I walked out of the airport, to the parking garage and got in my car. For the first time in a while, I felt at peace. I drove to my apartment and called Ralph. Our conversation was brief and he just decided to come over. I went to my room and started packing everything up. I turned on my Spotify and went to work. After an hour, Ralph was knocking at the door. I opened it to him and a very excited Reagan. They gave me hugs before following me to my room. I went back to packing and they began helping.

"Soooo..." Reagan started "How was your trip?"

"You sure know how to get straight to it Rae" I chucked "It was good... relaxing"

"What did you do?" Ralph asked without looking away from his box

"Well" I sighed "I spent most of my time in my hotel, at the spa, the beach.... and with my mom"

He stopped moving but it took him a second to look at me. Reagan excused herself as we stared at each other. Before he could speak tears began rolling down my face. He came over and pulled me into a hug.

"You shouldn't have gone there alone"

"I had to Ralphie. Everything was just getting worst and worst. I had to talk to her. I just felt like such a disappointment"

"But you shouldn't! Baby sis you're a bomb ass woman. You've overcome ever challenge that you've had to face. Resilience is your middle name. Auntie Naonni would be proud of you"

"How? Look at my life Ralphie! I am nothing to be proud of" I pushed him away "I was nothing to be proud of. But I talk to her and I promised I wouldn't be that anymore... I'm okay brother bear I promise" I wiped my tears away "I'm just happy to be taking my life back. Going back to who Micah was supposed to be. Before the bullshit, before Kane, before Paradise, and damn sure before David. I want to be the girl mommy and my mom can be proud of"

"I get it Micah... just don't do this soul search again"

We both laughed

"Why?"

"Because you know it's stressful as fuck for me not to be able to help you and fix it"

"You can't save me forever big bro... Sometimes I just have to save myself you know"

"Yeah" he sat on my bed "But what about this wedding gig? You think that's a good idea"

"Not in the slightest bit" I sighed "But Tim is the homie and that is you future sister-in-law. I thought I'd make you look good for the future in-laws"

"I just don't want to have to break his fucking jaw. He barely got spared the last time"

"If I'm good. You good"

"Then I promise you, we good"

I put my stuff down and gave my brother a hug. We didn't have many sentimental moments like this. He kissed my forehead before letting me go. We finish packing everything up within a couple hours. I called a moving truck to get all of my things moved out and into Layla's condo.

We left my apartment once all the things were in the truck and headed to Layla's condo. When we got there Layla and Alex were smoking as usually. Raphael went in joined in the rotation while Reagan and I talked on the stairs outside.

"So?" she asked

"So what?"

"David"

I shook my head "David"

"You know he's the best man"

"I didn't but I figured if he wasn't he'd still be in the wedding. I'm not worried about it honestly. I went home and I found my peace. I'm trying to be a better me"

"I love that babe" she hugged me "That's real big of you"

"I mean I'm not all of a sudden perfect... I just can't let go of who I am because of where I come from. I just want to be a better version of my hood-ratchet self"

We laughed before getting up and heading inside. The session was over and everyone was playing music. Layla was drums, Alex had the keys, and Ralph was always at his guitar. We sang different songs and bobbed out. An hour or so past before Reagan headed outside, meaning her sister and Tim were outside. We kept jamming and vibing it out.

"I'm the only one, you're the only one. Together forever! I'm talking bout forever! Ever!" I sang "Together til never! Yeaaaaaa yeaaaa!"

"Wow!" I heard clapping from behind me

I turn to see Tim and a cute mini Reagan.

