A/n: Hey everyone. I've come to realize I never gave a in depth physical description of the characters especially the reoccurring ones and that's on me. So I'm going to list that before the chapter...

Huey Freeman- Age:23. Height: 6'2 Body: Muscular build, fit/in shape. Race: Black. Caramel/brown skin complexion. Hair:4a. For reference: Picture him as three points from Tik Tok or if you don't know who that is then Keith Powers with an afro.

Jazmine Dubois- Age:23. Height: 5'7 Body: Curvy figure/ slim thick. Fit because she works out sometimes. Hair: 3c/4a, ginger/ chestnut brown color. Race: Black and white. Light skin/yellow complexion. For reference: picture her as a young Mariah Carey with green eyes.

Cindy McPhearson- Age: 23. Height:5'9 Body: Slim, in-shape, long toned legs. Hair: Straight and Blonde. Race: White. Tan complexion. For reference: picture her as Blake Lively.

Michael Caesar- Age: 23. Height: 6'1. Body: broad, muscular. Hair: Long dreads. Race: Black. Dark skin/Mocha complexion. For reference: picture him as Polo G.

Riley Freeman- Age: 21. Height: 6'0. Body: slim but has muscles. Hair: Cornrows. Race: Black. Caramel/ brown skin complexion. For reference: picture him as Jayden Smith.

Asia Smith-Age:21. Height: 5'6. Body: Thick, a dance body. Hair: Wears protective styles like wigs and sometimes switches to 4a/4b natural state. For reference: picture her as Normani.

Hiro Otomo- Age: 22. Height: 5'10. Body: Skinny. Hair: Jet black. Wavy. Race: Asian. Fair skin. For reference: Picture him as Ross Butler.

Ming Long-Dou- Age: 22. Height: 5'6. Body: Thin but in shape, toned legs, strong calves. Hair: Black with beach waves Race: Asian. Fair skin. For reference picture her as young Lucy Liu.

This is how I view the characters in my head. Though, by all means picture them as some other celerity or let me know in the reviews how you seen them. Maybe I'll change my mind. I tried my best to to get as close to their characters features as possible and when I say picture them I mean their face that's why I described their body shape's. Also, before someone says it I know that Hiro is Japanese and Ross Butler is Chinese but I couldn't find any Japanese celebrities for reference. So if you know any let me know or picture him as that person.

Also, I was a little inspired by BoondocksFever234's 'Silent Beauty' for this chapter anddd On with the story.


Chapter 18- Can We Just Talk?

Jazmine's POV.

Back home now, in my room wrapping up the last gifts I bought at the mall. The mall… I recount the exchange I had with Huey. After all these past weeks the first thing he says is how you have been?! Like how does he think? He basically stomped on my heart. I'm being dramatic, I know, but that's what it feels like. All I know is Huey's got some nerve, surely if he thinks everything is going to be peaches and cream while he's here. I blow out a puff of air, now he's going to be at dinner. Incredible.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door, "One minute!" I call out and roll my eyes at the fact that Huey could still manage to have my mind occupied with him. 'Get a grip Jazmine.' Rapidly, I finish wrapping the last present.

"Come in." Aaliyah walks into my room.

"Hey Jaz. Can I talk to you real quick?"

"Of course. What are you having trouble with?"

"Boys. They are just so ugh." She throws her hands in the air emphasizing her frustration.

I shake my head, "Tell me about it." I say as a double entendre. We were both having similar dilemmas so it seems.

"The ones I like just always turn out to be so childish. Playing with my emotions."

"Boys are stupid especially at your age. But there are good ones out there. Some just mature slowly and some faster than the others. Hmm… maybe try looking for someone a little older than you. That would probably be best for a young lady as yourself." Age really didn't matter to some people but it did to me. I would never date someone younger than me due to their maturity level. Young guys tend to brag about having an older woman and I didn't want to be anyone's mother.

"Now remember it might not always come with age." I still have to tell her this because in some cases it will be true, some not.

"Got it. I appreciate the advice!"

"Anytime, I'm glad I could help. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Aaliyah leaves the room. I smile satisfied with the advice I gave her. 'I could really be a whole relationship coach out here.'

After she leaves, I put a bow on each present and bring them downstairs to place them under the Christmas Tree. It takes a few trips but I finally put them all under the tree. I feel so exhausted when I get back upstairs from this whole day. So I do my nightly routine and go to bed. I'm in for one hell of a day tomorrow.

The Next morning, Christmas Day.

"Good morning Everyone. Merry Christmas!" My family all exchange Merry Christmas to each other as I walk into the kitchen. My mom has some hot chocolate and breakfast for us, bacon, eggs, pancakes. To top it off, It's snowing a little outside. I adore having a white Christmas' they are so lovely, snow just makes the holiday better for some reason. After finishing breakfast my little cousin tugs my hand.

"Jazzy! Jazzy! Come on we're about to open presents!" My baby cousin AJ pulls me over to the couch by the tree.

