Starting Up A New Relationship

Prologue

“How could you do this to me, to us, Marcus!” I shouted at him as I glared at him, “Why did you leave me at the altar?” Marcus didn’t respond, he stood there emotionless. He stared at me without any hint of guilt or remorsefulness. Then he finally spoke. “Maybe you should as your best friend, Paris.” Marcus taunted me. My eyes widened in shock and confusion. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My hands shook, I shook my head, kept repeating the words “No, No. It couldn’t be true.” My best friend, Paris. My tears coursed through my body. I was confused and heartbroken, and betrayed. Before Marcus left, I gathered all the strength I had to ask him this last question. “Did you ever or even love me?” Marcus looked at me still emotionless and replied, “No.” With those words, I shook my head in disbelief, with that I just let the tears flow. I couldn’t believe I what I just heard. Was everything a lie? I thought to myself repeatedly. I kept playing scenes in my head like a puzzle trying to make sense of what happened, but unlike a puzzle, I couldn’t put the pieces together. My cousin, and best friend, Yasmine me sitting on the side of the wedding venue, in my now ruined white dress, that I was supposed to wear. She saw how hurt I was. It’ll be the wedding the wedding that I always will remember. “OMG, Girl let’s get in this car.” Yasmine said as she helped me in her car. I couldn’t breathe nor could, I think. The puzzle I formed wasn’t forming wasn’t even forming a puzzle. Yasmine saw how heartbroken I was. “I knew the heifer was trifling, but for her to sleep with Marcus behind your back, now that was low, I want to hurt ha but don’t worry, boo. She gone get hers.” Yasmine said. I was in the state of shock, I heard Yasmine talk, but I couldn’t respond. How could Marcus do this to me. I kept thinking to myself. Yasmine saw the look on my face, she knew exactly what I was feeling. I was betrayed and heartbroken. Yasmine brought me home before I got out, I gave her a hug. “Thank you so much.” As my voice cracked a bit from crying so much. Yasmine hugged me back, with her voice soft as a kitten she said, “Of course girl.” I left her car and went inside my empty apartment. I grabbed the unopened bottle of champaign and began to drink from it. The bitter taste of champagne filled my mouth, matching the bitterness in my heart. I set down the bottle on the table and sank onto the couch, the weight of disbelief and betrayal pressing down on me. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. Awhile later I decided to take a shower, hoping that the hot water would wash away some of the pain and confusion I was feeling. I went into the bathroom take a shower, as I entered the shower, I let the steam of the shower comfort me and allow my mind to momentarily escape the turmoil of reality. Yet the memories of my so-called best friend sleeping with the man I love behind my back lingered in my mind, refusing to fade.

Once I was out the shower and got ready for bed, I saw I got a text from the very person I couldn’t believe had betrayed me. It simply read:

“Hey Nyla. I am sorry about everything that happened today. I hope you can forgive me. Marcus and I started seeing each other two months after you two were engaged. What started off as a fling, it turned into more, when I feel for him as well. I wanted to tell you, but I was scared. I really am sorry Ny.”

~Your bestie Paris

“My bestie Paris!” I yelled out.

She slept with my fiancé, and she had the nerve to call me her bestie and ask for forgiveness. I was flabbergasted or should I say p’d off. There it was right there in my face. Marcus and Paris have been seeing each other behind my back, and I still can’t believe she ended the message as her bestie. I broke down on my bed trying to suppress everything that happened tonight. My mom called but I just couldn't bring myself to pick up. I was too hurt and confused to even speak to anyone, especially after what I had just discovered. So, she left a voicemail:

“Hey baby. It’s mama. I was wondering if you need anything. I can’t believe that happened to you. Anyways, mama loves you.”

I heard the soft compassion in my mom’s voice and the tears just flowed out of my eyes. I just couldn't hold back the overwhelming of emotions that I was feeling. My heart couldn’t no longer take the weight of this betrayal. It felt like my whole world had shattered in an instant, and I didn't know how to pick up the pieces. I drifted off to sleep after crying all night wondering if I could forgive Marcus and move on.

