CALYPSO

My whole life, I expected others to move the way I did. I never considered the fact that they weren't cut from the same cloth as me. Some weren't even cut for a cloth I'd wipe my ass with. Others, just didn't see life from the same perspective as I had. My word is my bond. I say what I mean, and I respect boundaries.
I was raised in a toxic household, every day life felt like a battlefield. My voice was constantly silenced and then later used against me. My personality was ridiculed and I had no control over anything in my life. I struggled with depression most of my childhood and even that was ignored. Instead, the symptoms I displayed were judged as flaws in my character. Things I needed to "fix" about myself. Things like cleaning my room, doing my hair, even my performance in school was surveilled. I failed in everything I did, even though I was gifted. Just depressed.
I got older and ended up with a man who made me relive the cycle of the past I escaped from. Life was nearly useless and I was only hanging on by a thread. Durk came along and gave me an ounce of hope. He made me believe that I was worth more than I expected of myself. All in one night, I was finally looking forward to living.
Then, he let me down too. Again, I fell for the bate like a fool. I was walking around Ohio with a fucked up face, a suitcase, and spare key. No real home to go to, I was once again a fucking charity case. All in one night, I lost everything I had to my name. Everything.
After walking for a few minutes down a side street, I heard a vehicle pull up behind me and roll down their window. I began trembling at the thought that Slim had found me and this would be my last chance to run. Not wasting any time, I let go of the suitcase and I shot out towards the next corner.
"Caly?!" He said. But it wasn't Slim, it was Durk. So, I stopped in my tracks and I broke down in tears. My throat began to burn from trying to hold in my emotions. "Caly, please get in the truck." I was too afraid to turn around, I couldn't move. It couldn't really be him.
"Go away!"
"I'm sorry I was late, I-"
"No, YOU LIED TO ME!" I wiped my wet cheeks and adjusted my shades.
"I didn't lie, I-"
"Then, where were you, huh? How come I wasn't able to contact you? Why did you let me take the fall for all of this?!" His car door shut and soon I heard my suitcase dragging toward me.
"Let's talk about this in the truck, we can't be out here like this."He said in the lowest tone he could. I turned around and stared him in the eyes.
"I didn't ask you to be out here like this. In fact, you don't have to be here at all. None of this shit should've happened and I regret that I allowed it to happen. How does it feel to be the topic of discussion? Must feel real good to know you still got it,huh?"
"I didn't mean for it to happen like this."
"Well, what the fuck did you expect?"
"Get in the truck, and I'll show you."
"No."
"Please, London." He held his hand out for me to grab. "You can chew my head off if you want to. But first, you have to get in the truck with me. Now." Just like that, I let my guard down and grabbed his hand. He led me to the passenger side and put my suitcase in his trunk. Just like before, I melted into the seat, closing my eyes. When he settled in the car, we sat for a moment in silence. "You changed your mind about chewing my head off?" He laughed, but that subsided when I didn't respond. I stared out the window in awe that he actually pulled through. "I thought a lot about you, and what happened between us."
"Yeah? Well, you don't have to worry about me exposing you. I've had enough of this situation already. So, you taking me home or what?"
"This isn't how I imagined our reunion. I hoped you'd at least be happy to see me. Royale's probably losing her shit right now, but I'm here. I showed up."
"Happy?! I would've been happy if you showed up yesterday, when I needed you. But yeah, let's make me feel like shit by telling me what you're sacrificing by being here. I lost EVERYTHING!... I don't get a trophy for ignoring the blogs, turning down interviews, deleting comments, and taking blame for something I didn't do by myself? But, you want one. I'm supposed to thank you and kiss yo ass because you're here under your own convenience. This was your CHOICE. I don't have one." I paused to catch my breath. My heart was beating fast and my tears were fighting to escape. Then, I removed my shades."I did this. I don't blame you, I don't blame Royale, and I can't blame Slim. Hell, I can't even blame Jason. This is what happens when I make mistakes... I pay for them."
