Open when you need to know someone cares.

Opening the envelope, I pull out the letter and springs out at me with a 3D red heart. Ironically it hits me right in the chest gently but with force. Glued to it is a photo of us at the ice-skating rink, when Lizzie told me she cared about me.

Jaylan,

I'm sorry you feel this way today. I know the situation may seem hard right now but I want you to know that you have an army of people who care about you so much. I know you probably need someone to listen to you and express how you feel. Don't be afraid to express what you are going through because your brothers understand how you feel, your family will always listen to how you feel, and I care about how you feel.

Jaylan, you are not alone and what you are feeling is not silly or dumb, or repetitive because what you have been through matters. I care about you.

Te amo,

Your Novia.

Blinking the pool of tears in my eyes, I shut them for a moment.

I don't know why I woke up weighed down and heavy again because I should be happy, excited, and pumped up that it's the final game of March Madness. I couldn't really sleep much last night because my mind was running rampant with making sure Lizzie is safe at the Dallas airport, wondering if anyone is going to notice that no one will be sitting in the designated seats for parents next to Lizzie.

I sigh quietly as I turn facing the wall as tears dampen my cheeks.

The absence of Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve not being here tonight didn't really affect me until Jordy's mom asked last night at dinner if they were coming. It fucking sucks they can't be here but I guess I'm used to them not coming to travel games. It's not their fault because they have real big responsibilities at home but it would have been nice if Uncle Steve could have came and nearly broken a stadium seat instead of his lazy boy chair.

Am I selfish to want that?

Taking a deep breath, my attention is drawn to my phone highlighting the ceiling. I turn back over to reach my phone. The name that always brightens my mood puts my heart a little bit at ease.

Giggles🧸: Good morning from Dallas! We had yummy croissants and look, they did have the mocha cookie crumble here! I told you it wasn't discontinued Jaylan!

Giggles🧸: [Photo]

A lazy smile spreads across my face as I turn down the brightness in the dark hotel room. I thumb the screen, gazing at the selfie of Lizzie and Roger sitting at Starbucks, studying nursing school together.

You can't stop her from studying.

Quietly laughing at how I know she ordered that sugary drink for herself, my body warms up at the thought Lizzie is finally going to be here.

I miss her so fucking much. I can't wait to swing her around my waist and spin her around.

Experiencing long distance was a journey for the both of us. The distance between may have been painful but it has definitely grown us closer. In the past, I never felt a deep longing before since my mom. It feels like a part of me is missing and I didn't have my eyes open to that reality until I admitted I am truly in love with Lizzie.

Starting at her photo a little longer I think about what she has been through these last couple of days. I can't describe the achiness of feeling helpless not being able to comfort Lizzie. All we could do is talk and facetime but I will never forget because it was a foundation we have built that will make our relationship stronger. From celebrating my mom's birthday to walking with her inside her father's room, in those moments, I knew that Lizzie will always be the one for me.

She is the one.

Something I learned from being apart is that I had to let go of my selfish needs of wanting her here and trusting that whatever happens would be for our good.

I can't wait to marry her, be with her the rest of my life.

The feeling inside my stomach flips as I admit it to myself over and over again. Before I press the facetime icon, Jordy's alarm draws my attention, juggling around because it sounds like a panic button. His long, half-tattooed arm smacks his hand down on it and he takes a big yawn.

"Gameeee dayyyy!" he sings loudly and I shake my head with a smile.

Game Day.

"Game Day." I grit my teeth, trying to slow down my heart rate.

As much as I love rooming with Jordy while being here, I am sure glad to have my own room when I get home with Mrs. Acrobat. Tonight, I have been looking for other rooms here so I won't have to share with Jordy when Lizzie gets here but there is no luck. I definitely don't want to take a chance if he forgets something while I'm chin-deep tasting the honeypot.

She tastes so good.

I grin smugly and look over at Jordy making his bed and tucking in his stuffed animal. He turns to look at me and smiles big. "Rituals today! Let's see, I got a check list, workout, make a tik tok..." Jordy pulls out his checklist pad, just like his twin.

Chuckling, I listen to his bad idea of pouring Gatorade over Coach T's head tonight. Shaking my head, I grab my phone and press the facetime button.

