Hazel shook her head, "I can't twerk for shit so um I'll be throwing bills as well."

Shanice touched her shoulder, "It's okay girl, shake that ass for your man anyways. He better love that struggle twerk." She joked making them all laugh especially Derek.

He's seen Hazel dance before and always found it amusing, but cute. With her being half white, he felt her white side took over when it came to having rhythm and catching a beat and actually staying on it.

Moving up a little more in the line, Crystal frowned when she didn't see Tae, "Y'all seen Tae? He was just here with us."

As they all looked around wondering where he ran off too, Crystal was about to start getting worried until she saw him making his way over with some guy trailing behind.

Everybody shared a look between one another the moment he approached them, "Where the hell you been?" Crystal questioned sounding like a whole mom.

"Tryna get us in this damn club faster, come on. This guy works here and he said he could get us in. Carlos these are my friends, everybody this is Carlos."

They all waved and greeted him before following him to the front of the line. Once they reached the bouncers Carlos slapped hands with them exchanging something that Ahmad had peeped, and made their way inside.

"Did you guys get a section?" Carlos questioned over the music.

Shanice nodded, "Yeah, we got section 12."

Pulling out a marker, he grabbed each of their hands writing twelve on the back of it. "This is just to identify what section you all have, but I'll show you where that section is."

Walking through the group of people who was already passed drunk, Ahmad held onto Crystal tighter as they made their way through.

Feeling someone grab her hand, both Crystal and Ahmad looked back to see some drunk guy smiling. "You tryna dance beautiful?" He slurred.

Pushing Crystal behind him, but being sure to keep one hand on her so he didn't lose her Ahmad stared at the guy coldly. "Nah, but you clearly want your ass beat. Touch her again and see what happens."

The guy threw his hands up in surrender, "Ion want no beef, y-you just got a beutiful girl though man and her ass is so..is so fat. I just wanna grab it." He laughed, but Ahmad didn't find shit funny. Before the guy could have a second thought Ahmad punched him dead in the face knocking him out instantly.

Soon as Dave and Derek seen that they both grabbed him and Crystal and pulled them away before they kicked out already. "What tha hell happened that damn fast? We been in this bitch five minutes." Dave questioned.

"Dumb ass nigga grabbed Crystal and started talking slick." He shrugged grabbing Crystal hand again.

Reaching their section Ahmad took a seat on the couch that was there and pulled Crystal onto his lap. "Hope you guys enjoy your night, have fun and you—" Turning to Tae, he smiled. "—I'm expecting that call from you, don't keep me waiting too long."

When the guy left, Shanice and Crystal pinched Tae. "And what was that?"

Laughing, he playfully rolled his eyes. "Girl nothing, he was tryna sell me some weed but I didn't trust that so then he started flirting once he saw I was gay and gave me his number."

"Well, are you gonna call him?"

"No, what I look like? I got bad vibes, like he was cool but I don't know it was something off about him." He admitted.

The girls nodded understanding what he meant before focusing back on their men. "Is your hand okay? You hit him pretty hard."

Laughing, Ahmad glanced down at his hand seeing it sorta swelled up but he didn't care. "I'm fine, but let's get some liquor in our system I'm tryna get fucked up. You want anything?"

"Just an ice tea for now will be okay."

Not thinking too much of it, Ahmad moved her off his lap as he tapped the guys and they all left to go get drinks leaving the girls alone.

"So Crystal, enjoying the night so far?" Shanice asked.

"Yeah, you know Ahmad is gonna make sure of that."

Shanice and Tae nodded, "I'm sure he is." She smirked which only made Crystal frown in confusion as to what she meant by that statement.

"Why you say that?"

"Two words, back seat." Was all she said and Crystal felt her cheeks heat up as she laughed in embarrassment.

"Or should we say, finger fuck." Tae blurted out as both him and Shanice laughed together.

"Bitch, can't shit get passed you two nosey ass hoes. How did y'all even know?"

Shanice laughed, "I was just looking around as usual and peeped what was happening then turned back around to mind my black business."

