What's Meant For You
She loved him when he let her in his home during the chicken epidemic at 10. She loved him at 16, when he swallowed his hatred and took her to homecoming. She loved him on the night of their graduation, when he spent all night worshiping her. She loved him when he left without a trace. She loved him when he didn't call, text, or email for five years.
And, fuck her, she loved him when he turned up out of nowhere, asking for her forgiveness.
Huey P. Freeman x Jazmine DuBois
Romance. Hurt/Comfort. Friendship. Family. Humor.
Rated M
Chapter One: His Presence
CHRISTMAS WAS ALWAYS JAZMINE DUBOIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY. As a child, she loved the gifts and the decorations and the music. But now, at 23, she loved being home. She loved seeing her family. She loved being surrounded by the love that resulted in warmth.
It meant the world to her.
For two years, she'd travelled all over the world, exploring what it had to offer. She'd woken up in some of the most breathtaking places you could imagine. And still, nothing compared to waking up in her childhood home, watching the snow falling beyond her window.
It was the early hours of the morning still and she imagined she was the only one up. Too excited to sleep, she decided to prepare for her favorite day.
She showered quickly, emerging from her room with the scent of vanilla chai radiating from her. She pulled her honey blonde spiral curls into a ponytail at the crown of her head, leaving strands flowing over her shoulders and down her back.
She slipped into a cropped, black, cable knit sweater with sleeves that went to her palms and matching high waisted shorts that ended just below her ass. She was pleased to see that the material didn't touch her most recent tattoo - a queen that greatly favors her. Her eyes were completely white as she stares directly ahead, her crown tilted on her wild curls and a rich, red rose beneath her breasts. Though she has four others she loves, this is her favorite.
She applied cream to it before stepping into her furry black slides and heading downstairs.
She hooks her phone up to the speakers in the kitchen before turning them down a bit more. She presses play and begins cooking, dancing and singing all the while.
Been Waiting - Elhae
She decided to make pancakes, almond cherry oatmeal, bacon, eggs, sausage, tea, and smoothies, which she would make once everyone wake up.
She moved quickly, comfortable in a kitchen. She hadn't always been so skilled, but her time travelling sparked an interest in it. Once she perfected her first recipe - seafood lasagna - she continued on to learn as much as she could.
She moved fluidly, dancing on beat and singing along perfectly. These skills she'd worked on since she was five. Singing and dancing was a passion she'd kept to herself until she met Cindy McPhearson - her best friend.
Once she introduced her to the world, they grew together, practicing multiple forms of the art. Though Cindy couldn't sing, she was incredible with the piano. Though not everyone knew that - only Jazmine, her mother Sarah, and Cindy's longtime boyfriend, Riley Freeman.
It could kill C. Murph's street credit, afterall.
Why Don't We Fall In Love - Amerie
Cindy was the first of the three other occupants to join Jazmine in the kitchen. She wordlessly walked over to the woman and rested her head on her shoulder, happy to be about the same height as her best friend.
Jazmine was presently waiting for the pan to heat up for the bacon and sausage. Though she didn't eat pork often, Cindy and Riley did, and they liked it a bit crispy.
She rub her hand in a small circle on Cindy's back.
"How are you so energetic so early?" Cindy mumbled, her eyes closing. Jazmine giggled and kissed the top of her best friend's head.
"Merry Christmas, Cin." She received a grunt in response. Jazmine carefully moved her away from her, much to the younger girl's dismay.
"Jazzy," she groaned, earning another giggle.
"Go get ready for the day. I got you pajamas to match mine," she said. She got Cindy a crimson set.
Cindy rolled her sapphire eyes but went to get ready anyway. She was happy her best friend was home for Christmas, so she'd deal with cute, matching pajamas. Cindy, being just as curvy as Jazmine, imagined her boyfriend would quite like her Christmas outfit.
Gangsta - Kehlani
Her mother was the next to come down. Since the divorce from Tom, she found herself missing her daughter even more than she did before. And she hadn't thought it possible.
She was Christmas ready, much like her daughter, though her outfit was a bit less revealing. She opted for an oversized black sweater that fell off one shoulder and a pair of black leggings.
It still amazed Jazmine how beautiful her mother was. Jazmine favored her quite a bit. Aside from the emerald eyes, she had her mother's shape - busty, tiny waist, big ass, and thick thighs. She also had her smile. She hoped she looked as beautiful as her mother when she got to her age.
"Good morning, beautiful," Sarah greeted. "Merry Christmas. It smells so good in here."
"Morning Mommy," she said, leaning into the hug her mother gave her. "Merry Christmas. It shouldn't be to much longer."
Of all of the gifts she got, she as most excited about one gift in particular she got for her mother. She hoped her mother would be as excited as she was.
Neighbors - J. Cole
"Mornin' niggaz," Riley said, yawning as he came down the stairs. Sarah shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Good morning Riley Freeman," she said. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Riley," Jazmine said.
"Yeah, whateva," he said. "When breakfast gone be ready?"
Jazmine rolled her eyes. "It won't be too long now. Maybe 15 minutes."
"A nigga tryna eat and open presents," he complained. "Dis shi- ow! Cin!"
"How about a 'Thank you Jazmine for making my lazy ass something to eat'?