The day I've waited for since I was sixteen years old is finally here. Could be a little bit happier though.

This day has come so fast but we have been working hard, pushing hard to be here. Last night was really emotional for us, as Coach finally blew the final whistle. It was more or less emotional because our hearing was restored but he said something so profound I think it will stick with me forever.

'When we persevere, the hardest adversities in life, it's not always the big celebrations but small celebrations win championships.'

Today's game is more than just a win, it's about overcoming what we have been through. I know tonight it's going to be emotional for me because a lot comes with it.

Basketball has been a crutch for me.

It has healed me and still does.

But there is a Kazoo player who has helped me see that small wins matter too and her beautiful glowing face this morning is just another reminder of that.

"Hi Jaylan," the sweetest sound hits my ears.

Observing around her, she is sitting at her terminal. Sipping down her Venti Cookie crumble Starbucks drink, her hair is braided in two beautiful braids. She has on my favorite camouflage sweatshirt and her small pair of gold hoop earrings.

She looks so beautiful.

"Good morning, Beautiful Fruit Bat," I tease.

She furrows her brows at me but smiles. "It told you I only like Mexico's mangoes because they taste like candy!" she defends and emphasizes candy at the end.

Grinning because it's my favorite dirty word, she furrows her brows when Jordy bops upside down on the screen. "LIZZIE! I can't wait to see you!"

Snatching the phone away, I hear Lizzie grunt softly. "I can't wait to see you too Jordy!"

"Me too, we have to get Jell-O shots again tonight!"

Playfully pressing my lips, Lizzie squeaks, covering her mouth. She was so fun that night in Pennsylvania. I mean, she is always fun but just how she came out in boldness with doing a Jell-O shot off her and off me. Seeing her drunk was a sight because she was extra silly and that was the night I meant naughty Lizzie.

I hope I get to see her tonight.

Lizzie laughs. "I don't do that all the time Jordy, just Jello Day,"

Good girl.

Flashing a smug grin, Lizzie draws her eyebrows together at me, to cut my nonsense.

"But tonight's a special occasion! Can't you do special occasions?" Jordy strains his voice.

Lizzie taps her chin and her smile melts away some of the weight in my chest. "Maybe."

Pushing his face away, he licks my hand immaturely. "Now beat it."

Lizzie laughs, the light, sweet sound echoing through the hotel room. As contagious as it is, I couldn't help but to laugh too. "Yo, get out here with that," I grumble at Jordy, waving my hand from the dampness.

"Jaylannn," Lizzie scolds, holding Tigger close to her.

Jordy sticks out his tongue with his towel in his hand, walking into the bathroom.

Showing all my teeth, Lizzie presses her lips softly at me. "What?"

"Jaylan, you have to be good." She arches a brow.

The happiness stirring in me with that threat makes me smile wider. "Good? What for?"

Lizzie zippers her lips and tosses the key but I catch it. She squeaks and I cackle softly. Getting out of bed, I could feel her eyes radiate through the screen. I don't have a shirt on and I know she misses her favorite place to lick.

Boy, do I know. They've gotten bigger and more defined the longer we're working out for this tournament.

"I can't tell you." Her shoulders bounce as she giggles.

"Why not?" I lick my lips and her eyes darken slightly.

She grunts softly making me breathe ot a chuckle. "Because it wouldn't be a surprise."

"Is it a game?"

She zips her lips again and tosses the key but I pretend to catch it again. "You have to be good too," I toss back.

She dips her chin down as a shade of pink slowly spreads across her cheeks. "I am good," she softly vouches.

Playfully pressing my lips, my only answer is, "Right." Going to my dresser, I pull out my practice shirt and shorts. Lizzie covers her face at my stare and I laugh at her.

I love that.

"I ammmm!" she defends sweetly.

Lizzie could never be bad, there is not a bad bone in her body. She makes mistakes and I want her to know it's okay.

"Your chart is pretty full though," I tease.

In reality, I lost the damn thing again but she doesn't need to know, right? Damn my fucking hand is tingling again just thinking about pulling back and contacting her -

"Jaylan, it's not good integrity. There is a code of conduct here," she reminds.

I cackle and she gives me my favorite look. Walking around the room to gather some of my things for practice, I playfully arch my brow as I see her keep peeking at my shirtless body. "I can't wait to see you."