Shaking her head, Crystal pulled her phone out once she felt it vibrate against her thigh. Seeing that it was a text from Alisha she smiled, they had ended up texting all last night and she was glad to know she didn't switch up on her after finding out she was with Ahmad.

Opening up their messages, she read her text.

From Alisha💋 :
Hey, what section are you guys in? We're here.
9:58 pm

To Alisha💋 :
We in section 12
Delivered

Locking her phone, she placed it back in her purse and let everybody know Alisha and them where here as well.

When the guys returned with the drinks, Crystal took her iced tea and sipped on it as she watched everybody throw back shots and passing the bottle of Hennessy around like a blunt.

After a while they all started dancing and due to the liquor in their system Hazel and Shanice was cutting up for their men. The song playing was 1 AM by Meek Mill and they all was feeling the beat of the song. Bent over with their asses all in their faces, Dave never took his eyes off of Shanice as he threw money and smacked her ass to amp her up.

Tae and Crystal laughed watching the two before getting up themselves to show them how to really get down. Using the couch as support Crystal held onto the back of it and bent over and started throwing ass effortlessly.

Shanice stopped what she was doing and just watched in amazement, she wanted to know how she went from clapping her cheeks, to throwing it in a circle, to doing one cheek at a time. She felt so gay in the moment and she knew if she had a dick it would be hard.

Getting off the couch and standing directly in front of Ahmad who was sitting down, she started making her ass clap in his face to the beat of the song.

Sliding his hands up to her ass, Ahmad smacked and gripped it before standing up and pressing his front to her backside as she bent over touching her knees and continued throwing it back.

"Oh, I see y'all cuttin' up tonight." At the sound of Alisha's voice, Crystal looked up and immediately ran over to give her a hug unaware of who was behind her

"Thank you so much for coming, you lookin' fine as hell."

Shaking her head, Alisha grabbed her hand making her turn around. "Nah, you got me beat baby that ass and titties sitting up right." She laughed.

Marcus and Shaun had moved around from them to greet they boys and spoke to the ladies as well before taking their seats while Crystal and Alisha continued to talk.

"But hey, I want you to meet my girls. Crystal, this is my girl Kamry and Cali, Kamry and Cali this is Crystal." She introduced.

Crystal awkwardly smiled as she shook both of their hands, she could tell Cali was actually being genuine when she spoke but the vibes she got from Kamry wasn't welcoming.

Escorting them inside their section, Shaun and Alisha took their seats beside Crystal and Ahmad while Marcus, Kamry and Cali sat by Dave and Shanice

Nudging her leg, Alisha looked back at Shaun wondering what he wanted. "What?"

"Why did you bring Cali again?" He questioned.

"She wanted to come, I suggested she didn't but I couldn't make her not go." She explained and he nodded agreeing.

Even though the vibe had sorta shifted, Shanice was not about to let that ruin this night for Crystal. Hopping up the moment the next twerk song came on, she amped up everybody to get up and dance as well and they did just that.

They all ended up taking shots again, and the full bottle of Hennessy was now completely gone and everybody was feeling good. The vibe was back right and it seemed as if everyone was genuinely having a goodtime including Cali.

"You said it was your birthday at 12 right?" Cali asked Crystal as all the girls waited in line for the bathroom.

"Yeah, I'm turning the big twenty-five sadly. I'm not tryna get old." She whined making Cali laugh at her antics.

The two surprisingly hit it off well and talked a lot more than anybody expected they even all danced to a song together which made Ahmad smile because the last thing he wanted was drama.

"You're still young girl, you'll really start panicking when you hit thirty." She joked.

Laughing, Crystal took a sip of her iced tea. "Cali, I do wanna apologize for yesterday when I ran off when I saw you and your people coming towards us. I don't even know why I ran off in the first place, but I just wanna properly introduce myself. I'm Crystal." She grinned.

"I'm Cali, and its really nice to meet you."

After a while things fell silent between the two before Cali was roughly bumped by some girl who walked by.

By instinct Crystal just naturally tapped the girl on the shoulder making her turn around. "Did you not see her standing there?"

Looking Cali up and down she rolled her eyes, "I did and what? The bitch was in the way."

