You Had Me at Hello Page 3

  Daymeon and Ky plopped on the couch and instantly turned on the Playstation 3 system. As they prepared for their battle in 2k14, I headed to the bedroom. Bre was sitting at the end of the bed putting her sneakers on.

  “What are you doing?” I asked closing the door behind me.

  “I told you, I’m going home.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m not about to sit in here while you’re out there entertaining them. I might as well go home and be by myself.”

  I washed my hands across my face.

  “Come on ma. They’re only gonna be here for a little while.” I began walking towards her. I grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet. “I don’t want you to leave,” I said pulling her closer to me. “Stay the night, ma.” I kissed her lips. “Please?”

  I kissed her again and ran my hands up and down her back. She kissed me back then pulled away.

  “I’ll come by in the morning. Go entertain your friends.”

  She grabbed her phone, charger and keys, kissed me again and walked out of the bedroom and out of the apartment. I stood in the middle of the floor for a few minutes. I sighed and went and joined my boys in the living room.

  “Did we mess something up?” Daymeon asked, putting the game on pause.

  “Nah.”

  I sat on the other couch as they resumed their game.

  “Let me ask you something,” Ky said.

  “What’s up?”

  “What’s the deal with you and shortie? I mean, it’s evident that you feel her and shit. She’s always here, she has a key to your spot; so tell me why you haven’t wifed her up yet?”

  I knew this question was coming, and truthfully, I pretty much had an answer memorized. Between Daymeon, Kyshawn and my moms, I don’t know who asked me the question more. My moms only met Bre a few times, but she loved her and always asked about her whenever she wasn’t around. She hinted on more than one occasion that she wouldn’t mind having her as a daughter-in-law.

  “I’m not tryna get into a relationship right now, man. Being with Miranda was a lot and took a lot out of a nigga. I’m just tryna kick it and enjoy the single life. I’m not tryna say I’m gonna be fucking all types of bitches, but shit, a nigga just wants to enjoy being free.”

  Kyshawn laughed.

  “Nigga, you still tied down. Your ass is either always in the streets or laid up with Bre. You might as well wife her ass.”

  “But you see, my phone don’t ring when I’m handling business. I’m not tryna wife Bre, and all of a sudden she becomes another Miranda and shit.”

  “Ziy, stop doing that,” Daymeon spoke up. “Breionna is not Miranda or any other bitch you’ve fucked with. She shows you that. Shortie has her own everything. She’s in school, she works, and she doesn’t ask for anything. You’ve said so yourself. Miranda’s gold digging ass always had her hand out. Yeah, she had a little job or whatever, but her ass was always in your pockets. Bre done showed you she’s not like that yet you keep constantly comparing her to Miranda. I promise you my nigga, keep doing that, and you’re gonna end up running her off. A girl will only deal with so much before they’ve had enough.”

  “When the time is right, shit will work out,” I told him. “Just leave it alone.”

  I sat back on the couch and tried to focus on the game they were playing, but my mind kept wandering off to what Day and Ky had said. I knew Breionna would only deal with being just a friend for so long, but I hoped that when I was ready to take shit to the next level, that she was ready too.

  Chapter Five

  “Why I Love You So Much” Monica

  Breionna

  I left Ziy’s house and drove around for a little while. I expected to stay at his house for the night, but it irked me that he had only been home for a few hours before Day and Ky showed up. I started calling them his license and wallet because every time I turned around, their asses were around. I had no problem with them, but sometimes I wanted to spend time with just Ziy. I picked up my phone out of the cup holder and scrolled through my phone book while I waited for the light to turn green. When I found the name I was looking for, I tapped on it and placed the phone to my ear.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure,” he answered.

  I smiled.

  “I just need somebody to talk to. Are you home?”

  “Yeah, call me when you’re outside.”

  “Okay.”

