"Do you think I'm too hard on her?" My mother referred to Makayla and her dancing aspirations. Personally, I believed my mother was being way too hard on her. The girl is just too talented to not be dancing.

"I believe so. Just let her dance and go to a recital.. It just would mean the world if her mother showed up." I replied as I sat the Caribbean rice on the table. I smiled at my mother's attempt to cook it. My father was half Cuban and Bajan. This was his favorite dish to make which was the hardest for my mother to cook.

We were transferring the food to the dining room. My mother had fixed dinner for the family and my friends. I wasn't sure if my friends were going to show up after what happened last night. Nonetheless, I sent the mass text and prayed for the best.

My mother ran her hands through her curly hair, sighing softly. I could tell that she had been thinking long and hard about this. Something told me that this was something much deeper. She was withholding information. My mother wasn't a bad person. However, she was stubborn as heck. Makayla inherited her ways which is why they were at each other's necks. Neither one of them wants to let up on their stance.

"We'll see." She finally said.

I nodded my head. "Where is she anyway?"

"She's at Howard for the week for some type of science program." She replied.

Her eyes glanced to the floor which caused me to quickly pick up my purse, and sit it on the table. My mother believed that if you lay your purse on the floor, you will become broke. She never allowed us to do that. She also thought that it was unladylike.

She cautiously touched my ear, looking at me. "Is it getting worse?"

I shook my head. "No ma'am. It seems to be getting better to me. But, I have a doctor's appointment this week so I will see for sure." She only nodded her head, giving me a smile.

The doorbell rung causing her to perk up. "Oh, that must be Maya and Brian."

"Good, I haven't seen Brian in so long." I sung as I went to open the door.

Brian was like the brother I never had. I grew fond of him when Maya first introduced us to him. He's funny, witty, and fun to be around. He reminds me so much of my dad which is why I think Maya adores him. They do say that you date your the man that reminds you of your father in someway, good or bad.

I swung the door open, looking at the two lovebirds. Maya turned to look at me with a smile on her face. "Sister dear." I hugged her and she placed a kiss on my head. I moved to Brian, slapping him on the arm.

"The King sisters are all abusive I see. Must be a family trait." He said, holding his arm in a dramatic fashion. He hit me back causing me to giggle. "Wassup kid?"

"Hey Brian, how are you?" I asked, closing the door behind them. Maya quickly moved into the kitchen to speak to mother. I peered up at Brian and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm good. How's school?" He asked while we joined Maya and mother in the kitchen.

"School is good. It's been an eventful freshman year."

He rose his eyebrow up at that statement. I quickly shook my head shooting down any accusations he was about to make. He pointed his finger at me giving me a warning. I laughed lightly before gently pushing him out of the way although he didn't move. Brian was the kind of men you run from because you would be afraid that he'd mess up your life. However, he was the opposite. He stood 6'4 with a 200 lb frame, dark chocolate exterior with one of those famous beards. He wore his hair in a lowcut and showed off perfectly aligned, white teeth.

"Hey mama!" He cooed as he placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Hey baby." She said, returning the favor. "How are you two?" My mother asked as she scanned over the food to see if she was missing something. I was pretty sure that she was going to make a fruit salad because that was her favorite thing to eat.

Maya shrugged her shoulders, sighing softly. "Everything is good. The wedding planning is kicking my derrière, though." She replied, placing her purse in the living room on top of the fireplace. Brian rolled his eyes.

"I don't know why you're stressing over this wedding." He said looking at her as she walked back into the kitchen. She gave him a look before going to the sink to wash her hands. Brian and Maya have been engaged for a little over a year and a half now. The plan was to get married right after they graduated undergrad.

"Maybe you guys should hold it off until after medical school." My mother chimed in while making her fruit salad.

Brian threw his hands up in agreement as if what my mother said was in the Bible. Maya sighed in annoyance, shaking her head. "Thank you mama. I've been trying to get her agree to that. No need to rush because I'm not going anywhere. I only want to ruin her life and her life only." He chuckled.

