⁰¹¹: ᵐʳˢ ᵖᵉʳᶠᵉᶜᵗ ✰.

ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ᵉˡᵉᵛᵉⁿ, ᵐʳˢ ᵖᵉʳᶠᵉᶜᵗ
"ᴛʀʏɴᴀ ꜰɪɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴇᴘᴇʀ ᴍᴇᴀɴɪɴɢ ɪɴ ɴᴏɴꜱᴇɴꜱᴇ ᴛʀʏɴᴀ ɢʀᴏᴡ ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴄᴇꜱꜱ."

@BLUUVS PRODUCTIONS <3.
ᵃ ᵈᵈ ᵒˢᵃᵐᵃ ˡᵒᵛᵉ ˢᵗᵒʳʸ .

CHAPTER ELEVEN ✰.
—

❝SHAYLA ALVEZ ✰.❞
sugarhill; 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻 ᥫ᭡.
𝘁𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝘅 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮; @𝘀𝗵𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮.𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗲

SHAYLA HAD BEEN distancing herself from dd like crazy eevry singe then day they almost kissed. the mere memory of the incident made her stomach turn, a reminder of how everything had gone awry.

each morning, she took the responsibility of getting caro ready for school, sacrificing her own punctuality in the process. it didn't matter to shayla, avoiding dd was her top priority even if it meant being late to her own classes.

shayla voluntarily took on extra shifts at work, striving to fill her pockets with more money. but the constant grind left her sleep-deprived, her eyes heavy with exhaustion as she pushed herself beyond her limits. she saw the dark circles under her eyes as badges of honor, proof of her unwavering dedication.

to further distract herself, shayla sought solace in her academic pursuits. she threw herself into her studies, pulling all-nighters to complete any lingering assignments.

the silence of the night became her companion as she navigated the pages of her textbooks, desperate to keep her mind occupied.

in her relentless pursuit of perfection, shayla found herself caught in a paradox. the more she tried to create order and control in her life, the more chaotic everything seemed to become. it was a never-ending cycle of trying to find peace while simultaneously avoiding the very thing that had disrupted it in the first place.

deep down, she longed for stability and tranquility. a respite from the whirlwind that her life had become. but until then, she continued to distance herself, tirelessly navigating through the problems she had created for herself.

and the worst part of it all, dd wasn't, well at least to shayla—he wasn't trying to find any way to talk to her either.

it didn't bother her. why would it bother her ?

she didn't have a reason for it to bother her since she's been ignoring him for almost 2 months.

sometimes, as they passed each other in the crowded halls, shayla would deftly avert her gaze and swiftly turn on her heel, skillfully evading any potential interaction with dd. it had become her tried-and-true method of warding off unwanted conversations.

dd, hopeful to bridge the growing gap between them, would occasionally muster the courage to approach shayla. however, her quick retreats left him with nothing. it seemed that engaging in a conversation with her was an impossible task.

unbeknownst to shayla, her avoidance tactics were not only distancing her from dd but also taking a toll on her own emotional well-being. each time thoughts of dd involuntarily invaded her mind, her mood would sour.

she blamed her overthinking and stress each day for yet another friendship on the brink of collapse.

but it was obvious that shayla harbored genuine affection for dd. Her feelings for him were undeniable, as much as she tried to suppress them.

but an unrelenting conviction clung to shayla's thoughts, leading her to believe that she was burdensome to the boy, just as she felt she was to everyone else. enclosed in the walls of her own insecurities, she believed that being a part of a small circle of close friends suited her better than being lost within the chaos of a larger group.

the notion of burden overshadowed any potential connection shayla could have with dd, undermining the hope that fluttered in her heart.

now, shayla stands next to amora as she continues on gossiping about something from the school she goes to. the two went do separate schools since amora lives in sevside—despite the distance, amora makes the way to the salon because she gets paid more there.

the extra money makes the commute worthwhile for her.

amora, full of excitement, tells shayla everything that happens at her school. even secrets she had been told to not tell anyone but of course tells shayla because in her words, shayla is her 'best friend.'

shayla loves amora, she was one of her closest friends. but she never understands how amora always tells everybody's business. shayla never engages in it—she just listens.

but it makes her wonder that if she tells amora something she doesn't want to be told, would she do what she was doing right now?

