"Talking to me."

Malika up there. 

Jaylen POV

  We broke away from the kiss with big ass smiles on our faces. "So can I come in now?" he said as he laughed. I mean, I was pressed up against my own door. "Well move back some so I can open the door." I smiled as he did just that. "This is nice!" he said as he surveyed the room. In a few seconds, he picked me up and placed us on a nearby couch. "You're so childish." I laughed. "I definitely missed hearing that." he said as he tried to kiss me but I blocked him. He sent me a confused look. "What happened with you and Kayla?" I asked. "Always straight to the point. However, me and her broke up way before even went on the trip. Mutual agreement on both ends so she won't be a problem." he said as I nodded my head. 

  "Something else is on your mind though. I can sense it. What's up?" he said as he looked up at me. "Well, speaking of the trip,  I heard your conversation with Prince. Was it true?" I asked as he looked at me confused. "What are you-" he stopped in realization what I meant. "No. None of that shit was true. That trip was solely for you. Swear to god!" he said looking me straight in my face. "In regards to the deal, I had already lost it before you closed the laptop. That's why I was mad in the first place. It honestly had nothing to do with you. You would've heard me say that if you listened longer." he said he looked at me. I guess he was finally putting the pieces together. "That's why you left." he said as I turned away. He turned my face back to him. "You were not a burden. I planned that whole trip for you because I was proud of you." 

  "You were getting back on your  getting back on your feet, taking your life back into your hands. To see you genuinely smiling. That made me happy." he said as I smiled at him. "If anything he was the add on because nobody wanted him to come. Had to beg them to give him a chance. It's funny because after we left the club, they wanted to do more things with you because you had a lot of things you wanted to do and they knew it would've been fun." I just looked at him. "Never did I ever think you was a charity case at ANY point of you staying with me. Never." he said as I smiled at him. I started to play with his beard. "Thank you." "Nah thank you. Though I should've came to you so-" "Uh uh. Don't. You're here now and laying right here with me." I smiled as he kissed my hand. "You right." I sighed before speaking. "What is P's problem?" I asked. 

  "Well if I want to be your boyfriend, I gotta be honest." Y'all heard that? Boyfriend. Love that for me. "He honesty wasn't always like this.  A couple of years back, he tried to befriend  someone else. Everything was all good and gravy. That was until he was being arrested. That person he befriended set him up for armed robbery and 2 counts of murder." he said as my mouth hung open. "Somehow, he managed to place his prints on the gun. So when the police was conducting their investigation, everything came back on him. Shit was a mess. The life he once knew was gone and he was now trial for a crime he didn't commit. His name was smeared all over town. Not only did he lose his job and relationship, he lost his sanity. He couldn't go anywhere without people calling him a murderer or coward. He was looking at he death penalty babe." Tears were now streaming down my eyes. 

  "After 2 years of his life being wasted, he was finally acquitted of all crimes. He sued the city, police department and his job. Ended up winning a shit ton of money. Though money couldn't have replaced what he lost. He moved his family far away so they didn't have to go the humiliation of this and try to rebuild their life. He still has some left but that's besides the point. Out of all of his friends, I was the only one that stayed by his side. Ironic because most of them were at work with him when that crime happened in the first place." he said as I I hugged him even tighter. "I made a pact with him that we'd get out of there and rebuild our lives somewhere else where this couldn't affect him. That's why I protect him and tell people to give him a chance. Though, I can't force him to lighten up, I can understand why he's hesitant on trusting people." he concluded. 

  "I'm so sorry." I said as he wiped the tears from my eyes. "Don't cry. You didn't know." he said as I nodded. Maybe I should tell him about me. Not yet. "Wait did you just call me babe?" he laughed. "Yes babe." he smirked as I smiled. "Come on, I wanna take you out." he said picking me up. "Now? We just came from outside." "Please?" he said as I sighed before agreeing. "Thank you. Hold on." he said as he pinned me against the wall. He grabbed a piece of tissue and wiped my face. "Perfect." he said flashing a smile. It's worth noting that he obviously hasn't put me down yet. "Now I can get in the car by myslef." I said jumping down from him. I didn't bother to ask where we were going because he would never tell. We pulled up towards a cliff. It was facing the ocean under the stars. "Come on. I have the perfect spot." he said as he grabbed a blanket from the trunk. 