"Go ahead AJ." My aunt, Tierra encourages her son to open his gift. Without a blink of an eye he rips the first one open, eagerly. It's a nerf gun toy.

"Oh boy who got him that." My nana shakes her head in disdain. AJ is going to have a blast that toy for sure.

"Santa of course." His mother answers.

Aaliyah rolls her eyes, "Santa's not-"

"You bet not finish that sentence." My aunt gives her the motherly death glare warning her to not complete her statement. Instead Aaliyah opens her gift from me.

"A makeup kit? Thanks Jaz." She smiles.

"No problem!" I'm glad she likes it.

"Jazzy I'm going to open yours now." I got AJ a Hot Wheels set. Once again he makes a mess ripping the wrapping paper off.

He gasps in the cutest way, "Cars! Tank you Jazzy!"

"Anything for my lil man." I squeeze his cheeks and he giggles.

"2k20! How'd you find this Jazmine?!" The twins Miles and Mathew exclaim and rush over to me.

"I have my ways." I had to wait in an extremely long line but it was worth it. Seeing the smile on the twins face.

"You the goat!" They tackle me in a hug. Next, I gave my cousin Taylor a pair of earrings which she expressed to me how much she liked them.

We continue watching the kids open gifts. Well the twins immediately left to play the game after they finished opening their presents. Then the adults exchange gifts, my parents, aunt, and uncle give me money in a card. I gifted my mom a Pandora bracelet and my dad a necklace. I gave my aunt and uncle matching mugs. Lastly my nana gives me medium sized, thick gold hoop earrings.

"Wow Nana these are so beautiful. Thanks so much!" I hug her, "But it was probably so expensive."

"Don't worry my grandchild. I have connections everywhere." She winks.

"Go Nana!" We high-five.


A little afterwards I go upstairs and change my clothes for dinner. I put my hair in a top knot bun with ringlets falling out of it and by my sideburns. I'm wearing a white polo sweater, my new earrings, blue jeans, and lastly brown leather boots. I look in the mirror to check myself, make sure I look nice and presentable. This took about an hour and some change.

"Jazmine our guests are here. Come down!" Already?! I look at the time that reads 4:30. I groan it's too early for them to be here, the food isn't even done yet.

I take a deep breath and look in the mirror once more, "You got this." I give myself a quick pep talk.

I leave the bathroom and walk downstairs. Huey knocks the snow off his boots before walking inside. 'How polite of him' Darn! My strong mentality is slipping away already. I look at his outfit, he's dressed nice, black wool trench coat, black sweater pants, and Timberlands. Black has to be his favorite color. That's pretty much all he wears and who knew the color could be so attractive. As I get to the last few steps Huey's eyes lock with mine, too distracted I stumble a bit and he catches me.

Huey's wine orbs meet mine again with worry, "Are you okay?" But when he speaks it just reminds me of the hurt. Even when I'm mad at him his presence still gives me butterflies.

"I'm fine." I say coldly and walk away to greet my friend Asia.

"Hey girl, Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas sis!" We hug.

"Damn Mariah yo house big as fuck. You got bread!" Riley rubs his hands like birdman while looking around my living room.

I sigh, "Hello Riley, Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas Mariah wait… you gotta sing your song."

"What song?" I look at him in confusion then it clicks. 'Please don't say it."

"That Christmas song, 'All I want for Christmas' You know, that shit."

"Riley I am not singing that song. And just because you think I look like her doesn't mean I can sing like her." Mariah Carey is one of the best singers of all time. I could never compare.

"That's for sure." Asia pipes in and I narrow my eyes at her. I'm no match for Mariah but I can carry a tune, harmonize a little. I used to be in the Church Choir. I have a pretty good voice, if I do say so myself.

"Hey! I don't mean it like that no one can sing as good as Mariah." That's true.

"Yo you should sing that to Huey. He hates the holidays, maybe you will make him stop being a hater." I frown at the mention of his name. Asia elbows Riley.

"What?"

"That's a sore subject right now." She tries to say quietly but I still hear.

"Huh? What did I say wrong?" Riley looks clueless at the both of us.

"Forget it. Come on." Asia drags him into the living room.

Not too long after Caesar and Cindy walk through the door, "Hey, hey. Merry Christmas. The best guests have arrived!"

"Merry Christmas!" I greet the couple and hug Cindy.

"So where's the food?" Caesar asks and Cindy hits him on the stomach.

"Woman, you know I'm hungry and you're gonna hit me in the gut."

"Stop being greedy and I wouldn't have had to." I laugh at the couple's quarrel.

"I'm going to say hi to everyone else." They nod and continue arguing. Mr. Freeman is seated in my living room with his girlfriend. 'I'm guessing?'

"Hello Mr. Freeman. Merry Christmas!"

"Hey cutie pie, same to you. This is my lady Stephanie."

I take the older woman's hand, "Hi, nice to meet you Stephanie, I'm Jazmine."

"You're Tom's daughter right? He speaks so highly if you. Nice to meet you as well."

