Please excuse ANY errors.

December 31, 1998

~Tia's P.O.V~

Donald has us both in the sky in a hot air balloon. He's freezing, but I'm fine because for some reason I just feel the heat from the fire that is keeping this hot air balloon from plummeting. At first, I was very nauseous being this high up in the air because of my fear of heights. Somehow Donald was able to calm me down and now we're even standing, looking over the view of the beautiful city. Jax and Creed are on here as well. People tend to underestimate how large the baskets of hot balloons are, they're actually extremely large. We're eating a late lunch and the food is delightful.

"Babe, do you ever think about the future?" I asked him after our conversation on another topic died down.

"Yes, often actually. The future has been heavily on my mind as of late," he smiled taking a drink.

"I don't mean the near future, but when we're old and gray or near death," I told him.

"When death comes knockin', I WILL be old and gray," Donald chuckled.

"Sorry to put it so simply. I know you think about the future, but the way you think and my wording isn't how I meant it."

"Women are confusing," he said laughing. "Elaborate for me."

"What I mean is when you leave this world, what is it that you want to accomplish? We both know what it is we want as far as career goals, but I mean outside of that? Something of substance, meaning, and having found your purpose," I listed.

He folded his hands together, "I do, but not as often or in-depth as I feel you're about to say. You go first."

"We've both gone through and put ourselves through some harsh situations. Correct?"

"Indeed, we have," he nodded looking at me intently.

"When it comes to myself," I placed my hand on my chest, "I don't want to have any regrets and that means things that I should or shouldn't have done or felt. For example, for the greater portion of my life, I didn't want to be on this earth and when I got out of that phase, I was cautious- too cautious. Cautious to the point where I was scared to leave the house, especially alone to avoid anything happening to me, but had to because I had to make money. Then the family thing, Yasir, my mother, and Daryl..."

Donald nodded as I continued to speak. "With that being said, when I did begin to live my life, I started to regret having let life pass me by. Why didn't I do these things sooner? Anywho, most times people only think about getting right with others before death, but they never take the time to get right with themselves. Why do you think that is?"

Donald exhaled, thinking hard. "I guess we were just talking about, legacy. People don't want others to think of them as the person they aren't or the person that they used to be."

"While that's important, many people don't make it right with themselves until it's too late. It's better to start while you're young so you won't have to work on it as hard when you're dying. Instead, people are more career focused, or as I've said before, they're focused on making it right with others who've probably moved on with their lives."

I continued, "The thing is when it comes to people, there's no changing your legacy because you've already left your mark while you were here. At that point, everyone else would feel like it's for selfish gain and I want to make it right with God so I can go to heaven. Not everyone is going to come anyways, so you're going where you're going. The damage is done," I shrugged. "It's giving u want someone to be around when I die regardless of the foolery and turmoil I've caused. I hope that I'm understood," I giggled with a shrug. "I don't know."

"I understand you," he chuckled. "Now that you've thoroughly gone through exactly what you meant."

I smiled, "So... Your personal legacy?"

"My personal legacy would just be to be content with what has been done. I mean, yes, I would want to apologize while I'm still here and well. As you've stated, some people aren't going to care about any apologies regardless because the damage is done. Other than being content with some things, another thing I'd just have to forgive myself about and pray to God. I would've wanted to travel the world other than work. You know? For fun and experience purposes."

"When I did get to travel, I didn't really enjoy the different cultures or myself because of touring, and most times we slept in your buses, so we didn't experience too many hotels either," he twisted his mouth to the side. "I want to make sure that the memories I make with my wife and kids are memorable and happy. While also making sure that I'm happy because it'd be hard to accomplish that if I'm not right which I am. Things can always change and life is a rollercoaster. That's my personal legacy. I think that's what most people would want."

I nodded, looking up and back at him as he held my waist. "That's good, but it's not what most people want. Many people- men especially think of marriage as just a piece of paper and don't want it in general. Some like the IDEA of it and marry, but don't know how to be a husband or how to keep their title as pure as the vows. Or should I say maintain?"

"It doesn't matter, the message still applies. Derek doesn't want that nor does Dalvin.

"Derek doesn't?" I asked him then continued, "Maria on the other hand does."

"We can't do a thing about them," he said barely resting his chin on the top of my head. "Witnessing what I've witnessed with my parent's marriage, I didn't want to either at one point. Then I realized that it doesn't have to be me and my legacy. I could be better and I don't want to use God as a weapon or reason for anything when I'm in the wrong. They're fine now, but it hasn't always been like that as you know. Not saying that a marriage will be smooth sailing, but things I know about that they don't think I know about are avoidable, especially when you have self-control."

"Mm, that's deep," I replied.

"Damn, that's taking me back to what you said. People desire things but don't know how to maintain sad things. That saying can pretty much go well with anything. People want fame, fortune, and family, but don't know how to maintain it or don't want to maintain it," he rubbed my arm. "You be dropping words of wisdom. Have me feeling like I'm talking to my grandmother or something," he said laughing out loud. "How old are you again?" He laughed even louder.

"102," I looked up at him again.

"For real? Your black didn't crack because you don't look a day over eighty."

"Forget you!" I said cracking up.

"Psych nah. Where do you think that comes from?" He asked me and my expression held. "I've always wondered where you got that from."

"Myself. I was quiet and scared to speak, but people didn't know that I was very observant of things and people even as a child, and learned from those things. I was in my head a lot," I replied.

"What we experience and see is what creates our character. Even though you have been through some shit, your character, attitude, and word towards life is something I don't witness with people this young. Some old folks aren't even like this," he removed himself from behind me, standing to the side of me, and twirled me his way. Donald caressed my jaw. "Your physical attraction is what attracted me towards you, but the way you speak, think, and act is a plus which pulled me further into what I've been feeling all of these years. I often wonder, am I dreaming or is this afterlife when I'm with you," he planted a kiss on my lips.