  He laid put the blanket down and patted the spot between his legs for me to sit. Once I sat down, he wrapped his arms around me. We sat watching the moonlight shine above the crashing waves. "You know, after you left, I would go to the beach and watch the stars. I'd make a wish for me to find my way back to you." he said as we swayed. "Well it looks like your wish came true." I said as he hugged me. "Yeah it did". After a few minutes of us sitting there, I started to fall asleep. I woke up the next morning in my bed. There was no trace of him. "That was a beautiful dream." I mumbled to myself. Since I was off both work and school, I decided to meet up with Malika and Dion. I was interrupted from my thoughts by the sound of my phone vibrating. It was from Bobby. 'I really enjoyed the time we spent together. I hope that wasn't the last time. Good afternoon king'. Insert the kool aid smile here. I quickly texted him back before going to get dressed. 

  "We've haven't hung out in forever!" Malika said as she hugged me. "Right." I agreed. Dion didn't say anything. He just sat on his phone texting. O...K. "What are you getting?" Malika asked as I turned my attention to her. "This food looks so good. I don't know. I kinda want a po boy but then again- never mind. Po boy it is." I said as she laughed we all placed our orders. "So what's the problem?" she said as I looked at her confused. "Huh?" "You two haven't spoken since we got here. What's up?" she said signaling me and Dion. "That's what I'm trying to figure out." I added. He continued to text, until Malika snatched the phone out of his hand. "Yo what the fuck?!" "Your acting weird." I mumbled as I sipped my water. "Fuck is you talking about?" he raised his eyebrow at me. This attitude came from Katrina because the weather is nice in Sacramento.

  I cracked my knuckles. "You're acting fucking weird! A few month's ago, you was hype as fuck to see me. Now that I'm here, you could give a fuck. If you were gonna be like this, you could've stayed the fuck where you was at." I stated as sat back in my chair. "Yeah D, what's going on?" she asked. He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm honestly happy to see you. It's just trying to balance out friendships, work, relationship, and school is taking a toll on me." he said as he scratched his head. "I mean you could've just said that instead of acting like a brat." I rolled my eyes. "Speaking of relationships, why didn't you tell me you had a girlfriend?" I said tilting my head. "I don't know. Just never thought of it." he said shrugging as he took a sip of his soda. "I mean it would've made meeting her a helluva lot less awkward." I said as she laughed. "Right. You was so confused and she made it worse by staring you up and down." "I didn't even notice that. What did you tell her about me?" I said turning my attention to him.

  "Nothing. Just told her you were a good person and that she'd love you like we do." he said as he shrugged. The waitress arrived shortly with our food. "Uh huh Dion. Don't start nothing." I said as I looked at him. "I promise that's all I said. Calm down crime mob." he said as we burst out laughing. "Now that that is handled. Can we talk about how stressful these mid terms are?!" Malika said twirling her hair. "Dawg I damn near died in twice this week." I sighed as we laughed. We continued to have small talk and jokes. This is what I missed the most, these moments right here. Once we finished our food, we got up to leave. Dion pulled me in for a hug but  I blocked him and held my hand out for a handshake. "Stop playing with me." he said hugging me. "I'm sorry for acting like an ass. I really am happy to see you. I wanted to be the first face you saw but instead this one got the credit." he said pointing to Malika. "Shouldn't have been acting like a weirdo." she mumbled as I laughed. 

  He continued. "Well you here now and that's all that matters. I can protect you now." he whispered the last part as I smiled. "Next time tell me about your girlfriend. You know I'm iffy on meeting new people (y'all shut up). Oh and if you do that shit again, I will act like I never met you. Got it?". "Bet." he said as he laughed. "Well I gotta go. Got some errands to run." I said once he released me. "Text us when you get in." they said as I waved to them. When I arrived home, Bobby was standing by my door with a basket of snacks and a movie. "Movie date?" he asked nervously as I smiled before letting him in. "Have you seen John Wick 3?" he asked as he walked in the kitchen to make the popcorn. "No. I heard it was good tho." I responded. Now why I lie? I haven't seen a movie in years. The aroma of popcorn filled the room as he came back and sat next to me. I pressed play on the movie. 