"Thank you. I'm going to help in the kitchen. Pleasure to have you here." I smile and walk to the kitchen. 'They are such a cute pair.'

In the kitchen, my mom is at the stove while my nana and aunt sit at the table talking. I always feel bad for my mom during the holidays. As a white woman having a biracial daughter her parents kicked her out. They never approved of my father or me, she was seen as a disgrace. They barely communicate with her and never come to visit. However, my dad's family took her in and treated her as part of the family. My aunt taught her how to cook seasoned food hence why they were letting a white woman cook our whole dinner. They still supervise just in case. I admire my mother and her strength for making the difficult decision she did. Not abandoning me when her family wanted her to.

"Hey ladies, anything I can do for you?"

"Nothing at this moment, Honey."

"Actually yes. Can you check on Aaliyah and AJ, haven't seen them in a while." My aunt asks.

"Yeah, sure." I leave the kitchen and walk into the family room. AJ's playing with his toys while the Matthew and Miles were hovering over the tv.

I walk in the living room to find Aaliyah way too close to an uncomfortable Huey. Practically drooling over him. The men were too engrossed in the football game to notice. Asia and Cindy are nose deep in their phones to say something. Looks like it's up to me.

"Um Aaliyah your mom wants to know where your brother is?"

"She won't know, she's too busy drooling over him." Taylor points to Huey.

"Shut up, Taylor! I don't know where that kid is." She tries to dismiss me.

"Well let's go find him." I pull her up by her arm and drag her to the hallway.

"What are you doing?!"

"You told me to find older boys." It's okay for her to have a crush but now she's dragging it. My words have apparently backfired.

"Yes 1 or 2 years not grown men." I thought she would know that's what I meant.

"I'm 16, at the age of consent. What's the problem?" She cannot be serious. So many things are wrong with that.

I roll my eyes, "Aaliyah he is almost 8 years older than you. That's dirty for reasons I shouldn't even need to explain. Not to mention you're still a minor, any guy that age is not looking to be with you except sexually. Moral of the story, you don't need to date anyone that old at your age." She didn't get that it would still be statutory rape.

"But Huey is so cute." She knew his name? I wouldn't put him messing with my cousin past him after the last girl I saw him with.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, "Aaliyah stop he's too old for you."

"I can do whatever I want. You are not my mother." This didn't phase me.

"You're right I'm not, but I will sure as hell speak to her about what you are up to." No such thing as snitching when a family member is attempting something dangerous.

"Ugh, you're such a bitch!" Aaliyah stomps away. This little girl must have lost her damn mind talking to me in that manner.

"Who the fu-"

"Jazmine." A deep voice interrupts me from behind. I know that voice.

"What do you want Huey?" I fold my arms.

"Can we talk please?" He eyes me.

"We're talking right now." I reply smartly.

"I mean in private."

"Hmmm I'd rather not get hurt again… so no." I walk past him.

"You can't avoid me the whole time I'm here." He's wrong. I can do it right? Yes I can, I shrug it off. I'm not giving in easily this time.


After a few of talking to my friends in the living room, I walk into the kitchen but overhear a conversation in the family room. It's Huey and AJ. Aaliyah must have harassed Huey into the other room.

"Hey Huey."

"Yeah little man."

"Do you know my cousin Jazzy?" AJ questions.

"Um yeah I know her."

"Do you think she's pretty?" Oh my gosh! This boy is too advanced for his age.

"Uh yes I think Jazmine is very beautiful. Why?" I blush at this, Huey's never told me that before. Technically he still hasn't, it feels different to hear him describe me as something nice for once.

"Why don't you ask her out then?" Miles pipes in the conversation.

"I mean-"

"I mean you like her right? " Matthew asks.

"You guys ask a lot of questions but it's not that easy."

"Just ask her out bro it's not that difficult."

"For one, I don't think your cousin is uh a fan of me right now." Correct I'm not.

"Why not? You're cool! Kind of a downer...but cool." AJ remarks. I hold in a laugh and Huey chuckles a little.

"He do got a point. You can't expect to get a girl sitting around all angry." Matthew tells Huey.

"So I see you two are experts on women." Huey says sarcastically to the twins

"Bet you I pull more girls than you." Miles says. I roll my eyes 'Boy you are like 5, shouldn't be worried about girls.'

"Alright let's not get crazy now."

"How many bodies you got bro?" My goodness how grown were these kids.

"I'm not discussing that with kids. Let's talk about something else."

"Jazmine!" My mom calls me pulling me out of my eavesdropping. I quickly walk into the kitchen.

"Need help mom?"

"Yes sweetie, can you start setting up the table?"

"All by myself? Seriously?" There we're a ton of us eating tonight.

"You could get that nice looking young man to help you. What's his name, Huey?"

"Ugh never mind mom." I rather do it myself than ask him for help.

"What? I'd think you two would make a cute couple. He seems like a real gentleman." She has no idea how he is. 'Tuh' If only she knew.

"Not interested."

