2 weeks later
Symere's birthday

The sun tried to peek through the heavy morning clouds, casting a muted light over the town of Dallas. It was Symere's 22nd birthday, but the festive spirit the town usually embraced felt miles away from her heart.

"Baybeh." Symere heard as Artist placed kisses on her face.

Symere opened her eyes to find Artist hovering over her smiling. He placed a kiss on her forehead, before telling her to go freshen up.

Once she was situated, she climbed back in bed as she waited for Artist.

Her phone vibrated with cheerful notifications, well-wishes from friends and relatives, but she couldn't bring herself to respond. Her mind was elsewhere, heartbreakingly focused on the news that had turned her world upside down for the past two weeks. While the doctors insisted he was stable, Symere couldn't shake the knot of anxiety tightening in her chest.

"Happy birthday, my love!" Artist's warm voice broke through her thoughts as he entered her room unannounced. The smell of pancakes wafted in from the kitchen, but it felt too cheerful for Symere's mood.

"Thank you, but can we just skip it this year?" she said, her tone distant. "I'm just not in the mood to celebrate."

Artist paused, a frown shadowing his face. He had planned something special for Symere, something to lift her spirits, but now it seemed cruel to push her.

"Symere," he started carefully, "I know things are tough right now, but your birthday... maybe we could do something small? Just us?"

"Honestly, Artist, I just want to be alone for today." Her voice carried the weight of helplessness, and she quickly shifted her gaze to her phone, scrolling through messages she couldn't bear to read.

Artist bit his lip, trying to think of a way to cheer her up. In the back of his mind, thoughts of the surreptitious preparations he and her best friend, India, had organized danced around. It was supposed to be a surprise, an escape from the heaviness of life.

He took a deep breath, summoning all his love and understanding. "Aight, but let's at least eat something. I made your favorite."

Symere nodded, her heart softening just a little at his effort. They walked to the kitchen, and she inhaled deeply, the scent tugging at her memory, family breakfasts, laughter shared in sunlight. It made her smile, just for a second.

After breakfast, Artist suggested a walk to clear their heads. She reluctantly agreed, appreciating his gentle way of pushing her to be outside, to breathe in fresh air rather than being consumed by the gloom. They wandered through desoto streets, their small town draped in the early light of spring, budding flowers lining the sidewalks, vibrant against the still-gray clouds.

Unbeknownst to Symere, india was busy putting the finishing touches on their planned surprise. The hue of balloons contrasted with the drabness of the overcast sky as she and a group of Symere's closest cousins decorated the club. India had been trying to get back in Symere's good graces for weeks now. That's when her and Artist decided to throw her a party.

"Let's get ready, everyone!" India clapped her hands, her excitement infectious. "I have to keep her distracted for a few hours while Artist finish setting everything up."

Back on their walk, Symere felt a sliver of lightness wash over her, Artist's persistent happiness, even in the face of her sorrow, was starting to chip away at her heavy heart. She glanced at him, taking stock of the little moments she usually cherished, his lopsided smile, the way his eyes sparkled when he saw something amusing. It reminded her to be grateful for the little loves surrounding her.

Arriving at the house, she noticed Artist's secretive smile. "India stopping by to be with you for a few hours. I got a few runs to make and I'll be back to you."

"Okay. I'm gonna miss you, baby." She pouted.

Artist smiled before pecking her lips. "I'm only gonna be gone for a few hours, mama."

She sighed before nodding.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

***

"India I don't feel like going to the hair salon."

"But it's your birthday and I want you to feel pretty." She whined.

"Fine!" She huffed.

India smiled, dragging Symere out the door. She was intentionally getting her ready for the party. Artist already had her outfit hung up in her closet.

"Look, August is playing! Sing it stink!" She pinched her cheek.

India started singing knowing eventually Symere would join in.

"I'm not the type to make promises I can't keep..."

"That ain't me love!" Symere sung loudly. "Now I miss my man."

"You'll see him later. Let's go fix this hair."

Nia Davis

"Hello ladies." Nia smiled.

"Hi, mommy."

"Hey, Mrs. Davis, how are you?"

"I'm fine, sweetie. Happy birthday, I can't believe you're 22 already."

"I feel so old." Sy groaned, sitting in her chair.

"You haven't felt old yet. What am I doing to this hair?"

"I don't know." She shrugged. "Indi dragged me here."

"I have an idea."

