Page 101 of The Ninth

“Of course.”

“Devyn, going forward, we just have to be honest with each other. I refuse to be distant relatives, only speaking on holidays. We’re blood. We don’t have siblings. We’re sisters. We are supposed to raise our families together how my mother and Kelisha did Tati and I. If you move states, I pack up and move. I don’t want to be without you. I don’t want my only connections in life to be people I met along the way. I want someone from my actual family. To make ours bigger. To be together.”

“We will. I promise you.”

“I’ve always rooted for you. Your success and beauty shouldn’t be measured by mine. Especially when you’re so talented and gorgeous. As a Black woman, you have to love and champion yourself. Believe in who you are. There’s nothing in this world you don’t deserve. Whatever you want, is yours.”

“I love you, Cassandra. I feel like I was brought here at the right time.”

“Cassie. I love you more, Devyn.”

Chapter 21: Ring The Alarm

Devyn’s POV

Cassie and I sat on the couch with K4. I was texting Duke as she talked on the phone with K3. It’s so funny because they talk constantly but never repeat the same convo or run out of things to talk about. Both of us has showered and eaten. Now we’re waiting on Kenzie and Tati to come over. It’s been three days since the day.

I don’t know how to feel. Numb is the only thing I can think of. Every time I wanted to feel sad? I found a reason not to. A lot of my reasons came from being so sheltered. But then again I am an adult and should know better. I was warned also. I’ll never be in that position again.

Duke and I are actually good. He wanted to see me that night, but I was so sick. His mother called last minute for him, so he dipped out. I could tell Duke wasn’t the happiest that I left out of the shop without saying anything. If I would’ve said something, he for sure would’ve taken me. Been there for me. I apologized and kept him updated as much as I could. He appreciated it.

Cassie and I are not back to how we were, but I respect that. It would make me more uncomfortable if she just jumped right back in my face. Things were said on both ends that we have to come to terms and live with. Hurt that we’re choosing to let go of for the sake of our relationship. We speak daily, eat at least two meals together, and that’s pretty much it. I’ve still been a bit sick as well.

Liv tore into my ass for being a no call no show. No surprise to me nor Cassie, Pink didn’t take me by The Ninth or say anything to anyone at all. Cassie swears Liv would have pulled me out of that car so fast if she did. Pink knew that. Plus, Cassie was actually there. After some talks, she was able to smooth things over with Liv plus get us a few days off. I can feel my time at The Ninth coming to an end.

K3: Who all coming over again?

Cassie: Tati and Kenzie.

K3: Who’s phone dinging like that?!

Cassie: Devyn and whateva nigga she’s letting crack her.

K3: Mm.

Me: UM?! I am not getting cracked!

K3: I’ll be letting Man-Man know.

Cassie cackled.

Me: Mr. K3, I have no intentions of entertaining your brother.

K3: Whatever. He the prize.

I rolled my eyes as Cassie hopped up to open the door. There were three softs knocks while K3 was fighting for his brother’s honor. As soon as she opened the door, Kenzie and Tati both hugged her at the same time. I felt extremely awkward and as if I wanted to excuse myself away. That was until Kenzie pushed further into the apartment, smiling.

“Ugh, I’m so glad y’all worked it out without me! I was finna tell you hoes to fight and then move on!”

I laughed and stood, hugging her, “Hi! Did you have a good trip?”

“Yes, and I got something for you!”

“Awwww!”

As I went to sit down, Tatianna grabbed my arm. She jerked her head, “Damn, bitch! You don’t see me?!”

“Oh, I’m sorry! I just didn’t know...” I hugged her.