[¥]Chapter 10[¥]

¬£¬AtKelly‘sHouse¬£¬

“What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet all day.” Kelly asked as he rubbed my back. I was lying on his stomach just thinking about the conversations my dad and I had earlier that morning.

“Huh? Oh nothing just thinking.” I stated.

“Why are you always thinking about stuff? You can wreck your brain like that.” He nagged.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that I have a lot on my mind, and I’m trying to get it together.” I informed him.

“And that is?” he asked. I took a deep breath before answering.

“I have an uncle who’s a murderer and a brother that I didn’t know about.”

“You had a brother?” He asked surprised.

“Surprised me too. He was only 9 when he died though.”

“Sorry to hear that.” he said rubbing my arm. I just laid there and listened to his heartbeat. Since my mom and dad left me in the house yet again, I thought I would come over to Kelly’s house and chill with them for a while. Only until it is time for my dad to take us to dinner.

Then there was a knock on the door. “Come in!” He called out.

The door opened and there was two girls standing there with smiles on their faces. If I didn‘t know any better I would say they were twins, but that‘s just me. One was slightly taller than the other was and hand shoulder length hair. While the other‘s hair was dark brown and came down to her back.

“What?” He asked. They just stood there smiling. He sat up and so did I. I just wanted to go to sleep. That is all I wanted. My body feels drained; I don't think I can even stay up. “What did I do this time?” he asked with annoyance in his voice.

“You got yourself a new girlfriend.” Brown hair said. Girlfriend? Is that how people are seeing us now? Wow, I mean yeah we’re friends but boyfriend and girlfriend? Really?

“And she’s pretty too.” The other said.

“Thanks.” I said trying to cover up my tiredness.

“Yeah looks better than that no good ex of yours.” Brown hair said.

“Yeah. She was no good. But this one here looks like a keeper.” The tall one added.

“Khalia these are my cousins Meme and Sierra. Meme, Sierra this is Khalia.” Kelly introduced us.

“I love those shoes.” Meme said picking one up getting a better look at them.

“Thanks. Bought them yesterday at Underground Station.” I said.

“Fresh. Might have to get me some of them.” Sierra pitched in. I could do nothing but laugh.

“Well we’ll leave you alone.” Meme said sitting my shoe back down.

“Nice meeting you Khalia.” Sierra said waving.

“You too.” I replied. They walked out, I looked at Kelly, and we just started laughing. His cousins are crazy. He lay back down and I lay next to him, placing my head back on his chest.

“So what do you want to do today?” He asked threading his fingers threw my hair. I let out a yawn before answering.

“Go to sleep, night, night.” I positioned myself to get comfortable and closed my eyes.

“You really are going to sleep?” Kelly asked looking down at me. I nodded my head against his chest. Being in his arms is always a good place to be. Especially when you want to relax.

“I’ve been up since 5.” I said.

“Why?” He asked with a confused look on his face. “Weird dream, talking to my dad, and couldn’t sleep.” I said running it down to him.

“Oh.” It was quiet and I was half way sleep, when my phone went off. I took it out of my pocket and it was an unknown number. I answered it and put it on speaker. Still lying on Kelly with my eyes closed.

“Hello.” I said threw my sleepy voice.

“Is this Khalia?” A familiar female voice called out.

“Yes it is.” I said a little agitated.

“Uh. Hey you probably don’t remember me but this is Keisha.” She said sounding unsure of herself.

“Oh hey Key.” I said waking up a little.

“Hey what’s up?” She asked with a little more confident.

“Nothing much, just chilling with someone special.” When I said that I looked up at Kelly and smiled at him. He then kissed my forehead.

“Awww. That’s nice.”

“So what’s up with you and Mike?” I asked curious to know. Michael a.k.a Mike was her middle school sweet heart. They have not officially started dating until junior year.

“Over and done with. He cheated on me with some chick name Catherine.” When that name left her lips, it woke me fully up. I cannot believe he would do something like that. That boy does not know what he is getting himself into messing with her.

“Wait, did you just say Catherine?” I asked sitting up.

“Yeah, Catherine Miller can’t stand her.”

“He would’ve been better off with a dumpster.” I said sarcastically. 

“Why you know her?” she asked surprised.

“More like hate.” I replied. “She’s just using him for his money. And besides she has liked two other dudes on the side.” I added. Catherine likes to get around I should say.

“That’s his loss.” she said. “Well I got to go. I was just making sure you had the same number, since you can’t call anybody.” she joked. “But I’m about to go shopping to find a new dress for my dance coming up.” That reminded me of our dance coming up in like four weeks.

