Edited

Kayla

"Ugh! Pick up," I whined. And yet again I was left disappointed because she didn't pick up the phone. "My mommy doesn't love me anymore," I pouted.

"Or she's out getting a man," Essence shrugged.

"What?!"

"Your mom is a grown woman who's been alone most of her life. Maybe she's out seeing somebody."

"B-B-But," I pouted.

"It's okay Kayla," she faked sympathy. "You'll always be number one in Andre's heart."

"Fuck you," I laughed. She laughed with me. "I mean if she does have a secret boyfriend I hope she's happy and okay. It's Thanksgiving Eve and she won't talk to her only daughter. I feel heartbroken."

"She'll call you back I'm sure."

"Yeah," I sighed laying back against the twin bed. "So you and your sister used to share rooms?"

"Yeah. My parents offered to take the bed out but I didn't want them to. Everything on her side is the exact same as she left it and I don't want them messing it up. It's like my own personal memorial of her." I nodded as I looked at the stuffed animals littering the opposite side of the room.

"You must miss her a lot huh?"

"I do miss my sister but I'm at peace knowing she's no longer suffering. At night...I would hear her sobbing in her sleep. I asked her what was wrong but she never told me. I always blamed myself saying how if I had just told mom and dad about it, then maybe she'd be here today."

"Don't do that," I whispered. "Take it from someone who knows. Blaming yourself is only going to take the happiness out of your mind, body and soul. You're just putting yourself through another form of pain worse than what you went through dealing with her death. Take it from me, it's not worth the anguish. It took me twelve years to realize I was doing nothing but torturing myself with guilt that wasn't mines to begin with. Believe me, your sister was going through something and whether you told or not, she would've handled the situation her way. I know she doesn't want you blaming yourself so please, don't."

"Thank you Kayla," she sniffed. "With you, it feels like my sister is back." I smiled a bit, feeling touched. "I know you'll officially be my sister soon enough so I guess that's fitting."

I blushed. "Seriously? What is with y'all and us getting married?" She laughed at my expense.

"Tomorrow is going to be crazy," she sighed. "With Shawn flying in tonight and their brides to be showing up in just a few minutes, I have a feeling all hell is going to break loose."

"I know what you mean," I sighed. The past two days have been awkward and tense. No matter how hard we try it's like there's no relaxing with Josh's people around. I'm especially cautious around his Uncle Victor. There's something creepy about him that rubs me the wrong way.

"Don't worry about whoever it is they're bringing in for Andre," she said. "My brother is completely obsessed with you."

"Oh I'm not worried," I dismissed. Which I'm truly not. I know how much Andre hates that contract and how much he genuinely cares for me. He knows all my deep dark secrets and they didn't scare him off. Not to mention, the talk I had with his mother when I first came here really helped with my self-esteem. I'm not that outspoken but I feel like with time, I'd get there. Be as confident as April.

"Oh really? I see you."

I chuckled. "If he hasn't ran off yet I don't think he'll runaway anytime soon. If he does, I'll kill him."

"Girl what?" We shared a laugh.

"So this is where you two have been hiding," Mrs. Jackson came in with a smile on her face.

"Hey mom," Essence perked up. "We're just bonding."

"I see that," she chuckled. "Kayla has been spending more time with you than Andre. No wonder why you two are always fighting."

"Who wants to be with him 24/7?" she playfully rolled her eyes. I laughed a bit at her. I kind of wanted to tell her I wouldn't mind being with Andre all day but he's been a bit busy the past few days alongside Mr. Jackson. I haven't seen Chris or Josh around too often. It seems they keep to themselves in the guest house most of the time. "So are they here yet?"

"The girls? They should be showing up any minute now. Want to go up front and meet them?"

"Sure."

"Why are y'all so calm with complete strangers coming here?" I wondered. If it was me, I'd be livid of guests inviting their own guests to my family function.

"Because, you can't pay for entertainment like this nowadays," Essence shrugged.

"Really? But one of these girls are supposed to be promised to Andre."

"You're not worried," Mrs. Jackson pointed out. "So why should we be? Cooking for this many people doesn't appeal to me in the slightest but I don't mind enjoying the show that's sure to come."