My mother joined in and so did I. Maya didn't find that funny, though. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

Seeing that Maya wasn't laughing, we all stopped. Maya was usually the one who was so perky and happy. This was out of the norm for her. "Why do you want to rush this wedding, baby?" My mother asked, placing her hand on Maya's shoulder.

Maya shook her head as the doorbell rung. "It's nothing. I guess we'll wait until after medical school." She shrugged her shoulders, motioning for Brian to go get the door. He did just that. Maya's demeanor didn't show that she was okay with that decision. Something was bothering her that made her want to have this wedding soon. I looked at her, trying to read her eyes. Yet, she gave nothing away. Instead she gave me a look of "let it go."

I could hear Danielle's voice which made me brighten my mood a little bit. I quickly went to greet her. As I walked around the corner, I saw her making googly eyes at Brian. I laughed, shaking my head at her. She'd always had a crush on him. "Hey D. I'm glad you're here."

She turned her head, forming a smile on her face. She walked over and gave me a hug. "Hey boo." She pulled away. "You know I wouldn't miss your mother's cooking for the world. Especially not over no bs." She said while rolling her eyes. "He's coming too. He told me in one of his many apologetic texts."

"Oh I bet." I snorted. "He was being a jerk."

"Girl. Don't get me started." She said laughing. I took her hand and led her into the kitchen. "Hello Mrs. King." She greeted my mother, hugging her from behind and giving her a kiss to the cheek.

"Hey darling. How are you?" My mother greeted as she turned around to get a proper hug.

"Everything's ok. I can't complain." She nodded and looked around. "The food smells good! Can we eat??"

"No, there are other guests arriving." Maya smirked. Danielle playfully rolled her eyes before going to give Maya a hug. "You're looking beautiful today. Looks like some form of glo."

My mother looked at her. "Are you pregnant?" She blurted out.

Danielle eyes widened. "Nooo, Mrs. King. No ma'am. No."

Everyone laughed at her response. Danielle hated kids so much. It'll be a shock if she came up pregnant because she didn't want them. I'd have to pray for the poor child if she were. The doorbell rung again signaling that Randy had made it. I ran discreetly to go open the door. Once it was opened, it revealed two guests.

"Hey Randy." I greeted, then my eyes landed on Khari. "Hi."

"Wassup? I hope you don't mind me bringing Khari." Randy said apologetically.

In fact, I did mind. He wasn't technically a friend of mine and my mom had only met him yesterday—by mistake. Yesterday, I felt my heart drop a little. The sight of Khari and Karmen dancing last night and the sight of her kissing him made me a little...sour. I chastised myself for spying, but I couldn't help it. I don't know why I had to fight off the jealous rage within me. It wasn't like we were together.

However, I understand why Karmen was jumping at the chance. He was a fine piece of specimen. That was something I no longer could discredit. I looked at Randy, shaking my head. "It's cool." I said simply, moving out of the way so they could come in.

"Wassup?" Khari spoke as he walked into the house.

I looked at him up and down before closing the door. He was just fine for no reason. "Hello."

I led them into the kitchen where everyone was. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Khari checking out the place and my backside. Or at least I thought I did. "Hey Mrs. King." Randy greeted, giving her a hug as he glanced at Danielle who never looked in his direction. She went immediately to Khari, giving him a hug.

Randy and Khari had made up, but it was going to take a lot for Randy to get through to Danielle.

"And this is Khari, am I right?" My mother asked, smiling up at him since he towered over her.

He smiled genuinely, nodding his head. He acted so differently around women especially my mother. Maybe it's because he seemingly never got along with his father and adored his mother, from what I could tell. "Yes ma'am." He extended his hand, but my mother pulled him in for a hug. He returned the favor.

When they pulled away from each other, I pointed towards Maya and Brian. "Khari, this is my sister Maya and her fiancé, Brian."