Next Day

I woke up drained and reached for my phone and saw that I had a missed called from the bank. I glanced at the screen, wondering what the bank could possibly want from me. I dialed the number back and a lady from Times Union Financial Services picked up. “Hello, this is Gemma Blake from Times Union Financial Services.” “I said, Hello, Did anyone tried to contact me?” I asked confuse about what was going and hoping this lady could provide me answers. Gemma said in reply, “Is this Nyla Chinasa James, I’m speaking with?” I said, “Yes, this is she.” “Well I was calling to inform you that your accounts that’s associated with has been closed due to insufficient funds. Do you know anything about that, Mrs. James?” I wasn’t understanding what was going on because how could I not have money in my account. I said, still confused while I paced back and forth on the phone, “Which accounts are we talking about?” There was a brief silence, “Let me check, Mrs. James?” Mrs. Blake responded politely. As I was on a brief hold I kept biting on my finger nails, because all this wasn’t making since. If I didn’t have any money how was I going to take care of my bills. I didn’t even have enough to pay for my rent. Gemma Blake came back from having me on a brief hold, Gemma said, “We checked the accounts, and it seem the accounts that was affected was the savings account you shared with a Marcus Jerome Johnson and a checking account that ends in 0783, also owned by you and Mr. Johnson, it seemed that Mr. Johnson been transferring large amounts of funds to a private account.” I nodded my head taking everything in, now things were starting to make sense. Marcus made sure to leave me with nothing left to my name. I scratched my scalp , trying to come to terms with everything, I laughed bitterly at the irony of it all. “Are you there Mrs. James?” Asked Gemma who was very concerned. “Yes I’m here.” I said. I took a deep breath and then replied, “It's just a lot to take in, thank you for letting me know, Gemma.” “I’m sorry for the inconvenience but if you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us, Gemma added sympathetically. “Thank you for banking at Times Union Financial Services.” I ended the call and laid back down after crying even more because of the situation I was in.

I finally set up again and turned on my tv and binged watched Naruto Shippuden, Yasmine came over to bring me my favorite breakfast from Nola Grill. “Hey Girl. I brought your favorite breakfast while we watch some anime.” She said excitedly. I smile and gave her a quick hug, she was my cousin but my best friend. Yasmine always knew how to lift my spirits. “Thanks girl.” I said hugging her tightly. We set down and binged watched more episodes of Naruto Shippuden as we ate our breakfast. Yasmine turned to me and said, “I hope you’re better, Ny.” I looked down and fiddled with my fingers and said, “Marcus took every bit of our savings, even the money that had in our account that we shared together. She informed me that the account and savings account that I shared with Marcus had been closed. Leaving me with nothing. I said as much voice broke from the tears I tried to hold back.

“I’m so sorry, Ny. I mean Marcus is a dummy. And that Paris. I’m sorry cuz. But she’s not your friend, but don’t you worry because I’m going to sue the pants off Marcus. Cause if he thinks he can just break you like that, then homie lost his ever loving mind.” Yasmine said, her face growing stern. “He done mess with the wrong darn family,” continued Yasmine. “Don’t you worry, I gotcha, boo.” She continued on.

Chapter 1

A New Start

Two years passed since Marcus, and I broke up. I had to move out of the apartment I was supposed to share with him. I moved in with my Korean adopted brother, Ken. I am now a professional blogger and a Lyft/Uber driver to help me pay my bills. I was just now getting out of the financial whole that Marcus left me in. I’m in the Royal House Cafe, waiting on Yasmine to show up. Just as I took a sip of my white chocolate chip latte, I tapped my pencil on the side of my dented MacBook, finishing up on my tenth blog on K-pop. Yasmine walks up excitedly as she ordered almost the same latte as me except hers was Caramel and a size larger.

“Girl…guess what?”

“What?”

“Remember when I said we should try online dating?”

“Yes, I remember.” I said sipping on the rest of my latte.

“Well, I think I found the perfect app. It's called, ‘Amour Connect’,” Yasmine said excitedly as she showed me on her phone.

“I don’t know about this…Marcus and I met online; you’re already know how that went.” I mumbled. Yasmine rolled her eyes at me, “Girl…. it’s been two years since you and Marcus broke up. I mean it’s time for you to move on.”

I carefully set up my profile and then I put my phone down. Yasmine phone buzzed with a notification from the app. “Oh, look, I already have a match!” Yasmine find someone amazing.”

