My smile widens as I glance at my phone screen. I quickly peek at the left corner of my phone. 12:50, right on time. Quickly, I answer the phone not wanting to keep her waiting. "You rang?" I tease the brunette on the other line. She rolls her eyes in annoyance. She sighs and glances around before her pretty pink lips part.

"I'm very upset that you won't be coming home..." she trails. Letting out a breath she finishes her sentence, "Again."

I try my hardest to frown, "Yeah, I'm sorry. Times have been tough for a college student. My job has been keeping me busy as well. Maybe I'll be able to come home on Spring break."

Kathryn groans and throws her phone down. All I could see was the ceiling. "Casey I haven't seen you all fucking year" the woman hisses bringing the camera back to her face. My eyes scan over her features, slightly feeling shitty for possibly lying.

"You're seeing me now" I try to soften the blow. Her face becomes serious and annoyed with my comment. I raise my brows and quickly glance away in defeat. "I was so excited to see you for my birthday. Then you called and told me you couldn't make it because of work and I understand that. But fuck Casey, you could've told me earlier all the goddamn prices are jacked" the brunette rants.

And oddly enough she was super cute too.

The sound of my room door opening is heard but I ignore it. Or try to. "Are you packed? I'm loading everything into the truck" Chris groans tiredly behind me. I mute my mic and turn towards my housemate. His eyes grow in size realizing that I was on the phone with Kathryn. "Shit sorry, did she hear?"

I sigh and shake my head, "You better hope she didn't. I'll seriously cut your dick off this time" I spit. The dark-skinned boy chuckles, nodding his head. "Tell her I said hey and that I miss her."

I stare at my friend before acting betrayed, "You miss my girlfriend? Chris is there something I should know?"

The boy laughs and nods his head, "Oh please, Casey forgive me for I have sinned! I think- I think I'm str...aight. I'm so in love with Kathryn's p-" he tries to get the sentence out failing miserably. I unmute my mic, knowing that Kathryn would hear the juicy details. Chris sighs, "I am in love with Kathryn's Punani."

I pull my lips into a thin line, my eyes moving towards the phone. Kathryn furrowed her brows, "Tell Chris if he wants to pass for straight, maybe he shouldn't use the term punani. I can't take him seriously."

I burst into a fit of laughter and the boy flicks me off. He throws his dreads over his shoulder before exiting my room and slamming my door. Rolling my eyes, I turn my attention back to the brunette pouting.

"Casey, I miss you" the woman frowns. The confession causes my heartbeat to increase as my stomach twists into pleasant knots. I smile and open my mouth to respond but she continues. "But seriously, fuck you. I literally haven't seen you all damn year. When I said you could go to college 2 years ago, I meant with occasional visits."

"Sorry, do you want me to quit my job?" I question sarcastically.

The brunette groans, "Of course not, but can't they be a bit sympathetic or something? Even if to not come and visit me you need a break too. You can't work 24/7, especially when you're in college. Do you even sleep?"

I nod my head. The more we dwell on the subject, the shittier I feel. Once she discovers the truth, she'll probably kill me. But in the end, it'll be worth it. She won't want to kill me if she's too busy loving me.

Once again I'm pulled away from my phone. Groaning, I mute my mic and turn my attention to Chris who's entering my room once again. "I get you're on the phone with her but we're seriously running out of time. So get your shit together so I can finish packing the truck."

I glance around my room and nod my head. "Right. My bad, give me a sec" I dismiss my friend. He eyes me a bit longer before exiting my room. I unmute my phone once more, "I gotta go" I frown.

Kathryn rolls her eyes, "This is unfair, Casey. First I can't see you, physically. Now I can't even talk to you on the phone for more than 20 minutes? This is bull shit."

I offer a soft smile, "I know baby. I'll try to call you again, later. I promise."

"Whatever, Casey" is the last thing I hear from the brunette before she hangs up. I kiss my teeth and shove my phone into my pocket as I focus on making sure I had everything packed into my suitcase. Once I was done and sure I had all my belongings, I exit my room finding Chris at the table biting into an apple.

He shakes his head, "How long are you going to make Kathryn think you're not going home?"

I sigh, "Until the day of the event. I already called Josh and asked if we could stay with him and Sarah until then."