Maya stood up, hugging him briefly. She looked at me as she hugged him and mouthed 'he so fine.' I rolled my eyes instinctively. "So, you're the guy that Malia has told me so much about! Please, have a seat." I cut my eyes at her as Khari shook hands with Brian before taking a seat. She smirked at me causing me to groan inside. We all joined him at the dinner table and the only other seat left was to seat beside him, so I did.

"Good things I hope." Khari said, returning his eyes back on me.

I quickly glanced at him before bowing my head. My mother said a quick prayer over the food and everyone dug in. My eyes landed on Maya who was eating like she hadn't ate in years. I wasn't the only one who noticed as Brain looked at her like she was crazy. Maya was usually the lightest eater.

Pregnant, I thought.

My sister was pregnant which would be a good thing in a sense. However, not in the eyes of our mother. A baby will stop her from going to medical school and our mother didn't believe in sex or kids before marriage. She had pretty high standards for her daughters, but who didn't? Maya just committed the other ultimate no no. At least if my senses are correct.

I shook the thought out of my mental and focused back on my plate. The sound of forks hitting the plates were music to my ears. No one spoke, everyone just ate. I believed in eating, not talking. I cut a piece of my tilapia, popping it into my mouth.

"When is the last time you heard from Duane?" My mother blurted out, piercing her eyes through me. I didn't miss when Khari's head rose up when he heard the name. I looked at my mother pleading for her to let this go, but she didn't.

"Last week." I sighed, flickering my gaze elsewhere.

My mother adored Duane and she always believed that we'd be married with kids in the future. She's advocating for him as well because she believes that that's the guy for me. I wasn't too sure about that, though. I think it's also because she is extremely close with his family. She was the reason I met Duane. She and his family were colleagues so they always remained close.

"Give the boy another chance." She reasoned.

"Mom." I whined. She laughed at me and turned her attention to Brian who was on his phone. "Brian, I know you're not on that phone." My mother said slitting her eyes at him.

He looked up with caution before sticking it back into his pocket. "I'm sorry mama. I am trying to get some things finalized for UNC."

My mother eyebrows rose up. "I thought you were attending Duke, too?"

He shook his head. "I hate Duke. It's not far from Duke, though. I can't be away from my baby." He threw his arms around Maya giving her a kiss on the cheek. She tried to hide her smile, but it was no use.

"Could you pass me the Salmon?" Danielle looked at Randy harshly.

He sighed, but did what was asked. She snatched it right out of hands and placing a piece on her plate. I think them sitting beside each other was a bad idea. "Is everything ok?" Brian asked, looking at them two.

Randy looked up, nodding his head before looking back down at his plate. Brian didn't believe believe him, but left the conversation alone. He looked at Khari then at me. I shook my head signaling to him that we were not dating.

"So, Khari..." Brian started. "Are you from here?" Maya looked up at Khari as she placed a piece of chicken in her mouth.

He looked away from his plate and focused on Brian. "No, I'm originally from New Orleans." Brian nodded his head.

"I figured. Your accent gave it away. Just was making sure."

"A southern boy all the way here to attend Georgetown? I'm sure your parents miss you." Maya stated..

"Maya, I—"

Khari interrupted. "It's cool Malia." He looked at me before looking back at Maya. "Not really. I came to school up here to get away from my father and play basketball. And my mom was killed when I was thirteen.."

"Oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear that." Maya placed her hand over her mouth. "Trust me, we know your pain."

Khari furrowed his eyebrows up in confusion. "What do you mean?"

At that moment, I realized that I hadn't shared with Khari that I lost my father to a gun shot. However, it was during war.

"It's just we have lost loved ones in a senseless act as well." My mother blurted. She caught on to the fact that I hadn't told him so she gave me a chance to do so, on my own time.

"So what's your major?" Brian asked, shifting the conversation.

"Architecture." He said simply. I looked at him, lifting up my eyebrows. That was something I didn't know. A basketball player majoring in Architecture was unheard of. It seemed to me that he had a backup plan just in case things didn't go as planned. Although, I'd heard that he was one of the top prospects in this year's draft right along with Duane.