"and then she had sex with her cousin, cousin! like you can't be that desperate my love." amora continues, she gently pulls on her client's hair, running a comb through the strands with delicate precision.

caught off guard by the sentence, shayla's mouth drops open in astonishment. ehe tries to process the information, her mind racing to comprehend the audacity of such an act. "that's trifling," she finally murmurs. she was like actually unable to wrap her head around how someone could cross such boundaries.

shayla takes a deep breath, slightly shocked by human behavior and the complexity of relationships.

shayla's hands continue to meticulously braid through the strands of hair of her client, her mind now filled with questions and contemplation.

amora leans in closer to shayla, her eyes widening in disbelief as she shares another mind-boggling detail. "you won't even believe what else i heard," she whispered, her voice dripping with astonishment. "it wasn't even a distant cousin. it was her own mother's sister's son! like, how does that even work?"

amora's voice is filled with a mix of empathy and perplexity, as she struggles to comprehend the dynamics of such an unconventional relationship.

shayla shakes her head, trying to make sense of it all, but the puzzle pieces just won't fit.

shayla's face scrunched up with an expression of utter disgust. "honestly, people will do anything for some action these days," she scoffs, her tone thick with disgust. " and it's not even worth it most of the time!"

amora bursts into laughter at shayla's comment. the absurdity of the situation combined with shayla's blunt honesty is crazy. "but hollon" she playfully interjects, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. "ain't you still a virgin? you can't say that shay."

the question catches shayla off guard, she playfully slaps amora on the arm with her free hand, her laughter mingling with amora's. "that doesn't even matter right now, i might be a virgin, but i've heard enough stories to know that sometimes the hype doesn't match the reality," shayla retorts.

amora dismisses the shayla with an she informs her that she needs to use the bathroom and gracefully retreats to the back.

shayla then shifts her focus back to her client, a satisfied smile on her face as she admires the beautifully braided boho braids she has just finished. in a professional tone she asks, "ma'am, i'm all done. will that be cash or credit?"

to shayla's surprise, the lady looks up with an air of entitlement, dismissing the notion of payment. "um, excuse me? i already sent in my deposit. i'm not paying anything, love," she retorts dismissively, casually running her hand through her newly braided hair.

shayla's eyebrows shoot up in disbelief, her professional demeanor momentarily faltering. she takes a moment to collect herself before responding—careful to maintain her composure.

clearing her throat, she explains, "i understand you've made a deposit but that just secures your appointment. the remaining balance is due upon completion of the service."

the lady's eyes roll with an evident display of frustration. she dismissively retorts, her voice laced with irritation, "that still doesn't address the fact that i've already paid. if you're trying to squeeze more money out of me, you got the wrong bitch cause i already did what i was supposed to.

shayla takes a deep breath, determined to handle the situation professionally. she calmly explains, "i apologize for the misunderstanding, but the deposit you made is a partial payment to secure your appointment. the remaining balance reflects the full cost of the service."

the lady remains steadfast in her stance, her tone becoming more aggressive. "look, i don't care about your explanations. i've paid what was required, and i'm not handing over any more of my hard-earned money!" she angrily asserts, her frustration palpable.

shayla unwilling to engage in a heated argument, maintains her poise. with a calm yet firm tone she states. "i fully understand your concerns but it is our policy to collect the remaining balance upon completion of the service. if have any further questions or issues we can discuss it further."

the tense silence hangs in the air, highlighting the clash of expectations and differing viewpoints. shayla remains confident in her position, recognizing the importance of fair compensation for her expertise and dedication. ehe waits patiently for the lady's response.

at this point she was on the edge, there was only such little shayla could take until she gets irritated—and she doesn't even get mad easily.

the client huffs with an air of entitlement, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinizes shayla's work. "seriously? i can't believe i have to pay for this mess," she sneers, her voice dripping with condescension.

she runs her fingers through her hair in an exaggerated display of dissatisfaction, clearly trying to undermine shayla's expertise.

but shayla maintains her professionalism, unwilling to let the client's rudeness affect her. she maintains her poise and responds in a calm yet assertive manner. "i sincerely apologize if you're not satisfied, but the payment is for the time, effort, and skill that went into creating the hairstyle you requested," shayla explains, her tone wavering slightly.

