Choices

“I’m so proud of you!” Maia shouted over the loud music at her older sister Honey. They sat in their VIP section, popping Champagne bottles at The Hall, Honey’s new lounge.

“Thank you baby girl, you know I couldn’t have done this without you and the family. I hope Nannie is proud.” she smiled as they toast. “Oh and speaking of family, here comes your sister, late as always.” Honey stated sarcastically as they both laughed “Peaches Kid!”

Bree was the younger cousin of the girls but they were raised as siblings. One big family living together in their grandmother’s home. The girls had an older cousin as well. His name, Fonzo. The fiercest of them all. She taught the girls everything they knew.

“Hey girl, still taking after your mother we see.” Maia laughed

“Girl hush.” Bree rolled her eyes at her younger cousin. “I’m so sorry Honey, Daddy made me late.” Bree smiled and hugged her favorite cousin. “But to make up for my tardiness, he told me to give you this.” She pulled a stack of money from her purse. Handing Honey five thousand dollars.

“Thank you, Big Money!” Honey smiled bright

Money was one of Bree’s friends. She had her select few royal contenders. Taking after her mother in more ways than one. She was actually her Father’s daughter. Cream was serving a life sentence in North State Corrections Facility. He killed a man that put a gun to the head of his princess during an altercation. Even though Bree was too young to remember, she will always stick by her father.

The girls sat unbothered as a masterpiece. Enjoying the moment. A life they could only dream about in the recent past. “Please do not let my life turn out bad.” Honey whispered to herself.

Beautiful inside and out. Unfortunately, when you come from the bottom sometimes you make bad decisions. Those decisions fueled from survivor mode, not logic and love. Constantly feeling incomplete and alone growing up as a little brown girl. Being taught to always make the best choice for yourself. Promising your choice to be of love and light. So when it came to poverty and success, she hoped she chose right.

“Zo! Over here” the girls yelled. They then noticed the built man strolling in with their queen bee. “Who are you?” they asked in unison as they smiled.

“Do not do that to him.” Fonzo blushed. “Excuse them.” she secured her new man candy. “He’s my special friend.” she smiled as she caressed his arm. “Where’s my girl?”

“Making sure the store is running smoothly.” Bree answered her cousin. Her eyes glued to the mystery man. She could not quite put her finger on it, but something was definitely in the air.

“She needs to get back over here, she’s missing her party.” Zo said excitedly. “ I know Nannie is proud of her, she did an amazing job.” “I wish I could go check the new collection out, unfortunately I have to leave soon. Baby has to work early in the morning.”

“Are you sure? You know you can ride with one of us.” Maia insured

“Yes it’s okay, he’s only in town until Monday so I want to spend as much time as possible.” replied Fonzo. “We will see you ladies tomorrow for Sunday dinner at Nannies”

“Okay, no problem.” Maia hugged Fonzo

“Please do not forget your strawberry cheesecake.” Bree chimed in as she reached for a hug as well.

As Fonzo and her date walked off, the girls could notice Honey on the dance floor with Cheese. Her new found love. He wasn’t actually new in her life but their deep love for each other sure had blossomed recently. Honey had magically found love and success, but would her fairy tale have a happy ending?

“Hello?” Maia whispered through the phone, trying to keep from waking her sleeping boyfriend.

“Girl! Last night was so much fun! Literally the best party I’ve thrown!” Honey said excitedly waking her sister.

“Are you drunk off coffee?” says Maia sarcastically. “My night ended with me drunk off champagne and Kyan.” “It was a great night though.”

“You know I do not drink coffee.” Honey laughed. “ I am just excited and thankful that I was granted the opportunity to put my dreams into motion.” Honey was not only a beautiful soul she was super creative and passionate about her projects. One of her greatest traits. A product of two loving people trying to make it. Raising children while dealing with their own struggles and demons. Her mother being the oldest of three, forcing her to take on many responsibilities. Unfortunately, leaving her actual children to suffer some. “Are you ready for later?”

