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"Live out of a place of peace, a place of trust. It may not happen the way you thought, but God's ways are better than our ways. He knows what's best for you. He's got this."
- Joel Osteen

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"Three Words"
Written by Amelia Carters

"Three words,"
Sadness, Tears, and Hatred.

Sadness,
a common feeling
I don't like to feel
Too often.

Tears,
Something I am not too quick
To shed
But both are what
I've experienced
Since you've been dead..

Hatred,
because I couldn't
See you for the last time.
Family in they feelings
Cause of old times,
And because of their anger
I couldn't share with you
A sad moment in time.
But then I realized,
All families have problems
And I realized how much I have mine.

But what keeps me going
To have a mind like this,
I had to
Take that hurt,
Rewind that pain
So I can show that smile,
And kill that vain
of depression.

I love you pops
Wish you could come home
So that the pain would stop
But..
Not all wishes come true
Cause if they did ..
I would have never lost you.

"Three words,"
I miss you.

-

          Kelsi and Amelia both rode in an Uber together, silently listening to whatever the driver was playing as they made their way to Kelsi's aunt house for her weekly Sunday dinner. She wanted to turn down the offer, but since she had nothing else to do and was kinda in her feelings she agreed to come especially since Kelsi always brings around good vibes that were needed in her shitty life.

After Hailey's sister wedding yesterday, Amelia had been down due to her fucked up relationship. She used to picture her and Jay getting married and now all she could picture was the day she could finally leave his sorry ass. Jay hadn't touched her lately, but he also hadn't spoke to her either. When he came home from work he simply ate dinner, and went to bed or sometimes he wouldn't even come home.

She was grateful, but she knew that time of him getting all angry and taking it out on her was soon to come again, but she hoped like hell she would be far away from him when it did happen. She was over everything that involved him, and she wasn't tolerating him putting his hands on her any longer.

Tomorrow was her interview with Lamar and that was all she could think about. She went over a few questions that she assumed he would ask and rehearsed in her head so she could ace this interview and get the job.

She even looked more into him just to see what he was like and to kinda get herself ready for what to expect on the type of person he was. But from all the interviews she watched, and what she read online he seemed chill, but she wasn't sure if he was like that when it came down to his business.

But for now, she had to focus on this dinner. Amelia nervously sat in the car ever so often checking herself to make sure she looked presentable. She had never really met any of her friends families so she wasn't sure what to expect, but if she was anything like Kelsi then she knew she had nothing to worry about. But with her not knowing, all she could do was worry.

Feeling her phone vibrate against her leg, she pulled it out of her pocket and smiled when she saw it was Desmond.

From Destiny 💕 :
- I just got off work, wyd? You finish that poem about ya pops yet?
7:18pm

To Destiny 💕 :
- I'm with my friend Kelsi, we're going to her aunt house for dinner and yeah I finished it last night. I'll call you later so I can read it to you 😊
7:20pm

From Destiny 💕 :
- Bet, I'm looking forward to that .. I like hearing your voice .. but speakin' of dinner .. when you gon' let me take you out on a date? All you do all day is stay cooped up in that apartment, when it's so much more to life to see in L.A.
7:24pm

After reading his text, she let out sigh. She wasn't sure what she had started with Desmond, but she knew as long as Jay was in the picture it wasn't going to end good. They had only been talking for a week and have managed to learn almost everything about each other. But for now, Desmond was only good for good conversation, compliments and that attention she doesn't get from Jay.

Whenever they would talk on the phone, they could talk for hours about literally anything and he was so into her poems and was supportive of it all. He even pitched in and helped whenever she was stuck on a line and that alone made her more attracted to him.

When the car came to a complete stop, Kelsi smiled big and slipped out of the car. "Thanks sir, the music playlist was lit so you get five stars no doubt." She complimented causing the guy to smile and thank her.

Getting out the car, Amelia noticed the big bruise Jay left on her wrist and mentally cursed in her head not exactly sure on how she was going to hide this from them with a short sleeve shirt on.

"You alright Mel?" Kelsi asked walking towards her once she moved from around the car.

"Uh yeah .. um could I borrow your jacket? I'm a little cold for some reason." She quickly lied.

