Black-owned business of the day:
Love and Reveal Cosmetics

We are a cosmetic brand that promotes self-love and self-care by providing toxin-free, naturally derived, and multipurpose skin and hair care products. Our ethical standards are very high when it comes to the type of ingredients we use. We believe nobody should have to compromise their health to achieve their aesthetic goals. We also believe that having one product that can efficiently do multiple things can be a great asset in your self-care routine. Our product will save you money, time, space, energy, and help you keep things simple and efficient. No need to bombard your body with loads of products at once that can potentially counteract each other and do more harm than good in the long run.

Website: www.loveandrealcosmetics.com

———————————

Thanksgiving is in 2 days. Everyone around the campus was excited to see their family over the break. Don't get me wrong I'm excited too but, I don't wanna see the she-devil.

She tends to ruin my holidays with her presence or just by trying to harming me. My parents never notice because they're too busy making the Thanksgiving dinner.

This year she should be afraid of me. During these past few months in college, I've developed thick skin. Dealing with Iyanna and her bull gave me the carefree attitude I need to deal with Cassidy.

Dominic laid in between my legs, on his phone. I mindlessly played with his hair while I was watching tv. I would occasionally tug on his hair to see his pants rise. He's so easy to tease.

"Serenity please stop that, my pants is suffocating me"

I giggled, finally letting go of his hair. I have a crush on him so, I'm playing it off as if we're just friends. I don't know if he's into dating dark skin girls, to be honest.

It's horrible that we have to question if a black boy likes dark skin girls but, it's the truth. Dark skin girls are treated like trash so many times that we question ourselves a lot.

"Would you ever date a dark skin girl?"

"You do know that everyone in my family except for my dad and I are dark right? My mom, who gave me life, is dark skin. Did you think I was a colorist?"

He turned around and placed his face on my stomach. He wrapped his hands around my waist and squeezed. I watched his vein flex with happiness.

"No, I'm just used to having to ask that question. Most boys who try to talk to me either have a black girl fetish or they want to see if I I'm as 'mean' as I look"

Being a black girl is a lot of pressure. You have to constantly look beautiful, be the trendsetter, the entrepreneur, and the smartest. I didn't know melanin came with such a high price to pay.

"Shut up, you know I like you. I've asked you out like ten times within four months. If I cared about your skin color I wouldn't be squeezing your ass right now"

I didn't realize what he was doing until I looked down. He smacked my butt and smirked. He's playing a dangerous game.

"I have to go back home tomorrow so keep your thoughts to yourself"

I quickly hopped off of him and went to packing. He was supposed to be helping me but, he decided to drag me on the bed and lay on me. His warm body distracted me and I forgot I had a flight to catch tomorrow.

After pouting on the bed for a couple of minutes he went back to help me. That's what I thought he was doing until he pulled me on his lap and laid a kiss on my back.

"Dominic please help me. I promise we can cuddle after we're done packing"

He kissed my shoulder then loosened his grip. Out of everything he could've chosen to pack, he picked my undergarments. I didn't mind since none of my granny panties were coming with me.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw his hands moving rather quickly. I ignored it the first time but, it happened two more times. I walked over to him, towering over him with my arms crossed.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing"

He said as he looked around suspiciously. Something is not right with him. I could see behind his back he was hiding something.

"Give me whatever you're hiding from me"

He sighed, then reached in his pockets. He pulled out a fist full of underwear, putting it back in the pile. I thought he was done until he pulled three of my bras from the back of his shirt.

I blame this on me. It's my fault for thinking he can be trusted with something like this. I set myself up for this.

"You know you're sick right. Who the hell steals bras and underwear?"

"Someone who's going to miss you over the break"

He said in a sad voice. I pulled his head up and kissed his forehead. He's so adorable I couldn't resist myself. I sat on his lap as he cradled me.

We stayed like that until he let me go. After our little moment, he got back to help me, without stealing my items. That's when I got a good idea.

"Come with me to my thanksgiving dinner. I don't think my parents will mind"

Dominic got up and picked me up rather aggressively. He twirled me around, screaming 'I'm in' in a high pitched voice. I started laughing as he put me down and did the Dougie out of excitement.

"Awww man, I can't go. My mom would call me crying if I don't show up"

He threw himself on my bed with a sigh of pain. Moms love their son. They would breastfeed their son until they're thirty but, will curse their daughter out at three.

Parents worry about their daughter getting pregnant but, they're not worried about their son getting someone pregnant.

The double standard drives me crazy and I don't even have a brother.

"That's ok, you're invited for Christmas then"

That immediately cheered him up. As we finished up packing my things, Dominic got ready to leave. Sometimes I want him to stay with me but I always ignore that feeling. Him staying will eventually lead to something more.

When he left I went to shower. I already laid out my clothes before he came so I was good. As I got out of the shower and dried myself I went to get my underwear. The spot it was in was empty. I looked everywhere for it.

