Gummy bear bandit is twenty-two today.

Old Lady.

She really doesn't want to admit that she is eight months older than me but it's the truth.

She is an official cougar.

Grinning, I look down at my phone, reading my instructions for the day from her future bridesmaids.

Alexis: Lizzie's birthday checklist

Ginger Demon: Don't screw up

Ginger Demon: or we are never giving you ideas again!

Alexis: Ignore her, here is what you do: Drop off large strawberry agua fresca and chocolate concha for her test this morning. Her secret hiding spot is below the awning in the library to the right behind the bookshelf. Make sure you have balloons and a shield because she might hit you with her pencil.

Ginger Demon: no more scandals Olivia Pope.

That's the last thing we need again.

Smiling, I hold up the items in my hand while drinking my pineapple agua fresca, knowing good and well Lizzie is going to throw me into the Potomac River for going to her secret hiding place to study in the morning before her nursing exam. She has been hiding for this exam for a couple weeks now, since school is back in full swing. It's been full-on anti-Jaylan madness, which I'm not mad about because she is almost at the promised land.

I am so proud of her.

However, I have made sure we get to spend time together as much as possible, especially on our fourth month anniversary last week. Lets just say Lizzie looks hot in those old time pioneer dresses I found on our Goodwill date. And I don't look too half-bad with suspenders.

I still feel like she has a role-playing kink. I really need to get into that.

Blood rushes in my body warming up from the brisk April weather thinking about the many possibilities of the future. I wonder what she got up her sleeve for Halloween. I'm sure it will stiff me up considering NBA will be in full swing.

Damn that's wild to think about.

My lips curl up into a smile at the thought my dream is in five months.

Now that basketball is over, my professors loaded me up with homework and assignments left and right. Kind of sucks but that's my end to college. I can't use the excuse of basketball, even NBA training, all the time because I have to finish out the year with a decent GPA. 

However, Coach T and Lizzie have made it their mission for me to non-stop play basketball and really focus on basketball camp coming up. I actually got a practice warm up with the 76ers, not my first choice but it's still possible. I actually timed the distance from my grandparents house to Philly and I could probably get there in like an hour and forty-five minutes, taking Interstate 83 and hop right on 95. But I really want the Washington Wizards just because it's close to home and would mean the world to Uncle Steve and Wes.

I have been talking to Wes and Valerie for some time now since the incident with PJ. They were embarrassed and ashamed of what happened and wanted to make up with me by taking Lizzie and I out to dinner. We actually had a good time, connecting and reconnecting.

"Jaylan, thank you so much for coming out tonight." Valerie smiles, holding my hand across the table in both of hers.

Lizzie softly bumps into me because I won't like to admit that I was a bit panicky about even agreeing to this. I didn't know what they wanted, whether a relationship or they're hungry for money.

"Of course, I think this was a good idea." Looking over at Lizzie, whose pink cheeks glow by the ambient lighting in the restaurant.

Valerie looks at Lizzie with a smile. "And thank you for always supporting him. You really remind me of his mother."

Lizzie dips her chin down and I kiss her temple. Wes nods as he puts his water down on the table. "Absolutely, you have a precious gem on your hands."

"So, what are your plans after school, Elizabeth?" Valerie rests her hands down from mine.

Lizzie softly clears her throat and she looks at me. I give her a nod that it's okay. "I'm going to be working at University of Maryland's Shockley Trauma in Baltimore in ICU."

Just hearing her confidence while stating that gives me chills. University of Maryland Shock Trauma is the most elite place in the state for the best care, besides Sinai Hospital.

"Oh, wow! That's wonderful. That's a great hospital. Have you found a place yet?" Valerie looks at the both of us.

Clearing my throat, Lizzie and I both speak at the same time "We are stil... I'm still, we are looking-" our words jumble together.

Valerie and Wes smile at the both of us. "Well, I hope the money that we give you will be a help," Wes ensures.

Lizzie timidly looks down, clasping her hands in her lap. I kiss her forehea-

"Yo watch it.." A male student walks past me, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I still haven't told Lizzie about the house but tonight I will. I want it to make my mission for that to be our gift, considering she has been picking up shifts from work to keep saving for a place for her and her sister. Seeing her work hard has been crushing my heart but I want to ask her at the perfect time and do it special because she deserves this announcement in a special way.