I faced Durk, revealing my bruised up face. His expression went from wide eyed shock and eyebrow furrowed confusion, to concern. Possibly, anger. He placed his hands on my cheeks, sliding under the braids that shielded them. Words struggled to escape his lips, and eventually failed. The worry in his eyes broke me down to my core. He pulled me to his chest and held me tight. Resistance wasn't an issue, his embrace disarmed me. The aroma of his cologne put me at peace, bringing me back to our moment in the hotel.
Suddenly, I fell into a trance. Images of Durk and Royale in a bubble bath flashed through my mind. Only, I was seeing it from his point of view. There were a few that consisted of him just walking alone in nature. I embodied the way he felt about the images, erasing my own.
When we pulled away, Durk looked like he had soaked up all my pain. While I was wiping my last tears, his first were falling.
"Wait, what's wrong?" I said. He shook his head and started the car.
"Put your seatbelt on." As soon as the buckle clicked, he pulled off.
"Did I do something?"
"Nah, but I'm bout to." He swerved through side streets until he landed on the only road that leads to my house. You know, the one where I lived with Slim about 24hrs ago. I floated pass the house, glancing at Slim's car in the driveway.
"Woah, woah, woahh! What the fuck are you doing?"
"Who did that to you?"
"W-wha— huh?" He parked in an Alley behind the house, and pulled a lever under his seat. A black pouch dropped under his legs, making a big thud.
"Who's Jason?" He dragged the pouch between his feet and unzipped it. My heart started beating out of my chest when I saw a gun bigger than the one that Jason pulled out. Yet, Durk's had more parts. He sat right beside me while he assembled it, and then loaded it. He didn't hesitate one bit, every step was aggressive. His eyes lit up as he cocked it back. The vivid memory of what happened the last time I saw a gun was so threatening, I didn't realize that Durk was waiting for my response. "Is that the friend who was peeping through windows?"
"Why, what about him?"
"You said you don't blame him. You don't blame him for what? What did he do to you?"
"Nothing."
"Then why bring his name up?"
"I don't know. Now, put the gun away and let's-"
"So, you're gonna let them get away with it?"
"You think that I should be okay with you walking into a house with a gun in broad daylight? Mm.. For one second, remember who you are. Then, remember where you are. Now, realize what you're about to do." I impulsively grabbed the gun from him and contemplated going in the house to shoot them myself. But then, I thought about how Durk decided Jason was guilty of something I didn't even mention. "How'd you know?"
"Know what?"
"Durk, stop playing with me. Did Bria tell you?!"
"No."
"Then, how'd you know?"
"You- I saw it when I hugged you.."
"What do you mean, you saw it?
"So, you didn't see anything when I hugged you?" That's when it clicked.
"You saw and felt everything, too?" I asked. He nodded slowly.
"They will pay for what they did to you, I promise."
"Just don't do anything stupid, like this." I waved the gun.
"We'll see." He chuckled. "That's yours." He nodded at the gun. "Keep it on you at all times, I'll teach you how to used it later. And be careful, this one is loaded."
"What now?"
"We find out what the fuck is going on between us. In the meantime, we're off to Chicago." He started the car back up and pulled off. I smiled with approval while staring at him. He licked his lips and glanced at me, catching my eyes.
"Thank you." I said.
"For what?"
"Not judging me. All my life I've been in defense mode, trying to live up to everyone's expectations of me. People have been so focused on who they want me to be, they never cared to learn who I am... You don't expect anything from me, and I can see you see me. I can't hide, because you already know. It's refreshing, knowing that someone knows my truth."
"This is only the beginning. Eventually, I'll be part of that truth." He grabbed my hand and gave it a kiss.
"Yeah, that started two days ago." We laughed and shared a look. We held hands as he drove with his other. His thumb caressed mine. I was secure.