"Afterlife?" I asked him once we pulled away.

His laugh became full of embarrassment, "that was corny," he shook his head from left to right, then scratch his head. "Yeah..." He trailed off.

"No, it's just that it's not anything I've ever observed anyone saying. It's not corny, just different." I replied with a straight face.

It's true, but I didn't observe true romance growing up. All the relationships, whether they're platonic, family, or romantic, it was always abusive in one way or another. Even the things that I didn't witness, but what I was told was just abusiveness. Most times those unhealed women are on the receiving end of the abuse and inflict it on someone else the same way, differently, or worse.

That's the reason I waited so long for a relationship. When you're in a bad place mentally and men know, they will take advantage of it. The bad ones anyways and there are more bad people than good in my eyes. The bad ones are just good at hiding those things. I can spot the bad people most times and avoid them.

"I'm kind of tired and I know you are because you didn't sleep much. We should go back to the hotel and take a little nap. How does that sound?" He asked me.

"That sounds nice, but I'm not trying to miss the countdown," I told him.

"We won't because believe me, I don't want to either," he chuckled getting behind me again, holding me. "This will be our first time as a couple and our first time as- I don't want to miss it either," he finished.

I looked up at him when he cut himself off. "But you don't look tired at all. In fact, you look well-rested. You are well rested," I told him. "I watched and heard you sleep."

"But for how long? I woke up remarkably early," he reminded me. "Did a little workout and everything. I think you should rest because you may be too tired to stay up during the countdown."

"I can definitely force myself to stay awake. I work so I do it often," I told him.

"But you're not working as much on vacation," he reminded me. "It's okay to rest and relax. Get the sleep you need, you don't need to fight it, love."

We both came to the conclusion days ago that it's impossible to not do SOME work on vacation because we are business people. Donald has a whole label and I have multiple businesses to manage. Now that Elijah is here in Paris with us, he can't be there to help with the clothing brand we share.

"Okay," I agreed. "You're right."

"I know. We still have somewhere else to go though. To release some of that pent-up stress and anger. I promise you're going to like it."

Like it? I loved it! After the hot air balloon, we went to a rage room. I never thought of doing anything like that and it's exciting. Once we got back to the hotel, I did exactly that. Not because he said so, but because I'm truly sleepy. I slept for a good two hours and when I woke up, I felt well rested and no Donald behind me like he was when both of us went to sleep. He's probably decided to go to the bedroom or use the bathroom. I did feel him slip away in my sleep some time ago but didn't fully wake up. I sat up on the couch, spacing out, trying to make sense of my dream until there was a knock at the door.

"Babe! Somebody is here!" I shouted getting up and walking to the door. "Get dressed."

I opened the door, revealing Elijah, Courtney, and Ashari. "Hey, girl!" Ashari waved, walking inside first. I looked out the door expecting to see the kids.

All I see is them with bags.

"Hello," I walked back to the couch. "Lock the door, please," I told them.

Elijah is the last one to enter and locked it behind him.

"Hey, girl. What are you doing here?" I asked Ashari. "How did you get here? Where are the kids?"

"With their grandparents," Ashari took a seat, "your parents which was hard to do because- never mind."

"Oh, okay," I nodded. "And how'd you get here?"

"I was dropped off."

"By? Why did they come up?"

"I took a cab," she quickly replied.

"I smell a lie," I raised my eyebrows, then looked at the clock to see that its 9:36 pm. That means I was spaced out for a while. "Dang..." I mumbled to myself.

"What?" Courtney asked me.

"It's just late is all. What are y'all doing here?" I asked them.

"Ummm, we're spending New Year together. DUHHH!" Elijah gave me an odd expression. "We're here to do you up. Makeup and all. We gon' have you lookin' like me. Fine." He told me.

"Darling, I have been a fine woman. HELLO!" I told him, snapping my fingers.

"Oooh, I know that's right!" Elijah said giving me a high five.

"And that's on my deadbeat baby daddy!" Ashari said laughing and we joined.

"I didn't plan anything. I mean, there was a plan before I decided to leave the house, but that's no longer on the itinerary," I replied.

"Your man has it covered," Elijah blurted out.

"I was going to say that."

"For us all," Courtney added.

"Babe!" I called out getting up because he didn't answer me before and I want to make sure he's alright.

"That man ain't here," I heard Ashari speak as I left the room.

I walked into the bedroom, then the bathroom when I didn't see him, I began walking to the other bedroom.

"He and Dalvin are together. They were talking about going somewhere. I don't remember," Ashari asked.

When I walked in the other direction, Donald bumped into me.

"Oof!" The noise came out of my mouth upon contact. Because my bladder is full, a little urine came out of me as well. The wind was dang near knocked out of me.

"I'm sorry," Donald quickly apologized, grabbing me to prevent me from falling.

"It was my fault," I told him, standing with my legs crossed. "I was walking too fast."

"Why?" He asked confused.

"Looking for you and I have to use the bathroom. The faster I walk, the more I'm able to hold it," I pulled away and rushed to the bathroom.

After I did my business and washed my hands, I walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.

"I'm leaving, but I promise you that we'll still spend countdown together. I have to go take care of business. There are these folks that Dalvin said are good. How he came to know them is beyond me, but he said I've got to meet them," he replied.

"At almost ten at night?" I raised my eyebrows. "That doesn't sound right. Not to mention that it's New Year's Eve."

Some may say that I'm showing insecurities, but that's not the case. I know my worth and I also know when Donald is lying. He's definitely lying. He's been acting weird for a little while now and especially today.

"Yeah, the spot ain't too far from here," he nodded. "I'll be back in no time."

"Okay," I replied. "See ya. I'm going out with the girls and Elijah."

"To where?" He asked me.

"I don't know yet. They said you had it covered so I'm sure that you know," I replied. "Donald, what's going on?" I crossed my arms. "You've been acting weird and jittery when I ask certain questions or point out certain things."