"Oh please. Don't think I haven't noticed something is going on between you two." My mother checks the oven. What? Was it really all out in the open. I never told any of my relatives a thing about Huey. How did they find out something? My family is way too smart or nosey.

"Nothing is going on. " I lie horribly, I really need to work on fibbing. Both my nana and aunt look at me skeptical.

"Girl quit lying, like you ain't attracted to that boy. Hell, if I wasn't 41 with two kids, sign me up." My aunt says.

"Okay! Amen!" My nana preaches and clinks glasses with my aunt.

"Nana!" I gasp.

"Nana nothing. You've got a fine young man right here and won't jump at the chance." She drinks her wine.

"Whew Chilee, you a mess." My aunt exaggerates the sound of her sip from her glass.

"I had a thing for him, okay? But he didn't feel the same way and now he wants to talk. Well too little too late." I shrug. Hopefully they will get off my case now.

"Girl are you crazy?"

"Don't you know what that means?" My aunt and Nana shake their heads.

"Um no." I respond puzzled.

"Jazmine what they are trying to say is, honey it's not too late. He's here now obviously he wants to tell you how he feels. You might still be hurt but least he's trying, it's something."

"I don't know mom. Maybe you have a point… I just don't want to get hurt again." I've been hurt enough already.

"I hope you figure things out. I can only give advice not force you to do something." My mom sighs. I don't know if she's the best person to take relationship advice from. Given the fact that her and my father always argue.

"I'll tell you what to do snatch him up before the next broad do and excuse my french … Shittt it might be me." Nana exclaims.

My aunt gasps, "Mama you're crazy." My aunt laughs and I can only join in because my grandmother is nuts.

"Oh I'm only kidding Jazzy baby. Do what you please. Just don't ask your pops."

"Noted… appreciate you ladies for the input and advice but I just want to think about spending Christmas with my family." Honestly that's why I'm here. I want to enjoy my time off with the fam.

"Of course baby, enjoy yourself." I nod my head then leave to set the table up. Pulling dishes out of the China cabinet and placing them on the dining room table.


When I pull out the last plate and my head is down. Not really paying attention to where I'm going, I lightly collide with a firm chest.

"Oops." I go to apologize then I see who it is. Huey playfully grunts and holds his chest in response to our "accident" and lets me walk past him.

"Don't do that." I shake my head amused a little while placing the plate on the table.

"Do what?" He cocks an eyebrow.

"That move, it was intentional."

Huey shrugs, "Not really. I just wanted to see if you needed help." My turn to raise an eyebrow. I'm certain he has ulterior motives.

"Nope I'm done." My anger for him is oddly starting to dissipate.

"Well since you're done and I have your attention. Is now a good time-"

I interrupt him, "No." I walk back into the kitchen and hear footsteps behind me. Did he have to follow me?

"You didn't even let me finish."

"Didn't need to, I already know what you're going to say."

"Jaz, please." My heart flutters when he calls me that. I stop to face him finally. 'Awww he looks so adorable when he's begging.' My aunt and nana whisper to each other. They're being nosey like always.

"Huey is your name right?" My Nana questions.

"Yes Ma'am."

"Why don't you take Jazmine out one of these days?" I blush. Oh my goodness 'Why is she doing this to me.' She's meddling too much for my liking.

"Well I was going-"

I cut him off, "Huey! Can you come with me?" I grab his hand and drag him out of the room before he can protest. I bring him into a coat closet and flip the light on.

"If this is what I think, I like it." Huey smirks. I wasn't even upset with him anymore, I am more annoyed but slightly entertained by his behavior at the same time. I really can't stand him, he had my emotions all over the place.

I glare at him, "Can you just stop, please?"

"Stop what?"

"Being all persistent and cute!" I blurt out. Huey tilts his head to the side with an eyebrow raise.

I point at him, "See just like that. Stop!" His face goes to his normal scowl. Better.

"Does this please you?"

"Thank You! Now, can you just let me enjoy my time with my family? We can talk about us back in Chicago. Okay with you?" The both of us would just have to figure this out at home without anybody else butting in.

"Promise?" The holiday spirit must have gotten into Huey because he told me a while back he doesn't believe in promises.

"Yes… just be my friend for now."

"Anything for you I guess."

I smile, "Good. Now let's go before someone notices us in here." Huey nods in agreement. Once we leave out Caesar is right there. 'Great just my luck.' I look to Huey who stands awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"We didn't do anything!" I rush out. I didn't want him getting the wrong idea.

Caesar looks at me weird, "Um ok… You two alright?"

"Doing just fine, as good as two friends could be." I smile awkwardly and walk away from the pair of friends. 'Huey better set the record straight with him.'

Moments later…

"Dinner's ready, Everyone!" My mother calls everybody into the dining room.

"Well finally. Shit, a nigga was starving!"

"Boy! Watch ya damn mouth." Mr. Freeman smacks Riley in the back of the head. While everyone else files into the room taking their seats at the table. I'm the last one in thus being the only one without a seat. My mom finishes putting the last food dish on the table and takes a seat at the head of the dining table.