So, tonight for her birthday, I have Jordy, Big Red, and Alexis setting up a nice birthday dinner at my grandparents' house with Aunt Lisa's supervision. I invited Lizzie's friends from the hospital and restaurant but her coworker Elena mentioned I should not tell the owner. I even invited her teal-headed friend and Hollister Boy. Even though he was a bit skeptical at my invitation, he still agreed to come.

I want tonight to be good for Lizzie, to feel like she's back at home in Mexico. Her sister gave me the idea about smashing her face in a cake called the Mordieda or Mordida. She even got some recordings of her family saying Happy Birthday for her. Ginger Demon said me organizing the party would be good practice today to see if I'm capable of proposing.

I wish she would stop doubting my party planning skills. Does she not know who my girlfriend is?

Smiling,  the library doors open. Many students are in the library today, studying in full swing. I never really have come in here, especially because it's just not my place to study. As I walk through, everyone smiles, waves, and gives silent acknowledgements.

Being on campus feels good, it feels right, it feels new. I didn't only win but it was a big win for the school after God knows how long. Whatever really feels good is that I'm with Lizzie and we are stronger than ever. I'm not saying we were not before a lot of uncertainties, shit with Ava, PJ, and her still with her parents' divorce. Weathering the storm didn't feel promising but I still felt hopeful we would hold to each other.

Heading towards the instructions Alexis gave me, I continue to walk down the bookshelves until my eyes catch sight of a familiar blonde looking at books with some in her hand. Cursing under my breath, before I step forward to ignore her, I hear her clear her throat.

"Funny spotting you here... Didn't think this was your ideal spot."

Spinning my shoes, Ava is in her school cheer sweatshirt and leggings, something she never would dress down in. She still has her ankle brace. From what I've heard through the grapevine, she fell while jogging a few weeks back.

Her eyes travel over my loaded hand of items, stuff she always dreamed of me doing. She crosses her arms, tilting her head to the side. "She has really changed you, hasn't she?"

"Don't think that's your business."

Ava chuckles softly, holding her books to the side. "Right." She turns back and looks at the book shelf.

I'm about to turn around until my guilt pushes me to speak to the truth. "You know what... It is your business. You know why? Lizzie is and will always be someone I will care about for the rest of my life. I hope you can respect and understand that for now on."

"What we had was faulty from the beginning." My jaw clenches as tight as my hand gripping the balloon strings. "It's funny how you can hold on to something you never had business holding tight to in the first place. I was never and will never be yours, so I hope it sinks through your mind this time." I tap one finger into the side of my head.

She scoffs and looks at the bookshelf, mumbling under her breath. Turning her head, she looks down at her ankle. "I got the memo, Jaylan. You don't have to remind me," she says bitterly. "Your little spicy girlfriend informed me."

She points at her wrapped ankle. As I look closely, it looks so perfectly wrapped it could have only been one person.

Clenching my jaw, I take a deep breath at her ignorant comment. Shutting my eyes then opening them, I see her looking at the books stacked in her hand,  all law books.

"First, don't ever let me catch you say that about my girlfriend again. Because, for someone who wants to be in politics, I definitely would consider changing your attitude towards people of color like your father."

Ava flicks me off, all the more reason to keep walking ahead. Racism doesn't open your eyes until you experience it first hand. I mean, my grandfather was a Civil Rights activist. My grandmother was a school teacher and taught all Black students who had disparities. Hearing that didn't affect me because throughout my school time, I was able to have privileges playing in sports.

But when racism happens to you, everything starts making sense now.

Because, at the end of the day, being a Black athlete doesn't mean shit because people still see you as Black, that's it, and that's dangerous.

As I make a few steps forward, I hear a sweet humming to soft music. The angelic voice could only be my special birthday girl. The corner of the library is quiet, isolated, and small.

She's sitting by the window, bright beaming light highlighting her face. Lizzie has her glasses on as she chews the end of her pen and closes her eyes, reciting medical things. She is wearing this teal shirt with all the anatomical words in the shape of a heart and some black leggings. 