“I feel you. Well tell Ms. Haynes and Billy I said hey.” I said laying back down. Billy was her older brother who had a semi crush on me but never really told anyone. Ever since that incident we vowed never to speak of, he said he was going to try to look at me as a sister. This was fine with me anyway.

“Okay. Peace out.” She said.

“Bye.” I hung up and put it in my pocket.

“So I’m special now?” Kelly asked looking at me.

I simply said, “Yup.” I got up, turned on the radio, and started dancing.

“I thought you were sleepy?” Kelly asked sitting up.

“I was. But now I’m wide awake.” I danced my way towards him and grabbed his hands. “Come on and dance with me.” I said trying to pull him off the bed. There was no use; I was not going to break my back getting him up.

“I told you I don’t dance, I rap.” he said not moving. I just dropped his arms and sighed deeply. Then walked over tothe radio, turned it down, and sat next to him.

“Well let’s hear it. Rap to me.”

“Why?” He asked dryly.

“Because I want you to.” I said.

“But I don’t wanna.” He winced. He gets on my nerves sometimes.

“Fine I’m going to sleep then.” I protested, as I lay back down and faced the wall.

“You are not going to sleep.” He said.

“Watch me.” I laid there and shut my eye not saying anything. He pulled me closer to him and kissed my cheek.

“No you not.” he said rubbing my back.

“Yes I am, now leave me alone.” I stayed in my spot and tried to go to sleep. Without a word he began kissing on my neck. “No, you will not do this to me.” I said squirming, trying to get out his grip. It took all my strength not to jump him. I had to put up a fight.

“You are not going anywhere.” he put his arms around me so I could not move. “Now are you going to sleep?” he asked once again.

“Yeah and you can’t stop me.” I said firmly as I continue to lay there with my eyes closed.

“Watch me.” He said before rolling me over on my back and kissing my lips. I kept my eyes closed and didn‘t move a muscle. He was not winning.

“You know you want to smile.” he teased. I kept my eyes closed not moving. Then he started kissing on my neck again. It took everything I had not to have him immediately. I was not going down without a fight.

“I’m not opening my eyes.” I protested.

“So you want to pay the hard way.” he said with a chuckle. He then started to tickle me.

“Noo. You can’t do that.” I squirmed and said in between laughs.

“And why not?” He continued to tickle me. I just loved being around him now. He is so fun to play with. I would have never seen myself this happy to be around anyone. Everyone at school just walks by me not even acknowledging my presence, but not Kelly he notices everything I do. At one point in time, I started to think he was actually stalking me but then I thought it over it could only be the fact he really cares about me. I continue to laugh until I found enough strength to speak.

“Because that’s cheating.” I manage to say. He stopped for a few seconds to let me catch my breath but then continued again.

“No it isn’t.” He such a cheater. When I couldn‘t take it anymore I gave up.

“Okay, okay, I give. I’m not going to sleep.” I can never win around him. That sucks. When I said that I gave, up he had a big smile on his face then he stopped torturing me.

“Thank you.” he said.

“You're still a loser.” I said folding my arms over my chest.

“But I’m a sexy loser.” He is so conceded.

“Who told you that lie?” I said frowning up my face with laughter.

“I see you have jokes.” he laughed. It felt good to have fun for a change. Not worrying about if people are talking behind your back, or what they might do today. Maybe that is why he is in my life; to get me to open up to the world and have fun for a change. He was about to move and lay beside me but I stopped him. I do not know why but I did.

“What?” he asked.

“You are staying right here.” He had me straddled.

“Why?”

“I like it like this.” I smiled.

“Somebody’s a freak.” he said with a grin.

“Uh no.” I said as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Give me a kiss.” he demanded.

“'Give me' got shot.” I joked.

“Can I have a kiss please?” He pleaded.

“’Can I’, got hit by a truck.” I just love messing with him, it is too funny.

“You gon kiss me.” He said.

“Says who?”

“Me.”

“What if I don’t want to?” Without warning, he grabbed my side where I am ticklish at and as a reflex; I slapped him in the face. I did not know what happened until it was too late. Uh-oh.

“I’m so sorry.” I buried me face into my hand. I hated when people grab my side. I am highly ticklish there.

“You did not just hit me in my face?” He asked slowly turning his face towards me.

“Uh maybe why?” I asked nervously not knowing what his reply would be.