"That was amazing B" Tim walked up to me and hugged me "I never knew you could sing"

"Thanks Tim" I laughed before we let go "Congratulations on the wedding"

"Thanks. This is my girl Live. Baby this is B"

"Micah" I laughed shaking her hand "Nice to meet you"

"You too. So you're Ralph's sister"

"Yep"

"Oh and this is Layla and Alex" Reagan pointed "They will be saving your music-less wedding"

"Thank you guys so much"

"It's no problem" Ralph took off his guitar "Anything we can do specifically for the big day"

"Well" she pulled out a jump drive "These are the songs I want sung throughout the reception. Feel free to improvise any love songs. The first song is the song I'll be walking down the isle too. All I need is you guys to come to the dress rehearsal and be an hour early for the wedding"

"Cool we got you Miss Bride-to-Be" Ralph chuckled "Don't stress it. You can fire us as much as you like too"

"Oh my God! I wouldn't do that!" Olivia held her face "You guys sound amazing you should really do more events"

"We dibble and dabble but nothing serious" Layla laughed "Everyone has a higher passion this is just fun for us you know"

"So what are these deeper passions?" she asked

"Art" Ralph said "Me, Layla, and Alex are artist. We do tattoos. Layla sells paintings too. And Alex and me do a comic book"

"Wow! What about you?" she asked me

"Oh" I smirked "Umm honestly I'm still figuring it out myself"

"Bullshit!" Alex said "Don't believe her ole 'I'm so humble ass'! B does it all! She sings, she writes poetry, she dances----"

"Don't forget she got 4 damn degrees!" Layla laughed

"I don't have 4 degrees!"

"Yeah you have 2" Ralph said

"Not helping Ralph"

"You sound like you're pretty fucking awesome" Olivia laughed "Don't be so modest"

"I'm----"

My phone rang and it was Carmen. I promised her we would go out so she could show me some surprise. I looked at Ralph and he nodded in understanding. I apologize before leaving and heading outside. Carmen was in her car with a huge smile on her face. She got out and we hugged for all the hugs missed since I was gone. We broke into laughter before getting in the car and heading to her house.

When we got there my mouth dropped. It was clearly not the house I remember. I looked at Carmen as she just laughed.

"Damn I know you said baby boo was a doctor but damn!"

"He's a PCP! His dad is a plastic surgeon so yeah"

"Well damn! Maybe there is something to loving these hoe ass niggas"

"B!"

"What? You know I'm---"

"You're serious!"

We got out the car and headed inside. The outside was amazing but the inside was breathtaking. Carmen loved interior design and art so I already knew she was responsible for the amazing interior look. We toured the house and talked about life. Being with Carmen reminded me of who I was before I got complacent. I slowly felt disappointment in myself. Carmen always could sense it from me though.

"What's wrong now?" she asked handing me a bottle of water "You went on like hush mode since we came back downstairs"

"I'm just thinking"

"About?"

"Life"

"Don't give me those lil one word, I'm talking to a trick at the club, answers"

I broke into laughter "My bad Car. I'm just thinking.... We started dancing at the same time. We went to class together. We worked together. We graduated.... but I got complacent.... I got stuck. You kept pushing for the goal. And I got lost in the life"

"You think you the only person it's happen to? Girl chill. You were grinding and hustling. Nobody knows your story or your past. I do. Let me say, I was happy for you.... maybe not about the whole D situation" we both laughed "But seriously, you were saving and working and hustling like no other. You were doing what you set out to do. Yeah you got complacent but it was because you was making the money and you were dancing, something you love"

"Yeah but that wasn't the goal"

"You want to be a superhero social worker. But that doesn't change that a huge passion of yours is dance. How many people are out here living they dreams and goals"

"You are!"

"Because I met Keith" she shrugged "And contrary to what you think, for a while he was just taking care of me. I was bumming the fuck out of life. I just stopped dancing. Keith makes money and wants a woman that will be here when he gets home"

"That domesticated shit"

She laughed "Yes! And I was willing to give him that for a while.... then I couldn't but when we talked about it we both realize I can live out my dreams and do my passions while still giving him the woman he wants"

"Well we all can't come up on a wealthy doctor!"

