July 20th, 2023 | Thursday

After a long day, Josiah and Treyvon had finally arrived home, chatting amongst each other while laughing every once in a while. "I just thought about it, we gotta get you a key." Tre spoke, sticking his key in the key-hole. Josiah's eyes lit up realizing it never even crossed her mind in the first place. Of course she would need a key, that made the most sense.

"You're so right, can we got get one made tomorrow? I want hello kitty or something." She spoke softly, standing behind him with her small backpack occupying her hand, waiting for him to open the door. He laughed with a nod while pushing the door open for the two of them.

She followed after him, making sure to close the door after stepping inside she instantly began removing her shoes next to the door. "My body is lowkey sore, I can't wait to shower." She muttered bending down to pick her dunks up from the floor. There was a shoe rack next to the door, but she preferred taking her shoes with her rather than leaving them.

Standing up straight, she noticed Tre was still standing there waiting for her which was unusual. She had only been there for a little bit less than a week—but she knew he never stayed and waited for her to remove her shoes. "What's up?" She questioned softly, beginning to walk past him slowly.

"Oh nothing, we was still talkin' and shit so I was jus' waiting for you." He excused, never giving her the impression that he may have been lying to her. Luckily, even though he was—it was for a much better cause and he was sure she wouldn't mind. He began following her towards the back of the house, keeping a distance so he wouldn't seem too suspicious.

Looking over her shoulder, she side eyed him skeptically. "Mhm, well if you say so." She twisted the door knob to her now room, and she gasped at the sight. It definitely was not the room she had left earlier that morning when Tre first asked her to go to breakfast with him.

She swore he was beginning to love feeding her or something because she had ate so much within the last week. Her eyes widened at the soft purple designed room, smiling at the sight of her father still trying to fix up the new canopy bed to his complete liking. It was a complete upgrade compared to what Trues room was.

"Dad!" She exclaimed. She never realized how much she missed him until he was there in her presence. She felt an overwhelming amount of joy creeping in as he turned around facing her, a smile gracing his face as she practically jumped into his arms like a young girl.

Taking her into his embrace he held onto her for dear life. If it was one thing he regretted, it was having relations with someone out side of a state he resided in. It sucked not being able to be in her life the way he wanted. "What's up baby girl." He chuckled to suppress his own overwhelming emotions. He could feel in her grip that she wasn't trying to let him go, and he had no problem allowing her all the time she desired to squeeze him tightly.

It was his way of letting her know he would never leave her. She would always have him to fall back on, and the second half of her life would be nothing like the first because he was there to stay. Rubbing his large palm up and down her back soothing her. "When did you get back? I've been waiting to see you." She pulled back, her eyes glistening with admiration at the idea of a more present father.

"Got back this morning, but I ain't come straight here. Had to get all this shit for yo new room. Ian go overboard since I know you like that decorating shit. Imma leave it up to you." He was extremely correct, hence her going to school for interior design. It was her passion, and taking photos was the other half.

Her eyes twisted everywhere. He was right, he only did the basics. He got her a new bed, with a canopy for it. Some rugs, a new desk, curtains and he removed all the extra stuff creating much more room and walking space that she could leave clear or decorate how ever she wanted. "I love it so much." She expressed truthfully.

"If you need anything let me, your brother, or Natalia know." He was talking but she was just taking him in. She was really loving with her father and it didn't even feel real to her. His hair was braided into fresh designed cornrows stopping a little past his shoulders. He had smooth supple darkskin just like her, and he had a rough exterior like her brother that didn't go unnoticed by her.

Getting use to her brothers' hood persona was sometimes complicating but she loved it because that's what made him who he was.

He was the total opposite of her mothers' side of the family, but she wanted change. She was loving this change, and she couldn't wait to see what was more to come. "Speaking of, where can I get like a part time job?" Her personal account was loaded with money, but if her recent situation taught her anything it was to: never get comfortable and to have a back up plan just in case.

Norman furrowed his eyebrows and so did Tre. "Youn need a job, Jo." Norman informed her, licking his lips right after. There was a single bead of sweat rolling down his forehead, but that was the only thing out of place. "I got you with whateva you need. If you just trynna get a job for fun or to take up yo time den find a hobby and I can fund dat instead." He encouraged, but she wasn't sure if she wanted him too.

She clicked her tongue before nodding. "Okay I hear you." She reluctantly agreed and he nodded happy with her answer. She just didn't know, she never had to move a finger again if she didn't want to. He was happy she was still deciding to go to college though, college was the backup plan in his eyes—not a job.