She sinks her teeth, her lip then takes a sip of her drink. "I can't wait to hug youuu," I tease, throwing my clothes on the bed.

"Anddddd, I can wait to kiss you in an explosion of confetti." I bounce back on my bed with a big smile.

Lizzie dips her chin down but looks up through her eyelashes, like Nahla looking at Simba under the moonlight. I know her excitement is over the top by the way she is blushing right now but I'm not going to lie, my excitement is over the top too.

She hums and gives me a daydream look. "You are going to do so good tonight, Jaylan. I'm so proud of you,." she proclaims and looks at Roger.

"Thank you, baby."

Silence takes over our phone call, besides Jordy singing to Usher in the shower. Lizzie brushes a few strands out of her face and smiles at me. "So, how do you want to celebrate tonight?" she beams.

Honestly, I haven't thought about it because I know for a fact tonight, they are going to party hard, especially after the women's team one last time I know they are going to do something big. And especially Jordy because he wants to go to a fucking strip club. I would take him but Hollis said he has me covered.

In all honesty, all I want to do is spend time with Lizzie. Even if that means crashing and sleeping together, just being with her means everything.

"I mean, not really." I shrug.

Lizzie gives me my look and I laugh. "Jaylann, we have to do something to celebrate. I have that dress," she recalls with a smile.

"Honestly, Lizzie all tonight I just want to be with you tonight." I sigh softly

Lizzie's honey face glows at my words, a glow I never saw. "Really?"

"Of course, baby, you are the only one I would want to be with tonight," I admit.

If you would ask me a year ago, I would been all for all the festivities tonight the drinking, smoking, sex, reaction videos, limelight, just full on attention to numb the pain. But I realize all those things are worthless, leading to a dangerous road. There is only one beautiful kazoo player I would want to spend time with.

"After we celebrate with your team," she cuts in my thoughts.

I grumble playfully and Lizzie giggles. "You'lll get a special danceeeeee," she sings with advertisement.

Playfully pressing my lips, remembering her cruel April Fools joke turns down the corners of my mouth. I was bricked up long past that moment, to the backdrop of her laughing and Jordy chainsaw snoring. "Not funny."

Lizzie smiles in victory. "It was. So, did you read all the letters?" she asks curiously.

Thinking about her sweet words earlier, I nod. "I have one more left." Glancing over to the ziplock bag with one envelope in there, it's evidence I was actually good this time.

"Which one is it?" She leans in, looking around me.

Laughing softly, I look back at the screen. "Open when you see me."

She lets out a warming smile and looks down for a second. "I really hope you like that one."

"I definitely will," I assure her, propping my head up and folding my arms behind my head.

I hear an announcement for her plane and she looks at me with her softening, brown doe eyes. "It's almost time."

The feeling in my stomach drops at the thought that soon Lizzie will be here. "And you get to see little ol' me," I tease.

She grunts softly and looks over her shoulder and back at me. "I'm going to board now. I'll be there in two hours." She holds up two fingers.

Copying her, the words tingle in my mouth, "Two hours."

"I can't wait for you to see your poster, you're going to love it!" she proclaims with bright eyes.

I'm not sure why I even ask, but can't resist, "Is it glittery?"

She clenches her jaw, well, smiles basically. "I'll just hold up Jordy's."

"Thanks Lizzie! Man, I can't wait for you to meet my mom and dad!" Jordy boasts.

My smile falls a bit and Lizzie notices it. "I can't wait to see them too."

She looks back up again. "I have to go. 'Bye Jordy, 'bye Jaylan."

"Wait!" I call out before she hangs up.

Lizzie blinks a few times and I clear my throat. "You're my number one."

Pink spreads across her cheeks again. "You're my number one, too." She waves, I wave back, and the screen goes back to my wallpaper of us at seven eleven.

"You really need to tell her when she comes tonight" Jordy shaking his head as he slips his practice shirt on. I sigh deeply and cover my face because the idiocy of me could have been said there but Lizzie deserves to hear it in person. "I know" I sigh miserably, dragging my hands down my face.

"It's okay, we all make rookie mistakes." Jordy chuckles, patting my leg hanging off the bed. I sit up when my phone dings and I look to see its Lizzie again.