SLIM

I woke up with a skull throbbing headache. Due to my hangover, I had a constant urge to vomit. I didn't remember what happened the day before, but I was sure it wasn't good. Thanks to the mess that riddled the house and my hands that felt like I had been fighting for my life.
I got out of bed, stepped over the debris and into the living room. There was broken glass, blood and a weird blue substance splattered on the floor near the bathroom. The bathroom was empty, and so was the back room. I immediately panicked, in my mind I hadn't seen Caly in days. So, I called her. I heard her ringtone for my number chiming from my pocket. I pulled the phone out, confirming it was hers. That was another red flag for me.
I tried calling Jason and Rodney for a little insight on what I've been busy doing for the last few days. Or, maybe why the hell I woke up with a hangover over when I don't remember drinking last night. I needed someone to help me put the puzzle pieces together, yet I only had one. Caly was gone.
Just when I thought things were weird enough, they got weirder. I got an incoming call from a number I didn't know. I declined it, and the number called back. Well, who's not gone answer a call that persistent?
"Hello?"
"Hey, Slim. I'm Aubrey, a representative for This Only Happens In Ohio. We spoke yesterday about you coming in for an interview this morning to talk about LIL Durk and your girlfriend Caly Michigan dating rumors. In exchange we'd promote your upcoming mixtape. I just want to confirm you still plan on coming in." She said. I blinked, stared at my phone, and blinked again. There was no way that was happening, I didn't even remember talking to Aubrey before.
"Uhh- uh.. Yeah- Yes I'll be there. Can you text me the address?" I said. She texted me the address and then reality sunk in. I remembered my fight with Caly about being out with Durk. I also remembered the smell of cologne he had smothered on her. With those puzzle pieces, I concluded that she left me to be with him. I was sure she it.

After a quick shower, a whole pack of saltine crackers and hot sauce, and nearly a gallon of water, I was on my way to This Only Happens In Ohio news studio. When I arrived, they greeted me with enthusiasm. I was offered many refreshments and snacks. They were preparing me to be the first person to speak on a situation that had gone spiraling. We did a lot of prep before we began, including sound bites.
First they had me promote myself on live radio and then they took me to hair an make up. Their stylist offered a change of clothes, adding jewelry and a different pair of shoes. An assistant walked me to the studio area where a chair sat in front of a backdrop and behind a camera. The interviewer, Don, greeted me and walked me through the process. I was excited to be experiencing my first break through into the Industry. I didn't care what circumstances it was under, at least I could say I was there.
"Alright, let's do this. We got Slim Joos from right here in Ohio. Thank you for coming." Don said.
"Thank you for having me."
"You're dating someone right now who's in kind of a scandal. What's going on with that?"
"Yeah, Caly Michigan is my girlfriend. She was the one who was on live with Durk— what was it, last night?"
"It was a couple nights ago. How'd you find out?"
"I was at the studio with my niggas and somebody had got a phone call about Durk being in town. They said he was live on IG."
"Do you and Caly live together?"
"Yeah, we been together for a few years now."
"Wow, so she was on live with Durk when you weren't home?"
"Right."
"Did you watch the whole live?"
"Yeah, I seen the whole thing. I went straight home after that."
"What happened when you got home?"
"She was gone." My memory began to get cloudy and I had to start remembering pieces. "I waited for bout a hour.. then a red Bentley truck pulled up in front of the my house.. it sat there for a while, but the windows were tinted. I couldn't see who was in it.. Then, she got out the car and the passenger window rolled down. I saw him, it was Durk. He watched her until she made it into the house."
"So, you're saying that after the live video, Durk picked up your girlfriend, Caly?"
"Yeah, ion know how long she was out but she lied about being with him. She said she was out with Bria, her friend."
"Did you tell her you saw him?
"Nah"
"Did you confront her about the live video?"
"Nah, but I remember.. I remember I smelled cologne on her. It was the strongest around her neck and shirt. Mind you, she had a coat on when she came in the house, but I didn't smell it until she took it off. I was adding things up in my head, like how in the live video her hair was tied up but when she came home her hair was down. Just little shit. But the cologne is what broke me.. I never knew she'd be able to do this to me."
"Are you implying that you believe they slept together? Caly cheated on you with Durk?"
"Yeah, I know she did. The cologne wasn't mine. Her hair was probably not in a bun no more cause she likes her hair pulled. Don't get me started on the fact that she lied about being with him. If nothing happened, she would've been excited to tell me. Instead, she was scared."
"How has this affected you? The media going wild and the people making harsh comments."
"The worst part is they don't know the whole story. All people know is what they saw. They didn't know she had a boyfriend. They didn't know anything about the what happened after they got off live that night."
"Wow, this is gonna get Durk in a lot of trouble with his girlfriend."
"He should've thought about the consequences of fucking with strangers. I know Caly better than anyone else. This ain't gone end well, cause she's not the hit it and quit it type. Durk fucked up, cause you can't get rid of me when it comes to her."
"Is this a war I see brewing?"
"I apply pressure when tested."