Crystal went to say something, but Cali cut her off. "First of all I ain't finna be too many bitches bitch, next time watch where tha fuck you going. You don't want this issue!"

When Alisha and the girls became alert of what was going on, they all walked over making the girl drop the issue and walk away since she knew she was out numbered and could easily get jumped.

Shaking her head, Crystal turned to face Cali. "You good?"

"I'm fine, I can't stand miserable ass bitches like that though. Like why come out if you just here to start shit?"

Crystal nodded, "Exactly, that'll never make any sense to me. But let's hurry up before another bitch comes around on some shit because the last thing we need is a big fight to happen. We all know how Ahmad gets down."

After the girls had used the bathroom they all walked back to their section holding hands. Approaching their area Crystal and Cali ended up sitting by each other as they discussed hair and all types of things that came to mind completely ignoring Ahmad's existence.

Feeling a nudge on his arm, he looked to see Shaun and Alisha smiling at him as they sipped on their drinks. "You have got to be the luckiest muthafucka' on this damn planet, you got your ex-wife and new girl both in the same building and I haven't seen not one wig fly, a table flip or a drink thrown yet."

"It's a thing called being mature and grown, I like that they aren't fighting that would piss me off more than anything some niggas like the drama but I ain't with it and they both know that." Ahmad shrugged.

Alisha smiled, "You do seem really happy Ahmad, I'm happy for you."

When those words left Alisha's mouth, Ahmad couldn't lie and he wasn't expecting that especially from her but he was appreciative. "Thanks Lish, so how's the wedding planning going?"

"It's going, we actually found some really cute tuxe's that we think all of you guys would look great in, but we'll discuss that later tonight is about my boo Crystal." She smiled.

"Where did Marcus and Kamry run off too?" Shaun questioned as he looked around.

"You know those two freaks probably somewhere getting they freak on, they can never keep their hands off each other too long." Alisha scoffed.

"Aye speaking of Kamry, what's up with her?" Ahmad questioned curious as to why she was being sorta standoffish towards him.

"She doesn't like the fact that you have moved on and so with her being Cali's cousin she forces herself to not like Crystal nor you I guess." She shrugged.

Before Ahmad could respond Crystal had laid her head on his shoulder capturing all of his attention instantly. "You straight?"

She nodded, "Yes, just horny."

Laughing, Ahmad threw his arm over her shoulder and brought her closer as he kissed he side of her face. "I promise to handle that soon as we get back to the house."

Placing her hand on his thigh, she moved it closer to his crotch before landing right on his print. Looking down at her he smirked, "Don't start."

Ignoring him, she rubbed her hand against it as she started kissing him on the neck and as if the gods knew what type of mood she was in, Boosie's hit song Nasty Nasty blasted through the speakers which brought everybody's inner freak.

When the Dj skipped to Mulatto's verse it was as if every girl in the club was performing like their life depended on it.

Removing her hand off his dick, Crystal stood up wanting to dance.

With one arm hanging loosely around Ahmad's neck, Crystal rapped the lyrics in his face feeling every word. "Freaky as fuck, but she classy. Suck on that dick without askin', swallow them kids in backseat. He put his thumb in, hit from the back, ain't no runnin', hit from the side and I'm cummin', turn around let him nut on my stomach."

Turning so her backside was touching his fromt, she got low and continued to work her hips to the beat of the song as she rapped along. "Ridin' his face, nigga, eat up the clit, look in his eyes when I lick on the tip. Taking his soul when I dance on the dick, spit in my mouth, I'm with all of that shit."

Coming back up to face him, she kissed him passionately on the lips as his hands rested on her ass as they continued dancing lost in their own world.

Shanice was off to the side sitting on Dave's laugh due to her feet hurting as she watched them. Laying her head on his shoulder, she sighed. "I would pay to see them have sex, I'm sure that shit sexy as hell."

Laughing Dave looked down at her shaking his head, "You say the most random shit ever man."

When Kamry and Marcus returned, Kamry spotted Cali talking and dancing with Tae and smiled glad she was having a good time. But when she saw Ahmad and Crystal all over each other and kissing, she felt that disrespectful for them to do that right in front of Cali.