Giggles🧸: Getting settled in our seat wish us luck 😘

Giggles🧸: [photo]

She is coming.

I heart the picture she sends, of her sitting with Tigger on her lap and seatbelted in with her for takeoff. I'm not surprised she brought him to Mexico but I am surprised she didn't get caught as a stuffed animal smuggler by Customs.

Jordy clears his throat as he slips on his running shoes. "Jaylan, my mom wants to know if you want to come to breakfast with us this morning?"

Twisting my lips, I swallow a soft lump forming in my throat. "Uh, no it's cool. You enjoy your family time, Jordy."

He gives me a mirrored look, twisting his lips. "Are you sure? You know, my mom and dad would love to spend time with you."

Twisting my lips, I nod looking down at my bare feet and back at Jordy. "I know, I wanted to get the room ready for Lizzie tonight anyways before practice."

Jordy decided to do a last-minute, huge card for Coach, getting paint everywhere on the table, refusing to use Lizzie's makeshift newspaper art cloth that has been untouched.

She is so crafty it kills me.

Jordy frowns a bit. "Would you like me to bring you back breakfast?"

Hesitant to answer his question, I clear my throat. "Where are you guys going?"

"Probably just the IHOP down the street," he says, walking to the door.

"Sure, surprise me."

He gives me a weird look, like he's about to say something but nods. "Okay, well, I'll see you in a bit."

"Alright," I rasp out softly.

Jordy turns his back and opens the door and takes a deep breath walking out, shutting it. The blurriness in my vision takes over as I reach over to the photo of my mom. Letting tears fill up my eyes and flow down, I hold it up to my chest.

Fuck.

I need Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve right now.

🏀🏀🏀🏀

"I can't do it," I whine, throwing my plastic yellow bat on the grass as I fold my arms.

Mom softly smacks her lips and squats down, looking me in my face. "Jayyyy, you just started. Don't give up, honey."

"But it's too hard!" I admit, looking at the white ball still standing on the t-stand. Mom cups my face and strokes the side of my cheeks. "Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Her brown eyes get lost in mine.

"I'm not like daddy." I huff softly.

Mom looks down at the grass and back up at me. "You're right. You're not like Daddy when it comes to baseball. But you are strong like mommy and you can do anything your heart believes."

"Can't I just go to the playground?" I point at all the children cheering as they all run around on the playground.

"After you give this another chance, one more time for mommy." She pokes out her lip playfully in a fish movement.

I huff and pick up the baseball pat. "Okay, but this is my last time."

Mom smiles and taps me on my nose. "Okay, ready?" Mom gets in front of me with the white waffle ball, playfully shaking it.

Taking a deep breath, my shoulders relax. "Ready"

Mom softly throws the ball and my eyes don't leave it, making me hit it with all my might. Mom jumps up and down, raising her arms high, and rushes over to me. Leaning down, she kisses my cheek.

"Ugh, Mom. Gross." I wipe my cheek and Mom laughs softly.

"You did it baby. I'm so proud of you!"

"Got a little Babe Ruth on your hands," Uncle Steve holds the camcorder tightly but it shifts diagonally.

"Really, Steve?" Mom grumbles, fixing the camera so it's right in my face. Mom and I smile at the camera.

Looking at the basketball net, I throw from the half court line. Shooting right in, the weight of that memory feels like elephant foot stomping on my heart. Just when I thought this day would lighten up because my Confetti Yeti is enroute, it didn't.

Everyone's families have come in left and right, showing up at the hotel, and I've been dodging everybody left and right. The hallway presences, room activities, hugging, kissing, and... happy tears.

It sounds immature but I'm only just protecting my heart to remain focused. So I came to the basketball arena early, just making baskets and trying to focus on more positive memories of my mom, even Uncle Steve.

Placing the basketball on the cart, I sit down to the closest metal chair and pull out my phone. Lizzie should be almost here by now.

Isolation for me has always been a dangerous thing but does help me regain thoughts and feelings on how to communicate this nasty thing called grief.

However, the beautiful kazoo player stated earlier there are a lot of people who care for me. An area I need to grow in is allowing for them to do that for me.

I know I need to apologize to Jordy for dismissing him this morning. He knew something was up and being the good best friend and brother, he was looking out for me.