"Where yall comin' from." With his arm around her shoulders he ushered her out the room with her so they could catch up. She really appreciated it because she wasn't ready to split ways from him, even if he would only be at the end of the hallway with his wife. She rolled her lips into her mouth.

Tre clasped his hands together, "We went out to eat, then I showed her a few places," He started meaning he showed her places he thought would interest or be of good use to her. He grew up in Daytona, and he delt with females so he knew all the spots.

"Then we fucked roun' and went to the mall, got some new stuff." Tre explained and Jojo's eyes momentarily widened at his choice of vulgar language. Norman never really got on him about profanity, so it eventually got integrated into their relationship. "After dat Dice and Jordan hit me up so we met up at that inside go-karting place and we been there up until now." He finished off.

Their father nodded, taking everything in. Josiah was a bit curious about everyone though so she finally spoke up again. "So this True girl—I mean my step sister." She corrected, unsure if she liked the way that sounded or not. "Where is she, because school doesn't start until August and it's only the middle of July." She pointed out.

Of course she wanted to know where the girl was considering she was taking over her room. She didn't want any confusion, of the sort. "She on a trip with her friends right now, she gonna be back to visit before school start—maybe—but she got her a lil apartment in Atlanta so she don't like comin' back." Tre answered for her while Norman finally let her go so she could sit down at the island.

Josiah nodded at the explanation feeling a bit better knowing she wouldn't come home and throw a fit about the room. Especially since she had fallen in love with the new version of it. "And what about Justice, where is he again?" She quizzed, picking a banana up from the bowl of fruit sitting on the counter.

Norman opened the refrigerator in hopes of finding something to drink. "Football camp. That boy love football." He warned his daughter while she nodded in satisfaction, beginning to carefully peel the skin from off of her banana. Getting off just enough, she took a bite from it.

"Natalia been nice to you?" Norman pressed , using his eyes to gauge at her expression just in case she tried to lie. He was unsure how to read her just yet but he would be sure to get the hang of it quickly. He wanted to learn all the mannerisms she possessed that he didn't know about. He knew his wife could be passive aggressive and he needed her to speak up if there was any issue.

Josiah shrugged her shoulders. "She's only said about five words, she hasn't been around." She replied shortly, and it didn't surprise nor shock him at all. "She works a lot I see though." She added and that much was true, it was why marrying Norman was convenient for her. He wasn't home that much to complain about how much of a workaholic she was.

Norman nodded seeing as that wasn't very abnormal. They had been married for a total of three years and together for six , so it wasn't like she had been there for over a decade or anything, but her routine and behavior was predictable. Josiah broke off another piece of banana eating it rather fast. "When ya shit 'posed to be getting here." He asked.

Tre had checked out of the conversation, his phone occupying his time now.

Rubbing her lips together she lifted her eyes to meet his. "On Monday, that's why we went to the mall to get me a few more things to hold me over until then." She replied calmly. A large huff passed through her lips as she finally finished the fruit, and she jumped down off the stool. "I need a shower dad." She announced out-loud.

He observed as she used her foot to step on the pedal lifting the lid to the 16 gallon stainless steel trash can sitting against the side of the island. "Go head, me too. I been on the go all day." He stretched his arms above his head slowly, taking a big stretch. Retrieving her phone from the counters she nodded.

"Good night if I don't see you again." She muttered calmly, it was very late due to them being out all day so it was time for everyone to whine down. She was full, and sleepy so sleep was the next best thing for her if she wanted to remain well rested. "Love you guys." She called out before disappearing to the back.

Tre glanced up, and Norman caught his eyesight. "How you like staying with her so far." He wanted to get his son's perspective on everything since his two biological kids weren't the closest growing up.

His son instantly smiled giving him relief. "Man, she way better than True." He started off bringing a chuckle out of his father. Tre couldn't stand his older step sister so he was liable to feel that way about anyone. "She real humble, and cool to talk to. She damn near finna replace Dice and Jordan, ion need they ass no more." He never thought he would have a sister that he would think of as his best friend, but here it was.

Josiah was moving up on his scale and she was doing it quickly. "That's good, protect her out here. You already know how that shit go sometimes." Norman rubbed his goatee, giving his son something to think about as he gathered his Gatorade and left the kitchen.

Looking down at her phone, Josiah rolled her lips into her mouth with her fingers hovering over the screen, unsure what to text. She didn't want to feel like a nuisance to her big brother, but she couldn't help it. She just figured if the text was short and simple, maybe she wouldn't come off as too annoying. That's at least how she saw it.