"Yeah of course," Removing her jacket, she handed it over to her then called her aunt to let her know she was here so she could open up the gate.

While she did that, Amelia was mentally having a breakdown thinking they would see the bruises and get themselves involved in her drama when that was the last thing she wanted to happen.

Snapping out of her thoughts when the gate opened, she grew shocked when she saw a golf cart sitting there waiting for them.

Hopping in the driver seat, Kelsi turned the key then motioned for Amelia to get on. "She has these since her driveway is like four miles long and who tha fuck wants to walk that? This here is just the gate house .. it fools a lot of people into thinking this is her house." She explained.

"What does your aunt do for a living?"

Kelsi tapped her hands against the stirring wheel, before smiling. "I'll let her tell you, and please relax girl. I've watched you mess with your hair and face about a million times. You look great and even if you didn't my aunt would not judge you. She judges off vibes and personalities not appearances."

Amelia let out a frustrated sigh, "I know, but I'm just nervous because I've never met any of my friends family members before so I'm just overthinking everything and thinking the worst."

Reaching over, Kelsi touched her knee. "She'll love you, its rare my aunt dislikes anybody."

The rest of the ride there, Kelsi said nothing just letting Amelia think to herself and calm her nerves. While they rode up the long driveway, Amelia just fell in love with the gardening. It was so many trees, and flowers .. all she could think about and picture was the peace and quiet one would have here.

Noticing an all white bench-swing hanging from a tree with flowers planted all around it, she pictured herself sitting there with her dad writing a poem and singing songs just like old times.

Smiling small, she continued to look at the estate just amazed at how beautiful it was and could only imagine what she did for a living to have a place like this. It was truly goals.

Reaching her house finally, Amelia stared at it in amazement. "This is beautiful,"

Kelsi laughed at her reaction, before linking their arms together. "Wait til you see the inside,"

Walking up the steps that lead to the front door, she rung the door bell and within' seconds the door was opened and she was met with her favorite aunt. "Oh my honey, how are you?" She greeted going in for a hug.

Hugging her back, Kelsi instantly relaxed from her touch needing a good hug from her. Pulling away, she sighed. "I'm doing alright, but I'd like for you to meet someone Auntie."

Turning towards Amelia, she smiled pulling her forward. "This is my best friend Amelia, I invited her over for dinner .. if that's okay?"

Her aunt waved her off, "Chile, you know I do not mind. Hey baby, how are you?" Giving her a hug, Amelia instantly relaxed against her touch as well.

Her hugs were warm and welcoming, reminded her of how she felt whenever she would hug her dad.

When she noticed she was hugging her a little too long, she nervously pulled away with a slight chuckle, but her aunt only smiled not even phased by her actions.

"Well, let's get you ladies washed up and ready for dinner. Amelia sweetie, are you allergic to anything?"

She shrugged, "Not that I know of,"

"Okay great, we're having lasagna today."

Escorting them to the dining room, Amelia took that time to examine her house and just like she assumed it was beautiful. The house felt so home-like and the scent of apple only reminded her of home.

Feeling her mood begin to dampen, she tried to shake it off, but just being here made her think of what her life used to be like before her dad passed.

Her family and her were close, they ate together as a family and every Sunday her mom would make her famous apple pie for the sunday dinner dessert.

Just thinking back, she was amazed at how bad the sickness and death of her father affected their family. It was like no one knew how to cope with it, so instead of facing the issue and coming together they drove each other away.

Somedays she often thought about her family, hoping they were okay but the thought never lasted too long since she knew they probably had forgotten all about her.

Coming across a painting of a family, it showed a man with the world on his back, chains locked around his ankles and his kids and what she assumed wife sitting ontop of the world. The painting was so perfectly drawn, and had so much detail. It was beautiful and made her think of her dad, once again. She wasn't sure why he was weighing on her mind and heart so heavy lately, and she hated it since it always made her sad and depressed.

When she wrote the poem about him earlier, that was her way of expressing her emotion since she couldn't voice it to Jay or anyone else who would understand.

Feeling a touch on her shoulder, she jumped. Turning, she frowned when she saw a man standing before her. He was an older guy, looked to be in his sixties maybe, but it could have just been the grey hair on his face that made him look older. "I didn't mean to frighten you, I was just trying to see if you were lost."