"Why are you standing girl? Sit down." My aunt tells me.

"There's nowhere else to sit."

"Oh yes there is. Hmmm." My aunt looks around the table.

"Aaliyah." My aunt calls her daughter. Aaliyah stops her eye googling over Huey from the seat beside him.

"Yes mother."

"Go sit with your brother at the kids table."

"It's fine auntie." I try to object but I'm ignored. She didn't have to move for me to sit.

"I'm not a kid though."

"This table is for adults. You know that you don't sit here."

"But-"

"But nothing. I'm not arguing with you." Aunt Tierra gives her a 'Do what I say' look. Aaliyah gets up abruptly making the chair make a screech sound. She walks past me giving me a stank look. I don't know what for, I didn't really want to sit next to Huey anyway… but I suppose I have no choice.

I take a seat next to a frazzled looking Huey. 'Wow that's two times today.'

I can't help but giggle, "Looks like someone has a huge crush on you."

"Are you jealous?" He questions smugly.

I roll my eyes, "Psh no."

"Don't worry. I only have eyes for one girl." He smirks. 'Me.' I hope. I blush at my thoughts and his eye contact.

"Ok everyone we're going to have Nana bless the food then eat." On command my Nana stands up.

She recites a long prayer that everyone gets annoyed and I have to agree. I just want to eat. Nana finishes finally and we all say "Amen." Then start passing around food and digging in. I get everything I want on my plate when a finger taps my shoulder.

"Jaz." I turn my head and I'm met with those piercing wine eyes. We stare for what seems like forever. He looks so nice and handsome but I can't bring myself to tell him that.

Huey clears his throat and I snap back into reality, "Um I was going to ask if you can pass the mash potatoes?"

"Oh here!" I grab the bowl and pass it to him. His fingers lightly graze mine making me blush and I turn back to eating my food. Covering the side of my face so Huey can't see the red tint on my cheeks. I feel so nervous now that I just acted so awkward over some damn mash potatoes. Could this dinner go by any slower? I can't sit next to Huey without thinking about him. 'Control yourself Jazmine.' This is terrible.

About 40 minutes later

Everyone is done eating and having side conversations. I'm talking to Cindy when I overhear my dad ask, "So Huey what do you do for a living? In school? Got a career?"

"Well I own a club called The Studio 67. Riley is the manager and the both of us work at a car shop in the day."

"Interesting, a businessman. Did you go to school for that?"

"Dad." I eye him. He is being too nosey.

My dad puts his hands up, "Just trying to get to know the fella, Jazmine."

"It's fine." Huey pauses. "I did go to college but um… it didn't work out." Him, his grandfather, and Riley share looks. He probably doesn't want to discuss it with people he just met. I don't blame him, it's his business.

"Hmmm I see. Would you ever want to go back?"

"Dad! Don't you think you asked enough questions?" I shoot him a look, telling him to stop.

Huey looks at me then my father, "Nah it's cool. I do hope to go back one day."

"See Jazmine. Nothing's wrong with making some conversation." I roll my eyes. My dad can really be a know- it-all sometimes.

"Thank you for sharing that information with us." My mom says and Huey nods.

"Now let's talk about my baby girl Jazmine, she is doing so well in Law School. Future power attorney in the making." My father smiles.

"There's no need to brag dad." I shake my head.

"Oh yes there is, you wanted this since you were a little girl. Following in my footsteps to become one one of the best district attorney's." I don't know how to tell my dad, I don't want to be a prosecutor. I want to be a defense lawyer, I want to save black people from jail not send them to it.

"No she didn't." My mother quips. There goes my secret. Aw man I hope she doesn't tell him.

"Didn't what, Honey?" Aw man I hope she doesn't tell him.

"To follow in your footsteps and become some attorney. She wanted to be a singer." Oh thank god she didn't tell him. She's right I did want to be a singer but so does every kid when they are little. I have to be realistic and either way I enjoy studying law.

"Um I think I know what my own daughter wanted to do when she grew up." My dad defends. 'Here we go.' An argument was coming in 5,4,3...

"Guys let's-" I try to stop the conversation from getting further but my mom interrupts me.

"No, you pressured her. You would know if you didn't try to control everything all the damn time."

"Um desert anyone?" My aunt tries but everyone's attention is on the scene unfolding before them.

My dad scoffs, "Pressured? That's a strong word, more like guided her on the right path."

"Just admit it Tom. Admit that you're a control freak trying to make sure everything is so perfect all the fucking time." My mother's volume rises.

"All I try to do is help make the best choices for our family, Sarah!" My dad yells and I hide from embarrassment. Did they really have to do this now?

"This was nice Tom and Sarah, thanks for having us. Boys let's go." Mr. Freeman links arms with his woman getting ready to leave.

"Aw come on grandad. It was just getting good!" Riley remarks cracking up. I really can't stand him sometimes, he's so immature.