Sis🖤: Are you still around, I need to go to the store really quick
Sis🖤: It really shouldn't take that long I promise

She sent the short message out, nibbling nervously on her bottom lip. Her biggest fear was that she would come off as pestering since he had basically been her ride since she arrived. She couldn't wait until her car arrived so that she wouldn't have to depend on her big brother for every slightest thing.

She watched the speech bubble appear before the three dots jumped signaling he was replying. When they disappeared she frowned slightly, but the incoming call made her nervous all over again. Answering, she brought the cellular device up to her ear. "Yeah, what kinda of store you need to go to?" He questioned.

"Uh, just Walmart to get a few things." She answered, school wouldn't be too far away and she wanted to start shopping early, but her main reason was to get some new clothes to wear for sleeping. "All my pajamas are short sets and stuff." She muttered, feeling a rush of embarrassment hit her from having to explain it.

On the other end, Tre raised an eyebrow. "So what? Yo people said you can't walk around the house wit shorts when it's dudes around or sum?" He questioned playfully, not even realizing he had hit it right on the nail. Her grandmother preached it so much that it was instilled in her mind. She thought everyone thought that way.

Slapping her palm against her thigh she was irritated by his short line of questioning. "Are you going to be able to take me or not sir? I can definitely get a Uber. I was just trying to save money like you advised." She threw his words back in her face, and he smiled with a short laugh.

"I was just asking lil sis you know I gotchu. I'm out the way right now, but I got a personal Uber right on the way to you, so get ready." He spoke in a joking manner knowing it would further get on her nerves. He'd quickly learned that she had a very short temper, she just didn't do too much when she got mad, an attitude at the most.

She smiled happily, glad that he didn't do too much over it like she thought. She had to get use to the thought of having an actual caring brother that didn't hate her for breathing like she'd seen in movies. It was real life, and unlike actual sibling bonds, Tre actually loved her as a sister and a friend. That was the best part of it all if you asked her. "Okay, I will. Thank you so much, I love you." She rushed out before hanging up the phone.

Throwing her phone on the bed, she made it to her closet where she hung up presentable clothes. Her dresser was for underwear, nightwear, and loungewear. Mindlessly, she selected some washed Charcoa denim fitted flare low waisted jeans, and her pretty little thing cream 'Good days' graphic.

In no time she was removing the sleeping clothes to change into something more presentable. "That's gonna throw it off." She spoke out loud as the thought of wearing her crocs crossed her mind. It was always an internal battle with those shoes. She loved their comfort but they made her put together outfits look tacky at times. "Let's just do these." She selected the cream and Oyster Grey trainer Asics.

Unknown: I'm out here whenever you ready
Unknown: In the black Benz

She raised her eyebrows, realizing Treyvon must've gave her number for better communication which was fine with her. She quickly pulled the top off her 'XO Victoria' perfume, and began spritzing it all over her clothes rather than her actual body. Once she finished she slid her phone in the back pocket of her low waisted jeans, and started her way out the house.

Ensuring the bottom lock was secured as she left, she made it down the three porch steps before jogging towards the black Benz parked on the side of the road.

Inside the car, Paris was watching carefully as the girl jogged over to his car. He had already hit the locks, so she paused and pulled the door open. Sliding in, the air conditioning helped since the sun was beaming. Another thing she hadn't quite got used to yet, was the hot weather. "Hey, thank you." She let out.

The fresh smell fragrance that she sprayed on herself instantly filled his nostrils , satisfying him in an odd way. "You good, wassup though." He used his common courtesy to greet her back.

Though Josiah wouldn't admit it, the boy intrigued her. He was the quiet one out of their bunch—not completely but he didn't do much like Jordan and Tre, evening them out. She already knew there were layers to him, considering the fact she knew he liked to read, there were probably way more hidden things about him.

"Nothing, did my brother ever tell you where I was going because I still don't know my way around here yet." She carefully clicked her seatbelt in, since she was unaware of how he drove yet.

He shook his head, leading her to let him know she needed to make a quick trip to Walmart. He nodded at her words, before heading that way since he knew the route by heart. As the drive began, he leaned up and adjusted the volume to the music.

In traffic the ten minute car ride only consisted of music, and when he pulled in the parking lot to look for a spot was when he finally turned the stereo down. "How long you think you gon' be." He didn't sound as if he was rushing, just curious.

Unsure herself she turned giving him a crooked smile. "Wellll," She dragged softly, laced in innocence. "I shouldn't be super long but I have the tendency to get side tracked. How about you come in, I'll get you something." She playfully offered.