the client rolls her eyes in a dramatic display of exasperation, evidently unimpressed by shayla's explanation. "well this is not what i had in mind and i refuse to pay for something i don't like. you should have done a better job," she snaps, her voice filled with entitlement.

shayla let's out a deep breath, "ma'am first you didn't wanna pay cause you already set a deposit now you don't like it, i apologize for that but it's the policy rules. you could have told me you didn't like it in the beginning of me braiding it—i would have redone it for you,"

the client, undeterred continues to express her displeasure with a dismissive scoff.
she hesitates for a moment, seemingly contemplating her next move. eventually, she lets out an exasperated sigh, realizing that her attempt to avoid payment has fallen flat.

sheepishly, she reaches into her purse, pulls out her wallet and hands shayla the required amount.

shayla accepts the payment without a word, her professionalism shining through despite the awkward exchange. as she counts the bills a smirk overtakes her lips, silently triumphant that she stood her ground and ensured fair compensation for her artistry.

shayla's eyebrows knit together in confusion as she examines the amount of money that has been given to her. it falls significantly short, totaling only $250, while the agreed-upon cost for the braids is $420. shayla lets out a sigh, realizing that the ensuing conversation with the client may not be pleasant.

"uhm, ma'am," shayla starts tentatively, but is abruptly interrupted by the dismissive tone of her client. "mow what?" the client snaps impatiently.

biting her lip, shayla musters the courage to address the issue. "uhm, Ii'm sorry, but this is only $250, and the total cost for the braids is $420. it's not enough to cover the full amount."

the lady scoffs with an air of superiority, clearly uninterested in shayla's concerns. "make it enough," she retorts dismissively, as if she was expecting shayla to magically resolve the disparity and accept a lower payment.

shayla fights the urge to roll her eyes, recognizing that this will be a difficult conversation. taking a deep breath, she responds calmly, "i understand your perspective but the cost of the service is fixed. i cannot adjust the price."

as tensions continue to escalate within the salon, the impatience of the client becomes even more pronounced. frustrated by the situation, she abruptly spins her chair around the scowl on her face unmistakable.

her tone drips with condescension as she addresses shayla, "well, you better figure something out because i'm not giving you a penny more," asserting her stubborn determination to have things go her way, no matter the cost.

shayla remains composed, firmly upholding her position. she still maintains a polite but unwavering demeanor. "i empathize with your financial concerns, but i simply cannot let out leave without the full payment," she explains, striving to find a resolution while holding firm to the value of her work.

in this critical moment, shayla just wished amora was here with her right now.

however, as fate would have it amora finally emerges from the bathroom, seemingly taking her sweet time. as she strolls back towards them, her lackadaisical demeanor does little to disguise her own inherent rudeness.

amora rolls her eyes as she approaches the scene, her presence adding another layer of intensity to the atmosphere.

amora rolls her eyes dramatically, her expression dripping with sarcasm as she looms over the client. "omg the world must revolve around you. because why i hear you from the bathroom that's on the other side of the room? she remarks snidely, her tone laced with disdain.

shayla was caught off guard by amora's audacity, initially fears that her behavior will further escalate the situation. but to shayla's surprise, the client's jaw drops at amora's unanticipated retort.

"i—i was just telling her that i already paid so i don't understand why i have to pay again." the client gulps slowly, clutching her purse.

amora casually cocks her head to the side, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "unt unt baby. if you don't got the money to pay we gon call the cops. mhm the police gon get you my love."

shayla restrains a satisfied smile as she watches the client's arrogance deflate.

amora, now reveling in her role as the confrontation instigator, raises an eyebrow and smirks at the client. "yeah, because treating hardworking people with respect and paying what you owe is just too much to ask," she quips, clearly relishing her unfiltered honesty.

the client, stunned into silence, realizes the error of her ways as recognizing that she needs to reconsider her approach, the client begrudgingly acknowledges the need for a fair resolution.

shayla, seizing the momentary detente, takes charge with a renewed sense of authority. "if you're unable to pay, it would have been better to communicate that upfront. but, the fact remains that payment is still required," she asserts, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling obligations.