  I headed in the direction to my friend Jamon’s house. I had known Jamon since high school. We had a little fling but decided to just remain friends. He was always my shoulder to lean on when I needed and my listening ear. I had Ziyon, but I needed somebody to vent to about Ziyon, and Jamon was that person. He told me what it was I needed to hear, and I couldn’t do anything but respect it.

  As I turned onto his street, I called him, and he quickly came outside. I unlocked the door so he could climb in.

  “What’s good, Bre baby,” he said closing the door.

  “Hey Jah. How’s it going?”

  He shrugged.

  “It’s going. What’s up with you? There must be a reason you’re sitting outside my house at damn near midnight.”

  I sighed and put the car in park. I looked away from him to keep him from seeing the tears fall from my eyes.

  “What’s wrong, Bre?”

  I looked down and began fiddling with my hands.

  “I don’t know what to do about Ziyon.”

  I heard him sigh. I knew he was probably tired of me talking and complaining about Ziyon yet always running back.

  “Explain.”

  “I was at his house waiting for him to come home. He came in, showered and said we would just kick it. Fine, we kicked it, and I fell asleep. Next thing I know, his two friends are there. Then he wanted me to go into the bedroom while he chilled with his boys. I know I’m not his girl, but I’m tired of being pushed to the side for his boys. These are the same boys that he runs the streets with daily. I mean, I’m appreciative of the time we spend together, but when it’s our time, I don’t want to be interrupted by his boys.”

  “Your number one problem is, Bre, y’all basically acting like y’all in a relationship, but you can’t complain or say much because you’re not his girl. Y’all are laid up doing shit you supposed to do in a relationship but okay with him just being your friend. You’re selling yourself short. What, do you want to be his friend forever?”

  “No. I want to be with Ziyon, but I don’t want to rush him into anything. I don’t want him to think that I’m forcing him to be with me. When the time is right, we’ll be together.” I looked over Jamon and noticed him shaking his head. “What? Why you do that?”

  “Bre, when are you gonna open your eyes? You’re a beautiful young woman who’s waiting on a dude who isn’t trying to make you his girl, but don’t want you with anybody else. I just don’t get it.”

  I sighed deeply.

  “It’s understood between us, Jah, so there’s no need to explain it to anybody.”

  “I’m not asking you to explain your situation to me. I’m asking why you are content just fucking a nigga?”

  “If I’m not mistaking, before Ziyon, you and I were just fucking,” I countered back.

  “Hold up. What we had was what we both agreed on. We never even talked about a relationship. We simply satisfied each other’s needs, and that was it. We didn’t do relationship shit or even act like we were in a relationship. So don’t compare our shit to your shit with this dude. I’m sorry Bre, you know I never sugarcoat shit so I’m gonna give it to you straight. It almost seems as though you’re being played. You’re giving him relationship benefits on a friendship level. Everything about that is fucked up, and you know it.”

  I listened to what Jamon said, and it made sense. I loved Ziyon, and that went without saying. I wanted to be with him, but I didn’t want to make it seem like I was thirsty for him. I ran my hand over my face and rested my head on the steering wheel. I felt confused as hell.

 
; “I’m not here to tell you what to do. I can give you my advice and what I would do, but ultimately, the decision is up to you. If you’re satisfied with what you are to Ziyon, then so be it. Whatever you do, don’t wait forever.”

  I looked over at Jamon. I appreciated him more than he knew.

  “Thanks Jah. I appreciate this.”

  “There’s no need to thank me, Bre. I told you to call me whenever you needed me, and I meant that. We’ve been friends for years and nothing will change that. Go ahead and go get some rest. Text me when you’re home so I know you’re safe.”

  “Okay.” I reached over and gave him a hug. “Thanks again.”

  He climbed out of the car, and I watched as he walked back inside of his house. I took off and headed home. My phone rang a few times while Jamon was in the car, but I ignored it. I knew it was only Ziyon calling because I had been gone for almost a half hour and hadn’t called to let him know I was home. A few short minutes later, I pulled up to my house and killed the engine. I looked through the window and seen that all of the lights were off. I silently thanked God because I didn’t want to see either of my parents.

