~Los Angeles,

•05/13 {Saturday, 8:27 A.M}

~*~ Dorian ~*~

"Are you not excited to be off probation next month ? "

I quickly rolled my eyes, already tired of this and I got there only two minutes ago. Of course I was happy to get off probation, this shit was getting aggravating with the time. I couldn't believe I lasted the whole year though. I almost lost my mind, but I made it. Finally ! I was going to be free for real this time. They were going to be off my back for real and I was going to make sure to not have to deal with the law ever again. I couldn't wait to be in June.

"I don't know if it was safe to listen to this therapist. Maybe I should put you--"

I immediately placed a fake smile on my face, "No, no, no. He was right ! I don't need a therapist anymore." I never knew exactly what Dr. Kaynes --the therapist from the mental hospital-- told my P.O but I was forever grateful for him. Thanks to his words, I didn't have to go to therapy for the last months of my probation. I made a mental note to write him a mail to thank him later.

"Alright. Well, let's start it. I'm going to ask you some questions and then we'll do the drugs and alcohol tests. As usual. " I nodded, "So, are you still working as an assistant for your cousin uh, RJ Willkingston ? " I loved my little cousin more than life itself. Word weren't enough to explain the love. He was always there for me, no matter what and it was the same for me. I wasn't really working for him, but since Mr. Collins was getting on my nerves by pressuring me to find a job, we decided to pull this together. We got all the papers and tell in advance the people that needed to know about the whole trickery in case he wanted to catch us in our lie. Laylani and the twins were the ones who came up with this idea actually.

He wasn't too much on my back anymore since I told him that, so it wasn't too difficult to lie. But in case he wanted to play Sherlock Holmes, we had everything under control.

I love my family with all my heart and my soul.

I could go and try to find a job, but I only got my high school diploma, a record for murder and a bad temper. Like who would want to hire me ? Nobody. I didn't plan to go to college because school was just not for me. I didn't know what to study anyways. And it's not like I was in need of finding a job. With my multiple heritages from my parents and grandmothers, I was good for life.

But I did want to do something to bring more money to the table, especially for my future kids. I didn't have to struggle while I grew up and I didn't want that for them either because it would be unfair. I'll figure something out eventually.

After several more annoying questions and the tests, I was ready to go. I was so impatient to be completely done with it. As I was getting in my car, my phone suddenly rang. I pulled it out and answered, "Wassup ? "

"How did it go ? "

"Very well, boss. You're still at home ? "

He chuckled, "I can't believe it's that easy. And yeah, I just woke up. I'm about to make some breakfast for Lani."

"Are you still sure you want to do this ? "

"Yes ! At 100 percent."

I smiled, feeling like a proud father/uncle/big brother. My little brother was growing up so fast. I couldn't believe it though; it was going to be a big step for RJ and Lani, but we couldn't wait anymore. Yes, we. I was living through their story sometimes. Let me have some joy.

"Do you want to go shopping for it today ? "

"Yeah. She's having that girls' days with her best friends, so it's the perfect time to do it. She won't want to tag along with us when we'll go out since she'll be busy with them. Hopefully they don't cancel. But yeah, we can go to Mr.Jorry. He's the one who made the ring for my mom."

"Okay. I'm gonna see Docia real quick and then I'll come to pick you up." He agreed and we hung up. Yesterday went better than I thought. I was happy that two of the most important women in my life decided to get along. I was tired of the bullshit. But even if this problem was out of the window, we still didn't get rid of all the issues just yet. Now, Docia and I's relationship was a little weird and I wanted to work things out with her. We couldn't continue this way. We had to make it through this rough patch somehow.

So today, I was going to surprise her with a breakfast from IHop and some flowers. Women and girls love those type of little attention. I was hoping it was going to ease some tension between us.

Once I got what I needed, I drove to her house, excited to actually see her and be able to spend some alone time with her. We needed to reconnect again.

I rang the bell and waited for her to open the door. A few seconds later, it was opening, revealing a sleepy but beautiful Docia. She closed the robe on herself and crossed her arms while yawning, "Dorian ? What are you doing here ? "

"Surprise ! " I held the bag and flowers up so she could see, "Can I come in ? " She nodded and opened more the door so I could walk in.