"mhm, sweetheart, you gotta come up with the full amount. get that phone out, we take apple pay." she quips, her playful yet firm tone indicating that there are no loopholes to escape from.

as the atmosphere gradually shifts from confrontation to her finally pulling out her phone and standing up. the client walked in a way to purposely bump shayla's shoulders.

as the tension gradually dissipates, the client finally takes out her phone and stands up. however, in an intentional act of provocation she barges past shayla, purposefully bumping into her shoulders.

amora's face contorts in anger at the intentional act of disrespect. one thing she about amora is that she hated seeing her friends get disrespected, it makes her feel mad more than the actual person.

"oh hell no nigga what the fuck?" she exclaims, ready to confront the lady. sensing amora's reaction, shayla swiftly intervenes, gently stopping amora in her tracks.

"it's aight mora. let it go. you still have someone to attend to, so go ahead and do that," she calmly instructs, diffusing the tension and redirecting amora's focus.

amora takes a deep breath, suppressing her initial reaction with effort, and nods. "okay but niggas keep playin wit me i swear to god." she concedes, her tone still tinged with irritation but she turned around to continue on her own client.

shayla strides up to the lady who was in the process of making a she she stands patiently, observing the transaction as it unfolds, waiting until she sees the confirmation on the apple pay screen. the smooth completion of the transaction brings a sense of fulfillment to shayla.

she did all that without even being disrespectful or getting out of character. that's one thing shayla liked about her self, it took a lot for her to get mad.

with the payment successfully processed, shayla feels a growing satisfaction within her. she bids farewell to her client, a genuine smile graces her face, radiating warmth and professionalism.

shayla's gaze follows the lady walking out the front doors, a heavy sigh escapes her lips, laden with a a feeling of relief. She slowly makes her way back to where amora is standing.

"what time is it?" shayla mumbles, her voice laced with exhaustion, as she begins the task of tidying up the scattered remnants of the client's presence.

amora catches a glimpse of the time on her own phone. "youn got a phone? it just turned 7 pm." her tone is casual, offering shayla the information she seeks.

a wistful smile tugs at shayla's lips though there is a fleeting touch of bitterness behind it. "actually, i don't have a phone," she confesses slowly, her voice carrying a tinge of disappointment and vulnerability.

the statement lays bare a personal struggle that shayla has been facing—her strained relationship with her mother.

she briefly closes her eyes, momentarily reliving the memories of past conflicts and heartaches that have contributed to the complicated mother-daughter dynamic between them.

despite this emotional burden, shayla remains resolute, unwavering in her commitment to her work and her dedication to providing exceptional service to her clients. she pushes beyond the limitations and barriers imposed by her strained relationship, determined to create her own path and find success on her own terms.

shayla continues to clean up the remnants of her previous appointment, her actions precise and focused. amora furrows her eyebrows. "why not? if it don't work just switch it out. they take that shit."

with a deep breath shayla straightens her posture, " i wish it just didn't work. my mom broke it. like actually broke it into pieces. and i don't even know if i can afford to buy a new one, i have to make food as soon as i get home plus i have the bills—the i have to buy clothes for caro's birthday that's coming up." shayla rambles out.

talking isn't something that shayla did often, but when she did it was around the person she was comfortable around. and it was kind of a dress reliever for her, she's always the type to keep things bottled up and not say shit until she feels like she's on edge—like she's gonna tip over.

amora's expression softens as she frowns at shayla, her eyes brimming with affection and understanding. "girl, if you need any of my help with that shit you always know imma be here for you. i love your whole life shayla." she reassures her friend.

shayla smiles to the point that her dimples show out, "i love you toooo stink. now do i have anymore niggas comin in here because i'm ready to go home i can't lie."

shayla's face lights up with a genuine smile, her dimples making an appearance. "i love you too, stink. now, do i have any more clients coming in? cause i'm ready to go home to be honest."

amora furrows her brows, tapping her finger against her temple as she wracks her brain for information. recalling a conversation with one of the other stylists who catered to male clients, amora's face brightens as she remembers a particular appointment. she also remembers that the stylist wouldn't be available, so she improvised and said shayla would take care of it. it had become a common practice for the others to assign their unwanted clients to shayla, knowing she couldn't bring herself to say no.