CALYPSO

During our ride to Chicago, Durk and I went over things that needed to be addressed. Turns out, he never blocked my number. So, Slim had to. If only I had checked, I would've been able to catch that. Royale blocked me off of his Instagram, so I guess she really does have a problem with me. He doesn't think she read our messages, but why wouldn't she? She knows more than he think she does, and that's already a red flag for me. I could be walking right into the lion's den.
"So, what's the plan?" I said.
"The plan is to let me do all the talking when it comes to this."
"Well I didn't plan on speaking about it, but what if I'm asked a direct question?"
"I'll set up a meeting with my PR team this week. But until then, we're on our own. I don't want you to lie. Be yourself. But, please don't feed into the drama."
"By drama, you mean Royale?"
"Yes, that's exactly what I mean. She's gonna be highly upset."
"I know, I saw.."
"How much?"
"Enough.. just like you did."He took a second to register what exactly I was able to see when we hugged. He ran his fingers through his dreads, pulling them out of his face.
"She might say some shit that will offend you. But she's really upset with me, don't take it personal."
"Even if she gets personal?"
"Yeah, even then. No one is going to lay a finger on you, so you don't have to worry about being threatened."
"You keep your word, and you've got mine."
"The last thing I need is you two fighting."
"And me using this situation for my own gain at your expense. I got it. All I care about is helping you, you said you needed me, right?"
"Right, you saw enough— enough."
"Mhmm..."
"Have you got any ideas about what this is?"
"I think that we should feel it out. See how weird it gets before we have to put a name on it. For all we know, this has nothing to do with us and all to do with the universe."
"I'm Muslim."
"Then what's your theory?"
"That's what I'm having trouble with. I never felt like this before, and definitely not for a stranger.." he took a glance at me. "Problem is.. you don't feel like no stranger."
"This is gonna be a weird week, isn't it?"
"If by weird you mean; you possibly becoming an instant celebrity, yes."
"I just wanna make music, at this point."
"Oh, that's gonna happen. Just get used to the never ending swarm of strangers invading in your space."
"Ugh, you're not really selling this decision I'm making very well."
"Once you get in the booth, all that bullshit gone disappear. Don't worry. Remember to ignore the drama, an everything should run pretty smooth. Given the circumstances."
"I trust you."
"At least someone does."

