My favorite time of the day, morning run. Standing outside stretching in the dewy hot air. The silence of the world at that hour, nothing else compared to it. No birds, no crickets, just peaceful silence. The sun wasn't up all the way. But the sky was changing quickly. It made me feel like I could run to the edge of the earth in rapid time. No wind blowing. The trees were still. Just peace surrounded me.

"Hey." Adrian stood closer to me. We were doing some warm-ups. "Hi."

"You ready to do this?" Adrian asked while stretching. I looked up at him. "Yes, now I'm ready." I caught him again looking at me from behind. This time he saw that I noticed. "Sorry." He sheepishly smiled.

I didn't know what to say. I never did. I simply gave him a nod letting him know it was fine. "You're beautiful, Raina." He affirmed.

"You don't have to keep saying that. But thank you." I nervously giggled. He didn't see any humor. "You don't believe it?" He softly asked. "I mean-"

"You're beautiful." He said, making me blush. I hated that I was so awkward. "I'll always tell you that because you are. He stared into my eyes as the corners of his mouth lifted.

He shook his head. "Aight, let's hit it." We jogged down the side path in the neighborhood. When the house was no longer in sight, I picked up pace to a more comfortable speed. Adrian followed suit. I loved how he understood my liking for quiet time. We ran throughout the neighborhood and ended at the front gate. I was about to turn around and head back, but Adrian lightly touched my arm, which caused me to stop in my tracks.

"You just don't stop do you?" He shook his head chuckling, while catching his breath. "Sorry, sometimes I just zone out, and I don't even realize it." I sympathized.

"It's cool. I think it's nice. I get like that when I'm working out or driving. I'd go with no destination in mind. I start thinking about life, my plans and just the world in general." He let out.

"Is that safe though? You driving around in a daze?" I giggled and so did he. "No I get it, life goes by so fast and your days are so busy. It's like I just need this time to be present with myself and God. The world can have me for the rest of the day, just not right now." He nodded his head impressed. I was relieved he didn't think I was weird. I impressed myself with the fact that I was talking to him.

"That is precisely what I meant. I couldn't word it as beautifully as you just did, though. Solitude is very important." I nodded.

"Alright, now we can head back. Now that I've caught my breath." He said dramatically. I laughed. "Ok."

We made it back to the house. We said our goodbyes. Nothing too much. He didn't want to chance it. So he solely told me he would text me when he got home. We literally jogged up to the house, he then mumbled he would text me. I mumbled back, "ok bye." With no eye contact or anything whatsoever. He waited until I got inside then drove out of the driveway.

I walked into the house and went straight to the shower. I stayed in for a while, not wanting the cold air to hit me. I got out and got everything together with my routine.

I had rehearsals for a play after school then a tutoring session shortly after. Then acting classes the next day.

I've done a lot of plays but the love connecting scenes were usually the hardest.

Mikey and I also have to figure out the studio situation. I needed help. I still had Mama Laurie's staff, but I needed someone to come in and manage it. I didn't have time with my schedule.

I texted Mikey, to see if he was up and he was. He's a chemistry teacher, over at Maynard. He applied to my school B.T.W High but they were offering him English lit. He painfully declined. I'm glad he didn't go for it. I love my brother, but I need space from him.

I went downstairs to the kitchen. Mikey and Leah was already there. I gleamed at the scenery. She sat on Mikey's lap at the breakfast table. They were sharing a bowl of fruit.

"You two look adorable." I stated proudly, walking further into the kitchen. "Good morning my Raina." Leah sang, grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey Rai." Mikey snickered, looking at me. We communicated a look. My brother got his girl.

"Soooo—— don't leave me in the dark. Can I ship you guys already?" I was eager. They peered at each other then nodded in unison. My brother interlocked one of their hands together, kissing the back of her shoulder. "Yes! Finally ugh." I smiled really hard.

"Thank you." Leah replied grinning as she got up. "Now Michael, if you could go upstairs and finish getting ready please sir." She stated hinting she wanted to talk to me. He pecked her lips a few times then obliged heading upstairs.

Leah waited until he was out of sight before saying anything to me. "Are you sure you're ok with this?" She furrowed her brows. I was a bit shocked and confused. "Yes Leah of course I am, I've been praying for this. We love you and KJ so much."

"I know how close you two are and I would never want to get in the way of anything." She exhaled.

"That's nonsense, I would never see you as someone getting in the way of anything. You're more like an addition or something that was missing." We smiled. Leahs eyes began to water slightly. She let out a sigh of relief. "Awe, come here." I pulled her in, squeezing her.

"I'm not gon' cry, don't worry. —Thank you, Rai. You all have always shown us love and support." We held on to each other. She was about to make me cry.

"Wow, I can't believe y'all are finally in a relationship after all these years." I released her so I could see her face. She was so happy. "Same girl. It's been a long journey. I think we can safely say we know each other now. Perhaps maybe now we are ready for this."

"I believe so too. You and KJ complete him. He's sick without you. Trust me it's true. —You remember when he was in college, when y'all stop speaking to each other for that while? He was very unpleasant to be around." I told her. She smiled. "He wasn't the only one. I miss him when I'm away from him. Just imagine how I was when we weren't speaking to each other for months."

We chatted a little longer then she grabbed the fruit bowl and went upstairs to her man.

Mikey met her during his senior year of high school. He spotted her when we were out grocery shopping. They eyed each other every time they were on the same aisle. After we got everything we needed he finally worked up the courage to speak to her. He said hi and so did she. They ended up exchanging numbers right then and there. Yes, it was pretty awkward for me. My brother was always private about any girl he liked. Well private towards me. He then introduced me to Leah and that's when I saw how beautiful she was. Not just her vanity, because she's absolutely stunning. I'm talking about as a person. She seemed genuinely sweet.

They ended up getting to know each other. She later told him about her son and his feelings for her never altered. He had already grown attached at that point. He was in fact, even more intrigued to know more about her.

They would always flirt and kiss but that was it. He didn't want her seeing anybody else and was always jealous. —Why would she not pursue other people? She was single.

He wasn't trying to commit, and he had his fun going on when he was in college. He'd hang out and kick it with girls, —he and Adrian would. Then he'd want to come home and snuggle up under Leah. I remember mama Laurie had a conversation with Mikey about that. She told him 'make sure your clear on your decisions before you mess around and lose out on your friend.' So I think timing is everything. He had some growing up to do. Mikey always said he would never commit to anyone unless he could see them together forever. So this was major for my big bro. He needed that time to grow as a man, future husband and father.

I'm just relieved to know I'm no longer part of the cause of them not being together. Perhaps this might even open his eyes a little more to me dating,— his best friend.

I made a green smoothie to have on my way to school. This was definitely a great morning.

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