Don't forget to comment and vote. Interact with me y'all. Really need the feedback. ❤️ love you guys.

Zahra Ellis

"I don't know, but there's just something about New York that feels like home." Preston said as he made his way from the bathroom, dressed for success in his denim on denim attire, with his kasey boots to match. Daddy was looking like a real snack, and with the ways things have been between us he deserved to be called that name. Preston had started going to anger management and we started going to couple counselling, we even began apartment shopping together. Preston had become just as serious about me as I was about him. I don't know what it was but for some reason; I felt a proposal in the air.

"It really does, however the price doesn't."

"Oh, you know we aint gotta worry about that. With the amount of offers that the NFL is swinging my way, in no time we could by not one but two houses down here."

"Is that right?" I smirked.

"Damn right, then I'll build you your own law firm. One that has a day care for our babies of course." Preston walked over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist and looking down into my eyes. "I can't wait for the day."

"M..Me too." I said, nearly choking on the lie. Yup, that's right. I have not told him as yet. Believe it or not; I tried so many times but, it was harder than I thought it would be. Especially since he had transformed from being such a monster, into the handsome and perfect man he is today.

"I love you baby."

"I love you too." I said before out lips met, and our tongues dances their usual dance. I placed my hand on his neck to deepen it and before I knew it I was pinned against the wall. Preston raised one of my legs, wrapping it around his waist. I began to feel the burning sensation between my legs, until I heard the knocking on our hotel room door.

"Damn." Preston said, pressing his forehead against mine and shutting his eyes. I pecked his lips once more before I adjusted myself, pulling my dress back down to it's position which was still pretty sure to begin with.

I began to walk back to the mirror so I could finish off my make-up, meanwhile Preston opened the door to let Kingsley in. "Who's ready to turn all the way up!?" Aaliyah yelled as she ran into the room with a bottle of Henny in hand.

"Oh, my goodness," I cooed, running over to hug her. "I didn't know you were here?"

"Honey this is my stomping grounds, of course I'm here." We pulled apart and examined eachother.

"I missed you girl, haven't seen you since grad."

"Trust, I miss you more. I've been meaning to call and set something up but with all this free-lance makeup I've been doing, I barely even have time to think."

"Free-lance? All that pre-law and you came out a makeup artist. I'm not bashing you but that's interesting."

"It's what I love. University was just to make my parents happy. I graduated; they're happy. Now it's time to do what makes me happy."

"Cheers to that."

"Literally," she said as she began to pop open the bottle of henny. Kingsley who had been speaking to Preston, came over with four plastic cups that the hotel had provided of course. "Cheers to the birthday boy and all of us finally being happy." She said as she poured the drinks. It was twelve yet, but Kingsley definitely deserved this night of celebration. He had become such an amazing friend over time, not only to Preston but to me also. After my fall-out with Monet he really filled the void and did it in a way that no one had before.

"I forgot to hug you." He spoke as if he knew I was just thinking about him. Kingsley wrapped his big arms around me, hugging me tight. "You look beautiful." He whispered before pulling away and drinking his shot.

I swear, I thank God for the melanin in my skin because I was definitely blushing and I didn't know why.

We drank our shots plus some more, until we had enough to be buzzing. By that time my makeup, hair and whole outfit was on fleek. "Everyone ready?" Preston asked, as he picked up our room key.

"I am ready to get to the club!" Aaliyah said, quickly grabbing her clutch.

"I second that!" I announced as I too, gathering my things. Kingsley and Preston lead the way, meanwhile I watched as they walked up, Aaliyah soon joined them. I had this weird gut feeling all day and for some reason, I just couldn't shake it.

"You okay babe?" Preston asked, wrapping his arm around my shoulder once I caught up to them at the elevator.

"I'm good."

"You sure, you don't look so good."

"Just a little weird feeling in my stomach is all. Probably that smoothie I shouldn't have drank since I'm lactose."

"I told you."

I smirked, "you did." But that wasn't it, it was something else... I just couldn't put my finger on it.

-

Getting to the club wasn't much of a problem, I was actually so happy that Kingsley had gotten a booth because the line up outside was a major turn off.

The moment we walked through the doors I felt like I was watching a movie. It was everything I had expected a club in the big apple to look like. It was pretty much packed with people. Three bars and a whole mini restaurant, where they brought out little appetizers for those who had gotten booths and VIP of course.

They were currently playing an R&B mix that had the crowd moving in ways that made me want to join in. Strippers were not only dancing from the club poles, ad on stage but they was also a stripper to each booth.

"Here you guys go," one of the strippers had said to us, as she gestured to our designated booth. I stopped and watched she ran her hand against Kingsley's chest. "My name is Molicious, if you need me." She bit her bottom lip. "I'll be right back with your bottles." Was her last words before sizing him up then walking away in her little outfit that left no room for imagination.