"Mrs. Jackson, I think your kids take after you a lot more than I originally thought." She laughed at my seriousness. I guess she's right. I guess we should enjoy the show. We sat in the living room talking and laughing as we waited for the girls to show up. Our laughing stopped the moment their grandmother walked into the house. Every time I see this woman she's in some designer outfit dressed like she was the Queen of England. "Hello Edna," Mrs. Jackson said politely.

She scrunched her nose up at Mrs. Jackson. "No wonder why this place is filthy. All you seem to do is lounge around all day."

"Lady what did you say?" Essence hopped up.

"Don't worry Essence," Mrs. Jackson said. "I can handle myself." Mrs. Jackson turned back to the wicked witch with a very plastic smile. "Edna, I have been very courteous to you since you arrived. Ever since I've been young you've been giving me your ass to kiss. I'm no longer that little girl those many years ago so trust me when I say, do not try me. You're in MY home. You're in MY guest house. If you don't have anything nice to say-matter of fact, don't say anything to me at all. I've kept my mouth shut to be the peacemaker but you're getting beside yourself." Round of applause Mrs. Jackson. 👏🏾👏🏾

"How dare you?" she gasped. "This is my son's home! You will respect me. You have no power here."

Mrs. Jackson smirked. "That's where you're wrong. This is OUR home. WE both equally paid and are paying for this property. We both make money. We're in a partnership. I will not respect someone who's never shown me the slightest sliver of respect. And for your information, I have ALL the power. Before Henry allowed you to come he made sure I was okay with it. All I needed to do was say no and you wouldn't be standing there looking all high and mighty. You don't realize that even now he asks me regularly if he should ask you to leave." Miss Edna was on hush. Essence was laughing and I just sipped my tea. I can't wait to tell April everything. The doorbell rang cutting through the tension. "That must be them," Mrs. Jackson stood up with a smile. "I'll be back."

"Your mom is awesome," I told Essence. She laughed but agreed.

"You won't think it's funny once Deandre leaves your fat worthless ass," Miss Edna spat.

"You still think he's going to go through with this proposal? Goodness you are slow," I rolled my eyes. Speaking of Andre, I wonder what he's doing.

"Right this way girls," I heard Mrs. Jackson said a bit too politely. Her welcoming me was a lot more heartfelt. I leaned forward a bit as I heard footsteps coming our way. They all took up the doorway into the living room. "Family, meet the girls. What were your names again sweeties?"

"Heather Hartfield," the girl in the middle said. She was tall and elegant looking. So enchanting. You could've easily mistaken her for a model. She was skinny but with a nice frame.

"Alana Hills." She's Sienna's friend. She's always had the biggest infatuation with Chris. She looked at me with disgust. I just smiled back. I'm a lot stronger than I was. And I have Andre and his family to thank.

"I'm Stephanie Hartfield," a girl came from the back by pushing Lana to the side. I had to admit, she was beyond gorgeous. She was probably the most attractive one out of the three. She had a great shape and boobs that made me a bit envious. She and the Heather girl looked exactly alike. I figured they were sisters. Maybe twins. She was by far the most confident looking one.

"Stephanie darling," Miss Edna went to her for a hug. The two embraced like longtime friends. The air kissed each other on the cheek. I didn't know people actually did that in real life. "It's so good to see you. You're looking as radiant as ever."

"Thank you Miss Edna. I see you are treating yourself very well. You look amazing. I love that suit. Who's the designer?"

"These plastic bottle bitches," Essence mumbled. I smiled a bit and chuckled. I felt someone staring into my face and I saw it was the Heather girl. I don't know why she was staring at me but it made me a bit uncomfortable.

"Who are you?" She asked. Miss Edna and the Stephanie girl stopped their chat to look at me.

"Um-"

"Don't worry about her darling. She's nobody who will be nothing but a distant memory. Where's your father girls? We have so much to talk about. Let's go. I'll show you to your rooms."

"Well then," I mumbled. That was one hell of a meeting. They left but I felt them all throwing looks and daggers my way. "Thanksgiving is going to be hell."

"It is," Mrs. Jackson said. "I'm just going to sip my tea child. This ain't my family drama."

"Mama you ain't right," Essence laughed.