a mischievous grin plays on amora's lips as she shares the newfound information with shayla. "well, guess what? there's this guy who made an appointment, and surprise the other girl isn't gonna be here. so, naturally, i told him you'd take care of it. you know how everyone loves giving their unwanted clients to you," she explains.

shayla's eyes widen in surprise as she absorbs the news. "a guy? you know i don't do men mora. plus, if that girl didn't even like how her hair turned out. what if he feels the same? and i don't even have the necessary supplies for styling men's hair," she retorts.

amora waves off shayla's worries, an air of nonchalance enveloping her. "it's fineee, don't stress. sydney said you could use her office upstairs. she's the only one around here with the hair products and tools for styling men's hair," she reassures shayla.

shayla takes a moment to process amora's solution, her brows furrowing in contemplation. though apprehensive about stepping out of her comfort zone, she realizes that it means more money.

"ughhh. i hate your ass mora." shayla frowns. amora shakes her head. "no you don't."

"no i don't." she mumbled under her breath.

while shayla may not have the luxury of turning down these appointments, she accepts the request with a resilient spirit, ehe didn't really have a choice.

amora and shayla continue their conversation, their unwavering support for each other evident. "okay here's the keys because that girl stay locking her door." a row fishes the keys out of her pocket before handing them to shayla .

shayla's gaze locks onto the keys, her heart rate quickening. she takes a deep breath and reaches out to accept the keys, feeling the cool metal against her fingertips.

"rightttt. i guess i'll see you later mora." shayla waves at her. amora just smiles softly, nodding her head .

shayla ascends the stairs, her steps are deliberate yet slightly hesitant. she places one foot in front of the other, anticipation building with each upward stride. the thick carpet beneath her feet muffles the sound of her footsteps, creating a sense of solitude within the quiet stairwell.

reaching the top, shayla looks around, searching for sydney's office. end spots a door slightly ajar, a dim stream of light escaping from within. that must be it. she takes a moment to gather herself, her hand gripping the keys tightly.

with a deep breath, she pushes the door open, revealing sydney's well-organized sanctuary.

the air carries a faint scent of hair products, a familiar and comforting aroma to shayla. she sees sydney's hairdressing station, complete with a variety of tools and products neatly arranged on the counter.

shayla steps forward, the room's ambiance enveloping her in a reassuring embrace. she approaches the counter, taking in the assortment of combs, brushes, and styling gels laid out before her.

she carefully scans the products, her eyes fixating on a container of sculpting clay. it's texture and versatility make it suitable for various hairstyles, shayla reaches for the jar, cradling it in her hands as if it holds the key to her success.

as she surveys the rest of the supplies, her eyes catch sight of a variety of specialized clippers. she contemplates their usage, considering the specific techniques she can employ to achieve precise and clean cuts for her client.

with the necessary styling products in tow, shayla arranges them in a convenient tray, organizing her workspace with meticulous care. she retrieves a freshly laundered cape, draping it over her arm, ready to shield her client from stray hairs and messes.

a mirror catches her attention, positioned perfectly to allow the client to observe the transformation taking place. shayla adjusts it, ensuring its height and angle will allow her client a clear view of the process.

shayla decided if she just brooms the room it would become way cleaner, plus it would work in her favor since she's a clean freak. just as shayla readies herself to pick up the broom and begin sweeping the room, dd, the boy who had been seeking her attention, unexpectedly walks through the salon doors.

caught off guard, shayla's eyes meet his, and a wave of conflicting emotions crashes over her a blend of unease, curiosity, and a hint of regret. the weight of weeks of unresolved silence and ignored interactions hangs in the air between them, intensifying the tension of the moment.

in that split second, shayla's mind races. the debates whether to address the elephant in the room or maintain her focus on the task at hand. thoughts swirl in her head, each one representing a different course of action - to confront dd, to communicate her reasons for distancing herself, or to set aside personal matters and continue with her professional obligations.

slightly trembling, shayla takes a deep breath, endeavoring to steady her nerves. the broom remains untouched as her attention remains fixed on dd, whose presence fills the room with a palpable energy.

his unexpected appearance intensifies the already palpable tension, casting a shadow over the room. shayla finds herself standing at the crossroads of her personal feelings and her professional responsibilities.

it is an awkward moment, as she must navigate the delicate dance between her connection with dd and her commitment to be an exceptional hairstylist.