Sighing deeply, I press the icon button to call Aunt Lisa.

Looking around, the gymnasium is preparing for one of the biggest events of my life. Every staff member here has their own part of making it happen.

"Hello, number one," Aunt Lisa jokes.

Breaking my attention, I crack a smile. She has on an apron while peeling potatoes with Uncle Steve.

"I'm number one. You are number one-point-five," Uncle Steve reinstates.

Chuckling, Aunt Lisa bumps his shoulder with hers. "Are you at practice, Jaylan?"

"Uhh, it hasn't started but I came early," I admit.

"Good thinking about my bracket." Uncle Steve points a potato at me.

Aunt Lisa shakes her head at his loving statement and gets up from the table, taking me with her to the other side of the kitchen. "Okay, you two," she eases the playful tenison.

"What are you up to tonight?" I inquire, observing Aunt Lisa look at a piece of paper.

"We are having a party tonight, to watch you honey." Aunt Lisa soothes my heart. "We've recorded every game this season. At least I think Steve did."

Nodding, Uncle Steve smiles big. "I get to brag all about you, bracket buster."

Even though it sucks they can't be here, just them mentioning how they are celebrating and caring for me far away warms some of the pain in my chest.

"Ahh gee, I feel special," I tease.

Aunt Lisa smiles as she fills water in the steel pot. "You should because you are, this is your big night! We're so proud of you, Jaylan."

My heart warms up more of the aching feeling. "Thanks."

"As long as I get my T-shirt." Uncle Steve smiles big, holding his phone close to him.

I grin cockily. "Five-XL tonight, right?"

Aunt Lisa furrows her eyebrows as I smile big, glancing over at her at Uncle Steve typing on his phone up close. His glasses fall down on the bridge of his nose and I immediately screenshot him squinting.

Aunt Lisa softly smacks her lips with a smile and scolds, "Jaylan."

I smile as I sit down in the chair in the gymnasium, leaning back. "Okay, okay, okay. Three-XL" I playfully sigh.

Uncle Steve looks up and plasters a smile. "You know I wear two-XL," he notes, peeking up from his phone.

Pressing my lips, Aunt Lisa turns around, looking at him and placing her hand on her hip. I cackle, throwing my head back.

"What'd I do?" Uncle Steve defends.

I miss him.

Aunt Lisa turns back to me holding her back her smile. Observing their surroundings, Aunt Lisa is cooking up all her popular party foods. As much as I would like to be at home and enjoy watching on the couch like last year, when I was a bit butt hurt, there is nothing like watching the game with Uncle Steve here in person. I'm surprised he's never accidentally elbowed or punched a nearby fan with those flailing arms.

I can't wait to see him.

"Three-XL is fine," Aunt Lisa assures as she continues to chop some potatoes. Uncle Steve grumbles under his breath, making Aunt Lisa turn right back around. "What? You don't want it to shrink too much."

One thing for sure, Aunt Lisa keeps Uncle Steve in check, same with the Ice Cream Cake Princess.

I can't wait to see her tonight.

The wait has been long overdue, since the day I left IHOP, waving her goodbye at the bus window. I think that was the toughest goodbye I've ever had to do, besides saying goodbye to Mom before I found her coming home from school. That's why I always say see you later or see you soon, because goodbye could mean forever, permanently and leaving nothing but heartache.

"Have you heard from Lizzie?" Uncle Steve asks, still one-finger typing on his phone. The tapping sound echoes through.

I chuckle because Uncle Steve is such a senior citizen when it comes to his cellphone. Aunt Lisa sighs, shaking her head as he continues to type one smashed finger at a time.

A huge smile spreads across my face and I nod. "Yeah, she just texted me not too long ago when boarding her flight from Dallas. So she will be here in like two hours, Maxine is picking her up for me."

Aunt Lisa coos at my answer. "Please give her a big hug for me and Maxine too. I can't believe they won last night." She continues to put the potatoes in the boiling pot.

Oh, I'm going to do more than a big hug.

My smile couldn't get any bigger, thinking about how I'm about to get the biggest monkey hug on the planet from the Stuffed Animal Rescue Association Founder.

"Look at him smiling like that, Lisa," Uncle Steve teases.

Breaking my train of thoughts about Lizzie squeezing me tight, my smile falls flat. "Is that a problem?"