I took a deep breath and downloaded the app on my phone out and downloaded the Amour Connect app. I carefully set up my profile and then I put my phone down. Yasmine phone buzzed with a notification from the app. “Oh, look, I already have a match!” Yasmine opened her phone and saw it was a pale green eyed man profile picture popped up. His hair was cut in a textured quiff, he was dressed in an expensive tailored outfit. Yasmine looked at his bio. It read: “A passionate fun-loving guy. A man of mystery and lover of mysteries.” Yasmine smiled mischievously,

“Okay…Well, isn't he interesting.” She nudged me playfully.

“So are you going to click on him.”

“I am not. I’m just going to let him message me first then I go for the hook.”

I covered my mouth trying not to laugh at Yasmine's comment. But she was right about me. I am so scared to even try this online dating app. I mean I thought Marcus was the one and he proved that he was the very worst. Yasmine's phone rang from the office. Yasmine looked at her phone and smiled at me.

“So, are you going to try the app?” I sat back in my chair and blushed at the question she asked me. Yet I was still unsure about the idea.

“I don’t know. I mean look how; Marcus turned out. I don’t think I could go through that again. I’ve just been…”

“You been working, writing, and blogging. Girl, I know.” Yasmine cut me off finishing my sentence for me. She knew me like a book. “Marcus made you afraid of love and you want to know what else, I blame Uncle Derrick because he’s also the problem. They are the only two men that have made you afraid of love. Uncle Derrick is a mean old man, and Marcus is a goon... As far as I am concerned, I am glad you’re living with Ken ” Said Yasmine as she finished off the last bit of her latte. “I’m saying this because you’re my best friend and favorite cousin, I am not about to let you die alone.” As Yasmine continued. I laughed softly at Yasmine.

“I love you girl." I chuckled softly. Yasmine smiled at me.

“I love you too boo, but I have to get to work. Yasmine kissed my cheek, and she walked out of the cafe. Nyla looked out of the window and smiles.

Later That Day

I had went home after I came from the cafe, and I couldn't shake the feeling that Yasmine was right. My relationship with my father was definitely rocky, I mean it was like I couldn’t win with him. Ken had a better relationship with him than I did and I was biologically his daughter. Ken was adopted and at one point I hated my father for treating Ken better than me. Yet my brother was always supportive, always there for me, and I couldn't help but love him for it. I set down on the sofa to watch a mellow drama.

Just then Ken and Keisha had just walked in from their date. Keisha smiled at me as set down next to me on the couch. Ken chuckled and plopped down on the other side of me. I smiled at them. “So….why are you two so happy to see me, are you kicking me out or..?” Ken smiled at me, “Now come on Ny. It’s nothing like that but, Keisha and I have some exciting news.”

“What is it?” I asked eagerly. “We're getting married!” Keisha exclaimed, flashing her expensive engagement ring.

I screamed happily for the both of them and hugged them. “I’m so happy for you two” Keisha smiled and hugged me back. “I’m going to call my mom and dad.” She said as she hopped from from the sofa and went into the bedroom. Ken stayed behind to check on me.

“So…Are you going to tell me what’s on your mind?”

“Yasmine and I were talking, and she said something that have me thinking.” Ken sat back. “What did she say, that have you thinking?”

“She mentioned that the reason I have commitment issues is because of Marcus and Dad. I mean she’s right; dad loves you, and fault me for everything and makes me feel like nothing I do is ever good enough.” Ken smiled at me “Sis…You know how dad is…he’s getting old and honorary, and I mean I know everything is not your fault, Mom knows everything is not your fault. Besides, I’ll always have your back. You my ace king coon boon, and my little sister. So don’t worry about him, Okay?” I nodded and gave him a hug.

“I'm lucky to have you as my big brother,” I said, feeling reassured by Ken 's support. After we hugged, Ken grinned. “I've got your back, always,” he said, playfully tousling my hair. He then got up to go in his bedroom where Keisha was.

I sat back and then my phone got a notification from AmourConnect letting me know I had a match. I had clicked on the notification to see who the match was, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a profile that caught my interest. He had a curly hair fade, his eyes were dark brown, He dressed in a casual yet stylish manner, and his profile gave me a pause but it wasn’t terrible. I checked his bio, he’s a advertising executive . Without overthinking it, I decided to send him a message but before I could send a message he sent me one first.

“Hey. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Fabian, what’s your name?”

I smiled to myself and I messaged back.

“My name is Nyla, nice to meet you too. How’s your day going?”

We talked had talked for a bit and made plans to meet up for coffee tomorrow.

