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I was sleeping soundly until something jolted my body awake. I ignored it because I assumed I was hallucinating. The second time, however, the tremor felt quite genuine, and I awoke to find Rubi hovering over me. I massaged my eyes to get a better view of Rubi.

She had a troubled expression on her face. "Right now, you need to come downstairs."

I leapt to my feet so swiftly. "What the hell is going on? Right now, you're terrifying me."

She yanked me from my bed. "Come on, let's go. Come downstairs in your pajamas to see what's going on."

I changed into my pajamas and pulled my hair back into a haphazard ponytail because it was all over the place. My heart felt like it had dropped all the way to my feet as I headed downstairs. At the bottom of the steps, I spotted my mother. She appeared enraged, which I can understand given that I hadn't spoken to her in a few days.

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I proceeded down the final flight of steps, and we both stared at each other for a few moments. I'm at a loss for words because I wasn't expecting her to show up. I should've expected this day to arrive sooner or later.

I started tinkering with my fingertips. "Hey, mommy." In hushed tones, I said.

She motioned with her hand for me to zip it up. "Don't you hey mommy me. I've been calling for you for days and you haven't returned any of my calls. I sent Rubi here to check on you, but neither of you attempted to call me and tell me what was going on. I've been concerned about you for a long time."

I let out a sigh. "I've been very busy doing things okay, Mom. That is why I was unable to contact you."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Busy doing what? Your school contacted me to inform me that you have not completed any of your online assignments. You'd better tell me what's going on, Angel. It's not like you to abandon your studies."

"Look, mom, it was completely my fault. I made her go to parties every night and force her to become drunk, which resulted in her missing some of her assignments. Please accept my apologies." Rubi addressed her.

She gave Rubi her undivided attention. "Why would you do that, Rubi? Those classes are critical for her. Everyone doesn't want to be like you, Rubi. Nobody wants to be an alcoholic, and no one wants to party like you do every night. Some individuals have dreams."

Rubi had a sad expression on her face as she gazed at her. "Mom, you know what. Since we were little, Angel has always been your favorite. You've always wanted Angel to outperform me. You always place Angel on a higher level than me and minimize me. Is this why you gave her dad's house instead of me? Because you believe I'm a alcoholic?"

I take a position in front of them. "Please don't get into a fight."

Rubi shoved me out of the way and walked right into our mother's face. "No, Angel, let her respond to the question. Do you really think I'm an alcoholic?"

With a straight face, our mother looked at her. "I believe you are an alcoholic, and I feel you need professional assistance."

Rubi chuckled softly. "I wish my father was here. Perhaps he would have loved me more than you did."

Rubi dashed up the stairs and into one of the rooms. When I returned my gaze to my mother, she maintained her expression. Rubi and our mother have a lot of run-ins. They do get into a heated debate. Rubi has been like this since she was a teenager. My mother was always too direct with Rubi. I'm not sure why she does that to her.

My mother received a shake of the head from me. "Why would you say something like that to her?" You know how she reacts when you bring that up?

My mother shrugged her shoulders. "I mean, Angel, it's the truth. She is deserving of hearing it. Maybe by hearing the truth, she'll be able to fix her act."

"However, you don't have to be so cruel. You could've told her in a more pleasant manner. You're well aware that you've harmed her feelings."

She let out a sigh. "If I speak to her in a pleasant manner. She's not going to pay attention to me. She'll be right back to repeating the same error."

My mother's shoulder was cradled in both of my hands. "You have to understand, Mom, that she is only human. I understand Rubi is difficult to teach, but it is your responsibility to help her grow as a person. You don't have to be that cruel, as I already stated. You need to show her that you care about her sentiments, because you're now demonstrating that you don't."

She breathed deeply. "Ok. I'll go up there and apologize to her and tell her how much I care for her. I apologize if I came across as disrespectful. All I want for her is for her to achieve in life and to be someone. Angel, you are aware of my actual intentions."

I cracked a grin. "Yes, I am aware of your intentions. Please go tell her now."

She was about to walk upstairs with her bags when she looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Where has Tom gone? When I knocked, I expected him to open the door, but Rubi answered instead, and he would have grabbed my bags for me."

I chuckled nervously. "Um, I told him I didn't need him any longer. I can handle everything on my own, and I wasn't at ease with him around."

My mother looked at me with a huh expression on her face. "What exactly do you mean? Tom is a wonderful person who would never let anything bad happen to you. Angel, he's here to make sure you're safe. He would never hurt you, baby."

I let out a sigh. "I know he's a nice guy, but all I wanted was the house to myself. I don't really need him, Mom. I'm capable of handling everything on my own."

She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fine. So, at the very least, I should call him and see what he's up to, and let him know I've arrived."

I motioned for her to come to a halt. "Don't call him please."

She sat with her hands on her hips. "Why not?"

I began uncomfortably chewing my lips. "Because it's early, and you know how some people dislike being jolted awake from their sleep."