"Get up now before I beat the black off of you." Mr. Freeman says through his teeth. Riley sucks his teeth and stands up. 'He still gets beatings?' He must have been a terror as a kid. Huey stands up as well giving me a unsure look. I nod letting him know I'll be okay and he leaves with his family. I don't want him to witness this anyway.

"You're only interested in our best interests so we don't make you look bad." My mother retorts.

"Um, we're going to make our way out too. Thanks for having us. We'll catch up with you later Jaz." Cindy, Michael, and Asia practically run out the door. My parents had to make my friends uncomfortable.

"Oh I'm Tom. I have to be the best of everything, best father and husband. So I don't look like those other ghetto, black thugs." My mom mocks my dad's voice.

"Now, Sarah." My dad tries to calm her down but it just makes her angrier.

"I'm not finished! I'm Tom, I have to do everything legal and follow all the rules or I'll go to jail and be anally raped. You need to grow a pair a balls and man up." My mother finishes.

"Ooooh" My aunt and uncle childishly remark.

"You know what I think. You're never happy, nothing I do will ever satisfy you. Would you rather I beat you? Just tell me what you want so I can do it." My dad crosses his arms.

"Maybe I'd be happier if you would just be a real man."

"Oh it's like that? Well I guess you suppose I be like you!" My dad dramatically points at my mom.

"Tom and Sarah relax. The kids are in the other room." My nana tries to diffuse the situation but I know she's laughing inside.

"Yeah no stick up my ass, free living it up. Yup."

"No the wild Sarah. The one her parents kicked out. Face it you would be trailer trash if it wasn't for my family and I taking you in." My father hits below the belt. 'How could they be so ruthless?!'

"Ooh you motherfucker. I'm going-"

"Enough!" I scream making them instantly stop. Usually I would let them go at it but enough is enough.

"Stop. You two are husband and wife. Mother and father, and you sit here and degrade each other in front of your only child for years and years. I can take it but now? In front of guests? Doesn't it just get tiring. If you two don't grow up and stop being childish. Be adults you are and make a decision, you either love each other or not. This back and forth is getting immensely old. Get a divorce that would be easier than having to listen to you too argue all the fucking time. Actually it's whatever, I'm leaving." I walk out the dining room in a hurry,

"Where are you going?!" I ignore my parents as I grab my coat from the closet and walk outside. I know exactly where I am going.

Moments later I'm on a tree branch leaning my head on the base. I don't care if I'm cold, I want to be out of that house. Away from all the nonsense and bullshit. I've come to the best place, my hill, where I'm alone with my thoughts, content with myself. My phone buzzes missed calls from both of my friends, and then texts pop up.

Asia-Jaz you good?

Cindy -Answer the phone Jazmine.

Asia-We just want to know if you're ok.

Cindy-Bitch if you don't answer I'm gon kill you.

I turn off my phone. I look at the town I grew up in and blow out cold air. Not a thing has changed since I left, the buildings look the same, I've come here sad, and my parents still argue. Although I've changed. Footsteps approaching discontinue my thoughts. It's Huey.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"What are you doing up there?" Huey looks up at me.

"Thinking."

"Oh…" He trails off, "Are you ok?"

"Not really. How'd you find me?"

"Saw you leave your house and followed you here."

"Oh ok. Stalker much?" I tease. Huey's silent, he looks like he wants to say something.

"That was a dumb question for me to ask. Of course you're not okay. I can tell it got tougher back there, after I left. I don't know your exact pain but trust me I can probably understand."

"What do you mean?" I inquire.

"I mean I know family can be crazy… My parents would argue a lot when I was little." That's the first time he's mentioned them to me. He must really trust me, maybe it's time for me to do the same.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Huey shrugs, "Nothing to be sorry about, it happens. Want to tell me what's bothering you?"

"Well... my parents have been arguing for as long as I can remember. It's just exhausting and I'm sick of it. Today hit a nerve because they never deliberately did it in the open or and tried not to do it in front of me. At least sometimes I would only overhear them but they did it in front of guests and that's so embarrassing. Honestly I'm just tired of it." I feel tears drip down on my face. This is the second time I have cried around him. 'Why?'

"Don't cry Jaz. It's freezing out here, your face is going to have little icicles on it." I giggle 'That was so corny.' I wipe the tears off my face.

"But I hear what you're saying and I want you to know it's not your fault. That's for your parents to figure out. It's going to be alright. I'm here whenever you want to talk about it." Huey assures me. He has a way with words sometimes.

"Thank you Hueyyy. Goodness I feel like a dork crying right now." I sniff and smile weakly.

"A bigger one for sitting out here in 30 degree weather." I laugh shortly and roll my eyes.

"Come on get down. Let me get you home." Huey raises his arms and puts them on my waist. I put my hands on his shoulders and he brings me down. I feel so safe, in his arms, with him.

"I could've gotten down myself." I tell him.

"I'm not sure about that, you're clumsy." He states like it's a fact. I trip in front of him one time and now I'm deemed clumsy.