The birthday girl looks so beautiful, her hair pulled up into small buns on both sides and small gold hoop earrings highligting her face. She honestly doesn't even need to try with her beauty. Lizzie opens her eyes and smiles, looking down at her notebook and relaxes her shoulders. Her head shifts out the window, looking outside.

I take the opportunity to hold up my phone to record her reaction, almost giving me nerves at what she would think about me proposing. As of right now, I'm shooting for August 5th because Lizzie's brother will be settled in his dorm at Florida University. Also, her cousin Mariana will be down in Florida with her fiance Dj's at some club nearby, so they will be there too. 

My only goal is to at least have her mom be there because some of Ricardo's family lives outside of Orlando, so maybe that could work.

I am still in search of Lizzie's ring. I do have one in mind but I'm not even sure if he has it anymore considering that was thirteen years ago. However, Big Red has been sending me all these rings that I know are not Lizzie's style but I think she's just doing it to remind me that the clock is ticking. The ring I want, and hope I get, is perfect.

With a quiet step, Lizzie looks down at her notes resting her chin on her hand as her arm is propped up as she looks at her phone smiling scrolling.

"Excuse me, miss?" I say with a deep voice.

Holding my phone out, Lizzie lifts her head up with a crinkling nose but her smile is so big. "Jaylannnnn!"

Lizzie eyes sparkle as she looks at everything all my hands are carrying and comes over, taking the balloons from me.

"Instagram, it's Gummy Bear Bandit's birthday today.... We are going to sing it okay... Ready? Happy Birthday to you... Happy birthday to you... Happy birthday Big Booty Judyyyy, Happy Birthday to youuuuu!" I say in a loud whisper.

Lizzie squeaks, covering her mouth looking around at some students smiling at her. "Jaylann." Her cheeks turn red.

"Look," I flip my phone so she can see the live feed reactions. "Jordy said Happy Birthday and, oh... Marcus... Xavier... Big Mike... Aunt Lisa... Look."

Lizzie comes over, trying to hide from the camera but I turn it around, facing us but my body is cut out of it. People I don't know who follow me are saying 'Happy Birthday' or 'That is too cute.'

"See? It's my Pinterest followers," she whispers.

I laugh softly and end the video.

Lizzie gives me one of my looks as she takes a sip of her drink and moans, the sound taking me back to numerous counters we have had. Thank God Nursing school is stressful but all the stress comes in use with me as she has been mastering cowgirl and shit... reverse cowgirl too. I'm glad I can be the stress relief she needs.

Just thinking about it stiffens me up.

Lizzie's doe eyes lock with mine and she steps on her tippy toes, meeting my lips but I press in harder. "Gracias," she says softly, pulling away. She takes tiny steps and goes back to her seat and gets comfortable with her seat, pretending I'm not there.

Playfully snapping, my fingers, I sit right in front of her. "Hey, Birthday Girl."

She doesn't lift her head but her lips curl into a smile. "Jaylan, sabes mejor interrumpir el trabajo escolar (Jaylan, you know better than to interrupt schoolwork.)," Lizzie replies, not even glancing at me.

Softly cackling, she closes her notebook and books and looks at me with a sparkle in her eye. "Guess you have to find a new spot, huh?" I tease.

"Of course," she says, lowering her voice and growing.

I think she's trying to sound like me, as if I sound like a muffled horse and I throw my head back. "I don't sound like that."

"To me you do," She beams, sipping on her Agua fresca and smiling.

She slips on her book bag strap but I slowly take it from her. "Eat your breakfast. I'll carry it for you." I struggle to put the tiny strap on my arm.

Lizzie giggles, sinking her teeth in her lower lip as I get the strap on, probably because I look freakish from how small this backpack is but it's perfect for her. Lizzie-sized. Wrapping my arm around her, we walk out as she eats her concha. At every step, she breaks off a piece and feeds it to me like I'm a bird.  Despite the Balloons hitting me  in the face each step we take.

"Jaylan, how did you find this Agua fresca? It's so good." She hums, sipping the last bit of it.

"Your friends." I beam and she swallows the last piece of her concha.

"Of course, they always give you ideas."

"Nottttt precisely," I laugh. "Jordy actually found this little spot when he saw that some Tik Tok girl calling it spa water."

Lizzie's eyes stretch wide "She did what!?" she whines.