Shaking her head, she smiled. "Oh um no, I was just amazed at this painting. The deep message within' it is powerful."

He nodded, "It is beautiful, you know the painter of the drawing was a famous artist back in the day here in California. He went by the name of Sir Jer,"

Frowning, she nodded. "I heard of him, um my dad had a book of his drawings and paintings .. and it was a picture at the very end of a half finished drawing that was never completed and he always told me how the man vanished and was never seen again."

The guy chuckled, "He didn't vanish, he retired from his true love of art when he went off to war and lost his hand that he drew with. No one knows that story though, they just know that they haven't seen a painting of his or his face since then, and that this was the last painting he ever drew. It's actually worth millions now,"

Amelia frowned, "Wow, she has million dollar art in her home. I could only imagine .. but that is sad about what happened to him, do you know where he is now?"

Smiling big, he looped their arms together as they began walking. "Standing right before you,"

"You're really Sir Jer?" She questioned with shockness and excitement in her voice.

"Yes, are you a fan of art?"

She nodded, "Art and poetry is everything to be honest, it's calming at times. My dad was a real big fan of art .. and growing up he always showed me different artist paintings and overtime I fell in love with it too."

Sir Jer, nodded, "I have to agree with you there. Do you write poetry?"

"Yeah, I'm no artist but when it comes to writing .. I guess I have a gift, but I only write whenever I get the chance too."

"Good, being able to write poetry is a gift within' itself, it takes skill. Stick to that gift baby girl, and never lose sight of it." He told her as they finally made their way into the dining room where Kelsi and her aunt were setting up at.

"Oh I see you met my Uncle Jerry," Kelsi beamed. "This is my aunts crazy, but lovable brother."

Holding up his middle finger towards her, he let go of Amelia's arm then made his way to a seat to sit down. Just now noticing he was walking with a cane, the good spirit in Amelia made her walk over and help him.

Pulling his chair out for him and helping him sit down, he smiled warmly at her nice gesture, thanking her, he then turned to look at his sister who held the same geniune smile.

"Well, I am about to bring out the food. You girls can wash your hands and get the drinks for me out the basement fridge."

After washing their hands in the guest restroom, Kelsi led the way to the basement as they made small talk.

"You know .. my uncle usually doesn't eat Sunday dinner with us whenever I bring friends over, nor does he ever speak to them. So for him to not only speak with you, but to touch you .. says alot." She grinned.

Amelia smiled, "He's really nice, and I was shocked to know that he was the famous Sir Jer, when my dad told me his story .. I assumed he was dead."

Grabbing the drinks, Kelsi nodded. "Yeah, he wanted the world to think that. I'm sure he'll tell you his reasons on why he did though. He clearly is comfortable around you, cause he tells no one who he truly is."

At the mention of that, Amelia felt good inside and that uncomfortable feeling she once had before was completely gone.

As dinner went on, they all talked and laughed the entire time and if Amelia had to admit, being able to genuinely laugh and smile for once felt amazing.

While Kelsi and her uncle made small talk amongst each other, Amelia and her aunt were getting to know each other.

"So Amelia, what is it that you do for a living or trying to do?" Kelsi's aunt questioned.

She knew Amelia was young and just wanted to see where her head was at or if she could do anything to help her in any kind of way. Something about Amelia just drew her in, she wasn't sure if it was the distant look in her eyes or the healed wounds on her skin, but it was indeed something.

"I'm still trying to figure that out, I was in school but .. uh something happened to where I had to drop out so I've been looking for work.. and after looking and waiting, I finally landed an interview tomorrow with Lamar Hughes for an assistant position and I pray I get it."

Amelia noticed a look in her eyes after she replied, but instead of saying anything she continued to just ask questions about her.

"What do you do for a living? Because whatever it is .. I need to do it if it will have me living like this." Amelia asked finally asking the question that has been on her mind. "Your home is beautiful,"

Taking a sip of her red wine, she smiled then sat it down. "Thank you, but uh professionally wise, I go by Dr. Laneville. I am a therapist, and I own my own firm and I guess one could say I am a known popular therapist around California due to my clientele who will remain nameless. But I also have a few businesses outside of my main career, but nothing major just something that brings in more money."