She snatched up her belongings. "You're absolutely correct. I'm about to go upstairs and have a conversation with Rubi."

My face was painted with a phony smile. "Ok. You do that while I prepare breakfast for us."

She went into the room to speak with Rubi. I also went upstairs to wash, brush my teeth, and change my clothes. I rushed up and took a 15-minute shower before leaving the shower.

I brushed my teeth and completed my face routine swiftly. I dashed inside the room, putting on my bra, underwear, and clothes. I dashed back downstairs in an attempt to start breakfast.

I'm hoping Manny doesn't come here today or even text me because I don't want to have to act like we're in a relationship again, and this time we really do have to act like we're a couple because if my mother found out about everything, we'd be in big trouble. She'll certainly get us killed because the first thing she'll do is try to contact the police.

I was making grits, eggs, pancakes, and turkey sausage for breakfast. I heard the front door open while I was busy cooking. I turned around to see who was opening the door, and it was, of course, Manny.

With his hands behind his back, he entered the room. He crept up behind me slowly and was a little too close because I could feel his breath on my neck.

Manny moved my hair from the front to the back with his hand. "What are you cooking, mama?"

I rolled my eyes and tried not to show my displeasure. "You're all over me, so I'm sure you can see what I'm cooking."

He chuckled. "It appears that someone has an attitude, huh? I'll show you how to get rid of that attitude, darling. All you have to do is ask."

"I'd rather eat a jean jacket than do something nasty with you," I said as I turned around and pushed him away.

He put his palm on his chest and pressed it to his heart. "You really hurt my feelings, mama. You must apologize to me."

"I have no intention of apologizing to you. Get the fuck out of my face," I yelled, fixing a dish of breakfast for everyone.

He drew my hair back and began speaking into my ear. "You'd better be careful with your tone with me. You hear me? I'm not going to put up with your rudeness. As a result, you should adjust your tone."

I was filled with venom when I glanced at him. I was going to say something to Manny when my mother and Rubi entered the room, chatting. I quickly altered my demeanor and began cuddling Manny. My mother's face was filled with bewilderment as she glanced at us.

She continued to look at me, puzzled, with her arms folded. "Who is this guy you're hugging, Angel?"

"Mom, this is Manny, my boyfriend, and Manny, this is Angela, my mom." I remarked this while pointing at each of them.

Manny took my mother's hand in his and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'd heard nothing but nice things about you and was eager to meet you. You're rather beautiful."

My mom blushed and gave him a friendly grin. "Thank you . I'm delighted you heard nothing but positive things about me. I like your tattoo a lot. It gives you a gangster look."

Manny gave a hearty chuckle. "I appreciate it. It's pretty much a family thing, you know. That's why I have this tattoo on my neck."

Rubi reaches for a platter of food. "Ok. Let's all get a plate and eat some breakfast, shall we?"

Everyone strolled up to the kitchen table with a plate full of breakfast. Rubi was the first to take a bite from her plate. She was chowing down like she'd never chowed down before.

I ate my food slowly because I wasn't hungry at all. I just wish she hadn't come because I'm afraid she'll find out the truth about Manny and me. I'm hoping she doesn't stay long as well.

Manny chewed his food vigorously. "Your daughter is always throwing down in the kitchen. Huh? She must have learned to cook from you."

My mother chewed her food thoroughly and wiped her mouth clean. "She got her amazing cooking skills from me, without a doubt. I'm curious to know how you two met. I wasn't expecting her to bring in a man so early."

I started choking on my food. "Mom, we just met at the grocery store. We started talking to each other, exchanged phone numbers, and the rest is history."

My mother had a surprised expression on her face. "All right. That's very nice. So, where do you go to work? My daughter must be dating a man who has a fantastic, well-paying job."

I began playing with my fingers because I didn't know what to say and couldn't think of a lie. She'll throw a fit if he tells her what he really does.

Manny wore a big grin on his face. "I'm a certified electrician. I've been an electrician for quite some time. The money is excellent, and I am extremely pleased."

My mother had a surprised expression on her face. "Oh, okay. That's fantastic. I expected you to say you were a drug dealer because you certainly look the part."

I rolled my eyes at my mother because she is always rude to others. "Could you please be a little nicer, Mom?"

My mother looked at me with a puzzled expression on her face. "What? I thought we were all getting along pretty well here. I wasn't being impolite. I just assumed he was a thug."

Manny burst out laughing. "Do you think I'm a thug?" No way, ma'am. That is not something I would do. I'm a completely innocent man."

Manny knows very well he's lying so badly right now, so I started coughing excessively. I mean, I understand that we have to lie to my mother, but his lies are becoming increasingly ludicrous. Manny rubbed my back, and I desperately wanted his hands off of me.

Manny gently rubbed my back. "Are you all right, darling? You should drink some water."

My face was coated with a bogus smile. "I'm fine. I don't need anything to drink."