"Sorry for the mess, I was re-organising some stuff." Effectively, there were boxes, papers, furniture and clothes a bit everywhere. I guess she was in the mood for a huge Spring cleaning.

"Do you need some help ? "

She chuckled, "No, I got this. Thanks for the surprise, it's really sweet."

"Oh, it's nothing. I hope you're hungry."

"Yes. I was actually about to start to cook, but you came to my rescue, right on time. And those flowers are so pretty. Thank you." She smiled and got a vase to put them in.

I frowned, looking at her face. She seemed sad, "Are you okay ? " I asked getting concerned. I hoped she was not still tripping about my friendship with Herica. They seemed to like each other yesterday when they came back from the bathroom. They were actually even laughing together. It even felt like they'd been friends for longer than Herica and I. Was it just a phase ?

"Yeah, just tired."

I sat around the counter as she got the food out of the bag, "Please, don't do this. I thought we had an understanding yesterday in the car. When something is bothering one of us, we can talk it out together instead of being distant and take our anger out on the other. What's going on ? " She sighed, "Or maybe I'm getting worried for no reason." I added still staring at her.

She looked up at me and stopped moving, "I had a nightmare...about my son and ex-husband."

I frowned, "What happened ? "

"Nothing really. We were on a cliff and..." She cleared her throat, "Curtis was threatening me to push Elijah if I didn't end our relationship. He didn't want you near me." She shook her head, "It was jus a nightmare, nothing to really worry about."

Yes, it was just a nightmare, but I knew how frightening it could get. I didn't have one of mine for awhile now, but it wasn't preventing me to freak out every night to have them again. Of course, I did have little nightmares here and there --it's normal-- but the scariest and creepiest ones were done, for now.

"I know the feeling. It can get a lil' bit too disturbing, but you'll be fine. If I could go past it, you will too. You're stronger than me, so you will."

A single tear fell on her right cheek and I stood up, going towards her. I stopped behind her and wrapped my arms around her body, "I miss him so much. If only I could bring my son back, if only Dorian. I want him back. He didn't deserve to die. He was too young."

It was breaking my heart to hear her break down like that. I couldn't help but shed some tears with her. I didn't even know what to say at this point, but sometimes silence is the best comfort. I hugged her tightly and let her cry in my arms. I didn't know what it feels like to lose a child, but somewhat I could feel her pain like I'd been through the storm with her.

"I'm sorry. You didn't came here for this. I'm really sorry. I'm gonna stop, I promise." She sniffed and turned around in my arms, "I'm sorry."

I shook my head, "No, it's okay. Cry, let it go. I'm here for this too. I'm here for you." I wiped her tears with my thumbs and kissed her forehead, then her nose and finally her lips.

We pulled away, "Thank you." She beamed and pecked my lips several times, "Thank you." She chuckled, "What I've done to have someone like you ? "

"I could be asking the same question. Why are you messing with a wreck like me ? "

"You're not the only wreck here. Nobody is perfect."

I bit on my bottom lip, "Sometimes you're perfect to my eyes."

She raised her brow, "Sometimes ? " She laughed slightly.

"Yeah, because sometimes you be tripping, baby."

"Baby ? I like how it sounds." She grinned and we kissed again.

We were back at it again !

∫

∫

∫

"So, do you know what you want ? " I asked as we were getting out of my car. I locked the doors before we made our way to the building. 

He shook his head, "I'll know when I'll see the rings." We went in and told the receptionist that we were there to see Mr.Jorry, and soon after they sent us on the fifth floor where we were going to meet him. Mr. Jorry was a well known, but discreet rich people's jeweler. Let me explain and to be short, only rich people knew about him and could buy from him. He usually had the best pieces so I understood why RJ wanted to go to him to buy Lani's ring. 

Yes, my boy was finally going to propose. 

Finally ! I was so happy when he told me that a couple of days ago. I thought we were going to wait ten more years and forever before he decides to do it. But the day has came. I was so close to get my little cousins, we were almost there. 

"Hello ! " Mr. Jorry walked in the room and his assistant closed the door behind them. The guy actually had a shirt with his profession written on it. Why would you not do for money ? Life is one hell of a struggle. 