"Whatever"

"Let's not talk about it anymore anyway!" I got up "Tell me about the show Ms. Artist"

"It's a surprise! But I will say you inspired at least three!"

"Ooooh aint I special"

"You know it boo! Especially since your best friend hook you up with a dress"

"Carmen!"

"What? I know if I had asked you wouldn't have let me buy it! So now it's here and you gotta wear it!"

"Fuck you!"

"Your brother did!"

"Ewwwww!" I threw my water at her "Never say that again"

"Ehh" she shrugged "Not my greatest accomplishment, but it shuts yo ass up"

I threw up the middle finger before walking out the kitchen. We sat around talking and watching tv until it was time to get ready. I headed to the guest room to get dress while Carmen and Keith got ready upstairs. After bathing in the best Jacuzzi tub ever and lathering up, I slipped on a beautiful black dress. I added some jewelry and make up before walking to the foyer.

"Bitch!" Carmen screamed as she came downstairs "You better be fine!"

"Me! Hoe look at you!"

"Photo shoot!"

We ran off and took pictures before Keith got downstairs.

@QueenB: When bestie is a baddie babe #Bad&Boujee

@QueenB: Been a while but the Queen is back Slaying All Day #Bad&Boujee

We laughed as Keith came downstairs. He hugged me before kissing Carmen. I was happy for my girl but the envy cloud was definitely floating over me. I shook my head and walked outside getting in the back of Keith's truck. We rode to the art gallery presenting Carmen's art. There were photographers outside of the gala as we pulled up. My best friend officially lived in a different world from me. We headed inside and I just followed behind them. After about fifteen minutes I drifted off to the bar for a drink.

"What kind of tequila do you have?"

"We got a few" the bartender responded

"Clear 1800?"

"Yes ma'am"

"Okay, give me that with some juice. Any kind"

"Coming up"

I stood there waiting for my drink over the night already.

"How does someone so beautiful look so disinterest in being her" a guy spoke beside me

I looked over at this pretty cute man, but his comment clouded my mind.

"Because I'm not" i got my drink "Thanks love"

I gave the bartender a tip before walking away. I walked around and looked at the works of various artist. After a few minutes I ended up in front of Carmen's work. It was a picture of a girl but she was all broken. When I looked closer it was me. It was so beautiful, but it was a slap at my reality.

"Beautiful isn't it" the guy from early was back at my side

"Yep"

"Interested in it? The artist is the fiance of a friend of mine"

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'm sure she'd cut a good deal for me"

"Well she's my best friend and I'm sure she wouldn't"

He chuckled "Wow. So beautiful but so cold"

"So uninterested"

"Well----"

"Look, you're not my type. I'm sure you can find a lovely woman who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth that will find your attempt at spitting game so charming. I on the other hand have grown beyond tired of this conversation. I'm nicely asking you to walk away and not come back"

He chuckled "Another one of those kind of female. I get it"

"And what kind of female would that be"

"Too lost in your attitude and ego to see when a real man is trying to be nice"

"Real man? Sir a real man would have walked away when I say I'm not interested instead of trying to insult me to inflate his egoistical ego. A real man would have come with better conversation than your sorry ass game. And a real man would walk the fuck away----"

"A real----"

"There you are!"

A gorgeous man in a tux walked pass the asshole and over to me. He kissed my check and I was stunned.

"I'm so sorry gorgeous! They act like the office can't function without me"

"Umm no problem" I laughed a little as a played along

"Is this a friend?" he looked at the guy and extended his hand "How you doing man? I'm Travis"

"Garrett"

"Garrett is a friend of Keith's. He was just speaking"

"Yeah" the asshole said "Nice to meet you both"

He sucked his teeth before walking away. The stranger known as Travis smirked as he faced me.

"Umm thank you I guess" I laughed

"Well, I kind saw your face at the bar when you shot him down. Then I overheard your conversation" he titled his head "Didn't think the whole pretend you're my girl thing would work"

"Well it did. Thanks"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Seems I might regret this, but sure"

"It it you?"