  The moment I walked in the door, my phone rang again. I rolled my eyes as I pulled it out of my pocket.

  “Yes Ziyon,” I answered, locking the door and walking to my room.

  “Where the hell you go once you left here? It doesn’t take that long to get home, Breionna.”

  I sucked my teeth and rolled my eyes as if he could see me.

  “Relax! I’m home now. I made a stop by Jamon’s house.”

  I kicked off my shoes as I walked into my room.

  “The fuck you stop by there for? You left here and said you were going home. Let me find out you’re fucking that nigga, Breionna.”

  I twisted my face. “Oh please, Ziyon. Ain’t nobody fucking Jamon! Go on somewhere.”

  “Yeah whatever.”

  He ended the call before I could say anything else. I hated when he did shit like this. He always accused me of shit when in reality I wasn’t doing anything. It sucked that he couldn’t see that I wanted nothing and nobody but him. I stripped everything off and threw myself on the bed. Before I could stop them, tears rolled down my cheeks. I sucked my teeth and looked at the time. I decided to text Azariah. I needed somebody to talk to, and I hoped that she was awake.

  Me: (1:42am) - hey, u up?

  Zari: (1:43am) – barely, but what’s up?

  Me: (1:45am) – I just don’t know what to do with Ziyon. I left his house because he was only in for a few hours before his boys came over and now he’s tripping because I stopped at Jah’s house before I came home.

  I waited for Azariah to respond as my phone rang again. Looking at the screen, I was surprised to see Ziyon calling. I contemplated answering or just letting it roll over to voicemail. At the last minute, I slid my thumb across the screen.

  “Yes?”

  “What you doing?”

  I softly chuckled. Ziyon was good for quickly changing his moods and attitudes. One minute he could be hot as a firecracker, and the next minute he could be as sweet as he wanted to be.

  “Laying in bed texting Azariah. Why, what’s up?”

  “I’m just asking. Ky and Day just left.”

  “Oh.” The phone became extremely silent. “Hello.”

  “Yeah. You tryna come back over?”

  I thought about it. I double checked the time, and I knew if I left, my parents would either hear me or call me once they found out I was gone.

  I sighed, “No, I’ll just come over in the morning.”

  “Are you serious?” He asked, sounding disappointed.

  “Very serious. I’ll come by in the morning and make you breakfast.”

  “Whatever Breionna.”

  “Damn Ziyon,” I said, slightly elevating my voice. “Why every time you don’t get your way, you throw a fucking fit? You act like your ass never heard the word no before. Had you not had your fucking sidekicks come over, I would’ve been there.”

  “Yo, relax yourself. I’ll talk to you later because I’m not about to sit here and argue with your ass at all. Call me in the morning.”

  “Whatever.”

  I hung up and tossed my phone to the side. This was the side of Ziyon that I hated. I had learned to deal with it, but it didn’t make it any less annoying. I wiped the rapid tear that slid down my face, rolled over and fell asleep.

  Chapter Six

  “Ah Yeah” August Alsina

  Ziyon

  The sunrays beaming through my window woke me up from the uncomfortable sleep I was in. I tossed and turned all night without Bre. This definitely felt weird as fuck. I checked my phone and was surprised to not have any notifications from Breionna. I sighed and climbed out of bed to head to the bathroom. I quickly handled my hygiene as I heard my front door open. Peeking my head out the bathroom, I noticed Bre closing and locking the door behind her.

  “Hey, you,” I spoke up first.

  “Hey. Good morning. I’m surprised you’re awake.”

  “What time is it?”

  Although I checked my phone for notifications, I hadn’t checked the time.

  “Like nine thirty.”

  I scratched my head in confusion. It was early as fuck. My days normally didn’t begin until almost noon.

  “So much for my surprise,” she said.

  “What surprise?”

  “I was gonna make you breakfast in bed before I went to work.”