She felt like they were trying so hard to make Cali jealous and she didn't like that.

"Can y'all like get a room please?" Kamry called out making both Ahmad and Crystal pull away from each other.

"Nah, but what you can do is mind your business." Ahmad stated rudely.

When Marcus tried to calm Kamry down so the situation wouldn't esculate into something more, she snatched away from him. "Fuck that! You see Cali is sitting right fuckin' there and you doing all that shit right in her damn face! How disrespectful can you be Ahmad? We get it, you moved on but you ain't gotta do all that." She yelled.

"I'ma grown ass man and if I wanna be all over my damn girlfriend then I have right to do that, so don't tell me what tha fuck to do! Cali is minding her business and doing her own thing, she ain't stuntin' me or Crystal except yo bitter ass. Get over the fuckin' fact that me and Cali are over damn! We both have moved on and I wish you would too!" Ahmad snapped back becoming more annoyed.

Not in the mood for the bullshit, Ahmad grabbed Crystal by the hand and left out of the section. He wasn't about to let Kamry bitter ass ruin the night, shit was good and Crystal was happy.

Leaving out of the club, Crystal had already ordered an Uber as both her and Ahmad waited outside hugged up. "Don't even let her stress you out, she worried about the wrong thing for one and we not letting her kill our vibes." Kissing the side of his face and pulling at his beard, he nodded.

"I'm not, but damn she was really tryna make me feel bad for moving on. Nobody invited Cali to come, she knew walking in what she was getting into when she saw us there so I don't get why Kamry thinks Cali is so pressed when she not." He ranted.

"That's because she is, but just let it go and focus on what's really important like me and all the things you plan on doing to me the moment we get back in this house." She smirked.

Smirking at the thought, he laughed. "I'ma do a whole lotta shit."

"Hm, like what?"

Rubbing her ass with his hands, he pulled her closer as he stared down at her. "You just gon' have to wait and see."

Playfully rolling her eyes, she kissed him one last time before wrapping her arms around him tighter. "I love you."

"I love you too and happy birthday baby."

Ahmad was cool with ending the night with just Crystal, hell he felt they could have they own party tonight and they did just that all over their room.

          The next day Ahmad knew he had to get this talk with Cali done, so the first thing he did was cook breakfast for everybody, worked out a little to clear his mind and now he was mentally preparing himself for this talk he knew was long overdue between him and Cali.

Reaching for his phone on the nightstand, he went straight to their contacts and clicked on their messages to text her.

To Cali🌷 :
Hey Cal, if you aren't busy .. would you mind coming over to my beach house so we could talk in private?
- Sent at 3:45 pm

Once the message said delivered, Ahmad laid start back in his bed letting out a deep sigh hoping this all went well.

Sitting up the moment Ahmad's text came through Cali read over the message a few times, wondering what he could have possibly wanted to talk about. So many different scenarios ran through her mind, but due to their circumstances the outcome of all of this was still a little hazy for her.

Tapping Alisha with her foot, who was laying at the end of the bed watching tv. Alisha looked back slightly wondering what she wanted, "Ahmad, just texted me and invited me over to his beach house to talk and I'm kinda nervous since I'm not sure about what." After those words left her mouth theat alerted both Hazel and Kamry.

"To talk about what exactly? I'm guessin' after seeing you here and at the club lookin' damn good, he probably finally realized leaving you for that girl was a mistake." Kamry laughed.

Alisha frowned. "First of all, Ahmad didn't leave Cali for nobody and before you start putting shit in her head, shut up because neither of us truly know what he could have on his mind."

Kamry rolled her eyes, "Whatever, I'm just saying. I mean I would find it weird that my ex would invite me to the same place his new girl is laying her head at. I wonder if she even knows he did this behind her back."

Standing up Hazel rolled her eyes, completely annoyed with Kamry. "Will you please shut the hell up? You have been getting on my nerves with your negative ass energy towards Ahmad and his new girl. I met her yesterday morning and I mean really got to know her and she's sweet. And last night she could've started an issue but she didn't." Turning her attention to Cali, she sighed. "The only way to find out what he wants to discuss is to just go over there rather than talking to us about it Cali."