“No one hits me in my face. That is one place you do not hit me. That and below the belt.” He explained.

“It was an accident.” I replied. “You shouldn’t grab me like that, there’s no telling what I might do.” I continued playfully pushing him away.

“I know that now.” He said rubbing the side of his face where I smacked him.

“Your face is red.” I said looking at it. You could see my hand print.

“Thanks for stating the obvious.” He said sarcastically.

“Awww the poor baby hurt.” I laughed. “Let me kiss it and make it all better.” He leaned down and I kissed his cheek. Then turned his head and kissed my lips.

We laid there just kissing each other, when someone knocked on the door. “Go away!” He yelled and proceeded to kiss me.

“Uncle Kelly. It’s me.” A little voice from on the other side of the door called. She sounded about 4 years old. He stopped kissing me and smiled to himself.

“Open the door.” He said as he sat up on the bed. She opened the door and ran into his arms.

“I missed you Uncle Kelly.” She said with outstretched arms.

“I missed you too.” He said picking her up and spun her around.

“Who’s that?” She said pointing to me.

“My girlfriend.” he said with a smile looking at me.

“Ewe you got a girlfriend?” she asked making a face.

We both laughed at her, and he said, “Yup.”

“She is pwetty.” She whispered. He chuckled a little.

“Very. Khalia this is my niece Princess. Say hi Kay.” he introduced us.

“Hi Lia.” She said waving at me. She is just too cute.

“Hi.” I laughed. He put her down and she sat next to me.

“Uncle Kelly?” She asked looking curious.

“Yes Butterfly.” He responded sitting on my right.

“What happened to Lulu?” She asked stretching.

“Who’s Lulu?” I asked slightly above a whisper.

“My ex.” He replied.

“She was being mean to me so I had to send her away..” He said waving his hand in a dismissive gesture.

“I no like her. She a big dodo, head.” She said with a shake of her head and we all laughed.

“Yes she was.” He said with a nod of his head.

Things grew quiet for a second until I asked, “How old are you Princess?”

Holding up three fingers she said, “Free.”

“Three?” I asked making sure that was right, and she nodded. “I have a niece your age. Well two of them.” I said. “Their twins. I’m sure they would love to play with you.” I continued.

“Cool! I have a twin too.” she exclaimed. She seemed very happy about that.

“Where mommy at?” He asked her. She made a face as she shrugged her shoulders. “Where’s daddy?” He asked again.

She answered. “Down tairs with Uncle Lion and Uncle Sheese Cake.” I chuckled a little when she said “Cheese Cake” She’s just so cute.

“Oh okay.” Replied Kelly.

It grew quiet for a second until Princess said, “Uncle Sheese Cake says a bad word.” She covered her mouth as a small giggle escaped.

“What he say?” He asked curious to hear her answer.

She put a finger to her lips and said, “Shhhh.” I laughed to myself.

“Okay I’ll get him for you.” he laughed lightly to himself.

“Otay. Hey where Uncle Pumpkin and Balloon.” She said looking around, as if to find a familiar face.

“They are gone.” replied Kelly.

“Ooh.” She shook her head and let out a yawn.

“It’s time for someone’s nap.” Kelly sang. He then stood to pick her up.

However, she refused. “Noo. I don’t want to.”

“You take your nap and I’ll give you some ice cream when you wake up.” He bribed her. Then he knelt down in front of her.

“Cookies and Cream?” She asked excitedly.

“Yup.” he nodded his head. She sat there and thought about it for a while. Then finally answered his question.

“Otay.” He took her shoes off and put her under the covers. He was about to stand up until she touched his arm.

“Can you sing my song peese?” Aww they have a song together. He smiled and replied

“Witch one?”

She laid there and thought for a second before replying, “On the Hill Top.”

“Okay. Are you going to help me?” He asked and she nodded. Then Kelly started it off:

** Disclaimer: This song is completely made up and under no circumstances should be copied.** 

On the hill top

There was a lovely spot

Where I would go and…

Sleep! (Princess)

All the animals would gather around

And sing…

Lay down little one and close you eyes (Princess)

When you wake up everything will be fine.

Dream sweet dreams and happy thoughts.

We will prosect you from the dark. (Princess)

On the hill top

There was a lovely girl

Her name was…

Princess! (Princess)

The clouds would become her blanket

And the moon would become her…

Light! (Princess)

So lie down and say…

Night, night. (Princess and Kelly)

He kissed her forehead; she kissed his, and feels asleep. He would make a great father one day. I thought to myself. He pulled the covers up to her chin and tucked her in. Once he tucked her in, and she was sleeps, he stood up and looked at me. I flashed him a warm smile and he returned the same. “She’s so cute.” I told him as he made his way to me, who was standing by the door.