He guffawed with laughter, keeping the small action at bay. "Ion need you to buy me nun, jit." It was so funny how a word she once deemed corny back home, sounded attractive coming from him.

She quickly dragged her eyes away from him, unbuckling her seat belt as he finally whipped his luxury car into a free parking spot not too far from the entrance. "I'll come in though," He too knew the feeling of going in for something but seeing other things that interested him.

After the two got out of the car, Paris waited up until she got around the car before they began walking side by side. "So, Paris, how old are you? The same age as my brother?" She kept her sight forward.

He side eyed her at the fact that she called him Paris. "Yeah I'm 21." He answered shortly, using his palm to move her slightly in front of him as a car passed them looking for a parking space.

His eyes slowly trailed to the gap in her jeans, mesmerized by the size of her waist opposed to the size of her ass—especially in jeans. "Wow, so what do you do? As a career of course." She spoke over her shoulder appreciating his gesture.

"I like making beats."

She raised her eyebrows. She wouldn't say it was unique because it seemed like everyone was trying to pursue something in the music industry, but he could always make it unique himself. "You sell them?" They entered the entrance as she went for a cart.

She collected an offered sanitizing wipe and throughly wiped down the handle bar on the cart killing the germs. "Yeah, like five or six humid a piece, a band at most." He stuffed his hands in his pockets.

She paused, looking up at him. "Wow, that's way more than I expected. I hope I don't offend you but like, how many do you have to sell per month to cover all your bills?" She was only asking out of curiosity.

The shadow of a smirk appeared on his face. "Three or four, but I go half wit my cuz' so two. The rest pocket money—why you pocket watching anyway."

She waved him off pushing the cart in the direction of the clothes. Most Walmarts were structured the same, so she didn't have a problem figuring where everything was.

"You should've went to Burlington for Pjs." He spoke mindlessly, watching her sift through the clothes on the racks in her size.

She shook her head at his suggestion, "Nah because I'm not hear for just pajamas. Just sleep wear period, some sweatpants and stuff. Also, do you think they have jewelry cleaner here?" She probed.

He only shrugged his shoulders being of no use. Rolling her eyes she held a silk pajama set with a button up and pants up to her. "Cute?" She uttered, forcing him to look at her.

He couldn't help but wonder how the interaction looked to by passers. They were so comfortable with each other that they would've looked like a couple to the naked eye. "It's aight, yellow one would look better on you."

She frowned, "I like all three." She picked up the pink, purple, and the yellow ones placing them in the cart before pushing it in another direction. "I'll get all three." She convinced herself.

Like a small child he followed her throughout the store, hanging onto very soft word that flowed through her pretty glossed lips. "Smell this for me," She twisted the top of a squeeze tube lip gloss.

Holding it up to his nose he took a light sniff. The soft scent of mangoes hit his nose, but it was oddly satisfying. "Smell like mangoes." He let out, locking eyes with her.

He watched her blush, looking away from him as she capped it. "Why do you keep looking at me like that? You making me a little self conscious." She admitted, watching him pull his lip between his teeth.

"You pretty as hell lil one, that's all." He was never really one to hold back, he had been out of respect for his best friend. Since he was asked he'd kept to himself, but he could no longer hold in his thoughts.

She pursed her lips looking away from him quickly, and he laughed as she rushed away from him. He watched her hips sway in her jeans, feeling like it had to be some talent to do it so effortlessly. "Why you ask, but runnin'?"

"I didn't expect you to say that of all things." She squealed lowly, "I have a boyfriend." She clarified, but that didn't change the way he saw her or the way he felt at all.

His eyes shifted all over her while she grew shy under his gaze. "What dat gotta do with me? You fine and ian blind, lil mama." He felt bold ignoring the nagging feeling of betrayal in the back of his mind.

He knew her relationship was as good as done as soon as she decided to move to Florida while he remained in Chicago. The distance would be far too much pressure on their relationship and it would crumble.

"Hmm, you sure you don't rap." She joked referring to how what he said sounded like a rhyme.

"Nah that ain't in my job description, lil one."

She grew concerned hoping he wouldn't start calling her that on a regular basis. "Let's just go, I only need my jewelry cleaner last." She pushed the cart away before he could engage anymore.

Sorry I'm late, I been sleep. I will most likely update on Tuesday if I get a good amount of interactions? I might make up an updating schedule, idk yet!

By the way yall doing so good wit commenting and stuff?!?! Proud mom/lil sister (to some of yall) fr

Thoughts on Norman?

Paris flirting w Jojo and she blushing, how could she cheat on her loyal boyfriend!!!!!!!

Predictions?

MYA OUT🫡