The girls were getting everything packed away. Serena couldn't stop thinking about leaving Nala for the week, while they went off to have fun in Florida.
"Alright, is your bag ready? Kaye should be here soon", Sabrina said.
"I don't think I want to go", Serena said.
"What? Why?", her sister asked.
"I don't feel good about leaving Nala.", Serena said.
"Now you're making me feel bad. Should we all stay?", Sabrina said.
"No, you and Kaye go. Kaye needs this. I'll stay behind.", Serena said.
Sabrina nodded. Once the girls all had their bags in the car, Malena drove them to the airport. Kathan felt bad too, but Sabrina and Serena talked her into going still.
"Have fun and behave. If you girls need anything, call us", Malena said.
"We know mom", Sabrina said.
Malena nodded.
Nala flipped through her magazine again. Someone knocked on her front door and she stood to answer it. Serena stood there and smiled.
"Hey", she said, before walking in.
Nala was confused as to why she was here. She knew the girls should have been gone by now. Serena rubbed her bump.
"Um, hi", Nala said.
"I didn't feel like going", Serena said.
"Rena, I'm fine", Nala said.
"But I wasn't", Serena said.
Nala nodded. Eve walked in from the kitchen.
"Hey, I thought you and the girls were going to Florida?", Eve asked.
"Yeah, but Florida will still be there in the future. I figured Nala could use some company for the week. My boyfriend went to visit his dad in Vegas", Serena said.
Eve nodded. She had a good idea and smiled.
"Don't get too comfortable. I might have a solution to our problem", Eve said, before leaving.
Serena and Nala shrugged.
Mark wanted to call Kaye, but he knew she needed space. She had a lot to think about. Alana had been talking to Mickie since after the funeral. Its helped her a lot.
"How are you doing Mark?", Mickie asked, after he picked Alana up.
He held onto his little girl's hand.
"Good", he answered.
"You sure? I don't just help kids, I'm also an adult therapist. Summer can watch Alana", Mickie said.
Mark cleared his throat.
"No, I'm fine, really", Mark said.
Mickie nodded, even though she didn't believe him. Forcing him to come wouldn't do any good. He had to know he needed help on his own.
"Ok, well, just know my door is always open. Alana, I'll see you tomorrow", Mickie said.
"Bye Mrs. James", Alana said, waving at her.
Dean had just arrived at his dad's house. He hugged him and then his step mom.
"How's work?", his dad asked.
"Good. Actually, these are my last few months as a teacher. My friend Roman is teaching me the ropes on publishing and I'll also be taking some courses at a nearby college in New York", Dean said.
His dad smiled.
"That's great. Is that why you wanted to talk to us in person?", his step mom asked.
"No, actually, I um, I've met someone", he said smiling.
His parents looked at each other. They knew the struggle between him and Renee. They didn't know of his activities in the bedroom.
They would watch as Renee would talk down to him when she thought no one could hear her. They noticed the marriage drained Dean more than he was willing to admit to them. He just didn't want to let them down by failing at something else.
"I know that look and she's nothing like her. She's smart, patient, and beautiful. She got into Columbia, she's studying psychology", he said.
"Wait, you said she got in. Either she's transferring or", he cut his dad off.
"She's graduating high school in a few months", he said.
"Dean", his dad started.
"She's almost eighteen, her parents know and they are fine with it. They know that I love her and if they forbid me, I would have stolen her", he said.
"And you would have gone to jail for it.", his dad said.
"Did you say, you love her?", his step mom asked.
Dean nodded with a smile.
"I do. She's changed me in ways I didn't think any woman could. The reason I came here was because after she graduates, I'm going to ask her to marry me. She's the one", he said.
"Can we at least meet her before that?", his step mom asked.
Dean smiled and nodded.
"We've been meaning to make a trip to New Orleans. If you don't mind us visiting next weekend", she said.
"I'm sure Serena will be back by then", he said.
"Spring break party", his dad said.
Dean groaned.
"Yup", he said.
Sabrina had told Seth about going to Florida and as much as he didn't like her going without him, he had too. He would be busy learning from her dad anyway, so he wouldn't really have time for Brina.
"I'm glad you girls got there safely. Please be careful Brina. If you girls go out to parties, watch your drinks, don't drink it if you've left it alone for too long. No grinding on any guys either", he said.
Sabrina giggled.
"Sir yes sir", she said.
"I'm serious Brina. Don't do anything you wouldn't like me doing", he said.
"I know baby. I'll text you in the morning and call you before bed", she said.
"I'm going to miss you. I might be spending every second with your dad, but not seeing you for even just one of those seconds will kill me", he said.
"We can video chat than.", she said.
"I love you", he said.
"I love you too", she replied.
Setting her phone down, she walked out back to see Kathan sitting on the steps watching the waves crash.
"Your parents picked a good house", Kathan said.
Sabrina nodded.
"Have you called Mark?", Sabrina asked.
Kathan shook her head no.
"You should at least text him. Let him know we got in ok", Sabrina said.
"I will. I just want to enjoy this for a bit", Kathan said.
Sabrina nodded. She left Kathan alone again. The peacefulness of the ocean and view made her calm. Taking her phone out, she clicked on Mark's name.
Made it to Florida. Its beautiful. Thank you for understanding. I love you. K.C.
Mark smiled at the text. She sent another of her view.
Anytime baby. I love you too. See you when you get back. Enjoy yourself. Mark
She smiled and put her phone away.
Roman went over to see Nala. Serena was here as well and they were watching a movie.
"Hey, aren't you suppose to be in Florida?", Roman asked.
"Nala was more important", Serena said.
Roman smiled before rubbing Nala's bump. Eve came back into the room with Chance.
"What's going on?", Nala asked.
"Well, Eve pointed out how unfair it is that your friends get to go to Florida and you can't. So, between Eve and I, we rented a beach house close by for you and Serena.", Chance said.
"I will be coming too just in case something happens", Eve said.
Nala smiled.
"Sorry Roman, it's a girls trip", Eve said.
"I'm completely ok with this. Have fun", Roman said.
"Hey, this gives us some time to get to know each other better. Ethan will be here with us too", Chance said.
Roman nodded.
"Sounds good", Roman said.
"So, you two should pack because we leave tonight", Eve said.
Serena and Roman helped Nala up.
"My bags are already packed. Just need to pick them up", Serena said.
"Well, if you want I can take you and get your bags and bring you back. Gives Nala enough time to pack as well", Roman said.
"Ok, sounds good", Serena said.
"We'll be back", Roman said.
He kissed Nala and then her bump.
Nala was packing while Eve helped.
"Are you sure this is ok?", Nala asked.
"Yes, we spoke to the doctor and he said it was fine as long as it wasn't a long trip and you weren't on your feet for long periods of time", Eve said.
Nala nodded. She finished packing her bags as Roman and Serena came back. Placing the bags in the back of Eve's car.
"I love you, have fun", Roman said.
Nala nodded as he kissed her forehead and then her lips.
"I love you too", she replied.
He bent down and kissed her bump twice.
"Be good for mommy you two. Don't give her a hard time", Roman said.
Nala smiled. Chance, Roman, and Ethan watched as the girls drove off.
"So, how about pizza?", Chance asked.
"Sounds good to me", Roman said.
"Me too", Ethan replied.