Amelia nodded, "That explains why you're so easy to talk too. Do you enjoy your job?"

"Yeah, I love it actually. Getting into the mind of a damaged person is breathtaking at times, but getting those people to open up and actually be able to trust me with their deepest darkest secrets.. is an amazing feeling, sometimes heart breaking because you never know what one could be going through, but when I am able to help them out of that bad place they're in, it feels good." She explained before taking another sip of her wine.

"Do you like helping people?"

Amelia nodded, "Yeah, I always like to help those around me if I'm able too. It's so much more that I wish I could do if I had the proper funds and support, but hopefully one day I can make that happen."

Going back to eating, Dr. Laneville excused herself from the dinner table and made her way to her office while Kelsi, Amelia and her Uncle Jerry continued to eat and talk amongst each other.

          Now helping Kelsi's aunt wash the dishes, Amelia completely forgot about the bruise on her arm when she removed her jacket. Kelsi's aunt instantly noticed it and grew concerned since she knew that had to be a bruise that came from someone.

When Amelia finished putting up the dishes, her aunt watched her every move silently before throwing her towel down and asking Amelia to take a break and come walk with her.

Making their way outside, Amelia grew confused wondering what her aunt could have possibly wanted but she didn't question it.

Walking out to her backyard, she linked  their arms together and they began to walk the trail she had that lead into another part of her massive land.

"So Amelia, tell me a little about yourself .. growing up wise." She started off.

"Well uh, I grew up in Texas raised by both my mom and dad. I have two siblings an older brother and a younger sister. My life was good as a kid, but it kinda all went downhill when my father got diagnosed with cancer. It took my family by surprise and affected us in the worst way possible, rather than coming together as a family we started to drift apart. I don't even speak to my family now because they envy me for leaving and moving to New York during my father's last days on this earth, but they just don't know that it was my father who told me to leave. I wanted to stay and be there for him, but he insisted that I go on live my life and they hated me for that. Didn't even try to help me fly down so I could attend his funneral." She muttered lowly.

"I'm sorry for your loss Amelia, losing a parent is tough and I hate you and your family are at odds. Hopefully one day, you all could put the past behind y'all and move forward as a family."

Amelia nodded, "I would love that, I need my family more than ever now and its like I have nobody." She sniffled as she began to cry. "I would kill to hear my moms voice or my dads voice again, I lost my dad due to death, but I also lost my mom due to anger and I hate it. I'm stuck in a bad situation and I have no way out and all I want is my family to call on and ask them what I need to do, but I can't."

Stopping mid-walk, Dr. Laneville stared at Amelia with concerned eyes. "A bad situation? Is everything okay Amelia? I know we just met, but from what I have seen you are an amazing young woman and if you need help, I am here."

Shaking her head, Amelia forced a smile on her face. "I'm fine, its nothing major." She wiped her eyes trying to keep herself from crying but all she wanted to do was spill the secrets of what has been happening to her, but she was scared.

"Are you sure? I am not here to judge you whatsoever, whatever it may be .. you can tell me, I just want to help." She reassured, trying to get her to open up but once again Amelia shut down.

"Thank you, but I am fine."

Nodding her head, Dr. Laneville let the situation go for now as they continued to walk. But during the walk she just watched her movements, and mentally sighed knowing something had to be bothering her. She barely knew the girl, but she could see it and feel it.

After walking for an hour and just talking, Amelia and her finally made their way back to the house where Kelsi sat outside on the back patio with her uncle drinking lemonade.

"You ready to go Pooh? I'm sure Jay is ready for me to return his baby." Kelsi joked standing to her feet.

Amelia nodded knowing he would probably be pissed that she didn't cook dinner tonight.

Hugging both Sir Jer and Dr. Laneville, she thanked the both of them for a lovely night and promised to keep in touch before leaving out of the house with Kelsi.

Dr. Laneville watched them leave and let out a deep sigh catching her brother's attention. "You good Dee?" He asked her.

Shaking her head no, she looked down. "That girl is going through something, I can feel it Jer.. but she won't open up. I'm sure she's scared but I hope she at least says something before its too late."

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"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated,"
- Maya Angelou

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The following day Lamar sat behind his desk preparing himself for the interview with Amelia. After talking with Dr. Laneville and listening to her explain how she met Amelia by default and how she went into detail about how amazing she was, he was actually excited to interview her.