A smile pulls on my lips at how Lizzie quietly fusses in Spanish, and I wrap my arm around her closer. "So, I have some fun things planned today," I note.

"Jaylannnn, what did I say?" She softly scolds, holding her hand on her hip. The movement tugs her balloon string, bouncing them off my head.

Showing all my teeth, I swat the balloons off. "That you wanted a small gathering," I repeat back.

Lizzie smiles and bumps into me softly as we walk across the street. Students all around, walking. Of course, we both spot Ava's car pulling out the library parking lot as we get to my car. Lizzie's shoulders tense a bit as I open her car door and she gets it.

I hate to bring the topic up on her birthday but I actually would like to know what happened. Not that I'm complaining, she hasn't bothered us, but it just stopped all cold turkey. Which does worry me, considering I have a lot coming up but she has nothing on me either.

"You were really about to walk twenty minutes away?" I size Lizzie up and down.

She sheepishly grins and shrinks her seat, placing the balloons in the back seat that float around. "It's a pretty day."

She isn't wrong, the sky is so blue it looks like the ocean.

"What's that bag there?" She looks at a few gift bags I have for her later.

"Stuff you can't see yet," I brag.

She grunts softly as I pull off. "So, what big headed ideas do you have tonight?"

"Well..." I grin, rubbing softly on her thigh. She presses them together, trapping my hand. "That's after... but I've got a few things up my sleeve," I tease.

She furrows her brows.  "Well, do I need to dress up?" she inquires.

Thankfully, her coworker Elena said she's got music covered and her coworker Ramon said he would be willing to bring his band. I hope it's a good idea but Lizzie's been dying to salsa dance with me, so hopefully we get a few tunes so we can.

"I am."

Lizzie shifts her tiny body, looking at me with an arching brow. "You're dressing up, what color are you wearing?"

The corners of my lips lift and I glance over to see Lizzie's jaw clenching in the cutest way. "What?"

"What color are you wearing?" she repeats.

Again, I know Lizzie has this dressing up and role play kink. One photo I found on her phone was my basketball banquet outfit from last year, so I was just going to wear that. "Uhh, I was going to wear white and brown."

Lizzie arches her brow and slants her eyes at me. "So, should I wear white or brown? Like, is it definite?"

"Yes, it's definite" I repeat in her voice, earning me a soft grunt.

My eyes catch sight of a few pom pom demons walking in a cluster with some lacrosse guys, since it's their time to shine. The sight brings my thoughts back to Ava's ankle situation.

Clearing my throat, I turn down the street. Lizzie clasps my hand softly and I rub her knuckles. "So, uhh... Lizzie, I have a question to ask you."

"Sure." She beams as she hums to the music to the radio.

"I... alright, so coming to see you, I ran into Ava. It wasn't long but I saw something off about her ankle and I was just curious if you had anything to do with it."

Lizzie sighs deeply as I pull in front of the nursing school building and put the car in park. Shifting towards her, Lizzie gives a faint smile and shrugs. "I did it," she confesses like a little kid.

Trying not to laugh, I narrow my eyes slightly. "You did what?"

She sighs and gathers her bookbag. "Basically, I was on the phone with my Papà one night, driving home before our bubble bath date and, well, I saw her jogging and she lost her balance and fell." She sighs deeply. "And I helped her get back to her house, wrapped her ankle, and told her to stay away from you," she squeaks at the end.

As she shrinks in her seat, I reach over and place my hand on her thigh. "Baby you helped her?"

She sighs softly. "I couldn't just let her sit in the street like that."

Lizzie should have, with all the hell Ava caused. This tiny nurse next to me is always willing to help, no matter who the person is or how much they have wronged her.

My chest warms up at her defending me by herself but also turned on how she boldly told Ava off. "What did you say?" I crack a smile.

"Woman to woman." She zips her lips. 

Leaning forward over the console, I put my face close to hers. My lips pull up into a sly smile. I arch my brow and smile. "I think that's kind of hot."

Lizzie leans forward with a smile, bumping the tip of her nose to mine and meets my lips. "It was needed, she needs to know her place."

Pecking softly on her cherry Chapstick lips, I growl, "absolutely," kissing her lips harder. She opens her mouth, kissing harder as she unbuckles her seatbelt. Her sugary breath fans over my lips as I clasp my hand behind her neck. She moans in my mouth as my hand tightens and we pull back with a smile as our noses touch.