The rest of the drive was a peaceful reminder of how much I needed a road trip. I was able to listen to music I liked, I got to sing without the fear of the song changing mid verse. We stopped at five guys to grab something to eat and shared a whole bag of fries with our burger. I was ready to take a nap once we made it to Chicago.
Durk gave me a small tour around Chicago before we pulled up to a hotel. He promised to take me to a place that sell Jerk Chicken, since I've never had it before. A black man dressed in all black stepped out a all black truck that parked next to us at the hotel. I jumped when he reached for my door and opened it.
"Chill, he's my security." Durk said. He rubbed my shoulder and looked at the man."Aye, you call me if she needs anything."
"Wait, you're just gonna leave-"
"You'll be okay. Wiz will make sure you make it to your suite and I'm just a call away. I promise."
"But, what do I-"
"Chillll.."he chuckled and squeezed my arm. "You need to get some rest, we got a big day tomorrow. If it makes you feel better, I'll check in on you tomorrow. But, I have to get home. I-"
"Oh, Yeah, yeah. Royale. I'm sorry." My cheeks turned read and hearted to beat fast. I forgot who I was talking to.
"It's fine, you're allowed to be worried. I'll check in later."
"I'll understand if you don't. What time do I need to be ready tomorrow?"
"Eight-thirty. I'll have the contract ready to sign when you get to the office." Another gut dressed in black opened the truck and pulled my luggage out of the trunk. They walked me to my suite, handing me a key and placing my luggage inside.
"Thank you." I said as the suite caught my attention.
"You're welcome," Wiz said. "I'll be in the next room on your right. Just scream, if you're in trouble. Otherwise, my number is written in the notebook on the dining table."
"I don't have a phone."
"Um, there's a landline in the bedroom."
"Oh," I laughed awkwardly, to mask my embarrassment. "Well, thank you again." He laughed and the two of them left. I was now alone in a suite for the first time in my life, and I didn't even pay for it. Shit, I didn't even have to worry about how long I'd be there. I was in awe. The kitchen, expensive. The couch, expensive. The curtains, expensive. They even had silverware. I wouldn't be surprised if it was real silver. And oh the bed.. the king sized bed with the vintage canopy on top put the icing on that expensive ass cake. I was in heaven. The suite was so big, it felt more like an apartment. I didn't know what I wanted to do first.
Once my excitement settled, I looked for a task to do. I walked into the dining area to grab my suitcase when I noticed there was something inside of the notebook Wiz mentioned was on the table. It was a thick envelope placed inside of the pages. I opened the envelope and instantly got dizzy. I took a seat and had to run my eyes. Inside the envelope was a stack of $5000. On the notebook page were phone numbers, but it was also a note from Durk.
It read, "Thank you for showing up for me. It takes a special kind of person to take a chance like this. I remember you said your job was a big motivation in you not wanting to come, so I'll make you a deal. You stay here in Chicago, with me. And, I'll take care of your finances until you're making money on your own. Deal? Feel free to splurge, it's more where that came from."
Just because I was in shock and so excited, I had to tell somebody. Like, anybody knows touching your first 5,000 dollars feels like tangible manifestation. I ran straight to the phone and called Bria.
"Hello?"
"It's me, Caly.
We talked for hours while I unpacked the luggage she prepared for me and then laid in bed the rest of the call. I was having my "on the phone" moment just like the movies in the 90s and early 2000s. She ranted about how crazy she was over Vinnie and that she planned on visiting Chicago soon. I told her about how Durk makes me feel and that Royale was not happy about it. Bria insisted I keep my relationship with Durk as professional as possible if I want the drama to go away. I mean, I agree. The best way to stay off the radar is to not have anything to be detected.
I hopped in the shower after I got off the phone. A plethora of cami tops and few sets of brand new panties were all I had to choose from for pajamas. I avoided looking in the mirror as much as possible, but I did find an outfit to wear for the next day. With nothing else on my list of things to do, I put a movie on the TV. I indulged myself with some snacks Durk and I grabbed from a corner store near there. I was halfway sleep when I heard a knock at the door.
After checking the peephole, I opened the door for Durk. He was alone, but he had a duffel bag with him. Confused, I asked him what the bag was for. He looked at me and set it on the table. I unzipped the bag, and there was food galore stuffed to every corner. You'd think he went grocery shopping, but who's walking around the grocery store with a duffel bag? Better yet, who's not gonna notice Lil Durk walking around the store with a duffel bag?
"Wow, thank you. I could've gone shopping with the money you gave me."
"The deal was I take care of everything." He shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"The deal was about money, not food. I barely feel okay accepting the money."
"It takes money to buy food. Anything you need, I'll take care of it. It's the least I can do. You've been through enough already."
"I take responsibility of my actions that got me here. You don't need to overcompensate because you feel bad. Royale is gonna have a fit when she realizes nearly half her food is missing."
"I'm just trying to make sense of all this." He sighed and sat down in a dining chair. He buried his face in his hand and ran his fingers through his dreads. I pulled a chair out and sat beside him.
"Did something happen when you went home?" He shook his head.
"Nah, it's just.. I don't want to ruin what I have with Royale over something I can't even explain to myself."
"I agree. I don't want to participate in that happening either."
"I love her, I want to marry her. All of this is just a distraction. For the both of us."
"Yeah, I haven't been able to work on any music."
"See, we've been looking at it all wrong. Tomorrow is the beginning of a new business venture for us. I need you ready to face the media and represent OTF. That includes being in your creative mode and changing the narrative that is linked to you right now. Can you do that?"
"Yes, I can."
"Good. Consider the money and the food a gift. You can pay me back when you see your first pay check."
"Um..okay." I nodded. He stood up and walked out the door. I was left with the same confusion I started with. Still feeling as sleepy as before, I put up the food and went to bed.