"I'm not sure. All I know is there's an opportunity to meet new talent. I love you," he planted a kiss on my lips, "bye!" He rushed out of the bedroom.

"I love you," I replied even though he'd already left.

I walked back into the living room as the door shut also cutting the conversation between Elijah, Ashari, and Courtney short.

"His ass wasn't even supposed to still be here. He know she gon' get suspi--" Elijah noticed me and smile with his head tilted to the side.

"We got to get you ready!" Courtney said getting up.

"I have to shower first," I told them, then walked back into the bedroom and then the bathroom.

This is the third time today, but hey, I did piss myself a little. Donald scared me and I bumped into him pretty hard, okay? After moisturizing my skin and doing other hygienic things, I put on my robe.

"Tia, you done yet?" Elijah said knocking on the door.

I opened the door, "yes," I fluttered my eyelashes.

Yesterday, Elijah, Courtney, Ashari, Maria, and I all did an all-ladies and one-man self-care day. That includes manicures, and pedicures, some of us got a wax, shopping, and went to a restaurant together. We had a blast!

"About damn time," he said walking into the bedroom. "Your skin is clear during the winter, so I'm not doing all of the extra stuff. It's going to be a natural look. All except your eye shadow. You gon' be looking like-"

"Something straight out of Thriller, dealing with Elijah," Courtney said laughing.

"Fuck you," Elijah said laughing.

"Out of all of us women, this man is the only one who really KNOWS what he's doing," I chuckled.

"A shame, ain't it?" Ashari shook her head. "However, I'm from hot ass California and makeup is melting like ice cream. That's why people get all of those other procedures. They want to avoid the ice cream look."

"Oop, and we didn't hear that from Ashari!" Elijah put his finger to his lips.

"Darling, everyone knows about people getting all kinds of surgeries out there," I replied to him. "Not just there, but that mess is everywhere. Don't get me wrong, I support it, but I don't want to do it." I gave a long pause, "Wait, one day I just may have to get a breast reduction."

"Breast reduction!?" Elijah gave me a look. "Honey, your titties are titty-ing no matter what. They look nice and they're homegrown. If I was a woman, your titties and Courtney's ass would be ideal for me."

"Aww," Courtney cooed. "Thank you! I really got a nice ass!" She replied with flattery.

"You do, sweets. No, I LOVE how they look, it's just how they make me feel. The back pains are ridiculous," I responded to him.

"I wish I had at least ONE of them. I'm sitting here with nothin' to brag about," Ashari spoke up.

"Honey, you're petite. Ain't nothing wrong with that. Petite people can literally wear anything and nobody would bat an eye or call you any names," Courtney told her.

"Bingo!" I blurted out. "You don't want these," I gestured to my breasts.

My struggle since I was in elementary school is having to get bras custom-made, but being broke as a joke. I barely had time in a training bra because my breasts grew so dang quickly. That mess was painful too. Growing breasts is painful enough, but having large breasts with a small frame is even more painful. Everyone has insecurities. Sometimes I wish I had more hips. I mean, yes, I do have hips, but they aren't BABOOM hips. Bodies aren't meant to look

"I'm not gon' lie, I be wanting titties too, but listening to Tia, I'm glad for the body I'm placed in and work on," Courtney told her.

"But Tia got ass too. I thought my kids was gon' give me SOMETHING," Ashari laughed. "All I got was a little gut."

"And you look good!" I told her. "And what gut?"

"My stomach was flat before having these kids," Ashari told us.

"Do something about it," Elijah told her. "Go to the gym or work out at home."

"Sometimes working out doesn't work for mothers," Courtney responded to Elijah.

"I was about to say that, but if it doesn't, then the next step is acceptance," Elijah told her. "Lady, we takin' this to the bathroom because there are more lights so I can see, you know I'm blind as a bat," he said pulling his glasses up to his eyes.

I followed him into the bathroom. "Do you need me to sit on the counter?" I asked him.

"No, because I need you facing the light. Let me go get a chair," Elijah left the bathroom and the ladies sat on the countertop.

Elijah came rolling in a chair, THEE chair that Donald and I did the most on the first night here at the hotel. No bodily fluids or no naked body parts were on the chair just Donald, so there's nothing to worry about there. The thought of it is crazy. In my head, I'm laughing so hard of embarrassment for some reason.

"Why the hell are you grinnin' like that for?" Elijah gave a look. "Come sit down."

I plopped down in the chair, "mm, no reason," I shrugged with my bottom lip slightly poked out.

"Okay... I'm gon' let that go," Elijah squinted. "Friend, you so damn fine."

"Thank you."

"We are a bunch of fine people," Elijah replied.

"And is!" Courtney egged him on. "A while variety too," she shot Ashari a look.

"Yes indeed!" I agreed. "Although I don't know about the mother part, but somebody's daddy? Now you're talking!" I joked.

"I don't mind either," Ashari replied and we started laughing.

"You play too much," Elijah told her. "Both of y'all. You know you ain't about to do nobody's daddy, unless you mean DeVanté because DeVanté IS your daddy. Mmm," he pursed his lips and we started cracking up.

"Darling, I'm a bastard. I ain't got no daddy, man!" I said through laughter.

We laughed even harder.

"Okay, okay, okay... No more jokes because I have to do this girl's eyes and I don't want any tears falling from them, YET," Elijah spoke aloud.

"That's her!" Ashari pointed to me.

"I'll stop or try to, but you know me..." I spoke with closed eyes.

"I'm going to get dressed. Is it alright if we get dressed here in another room?" Courtney asked me.

"No," I replied. "DUHHH!" I chuckled. "Of course, y'all can."

"Alright, we'll be back when we're done," Ashari said and I heard their footsteps echo out of the bathroom.

Upon completion, I looked dang near the same, so he went very light and natural with the makeup. I have some acne scars that I'm trying to clear up, but other than that, I STILL look like myself. The ladies left the bathroom in the process to get dressed.