When I want more, she hits me with a, "See you later!"

Lizzie giggles and bites her lips, opening the door knowing good and well I told her not too.

And with that, she is about to get a birthday spanking to remember.

She looks back at me and turns with an extra swish to her hips and I laugh softly. I lick my lips, knowing this birthday is going to be one we will both remember.

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

Misting my cologne over my white shirt, Lizzie is still in the bathroom. She's blasting loudly to some guy named J Blavin or Balvin or some shit but she is having a good ol time in there. I glance over to see her whining her hips with a curling iron in her hand.

The Birthday Girl is ready to party.

With lots of small gestures and advice from her best friends, including Jordy, I aimed to make her day special as she informed me about studying, doing her homework, and waiting for her test results. Of course... she passed, so everyone, it's time to party.

"Lizzie, you got a fire going on in there? What's going on?" I tease, as I hear her huff in my bathroom.

Bouncing my shoulders, I put my grandpop's gold watch around my wrist, thinking about how he would wear this during his important political hearings. Thinking about how I now inherited his home really means a lot to me because that home housed a lot of important politicians to make a difference here in Maryland and all over the United States for justice. 

My grandparents always had an open-door policy, a family tradition from generation to generation. I want to keep that because that is something my mom wanted me to hold on to. I can't forget the love that overflowed out there and I know Lizzie will hold on to that kind of sentiment for her dear life.

"I'm ready!" Lizzie draws my attention.

My mouth drops as the cobra is absolutely full attention at him seeing her too.

She is so breathtaking. The dress she has on is so soft and welcoming, with her off the shoulder, frill knot, cream dress that compliments her honey skin so well. My eyes immediately drop to her mangoes that fill the top part out, so, well, round and full... probably even bou-

"Jaylan!" Lizzie scolds me.

"What" I smile arrogantly.

"Jaylan, estás siendo malo de nuevo. (Jaylan, you are being bad again,)." She tsks and I softly grasp her waist. Her hair is softly curled long down her shoulders with the top clipped back with her mother's butterfly hair clip. 

I love when she speaks to me like that, I really got to learn.

"What did you say, Beautiful?" I twirl her around and she giggles.

"I said you were being bad again," she recites.

Arching my brown, I pull her waist into me, rubbing her close to my pelvis so she can feel the cobra. "And you haven't, Birthday Girl?"

Lizzie sinks her teeth in her lower lip. "No," she says innocently.

My hands slide down, cupping her ass and I look down at her. "You know what you forgot you get on your birthday?"

"What?"

My hand connects right on to her ass and she leaps off the ground, squeaking and laughing. "A birthday spanking."

The heat rising in her eyes contrasts her correcting tone, "Jaylannn."

I arch my brow at her and she giggles as if it's a game, looking at me through her eyelashes. "You can't do that," she reminds. 

"Oh yeah?" I challenge.

Her eyes sparkle again, definitely giving me confirmation tonight and I meet her lips. "Just wait."

She tucks her lips in, trying to hold back her smile as I cup her chin, giving her a firm gaze. Getting a full survey again with her outfit, I hum in approval. "This looks so beautiful on you," I say, kissing her on her forehead. "Ready to get going?"

"I am. We will probably beat Lexi and Max because they are always late to stuff." Lizzie sighs, shaking her head slipping on her open toe heels.

Lizzie slips her arms around my torso, taking a big whiff of me and making me laugh. "You look handsome," she compliments, making my ego skyrocket. She giggles, planting her lips right at where my shirt unbuttons.

We walk hand and hand, out my bedroom and down the stairs, to see Hollis all spruced up for tonight. He is going to follow us there and hopefully bring Lexi back so they can talk.

It's been slightly less weird since their public argument in Indianapolis, since they are in close corners. Hollis had a lot of time to think while he was in New York with his family. Coming back, his shoulders were relaxed and had his head lifted up high in determination.

"Wowww, look at Hollywood!" Hollis gloats, glancing at the both of us. Lizzie shyly puts her head by my bicep.

"Funny, but are you ready?"