"No it's not a problem." Aunt Lisa smiles at me as she uses the knife to empty the rest of the chopped potatoes in the boiling pot. "It's a good thing."

"Did you tell her?" Uncle Steve puts down his phone on the counter and he smiles.

"Tell her what?" I play off.

Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa both stop moving and look at me as if I have a clown nose on. "Oh, Jay." Aunt Lisa shakes her head.

"Tell her what?" Holding back my smile, I just want to know what they think.

"That you love her, man how did you get to college?" Uncle Steve roasts, shaking his head. Aunt Lisa looks back at him and he innocently blinks. "What?"

"Jaylan, you tell her when you are ready. You'll know the timing," Aunt Lisa assures.

Timing.

There is always a time for everything and I can't think of a better way to tell Lizzie I love her than when she gets her confetti kiss. I know it seems pretty corny and shit but I've never had a game moment like this before.

I've also never felt like this before.

Waking up every morning with her in my mind and staying up later at night wondering if she is okay. This last month and few days has shown me it is truly possible that I, me, Jaylan Parker is worthy of love after everything I've been through.

When traumatic shit happens, I wonder what I did to deserve it? Questioning whether or not I am worthy of love for someone to stay fucks my mind up. But, to be blessed the way I have been with Lizzie this far has pushed the heavy weight of loneliness off me. She challenges me to get through it and proves to me that I'm not alone. She has opened my eyes to true love and acceptance because I was blinded and deceived from women and my sperm dorm who haven't seen it for themselves

But I'm so thankful for my eyes to be open.

Blinking my eyes at Aunt Lisa putting the pot over the boiling potatoes, I mumble, "Yeah, timing."

"There is always a reason, Jay," Uncle Steve adds.

Nodding, I lift up my head when the sound engineers run a sound check. My eyes scan the gymnasium over the court. Tonight, over one thousand seats will be filled and my shoulders weigh down at the seats where Lizzie will be sitting with Maxine. There are two extra seats that will not be filled. Shooting my blurry eyes back down at my phone screen shows Aunt Lisa on the other side of the kitchen, peeling hard boiled eggs.

"So, how is Lizzie doing? I know she is coming but is she okay?" She frowns, peeling the hard shell off in flakes.

Mom loved Aunt Lisa's Potato salad.

"She is hanging in there." I shrug considering there are a lot of unknown things. I don't know what happened during her time over the weekend in Mexico. Despite her having a hard time adjusting and her dad recovering from the stroke, I saw her at glimpses of times and moments Mentally, I have no clue what she entirely went through but tonight I want to connect deeply. Whatever brings her comfort, that's what I want to do.

"I'm praying for her, I know things have been tough." Aunt Lisa's tender tone warms my aching heart. "That one has a special heart, Jay."

"She would appreciate that," I acknowledge.

Aunt Lisa smiles, flickering her eyes back and forth at me then relaxes her shoulders. "Jaylan, Uncle Steve and I wanted to give you a little gift for this evening."

"Oh, you don't have to do that," I start because their money is already stretched too tight.

Aunt Lisa gives me a firm motherly look, with her hand on her hip. "Jaylan Alexander."

"Better take it or I'll get a refund!" Uncle Steve laughs, as he tosses a few peanut m&m's in his mouth.

Where did he get those?

I sigh quietly and Aunt Lisa exits out of facetime and I get a notification on my messages. Going to my messages, I see Big Mike also texted me but I check Aunt Lisa's text. It's an Airbnb confirmation.

Wait, what?

"What is this for?" I puzzle, scrolling through the details of the accommodations.

Downtown Indianapolis townhome, 2brd and 2bath full kitchen. Beautiful view of the city Free Wi-Fi

Full house

Wow, how much was this? I really don't want them spending this kind of money on me, especially since they are trying to adopt Malachi.

"Say thank you, boy," Uncle Steve playfully scolds.

Trying to process words, I look at Aunt Lisa. She smiles tenderly at me. "We figure it would be nice for you and Lizzie to have some alone time and I don't need to have to get after Jordy either."

Still trying to process this beautiful Airbnb, in downtown Indianapolis, with a balcony view of the city, I find my throat squeezing in. "Thank you," I struggle to get out.