"You did well. I love it," I said looking at myself in the mirror. "Thank you!" I gave him a hug.

"You're welcome, sweets," he smiled. "You still look like YOU, so I didn't do you in. Now your ass needs to get dressed," he said pulling away, then pulled me into the bedroom. "Here," he grabbed the box from off of my bed.

I shook it, "I'm supposed to be getting dressed, so I'll open it later." The ladies walked in and I'll be damned. "Y'all look good," I exclaimed. "Just beautiful," I told them.

"Thank you!" Ashari said in a small tone as Courtney spun her around.

"We look good as a mug,"

"So tell me, what kind of event is this? Y'all are dressed as if we're going to a ball and I don't have ball clothes," I told them taking a seat on the bed with my legs cross and my hands flat on the bed behind me holding me up. "I know y'all are up to something. What? I don't know. Early birthday gift maybe?" I squinted my eyes.

"Chile, I don't know. Anyways..." Courtney looked away from my glare.

"No, you don't want to wait. You're going to want to open it now," Elijah told me, ignoring my other questions. "You may lik- you are going to LOVE it. It's a Christmas gift from me and your man."

I shook the box again. "Sounds like clothes," I opened the box and sure enough it is clothes.

A dress actually. A raggedy dress at that. When I say raggedy, that's what I mean. This has to be a joke because this dress is ripped and dirty, so I dropped it in utter disgust. This looks like something a homeless person would throw in the garbage, then burn the garbage. I'm not even joking.

"Umm..." I look away from the dress, them at them. "Who finna wear that?" I pointed to the floor. "Don't say I'm ungrateful because this is bull. Ain't no way YOU would wear this mess. There's NO way," I stepped over it to go to the bathroom and wash my hands.

When I left, laughter erupted in the room. I walked back out of the bathroom.

"Y'all are funny!" I placed my hands on my hips, putting my weight on one leg.

"Here," Elijah pushed a garment bag into my arms. "You're definitely going to LOVE this one. For real this time."

"Okay, you open it," I gestured. "I'm not touching it this time."

"We rubbed a little dirt in it," Courtney said laughing, referring to the dress that I dropped.

"And gave it a few cuts here and there," Ashari chuckled. "That," she pointed at me then the dress on the floor, "was funny."

Courtney grabbed the dress from the floor. "He's being truthful this time," she told me. "No funny business."

"I'll open it though, so we she can get dressed and I can finish getting dressed and so we can leave on time," Elijah replied to us both.

"It's a formal dinner. Just a New Year's celebration. I don't know why DeVanté didn't tell you. Maybe he thought he did and forgot, or he really did tell you and YOU forgot," Ashari said speaking to me.

"I wasn't informed," I replied then looked at the dress and my mouth dropped. "Oh my goodness! This is beautiful!"

"I told you that you'd love it," Elijah boasted. "Designed by yours truly!"

I rubbed the material of the dress is velvet and extremely soft to the touch. It's also my favorite color to wear which is royal blue. Just recently, I found that the color compliments my complexion very well.

"Thank you!" I told him full of energy, giving him a hug. "Y'all got to leave out of here so I can slip into this!" I took them wanting to hurry up and put them on.

"Definitely," Ashari agreed and they all left the room.

"Don't forget the shoes on the bed!" Courtney pointed out the shoe box.

One thing about this dress is that I'll have to go braless or wear a strapless bra. I hate both options in public regardless of nipple covers. I opted into wearing my one of my nude strapless bras that matches me in the winter. My winter and summer skin is about three or four shades off. I designed and made it myself, so it matches me perfectly. I slipped into the dress and it fits me perfectly. Elijah knows my measurements, so there was no doubt that the dress would fit me.

I need to get a full view of myself in the mirror. My eyes scanned the room as I made my way to the bathroom and my eyes landed on a box. It's a familiar medium-sized-small box. It looks like a jewelry set box, one of my jewelry set boxes from back home. Something I hardly ever wear, but it's here. This has to be Elijah's doing. I opened it and it sure is my jewelry and it may go well with my dress. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

"I'm dressed, so you can come in," I replied thinking it was the girls and/ or Elijah. "You didn't tell me about my jewelry, Eej. Thanks for bringing it because Lord knows that I didn't bring anything this good he-" I turned around to see who it is, "here," I finished my statement. "Umm..." I trailed off not knowing what to say.

So much is going through my mind right now and what I really want to do is curse him out, but I'm not disrespectful. That's the least I can say for-

"Daryl. You're here? Why?" I asked him confused. "I didn't come back to the rental for a reason- actually a few. I know my part in what happened and I acknowledge that. I apologize for the part that I played, but I can't control grown people, especially what a man does. I know my apology is probably why you're here. Now that I've apologized, you are free to go, sir," my eyes shifted toward the door.

"Look, I'm sorry for everything I said, I was upset and-"

"You calmly told me off..." I folded my arms, reminding him. "You may have been upset, but you weren't angry. You took your time, pronouncing every word and syllable to tell me off. You meant it and as soon as you admi-" I exhaled through my nose, "you don't have to because I know. I'm okay with knowing you meant it and I'm okay with how you said it. I'm also okay with you leaving, sir."

"Okay, you're right. I did mean SOME of what was said. I know you're thinking that when people are angry the truth comes out which is true, but I didn't mean everything I said," he replied to me.

"And the things you did mean?" I raised my eyebrows with my right hand resting on my hip.

"I'm sorry for asking you to confide in me, and I'm sorry for throwing it into your face. I'm sorry for asking you to confide in me not knowing the deep-rooted issues you had going on that was just too much for me. It's not easy keeping something like that away from your wife- girlfriend at the time and have her wondering what was really going on," he replied.

"Okay," I nodded, waiting for him to exit.

"I came here to apologize because I don't want any bad blood between my daughter and me. The way we spoke-"

"No, it was how YOU spoke to me. I remained silent, taking it all in," I tilted my head with a tight-lipped smile.