“Yeah I know. I’m her favorite Uncle.” He said with a wide smile on his face. Once he was in front of me, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pecked my lips.

“I can see. What’s with the nick names?” I finally asked.

He let out a small laugh and answered, “She couldn’t say Jordan or Cameron straight when she was younger, so she just called them Pumpkin and Cheese Cake.” Wow.

I just shook my head laughing to myself. “Who’s her dad?”

“One of my best friends named Marcel. He’s like a brother to us.” he was going on as to how they met. However, I did not hear him because my mind wandered when he mentioned that name. Why does that name sound familiar? I thought. When I finally snapped out of it, he said he was going down stairs, and I followed.

When we got downstairs, Kelly continued to the game room with everyone, while I went into the kitchen with his mom. She was getting dinner started, so I decided to sit at the island and put my head down. I had a headache at this point. “Hey sweetie what’s wrong?” Ms. Summers asked.

”Nothing just a little tired that’s all.” I said with a slight yawn.

“Oh.” she said then continued. “Are you going to be staying for dinner?” She wiped her hands on a dishtowel and sat next to me on the island, and rubbed my back. She was always so nice to me, and I think of her as a second mom.

"I would love too,” I started “but my dad is taking family out to eat. Just to spend some time together.” I lifted my head up and rested it on my hands.

“I understand.” She got up to stir the food on the stove and began to chop more vegetables.

“Need any help?” I offered.

“No dear. You can go play, I have everything under control.” she waved me off with her hand.

“Are you sure?” I offered one last time to make sure she was sure.

“Yeah, now go. I’ll call you if I need anything.” She informed me then went back to chopping the vegetables.

“Okay.” I said as I got up and went into the game room with everyone.

The room was big; I could fit my living room and half of my room in it. I looked around the room to find Kelly. I noticed that the only girls in here were Melissa and I. Then I saw a person that looked familiar. I was just standing there in a daze when Kelly’s’ voice rung in my ears.

“Baby come here.” I finally moved and made my way over to him. When I approached him, he was holding a little girl. She looked like Princess a little; so this must be her twin. I thought. “This is Marcel, and this little cutie right is Diamond, Princess' twins.”

“Awww she’s so cute.” She looked at me and stretched her arms out. So I took her out of Kelly’s arms, and she laid her head on my shoulder. I was surprised she even wanted to come to me. Other babies would just look at me and go on about their business.

“I see someone like’s you.” said Kelly. I smiled slightly, and then looked at the person I'm assuming to be the father and he looked at me. It was not until I actually stared into his eyes, to know who it really was.

Then a huge smile appeared on my face. I could not believe my eyes. I was looking at one of my old best friends from elementary school.

“Maurice!?” I asked with a wide smile on my face. He looked at me a little confused and I wasn't sure If i should feel sad or not,

“Uh, do I know you?” I looked at him as if he was crazy. He really has forgotten me.

“Very funny. It’s me Small Fry.” I said matter-of-factly. He stood there a moment and studied me and i could actually see thegears turning in his head. Then the look of recognition flashed across his face.

“Oh snap!” He exclaimed. “I didn’t recognize you.” his face then lit up, he hugged me, and I hugged back. It has been years since I have seen him. He was always two and a half years older than I was. “It’s been ages since I last seen you.” He continued.

"I know.” I replied releasing him. “You done grown up and had twins.” I joked, looking at Diamond.

“Yeah, even though they were unexpected, I still love them.” He kissed two of his fingers, touched her cheek and she did the same. I just thought it was the cutest thing ever.

“Who’s their mom?” I had to ask. He looked and smiled.

“Kathy.” I was looking at Diamond fighting her sleep. When he said Kathy’s name, my head snapped to his direction. I looked at him as if he had two heads.

“Please don’t tell me.” I started to say as he began nodding his head. “Oh woow.” Was all I could say at this point.

We all were best friends when we were little. Those two would always fight and beat each other up a lot. They acted as if they were brother and sister. As we got older they acted the same way, but this time it was more of a flirtation type. For a minute, I actually forgot that Kelly was even standing there listening, until he spoke up.

“If you don’t mind me asking,” He started. “But how do you know each other?” He finally said, his gaze going from Maurice to me.

“We grew up together.” I started.