Brian nodded his head. "My best friend just completed his internship at one of the top Architect firms in Maryland, Frank & Co." He sat his fork down, digging into his pocket and pulling out a card, handing it to Khari. "That's his business card. You can call him and tell him that you know me if you ever need an internship."

Khari retrieved the card out of his hand, nodding his head in appreciation. Brian looked back at Randy. "Randy don't forget to apply for that internship at Editz. I'm pretty sure you will be able to get it."

I smiled at how helpful Brian was. He barely knew Khari and was willing to help him get an internship.

"That's a lovely field to be in, though." My mother added. I could see that she was impressed so far.

"Yes ma'am, I know. I've done my research. It's something I've been interested since I was a little boy." Danielle chuckled causing everyone to look at her.

"I'm sorry. I just thought about something, don't mind me." Her and Khari shared a look before laughing. I envied their friendship because she knew more about Khari than anyone. Yes, I was jealous.

"Hm." My mother took a sip of her water.

Maya leaned forward. "This is the rude individual Malia? He seems great to me." I cut my eyes at her again. She's been pushing it all day.

"I'd like to think that we passed that." Khari interrupted with a smile on his face.

I nodded my head, taking another sip of my tea before cutting my eyes back at Maya.

"Are you two dating?" My mother finally asked. Every head snapped in her direction as she looked at both Khari and I.

I shook my head. "No, mother. He's just a friend."

"A very close one." Maya added sipping on her tea.

Khari chuckled because of course he thought it was funny. Randy and Brian had joined in too. My mom looked at Khari and I a little longer before she started talking to Danielle. Khari started engaging in a deep conversation with Maya about the books they've read. It seemed as if he was out of her league. He named books that she had no knowledge of causing her to be impressed.

"Omg! I love that book. You're like the brother in law I've always dreamed of having." She exclaimed loudly.

"Maya." I whined.

Khari looked to be amused. Randy joined in on the conversation as well, but Khari and Maya was out of his league. He quickly started a conversation with Brian. Danielle looked at me with a smirk on my face and we talked through codes since we weren't near each other. I glanced at Khari who seemed to be really enjoying the book conversation. I didn't know he was so into reading.

My mother leaned over, catching my attention.

"Are you sure you don't like him, sweetheart?" She asked.

I looked at her curiously before nodding my head. "I'm sure, mother. We're just friends." I said confidently.

She slightly chuckled as she shook her head. "Darling, friends don't steal glances at one another. Friends do not, and I repeat do not, linger their eyes on each other for ten minutes. You looked like me when I first laid eyes on your father. And that's scary because you never looked at Duane that way." She whispered.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I was speechless. I had no comeback for that one. Was she right? Who knows.. She leaned away, giving me a look before entering Khari and Maya's conversation. Did she just read me?

~

I watched as Maryland came for warmups. I was here for the annual rival game between Maryland and Georgetown. Duane had invited me to come see him play since we were back on speaking terms. We've been talking all week which made us realize how we've missed each other as friends, first.

"Woo!! Let's go Khari!!" Danielle screamed.

My eyes glanced over at him as Georgetown made their way out. "The man is fine." I heard Makayla mumble. I looked beside me at her, and she just shrugged her shoulders.

"Wassup baby girl?" I looked up to see Duane standing in front of me with a grin on his face. "I'm glad you could make it seeing that you've been hella busy all week."

I stood up, giving him a quick hug before answering him. "Well, I didn't have anything else to do. Plus, I wasn't going to stay in on a Friday night." I chuckled.

"Good, we'll make quick work of your school even though you're going for me." He smirked causing me to smirk back.

"Mhmmm."

Danielle cleared her throat causing me to look back at her. Duane looked down at her, holding out his hand. "Good to see you, D."

"Danielle, to you." She glared at him. "And the feeling isn't mutual." I watched as Duane slowly put his hands down, giving me a questioning look. I shrugged my shoulders lightly and cursed mentally once I noticed Khari heading in our direction. Duane had engaged in a conversation with Makayla to catch up.