In the end, I came to one conclusion. Dominic took my yellow underwear on his way out.

I would look like the bad person if I slammed his head in my door so, I decided against it.

—————————————

I stood in front of my house, hesitant to come in. Cassidy has tricks up her sleeve, I can feel it. Since she's been home this whole time she probably had time to set all her traps up.

You know what, I'm just going to go in. She might set up her little tricks but I can fight. One false move, I'm knocking her out.

"Surprise!!!"

My mom and dad screamed as I opened the door. Banners were hung up on the staircase, balloons filled the floor, and streamers were on the ceiling.

All the workers stood at the door with huge smiles on their faces. I've been away for about three months but I feel like it's been three years. I feel more peaceful.

Don't get me wrong, my friends are amazing but nothing compares to family. Well, some of my family.

"Welcome home baby girl! I made you fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn on the cob while you wait for the thanksgiving feast"

She knows me so well. I can't wait for hours for the turkey and the side dishes to be finished. I usually eat two family-size bags of chips by then.

I was heading to the kitchen when I saw Cassidy at the table. She sat there with her phone to her ear, eating away at her cereal and milk. Damn, I guess she didn't qualify for a hot meal.

I occasionally moaned, taking big bites out of my chicken. I wasn't even flexing, the food was truly amazing. The food tastes better when it's cooked on Thanksgiving day.

"Yes, her boring ass just flew in today. She's been here a few minutes and I'm already tired of her"

She nodded her head as the person on the other line of the phone said something. I know she's all bark, no bite. I put on my AirPods and started listening to Good days by SZA. She's not about to ruin my meal or my day.

"Yeah I know, I would've been beat her ass if I wasn't already messing with her ex"

She's still seeing him? After what happened she still decided to be with him?

I decided to push down the pain I felt and continued to listen to my music. I remember when I broke things off he tried to get back with me. He didn't care about our relationship the first time so why would I go back?

I'm not forcing anything on anyone. You either value me or you'll miss me.

Her hating me originated from me trying to further my future. Every time I would come home with good grades she grew angrier and angrier at me. I've never once done that to her.

Your own family will talk shit about you when you're in the process of breaking their generational curses. This lifestyle isn't for the weak.

I got up and she took a step back. Fear was in her eyes as I walked up to her. I passed her, going to wash my plate in the sink. I heard her take a sigh of relief as she saw I wasn't going to fight her.

As the day went on I helped my mom make the feast. She had to smack the top of my hand many times but, it was worth it. The banana pudding was calling my name.

"How come you never call me to help you?"

My mom and I both rolled our eyes. She never asks to do things until I volunteer. She gets mad when my mom asks me to do things she already said she wasn't going to do. If she can't do something or have something, no one can.

"You said and I quote 'I'm not going to dirty my nails with turkey guts'. Don't act like I always ask Serenity to do things when you decline my offers"

"She's always getting special treatment anyway so why should I try asking do you need help. I wouldn't be surprised if you go around saying you have one child"

"You were with me yesterday when I was showing you off to the neighbors. I speak great about both of you guys so don't even try that."

She scoffed then walked out of the kitchen. The problem isn't the compliments my mom gives, it's the fact that she's not the only one getting them.

She wants my parents to hate me as much as she hates me. I still can't think back to anything I could've done to her to deserve so much hate.

We got back to cooking, immediately shutting her out. Her groans and moans can be heard from the living room every time my mom and I start a conversation.

My mom just closed the rotation door and shut her out. The negative energy wasn't helping us cook the food. I almost threw the knife at her but, my mom held me back.

We were almost done with cooking when the doorbell rang. I looked at my mom then my mom looked at me. She looked away, telling me to open the door.

As I passed by the living room Cassidy was on the couch while her baby was struggling to fall asleep. I feel bad for the baby. Her mom is a different breed.

Who the hell is here this early though? It can only be my grandma. She likes to come over to make sure that my mom doesn't try to be healthy and limit the oil.

It's safe to say that the air fryer my mom got her for Christmas is still collecting dust.

"Welco......"

There stood Micheal, my ex-boyfriend. He had a stupid smile on his face as he held a bouquet of flowers. His smile only widened as he looked behind me.

Cassidy saw him at the door which caused her to run to him. They kissed in front of me, purposely moaning against each other's lips. I felt my chest tighten as I looked at them.

"What's his tired as doing here?"

My mom said as she pointed a knife at him. Cassidy immediately stood in front of him as if she was his savior. Don't tell me this is what I think it is.

"He's my guest for today. I invited him over for dinner so if you would excuse him"

She took his hand and lead him upstairs. My eyes were glued on their hands as they walked past me. Tonight is going to be an interesting night.

Lord, please give me patience tonight because if you give me strength, I'm knocking them both out.