"Okay," he looked down at the floor, then back at me. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, but I've already accepted what was said and I don't need an explanation as to why you did it. It already happened. What was said is said and that's one of the worst things YOU could've said to me. Have a good day," I replied, turning my back and blinking away my tears at the thought.

Daryl sighed, "Tia," he placed his hand on my shoulder, "I'm sorry."

I turned around, "Daryl, I forgive you."

Just because I've accepted what he said and the way he said it doesn't mean that I forgive him. I just want him out of my sight.

"I hope that you have a great holiday," I smiled at him with my hands folded in front of me.

Daryl left the room, closing the door behind him. I let out a deep exhale, then plopped on the bed, putting on my silver heels. I then grabbed a necklace from the box. I placed it around my neck and fastened it. Next, I put my earrings on my ears, then finally walked into the bathroom to get a good look at myself. Now it's time to style my hair. I decided on an updo with a few hanging strands hanging out here and there. When I was done with everything, I finally left the room and there was a bunch of clapping erupted, scaring me and causing me to jump back.

"Umm..." My eyes scanned looking at everyone as I trailed off. "I'm confused."

"Good!" Courtney yelled out.

Scanning the room, I noticed that Jax has a camcorder, recording everything. There was a knock at the door and Daryl walked over to the door, opened it, and in walked Donald wearing a full black and royal blue tuxedo in velvet material. It's rare that he dresses in a full tuxedo. He looks good too.

"Your date is here," Daryl looked at me.

"My date?" My head jerked back.

Donald walked closer to me with one hand behind his back, grabbing my hand, "Yes, your date. Your date to prom," he let go of my hand, pulling the corsage from behind his back.

"Mm, I wasn't even asked to go to prom," I held my hand out.

"Would you like to go to prom with me?" Donald asked, grabbing my hand.

My mouth dropped, "mm, let me converse with my friends right quick. Is that alright?" I asked him.

"Yeah," he swiped the corner of his mouth.

I turned around and walked to my friends and squealed. "Donald DeGrate finally asked me to prom! Wh- what do I say?" I asked grabbing them and jumping up. "He's only the best-looking one in the school."

"Hold up!" K-Ci shouted, "Let's test that theory!" K-Ci stood with his hands on his hips like he was Superman.

"Is that Steve Urkel?" Elijah pointed at K-Ci. "Want some cheeeeese?"

Courtney jumped with me. "Are you crazy!? He FINALLY asked you, tell him yes!" Courtney said playing along.

"What do you think?" I asked Elijah.

"Mm, I don't know. He a little weird," he made a popping sound with his mouth, "but I guess..."

I turned to Ashari, "he's... Nice," she hesitated. "I'm kind of with Elijah on this one."

I love that they're all playing along. I mean, they started it.

"That's a yes?" I asked them.

"Girl, go!" Elijah pushed me in his direction. "You liked his ass for a long time," he looked at the adults, "Oops, sorry."

I calmly walked back over to Donald. "Yes," I nodded with a huge grin and he slid the corsage onto my wrist. "Although I am a little concerned about how you knew where I lived and the color I'm wearing, yes."

"Oh, don't worry. I just was peeking at you through the window," Donald replied. "I live next door, remember?"

"That's... Not weird at all." I eyed him. "Not going to lie, it's giving stalker/ serial killer vibes, but I'm going to ignore the red flags because you're cute."

Donald gave a chuckle, "serial killer vibes? Hah, I get that a lot. Surprisingly. I don't even know why."

"Ooh," I looked over at my friends. "If I don't come back home, he did it!" I pointed at Donald and laughter erupted.

"Serial killer for sure," Ashari spoke up. "I knew he was weird," she joked.

"Alright, let's take some photos, young man. I want to know what you look like especially with you speaking the way you're speaking," Daryl pulled out a camera. "First, I want a few photos of my daughter alone, then a few of you alone, and y'all together. A'ight?"

"I got you," Donald replied to Daryl while staring at me. "Damn! You look even better without my binoculars! You're beautiful!" He spun me around twice, then Donald looked at Daryl, "I'm sorry, sir," he put on his shy act when he spoke to Daryl.

Daryl took our photos and we took a few. We took group photos too, then headed towards the door. Jax handed us our coats.

"You look good, T," Jax complimented.

"Don't bring her home too late either!" Daryl yelled out to us once we were outside the door.

A few seconds later, he walked out the door too and Donald locked it. Daryl walked off towards the elevator.

"How'd my date get a key to my house?" I asked him.

"I copied the key under the mat," Donald replied to my question.

"Uhn- uhn... Nope, because see, black people don't do that," Elijah spoke up as we headed towards the elevator. Daryl is long gone by now. "We don't leave keys under mats, but I forget WHERE you grew up. We give keys to relatives and even that is SOMETIMES," he told him.

"That's those Virginian boys," JoJo said laughing.

"Who's your date?" I asked Courtney as Donald held my hand.

Courtney looked between K-Ci and JoJo, "Um... I'm solo dolo, baby."

"That's cold," JoJo told her. "What's wrong with me?"

"Y'all got a whole football team worth of children with multiple women. Red flags everywhere. Nope," she shook her head, "I'm not going to be next in line. We ALL know what goes down on prom night. Plus K-Ci is too loud for me."

"They're all going to laugh at you," I sang to Courtney and Ashari joined in. "They're all going to laugh at you. They're all going to laugh at you," we sang the song from the film Prom Night.

"You mentioned what happens on prom night, then said he was too loud. Are those two things related or separately?" Ashari asked Courtney.

"Chile, I don't know how loud this man is in bed!" Courtney told her.

"The "OOH YEAH's" don't affect you, huh?" JoJo asked her laughing and Courtney shook her head.

"Hey, what you won't do another woman will," K-Ci pointed out.