I suck my teeth, "Oh whatever… I don't feel like going home just yet. Can we take a walk to this place, I want to show you."

"If you desire, lead the way."

We walk sided by side down the hill and to the town Christmas Tree. This is where all the town's statues and water fountain are. Strangely enough the water is still flowing, I make a wish and lightly toss the coin into the fountain. Huey and I sit down on the edge, I look at the water flowing, remembering the days I would come here. I came here often too.

"As much fun as this is… it's kind of cold out here. Can we move on?" Huey blows on his hands.

"Okay Mr. Can't handle the cold, let's go somewhere else."

"I can handle the weather." He scowls .

"Sure you can. Just one more place, let's go get hot chocolate."

"Seriously, Jazmine?" He frowns.

I roll my eyes, "C'mon they hand it out for free inside that building." I point to the nearby coffee shop.

"I don't drink hot chocolate and you can make that at home." Huey responds firmly.

"Shut up you were the one complaining it's cold." Huey sighs as I link arms with him pulling him towards the café.

"You sure you don't want some?" I ask him again lifting my mug up. We are here not even a total of five minutes and he still won't budge.

"Positive." Huey just leans back arm draped over the top of my chair.

"Why can't you just get in the holiday spirit?"

"I'm not a fan of the holidays for multiple reasons that you probably don't want to hear."

"I'm listening..." I trail off. 'What could he possibly say that ruin the holidays for me?'

"Well for one the idea of Santa Claus is morally wrong, people are basically lying to their kids." Huey scoffs.

"I don't think of it that way, I think of it more as a thing to make your childhood more interesting and fun."

"Okay and what about the kids who aren't fortunate, Santa Claus isn't coming then they are let down." Huey rebuttals and I'm left silent, "Santa Claus damn sure wasn't coming to the hood I know that for sure." He finishes. It's no use in arguing, him and I really grew up different I need to keep remembering that.

"I never thought about it that way." I look down.

"Yeah no one does. I'm certain of you being one of those kids who believed in the tooth fairy when you were younger." I kind of turn red from embarrassment. I definitely was one of those children.

"It's ok, I can tell you were naïve... sometimes you still are." Huey sits back again shrugging.

"I wasn't and I'm still not." I nudge him with my elbow, my back presses against him and I leave it there. 'I could feel his 6 maybe 8 pack through his clothes!' I thought he would move but doesn't. It makes me nervous sitting this close to him, I can smell his intoxicating cologne. This position also feels extremely comfortable but like I'm crossing uncharted territory as well.

"Oh yeah? I bet you believed in the Easter bunny as a kid too." Huey snorts.

"And if I told you I still do?" I joke.

"Then I'd say your out of your rabbit damn mind."

I chuckle, "You're so corny, today."

"And you're annoying everyday so I guess we're even."

"Stop acting like you don't love it here with me." I pout. Unknowingly my face moves a tiny bit closer to his as Huey's arm wraps around my shoulder.

"Your something else, you know that?" He chuckles and I smile brightly at looking up at him. Huey leaves a genuine small smile on his mouth while we gaze in each other's eyes.

For a second, I forgot that we even are until a flashing and camera clicking sound brightly yanks me back into reality. I blink and look around for the source of that interrupted our nice moment.

A white woman removes the canon camera from her face, she looks young like a young adult. I mean I wasn't upset that she took the picture of us but a heads up would've been appreciated. Huey of course immediately scowls, staring the girl down.

"Omg I'm so sorry I didn't mean to interrupt it's just you guys are such a cute couple." The girl displays a friendly smile. I can see how she can think we are dating seeing the position we were in not too long ago.

"We're not a cou-'' We start to say simultaneously but the picture girl interrupts.

"It's just that I'm a college student and struggling photographer, it's hard to capture raw, authentic, emotion. People who want me to take their picture usually put on a fake smile but looking at you two that was true passion. I just had to snap a picture." She speaks honestly.

"So you just go around taking pictures of random people." Huey scoffs.

"I just thought you would want a picture with your girlfriend." The girl tries. Huey is not the easiest person to speak with.

"Well you thought wrong." His face remains unamused.

"Be nice." I whisper.

"I'm never nice." Huey replies sternly.

The photographer lets out an awkward laugh, "I didn't mean to- I just I saw authentic art subjects I can't just walk away from that."

"Subjects? Is that all we look like to you?" Huey raises an eyebrow. Poor white girl, she is trying to negotiate with the wrong person.

The girl shakes her head dramatically, "N-no I-I mean I'm an artist and I'm putting together this personal art project on love."

"Artist my ass-."

"Huey!" I interrupt the rude statement he intended to be a murmur but he was being loud.

"You'll have to ignore him he woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning... well actually every morning." I lighten the situation with a small joke. The college artist chuckles a bit. Huey however didn't find it funny instead he rolls his eyes.

"I'm Jazmine and that's Huey." I put my hand out for her to shake.

She takes my hand, "Phoebe, nice to formally meet you both." Huey just nods before going on his phone.