"If you woulda let me-" He stopped, turning to see Cindy for the first time. He raked his wine-colored eyes over her slowly. They darkened considerably by the time he met her grinning face. She pulled her hair into a ponytail as well, holding her promise to match with Jazmine today.
"Thanks Jazz," Riley said distractedly. The woman giggled and Cindy made her way to Sarah, who was now sitting on a bar stool at the island. She wrapped her arms around the woman, finding comfort in her lavender scent.
"Merry Christmas, my love," Sarah says softly, reaching up to pat Cindy gently.
"Merry Christmas, Ma," she said back, letting her eyes close. Cindy's parents split when she was 16, neither wanting to take responsibility for her. Sarah stepped in immediately, gave them a very large piece of her mind, and took Cindy with her. They formed an immediate bond.
"Riley, why don't you go get ready. I got you some pajamas too," Jazmine said, smiling. Riley hadn't looked away from Cindy's body yet, keeping most of his focus on the tattoos on her skin.
"Bet not be no gay shit," he mumbled, forcing himself to head upstairs to shower and change.
Sativa - Jhene Aiko ft Rae Sremmurd
Riley grinned as he returned downstairs. His pajamas were simple; red beater, black basketball shorts, and some new Nike slides with Nike socks.
"Thanks Jazz," he said once he met Cindy's glare.
Jazmine giggled.
She let her music play in the background as they sat together at the dining room table.
"When is Grandad coming over?" Jazmine asked. She was excited to give him his gift as well.
"Ms. Harper ova dere givin' up the cheeks, so he gone be late." Sarah and Cindy reached up at the same time and smacked the back of his head. He glared at Sarah who gave him a well practiced 'mom' glare. He rolled his eyes and looked away. "He spendin' time wit his bitch right now. He be here soon."
Sarah rolled her eyes, figuring that would be the most she would get out of the youngest Freeman boy.
They ate and talked happily with one another until the bell rang. Jazmine got the door and found Robert Freeman smiling down at her.
"Merry Christmas, Grandad!" she said, throwing her arms around him. He laughed.
"Merry Christmas cutie pie," he said.
She let him into the house. Sarah greated him next.
"Merry Christmas, Robert," she said. "Where's Regina?"
"Merry Christmas, Sarah," he said. He hesitated for a moment. "Something came up at the house but she may be able to come by in a little bit."
"Merry Christmas, Grandad," Cindy said, hugging him.
"Merry Christmas, pumpkin."
"Does she need help? I can head over there and make sure," Jazmine offered.
"No," Robert said a little too quickly. "She's got it sweetie. We have to open up some gifts!" She hadn't noticed the bag in his hands until just then.
"Hell yeah," Riley said. "'Bout time y'all niggaz came through."
"Boy, shut you simple ass up and get in the livin' room for you don't get shit!" Riley rolled his eyes but did as instructed.
They enjoyed their gift exchange, laughing and joking.
Riley got some clothes from Grandad and Sarah. Cindy got him a chain and some Jordans. She also got him something he'd have to open later. Grandad rolled his eyes at this and made them swear not to give him any great grandchildren. Jazmine got him a new watch.
Grandad got a spa day from Jazmine and Sarah got him and Regina a weekend vacation good anytime next year. Cindy got him some old records he's been going on about for a while now. Riley got him a nice gold chain, which he loved.
Cindy got some clothes, shoes, and jewelry from Jazmine. Sarah got her a gift card for her hair as well as for her nails. Robert got her some shoes. Riley got her a beautiful ring and necklace set as well some lingerie.
Sarah received some perfume from Robert. She got some shoes from Riley. Cindy got her some clothes and a girl's trip for the three of them. Jazmine got her a diamond necklace and a key.
"What is this for honey?" she asked.
"It's a spare key to my house. Here in Maryland."
Sarah's mouth fell open. "Are you serious?" Jazmine nodded. "Oh my God!" She pulled her daughter into a tight embrace, tears spilling from my eyes. "I get to see my baby all the time."
Jazmine laughed, forcing her mother's iron grip off of her. "I'll still be doing some travelling but it won't be all year long. Maybe 5 days out of every month. But I'll be back here."
Cindy hugged her too, excited to have her best friend home. Just as she let her go, the bell rang. Cindy ran to go grab it.
"Oh shit," she said once the door opened. Jazmine tossed a confused glance around the room. She missed the anxiety on Grandad and Sarah's faces. Just as she stood to go check on Cindy, a tall, chocolate figure stepped into the room.
She froze in place, not believing what exactly she was seeing in this moment. His mulled wine eyes ran over her body so intensely she shivered, but still couldn't move to cover herself.
Then he met her eyes. Those eyes she knew from anywhere. The eyes that haunted her dreams. That stared down at her in her fantasies. That chilled her in her memories.
Huey Polonius Freeman was standing in her mother's living room.
The tension in the room was thick. Everyone watched them cautiously, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Even Riley was moving from his seat, just in case he was needed.
Then she started walking, stopping only when she was less than a foot away. She craned her head back to keep his gaze.
She studied his face. There as small scars here and there. His features were so defined now. His jaw was peppered with stubble. His afro was a bit larger than she remembered but was pulled away from his face. And he smelled so delicious. Like dark chocolate - her favorite.
She met his eyes again. The eyes of a man she loved for entirely too long. He opened his mouth. Probably to say her name. But it never came out. Because she cocked back and slugged him.