  She walked over to the fridge and began pulling out the breakfast food I had. I stood and watched her move around the kitchen. Watching her work made me love and appreciate her even more. Damn near every morning, she made sure I had a hot breakfast.

  “I love you.”

  She turned around, looked at me and smiled. I wasn’t lying; I truly did love Breionna.

  “I love you too, Ziy.”

  I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist as she cooked.

  “Be mine,” I said in her ear.

  I held her tight to keep from moving.

  “What did you say,” she asked, breaking free and looking at me.

  I leaned down and placed my forehead against hers.

  “Be mine. You’ve been rocking with a nigga for a few months hard body. You know I love you, and I know you love me too. You make a nigga happy, ma. I can be myself around you. You’re always there for me when I need you, and you take care of a nigga.”

  She chuckled, and I watched a tear roll down her cheek. I wiped it with my thumb.

  “I’m just tired of saying you’re just my friend. I mean, you know you’re more than just that, and I know you’re more than just that, but it’s time we make it official.”

  “Ziy, don’t feel like you have to do this. I mean, I’m not saying that I don’t want to be with you because I do, but I don’t want you to feel like you’re pressured. Regardless, I’m gonna be here.”

  “If this wasn’t something that I wanted, I wouldn’t have even said it. You know me, I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. I also get what I want, and what I want is you. So what’s it gonna be? You gonna be mine or not?”

  I backed away from her to read her facial expression. I could tell she was shocked. Hell, I was shocked myself a little bit because I wasn’t tryna get into a relationship so soon, but I loved Bre. I also can’t make her pay for shit that Miranda did. Bre isn’t Miranda. Plus, I couldn’t even stomach the thought of Bre being with another nigga. After hearing that she was with that nigga, Jamon, I knew I had to do something. I knew Bre and that nigga had some sort of past. I don’t know if they have something going on, but I wasn’t willing to chance anything.

  “I’ve been yours, Ziy. I just been waiting for you to open your eyes and see the shit yourself,” she said, mushing my head.

  I smiled and walked over to kiss her.

  “I love you, ma.”

  “I love you too.”

  I kissed her again.

  “You
finish up here. What time do you have work?”

  “Eleven.”

  “Alright, well hurry up because we gotta cuddle before you leave.”

  “I doubt we’ll have that much time but whatever.”

  She smiled and turned around to go back to cooking. I left her to her business and went and took a shower. I had to smile to myself. I didn’t see myself being in a relationship a few short months after calling it quits with Miranda, but I knew I couldn’t expect Bre to wait forever. Bre was my present, and I wanted her to be my future, so it was only right to start here and now.

  I took a twenty-minute shower. I dried off and quickly threw on boxers, basketball shorts and a wife beater. As I walked back into the kitchen, Bre was sitting the plates on the table for the both of us. I sat in my normal seat as she grabbed juice from the fridge.

  “Thanks, ma,” I said, picking up the fork.

  I dug right in. Bre could throw down, and I appreciated it because a nigga like me couldn’t cook and didn’t have the time to learn. If it weren’t for her, I would be eating fast food all the time.

  “You’re welcome.”

  We didn’t say much of anything as we ate. Once we finished, she cleared the table and washed the dishes.

  “You driving to work, or you want me to drop you off,” I asked, walking back into the living room area with my sneakers in hand.

  “I’ll drive. I don’t want you to be in the middle of something when I get off and have to stop. Don’t worry about it.”

  “You sure? I don’t have a problem taking you.”

  “Yeah Ziyon, I’m sure.”

  “A’ight, when does school start again?”

  I loved and admired the fact that Bre had goals and continued working towards her degree. I would never try to stop her. She was a smart girl, and although I could financially take care of her and myself, I wouldn’t come in between what it was she wanted, nor would I force her to become reliant. She liked making her own money, and I loved how independent she was.

  “Couple more weeks. I’m gonna go tomorrow to pick up my books and stuff so I’ll be ready when they start.”