"Hi, I'm RJ and this is my cousin Dorian." We shook hands. 

"Nice to meet you too. This is Paul, my assistant." We nodded heads to acknowledge each other. For some reason I could feel a bad vibe coming from the two men. It was in their way to look at us, mainly the assistant. It seemed like he wasn't too content to see us here. After the quick introduction, we sat around the glass round table and we immediately started to talk business. Clearly, nobody was there to waste time. 

"So, you're Mr.Willkingston's son ? "

"Yeah, that's how I got the meeting with you. My father really likes your work and he recommended you to me to find the perfect ring for my girlfriend. Well, soon to be my fiancé." 

Mr.Jorry clapped his hands and smiled, "Aw ! Young love is always so cute ! Of course I'm gonna participate to this blessing. But first I have a question for you."

"Let's go." 

"Are you sure you want to do this ? This can cost a lot and I wouldn't want you to waste your money for something that is not worth it. You're not marrying her because she's your baby mama ? Right ? " 

"That's nice of you to ask that." I commented chuckling. If I was him, I wouldn't be asking stupid questions and talk ignorantly. No, I'd just focus on getting my damn money from the customer. But I wasn't him. 

"I know, but you won't call be nice once we'll really start to talk business." He made the money sign with his right hand. I fake smiled and nodded my head. It unfortunately didn't catch on my sarcasm. What he said wasn't nice at all. 

RJ shrugged and ignored the senseless remarks, "You didn't force me to come here, do you ? " He joked, but not with a amical tone of voice. The tension was growing more the seconds were passing by. 

The jeweler laughed quickly and then stopped abruptly. He snapped his fingers and soon we had a bunch of rings laying on the table, all shining like the guy brought stars directly from the sky to the table. My eyes even began to hurt a bit, that's how much they looked expensive. But hey, Lani did deserve the best and this decision was one he wasn't planning to take back anyways. 

I gasped, "Damn nigga ! " I mumbled, not really able to breath. Those rings were literally screaming I'm gonna get you broke amigo. 

"Oh my Lord. He said it. God forbid." Mr.Jorry covered his ears as I could notice his cheeks getting red a little. I just shook my head at the bald head's antics. He was doing a little bit too much for my liking. He didn't have to exclaim himself at this moment, at all. 

"Relax, dude." I said and rolled my eyes. 

He raised a brow while crossing his hands on his lap, "Are you one of those who allow white people to say the N-word ? " 

RJ and I shared a look wondering if we just didn't went from totally normal to crazy and were having hallucinations. Did he really ask that ? Did I look like a sellout ? I was doing good with my anger lately, I didn't need someone to trigger me when I'd been doing so good. 

God give me the strength. 

"Do you want to die today, mister ? " I sarcastically asked, looking at him with narrowed eyes. People will never learn. Don't test me, on a good as a bad day. Fucking don't !    

"Security is not too far." The assistant talked and then added a smile to his face. 

"I don't care. I already went to prison before, nothing can scare me now. My friends are not too far either, if you know what I mean." Of course, I had no friends coming in there to beat their asses or whatever, but sometimes it's fun to play with people's ignorance. 

"Okay, let's calm down. RJ, do you like something ? " Mr.Jorry continued the sale. 

"I want this one. How much is it ? " His pointed a platinum engagement ring, that had a lot of diamonds on it. This thing was breathtaking, literally. I almost fainted. 

 "Oh ! Good choice. This diamond ring showcases a magnificent 5.37 carat round brilliant diamond in the center and it's surrounded by dazzling round 3.20 carat side diamonds. It costs $80,900.00 and if you prefer you can pay in installments, payments starting at $8,000 per month." He explained and my eyes opened so widely they almost popped out of my head. 

"Lord have mercy ! Are you for real ? " 

"Yes, why would I be lying ? " 

"Yo, bro ! Lani is amazing and she deserves the world, but damn ! You can buy a mini island with that money. You can really spend all of this ? "

"Don't try to play me ! Of course, I can ! She's gonna wear it for the rest of her life and she better be buried with this. No wait, if she dies before me I'll sell it." 

"The cutest love story ever." The assistant allowed himself to open his mouth again. 

"I'm gonna punch you real soon, it's coming." 