shayla finally gathered her composure and regained her unbothered demeanor, shayla acknowledges dd's presence with a quick smile.

as shayla redirects her energy, the broom fades into the background replaced by the tools and products necessary for hairstyling.

shayla readjusts her focus, pulling out the chair he's supposed to sit in, a silent gesture so he could sit in it.

shayla turns around to get the stuff she needed to do his hair ready so she didn't need to keep turning around, she smiled slowly when she heard him sitting down on the chair.

shayla realigns her attention, swiftly extracting the chair designated for dd to occupy. without uttering a word, she silently invites him to take a seat, hoping to alleviate some of the lingering discomfort between them.

with the chair now in position, shayla pivots to gather the necessary tools and supplies for the hair transformation that awaits. determined to minimize any unnecessary movements and further awkwardness, she deftly organizes the items within her reach.

as she arranges the products and tools, a gradual smile begins to form on shayla's face. the sound of dd settling into the chair resonates with her, an unspoken acknowledgement that brings some type of relief.

shayla secures the tools within her grasp, she takes a slow, steadying breath, trying to calm the nervous flutter in her chest.

"u, so, what kind of hairstyle would you like?" the words tumble out of shayla's mouth. she immediately cringes at how unsure and awkward she sounds. it baffles her why she feels this way around dd, unable to speak without stumbling over her words.

dd takes a moment to respond, his silence hanging between them. he lowers his gaze, his teeth lightly tugging at his bottom lip as he contemplates his request.

finally he looks up, his eyes meeting shayla's. "i want a lil triangle 2 strand twist feel me? like real fresh ones." he plays with the ends of his curly hair, twisting it softly.

shayla's eyebrows arch slightly in intrigue her nervousness momentarily forgotten. she mentally processes dd's request, picturing the intricate pattern of intersecting twists that would encapsulate the desired vibe.

shayla nods, "okay yeah." she whispers lowly.

shayla sets to work, her fingers deftly maneuvering each strand of dd's hair quickly. in the inside she was actually screaming, she was scared she was gonna do something he might not like or he might not like how it comes out.

with each twist, she feels the nervousness escalating, at this point she was sure she forgot how to do hair. like all the heads she had done before were just dissipating.

dd remains a serene presence in the chair, subtly entrusting his hair and his transformation to shayla's hands. he was full on cheesing—to the point that the dimples were showing out.

in the midst of the twisting process shayla steals glances at dd, observing his reaction. other than that she just hopes she was doing good because it felt like this was taking more time than it should.

with a final twist completed, shayla releases a soft sigh before biting her lip. as she observes the triangular two-strand twists blending effortlessly with dd's natural curls, a surge of happiness washes over her.

it made her happy because this was her first time doing this.

slightly stepping away from dd, shayla's gaze shifts to the tools and supplies scattered on the nearby station. her heart skips a beat as her eyes scan the area, searching for the setting mousse she was certain she had placed within arm's reach. but the small bottle is nowhere to be found.

a flicker of unease ignites within shayla as she realizes the potential setback. every detail of this process matters to her. she wanted everything to be perfect but the missing setting mousse now threatens to disrupt her carefully orchestrated routine.

her pulse quickens, echoing her growing anxiety. shayla's eyes dart around the room, her mind racing to retrace her steps and pinpoint the last time she held the bottle.

she vividly recalls setting it down on the tabletop, her focus momentarily diverted to address a minor snag in the process.

but how could it have disappeared in such a short span of time?

three minutes pass, but to shayla, the seconds feel like an eternity as she fervently scours every inch of her surroundings. a sense of frustration begins to mingle with her initial worry. how could she have let this happen? the weight of perfectionism bears down on her, intensifying her stress.

her gaze flits back to dd, who sits patiently in the chair, unaware of the inner turmoil raging within shayla. she wants nothing more than to for everything to be well put together—everything organized and going with her plan.

as shayla continues her frantic search, her mind conjures worst-case scenarios which amplified her anxiety further. what if she can't find the setting mousse? will the absence of this single product ruin the who hairstyle?

doubt gnaws at her, threatening to undermine the beauty she has already created.

