Chapter 17- The Holidays.

Jazmine's POV

Christmas Eve's Eve

Today, Cindy and I are getting on a flight to our hometown, Woodcrest in Maryland. Christmas is in two days and every year we go back to visit our families for the holidays. I guess it's kind of a tradition, my family would throw a fit if I didn't come home. On Christmas Eve my family and I use that for last minute Christmas shopping, wrapping presents, baking cookies, and all that. Luckily my job and school let us go on vacation a little early this year. Cindy's school always let's her out early because of the kids. We booked a flight for today in the night time, because that's all the airport had left. I was finishing up packing.

Unfortunately, Asia won't be joining us this year, she's going to meet Riley's family. Which is good for her but sucks for me because now I have to spend the whole entire plane ride with only Cindy and Caesar. Those two are always stuck together like glue either, kissing or kissing. I make sure to pack my headphones to drown them out just enough to get by on this plane ride.

After packing we are off to the airport in an Uber we were kind of running late because of Caesar. He waited last minute to pack 'Typical men.' When we arrive at the airport, of course the security procedures are tedious. Showing id numerous times to verify we are who we say, especially Caesar and I, him more than me. Racism in America never seemed to amaze me.

Finally, we board the plane Cindy and Caesar take the seats behind me and I'm stuck next to random people. It was better than being next to them and having them lean onto me. I feel bad for the person sitting next to them. They were in back of me but I can still hear the mushiness. Automatically, I put on my headphones, going to Apple music artists and put on Usher. Listening to my man was going to get me through this plane ride. "Here I stand" feels my ears. This had to be his most underrated and overlooked song. It's mature and soulful. I loved anything by him to be honest. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, maybe I could sleep the whole ride. Nope, someone's moving my seat slightly. I take a deep breath, this is going to be a long flight.

Three Hours Later...

We arrive safely, Thank the Lord. I couldn't take another minute with those two, somehow they still found a way to bother me by doing something to my cheer. I couldn't even take a nap. After twenty minutes we grab our luggage and wait for our parents to pick us up. Cindy's mom and my parents were coming to pick us up. Soon Mrs. McPhearson is here, hugging an annoyed Cindy. Caesar was more than happy to give her a hug. Cindy's mom likes him a lot, calls him her future son-in-law. It was rare to see in our town a white mom happy that her daughter is with someone black. That's why I loved Mrs. Mcphearson she was not judgemental at all.

"Jazmine! Always a pleasure to see you." She smiles and hugs me.

"You too Mrs. McPhearson. How have you been?"

"Could be better."

"I hear that, how's Mr. Mcphearson?"

"Cindy's dad is still a little crazy. A real pain in the ass sometimes, but he's doing good." She fake smiles.

Both Cindy and I's parents tend to argue a bit too much. The two pairs of couples always had problems. That's why Cindy and I are so close we understood and we're there for each other. Cindy was always at my house when her mom started acting up or kicked her dad out. I however would go to my hill well I call it that because I'm sure I was the only person that's ever been there. Just a quiet place for me to be alone, organize my thoughts, and have a view over my town. Those days I thought we're hard, I realize it until now, life was so much easier then. Sometimes I miss my hometown…

"Well that's nice, Mrs. Mcphearson."

"Jazmine, we talked about this. I told you to call me Laura."

"Sorry Mrs- I mean Laura." I awkwardly smile. It was a force of habit and manners. My parents taught me to call adults by their respected name.

"Good. The misses makes me feel old." I nod and chuckle a bit.

"That's because you are." Cindy jokingly remarks.

"Cynthia I'm down with the slang dese days. Yo." She tries to walk with swagger but tragically fails. I crack up and Cindy hides in embarrassment.

"Mom come on you're humiliating me."

"I would never embarrass you, in front of your friends." Laura puts a hand over her chest.

"Caesar is my boyfriend, mother."

"I know, how could I forget my son-in-law. You need to bring him around more." Caesar cheeses at her statement.

"I don't because you act like this! Ugh, come on let's just go home. See you later Jaz, I'll text you." Cindy walks off with her mother trying to catch up.

"Byee. You two have fun!" I laugh as Caesar tries to calm Cindy down. Her mom means well she needed to cut her some slack.

Not too long after they leave, I see my parents. My grandma on my dad's side is approaching with them too. I didn't know she was coming today as well. She lives down South in Georgia. I love Nana D, she's hilarious and always there for me, so kind.

"There's my favorite grandchild! Give me hugs."

"Nana! I missed you." I embrace her. She gives the best hugs, full of love and warmth. I think I got my hugging nature from her.

"Ahem the people who gave you life are here too." My dad clears his throat.

