Page 80 of The Ninth

He rubbed his neck.

K3: Damn, Cassandra. I know that hurt your feelings, especially because you were so excited for the migrant to come and stay with you. But you shouldn’t hold anger and hurt in your heart. You know it’s not true. You graduated high school at sixteen after the death of both of your parents. You went to college and cosmetology school. You did all of that on your own, before you met me. You have always been so gorgeous, so talented, and so smart, Cassandra. Your parents would be so proud of you. I’m proud of you. You’re a beautiful woman and you light up anywhere you step. You pour into others because you were poured into. I know firsthand that you were your father’s entire world. Nothing you’ve said or done would ever make them love you less or look at you different if they were still here. Everything she said isn’t true. And you know that, Crybaby. You know how much they cared for you.

Me: I know...

K3: Don’t let those words hurt you. And don’t hate your cousin. Although that was nasty and if you didn’t fake love her I’d have her head right now, that’s your peoples. You were excited for weeks for her to come. I always have felt like your mother guided her to you. Plus, no part of a nigga doubt that you didn’t say the slickest shit ever back to shorty, on foe.

I cackled.

K3: I know how bad that mouth is! And how good it is.

I smiled, rolling my eyes.

K3: Take some time. Even if it’s weeks. Y’all just reconnected. Living together. You fighting like sisters. Y’all will talk when it’s time. Her being there brought you so much joy, and I don’t want to see that be taken away from you. Especially over misconceptions. You know Papa adore you. You know you were made before me. So fuck allat.

Me: You’re right. I love you, Kenzo. You always say the right words, but knowing you mean them always heals me.

K3: You know I do. I love you more, Crybaby. I can’t see you on this floor crying. Get yo pretty ass up. I couldn’t be there for you, but I’m still there. You know I’ll do whatever. Go to the kitchen. Get hugged by your chicken head friends. See what I got you.

I wiped my face once more, standing up. My body ached from being on the ground for so long. Although hurt was still present, I couldn’t help how giddy I felt. What the hell has he done now?!

I opened the door. Kenzie, Doodas, and Tati were standing in front of the stove. Surprisingly, Devyn sat at the island. The moment she saw me, she stood, looking like she was ready to speak. I instantly looked away. Not today.

Instead, an eruption of giggles left my mouth seeing all the gifts on the island. My smile stretched as far as it could go as I cracked up laughing. I quickly walked to Tati and Kenzie, hugging them both as well as Doodas. I stood in front of the gifts in shock.

Me: K3!

K3: It’s not enough.

Me: It’s too much!

There was a beautiful, blush pink basket wrapped in ribbon that had tissue, chocolate, other candy, my favorite snacks, new skincare! He had a brand new bonnet in there plus a million gift cards to different stores and restaurants. Advil rested at the bottom, because he knows my head hurts every time I cry. The most beautiful though...the pale pink Chanel that matched the basket.

Me: PAPA, I’M NEVER TAKING THIS MOTHAFUCKA OFF!

He chuckled.

I immediately hugged the big ass bear he got me. It was life sized and literally as big as I was. When I hugged it, tears formed instantly. Not only did it smell just like I remembered my man smelling like, it spoke. “I love you, Crybaby,” Kenzo’s voice sung. The tears ran down my face, but they were happy this time. Tatianna took the phone from me so he could screenshot me hugging the bear.

K3: Did you see the rest yet?!

He asked excitedly.

I gave Tatianna the phone so he could watch me open the other gifts.

The first was a Cartier locket. Inside was a picture of my parents and I after I won a cheer competition. Next, a Tiffany picture frame that had our ice skating picture in it. My chest clenched but not because I missed them. Because he remembered me telling him this was my favorite memory of my parents. I told him once.

I laughed looking at all the new phones he got me. The newest iPhone for my main phone. A newer, bedazzled, purple flip phone. And a new iPhone for just his FaceTime calls. I wanted to be angry, saying he’s speaking him being in there longer into existence! But I dropped it. After going through all the new make-up he got me plus the new make-up chair, I just collapsed onto the couch.

The sun broke through the clouds, shining directly on me and Kenzo. I laid my face against the pillow, smiling and adoring my handsome ass husband. He smiled back, doing the exact same.

K3: Remember what I promised you?

Me: Yeah, baby.

K3: What’s that?

Me: Your life.