Chris continues shaking his head, "You are one evil bitch. Now let's go, I'm so ready to pay for overpriced airport food." I laugh in agreement, grabbing an apple as well. We exit the apartment, spotting our kind of friends next to Chris' truck. I groan and turn to the boy locking the door.

He notices where my eyes are and also lets out a frustrated groan. "What do you two want now?" he questions as we make it down the stairs. Kiana smiles and pats the door, "We bought tickets to go to Texas as well. So we decided to just ride with you guys to the airport."

I roll my eyes, making my way towards the trunk and shoving my suitcase inside.

"What flight?" I question, my eyes landing on the pale boy on the other side of the vehicle. He pulls out his phone and a few seconds later blurts out his answer. "Flight 345."

I want to cry. "Kill me god, just kill me now" I beg.

Kiana smiles once again, "Are we sharing the same flight? That's cool. Maybe we'll also be seatmates."

Shaking my head, I get into the passenger side. "Chris and I are seatmates. Plus I doubt you guys are anywhere near us as far as seating goes. We checked in extremely early."

Chris makes sure everything in the truck is secured before getting into the driver's side. Kianna and Aaron also get in, furthering my anger. I really disliked these two. At first, our friendship was great until Kiana tried getting me into her bed and I told her about my girlfriend.

And then last year she met her. It was a very bad experience for all of us but she and Aaron have been trying to get me to break up with Kathryn since then. It was always along the lines of 'She's 8 years older than you, wouldn't you rather date someone your own age?' or 'Long distance never works, one of them is always cheating.'

Before the two could further aggravate us, Chris turns on the radio and blasts the music. I roll the window down and allow the wind to blow against my face. The only person I could think about was Kathryn Howard. I did miss my family and friends but I missed her more. I seriously don't understand how I survived the whole year without being able to touch her.

But it'll all be worth it. If she wasn't going to be the one to kill me, for sure Emily or Edwin would.

"Casey" I hear and I turn my attention from outside to my friend beside me. He hands me his phone, "Connect the Bluetooth. I'm getting tired of these songs, they keep playing the same shit." I nod my head and do as asked. Once it's connected to Bluetooth, I search his playlist. My eyes land on a few familiar songs. I press the song gaining eyes from the dark-skinned boy.

He doesn't say anything and keeps his gaze on the road. I feel a buzz on my ass. Sighing, I pull my phone from my pocket, spotting Cane's name in my notifications. Unlocking the device, I click on the message.

Everything's reserved and ready. Kathryn's as clueless as ever and emotional

: Thanks, I owe you one. You better not go around telling anyone

: Wait, I wasn't supposed to tell anyone? Fuck, I gotta kill everyone now

: Shut up! I'll see you in a few hours, you're still coming to pick us up right? Because we may or may not have extras

: Extras? Wdym Extras?

: The two assholes I told you about are also going to Texas and knowing them, they probably don't have a ride from the airport or anywhere to stay

: Alright, I'm sure I can figure something out, you won't get here until like 6, so we're good. I'll text you later

We eventually make it to the airport. Chris parks his truck and we begin grabbing our luggage. "You're keeping your truck here for the whole winter break? Won't they tow it?" Aaron questions closing the trunk. The dark-skinned boy shakes his head as he shoves his phone into his back pocket, "A friend of mine is going to come pick it up and keep it at his place."

Going through the TSA goes over smoothly and after overpriced food, we board our plane.

"I'm so glad you're my seatmate" I smile at Chris. He nods his head before glancing around to spot Aaron and Kianna a few rows away from us. I lean my head onto the headrest of the seat, not entirely ready for this flight.

Oddly enough, I hate flying on planes. Though it is more likely to get into a car crash than it is to be in a plane crash. Still, it's terrifying. Yet if I had the ability to fly, I guess I would love it.

My grip on the armrest gets tighter when the flight attendants begin informing us about the flight and other things that are important knowledge for the flight. Here we go again. "You've got the ring, right?" Chris questions near my ear.

My eyes fly open, "No. Fuck, I forgot it on my dresser" I spit sarcastically. I eye him stupidly. "I'm just making sure. It would be embarrassing that you're setting all this up and forget the damn ring."