The next day,

I walked into the coffee shop, I spotted him sitting at a table by the window. When he saw me he stood up and flashed a warm, inviting smile. His eyes sparkled as he gestured for me to join him. I set down and we both ordered our coffee and something to eat and we talked and the conversation turned side ways.

“Next time I’ll order what you going to eat. Then I’ll pick your outfit out for our next date.”

Now either I’m hearing things or this man is for real, because what the heck? I thought to myself, trying to gauge his seriousness. I know this fool didn’t just say he’ll pick out what I’m going to wear on the next date and he going to order what I’m going to eat. I chuckled because, uh no, not happening. I smiled.

“I don’t think this is going to work out.”

I got up and left him there. I went home and decided to block his number and unmatched him on the dating app. I couldn't believe he had the audacity to suggest something like that so soon.

Three weeks later,

After that terrible date with Fabian, I decided to devote more of time to my blogs and working. I felt like giving the Amour Connect another shot. I went on my app, and saw I had a matched with someone name Boston, he went by his middle name although he mentioned his name was Terrell, and I already knew this date wasn’t going to last long. We made plans to meet at a cozy restaurant in Metairie. We met at the restaurant; he was dressed in a nice knit sweater with black slacks. When, I set down across from him. The date went sideways, after we ordered our food and ate our food. The waited gave us the check. Terrell picked up the check and looked at it.

“I only had the chicken pasta and the one drink.” He said.

“What?”

Yeah. Our bill is $100.30. Since I only had the Louisiana red fish, with potatoes and broccoli and a drink. That was $32.00, so which means you, owe me, as he grabbed his phone to calculate my portion of the bill.

As he was calculating, I rolled my eyes and thought to myself, that this couldn’t be happening to me again. He finally told me my part of the bill. Reluctantly, I handed him the cash, almost throwing it at him and grabbed my purse to leave. I swore to myself this was the last time I'd use that app. I went home and tossed my phone onto the couch, frustrated and defeated, because I couldn’t believe the night I had. At that moment I decided to give up dating for good, at least for a while. I turned off the lights, climbed into bed, and tried to forget the whole miserable evening.

Chapter 2

The Beginning

Jae was getting ready for his shift at the station. He made it to his captain’s office after being paged for an urgent meeting. Breathing deeply, he steadied himself outside the door before knocking and stepping in. Cap. Tyler Westmore looked up from his desk, gesturing for Jae to take a seat.

“Lee. We are sending you to New Orleans. The department has reached out for one of special investigators, and you’re the best we have. Pack your things; you leave tonight.”

“Do I have a say in this?” He asked sarcastically, knowing full well that he didn’t. Captain Westmore’s expression remained stern. “This isn’t a request, Jae. At this very moment, you’ll be relocating to New Orleans to work as a Special Agent for the FBI. It was a pleasure to work with you, and I'm confident you'll excel in this new role.” Jae smiled faintly, and shook the captain hand, and he left the station to and he left the station to pack his things. Jae knew that he would need to find a place to live in New Orleans. He decided to rent before he bought himself a house. He was a single man living in a new city. He wanted to at least be married when he owned a house. But, right now, he stuck to renting. The FBI personnel had contacted him.

“Hello?” He asked.

“Hello. This is Stephen Norton, I’ll be your point of contact during your transition to New Orleans. You’re to report to work at 8:00am sharp. On June “June 15th,” Stephen continued. “I’ll send you all the details, including your temporary housing accommodations and office location. I’ll also be sending you your new badge and badge number to the new address you’ll be staying at temporarily. I have booked your flight for June 8th, which is in two weeks. It’ll be a pleasure working with you.”

“Thank you.” Jae hung his phone up and began to pack up all of his things. It didn’t take long for Stephen to send over the details. Jae saw where he’ll be staying temporarily. Jae set down and read through the details carefully. The temporary housing was in the city of New Orleans not too far from the office. Then his phone suddenly rang and it was a blast from the past. It was Ken. His frat brother and best friend.

“Jae! What up man?”

“Nothing much. I just got some news—I’m moving to New Orleans,” Jae replied.

“That’s good. I’m proud of you man but i have some good news of my own and since you coming down here. This is a perfect time to tell you.” Ken said. Jae raised an eyebrow, curious about what Ken had to share.

“I’m getting married. I want you to be my best man.” Jae was speechless for a moment, processing the unexpected news. “Ken, congratulations, man, I’m honored to be your best-man.