"yo you okay my heart? you look like you gon have a panic attack, deadass." dd points out, laughing at the end of his sentence.

shayla nods. "yeah i'm good. why wouldn't i be good?" she mumbled the last part—turning away from the boy once again out of mere nervousness.

dd furrows his eyebrows softly before he nods. "oh aii."

truth is she did feel like she was gonna have a panic attack at this point, she hates being overwhelmed and it's just worse because dd's here and for some reason he makes her more nervous.

finally on the brink of despair, shayla spots a glimmer of familiarity out of the corner of her eye. wedged between two larger containers, the setting mousse peeks out, as if playing a teasing game with her emotions.

relief floods over shayla, washing away the tension that had knotted in her chest.

she grasped the coveted bottle. a wave of gratitude washes over her as she reflects on the importance of small victories. the missing mousse has been recovered, and with it, shayla's hope for a seamless, outstanding hairstyle is reignited.

taking a deep breath, shayla regains her composure, determined to make up for lost time. she carefully returns to dd's side, a renewed sense of purpose guiding her movements. the brief setback has reminded her of her resilience and ability to overcome obstacles.

"sorry i couldn't find the setting mousse and i didn't want to ruin your hair without it—that's if you want it in your hair? if you don't want it it's fine." she breathed out, stress evident in her voice.

dd let's out a laugh, "you the one doin my ma hair shay. do whatever." he shrugs. shayla's breath hitches so she decides she's not gonna say anything but nod.

as shayla applies the setting mousse to dd's the anxiety that threatened to derail her fades into the background, replaced by a laser-like focus on crafting a result. she meticulously massages the product into each twist, ensuring they are well-defined and ready to hold their shape.

"okay i'm done."

shayla cautiously steps onto the train, her lips pursed in slight discomfort. dd had insisted on accompanying her, his solid presence right behind her. his hand firmly holding onto her lower back.

the crowded train car adds to shayla's unease as she navigates through the sea of people boarding the train.

as the doors close, the familiar screech of the train fills the air drowning out any attempt at conversation. the rhythmic rumbling beneath their feet, accompanied by the loud hum of the train's engines, reverberates through the carriage. it's an auditory assault that adds to the overall discomfort of the situation.

shayla can't help but feel a wave of uneasiness wash over her. the sheer number of people crammed into the small space is suffocating. bodies press against hers from all directions creating a sense of claustrophobia.

the air becomes stale and heavy with the collective warmth of the commuters, amplifying shayla's discomfort. she finds herself shifting her weight from foot to foot, longing for a more open and breathable environment.

dd, being observant he senses her unease. his grip on her lower back tightens slightly, providing a comforting anchor amidst the chaos. he leans closer, his voice barely audible over the noise, offering words of reassurance to alleviate shayla's mounting discomfort.

"you aight ma?" was the only thing shayla could make out he said. shayla ignores him and just looks away, thinking that dd wouldn't notice but he did—he really did.

as the train lurches forward, shayla instinctively reaches for a nearby pole to steady herself her eyes darting around, searching for any signs of relief. she notices an empty seat a few feet away, but reaching it feels like an arduous task, requiring navigation through the maze of bodies.

plus she didn't wanna drag dd along with her since she's the only reason he was here.

with each passing stop, the landscape of the train car shifts, providing temporary moments of reprieve as a few passengers disembark.

shayla seizes the opportunity to adjust her position, finding a small pocket of space where she can breathe a little easier. dd still remains by her side.

" shayla." dd utters shayla's name against her ear, his words barely audible over the cacophony surrounding them. yet shayla, chooses to pretend she didn't hear him. she subtly turns her head in another direction, avoiding eye contact as if swayed by an invisible force of detachment.

dd furrows his brow, his face scrunching up with a mix of confusion. he knows she heard him, and the subtle act of silence stirs a flicker of frustration in him.

as the train lurches into motion once more, shayla's feigned ignorance becomes a slightly irritating. dd's attempts to engage her are met with an unwavering wall of silence, which pissed him off to the max.

the intensity behind his mumbled words lingers in the air, begging for acknowledgment but shayla remains steadfast in her silence.

when finally, their destination station comes into view, dd's patience wears thin. fuelled by a mix of annoyance and concern, he takes hold of shayla's arm, pulling her towards the exit with an air of restrained frustration. his grip isn't forcefully tight, but the unmistakable tension in his touch betrays the underlying emotions swirling beneath the surface.