I pat myself down, feeling the box bulging from my jacket pocket. I grab it, exposing the velvety box. The person on side Chris leans over, eyes on the box curiously. For her, I open the box, exposing the expensive ring. I saved so much money for this, after this trip I will not have any money.

But it'll be so worth it. I close the box and stuff it back into my pocket.

"Whoever you're proposing to, she is one lucky lady" the woman beside Chris states. I smile at her and shake my head, "No ma'am. I'm seriously the lucky one."

- - - - -

"Fuck, is this Texas heat? I thought you were just fucking with me" Chris groans covering his eyes from the blistering sun. I nod my head with a smile, "This is home."

Immediately I regret my words as I feel a fist connect with my arm. My eyes widen as I glare at Cane to my left, "Fuck, have you been bodybuilding? That packed a lot of punch" I whine grabbing my arm and rubbing the sore part. The white-haired woman smiles before pulling me into a hug.

Something we don't necessarily do. "You must've missed me" I chuckle, hugging her back. Quickly she pulls away and runs her hand in her pixie cut, "Hell no. I thought you were someone else" she lies blushing and looking away.

I raise my brows playfully, "Something I need to tell Diana?" I joke. The woman rolls her eyes before they land on my friends behind me.

"Oh, right. Guys this is Cane. Cane this is from right to left, Kiana, Aaron, and Christian."

"Like your dad?" she questions causing me to nod my head. Chris had heard me tell him a dozen times freshman year that he and my father shared the same name which resulted in me referring to him as Chris.

The boy rolls his eyes, "It's a pleasure. Is Cane actually your name? Like cane sugar?"

Cane shakes her head with a smile, "My legal birth name is Jasabelle. But I prefer Cane like the sugar" she runs her hand through her naturally white hair.

"Your eyebrows are black, you're not fooling anyone" Kiana hisses disinterested in the woman. My friend shakes her head, "That's the asshole you were talking about? Yeah, she can't get in my truck, I'm like allergic to bitches."

Chris and I snort. But Cane is a nice woman so she actually allows Kiana to get into the truck. We all do. "So who all knows that you're here?" Cane questions.

"Just Josh, Sarah, and you."

The woman smiles, "Well, I feel special. When you first texted me I figured Emily would also be in the mix."

I shake my head, "Nah. I felt like she would end up telling Kathryn about it to make her feel better. I had all my trust in you for this, you seem more secretive."

Kianna leans between the passenger and driver's seat. "Casey, are you really going to go through with this? Your 'girlfriend' is almost 30 and you're barely 21. Eventually, things between you two are going to be awkward. The maturity level is very different."

Sighing, I roll my eyes. Was she ever going to drop the idea of breaking us up? It was getting old now. Cane ventures off the freeway and we're stopped at a red light. She turns towards the brown-skinned girl between us.

"Age doesn't really matter in a relationship as long as it's legal. Kathryn and Casey's relationship maturity level is top tier. They're going on 3 years and not a single fight. Arguments here and there. They've been through a lot together which has strengthened their love for each other. If you don't support them because you have a crush on Casey, then that's you. But I will not stand for you trying to break them up, they've already been through enough."

The corner of my lip curls upwards into a smile at the woman's words. She presses a finger against Kianna's chest, pushing her back. "Now sit back and shut the hell up. I don't have to take you anywhere, I'm doing it because Casey asked. You do not want to get on my bad side."

Fuck, no wonder Diana finds this woman so attractive. I've never seen Daddy Cane. And now I have. Damn.

Once we arrive at Josh and Sarah's house and I immediately notice Kathryn's silver civic in the driveway. I glance at Cane in confusion. Why the hell was Kathryn here? "Look, I'm just as startled as you are. Stay in the car."

Nodding our head, we watch as Cane exits the vehicle and make her way to the front door. I unbuckle my seatbelt and scoot down so that in any case, Kathryn wouldn't be able to see me. Things are not going according to plan.

"You mind as well let her know you're here. The more you lie about being in California busy with work, the less she's going to trust you" Aaron spits in annoyance that we have to hide.

"Shut the fuck up and stay out of sight" I hiss at the pale boy. My attention is brought back to Cane as I watch the door open revealing the brunette I had been dying to see. She smiles, taking in her friend before pulling her into a hug. She's so beautiful.