“Alright. Let me know when you get to airport so I can pick you up. It'll be just like old times, you know. Also you can meet my sister.” Said Ken. “I can’t wait, Ken. Thanks for the offer, I’ll let you know as soon as I land.” Jae replied. As Jae hung up the phone. Jae knew he needed to start packing up his things up now, because he was going to be leaving in a month. He surveyed his room, mentally noting what would come with him and what he could sell. He knew he was going to sell his car, TV, and his furniture. This was a big move for him, but it felt right. Yet, he was thankful for the opportunity to start fresh.

❧

Yasmine’s Day.

Yasmine walked into her office and set down her bag on the desk. She reviewed her schedule for the day. Then she checked her phone and saw a message from the guy she matched with on the dating app.

“Hey. I saw we matched each other. Let’s connect?” He wrote.

Yasmine smiled to herself and typed a quick message.

“Only if I can know your name.” The message came swiftly.

“It’s Tristen. How about your name?”

Yasmine smiled to herself and messaged back.

“Yasmine.” She wrote back.

Yasmine and Tristen kept messaging each other throughout the day, exchanging light and engaging conversations. They made a date to meet up for dinner that night after she got off work from the office. Just when she was about to text him again. Her boss called her in the office. Yasmine sighed and walked over to her boss’s office. She stood up after walking in and waited for her to signal her to sit down. Kenya Zari Zabu, came from immigrant African parents. She had a commanding presence and a reputation for being fair but tough. She became a lawyer only in her prime. Graduated at a young age, and now she’s only 39 years old. Kenya looked up from her paperwork and gave Yasmine a small nod, signaling her to sit. Yasmine set down.

“Yasmine. Do you know why I called you in here?” Yasmine shook her head, unsure of what to expect. Kenya leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers, observing her carefully.

“You have done excellent work. You have been diligent. You have ran this office smoothly when I’m not here.” Kenya paused, letting her words sink in. “Therefore, I’m promoting you as Senior Partner, effective immediately,” she concluded with a proud smile. Yasmine smiled and let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

“Thank you so much so much, Mrs. Zabu.”

Kenya smiled and laughed softly.

“Please, call me Kenya. Take off the rest of the day to celebrate. You deserve it,” she said with a warm smile.

Yasmine went to her office gathering her things after reeling from her conversation with Kenya. As she packed up her things, she couldn’t believe that she made Senior Partner. She very knew she earned it as one of the hardest-working attorneys in the firm, but the reality of it still felt surreal.

Yasmine made it home to get dressed for her date with Tristen. She dressed in a denim splice printed button down shirt and a skirt to match along with her denim heels and a Chanel bag. She took one last look in the mirror, adjusting her earrings, and then headed out the door with a confident smile.

She met Tristen at the restaurant, and immediately she was taken in by his demeanor. He rose from his chair and greeted her with a warm hug.

“You look stunning, Yasmine,” he said with a charming smile.

Yasmine lightly blushed

“Thank you so much.” Yasmine replied as she took her seat across from him. They spoke for hours after they ordered their meals. Conversation flowed easily between them, ranging from their careers to their favorite books. As the night went on they learned more and more about each other. Then it was time for them to go. As he paid for dinner, they walked out the restaurant arm in arm, the night wasn’t too hot but not cold, it was perfect to end the date. Tristen, wasn’t the typical stereo-typed white man that only dated black women, just so he can brag to his white buddies that he bagged a black woman. He was different, he was an absolute gentlemen, he was an FBI agent while she was a criminal defense attorney. Their jobs were correlated almost in the same field.

“I had fun. We should do this again.” Yasmine said. Hoping he felt the same way she did.

“I would love to go out with you again Mrs. Young.” Tristen said as he smiled at her.

Yasmine smiled back, feeling a flutter of excitement in her heart.

❧

Nyla’s Come Up!

I knew my brother and Keisha wedding was pretty much close it was in the next few months and I was still was living with my brother. Then soon Keisha after their honeymoon, she’ll be living there as well. This meant I needed to find a place soon. I knew living with my parent were not an option, because my father and I don’t get alone. Yasmine was an option but she lives in a fancy area in a high-rise apartment in the city, and the rent there was ridiculously expensive. Which means I needed to find me a place called home. I knew I didn’t want to buy a house, at least not right now so renting was my best option. I started looking at apartments in quieter neighborhoods that were still accessible to the city. Then I saw one in downtown. It was in the heart of New Orleans. The apartment was finished and also had two bedrooms and one bathroom. With a community pool and hot tub. The living room and kitchen was spacious. Then I checked the rent which to my surprise was in my price range. I called the apartment complex to schedule a tour and ask about the deposit. When I called, a woman answered.