"I don't mind you taking a picture so long as you send it to me." I can feel Huey shooting daggers at me.

"What? N-"

"Of course I can, I will send you the link because it takes a few hours to develop the right way. I just need your number." Phoebe hands me her phone and I enter my phone number. I give it back to her and Huey scowls at me. I shrug, he seriously needs to chill out.

"Well I better get going, thanks for not being upset." Phoebe smiles which I return.

"No problem, good luck with your photography." I wave at her as she walks away.

"You shouldn't give your number to strangers." Huey folds his arms.

"That's funny because you do all the time." I roll my eyes, remembering the time Huey gave his number to a waitress at a restaurant.

"That is not true... that girl is a con artist for all you know."

"How is she a con artist? She didn't ask for money or anything in return. Just admit you don't like pictures and I'm getting one of you."

Huey sucks his teeth, "Whatever. Leaving. Now." He roughly grabs his coat, heading to the door outside.

"Wait." I laugh, throwing my napkin away and speeding up to catch up with him.


The walk back home is silent but comfortable. I can't stop replaying the moment we just had, the picture, what I said, the whole thing. Huey's never smiled at me, sure he does those sexy yet dumb and cocky smirks. Though, he's never looked genuine and seriously handsome. 'I got to see both of his dimples.' He should do it more often.

"Can I ask you something?" Huey breaks the silence.

"Go ahead."

"Why Chicago? Why move there of all places for school?" I wasn't expecting that but I did indeed have an answer.

"Well believe it or not I do actually want to be a lawyer. My dad had an influence, I won't lie but I want to help people and make a change. And what better place to do that than the city with the biggest crime rates." It's no secret that the prison and law system has racial injustice. My goal is to save as many black people and people of color from unfair treatment I can.

"Wow, I had you pegged wrong when I first met you. You have really thought about this. But that's pretty cool for you to try and produce change. I admire that… and you." Did I hear that right?

"You admire me?" I almost exclaim. This is quite the revelation.

"Yes Jazmine, I admire you. Is that so hard to believe?" 'Um Yes!' I want to scream.

"You never tell me how you feel about me so I wouldn't know."

"I'm not good at expressing my feeling but I want you to know this…" We stop right before the porch of my house.

Huey takes a deep breath, "Jazmine I felt immediate regret letting you leave without telling you I feel the same way. I care about you and as much as I try to deny it, I can't. Jaz, you're beautiful, intelligent, understanding and I can go on. You're kind but you're not afraid to call me out on my shit. You're outspoken. Most importantly, you're special, you're not like other women. I guess what I'm trying to say is I want you… and only you. To prove it to you, I got you this." Huey digs in his pocket and I feel so speechless beaming with joy.

I'm so ecstatic, Huey and I feel the same way. I never thought he would express his feelings for me. He takes out a grey velvet box and opens it. The box reveals a gold necklace with a J on it.

"It's like a charm necklace you could add stuff on if you'd like."

"Awww Huey I don't know what to say." I examine the necklace when he hands it to me.

"You don't have to say anything… you made it clear how you feel already."

I can't stop smiling, "Thank you sooo much. This is so nice but you didn't have to."

"But I did. It is Christmas after all."

"Well yeah but now I feel so bad for not getting you nothing as well." The price tag catches my eye 'It's almost 2 grand?!' This is real gold for sure.

"And this is expensive!"

"Don't worry plenty more where that came from." I just respond by wrapping my arms around and embracing him fully. To my shock, he returns the gesture.

"And I know just how to show my gratefulness."

"How so?"

"Look up," Huey follows my eyes to the roof of my porch, a mistletoe dangles down.

When Huey looks back down, I kiss him with full emotion. I cannot express how much I like and all the gratitude after gifting me something so expensive. He returns the kiss with the same amount of emotions. I've missed his lips. Every time we kissed it's been nice but this one feels different, it's passionate. I can tell we both have been waiting for this moment. After a few we both pull away.

"Is that how you always say thank you?" He smirks causing me to roll my eyes.

"So does this mean I'm your..."

"Girlfriend. Yes, yes it does. I thought you declared this at that Coffee place." I think back to then, the Phoebe did say I was his girlfriend and I didn't correct her but neither did he.

"Shut up." I kiss his lips again and Huey obliges.

He pulls away, "I'm new to this whole relationship thing so you're going to have to be patient with me."

"I understand...So will your girlfriend see you tomorrow?" I smile like an idiot. 'Huey's girlfriend, I like the sound of this.'

"Eh if you fit into my schedule." He grins.

"You're starting off bad already but it's whatever. Goodnight." I turn and unlock my door then step inside. It's late.

"Wait no kiss, goodbye?"

"Guess you gotta wait to see if you fit in my schedule. Byeee Huey." I close the door quickly. I watch Huey through the peephole he stands there in disbelief before walking across the street. I bite my lip, look at my boyfriend. Boyfriend. Finally.


A/N: Mann I know everyone's like finally but their relationship journey just started. Keep reading to see what's in store for the new couple.