Alisha nodded, "Yeah, plus Shaun said we was all gonna go back over there later anyways so if anything happens, we'll be there too but you gon' head and head over first. We'll be over there with guys later."

Taking a deep breath, she eventually nodded as she put on something more presentable before heading out and taking one of the rentals they had.

The drive to Ahmad's beach house felt like forever, but before she knew it she was pulling up to beautiful home in amazement. As she parked her car, she grew surprised when she saw Ahmad already making his way outside to greet her.

Getting out the car as they both walked towards each other, Ahmad embraced her into a hug before pulling away and leading her into the house.

As Cali walked in she saw Crystal, Tae and Shanice sitting on the couch watching tv, confusing her even more. "Crystal, can you come here for a second?"

Standing up, she walked over with a small smile plastered on her face as she stood by Ahmad. "I know you guys met a few times like at the beach and the club, but I just want to properly introduce you guys in a better setting. Crystal this is Cali, Cali this is Crystal."

Being polite both ladies reached their hands out to shake, "It's a pleasure to finally properly meet you again." Crystal laughed.

Cali waved her off, "It's a pleasure to meet you again as well. Love the hair by the way." Cali complimented being totally honest.

Ahmad stood back and just watched when they really got into deep conversation over hair and different hair brands to use and whatnot, he almost felt the need to just walk away and let them do them.

Looking back at Shanice as they all watched Crystal and Cali laughing together, she simply shrugged loving this energy as well.

"But anyways, sorry to just impose like that.  I'll let you guys go and talk, we'll talk later Cali. It's another hair brand that I think you would really like that my baby Tae uses and people really like it." Crystal told her as she waved and walked back into the living room leaving Ahmad and her alone.

"That would be great honestly."

Turning her attention back to Ahmad, she smiled. "Are we talking here or?"

"We can talk out back."

Agreeing, she followed him out the door letting him lead the way. Watching as he continued walking out by the shore, she looked around at the beautiful beach loving the scenery of it all. It was indeed peaceful and instantly just from the sound of the waves and the flow of the wind was already calming her.

Watching as Ahmad took a seat in the sand, Cali followed suit and did the same as they both stared out into the water.

"Is everything okay?" Cali questioned and he slowly nodded as he looked over at her locking eyes instantly.

"I'm good, are you?"

Digging her feet into the sand, she shrugged. "I have my days when I'm good and when I'm not, but for the most part I am better."

"That's good, I'm really glad to hear that. You worry a nigga sometimes, ion be knowing if or when you might just kick the bucket." He joked earning a laugh from her as well.

"I've been seeing a therapist." She blurted out which shocked Ahmad, but of course made him happy to hear that as well. "She has opened my eyes to a lot of things and has helped me see my flaws and try to fix them the best I can."

"I'm proud of you Cal, I really am and I mainly brought you out here just to say thank you for everything you have done over the years for me and I'm sorry for all the pain I have caused you even when I didn't know I was hurting you." He expressed.

Shaking her head, she stopped him from talking. "Ahmad, you don't have to do that. You did the best you could as a husband and I fell short on my end, I should have opened up to you, I should have done so much more and I didn't. Instead I ran for comfort to another man elsewhere and that's a mistake I'll have to forever deal with." She admitted.

"Yeah, but I have to admit though I'm not liking the tension we have between one another and I know it all started that night you finally confessed a lot of shit, but I tried apologizing to you for leaving the way I did Cali. So I'm not understanding what the main issue is between us." He started. "I mean I heard everything you said loud and clear, I heard all your reasoning behind cheating and what lead to it and that's what made me leave, plus you saying you didn't regret cheating. It was just too much."

"I wanted to be so mad at you for leaving me that night, just to make it about myself and play victim like always when I knew deep down I had no right to be upset. After all that I confessed I would have left if you had don' the same, actually if the tables where turned and you did everything that I did over the passed year and some months I know for a fact I wouldn't be speaking to you at all, but yet you still come to my rescue anytime I need you, and you apologize for shit when you really don't have anything to be sorry for."