"You damn right. Anyways, I know those little heifers can't cook and I'm sure the other women ain't thinking about helping with this big ass feast I'm about to prepare so, you two will help me."

"If a woman can't cook she can't eat if you ask me," Essence muttered.

"I second that," I agreed.

"I love you Kayla." I laughed as Mrs. Jackson hugged me.

Andre

"Dang pops you had to kidnap me all day?" I sighed. My pops wanted me to go with him to work so I can know a little bit more before I officially start working there. He basically had me shadow him on the job. I won't be starting at the top like Josh and Chris. He said I'll have to work my way up to CEO which I'm cool with.

"Nigga you wanted this damn job right? Always complaining. Bitch ass."

"You rude as hell," I laughed. "I've been spending more time with your ass than my own girl."

"So? Y'all go to school together lil nigga. Get on my damn nerves." He led the way into the house and I just laughed at him. Rude ass old man I'm telling you. "Shawn should be here by now."

"Make room for the realest nigga!" We heard from the living room.

"Hell yeah," I chuckled. We walked in and this nigga was Crip walking. I could help but laugh. "What's wrong with this nigga? He still hype from that flight?"

"Man," April sucked her teeth. "His ass on a sugar high. He been eating candy since we left."

"Hush Felicia," he put his finger to her lips. "What's going on Pop Jackson?"

"Too many of y'all niggas," he mumbled going into his room I assume.

"You know how he gets when him and mom can't get it in," I shook my head. We showed each other love. "Glad y'all could make it," I hugged April. "Where's Kayla?"

"We just got here and they weren't here."

"Let me text her short ass." I pulled out my phone just as the screen door opened. I looked up to see an ass of people come in. Sure is a lot of people here for Thanksgiving. My attention went back to my phone since none of them were important.

"Deandre, I'm so glad you're here," Edna said.

"Wassup?" I looked at her. Behind her was a girl who was maybe near April in height.

"This is Stephanie," she smiled introducing us. I looked at her and then the girl who was giving me a once over and bit her lip. I opened my mouth to say something and then closed it and went back to my phone. "Deandre," she said with embarrassment and a bit of warning. "Aren't you going to talk to her?"

I looked at Edna and raised my brow. "And why would I?"

"We are engaged," the girl said.

I scuffed. "We're nothing. I have somebody."

"Oh that girl I met earlier? She's alright," the girl shrugged. She then smirked. "But she's no real competition."

I looked at her for a second and chuckled. The chuckle turned into a full blown fit of laughter. I was holding my sides and all. I stopped laughing and wiped the tear from my eye. "Look Sandy-"

"My name's Stephanie," she frowned.

"Stella, I think you have that mixed up." I couldn't help the fit of chuckles following. She really thought she had a chance. So naïve.

"You'll be mines," she smirked. I sighed. I hate girls like her. Who won't take no for an answer.

"We're back!" Essence yelled out. Thank god. "Help with the mother loving bags you Negro lovers! Well, some of you Negro lovers! The other are white and Cuban lovers. You know what, everyone pick a bag or starve tomorrow!"

"I like her already," April laughed.

"April!" Kayla yelled running into the living room. Essence was fussing saying she needed to get a bag too but she was not having it.

"Bitch!" April yelled out just as dramatically. They embraced each other in a very dramatic hug.

"Damn," I said. "I guess I'm chopped liver huh?"

"I saw you already," Kayla waved me off. I feigned hurt. "I missed you best friend!"

"I missed you too! Shawn been so sickening. And girl I got some tea to spill-"

"I know if your hand ain't broke you better get your ass to that car and get some bags this instant," my mama came in throwing daggers.

"Mama Jackson!" Shawn threw himself on her.

"Negro do I look like groceries? Go get them damn bags right now!"

"Well damn," he mumbled walking out. I was close behind so I wouldn't get fussed at either.

Kayla

"Girl my daddy almost killed both of our asses," April said, finishing up her story of her and Shawn getting caught having sex in the bathroom by her step-dad. We all laughed. It was me, her, Essence, and Mrs. Jackson in the kitchen cooking dinner for tonight. We had finished some of the food for tomorrow and will continue early in the morning.

"I can see Shawn doing that," Mrs. Jackson chuckled. "You two really complement each other."