Suddenly the idea of hugging her takes over all my senses. I rest my hand on the handle, tempted to open the door and make me the cause of her smile. Damn. "What are you doing here? Since when did you and my brother start hanging out?"

Cane scratches her head, knowing she'd have to lie to her friend to get out of this awkward situation. "Since recent. He's great company, he and Sarah."

Nice save albino.

Kathryn smiles, "I was just about to leave. But it's good to see you. I need all the familiarity I can get since Casey isn't coming home... Again."

Hearing those words leave her lips sting and leave behind an acidic taste in my mouth. God, if only she knew that the girl she was talking about was hiding out in her friend's car. She'll probably kill me. The woman glances back and nods her head slowly. "Well, I'll see you around, yeah?"

Cane nods her head, watching my girlfriend walk away. I duck further down when she approaches her car and gets into the driver seat. Once she's gone, I let out a long breath and exit the car. That was close!

- - - - -

"You look weird" Josh smiles, leaning against the door frame. I frown at his statement before glancing in the mirror once again. The curly pixie cut was a new style for me, but I've been dying to have shorter hair. The afro curls I've been rocking since 15 was getting annoying to deal with, especially when I wanted to straighten it. Always took me at least 3 hours.

I turn back towards my brother-in-law, "It looks bad?" I question.

He shakes his head, pushing off the frame and entering the guest room. "Not bad, just weird. I'm used to the mop on top of your head."

I smile at his insult, knowing exactly what he meant. I stand and clear my throat. "Your family isn't here and I feel like a jerk for not inviting them. Today's a special day."

Josh waves me off, running a hand through his dark brown hair, "It's fine, Casey. I doubt they would come out for a engagement party. Plus, my parents hate Texas."

He had a point. They did not like this blistering heat. And it wasn't so much that it was heat, Houston is extremely humid. Humidity and heat do not mix well. "Chris and Aaron are ready. Sarah's trying to tame Kianna's wild kinks and we'll be ready in a few. Just tell me when you wanna leave."

I nod my head and watch the older man exit the room. Sighing, I glance back into the mirror. Today was the day. Shoving my hand into my pants pocket, I fondle with the box holding a $2300 engagement ring. I have worked so hard for all of this, of course with a pinch of financial support from my father.

Running my hand through my curls, I make sure my tuxedo is squared away. I knew that Cane and Emily were getting Kathryn and the rest of our friends ready as we speak. Today, nothing can go wrong.

Sighing once again, I exit the room. I spot Chris and Aaron in the living room. Chris is dressed in a tuxedo quite similar to mine but a darker shade of maroon and Aaron wore a black button-up with khaki slacks and his black oxfords. Honestly they both clean up very nicely.

"You got Kianna to braid your dreads?" I question, running my hand over Chris' head. He nods his head, "She gave me hell but it's done. I'm thankful. You look good, Casey. Kathryn's gonna love this."

Nodding my head, I move my eyes to Kianna who was exiting Josh's and Sarah's room. Surprisingly, she actually looks good. Not slutty like usual but good. I swallow and allow my eyes to meet hers after respectfully checking her out. She smirks, "You can have some before you commit to your girlfriend. I don't mind."

And she ruined it. I roll my eyes. Aaron pulls his best friend into him, "You actually look beautiful Ki. Please don't fuck it up by getting unbelievably drunk."

The girl smiles, "I cannot promise that."

A few minutes later and Josh and Sarah are exiting their room. I smile at the man. "You ready?" He questions, approaching me with a reassuring smile. I pull my hand from my pocket and wipe my sweaty palms against my slacks, "About as ready as I'll ever be."

Nodding his head, we all exit the house. I quickly take in the sight of Cane leaning against her car with a smile. "You look good, almost jealous of Kathryn" she spits, pushing herself off the car. Just a few words from her and the nervousness in my veins seem to vanish into thin air. "You look good as well. I've never seen your hair braided, it's usually down."

Cane shrugs, "Figured I'd look good for you. I know you like looking at me."

"Diana might, I just want you to shut up" I joke getting into her car.

Josh smiles at us, "We'll get there and make sure everything is set up. You can take all the time you need Emily said they'll arrive at 8:30."