"But I do have a lot to be sorry for though, I put a lot of shit on you Cali. I was killing you without even knowing and that's my fault, I should have seen the signs you weren't happy and tried to do something—"

"You did Ahmad, you knew me like the back of your hand. You always knew when something was off about me, you knew every single time and everytime you would ask or do something to make feel special and loved, I still chose to remain silent and sulk in my depression silently. But I just didn't know how to do that without lookin' weak when I was suppose to be strong for us."

"Who told you this myth of women or a wives had to be so strong in relationships? A relationship can't work if both partners aren't putting in 100% effort Cali and we both know that." Ahmad stated.

"From the moment I met you I knew you where something special Ahmad, and I knew I couldn't measure up but I tried and ended up failing and ruining our marriage. I always knew you deserved better, you deserved a woman who was sure of herself, who wasn't so weak in spirit and broken down and wasn't trying to do anything to fix herself. I knew I wasn't ready for love, but still took a chance and I was wrong for that." Looking down as she played with her fingers, she looked out towards the water.

"I was wrong from the beginning Ahmad, you deserved a different type of love that I couldn't give you. Yes, I know I was there through a lot of your toughest times, but that was it I was just there because I felt that was the right thing to do since it was clear you just needed someone to be there for you. I loved you no doubt and seeing you smile and change right before my eyes made me happy that I was apart of the reason, but a lot of my depression states came from me feeling guilty because I was in the relationship for the wrong reasons at the beginning."

Ahmad sat there listening to every word, not saying a word. He was doing exactly what Derek told him to do. Even though her words were hurtful, he didn't leave he let her get that out for the sake of her mental state. But as she talked Ahmad just had to know something, the more he listened this one thought kept coming to mind and he just had to know the answer.

"—I don't mean to cut you off Cal, I'm listening to you trust me but as I'm listening I'm starting to think did you accept my marriage proposal and married me out of obligation?"

Letting out a sigh, she looked up at him as tears filled her eyes. "Yes and no, on one hand I did love you then the other I felt if I would have said no because I wasn't ready then that probably would have ruined our relationship and I didn't want to lose you."

"I would have understood Cal, yeah I would've been hurt but shit, I would've stayed down until you was ready. I really hate you did a lot of things to keep me happy knowing that it was killing you, I appreciate it but it doesn't make me feel good about it." He admitted.

Cali agreed, "You're right and I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart for that Ahmad. I know sorry doesn't make-up for a lot of the things I have done, but I truly am."

"I know and I'm sorry too."

Continuing to talk and air out all their emotions, the two ended up talking and laughing for almost two-hours and it felt good on both ends to finally voice their thoughts without one running away. The talk was needed and ended on a good note.

As the conversation ended he walked her to her car as they discussed things like the kids and a few other things that came to mind.

Opening her door for her she got in and watched as he leaned inside the car with a slight smile on his face. "Take care, Cal thank you for four amazing years of a relationship and doing the best you can to help raise our kids." Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, he tapped the top of the car before jogging back into the house leaving Cali with a big smile on her face once he disappeared.

Although things didn't go the way she thought and the two didn't end up back togther, Cali was content with knowing she still had him as a supporter and a friend and that things between them where now good and she had a good feeling that things were gonna be okay for the both of them.

So for now their main focus was to raise their kids and use the determination and dedication they had in their blood to keep their family together to form this perfect Destination of a path for their kids to follow for greatness in the future.

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The Mf'n End

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^ that ass tho😎

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lol it has been real gang, peace, love & harmony guys💋
Hope you guys enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end, it was tough trust me but all the support and feedback meant so much to me as always! I looked back at the time I started this book and it has taken me TWO YEARS to complete this story and I'm so shocked that a lot of y'all stuck with me this whole time!

It took me FIVE months to finish Dedication, and you guys deserved that same energy for this book so I apologize for the long waits on updates and going ghost on you guys! I promise to make it up to you all with more stories and more updates.

I love y'all so much and can't wait for y'all to see what I got instore for you all in BOOK THREE, which will start once I finish my other book "Good Intentions," 😌

But for now get ready to enjoy a few bonus chapters of either scenes from the future, past or deleted scenes that didn't make the cut in the book❤️

- Denise🥰