"And I've NEVER. I'd NeVer," Courtney grabbed her chest, offended.

"I know that's right," Elijah agreed.

"My date is downstairs waiting for me," Ashari replied.

"Dalvin?" I gave her a look.

"Yup," Ashari nodded.

"Okay!" Elijah said surprised.

"Ooh, don't do too much!" Ashari shook her head.

"She was just here for the after-prom moment," Elijah lifted his eyebrows.

The whole time I felt Donald's eyes burning a hole into me, so I turned to him, fluttering my eyelashes.

"Yes?" I asked him.

"Yes, what?" Donald asked me.

"He wants you to say daddy," Elijah told me and I gave him a look. "You did say daddies and not mothers," he shrugged.

"Huh?" Donald asked confused.

"Nothing. He's not talking about anything," I threw my hand in Elijah's direction, chuckling.

The elevator opened, and some people are already inside. "Y'all gon' ahead," JoJo gestured. "We will wait with our security."

The elevator already has a few people inside. We stepped in with Jax and Creed with us. They're also dressed up. Once we made it off the elevator and to the pavement outside, I began to speak.

"So we're really going to prom?" I asked him. "That's what this was all about?"

Donald nodded, "You never went to prom and you experienced your first graduation in college, so I wanted to do something special. We both are experiencing something for the first time because as you know, I didn't go to prom either. I didn't want to though, but this should be fun," he smiled, opening the door for me and I got inside. "Part of it was because I was hard-headed too, so I couldn't go," he made sure my dress is inside before closing the door. "This what today was all about. It probably would've been better if we were back in the States."

"Language barrier," I agreed as Donald turned on the car.

"There are other things that came into play too. Like the shipping of everything. Some things were lost in baggage claim. Your things," he eyed me.

"Oh, wow. On the bright side, everything has worked out," I shrugged.

He pulled off, "Not everything. I wish that were the case," he glanced at me.

"All you can do is the best you can do," I told him.

"How do you like the suit?"

"I love it and you look good," I replied. "First thing I noticed when you arrived," I rubbed my hands against the soft fabric underneath his opened coat.

"I look good and I feel good too."

I noticed that were pulling into another hotel. It's even closer to the Eiffel Tower than to the hotel we're staying inside. Many proms are actually held at hotels, so it makes sense. Donald is really doing the dang thing! He got out of the car and went around to open my door. He held my hand as I stepped out of the car, noticing Jax and Creed standing nearby. Pulling Donald into a hug and a deep kiss. A flash went off and we pulled away, then came another flash. We looked over to see that its Jax snapping photos.

"What?" Jax looked at us dumbfounded, moving the camera away from his face. "I've been the photographer all day and I had to get that moment. It was authentic and De didn't have that damned pointer finger out for a change. Plus the Eiffel Tower is like right over there," he chuckled. "Continue," he waved us off.

"What was that for?" Donald looked down at me with our faces about an inch apart.

I held his ears between my fingers, staring into his eyes, "thanks for everything."

As we spoke, the flashes continued. "All I can do is the best I can do for you," Donald replied, kissing my lips again. I rubbed my lipstick and lipgloss off his lips with my thumbs and he pulled out his handkerchief. "That's what this is for," he rubbed the lipstick off of my fingers, then his lips. "Come," he said grabbing my hand.

With my other hand, I held my dress up. Jax and Creed are still near, following us. One is behind us and the other is in front. Donald gave a small wave to the front desk receptionist and we took the elevator to the top floor with one door, so it's a penthouse suite. He opened the door and the smell of food from back home hit my nose and I closed my eyes. It's not a particular food dish, but there's a variety. I haven't smelled that since Christmas. Donald grabbed me by the waist, guiding me inside as I opened my eyes, looking at him and him only.

"Babe, it smells so good. Who's cooking?" I asked him.

"Tia!?" Eden came up to me, pulling me into a hug and out of Donald's arms.

"Eden!" I gave her a hug.

Donald kissed my cheek, took my coat, and walked away. "Edna!" I gave her a hug as well.

"It's nice to see you!" Eden held my hands which I don't like people touching my hands. I like them though. "Girl, you look good!"

"She does!" Edna cosigned.

"Thanks, you two look beautiful as well," I squeezed Edens's hand just a little, then let go. "Who's cooking?" I asked them. Because it smells so good."

"My momma, Auntie Mary, and grandma," Edna replied.

"Mother?" I asked them, "I haven't met her yet."

"You didn't and you haven't met my husband and Eden's soon-to-be husband either," Edna replied.

"Let us introduce you," they said in sync.

"Y'all are like twins," I responded to them as we walked and they turned around to look at me.

"We are," they replied.

"I thought that you knew that?" Eden said with a look of concern.

"Maybe I did, but forogt. Y'all look alike but most siblings do, but you two don't look like twins," I said looking back and forth between them both.

"We're fraternal twins is why," Edna chuckled. "Who'd you think was older?" Edna smiled at me.

"You because you act like it," I replied.

Flattered, Edna smiled, "I get that a lot because I'm a lot more mature."

"No," I shook my head. "It's because you're more verbal when it comes to things."

"Hah! She told your ass!" Eden pointed to Edna.

"Whatever!" Edna said laughing and started walking again. "Baby!" Edna yelled and a white guy turned around. Donald is standing with them too. "This is Tia, Junior's girlfriend, and Tia, this is Ethan, my husband," she introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Tia," he held his hand out for me to shake.

I exhaled because I HATE this so much, but I held my hand out and shook it. "Nice to meet you too," I smiled politely.

"Tia is this Aaron, my fiancé. Aaron, this is Tia," Eden introduced her fiance who looks to be biracial or multiracial.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Aaron shook my hand.

"Nice to meet you both," I said holding my smile, "Aaron and Ethan."

"Now, let me introduce you to our mother," Edna said leading me to her.