"Thanks Mama Jackson," she smiled shyly. "I know I talk shit a lot but Shawn seems to be the only guy that ever stuck around for it. He makes me crazy and sane all at once. I don't know what that boy done to me."

"Hypnotized you with the D," Essence sipped her tea, literally.

"Girl what you know about that?" Mrs. Jackson side eyed her.

She smiled. "Daddy does the same to you. Especially after sex. Ewe by the way." We laughed.

"How long does it take to make dinner?" Chris's mother came in. What was her name? It has something to do with Hell.

"Helena," there it is. "If you can make dinner for twenty people in a hurried fashion then by all means, get your narrow ass in here and do it."

Helena turned her nose up at us. "Such vulgar language. I don't even know why I came to this place."

"Because you're weak when it comes to your masters-I mean husband wishes," Mrs. Jackson smiled forcibly. We all snickered in amusement. "I hold my tongue for Edna simply because she birthed my husband. You bitches on the other hand are less than nothing to me. So the next time your uppity ass waltz into MY kitchen, MY domain, demanding for food...I. Will. Cut. Your. Boney. Ass. Got it?"

"Whatever." Her face flared up and she left quickly. We all bust out laughing.

"Mama Jackson is a savage," April laughed.

"This is true," Mrs. Jackson chuckled.

****

"Wow this is a lot of-"

"Calories," one of the girls mumbled. Mrs. Jackson decided to make something easy and that can feed a lot. Baked spaghetti, garlic bread, and fried chicken. She also made sure to make salad for the others.

"That's why you bitches get the leaves. Bon appetite," April said. We had just set the table for everyone. Can you believe their table can fit twenty people?! Rich people I'm telling you.

"We rarely ever used the dining room. It was really here just in case my pops decided to host a party or my mom," Andre said. I guess he can read minds now? He chuckled. "I saw the look on your face."

"Oh." I went to grab the food but Andre took it from me saying I had done enough. I shrugged and went to find a seat. The table was like and oval shape and nine chairs on each side with two chairs at the end. So far, Mr. Jackson took the end seat closest to the kitchen. On his right, sat his brother, Josh's dad Steven. And next to him was his wife Gloria who weirdly hasn't said anything the entire time trip. Josh sat next to his mute mother and next to him was that Heather girl, who I'm guessing, is the one he'll be marrying. Next to her would be her sister Stephanie. There was an empty seat next to her and then Jules, who looks very high, and two empty seats next to him.

On Mrs. Jackson's right hand side, would be Shawn and then April. I took the seat next to her and then Essence plopped in the seat next to me. Edna was in the seat next to Essence and then Lana who sat with her future husband Chris, his mother, and then his creepy father.

"You can sit next to me," Stephanie cooed to Andre who had yet to sit down. Andre frowned at her.

"Andre, I was holding this seat for you," Essence said, winking at me as she got up.

"Deandre, you should stay with Stephanie. Get to know her better," Edna said while throwing daggers at Essence.

"I'll pass." Andre took Essence seat and Essence moved closest to her mother on her left hand side. Making Jules move over with her so she wouldn't be lonely and leaving two seats beside Stephanie empty. "Hello beautiful," he smirked at me.

I smiled at him and blushed. "Hey." He kissed my temple gently.

"Goals," April said in a sing song voice. I laughed at her antics. I felt daggers being thrown in my direction. I already know who it was so I chose to ignore her.

"Alright," Mr. Jackson said. "Now that we're all here-"

"Not yet brother," Victor said. "I invited someone else."

Mr. Jackson narrowed his eyes. "There's no more room here. You didn't say anything about more people."

"They'll be staying in a hotel. They're just here for today and tomorrow. I thought that our proposition would be much more convincing if we invited our partner." Just then the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Miss Edna said hopping up.

"Bitch this ain't your house," Mrs. Jackson mumbled. April and Shawn snickered.

"Right this way," Miss Edna said leading some people into the dining room. It was a tall bald man in a business suit. He looked to be six feet tall. He had a woman with him with really short black hair. "Henry, this is the Hartfield's."

"Nice to meet you," the man stuck his hand out to Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson looked annoyed but shook his hand. That man...looks familiar.