“Welcome Hill Heights Apartments, this is Megan. How can I help you today?” She said politely.

“Hello. I’m Nyla James. “I’m interested in one of your two-bedroom apartments.”

Megan listened patiently and then responded.

“Great to hear, Nyla! Okay. Here’s a few questions, I need to ask and also I’ll go over some information about our complex. Okay?”

“Okay.” I said back.

“Great. My name is Megan Ball. I’m the property manager here,” she continued. “Are you looking to move in immediately or do you have a specific date in mind? I thought about it. I knew Ken and Keisha were getting married soon and I needed to be out before then, but it’s not like they were asking me to move. I’m sure Ken, would have found every excuse for me not to move, because he was my older adopted brother; but I needed to move.

“I’m looking to move in by the end of this week.”

“Great. I am looking through my records and there’s a two bedroom villa available. It’s fully furnished and decorated. The deposit for this apartment is $350 and the rent is $850. Cats and dogs are free however they can only weigh up to 25 pounds. Also utilities are included in your rent, except for electricity, which is billed separately.” Megan explained to me in detailed. Without a second thought , I responded, “That sounds perfect. I don't have any pets, so that works for me.”

“Great so what I would like to do is set up a time for you to come in and sign the paperwork and also to take a tour of the villa. I am checking my calendar and I do have an opening…actually for today at 2:45pm.” I smiled to myself and said,

“I’ll be there in 20 minutes.” I said excitedly but discreetly.

“Okay. See you in a bit.” Megan said politely.

I gathered all my important documents that’ll need to finalize the lease. I grabbed my purse walked out the door to my bent up 2011 Honda civic, I definitely needed a new car, but one step at a time. I needed a place to stay and this took precedence over getting a new car. As I was driving to the apartment complex, my phone started ringing. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Yasmin calling.

“Girl. Where you been at?” I said.

“Girl……” Yasmine said.

“I have so much to tell you,” Yasmin continued.

“Well then tell me, boo, what’s going on.”

“Okay. Remember that guy I met on AmourConnect, well me and him had a date and when I tell you, he is finnne. As she emphasized her point. He’s a federal agent, girl. We been talking for at least a week now. We had went out last night to the new rooftop restaurant downtown and it was amazing.”

“Okay now, baby, you got yourself a man. Okayy.” Yasmine laughed. “But I have something else to tell you, I made senior partner.” She continued. Nyla squeaked. “Now you know we have to celebrate. Plus I want to meet this man of yours.” Yasmine chuckled. “Girl. You know you going to meet him. So what you up too?”

“Well I found me a new apartment downtown. I’m on my way to tour the apartment and sign the lease.”

“You’re finally moving out of Ken’s house. He probably going to give you that big brother speech on why you needed to stay.” “Girl I think he’s making up for how dad treats me, but Ken and Keisha are about to get married and I need my own place.” Yasmine nodded her head. “I know you do. But anyways did you have any success on AmourConnect too? Asked Yasmine. As Nyla set in that afternoon traffic going to downtown, New Orleans. “No. That’s my last time taking dating advice from you.” Yasmine burst into laughter. “Girl, what happened?” Nyla laughed as well because the situation was ridiculous. “Well the first date was good until he started to get all controlling, telling me he going to tell me what to wear and tell me what I’m going to order our next day, chile I ended that date so quick and blocked him on the app. Then the second guy he was just cheap. Talking about I owe him $50.16 and his portion was only $32. So I threw him the money and left.” Yasmine couldn't stop laughing. “Girl. Yes, indeed. I wouldn’t have paid him a daggone dime. Girl I’m sorry you had to go through that.” Yasmine said with empathy. “Girl. I’m going to chill on dating. Because I’m not trying to deal with another Marcus situation. I know it’s been two years but I'm just not ready to get in another relationship.” Yasmine sighed. “I knew how bad he hurt you. Don’t worry girl, we have your back and we love you.” Nyla smiled. “I know. But I’m at this place now. I’ll talk to you later. Love you. Bye.” “Bye.” Yasmine said back.