The next morning I'm woken up by someone pounding on the door. The time on the microwave said 6:00am. I groaned at the fact that I won't be able to sleep those extra thirty minutes like I planned. I checked the peephole to see Wiz standing behind a group of people.
"Umm, can I help you?" I said with squinting eyes. The black woman in the front laughed and apologized.
"We're Durk's stylists. But today, I'll be your make up artist." Another black woman said. I assumed the white woman and black man in the back were their assistants because they didn't talk much. Wiz, who looked equally as tired as I am followed them inside and stood by the door.
"Oh, Wiz. You don't have to do that. I'm sure they won't kill me." I said. Everyone laughed and he hesitated. Maybe because he's just doing his job. "No really, it's okay. I know it's kinda early. Come back around eight? An extra two hours never hurt anybody."
"Thank you, ma'am." He said as he left. The stylists all got set up, they even had a rack full of clothes that they were contemplating on.
"Hi, I'm Joi. This is Manelle and these are our assistants Kelly and Chance." The make up artist said.
"Hey everyone, I'm Caly. Sorry about my half nakedness." I took a slight glance in the mirror that Kelly set up and my heart sank. "Oh my god, my face." I quickly turned around and began trembling with embarrassment.
"It's okay, Durk is a close friend of ours. He asked us to be discreet and sensitive. I apologize about setting up the mirror without your permission."
"No, it's fine. I just haven't seen my face in days."
"I specialize in corrective make up, but I can also style you with a mask instead. That way, the only make will be around the eyes." I turned around and took a look at my now healing black eye. My face is no longer swollen but the pain is still there. I removed my silk box braid bonnet and tried to cover some bruises with my braids. "All you'll need to cover those is some green concealer and a regular beat. You'll look good as new. This is all free of charge, I can do this for you every morning if you need it."
"For free?" My eyes couldn't help but fill up with tears.
"Sweetheart, some of us know exactly how it feels to not be able to cover up things that cause us pain. And to be in your position, paparazzi would die to get a picture of this. I refuse to give them that opportunity. Do you hear me?" Manelle said as she comforted me. I nodded and Joi kneeled down beside her.
"You are beautiful. Whoever did this to you tried to destroy that. But, I make it my job to restore that in my clients. I'm gonna bring you back to life and I want you to step on every toe you see. Okay?" Joi said. I nodded and she shook her head as she rubbed my back. "I wanna hear you say it. Say, I am beautiful."
"I am beautiful."
"I can not be destroyed."
"I can not be destroyed."
"Now, say it like you mean it.
"I am beautiful, and I can not be destroyed."
"PERIOD!" Chance shouted and we all burst into laughter. White girl Kelly with the box braids screeched, catching all of our attention.
"I found the perfect outfit. Check this out." She laid out the outfit on the table and ran to her suitcase and grabbed some light pink sparkly heels.
"Yes, I love it. Grab a red handbag to match the trousers and the trim on this jacket. Joi, can you style her braids with some red chopsticks?" Manelle said.
"Yes, I'm on it as soon as I finish her make up. Mamas, you ready?" Joi said. I know and smiled, she pulled out her make up kit and began prepping my face.

🌻🌻🌻

Caly's outfit🌺🌹🌸

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How do you think the day is gonna go for Caly?

What's your opinion on Slim?

Is Durk wrong for how he's handling things?