"Umm what?"

"The girl" he faced that painting "If you put the pieces together, it looks creepyly similar"

"Yes" I chuckled "It is. Carmen's my best friend so yeah"

"Wow. It's a beautiful collection"

"Collection?"

"You haven't seen the others"

"No umm I just walked around, this is her first piece I'm seeing"

"It tells a beautiful story"

"Really"

"Yeah. When you see them all you should tell me if the story is true"

"I will"

"Great. I love to know how it ends"

He smirked before he walked. I was stunned at the charisma this man put on me. I kept walking through the gallery seeing more of Carmen's art. There were three pieces of me. The broken woman was the middle. A painting of me with the world on my head like an African queen caring a basket was first, and the last were the two put together, I was put together with cracks and scars but the world under me like a stool. I literally broke into tears seeing the last piece.

I wiped my eyes as Carmen walked over to me. I hugged her tightly and told her how proud of her I was. She always knew what to do to make me feel better. Knowing she thought so high of me was too much. Carmen and I got another drink before heading to the front were the artist were to speak. When it was Carmen's turn she hugged me and kissed Keith before stepping to the mic.

"Umm thank you all so much. This was my first show. I want to thank my amazing fiance for his support and love. I would have never even tried to achieve my dream if it wasn't for you. I love you so much. And my best friend, you've pushed me more than anyone to always go for my dreams. You even became my muse without knowing it. Thank you for allowing me to surprise you with my works. Thank you for showing me what a strong woman is capable of. And thank all of you for enjoy my work and supporting it. All of my collections, minus Queen of Paradise, are for sell. Hopefully there will be more at the next showing. Thank you"

Everyone clapped and cheered before the owner went up and spoke. He ended the night and everyone start to mingle their way out of the door. Carmen and I hugged and I congratulated her again. When I let her go, Keith was behind her talking with Mr. Man Travis, who was licking his lips at me.

"Girl!" Carmen nudged me "Who got your eye"

"No one"

She looked back at Keith and smirked at me instantly.

"Travis?"

"Who?"

"Bitch Please! Travis!"

"He just asked me about the pictures of me"

"Girl Travis is good people. He's a cool guy. Gone work your magic on him"

"I'm not working anything on anyone"

"Come on"

"What? No---"

"Come on!"

She pulled me over to him and Keith who stopped the conversation with chuckles as soon as we stopped moving.

"Travis! Thanks for coming" Carmen hugged him "I really appreciate it"

"You know I'm always here for the arts. And to support a friend"

"What did you think of it Micah?" Keith asked

"You know I love all of her works. Even if it is my naked ass"

"They were beautiful depiction" Travis spoke "So do I get my answer?"

"Maybe you should ask the artist"

"Ask the artist?" Carmen raised her eyes brow

"Yeah" he smirked "I asked was the story true"

"Micah?"

"I mean" I smirked with my nervous laughed "I definitely say the beginning and middle were facts of my life.... but I'm still living to see if that will be the end. But I am.... honored and touched that my amazing best friend sees me in such a light"

"I see"

"It just left out how savage she is" Keith joked

"Oh whatever. You have yet to see the true savage in me Keke"

"Low blow Mike!"

"Oh you love me Keke"

"The sister I never wanted"

"But will forever have with my sis on your arm"

"Lucky him" Travis smirked at me

We chatted a little more before it was time to go. Travis continued to flirt but nothing to excessive. We it was time for us to leave he gave me a nice strong tight hug that made me week at the knees. Just before he let me go he gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Hope this means we'll met again" he whispered in my ear

"I'm not a hard girl to find Travis" I whispered

I kissed his cheek as he did mine before getting in the car with Carmen. He shook hands with Keith and waved before heading to the vale with his car keys. I broke into laughter with Carmen knowing we were thinking the same thing: The Queen still got it!