My mother drank her orange juice. "So, Nau'Jour asked about you. He says he misses you and was thinking about paying you a visit."

I burst out laughing at what my mother had just said. Nau'Jour knows he doesn't miss me. He's only saying that because he suspects I'm dating someone new here. He couldn't possibly miss me when he was making new girl friends every day. If anything, he's envious and angry that I'm not running up behind him like those other stupid girls.

Rubi began to laugh as well. "Mom, Nau'Jour is only saying that because he knows my sister is seeing someone else and not him."

My mother sighed and shrugged. "Or perhaps he just misses her and wants to talk things out."

My mother got a giggle from me. "What is there to discuss, Mom? You are aware that he has cheated on me several times, correct? I don't have nothing to say to him."

I was going to pay attention to what my mom was about to say when I was interrupted by a text message from someone. When I checked my phone, there was a message from Trevante. My entire face lit up. I began daydreaming about our kiss last night.

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Good morning, love ❤️ How did you sleep last night ?

Text sent at 10:26am

Oh, I slept well 😛 How did you sleep last night fine ass?

Text sent at 10:28am

I slept soundly knowing that my lips were on yours. I can't wait to kiss you once more 😏

Text sent at 10:30am

I smiled as I looked at my phone. Manny snatched my phone and began reading our messages as I was about to text Trevante back. He then turned to face me, an angry expression on his face. I hope he realizes he can't get angry because we're not really a thing, so I'm not sure why he's looking at me like that.

Manny then gave Rubi and my mother a small smile. "Please excuse us. I need to talk to my lovely woman right quick."

Manny yanked me away from the table and dragged me around the corner. "Who the fuck is Tre? Is that the person you were with last night?"

With a cocked eyebrow on my face, I stared at him. "What difference does it make? It has nothing to do with you. I don't owe you any loyalty."

He laughed softly. "Don't be concerned. Mama, I'll even figure out who he is."

I smacked him across the chest. "Fine. It's Trevante, the guy you suggested I sell the pills to. What difference does it make whether I speak to him or not? It's my life. Like why do you have to be so difficult all of the time? I do everything you tell me to do, yet you're still unhappy."

His jaw was clenched. "You must understand that you are mine and mine alone. He can't have you."

He put his index finger under my chin and lifted it up. He gave me a delicate kiss on the lips. I tried not to give in, but it was impossible. I returned the kiss, but quickly let go since I knew what I was doing was wrong. I've only recently developed affections for Trevante, and I don't want to have conflicting sentiments for the two of them. Trevante is the only one I want to be with. I can't imagine falling in love with a cold blooded person.

I wipe my lips with my finger. "Manny, you know we can't do this."

He approached me and pressed his body on mine. "What makes you think that? Mama, you know it's too good."

I took a few steps back from him. "No, all I want to do is be with Trevante. I can't be with you, and you already know that. Take a look at what you've put me through in the last few days. You really believe I'll be able to be with you."

He grumbled angrily. "I and you both know that's not true, but I'll let you believe it for the time being. And I'd appreciate it if you could do me a favor."

I rolled my eyes and stomped my feet. "What could you possibly want right now? My mother is here, as you can see."

He had a blank expression on his face when he looked at me. "What the hell does that have to do with me? Anyway, I need you to sell some drugs to this guy."

I rolled my neck and folded my arms. "How come you couldn't get Spooky to do it?"

Manny sucked his teeth. "Spooky is assisting me in other ways. In the first place, this isn't his job. It's all yours. Put on some nicer clothes and go sell the drugs like I told you."

I gave him the middle finger and went upstairs to change into some decent clothes.

Manny burst out laughing. "If you want me to do it to you, baby, we can go into the bedroom and handle it. Mama, fuck selling the pills."

I sucked my teeth and rolled my eyes. I kept walking up the stairs. I entered my room and began looking for an outfit to wear. I grabbed a nice outfit and put it on.

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I hurried up and returned downstairs. Manny just stood there staring at me. I wait in front of him for he can give me the address to the guy's house. He took out his phone and began typing. My phone rang in less than a second. When I looked at my phone, it was Manny who had sent me the address.

Manny reinserted his phone into his pocket. "All right, go ahead. He's looking forward to seeing you, darling."

I had a straight face as I glanced at him, and he smiled back. I simply want to slap that stupid smile off his face. He just irritates me to no end. I made my way to the front entrance.

"I'll be back, Mom and Rubi. I have a few errands to run right now." I remarked as I pushed open the front door.

Rubi gave me a nod, knowing what errands I needed to run. My mother, on the other hand, gave me a puzzled look.

"Angel, those errands could wait. I literally just arrived, hun."

I sighed grumpily. "I promise it won't take long, Mom. I'll be back home in a flash."

I hurried up and shut the door before she could say anything else. I jumped in my car, cranked it up, and drove down the road quickly. I swear I can't stand Manny for forcing me to sell pills while my mother is here.

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