Chapter 16: Got You Covered

 I Missed You Bitches!!! She really did. NickiOnANTM!!! IKR... but what would be better is NickiOnTyra. I Can't Wait Till That Day. Shout out to Stay Young, got a twitter? Yeah, Shout Out To Her. We see Nic got y'all panties in a bunch. Leave Her Alone. & Enjoy. 

                                                                                              Cooncerely,

                                                                                                                                       Green & Purp

It’s weird how something with so many tiny holes can be so strong when it’s only held together by the thinnest of fibers. How it can keep you warm and comfortable all while giving you the feeling of safety. I can remember how I used to run to my room and just bury myself in them. I’d cover my head and eventually my silent sobs would subside. My blurred vision would become darkness and my wet cheeks would dry stiff. I’d just escape into another world. A world where the image was different and things appeared how I wanted them to be. Too bad it couldn’t block out sound tho. Don’t know how many times I prayed for it to cease. But I guess it wasn’t the right time. So God blessed me with a radio which let me escape into a whole nother galaxy.

The sound of my phone vibrating broke my deep thoughts. Guess I forgot to turn my ringer back on after we left the amusement park on Saturday. I picked it up only to see that I had two missed calls, a text and a voicemail. The calls and the text, which was a reminder that Caiah’s plane departs at 9:45am today, were from Martin. I assumed the voicemail was from him too, so I just texted him back.

Morning & Thanks. U running late? I asked, wondering why he wasn’t here.

Nope, I was there, but nobody answered. Hmm, Caiah must’ve stayed with the girls.

Did u call Safaree? & y didn’t u just use yo key?

Yep, he didn’t answer. & I accidentally left it there. L Ah, he still mad. But no seriously, I can’t with some of the people I have working for me.

Oh. Great job.

Yep. That’s why you pay me. 

Right. So u’re on yo way 2 get Caiah and then u’re coming back.

Sure. If that’s want you want, but I’m hungry.

What’s new? Just grab u guys something b4 y’all get here.

K.

And with that conversation deader I stretched and got up to get ready.

          The water felt so good. It was hot, but bearable. And the shower head Drake bought me for Valentine’s Day was set at the perfect pressure. I smiled at his attempt to be impersonal, because he knew I wouldn’t accept a gift that wasn’t. My phone rang echoing loudly throughout the bathroom. I really didn’t want to answer it, but since Caiah was still here this wasn’t the time for one of my fml mood swings. I had to keep it together, at least for a few more hours. I covered myself in a towel and made the distance. It was Martin.

“What?”

“Geez, were you still sleeping?” Caiah said dramatically.

“No Lamb Chop, I just thought you were Martin.”

“Oh.”

“Good morning.” I said a bit apologetic.

“Good morning.” He mimicked.

“Did you need something? I’m trying to get ready so you don’t miss your flight.”

“My bad. We just wanted to know if you wanted something from McDonalds.”

“No thanks.” I told him, even though a couple hash browns sounded good right about now.

“Oh, okay.”

“See you in a bit.”

“Yep.”

After we hung up I finished getting dressed, throwing on some skinny jeans and a tee. I grabbed a hoodie, and the usual accessories for a day when I’m not trying to be seen. Just as I finished putting on a pair of sneakers, the door bell rung.  Swear it rung like 10 times before I even answer it.

“Boy, how many times…” I began scolding Micaiah, until I opened the door and saw Martin standing there panting like he was out of breath.

          “That’s not fair. I had to carry all the food.” Caiah whined as he caught up. I shot Martin a glance that made him straighten up and grab the bags.

          “Yeah, now go put ‘em in the kitchen.” I ordered him.

          “Everybody’s so mean to Martin.” Caiah said.

          “I know huh?” Martin cosigned, chucking as he went through the bags. “I’m sure gonna miss you having my back.” Caiah laughed.

          “I bet.” He responded. “The lady put the straws in the farthest bag.” He added, assuming that’s what Martin was looking for.

          “Always got me covered.” Martin thanked him.

          “Why so many?” I asked, referring to the amount of bags, while embracing my Lamb Chop for a long hug.

          “I thought S.B. might want something.” Martin replied. “He still sleep?” I shrugged my shoulders before kissing Caiah’s forehead.

          “I missed you.” I said, rubbing his head before letting him go.

          “I know.” He responded before wiping the kiss away and heading to the kitchen. I shook my head and followed, noticing that Martin had disappeared. “Got you two hash browns.. just in case.” I smiled big and wasted no time goin’ through the bags to find them.

          “That’s why you’re my Lamb Chop.” I said with a full mouth. The hot and greasy potatoes compressed in the shape of an oval tasted like heaven. And they weren’t too salty either. LIFE.com

          “Umm, S.B.’s not here.” Martin said, coming back into view.

          “Oh.” I said, trying to sound indifferent. Martin gave me a strange look, grabbed his food and sat down on the couch.

          “Can I?” Caiah asked, wanting to know if he could join Martin.

          “Yo stuff packed?” I asked. He nodded with a cheesy grin. “Go ahead.” I granted while rolling my eyes.

          “Thanks.” He said, grabbing his food and heading to the couch. I closed the bags up and threw my wrappers away.

          “Y’all bet not spill nuthin on my couch.” I threatened as I went to my room. I glanced down the hall, seeing that Martin had left Safaree’s door open. Can’t believe he just left without telling me. Asshole.

         

It was 9:30 and time for Caiah to board. I really didn’t want him flying by himself, but he insisted. Said it would be a waste of money to send Candi and Lauren with him only to have to double back. Guess my liddo Lamb Chop really is growing up. Now, if only he could get over me and Mr. UpInHisFeelings. Shit, I’m trying to. And I told that nigga I didn’t want to risk this again. How I value our friendship and that sex would just complicate things. But ‘Nah Nic, we can do this how you want. I’m here for you whenever. I could just keep you satisfied’, blah blah blah. People just lie lie lie, like a muthafuckin’ rug.

“Be good.” I said, lifting Caiah’s chin.

“You too.” He told me. I didn’t take it offensively cuz he said it in a caring way.

“Don’t hesitate to call me for anything, ok.”

“Ok.”

“You sure you don’t want me to reschedule so I can fly with you?”

“Yep, I’ll be good.”

“I love you.”

“Love you too.” Man, I hate goodbyes, like seriously, what’s good about ‘em?

 I gave him hugs and kisses and let him go after Dream had to practically pry him from my grasp. Shit, it probably was cake for him. Swear he just be picking up people and throwing ‘em with no effort. I be fearing for my barbs lives when they can’t control themselves. Micaiah waved goodbye before turning around and walking through the doorway. I could feel the usual dull burning sensation in my eyes. I tilted my head back to prevent tears from escaping, then headed back the way we came.