"Happy birthday to me."

"I'm paying for you to tap that tonight." Preston added.

"That's how I know you're my nigga." Kingsley said, dapping him up.

Aaliyah had already gotten to the hookah, meanwhile I just took the time to observe my surroundings. Although it was lit, something really did feel off. That gut feeling was now worse than it was back in the hotel.

"Sit down babe." Preston said, patting the seat next to him and Kingsley. I obeyed, taking a seat; he wrapped his arm around my waist and placed a kiss on my cheek. I patted his thigh, continuing to observe the things and people around me.

By the time Molicious had come around with the drinks, I decided it was best for me to just let it go. I was overthinking as usual and Kingsley didn't deserve that especially on his birthday night. We were here to turn up and that's what we were going to do. As long as I had my boyfriend and an exit close by. I was good.

"Aint that Karma up there?" Preston asked, lifting his glass as he pointed to the VIP section above up. I looked up and my eyes caught a familiar face.

Elijah.

He had his arm around the waist of a beautiful girl, her hips swayed from side to side as she danced against him with a huge grin from ear to ear. Whoever she was, he was lucky.

Monet DaSilva

"Ms. DaSilva a picture please?"

"Any comments on your breakup with Dejounte?"

"Does Mr. Murray still try to contact you?"

"Are you actually over him?"

"Is it true that you're pregnant?"

"What's your favorite cereal?"

I really should've left my house with a body guard because the paparazzi in New York just didn't know when t quit. I rolled my eyes as I tried my best to make it across the street and into the club, however, once the camera lights started flashing it brought attention from some of the people that stood in line.

I tried to keep my cool, waving at a few of them and even blowing kisses just to keep my good girl image. I was pretty good at this faking it till I make thing, because Lord knows I just wanted these people out of my face.

I made my way up to security and he looked at me, then at the list. "Under Kingsley."

"What's your first and last name?"

"Monet DaSilva."

"I don't see you as one of his guests. Back of the line please." The security then gestured for the next person behind me to come up.

"Excuse me, please check again."

"Aint nothing to check, your name isn't there. Back of the line like everyone else."

I could feel the eyes that began to watch me, a few people even took their phones out. As if throwing up for during the Sports Illustrated shoot wasn't embarrassment enough. I cleared my throat and stepped back, taking my phone from my clutch. I began to dial Kingsley's number before I felt someone place their hand on my waist. "I'm here babe, let's go in."

"What the..."

"I'm saving your ass from embarrassment, you wanna go in or not?" he whispered, placing a kiss on my forehead to play it off. Flashes began to go off and I could hear people cheering and even making aww noises in the line.

I looked up to basically tell the gentleman to get his hand off of me, but I became stuck. I had seen a lot of good looking men but damn, when I say God took his time with this one I mean; God took his TIME. I wouldn't normally go for a man as built as him either, especially since I was so little but this one was exceptional. "Y...yeah, let's go in."

The strange guy walked us up to the security then gave him a look, all the security did this time was nod at him before moving out the way. Now that right there was a man who's presence just screamed respect.

We walked into the club and as the light grew darker, the man let go of me and went his own separate way. I wished our moment would've lasted a bit longer but then again I didn't, men had been nothing but trouble for me and I really didn't want to be stressed anymore. I came here to enjoy myself and that's what I planned to do.

I walked through the club, looking from booth to booth until I finally saw Aaliyah twerking on Kingsley meanwhile Zahra danced by herself and Preston drank; of course. Nothing had changed between them.

I made my way towards them when I was stopped, in front of me stood no other than Karla. Great, as if this night couldn't get any worse "Monet."

"Hey Karla?" I found myself distracted by the fact that she was basically naked, displaying no baby bump at all. I would've asked but this wasn't the moment, I could barely even hear her over the music. I gave her a half-hug. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm good. What brings you here?"

"Just here for my friend's birthday, that's all."

"Nice nice."

"How about you?" I asked, even though by her attire I could already tell.

"Just keeping my customers happy." She smiled. "I saw you walk in with somebody, is that your new man?"

"Oh no, I just met him outside. He saw me having some problems with security so he decided to let me in."

"Oh okay," she smacked her lips together, "just making sure because I really am not about to go at it with you over another man." Was all she said, "cause I'm pretty sure you're tired of losing."

"Excuse me?" my brows furrowed. "Come again."

"Oh, you heard me. Stay away from him, he's mine." She then blew me a kiss before walking away.

That right there, was another reason why I had no interest in getting involved with another male any time soon. They came with far too much baggage.

I sighed and continued my way through the crowd until I got to the booth, Kingsley noticed me right away pushing Aaliyah to the side so he could hug me. "You made it."

"Yes, I did." I smiled. "I know it's a little late."