About two hours went by before Nia made the final touches to her hair. She decided to do a half up half down with butterfly accessories.

"Thank you, I love it! How much do I owe you?"

"It's already paid for, honey. You have a handsome boyfriend by the way. He's such a sweetheart, keep him."

"You met Artist?" Her eyes widened in shock.

"Mhm." She nodded. "He came here and paid before you showed up."

"Oh." She blushed.

"Go enjoy your birthday, Sy."

"Thank you again."

***
"Ugh, I just wanna lay here for the rest of the day."

"Well that's too bad. Go shower and put on what's laid out on your bed."

"I'm not going anywhere else. You already talked me into getting my nails and toes done."

"Okay, I'll just call Artist."

"Wait! I'm going."

"That's what I thought."

As Symere showered, India called Artist.

"Is she giving you a hard time?"

"Hell yes! Is everything all good?" She whispered.

"Yeah, we on the way back to the crib. You got her shit out the closet?"

"Yes, I laid it out on the bed."

"Aight, see you."

"Bye." She hung up.

Symere emerged from the bathroom in her custom robe that Artist got her and sat on the bed.

"I have to go but I'll see you a little later."

"Okay. Thank you for taking me out, I really enjoyed it."

"I'd do anything for you, Sy. I'm glad I could put a smile on your face."

"Bae!" Artist yelled from downstairs.

"Welp, that's my cue."

Artist walked into the room as India walked out, smiling at Symere. He was happy that India was able to get Sy out her gloomy mood.

He leaned against the door frame as he stared at her with nothing but love. She stood there with nothing on but her bra and panties. Artist walked up, pressing himself against her.

"Mm, you smell good." He pushed his face in the crook of her neck.

"So do you, baby."

"Call me when you finish getting ready." He smacked her ass.

"Yes daddy."

***

"This girl is always so damn late." Artist mumbled, waiting for her by the steps.

As she walked down the steps, Artist had to adjust himself in his pants. She looked extremely beautiful and he couldn't wait until the day he saw her in a wedding dress.

"Damn. You look so fucking gorgeous."

"I'm not doing too much am I?"

"It's your birthday, you could never do too much."

"I guess I'm ready then."

Artist grabbed her hand and helped her inside the car. They had a small conversation as he drove them to the club.

"So babies after marriage?"

"Mhm. How many were you thinking?"

Artist pulled on his chin hair. "I want five kids."

"Five?! Who the hell is pushing out five kids?"

"My wife, which is you."

"I don't know about that, baby, how about four? That's a little more reasonable."

"I can work with four."

As they arrived Symere frowned seeing no people in sight. Usually this club would a have a line wrapped around the corner.

"Where is everybody?"

"Let's get out and see." He went around to open her door.

As Artist led Symere into the club, he flicked on the light. "Surprise!" a chorus of voices erupted, flooding in from every corner of the room, illuminating the dullness that had enveloped her.

Joy and disbelief collided within her. What stood before her was a lively scene, balloons, streamers, a flood of colorful gifts, all leading to a cake that seemed to sparkle beneath the sighing light. India stood at the center of it all, beaming.

"Happy birthday, Symere!" India exclaimed, rushing to hug her best friend.

The curtains dropped and closed around Symere's sorrow, at least for this moment. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as her friends enveloped her in a warm embrace. It was a powerful reminder of love and support.

"Thank you." She whispered, looking at Artist, who simply smiled back, his heart swelling with pride and love.

"Your dad would want you to enjoy today, bae." Artist said gently. "This is for you, to remind you that we all here for you, we got yo back."

"I need a shot." She giggled.

"Everybody take a muthafuckin shot for my baybeh!" Artist yelled in mic.

As the shots were thrown back, the music blared loudly throughout the club. Artist watched Symere dance around without a care in the world. He stood there with a smirk on his face as they eyed each other.

"Come dance with me!"

"I can't dance, ma."

"Pleaseeeee! I'll suck your dick."

"Word? Let's go!" He grabbed her hand pulling her to the dance floor.

The song changed to porn star by August Alsina. Symere furrowed her eyebrows as she noticed someone make their way to the stage.

"Make some noise for my homegirl Symere! It's her fucking birthday!"

"You didn't!" Her mouth dropped.

"I did." He nodded.

Let me put your mind to rest
I'm nothing like that other guy
Ima put yo ass to bed, just call me a lullaby
Believe it, believe it
Girl I'll be your quarterback, receive it

"This my shit!" She bent over a little grinding on artist.

