It's been 2 weeks since I've seen Leonardo or Mia, Mia was still away with her family and she said she'll return next week so I was holding things down at the office . I know I said I'd quit work but after thinking about it for what feels like forever, I decided to stay. The thought of job hunting again scares me and Reigns Inc pays well, it'd be ridiculous to give that up. I just finally got on my feet with a stable job and beautiful apartment, I just have to suck it up and put on my big girl panties. I have been avoiding Leonardo ever since the day we last seen each other, I was serious when I said I was keeping my distance from him. It's been hard putting on a front but it's something I had to do, I drowned myself in work to escape reality.

A knock on the door brought me back to reality, I set my book aside and dragged my feet to the door. I woke up early today because I couldn't sleep due to that so I've been reading my sorrows off.

"Who is it?" I said stretching, I feel like a zombie

"Girl if you don't open this damn door" I heard De'arra say on the other side of the door, I literally screamed before opening the door and jumping in her arms wrapping my legs around her waist. I missed my girl so much, it felt like years since I've seen her.

"Damn girl ! You look thicker from the last time I've seen you, this is the 'getting some good dick' weight" she said when I jumped down from her

"You haven't been back for 2 minutes De'arra " I said straight facing her, she smacked her teeth before waving me off.

"You know, I actually just got here like 45 minutes ago boo" she said in a 'matter of fact' tone, "but I wanted to check up on you and see how you were doing and stuff" she said with a gentle tone

"and stuff" I said mocking her before chuckling.

"Bitch don't come for my vocabulary now, I'mma light your black ass up " she said before we both laughed our butts off in the hallway.

"I can't breathe" I said while leaning on the wall as D laid on the floor calming down from her laughter, I turned to look at her and I couldn't help but smile at her.

"I'm glad you're home D" I said as she turned to look at me and smiled.

"I'm glad I'm home too sista" she said before standing on her knees and opening her arms to me, I chuckled at her.

"Come on now, bring it ." she said waving me over, I got on my knees and threw myself in her arms holding on for dear life.

"I know you're not okay Mandy, and it's okay to be sad sometimes,it's okay to be angry, it's okay to cry, IT'S IMPORTANT TO CRY! you don't owe anyone a brave face. Don't bottle it up, let it go babe" I couldn't contain myself anymore, I burst into tears in her arms as she rubbed my back.

"I don't know why I'm feeling this way, I don't know why I'm sad or upset. I don't know what to do D, I feel clueless as in what steps to take next and it's a shitty feeling" I said while sobbing, De'arra held on to me reassuring me that it was okay but I couldn't help but feel depressed

"I think you know why you're feeling this way but you're just in denial. The sooner you accept or come to terms with whatever is troubling you, the sooner you'll feel better." she said before kissing my forehead and massaging my scalp, she knew that it would calm me down. I was so grateful to have a friend like De'arra, to comfort me when I needed comfort the most.

" Thank you so much for always being there for me when I needed someone to rant to, I truly appreciate it D." I said as she wiped the tears off my face with her Versace scarf that she had wrapped around her neck.

"That's what friends are for sis" she said before squeezing my hands

"We probably look like idiots crying in the hallway on our knees" I said as we both laughed and helped each other off the floor.

"Let's have a picnic today" I said excitedly as I clapped my hands

"That's probably the brightest idea you've ever came up with" she said cheesing extra hard

"Okay, bitch get away from my front door" I said straight facing her

"I'm just joking baby" she said pouting

"Just be ready by 1" I said chuckling at her before waving her off, it's bound to be a good day.

"Today is actually a beautiful day, perfect for a picnic." De'arra said as we took the basket and cloths out of the car and entered the park. It wasn't crowded , which I'm grateful for because I honestly can't stand people. We chose a good spot and layed the cloths down and sat. I instantly kicked my shoes off, I love being bare feet. I set the picnic basket beside us and opened it ready to serve us.

"This basket is so cute Mandy, where did you get it from ?" she said using the 'Kardashian' tone

"Oh my gosh thank you, I bought it last week when me and Northy went to Target. I honestly like fell in love with it the moment I saw it, it's adorable." I said popping a grape in my mouth, my 'Kim Kardashian' mode taking over

"I can't believe you shop at Target Kim, I mean why would you?" she said mimicking Kourtney

"Kanye's sisters actually introduced me to Target when I went shopping with them, and I'm honestly glad they did. Like target is that song that you always skip but later find out that it's good." I said as De'arra laughed

"Bitch that doesn't sound like something Kim would say" she said before taking a bite of her sandwich

"Do they even shop at Target?" I questioned curiously, De'arra shrugged before sipping her coke

"Tell you what though, these are bussin'. I could have like 20 of them" she said as she did a little dance. For the picnic I prepared chicken sandwiches and cheese burgers and of course, I brought Doritos, Cheetos, Chester's, Ruffles and a bunch of other snacks.

"So how was your birthday ? and I want to see pictures boo" I said as I chewed on my burger and repositioned myself

"Girl it was so good, Ken spoiled me rotten. We spent the whole day shopping and doing fun activities until dinner came, he made reservations at some fancy restaurant. My man went all out for my birthday so when we got home, I instantly bust it open for Dzaddy. Girl he had me on the couch, floor, tub, kitchen counter, next to the fireplace, " she popped her mouth before continuing," Believe me when I say it was the best sex of my life " she said not holding back any detail

" what happened to the bed? "I said before chuckling at her

" What ? We totally forgot the existence of a bed " she said before sipping on her drink, this girl !

" I'm glad you guys enjoyed yourselves " I said genuinely while smiling at her

"It was good getting away from everyone and everything, anyway are you ready to tell me what has been troubling you?" she asked as she set her cup down and reached out to grab my hand, I took a deep breath before telling everything , except for the mafia part though.

A/N

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