"Mom! Dad!" I hug them excitedly.

My mom turns to me, " Jazmine I missed you so much honey. You look so grown up every time I see you. Now you have to fill me in on everything: job, school, boysss!" My mom exclaims giddy. My mother and I were always close, one of the first people I go to about any problem.

"What's this about a boyfriend? You didn't tell me anything about that." My dad frowns. My father nonetheless is extremely protective over me but I know he only wants what's in my best interest. It was never a huge problem because he's kind of a push over and scared to go to jail. So he always avoids conflicts with anybody. Guess that's why he's so successful.

"Oh Tom hush. My Jazzy baby is more than grown enough to have a man."

"I know mother. I just don't want that to be her main focus." My dad sighs.

"Of course it isn't dad. There is no boyfriend. Law school is always my top priority." I assure him.

"That's my baby girl!" He cheers.

"Well let's go home, you and your grandma probably had a long day."

"Definitely." I nod my head fiercely.

"Sure did. I need to relax your grandma ain't young no more." Nana D stretches her neck.

"You got that right." My dad mumbles.

"What was that?" My nana puts her hand to her ear.

"Nothing." My father answers quickly.

"Mmm, since you wanna mumble stuff… Tom you gon' draw your mama a bath when we get home."

"Yes mother." My mom and I laugh as my dad sulks. I kiss both my parents' cheeks.

"I missed you guys."

"You too honey." My mom smiles, putting an arm over my shoulder and squeezing me. My dad smiles a little before trudging forward, slouching. 'Only my family.'

As soon as I get to my childhood home I go to my old room. It's been kept the same all these years even when I come to visit. The nostalgia hits me, my usher posters, the purple and glitter on the walls. Gosh I was so girly. To be real, I kind of still am. I take off all my clothes and sink into my old bed. I drift off peacefully in my old space peacefully.

The next morning I'm awoken by my phone ringing… my dear bestfriend.

"Hello." I speak groggily into my phone. What even is the time right now? 11:45, I glance at the clock.

"Jaz what you doing?" I roll my eyes, 'Isn't it obvious?'

"Just woke up, why?"

"Girl it is going on 12, why are you just now getting up?"

"We got in late, remember."

"Ohhhh yeah. Anyways I need you to come with me to the mall to get Caesar something." Cindy rushes out.

"Cindyy, it's going to be packed today. Why would you wait so last minute?" I pinch the bridge of my nose. This was just like her putting off stuff for so long. Until it was almost too late.

"I dunno I looked around. Just didn't know the right thing to get him. Will you come with me or not? Please say yes I need your help." Cindy begs. I hardly ever say no to anyone so I guess I have no choice.

"I suppose...I can do some more shopping as well." I pretty much finished all my Christmas shopping. I could get something for myself.

"Thanks. Love ya. Bye!" She hangs up.

I roll over and stretch then slide out of my bed to the bathroom. I get ready and when I open my door, I hear many voices downstairs. The rest of my family showed up… well my aunt, uncle and their kids. My aunt has a teenage daughter and a four year old son. My uncle has three children, twin boys and one girl.

"Hey everyone."

"Finally Jazmine's up. How have you been girl?"

"Hey aunt Tierra. I've been good and you?"

"Just trying to say young." I laugh. Aunt Tierra is my dad and uncle's younger sister, although she bossed her brothers around like she is the oldest.

"What's up girl? You growing up, looking just like yo daddy." My uncle Tristan hits my arm then envelops me into a bear hug. Uncle Tris is my dad's older brother, he's real chill and funny.

"Uncle Tris! Hey I've been alright. How about you?"

"Shit just trying to look after all these bad ass kids. They mama couldn't make it this year. Stuck me with them."

"Heyyy!" His children object.

"Hey Mathew and Miles." I greet the twins with a hug. They have to be at least twelve.

"You can't speak, Tay?" I poke my younger cousin Taylor. She giggles and hugs me. She is one year older than the boys.

"Jazzy! Jazzy!" My 4 year old baby cousin runs up to him.

"AJ you got so big!" I pick him up and smother him with kisses.

"Mommy tells me I'm strong."

"And heavy too." I put AJ down and he giggles. I love this little kid, he's too cute.

"So strong man, where's your sister?"

"Right here. Hey Jaz." My cousin, Aaliyah walks up to me and hugs me.

"Hi Aaliyah! You look so grown up and pretty. How's school?" I smile.

"Thank you and alright. I need advice from big cous to lil cous."

"That's good but I'm going to go out for a few. Talk later, okay?"

"No rush. See you!" Aaliyah had to be about 15 or 16 now. She would always be around me when she was younger. Time has indeed flown by.