"Don't compare her to Nina Simone. PLEASE don't big up her head, then she'll start to sing and I don't think you'll want to hear that," Eden chuckled.

"Okay," I chuckled as we entered the kitchen.

"Tia!" Mrs. DeGrate called out to me. "This here is my sister-in-law, Bessie Lou. Bessie, this is my daughter-in-law."

Daughter-in-law? Her son and I are not married. Heck, we aren't even engaged. On another note, Mrs. Bessie Lou DOES look like Nina Simone. They seem to be through with cooking and are cleaning.

"Aww, you're as beautiful as described," Bessie smiled at me. "Call me Mrs. Bess."

"Hello," I nodded. "Will do, ma'am."

"Can I hug you or are you uncomfortable with that?" Mrs. Bessie questioned.

At least she asked. "I'm okay with a hug," I replied.

Mrs. Bess pulled me into a hug, squeezing me, then pulled away. "Sweet too," she said looking at me.

"She really is," Donald said from behind me.

"Why are you in here?" Eden asked Donald.

"FYI I came in here to quench my thirst," Donald pointed towards me with his entire hand, then walked past me to the fridge with a smirk. "Are y'all taking my date from me?" He asked them.

"Go back in there with the other men," Edna shooed him away.

"I don't want y'all taunting and annoying my lady with y'all's a million and one questions," Donald told them walking back my way after grabbing a drink. "Y'all ask too many questions."

When we visited his family months ago, he was quick to leave me alone when the questions got too hot for him, so this is funny. I never ended up answering the question when he walked out because I believe they forgot what they asked once Donald interrupted them and said something about the drinks outside.

"Oh, she should be able to handle it, Junior," Mrs. Bess replied to Donald.

Donald touched the small of my back, gave me a look as if to ask me if I'm okay and I nodded, "I'm fine."

"Alright," he kissed my cheek then walked out, drinking a bottle of water.

"Scadaddle!" Edna began shooing Donald out of the kitchen and he left. She leaned on the island. "So..." She cheesed, "Sorry, I'm just so excited."

I raised my eyebrows, "about?"

Mrs. Bessie Lou looked at her daughter, "Oh, never mind her," she threw her hand out at her daughter as a dismissal. "She's always excited."

"I'm still wondering what you see in my cousin?" Eden asked me. "I'm sure you had options."

Walking over to the sink, I answered her question. "We work well together."

"Is that so?" Edna questioned.

I began to wash my hands, "indeed, it is," I smiled.

"Y'all ever work together professionally?" Eden asked me.

"Quite a few times actually," I said drying my hands, then shut the water off.

"How is it being a career woman? I hear that you do a lot. How do you balance it all while being in a relationship?" Mrs. Bess questioned making me feel as if I'm doing an interview. "This is fairly new to me. Usually, it is the man and the man alone."

"We're managing. It's difficult, but what makes it easier for the both of us is that we're understanding how demanding our schedules can be," I replied.

"Regular relationships are hard enough, but y'all folks in the industry?" Mrs. Bess raised her eyebrows and shook her head, "I witnessed it through Mary," she said referring to Mrs. DeGrate, "if industry people can do it, then there's no excuse for the rest of us."

"Ehh, believe half of what you see and none of what you hear," I told her, "but ALWAYS trust your intuition."

"Amen to that," Mrs. DeGrate shouted.

"Who made the first move?" Edna asked me.

In a way, I knew that this question would come up again. "Initially? Donald made the first move- a few times actually. The last time it was me," I replied.

Making the first move has never been my thing, but I was under the influence, so my mind wasn't in its normal state. Not to mention the WAY I approached Donald. That was bizarre! I was definitely out of my element.

"Really?" Eden asked me. "Girl, you got guts because that could never be me."

"You know, I thought the same," I chuckled with a nod.

"How did you do that?" Edna asked me.

Courtney came inside, "Girl I was looking for you. Hi, I'm Courtney," she waved at them.

Saved by the bell! Everyone introduced themselves to Courtney.

"Yeah, we're best friends," Courtney said responding to a question asked by Mrs. DeGrate.

"How long?" Mrs. DeGrate asked Courtney.

"Going on four years," Courtney responded.

"Where did the two of you meet?" Mrs. Bess asked us.

"We both attended the same college," I replied.

"Tia, you attended college?" Mrs. DeGrate asked me surprised. "You graduated?"

"I did, majored in business and minored in fashion," I replied.

"I really don't know much about you," Mrs. DeGrate eyed me.

I gave a small smile, "I'm sort of a mystery to many."

"And it's because you don't really speak," Mrs DeGrate pointed at me.

"What inspired you to become the career woman you are?" Eden asked me. "We were born with the idea that women take care of the house while the men do everything else," she spoke referring to her family.

"I grew up poor," I replied.

Many generations of women in my family tried the traditional route just to end up single mothers and single married mothers. Resulting in them having to depend on government funds because their husbands just up and left. Those women had to get up and find a way to make sure their children don't go to bed early, though sometimes going to bed hungry was the case. Not in my case because my mother was sure we went to sleep with enough food.

Truthfully, most of the men I grew up around attempted to be career men. All they wanted to be was common and by that, I mean to have as many women under their belts as possible. If so, they still weren't faithful. They had whole other families.

"You get your foot in the door, you have to learn how to keep in there or get all the way inside," I replied. "I'm all about my business," I said indicating that I took the latter half.

"I heard that you were engaged before, what happened?" Mrs. Bess asked me.

"I was and the two of us grew apart is all," I shrugged.

"How long were you together before it was called off?" Eden asked me.

"We were together for a year and engaged for..." I looked up at the ceiling, thinking. "We were engaged for tw- thr- no two months- yeah," I nodded, looking at them again.

"And they were SO cute," Courtney smiled. "Oh, but you and DeVanté are cute together as well."

"What did he do for a living?" Edna asked me.

"He worked in the industry too?" Mrs. DeGrate added to Edna's question.