At the sound of a knock at his door, he closed the folder and smiled when he saw Miranda making her way inside his office with her box of things. "I packed up all of my things and cleaned out my desk and work area. Thanks for the amazing opportunity to be your assistant and thank you for putting a good word in Mr. Harmon's ear and getting me a job." She thanked him honestly.

Standing up from his desk, he smiled. "You're welcome Miranda, I hope you understand everything that I have done isn't out of anger, its not personal or anything just business."

She nodded, "Yeah, I understand .. what happened between us was completely unprofessional and I was wrong for making that kind of move on you while you were hurting. I apologize for my actions Lamar,"

Stepping from around his desk, he walked over and gave her a hug. "It was a pleasure working with you, I wish you the best at Harmon's and all is forgiving."

Pulling away, she smiled and thanked him one last time before leaving out with her things.

Not even a second later, his two best friends Brandon and Ravi came walking in with confused looks. "Am I tripping or did I just see Miranda walk up out of here with her shit?" Brandon questioned plopping down on his couch.

"You're not tripping, I fired her." He stated blankly.

Ravi looked at him crazy, "For what?"

Walking over to his window that showcased a beautiful view of L.A., he shook his head. "We fucked around and had sex and I told you guys I don't mix business with pleasure so I had to let her go. But I made sure she had a job and everything before releasing her."

Ravi and Brandon both shared a look between one another before busting out laughing. "Man, I knew you two was fucking around. It don't surprise me though, Miranda don' made her way around this whol damn building from what I've heard .. so it was only a matter of time until she got you." Brandon spilled being his usual messy self.

"Fuck allat, have you told Chasity about this? I know she was pissed."

At the mention of Chasity, Lamar chuckled to himself realizing he never told them what had happened between them. Stepping away from his window, he shook his head once again. "Chasity and I are over, found out she was having an affair on me so I called off the wedding and kicked her broke ass out my house. She thought she was gonna get one up on me by stealing money from my account, but possibly within' a week or so all the money she stole from me will be taken out of her account and transferred into mine, including the cars and condo she brought in my name, will soon all be mine and she will be kicked out along with that sorry ass nigga she cheated on me with." He laughed.

Brandon rubbed his hand down his face shocked at the news he just recieved along with Ravi. "Damn man, you been going thru it. How you feeling about all of this though?"

"I'm still hurt by it all, but I'll get over it. It's gon' take some time since that girl was my whole heart but I'll be alright." He shrugged.

Patting his back Ravi gave him a reassuring smile, "I know exactly how you feel man, shit is tough but you will get through it."

Standing up Brandon threw his arms over both their shoulders, "I say we go out to celebrate. You two both got rid of two ungrateful ass bitches who didn't deserve y'all .. and now you two are joining the single team with ya boy." He joked.

"I'm game, you down Lamar?"

"Uh yeah, just make sure its not a lot of drinking involved." He muttered.

Going to ask why, Brandon was cut off when a knock sounded at his door. "You expecting somebody?"

Straighten up his office, he nodded. "Yeah, got an interview for the assistant position."

After making sure his office was good, he yelled for her to come in. Being nosey, both Ravi and Brandon stood back to see if she was cute or not.

When the door opened and Amelia stepped from behind it, Lamar smiled. "Alright boys, get out. I'll call you two up later so we can meet up tonight."

Slapping hands with the both of them and sending them on their way, they both politely spoke to Amelia and left out of his office. But not before they looked back to check her out, then held up their thumbs at Lamar giving him props.

Laughing, Lamar waved them off then focused in on Amelia who was checking out his office in amazement. When their eyes finally met, she smiled nervously.

Reaching her hand out, he gladly shook it and smiled. "Amelia Carters, its a pleasure to meet you Mr. Lamar."

"It's nice to finally meet you too Amelia," Motioning for her sit down, he pulled the chair out for her then walked around to his desk and took a seat. "Shall we begin ma'am?"

"We shall,"

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Lamar and Amelia have finally come face to face 😭

What y'all think?
Any assumptions on what yall think is going to happen yet?

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Thanks for the love & support!
- Denise 💋