I tried calling Adam's phone for the fifteenth time now, but no response. Typical. After everything, I get it. I'll just have to show up at his place and hope he'll hear me out. Meanwhile, I'm in my room with the girls, and it feels great to have them back, even though they ditched me last minute. Shady? Absolutely. But we're moving on, no shade.

The day smoothed out after all the chaos. The girls left but promised to come by tomorrow when my mom's side of the family would be over to discuss funeral plans. Tomorrow is going to be a circus; half of them can't stand my mom or grandma.

Lying in bed, I felt grateful to have people who care about me. And yes, I couldn't stop thinking about Adam. I miss him, and I hope we can sort things out. Maybe we'll even date again. Who knows? After an hour of talking to myself, I finally fell asleep. When I woke up, it was early the next day. I went downstairs to find my mom in a whirlwind of activity.

"Mom, slow down. Everything will be fine."

"I hope so, but you know that grand aunt of yours, Lila, has a nasty mouth and attitude. I don't know how it's going to go," she said, frazzled.

"Wait, she's coming too?" I groaned.

"Yes, unfortunately."

"Oh God, today's going to be something else."

"For sure will," she agreed.

"Let me help you, Mom. Everything's gotta look perfect."

"Okay, baby girl," she said, grateful for the help.

We started working together, preparing for the inevitable drama that was bound to unfold.

One by one, I helped my mom with cooking, decorating, dusting, and other minor tasks. We didn't want anyone coming to our house and talking crap—because you know how family can be. Just as we were knee-deep in preparations, the girls came over and pitched in. Honestly, we needed the help since it was just us. We were beyond grateful.

Everything was in place, perfect and ready. Now it was time for me to look fabulous. Can't have the guests arriving and find me looking popped down—hell no. I took a quick but thorough shower, put on a cute outfit, did my makeup, and styled my hair. Boom! Your girl was looking fly as hell.

After getting dolled up, I went back downstairs to chat with the girls. While we were catching up, the man who would be reading my grandmother's will arrived. My mom let him in, and they talked. One thing's for certain—our family members aren't here to mourn. They're here for the food and the will. Disgusting and pathetic, right?

We were all settled, waiting for everyone to show up. And show up they did, one by one. Surprisingly, everyone was nice, bringing food and expressing their condolences. But I knew better. The drama was just simmering beneath the surface. And right on cue, my aunt Jenna and grand aunt Lila arrived at the same time. I knew then that the drama was about to unfold.

Grand Aunt Lila burst through the door, wailing, "Lucy! Lucy! My sister, why did you have to leave me like this?"

Mom and I exchanged a look that screamed 'here we go again.' Aunt Lila never missed a chance to turn the spotlight on herself.

"Hey, Aunty Lila," I greeted her, bracing myself.

"Hey, baby girl, pour some wine for me," she demanded, not wasting any time.

Mom cut in, "Lila, she's a kid. Get it yourself."

Aunt Lila turned on her, "It's Aunt Lila to you, little girl. Don't make me show you you're never too old for a whooping."

Mom wasn't backing down. "Who are you calling little? Let's see if you can back up that talk."

Aunt Jenna stepped in, trying to defuse the situation. "Alright, enough. Today's about my mom. Let's not make it worse with this drama."

Grand Aunt Lila huffed and stomped off, "Fine, I'll pour my own wine."

Mom rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable."

I knew today would be a rollercoaster. The drama was just warming up. The main event would be the reading of the will.

For now, I retreated to the living room with Karissa, Jaelee, and Xalia. We were keeping it light, even if the atmosphere was heavy. It was good to have them by my side, especially with the storm brewing around us.

While hanging out in the living room with the girls, I heard Mom and Aunt Jenna arguing in the kitchen. I rushed over, ready to play peacemaker, but by the time I got there, they were hugging and crying, the fight already resolved. A few tears welled up in my eyes too, but I quickly wiped them away and went back to my friends.

The morning dragged on with the usual tension and anticipation. As evening approached, it was time for the will reading. Mom called everyone to the living room.

"Everyone, please come in the living room. You all need to hear this," she announced.

People shuffled in, and the man tasked with reading the will, Mr. Pegs, took his place.

Mr. Pegs started, "Hello everyone, I hope you all are--"

Aunt Lila interrupted, "Just read the will already!"

"Lila!" Mom retorted.

"It's Aunt Lila or Aunty to you! Are you deaf?" Aunt Lila fired back.

My mom, clearly fed up, retorted, "Mr. Pegs, you may proceed. And Aunt Lila, SHUT THE HELL UP!"

"Excuse me?" Aunt Lila bristled.

The room tensed as Mom and Aunt Lila started exchanging heated words, almost escalating into a physical fight. Thankfully, everyone intervened and calmed them down. Mr. Pegs, unfazed, resumed reading the will.

"To my loving, sweet-hearted husband, I leave you my house and $500,000," he announced.