he's mad, mad that she chose silence over communication, mad that she ignored his attempts to talk.

shayla is jolted out of her thoughts, her brows furrowing as she feels the intensity of dd's grip.

even as the sea of commuters carries them towards the exit, shayla wrestles with her emotions. she recognizes the importance of communication, understanding that walls of silence only deepen the divide between them. the weight of the unspoken hangs heavily in the air, urging her to break through the barriers and confront the mounting tension.

stepping off the train, the bustling platform comes into view, a sea of hurried commuters going about their day. shayla blends into the stream of people, her gaze occasionally darting towards dd who literally drags her at this point.

although tempted to voice her confusion shayla hesitates, unsure of how to approach the subject. she chooses instead to focus on the surroundings, hoping that the distractions of the busy station will momentarily divert her thoughts.

as they exit the station and find themselves in the open air, shayla steals a quick sideward glance at dd who doesn't stop as they walk in the middle of the street.

"where are you going?" shayla abruptly yanks her arm free from the boy's grasp, a small frown etched onto her face, revealing her displeasure.

dd squints his eyes at her, frustration clouding his expression. "oh so now you can talk to me? cause just now you was ignoring the fuck outta me."

shayla's head snaps towards dd, her neck almost audibly cracking from the rapid movement."what?"

dd takes a step closer, his persistence blazing despite shayla's evident resistance. his eyes narrow, determined to cut through the thick tension that has enveloped them. them. "shayla," he pauses, willing his words to pierce her defenses, "why have you been ignoring me? i can tell when you try to do that shit. and you don't do it well."

shayla's brows furrow deeper, her gaze locked onto dd's unwavering stare. her lips part slightly, but no words escape. the silence hangs heavy between them. laden with unspoken thoughts and unresolved emotions.

"i—i don't know what your talking about i haven't been ignoring you. why would i need to ignore you?" she crosses her arms with a small scowl on her face.

"is that what you trynna do? have a attitude? cause you better drop that shit shayla i ain't even fuckin playin wit you," dd glares at her while shayla just looks like him like he was completely crazy.

they were in a middle of a empty street, at this point they literally could die right now.

dd leans in closer, locking eyes with the stubborn girl. "look ma i'm just trynna talk to you, you don't wanna talk to me?"

a flicker of vulnerability sparks behind shayla's eyes, a fleeting crack in her armor that dd keenly notices. his persistence borders on tenacity, as he refuses to let this moment slip away in a haze of unanswered questions. he reaches out and gently taking her hand.

shayla feels the warmth of his touch seep through her skin, triggering an internal struggle—an emission of pent-up anguish. the suppressed emotions rise within her, causing her to teeter on the edge of surrender.

but just as she is about to reveal the brevity of her emotions, a crescendo of fear and uncertainty crashes over her, causing her to draw back once more.

dd's face softens, his own internal turmoil subtly conveyed. he inhales deeply, summoning every ounce of patience he had in him. it was crazy that he was even able to do that because dd doesn't have good patience—but when it comes to shayla he'll wait all day and night.

"ma just talk to me. tell me what's wrong, imma listen i promise you that,"

shayla's gaze wavers, torn between the security of her silence and the intimidating prospect of vulnerability.

time seems to stand still as shayla contemplates her next move, her face a tapestry of conflicting emotions. and as the seconds stretch into eternity, the weight of her decision hangs palpably in the air, each heartbeat punctuating the intensity of her nervousness.

"it's just that i don't know why your acting like everything's okay when everything's not okay like, you know what we almost did and that's not good. like at all." shayla blurts out as she avoids dd's eyes.

dd was trying to understand where the girl was coming from but to him it just sounded like she didn't know what she wanted, so in his mind it was already made it up that after today he was gonna leave her alone for good.

it was obvious that dd was always forcing himself on shayla, and then when he tried to be vocal about that she just ghosted him.

it only makes sense if he does the same.

F SPEAKS 🧍🏾‍♀️

NOTE— i'm disappointed in myself on how long i haven't updating this shit. idk why y'all like dis book sm it litteraly sucks ?? 😭😭. anywyas thoughts? lmk. fia loves uu 🫶🏾.