"Where's mom and dad?" I ask no one in particular.

"Over here, sweetie. Come to the front door. I want you to meet some people."

"Ok."

When I walk to the door and see who's standing there my eyes almost pop out of socket… Huey, Riley, and an elderly man stands next to them. I wonder who the older man is. I could see a family resemblance but too old to be their dad. 'Maybe a grandfather or uncle?' Riley sits there with a grin on his face. Huey looks surprised I guess, Idk his face is still stoic for the most part.

"Honey this is our neighbor. Mr. Freeman. He moved here earlier this year."

"Well hello cutie pie, pleasure to meet you. Your parents have told me so much about you."

"Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Freeman." I force a smile on my lips. He is a friendly man but what are these two idiots doing with him?

"Oh my, Where are my manners? These are my two grandsons Huey and Riley." Sir, I'm already real familiar.

"They live in Chicago too. Crazy, right?" My dad says enthusiastically. 'Real crazy.' I mentally roll my eyes.

"Yeah I know." I hate how small this world can be sometimes.

"Yo do? You know them, how?"

"There um friends of Cindy's boyfriend." I didn't know how else to describe my relationship to them. I avoid eye contact with Huey completely, looking everywhere but him. His presence didn't deserve to be acknowledged.

"Sup Mariah." I fight the urge to roll my eyes. I'm used to Riley's stupid nickname but Huey's got some nerve he can't talk now? Good. I didn't want to hear him anyways.

"Boy don't be rude speak to cutie pie." Mr. Freeman smacks Huey in the back of his head. I stop myself from letting out a laugh.

"Hi."

"Hey." I respond still refusing to look at him. And even though I am mad at him, it's nice to hear his voice. Ugh this sucks.

"What a small world. Any who are you and your lady still attending our Christmas dinner tomorrow?" My mother breaks the tension. Wait huh? What did she just ask.

"I would still come but since these two boys are here. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Nonsense we have plenty of room for extra guests. It wouldn't be a problem at all." I gape at my parents seriously? It's definitely a problem if cynical Huey is here. He's going to ruin the holidays. No wonder where I get my kindness from, my parents just have too much generosity.

"You sure, Tom?" Mr. Freeman questions to be sure.

"Of course it's fine Robert."

"Alrighty then we will be tomorrow."

"Great. See you guys then." The men bid farewell. I don't say anything because I'm speechless, in shock and angry.

"Why would you two do that?"

"What? Robert is like family. And his grandsons don't seem bad either." My parents don't even know the whole.

"But-"

My father cuts me off, "But nothing they're coming and that's final, Jazmine."

"Fine well I'm going last minute shopping." I retort angrily. My parents look unfazed though.

"Lovely. Have fun." They sit on the couch like they didn't hear me and nothing happened. They don't even understand the severity of what they just did.

A minute later a horn beeps outside. That must be Cindy, I grab my coat and walk outside. In the car I see my other friend Asia in the passenger seat. She knew they were here and didn't tell me. 'WOW.'

"Jaz!...I ain't know Riley grandpa lives across the street." Asia greets me.

"You and me both." I slide in the backseat.

"You sound upset." Asia comments.

"I am! You could have warned me."

"Riley just said I was going to meet his family. He wasn't specific and we just got here this morning. Also, my phone has been acting up, think I need a new one." Asia defends. Oops I shouldn't be taking my frustration out on her.

"Sorry. It's just I'm a little irritated for a few reasons. But it looks like you're coming to my house for dinner tomorrow then."

"Your house, why?"

"My parents invited them."

"Damnnn that's gonna be interesting. I gotta see this!" Cindy laughs. I glare at her from the backseat and she sees through the mirror.

"I mean Caesar and I will be making an appearance as well."

"I'm actually not mad to hear that because I'm going to need friends to be able to make it through this dinner. "

"I hear you. We got you girl." Asia reassures me.

Twenty minutes later we arrive at the mall. We go to multiple stores helping Cindy, which is a full on task because she wants the best gift. It baffles me that she procrastinates but needs everything to be perfect. However, I wasn't complaining because I am getting my own personal shopping in as well.


Huey's POV

Maybe it was fate. Seeing Jazmine on the porch earlier today. I really don't believe in that destiny ordeal but this had to be a sign from the universe or that sort of thing. I saw it as a second chance to make things with Jazmine right. I texted her twice and received no answer, I rather speak to her face to face anyways. I am going to make use of my stay here. The odds that her parents live across the street from my grandad had to count for something. At the moment Caesar and I were in the mall. I just finished explaining to him the events that took place earlier.

"So she didn't even look your way and barely said anything."