"He worked in and outside of the industry," I replied keeping everything brief.

Everyone doesn't need to know me. I know these are Donald's family members, but don't know these people. I have to keep my career in mind. Reputation and personal experiences are everything. People tend to develop loose lips IF they didn't already have them.

"If he was so perfect, what happened?" Eden asked Courtney and I with the look of confusion.

My smile grew, "I already answered that."

"Do you ever run into him since he also works in the industry?" Mrs. DeGrate asked me.

"Everything is connected, film of ANY genre, music, dance, photography, fashion. If you've dated in the industry, you're bound to run into those people. Not just exes, but anyone you've had a past with. Apart doesn't mean hate, especially if you're about your business. With that being said, yes, we do run into one another. He still supports me as he always has," I replied.

"Is Junior familiar with the guy?" Edna asked me.

"With who?" Donald said coming back inside.

Edna turned to him, "You're back and so soon? Her ex-fiance is who we're referring to. Y'all ever run into each other?" Edna asked him.

Donald nodded, "yeah, I'm familiar with him. Why?" He asked them. "Y'all are getting so personal- too personal for me. I need my date back. Can I have you back?" He asked looking at me.

I walked towards him and he held out his hand, "Yes, you may," I wrapped my arm around his. We walked out of the kitchen to the living room. I glanced at him and his red eyes caught my attention. "Are you okay?"

"Babe, I'm cool," he nodded cooley, wiping his eyes in one smooth motion.

"You've been crying," I replied. "That or you want to. You've been very emotional for the last couple of days which is unlike you," I glanced at him. "Are you menstruating?" I squinted at him as I asked it and he started laughing.

"Possibly," he nodded. "All this laughing is making it come down more." I made a disgusted face, "Ain't that what happens?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "And you know how?"

"I have a big family that includes women," he replied.

"Mm. No seriously, what's up?" I stopped us, but we were still away from others. I grabbed his hands.

"The air is dry and cold and the balcony is wide open. It comes in contact with my eyes making them red," Donald responded, then his mouth twisted to the side. "I'm okay."

"The trembles?" I asked him.

"Cold," he replied. "I'm cold."

"That answer seems valid to many, but not to me. You'll tell me sooner or later," I said looking up at him.

"That's because there's nothing to tell, love. I'm fine," he chuckled. "There's nothing to worry about," he pecked my lips.

"You're a hypocrite, you know?"

He looked up, then back down at me confused, "I am? Please tell me how."

"You pecked my lips, but don't want me to peck yours."

"Mm, I see exactly where you're coming from," he nodded in agreement, holding my face and lightly brushing my cheek with his thumb. Donald then planted a deep kiss on my lips. When we finally pulled away, he spoke again, "I'm satisfied, and you?"

"Mm, not entirely," I replied, catching my mother's face through my peripheral.

"What is it that you want?" He asked me and I smiled with risen eyebrows. He wagged his index finger at me. "See..."

"What is it that you think that I'm thinking?"

"Mm, I have a clue, but I can't be too sure," he replied. "You tell me."

"Let's dance," I pulled him to the middle of the room where his family members are dancing.

"Okay, we will TRY, and HARD emphasis on the try part. We're about to look like we're stomping on bugs," he chuckled. "You're about to pretend that you can't dance when I know you can."

"Mm, just sway with me," I told him, placing my arms on his shoulders with my hands wrapped around the back of his neck.

"A'ight," he nodded. "My family is cooking, BUT I did hire a caterer. The thing is you don't like much of the Parisian dishes. My family offered, so I canceled that mess as quickly as possible," he chuckled.

"Don't you like it?" I asked him.

"It's alright, BUT I do prefer down-home cooking," he replied. "However, this whole thing wasn't about me. Just you, baby," he planted another kiss on my lips.

"I love you," I told him.

"Now all I have to worry about is your birthday. You're about to be what? Seventy-two?" He squinted.

"And next year you'll be-"

"Yeah, thirty... You turn that around and I'd be your grandbaby," he chuckled.

"300, actually," I raised my eyebrows. "See, you thought wrong."

"Damn, that's a GOOD three lifetimes, but a decent five. I will say that I'm blessed," he nodded in realization. "I'm about to get with a seventy-something-year-old at MY age?"

"What can I say? I like my men rusted and crusted over," I replied with a smile that turned into a laugh when he started laughing.

Dinner time rolled around and we all sat at the large dinner table. Mrs. DeGrate lead the prayer, but Donald's grandfather decided that he wanted to speak, so he stood up. When I met him on Thanksgiving, he was in a wheelchair and now he's able to walk. He had a stroke earlier this year.

"Donald Junior, I know that you got other plans, but the fact that you were able to get so much of the family to come here for the holidays speaks volumes. Not just for Christmas and New Year, but for Thanksgiving too. Thank you. THIS may be the last New Year's Eve and Day that I ever spend with my family-"

His speech was interrupted with a few, "Don't say that," and sad coos.

Donald sighed, looking down at his empty plate with a look of sorrow. Discreetly, I rubbed the small on his back in comfort then grabbed his hand. I can definitely relate because my grandmother said it'd be her last Christmas with us when I was a child and it was true. She knew her time was almost up and she didn't even make it to Thanksgiving the next year.

He continued, "Hold on NOW," he raised his voice some, "let me finish." Everyone got quiet. "I'm telling you this so you all can be prepared. This is real life and unfortunately, it has to eventually come to an end. During this trip, I spent most of my time in the bedroom, but I still have seen and heard so many things. Most of you are young and the rest are young enough. Y'all are young and don't let nobody and I do mean nobody-" he looked at mine and Donald's parents, "stop you from what you want to do. If it ain't causing harm to yourself or others, then do it no matter what."

He chuckled, before continuing. "Being my age may seem so far away, but before you know it, BOOM you are this old."

Word Count: 9,990

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❤️Thanks for the support that you've been giving me. I'm very appreciative.❤️