Artist stood behind her slowly grinding against her.

"Get that shit Tizz!" Mizzy yelled from across the room.

India stood infront of Mizzy slowly shaking her ass in his face. He smacked it a few times with a smile on his face. He had been trying to get at India for awhile, but since she fell out with Symere that was off.

Meanwhile on the dance floor, Artist hands roamed all over Symere's body. The sexual tension was high between them and they both were ready to say fuck the party.

"I take it like a G and I ain't never giving in." Symere sung in his ear, slightly changing the lyrics.

"I'll fuck you on this dance floor chill out."

"Later daddy." She kissed his ear.

As the song came to an end, August made his way over to Symere.

"Happy birthday, love. You mind?" He looked over at Artist.

"Do you, twin." He chuckled.

Symere ran into his arms, hugging him tightly. She looked at India and slightly rolled her eyes back at the smell of him. Now that they stood beside each other, they really did look like twins.

India was right.

"Thank you for coming. I'm honestly in shock."

"I heard you was my biggest fan. I had no choice but to pop out."

They talked for a few more minutes before she turned to kiss Artist.

Chosen stood outside the venue of Symere's birthday party, his heart racing with excitement. Freshly released from the hospital that morning, he had only one thing on his mind, to surprise Symere and make her special day unforgettable. He'd endured a tough 2 weeks focused on recovery, but the thought of seeing her smile filled him with strength.

As he approached the club where the party was in full swing, laughter and music floated through the air. Colorful balloons adorned the space. He spotted Symere surrounded by friends, her laughter cascading like the sweetest melody.

Just as he stepped forward, he noticed her glancing nervously towards the bar. His heart skipped a beat as he realized her unease was more than just excitement. He leaned against the wall, watching, when he caught a glimpse of Artist leaning into Symere, whispering something that made her cheeks flush.

Just then, laughter erupted from the group as Artist playfully tossed a piece of cake in Symere's direction, and she retaliated, her laughter ringing out like the joyful chime of a school bell. Chosen smiled, it was evident they shared something special. But the deeper truth was that Symere had managed to keep this relationship a secret from her father for over a year now and he had no clue.

Chosen stepped away from the wall and made his entrance into the gathering. As soon as he walked in, heads turned, and Symere's eyes widened in disbelief. Time froze for a moment, and then her expression morphed into pure joy as she raced across the club, throwing her arms around him.

"Dad! You're here!" she exclaimed, her voice a melody of surprise and happiness.

The energy of the party faded into a background hum as they embraced, the warmth of their connection enveloping them. For a brief moment, all was right in the world.

"I couldn't miss your birthday." Chosen replied, pulling back to look her in the eyes, those deep brown eyes that shone brighter than any light strung up around them. "I just got out of the hospital this morning. Needed to be here with you."

"Lucky for me! This is the best gift ever. Well, I did just meet August!" She beamed, before her expression shifted to a more serious tone. "But..what about your recovery?"

"I'm fine," he assured her. "I'm tougher than I look. Besides, what could keep me away from you on your birthday?"

Symere glanced at Artist, who stood a bit away, watching the two while he sipped on his drink. Chosen noticed the quick shift in her demeanor, that fleeting worry in her eyes. He could sense that something was going on but he didn't bring it up. She deserved this moment, her day filled with joy and laughter, not stress.

"Come on." He said, taking her hand. "Let's enjoy this party." The tension momentarily lifted as she nodded, allowing him to lead her to the section.

In the back of Chosen's mind lingered the question about Artist. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd have to confront it soon enough, but tonight was about celebrating Symere.

***
Why it took me 2 days to write this chapter, I'm annoyed!

Next few chapters are about to be so messy. Like wow, niggas just be doing shit.

Also, this book will be coming to an end very soon. Sequel? I have a plot I could possibly work with but I'm still unsure.

Not August making an appearance back on tv, ikdr!

I'm so proud of him bc we all know how the media reacted the first time. Fuck them tho! You can tell that people ain't emotionally intelligent and they don't value love.

Love is not always romantic! I'm in love with my bestie & our friendship. Too many think pieces about something that he made clear, idk, I understood everything he said especially with his post a few weeks ago.

Seemed very direct to me but HEY people are very dumb. You ARE the child left behind!

That's all I gotta say today

Have a wonderful day 💕