“Honestly, I’m not quite sure.” Maia confessed as she arose from her sleep

“I pray Auntie Peaches is not still upset about the house situation.” says Honey. “Things should be fine otherwise.”

“Lets just pray she shows up extra late tonight, after I’ve had a glass of wine at least.” Maia chuckled.

“Two glasses for me pleaseeee.” The girls laughed out loud waking Kyan

“I have to go, see you later. I Love you.” Maia insured her sister before the call disconnected.

As Honey sat at her dining room table, she couldn't help but think about how her life did a complete 180 in a matter of twelve months. She felt in her spirit that there would be challenges along the road to wealth. Unclear on how detrimental these challenges might be, she knew she would make it through them with the help of the universe.

“Hey, we’re in the kitchen.” Honey shouted through the house. As Fonzo and Bree walked through the kitchen door, Honey was expecting to be greeted by the new man in Zo’s life. “Where’s your special friend? I’m ready to meet him since I missed him last night.”

“He’ll be here shortly, he’s just getting off of work.” Fonzo answered. “Is everyone coming to dinner?”

“My mother isn’t coming, she’s still upset with everyone.” Bree responded.

“Seriously? Come on Aunt Peaches, this is what Nannie wants.” Maia rolled her eyes

“It’ll all blow over soon.” Fonzo chimed in.

“I hope so.” says Honey. “I guess it’s best she doesn’t come so there isn’t any drama.”

As Honey was trying to alleviate the drama, little did she know the storm was about to walk through the door. As the girls prepared dinner, Fonzo slipped away. Right when they were starting to notice, the door swung open. Honey was surprised by the figure standing in front her.

“Honey, this is …”

“Terrence.” Honey interrupted Fonzo

“Wait, how do you know each other?” Fonzo looked puzzled

“Would you like to explain?” Terrence asked

“We met when I visited Chicago last year.” Honey answered

“Girl, do not play with me.” Terrence snapped

“What do you want me to say? We met and we slept together?” Asked Honey. “But wait, you’re gay?”

“No, I’m not gay!” Terrence yelled.

Everyone looked so confused. You could tell Fonzo was hurt and embarrassed at the same time. Not knowing what was going on Maia and Bree stepped in between Honey and Terrence. Fonzo stood off to the side frozen.

“Kaia stop playing with me, tell everyone why I’m here.” Terrence insisted

The girls were befuddled at the fact that Terrence even knew Honey’s real name. They wondered about the real nature of their relationship. Why was he there pretending to be homosexual. Standing in their kitchen yelling, while sweat dripped from Honey’s temples.

“Okay Terrence dang.” Honey rolled her eyes knowing her cover was blown. “Last year when I went to Chicago, we met at a bar near my hotel. We hit it off and ended up getting very drunk and sleeping together.”

“And?” Terrence grew impatient

“And when I woke up the next morning … I noticed a little black book opened on his table. I looked through it, found out the time and location for his next money pickup, collected the payment and boarded my flight back home.” Honey confessed

The girls looked very disappointed. Not knowing how to digest the information they were fed. Even though Honey lied they still chose to stick by her.

“Okay, so why are you here?” Bree asked. “Do you want your money?”

“I’ll be honest, at first yes that’s why I came here.” Terrence answered. “After what I witnessed last night though, I’ll take half of everything.”

“Half of EVERYTHING!” Honey said, baffled. “You’re looking to profit a lot more than $20,000.”

Blinded by the situation at hand, no one noticed when Fonzo disappeared. Slipping into the next room and reappearing with her hands behind her back. “You have 10 seconds to get out of my grandmother’s house!”

“Man, or what?” Terrence smirked unafraid

Fonzo displayed the pistol she had tucked away. “Or you’ll be another ghost in this house.” she said calmly. The girls stood there speechless. Unsure how this would end or what they should do. Afraid for Terrence’s life. Also relieved that he wouldn’t be able to blackmail or harm Honey. Most of all, scared for the choice Fonzo may make. Knowing, that sometimes the best choice gives you the worst lesson of life.