"Like your next mixtape ? " Next thing you know, I jumped across the table and grabbed that little fucked boy by his neck, tackled him against the wall and began to choke. 

"Dorian, c'mon, not today ! " RJ wrapped his arms around my waist and attempted to pull me back, "Let him go ! " 

"I'm about to call security ! " Mr. Jorry screamed and that got me out of my little trance. I was so close to be out of probation, totally free, I couldn't be arrested now. 

I got my hands off him, "Sorry." I wasn't sorry, but I had to play like I regretted what I'd just done to save me, if it was even going to save me, "I'm so sorry."

"Excuse him, he didn't uh, take his medicine this morning." I looked at my cousin like he'd grown a second head. What was he talking about ? I never forgot to take my antidepressants, but even if I did, it couldn't cause me to act this way. Right ? And then it's when it hit me like a truck. 

He was lying to trap them. 

"His medicine ? What ? He's crazy ? " Mr. Jorry questioned as his eyes were quickly travelling from RJ to I and vice versa, with that shocking and confused face expression on. 

"Of course he's crazy ! Look what this animal just did to me ! Next thing you know he's going to call his friends from the hood and they're going to steal, beat and rape us ! " 

And he was calling me crazy ? 

"I'm out this bitch. I don't want to commit murder." Again, I thought as I made my way to the door. I grabbed the knob to open it, but before I could do it, the little assistant stopped me. 

"You're going nowhere ! Wait until the police arrives ! " I didn't choke strong enough if he could still bother me. Dammit ! 

"This is some bullshit, man ! I said that I'm sorry ! What you want now ? Move out the way, bitch ! " I pushed him. Before I totally left, I pulled some money out of my pocket and threw it at him, "Stupid bitch ! "

I was mad for the rest of the day now.

∫

∫

∫

"You couldn't just stay calm ? "

"But they started it ! Since the first second they walked in the room, they came with that tension and that bitch ass hoe assistant had that stupid ass attitude of superiority. I didn't like it. I knew one of them was gonna try to be slick. I just knew it. Damn ! I should've left the room as soon as I sensed all that negative energy." I groaned and leaned on my chair, "Why are you looking at me for ? Show is not free, pay m--"

RJ covered my mouth, "Excuse him, he had a bad day." He told those nosey customers and they looked away. We were currently at Starbucks, to chill a bit after the altercation with Mr. Jorry and his assistant. 

"What's wrong with you today ? The antidepressants stopped working ? " He whispered-yelled and I shook my head. 

"No, I don't think so." 

"Are you not supposed to see the doctor or someone to make sure of it ? "

"Yeah, I have an appointment with Dr.Kaynes at the hospital next week." I rolled my eyes. I was feeling happy in the beginning of this day and now that bullshit was happening. I was tired of people. I realized that in fact it simply turned out to not be my day. 

"Hey, Dorian ! " I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up, turning my head a little so I could see the face that belonged to the voice. It really wasn't my fucking day. Was it a joke ? 

I cleared my throat, "Uh...hey uh,..." I was trying to, but I couldn't remember her name to save my life. Though, I knew who she was. Well, if I wasn't mistaken, she was the girl I was staying with when my mom was dying at the hospital after her car accident. C'mon, what's her name again ? 

"It's Rita." 

I nodded, but then instantly choked on my saliva when I took a look on her body entirely. My heartbeat sped so fast, my vision was getting blurry. My hands began to shake and a million of thoughts were rushing in my mind. It couldn't be real. Not now. Docia and I just got back on good terms. This couldn't happen. 

Please Lord, don't let it be my baby. 

________________________

Feel free to comment and/or to vote =) 

A/N: Who was expecting this ? Me 🙋🏾😂😂 His baby or not his baby ? I feel like we're gonna need some help from Maury very soon 😂 Or maybe not *shrugs* 

They slept together towards the end of the month of September🙈🙉🙊 What are your thoughts about the whole chapter though ?

I have a new book called End Of Your Comfort Zone on my page. There is just the prologue for now, but the first chapter is coming at the end of this week. So, if you're interested, you can add the book to your library so you'll know every time I'll update a new chapter 😁

THANKS FOR READING ! 💗

CissyItsMe 💋✌🏾❤️