"You're welcome. Just know this isn't an excuse to have an early grandchild but you both need this." Aunt Lisa gives me a tender look.

Throwing my hands up in surrender, I'm not ready to address that topic yet. "No grandchildren yet, I haven't even processed about prop-" I stop mid-sentence of what I just spilled out.

Fuck.

Aunt Lisa's eyes stretch wide. Both her eggshell-covered hands cover her mouth as Uncle Steve's eyes soften at me and jaw drops.

That was supposed to be surprising at least when I asked them when I got back, especially the house. I had this whole plan, shit.

"Jaylan, what? Repeat that." Aunt Lisa holds up her hand to process.

"I.." I sigh, rubbing my hand down my face and lean forward on my elbows. "I want to propose to Lizzie in August."

Aunt Lisa clasps her hands together and looks at Uncle Steve, who tries to hold back his smile. "I told you." Aunt Lisa holds her hand out, palm up.

Uncle Steve grumbles, pulling out his wallet and I slant my eyes because this was not the response I was expecting. "Yeah yeah yeah."

I blink a few times, just watching as my uncle forks over cash to my aunt. "Am I missing something here?"

Aunt Lisa counts five crisp twenties, pockets them behind her apron, and looks up at me. "Uncle Steve said next year but I said there is no way, after the first time I met Lizzie."

A smile pulls on my face, remembering how Lizzie was so nervous about meeting Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve. She trembled softly as we drove back from the candle factory and I held her hand, assuring her they would love her.

"But it's just friends, I'm not really friends." Lizzie's hands shake in mine.

Glancing at her for a second, she chews on her lower lip. "Aunt Lisa likes acquaintances too."

"But she might think we are dating!" Lizzie blurts out and squeaks, covering her mouth.

Laughing, her cheeks grow a darker shade of pink. "Is that a bad thing?"

"Yes, I barely know you," she softly says.

Flashing a sly smile. "So, you want me to date you?"

"Jaylannn." Her lips quiver, trying to hold back a smile.

"You doooo." I cackle.

She grunts softly and squeezes well, her squeeze, my hand.

"Well, do you have plans to do it?" Aunt Lisa interjects my thoughts of that day.

"Yeah, I got some help from Maxine and Alexis. They've got a whole group chat and monthly meetings." I shake my head after that update.

As a matter of fact, we got one coming up because Alexis won't be able to help much. She'll be going to flight attendant school right after graduation and she won't be able to come back until the first week of August, which is when I plan to do it.

Aunt Lisa sighs. "Thank God, add me to that." She points at me with a knife after.

"Will do," I say wearily, as I go out of facetime to add Aunt Lisa to the group chat. Even before I blink, both Max and Alexis greet her.

"Jaylan, I'm going to let you go so you can go practice, and we can't wait to see you tonight, honey." Aunt Lisa smiles. "Oh and look, they messaged me already."

"Thank you." Getting up from the metal chair, I see my teammates come in from the locker room with their headphones around their necks, ready for practice.

This is it.

"And I'm proud of you," Uncle Steve adds.

Those three words coming from Uncle Steve glue me to where I'm standing. He smiles, showing his full teeth, making me laugh softly. My heart feels full, considering I felt unloved and uncared for earlier.

The burning sensation in my throat made me rasp out, "Thank you."

Uncle Steve gives me a head nod and Aunt Lisa a tender smile again. "See you soon. We love you!" Aunt Lisa waves.

"I love you," I rasp out again.

They both look at each other, not expecting me to say that because it's rare that I've t shown my adoration/appreciation in the past.

"Don't mess up my bracket," Uncle Steve says he loves me too.

Chuckling softly, I end the call and place my phone in my pocket. In loud, trampling steps,he guys gather around, grabbing the basketballs and getting in the zone.

This is it.

Taking a deep breath, I'm about to put my phone in my pocket but it dings, making me look to see. Six words make my heart pound out my chest.

Giggles🧸: I just landed, see you soon!

She is here.

A smile pulls on my face as I quickly text her back. I stick my phone back in my pocket and join the court. Taking a ball, my shoes squeak as I dribble, plant my feet, and make a clear shot where I'm at.

I'm ready.

Edited and spiced still_just_me

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We are here and I'm excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

stayyyy tunnedddd