I pulled in the parking lot of the complex and I slowly got out the car and went into the front office. I was greeted by this pale woman with tanned skinned and bright green eyes that illuminated. She looked fairly young. Yet her long white, grayish hair made up for it. She was definitely older than how she looked. She walked up to me. Greeting me politely.

“Hello. May I help you?”

“Hello. My name is Nyla. I was the one acquiring about the apartment that was available?” I said politely.

“Oh. Right. I’m glad you made it. Let me get the key and we can head to the apartment so you can take a look at it,” Megan said with a warm smile. Megan walked back to her office where the apartment keys to the available units are kept. She grabbed the key to apartment 65. It was the furnished two bedroom apartment. She came back and smiled at me and motioned to follow her. I followed her outside the building into the parking lot where my car was parked. We walked straight into the apartment that I would soon be moving into. She unlocked the door and pushed it open, revealing a clean and spacious living room area, the kitchen was a decent size for a single person or single family. We checked two bedrooms were smaller than the living but it still had enough space for what I needed. The closet and bathroom was just as spacious as the bathroom. “There’s also a small balcony,” Megan pointed out, opening a sliding door that led to a cozy outdoor space. After Megan and I toured the apartment complex and she’s pointing out various amenities like the gym, pool, hot tub, and laundry room. I was already ready to move in. We walked back to her office and I set down across from her when she set in front of her computer.

“So what do you think? Do you think you’ll be interested in moving in here?” I smiled and nodded eagerly.

“Yes, I think I would love to move in here,”

“Great. So let me go over the deposit and rent details. Then I’ll get you to sign the lease details agreement and I’ll give you a set of keys,” Megan said, pulling out some paperwork from her drawer.”

“Okay.” I said.

“Your security deposit is $250 and the rent is based on your income level. With utilities included, it comes to about $900 a month.” She quickly got up and went to her file cabinet, retrieving a lease agreement. We went over the agreement in detail, making sure I understood all the terms and conditions. I thought about it for a minute and signed the agreement and handed it back to Megan. She smiled and handed me my set a keys after I paid my deposit.

“Welcome to the community! If you need car anything or have any questions, feel free to come by my office anytime.” Megan said warmly. I smiled and left the office proudly.

I went drove back home to pack my things but I knew I was going have to tell Ken about this move. My heart pounded as I thought about his reaction. I made it home just in time before he came home. He was a pilot and he been gone for about two days before he and Keyshia came back since she is a Flight Attendant and they both worked for the airline. Ken walked through the door with Keyshia, pullingw their luggage in.

“Hey guys. There’s the happy couple. How was work to Florida?” I asked.

“Well it was nice until I had to come back here.” Keisha chuckled softly as she plotted herself down on the couch. Ken smiled at her, then turned his attention to me.

“So what’s new lil sis.”

I smiled and I just knew eventually I would have to tell him. I took a silent deep breath and said a silent prayer, hop ing he won’t blow up.

“Actually I have some news.”

“What news?

“I found me an apartment.”

Ken smiled softly at me and raised an eyebrow.

“An apartment, huh?”

I nodded yes to his question.

Ken smiled and set down next to me.

“I’m proud of you lil sis. But I’m not happy that you’ll be moving out the house, because I like having you around and also I want to make sure you don’t go through what you went through when you was with that loser, Marcus.” Ken smiled at her. Then he continued.

“However, I know you need your own space, so I’m proud of you Ny. So when do you move anyway? Maybe Keisha and I can help you move.”

I smiled at him as I squealed.

“Actually I’m moving at the end of the week.”

Ken eyes widened in surprise but then he eventually he smiled and nodded.

“That’s soon huh, okay we’ll definitely help you get settled in,” he said warmly. I smiled excitedly and hugged him tightly.

“Thank you so much. You and Keisha is the best.”

Keisha smiled and walked over and gave me a tight hug. She has always been a great help to me. Always supporting me. She even offered to beat up Paris. Which I probably should’ve accepted her offer. But, y’know, I didn’t want to cause more drama. I hugged her back and smiled.

“Now just because you have an apartment now, doesn’t mean you can’t still visit. I mean I’m going to be your sister-in-law after all.” Keisha said jokingly.

“Of course I’ll visit you guys.” I said with a laugh. Then I walked to my room and started to packed my things for my new apartment. Ken and Keisha had always been supportive, and knowing they would help made this big step a little less nerve-wracking for me. I knew I was lucky to have them in my life.