"More than ever. I'm starved." Hollis rubs his stomach and the comment alone makes me smile because even when he came back, he returned back to his Eaters Anonymous again. I actually get to go tomorrow with him as he is getting promoted for a new chip.

Taking my phone out, I have a dozen messages and I chuckle because it's Alexis and Big Red bickering back and forth. Shaking my head I type.

Me: Birthday girl on her way

They both like my message at the same time and we walk to the door and get into our cars.

"So, where are we going?" Lizzie bounces in her seat.

Handing over a blindfold, Lizzie furrows her brows and looks at me. "It's a surprise." I laugh and she softly grunts.

"And I have to wear this?"

"Yup." I chuckle, starting the car.

She squeaks. "For how long!"

"The whole ride." I slyly grin.

Lizzie shakes her head and puts it down over her forehead. "Jaylan, I could go blind like that."

Throwing my head back into the headrest and I lick my lips and smile. "Nurse Lizzie, I don't think that's how it works."

Her doe brown eyes soften. From knowing her this long, she does this purposely. "Do I have to?"

"Absolutely I'll drive fast, no worries," I assure.

Lizzie huffs and puts the black satin scarf behind her head and I help her tie it. It takes me back to the sleepover, how the juices flo-... focus, Jaylan. "Alright, I'm right here."

"Wait 'till your birthday," she grumbles, and our hands clasp together. I put the car in reverse, backing out of the driveway and push into drive. I playfully speed down the street, tugging on the wheel, and Lizzie's nails scratch me.

The whole car ride, Lizzie keeps asking if we are there yet or what could I possibly be planning. It really made me excited about more adventures we will have over the summer until Disney. At one point, she tries peeking and I quickly pull it down.

And she calls me impatient.

Coming down our future home street, I pull into our driveway as all the other cars from everyone park on the cul-de-sac. Lizzie raved at how she loves the vibe of a cul-de-sac because it felt very spacious with how the houses are separated apart.

The driveway has new latern lights glowing brightly. Some string lights and a banner hang in front of the white porch banister that Lizzie raved about doing so much for decorations for holidays.

"Can I take it off now?" She whimpers softly.

Laughing softly, I lift it off her head. "Here, let me help you."

She squints, playing games, and I cackle softly. "Jaylan, I already can't se-" Lizzie's eyes stretch wide, looking at the front, and her lips poke out. "Jaylannn."

I should have recorded this.

"Happy Birthday."

"What... what's going on?" she says softly, unbuckling her seatbelt and once again opening the door.

Oh, just wait.

Quickly unbuckling mine, I get out of the car and lock the door. Lizzie takes out her phone and begins to take photos, making my heart warm up at her acceptance of just the start. She turns, looks at me, and bounces on her toes. "How did you do this?"

"This is just the beginning," I note, as I clasp her hand.

I take the house key out and let her hold it to open it. "Now, you've got to turn it in a weird way," I note, remembering what Uncle Steve said.

Lizzie turns it with a soft grunt, making me laugh a bit. I help her turn and we walk inside. She looks at all the blue assorted balloons on the ground which I'm not looking forward to cleaning up later. Lizzie takes one and bats one at me, scurrying away and knowing good and well I'm just adding additional spankings to her twenty-two she already has.

As we walk through to the kitchen, the patio and backyard are completely dark like we all planned.

"So, what are we waiting for?" Lizzie anxiously asks.

Wrapping my arms around her waist, I think about how eager she is going to be the moment I ask her at Disney during the fireworks.

"Close your eyes."

Lizzie whimpers and covers her face as I open the patio door. The lights of our backyard gleam brightly, with string lights attached to poles and honestly I forgot how big this yard is and the acres behind it. I definitely can't wait to plan with Lizzie what we are going to do.

Somehow, they got this brown patio platform in the center of the yard with some tables around. Everything has a rhyme and reason, with how the food is perfectly set up buffet-style, to a bar... how the fu- I'm not even going to ask. This is probably Big Red's doing so she can come spy over here over the summer.

Besides that point, it's perfect. it's Lizzie.

All Lizzie's aesthetic.

"Alright." I step behind her, putting my hands on her shoulders. "Ready? One... two... three."

Lizzie opens her eyes and gasps softly.

"Happy Birthdayyyy!" everyone says, smiling at the both of us.

Edited and spiced by still_just_me