Grandpa John, clearly shocked, muttered, "Wow."

Aunt Lila, of course, had to chime in, "John, what the hell are you going to do with so much money at your age?"

Grandpa John calmly replied, "Lila, today is not the day. And if you need any help, I could pay your rent."

Aunt Lila, not missing a beat, retorted, "Who said I need help or can't pay my rent?"

Mom stepped in, "Daddy, please ignore her."

Mr. Pegs continued, "To my amazingly beautiful daughters, I leave you my cars and $500,000. I want you both to split it."

My mom and Aunt Jenna started clapping their hands and praising God through their tears. Meanwhile, Aunt Lila's face twisted with envy because Grandma had left them money, and she clearly wanted some too.

Mr. Pegs continued, "To my beautiful, sweet, and bright granddaughter, I leave you $2,000,000. Buy anything you want."

I gasped, "Oh my God!"

Karissa chimed in, "Okay, friend, you're rich now!"

Grand Aunt Lila interrupted, "Okay, Mr. Pegs or whatever your name is, read my part of the will and let's get this thing over with."

Mr. Pegs, with a wry smile, said, "I'm getting to you now, Miss Lila. To my annoying, crazy, disgusting sister who just wants my money because I know you only came to the reading to hear what I left you even though I'm dead, I leave you a trash bag. Put yourself into it, because you're garbage."

Grand Aunt Lila erupted, "What the hell? That old bat!"

I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow."

Xalia, equally shocked, added, "Oh snap."

Everyone erupted in laughter at Grand Aunt Lila's expense. The audacity of Grandma, even from beyond the grave, to call her sister out so bluntly! I could almost hear Grandma chuckling from her celestial perch, finding immense satisfaction in her final jest. The room was a mix of shock and hilarity, each of us trying to catch our breath between bouts of laughter.

Mr. Pegs resumed reading the will once the laughter subsided. Each name called brought expressions of gratitude and relief, except for the fuming Grand Aunt Lila. She muttered under her breath about how ungrateful Grandma had been, threatening not to attend the funeral. But we all knew better. She'd be there, probably causing a scene, her antics a predictable pattern we had all come to expect.

The evening transitioned into night, and it was time for everyone to leave. Hugs were exchanged, promises to meet again soon were made, and finally, the house was quiet. The reality of the situation began to settle in. Two million dollars. I was in shock, disbelief washing over me in waves. I had no idea Grandma had that kind of money. I felt a swell of gratitude and awe at her generosity.

As everyone trickled out the door, I glanced at my mom. Her eyes were still red from crying, but she looked relieved. Aunt Jenna was right beside her, the two of them sharing a quiet moment of sisterly connection. They had mended their fences, at least for now, and that was something to be grateful for.

With the house finally empty, it was time to clean up. I grabbed a trash bag, still in disbelief over the events of the day. Grandma's sharp wit, her generosity, the family drama—it was almost too much to process. As I started picking up the remnants of the evening, my mind drifted to the possibilities that lay ahead with my newfound fortune. I could pay off school loans, travel, invest in my future. The possibilities were endless, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a spark of hope.

Mom and Aunt Jenna joined me in the clean-up effort, their bickering from earlier completely forgotten. We worked in comfortable silence, the only sounds the clinking of dishes and the crinkling of trash bags. Even Amari, my little brother, pitched in, though his version of help was more of a hindrance. Still, it was a family effort, and that made it special.

The girls had left earlier, promising to return the next day. Their support meant the world to me. Despite everything that had happened, I was grateful for their presence. They had shown up when I needed them most, proving that true friends stick around, even through the toughest times.

Grandpa John, having retired to his room earlier, came back down to offer a hand. His presence was a calming influence, his quiet strength a reminder of the stability that family can provide. He pulled me into a hug, whispering words of comfort and encouragement. His voice was a balm to my wounded soul.

As we wrapped up the cleaning, I couldn't help but feel a sense of closure. Today had been a whirlwind of emotions, but it ended on a note of hope and togetherness. Despite the drama, despite the heartache, we were a family, and we were going to get through this together.

With the house finally in order, we all settled into the living room for a moment of quiet reflection. The events of the day had left us exhausted but oddly at peace. Grandma's final gift had brought us together in a way that I'm sure she had intended. It was her last lesson to us: that family, with all its imperfections, is the most valuable thing we have.

And so, as the night drew to a close, I felt a sense of gratitude. For my family, for my friends, and for the legacy that Grandma had left behind. It wasn't just about the money; it was about the love and the memories that would sustain us in the days to come. As I headed up to bed, I whispered a silent thank you to the stars, hoping that somewhere up there, Grandma was smiling down on us.

Guys I'm still without electricity 😔 they dont want to see me win ☹️. So what I'm going to do is I'll make 5 more chapters and end the book because the signal is up and down making it hard to post then there is no light so I have to save the batteries, hope you like this chapter though.