"Yes Caesar." I pinch the bridge of my nose. I hate repeating things.

"Aw man you fucked up bad."

"I know and I don't know how to fix it."

"Me either. Looking real tough son." Caesar laughs.

I roll my eyes, "Be serious."

"Okay look bro, Jazmine's not hard to talk to. You must have really pissed her off cus the girl can't stop talking sometimes." I smirk a little. Jazmine did tend to talk a lot, especially when she is nervous but I like that about her. She's not at all scared to speak her mind.

"Why is she acting like this then?" Don't get me wrong. I didn't expect Jazmine to welcome me with open arms but couldn't she see we needed to talk this out, forreal this time.

"Hmm.. maybe because I don't know... you broke her heart or something?" Caesar shrugs. I didn't need his unnecessary smartness.

"How could I have broken her heart? We weren't together. Even she told me that."

"So you're going to tell her that again? Because we both know how that went last time." Caesar says simply. He's right.

I sigh, "No… Listen I know I hurt Jazmine and would take it back if I could but I can't... Maybe I should just try and move on and forget about her." I don't want to but what other choice do I have. It's time to face facts, Jazmine is really not messing with me at the moment.

"Nah man you can't give up. All you need to do is communicate with her, express how you feel. She feels the exact same way, I know it." Caesar advises me.

"How? Every time we talk to each other I say the wrong way and fuck it up."

"I don't know bro that's for you to figure out. I can only help so little."

"Wow Gee thanks. Ceez." I say sarcastically.

"Or I don't know, get her a gift or something? We are in the mall after all. Chicks love gifts, especially thoughtful ones." Eh Jazmine doesn't strike me for the materialistic type. It most wouldn't likely make her forgive me. Also, who knows she might destroy it or take the gift the wrong way.

"Talking seems like the better idea. I wouldn't even know where to start when it comes to getting Jazmine a gift. I'd probably fuck that up too." I say honestly.

"Well you got two options, my nigga." Caesar pauses, "Get her a gift or tell her your feelings." I suck in a breath debating which one I should pick. I'll figure it out later.

"Anyway, What are you getting Cindy?"

"A necklace and earrings."

"Going all out, huh? "

"Anything for my girl you could learn something."

I scoff and look at him sideways, "Learn to let my girl wear the pants in the relationship."

"Aye I definitely wear the pants in the relationship." Caesar defends.

"Sure you do."

"While you talking about me, I ain't never seen you sprung out on a girl like this." I scowl at his statement but it's true. I never acted like this over a woman before.

"I don't know. Mann it's just something about Jazmine. She's different. Different from the rest. She makes me feel a way no other female has." I did not mean for that to slip out. When I see Caesar's grin I know I have said too much.

"Look at you being all emotional. She makes you let your guard down and all. Now just say that to her."

"Shut up! No I'm not."

"Whatever. Where is Riley?"

"Off somewhere harassing Santa and/or getting Asia a gift." I've gotten used to my brother's childish tactics over the years.

"Harassing Santa?"

"He's done it every year since we kids. He hates Santa so he chases him around or some shit."

Caesar laughs, "Your brother's childish."

"Known fact. Be glad you didn't live with him."

"Yo Miss can you take this out for me?" Caesar points a necklace and earring set to the sales clerk.

While he pays I browse through the jewelry that's encased in glass. A few things cross my vision but one thing really stands out. 'Maybe I should get Jazmine a gift.' Caesar and I go to one more store afterward. When we come out Jazmine and Cindy are walking toward us. She sees me and once again avoids eye contact with me by looking down. She stops short while Cindy continues and hugs Caesar. I examine Jazmine, she looks casual wearing jeans, boots and a fuzzy headband, all bundled up. If I were a different person I would say she looks cute.

I look back to Caesar who mouths, "Go talk to her nigga." I want to talk to Jazmine on my own terms, not in the middle of the mall. I gesture no why my hands but he insists with his looks. I give up "Fine." I mouth back. I approach Jazmine and feel taken back by her glower.

"Uh Hey Jazmine. How have you been?"

"Good." She responds dryly.

"That's um nice." I mentally facepalm when Jazmine arches an eyebrow. I really couldn't say something else.

"Cindy, come on I'm ready to go." She rolls her eyes at the couple kissing. I want to do the same thing, they need to get a room.

"See you at the house babe." The couple hugs goodbye quickly.

"How you been really nigga?" Caesar questions as he walks back over to me.

"I didn't know what to say."

"How about I'm sorry Jazmine. I want to be with you or even a simple let's talk."

"Whatever let's just find Riley and leave." I walk off not waiting for him to respond. He thinks this so funny when it's not. I have no idea what I'm going to do yet.