"Better late than never." He pulled away and I could help but notice the eyes that were on me, including Zahra who made me feel quite uneasy. I cleared my throat and returned my attention to Kingsley. "You want a water or for me to order you some juice or anything?"

"No, I'm actually about to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"Ok, want Aaliyah or Z to follow you."

"I'm fine." I waved off, this was more awkward than I had expected. "I will be right back."

"Okay, don't leave me hanging."

"Oh. I won't."

I stepped off, turning the corner that lead to the bathrooms. Rolling my eyes at the line outside of the women's restroom, I folded my arms and leaned up against the wall. I tried to hold it in by humming the words to In My Feelings by Drake.

"Big shoutout to OVO in the building." I heard the DJ say. The spotlights turning directly to the balcony, "Big shoutout to KARMA!!" He shouted and the crowd went wild. A few ladies even leaving the line to go see him. Yuck, I couldn't believe Elijah was here. I don't think I'd even be able to look at him with all the information I knew about him. Thanks to him though I was this much closer to relieving my bladder. "And last but not least, to his beautiful lady; Ms. Leisa."

My eyes widened and everything suddenly became blurry, I ran from the hallway and went back onto the main floor looking up at the two kissing for the crowd. Idiot!

Whatever, if that's what she wanted to do with herself, let her do it. I turned to head back for the restroom but for some reason my damn conscience wouldn't allow me not to give a damn.

I groaned before pushing through the crowd to get to the stairs that led up to VIP, they had been guards standing around the entrance basically turning down every girl that tried to go up there, which made this harder for me but I was determined to get up there.

"Leisa!" I yelled, as if she could hear me. "Leisa!" I began waving my hands and continued yelling until finally she looked down, her eyes widened as mine had before and her jaw dropped. I watched as she whispered something to Elijah which made him look down as well, with a smile on his face he did a gesture to the guards that allowed them to move out of the way and let me up there.

"Hey Monet."

"No, don't hey me. Let's go." I grabbed her wrist, pulling her away from him so I could speak to her in private. "We gotta get you out here. Are you crazy? What were you thinking? What if one of your brother's REAL friends were here?!"

"Monet, relax. Everything's taken care of. Elijah and I are going to be together. We're moving out and leaving the city. No more hiding what we got."

"Leisa, do you hear how stupid you so-." I looked down at the cup in her hand, "you're drunk. Ugh!" I tried to take the cup from her but she quickly placed it to her lips, finishing off what was left. "Leisa, please let's just go."

"No Monet." She slurred, "I'm good."

"You're not good, you're a drunk minor, being controlled by a manipulative ass-hole. Let's go Leisa! Now!"

I began to pull her away but she pulled her arm out of my grip and scoffed. "I believe she said she was good." Elijah said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"You're sick." I said, pointing my finger at his chest. "You know better than this and know what Myles will do to you when he finds out."

"Oh please, Myles aint going to do shit." He spat before kissing on Leisa's cheek.

"Leisa, please. Come with me."

"I said no, Monet."

"She said no..." Elijah repeated, "now go ahead and get back down there with the rest of folk, maybe tonight you can find a man... one that'll actually pick you first this time." He said with a big grin. "Oops, lowblow?" he asked before giving the security a nod.

Before I could react I was being dragged from VIP and down the steps, nearly falling as I got to the bottom. I looked up once I caught my balance to see Elijah waving at me, he wore a cheeky little smirk as he did it. Leisa looked hopeless and drunker than she knew she was.

It was time for me to tell Myles. I quickly pushed through the crowd heading for an exit as I dialed his number, as I walked towards the door. I was so busy searching for his deleted number in my text message threads that I practically walked into a pair of arms.

"Ugh," I looked up to see the same guy from earlier.

"You need to come with me." He said.

"Listen, I'm not really in the mood to be picked up right now."

"I'm not trying to pi-."

"Save it." I tried to walk past him but he grabbed me again, pulling me into a corner next to the bar. I watched as he surveyed the crowd.

"Don't move from here." He instructed before stepping away.

I didn't know who the hell he was but he really lost his mind thinking that I was about to listen to him. I scoffed, then returned to making my way back to the door, just before I got there. I heard the gut-wrenching sound of gun shots being fired. Turning on my heels, I saw nothing but the shooter who was dressed in all black; shooting directly up into the VIP section. Elijah's entourage was shooting right back.

All I could see was Leisa, on the ground of the balcony. I didn't know if she was hurt or had just ducked down there for cover.

I screamed, and began to run into that direction while everyone else ran for the door. I tried my best to push them out of my way until it was overwhelming and I was knocked to the ground, then trampled by the crowd. I could hear the sound of shots still being fired. I tried to get up many times but it was just too much. All I did was cover my stomach and shut my eyes. I was sure that I was going to die.

-
Thoughts?