“Yeah, she was like a sister to me.” He continued as he wrapped one arm around me pulling me closer to him. “But once she got the news about her grandmother being sick, I haven’t seen her since.” He said with a shrug and then smiled down at me.

"What's up with the name though?" Kelly asked looking at me.

"I used to hate his name Marcel, so I chose to call him Maurice instead. everyone always tried to call him that but he'd get mad at them and say that wasn't his name." I laughed remembering his threats to beat the kids to a bloody pulp.

"I don't know why but I liked it better coming from her. Everyone else just sounded like they were trying to hard to get on my good side. How is Ms. H doing anyway?” He asked releasing his arm from around me and swtiching topics.

“Living it up with the big guy.” I said pointing to the sky.

"Sorry to hear that.” He said sympathetically.

“It’s okay.” I said rubbing Diamond’s back.

“She died December 31st of ‘06.” I told him.

“Oh woow.” He said unsure of any other words.

"I know. We're having a ceremony for her in three months.”

“What day?” he asked curiously.

“The 15th.”

“Okay. I’ll see if I can make it.” He flashed his famous smile; the one I always loved. We talked for what seemed like hours, when I looked at Diamond and saw that she was sleep. Surprisingly she wasn’t heavy like most three year olds.

“You can lay her on my bed next to Princess.” said Kelly.

“Okay.” I carried her up to Kelly’s room, shifting her in my arms. When I got close to the door, I heard crying. When I opened the door, Princess was on the floor crying. I laid Diamond down, tucked her in, and picked Princess up. “What’s wrong?” I asked patting her back to calm her down.

“Uncle Kelly left me, and I fall off bed.” She cried and wiped her eyes.

“Awww, come on lets go beat him up for leaving you.” I joked and we both laughed.

“Otay.” She said calming down a little. I took her to the bathroom and cleaned her face off. We went into the room to put her shoes on, and Diamond was still sleep. Then we went back down stairs to the game room. When we got down there, I put her down and she ran over to Kelly and kicked him in the leg.

“Hey. What was that for?” He asked picking her up.

“You left me, I had a bad dream, and fall off bed.” She said as she hit him in his arm. I laughed to myself as she ran it down to him.

“Awww I'm sorry.” He apologized.

“You better be punk.” she poked his nose with her little finger. We all laughed at her, she is just too cute.

“You want your ice cream now or later.”

“Laler.”

“Okay.” He put her down and she went over to Cameron playing the game, and started messing him up.

“Princess, can you leave me alone please.” He begged as he tried to see around her, but she kept blocking his line of sight.

"No.” She then smacked the controller out his hand and pressed buttons, causing him to lose.

"I’ll give you a dollar.” He bribed as he retrieved the controller and paused the game. She held her hand out and he gave her a quarter.

"This no dollar, this a water. I want a dollar.” she threw the quarter at him and stood there. Wow she is one smart three year old.

“Damn.” He mumbled. “Okay, here. Now leave me alone.” He dug into his wallet and gave her a dollar. She snatched it away and stuck her tongue out.

“Bye, bye now Sheese Cake.” She said as she started to move from in front of the TV. For someone who just woke up, she sure do have a lot of energy.

“It’s not Cheese Cake its Cameron.” he corrected her, seeming highly annoyed with her.

“Whatever.” She then started running around the room.

“Princess.” Marcel called out.

“Yes daddy.” she stopped in mid stride.

“Stop running.” He said in a deep voice that seem to scare her.

“Otay.” Then she started walking over to Lenox and Melissa, who were making out in a corner, and stepped on his foot. All I could do was laugh.

“Hey.” He yelled breaking the kiss. This lil’ girl is something else. I watched her go around the room as Kelly and Marcel stood there and talked. She giggled, stuck her tongue out at him, and then ran to me.

“Help!!” She yelled as she ran to me. “The big mean Lion after me.” When she got to me, she ran into my leg and hid behind it. So I picked her up.

“He won’t hurt you, I have you now.” I laughed.

He stopped a few feet away and said, "You lucky Khalia got you.” He began pointing a finger in her direction. “Just wait until she leaves. I’m getting the Tickle Monster on you.” He laughed and made his way back to Melissa.

“Noo not the Tickle Monster. He going to get me.” She buried her face in my shoulder. “Lia save me from the Tickle Monster!” We all laughed at her. She is too funny when she wake up. We all played around a little while longer. Then I went to help Ms. S in the kitchen, with the rest of dinner, then went home to get ready to go out with my dad.