  "See I need Halle's dogs! Them motherfuckers was obedient as hell. Killing on site and shit! " I said all hype as he laughed. "Nah the part where the dude was a fan of his and was happy as hell to fight him." he laughed. He pulled me in his lap. "How was your day?" he asked caressing my face. "It was chill for the most part. Got to hang with my friends and ended up on a date with this guy." I said as his eyebrows raised. "Oh word? That's what's up. What about this date and guy tho?" he asked a he raised his eyebrows. "Well I loved the date. Wasn't nothing too extravagant or over the top. It was just how I like, simple. Not gonna lie, I was nervous as hell at first. The guy was really sweet though. Made me feel comfortable and everything. He's very good at conversation too. I'll have to introduce you two." I said as he laughed. "Nah. That ain't gonna work." he said as I tilted my head.

  "Why not?" "I don't want to meet my competition." "Hm?" "Yep. I'm competing for this." he said tapping the area where my heart is. "I'm not trynna meet nobody that's in the running for that either. This ain't no tag team. That's mine." he said as I smiled. I would kiss him but we're not official. Earlier doesn't counhut up. "Oh. Well I guess you're right then. Never mind." "I'm glad you enjoyed your date though." he said kissing my hand. "Me too. I think I'll let him take me on another one." I said as he smirked and crooked his head to the left. "You think?" "Nah I know. He earned it." I smiled. "He would love that." he said as he hugged me tighter. "You smell good." I laughed. "What are you, part dog or something. Move." "Nah, I'm comfortable right here." "Glad I could make you feel that way." I said playing with his waves. "As only you could."

  "How was your day?" "It was ight. I was sleep most of the day due to last night." "You could've stayed over." "I know but as tempting as that sounded, I needed your consent first. You were sleep so I just went back to the hotel." A respectful king! Jackpot! "What you smiling at?" he said as he looked at me confused. "Nothing. Nothing at all. You called me king earlier." "That's because you are one and will be treated as such." he said as I smiled. Laying it on kinda thick here but I ain't complaining. "When are you leaving?" I asked changing the subject. "Damn you trynna get rid of me already? Damn." he said fake hurt. "No. I was just wondering how much longer I'm gonna have with you." I pouted. "Awww. I'm here til the end of the week though." he smiled. I looked down at my hands. "Hey, I'll be back before you know it." "OK Trey Songz." I laughed shaking my head. We spent the rest of the night watching some more movies and getting to know each other better. It's so weird how safe he makes me feel. 

  A few days later...                          

  "How did you do on the test?" Bobby asked me. I was now on break at my job. "I aced that shit. What you mean?!" I said as he laughed. "Damn I don't get a thank you. I mean we was up all night studying." he said yawning. "My bad. Thank you big head." "You welcome shorty." insert kool aid smile here. "You coming to see me off?" he asked as I furrowed my brows. "You want me to?" "That shouldn't even be a question." "Oh? Well I guess I will then." "Don't guess Jay." "Ight I know I will." "That's better." "What time is your flight?" "I don't leave until 7. Imma come pick you up after work. Is it that cool with you?" I like how he ask me things before he does them. "Yeah that's fine. Imma send you the address." "You already know what I'm about to ask." "Yes I'll bring you a slice of cake." "Two slices." "Fat. Ass!" "I'm a growing boy." "Uh huh. I gotta clock back in, I'll talk to you later." I hung up with a huge smile on my face. 

  As soon as I clocked out, he was standing right by his car. "Hi handsome." "Hey." he said as he wrapped his arms around me. "I don't want you to leave." "I know". We stood there for a brief moment. "I got your stuff." "Thank you." he smiled. "Come on before I miss my flight." he smiled as I laughed. Guess he knew what I was trying to do. He held my hand the entire ride. "You know you gotta eat that before you get on the plane right?" I said as he parked the car. "Yeah but that's why I got you here." he said as I sat on the hood of the car. He came in between my legs and opened the cake containers. He fed me a piece and then himself. "Time out. How are you gonna return the car and how am I gonna get home?" I asked as he laughed. "The rental place is right there." he said as he pointing to the sign. "As for you getting home, I'm paying for it. I wasn't gonna have you come all the way out here for nothing."

  "Oh. I knew that." "Of course you did." he said finishing the first slice. I tilted my head back and gazed at the stars. "It's a beautiful night huh?" "Even better now that you're here with me." I looked down at him and smiled. "I gotta ask you something." he said as he finished his second slice of cake. "Shoot." "So we've been talking for a few days now and I can't even front, you've been on my mind this whole week. Jaylen, I wanted to know could I be your boyfriend? I understand if you say no. I don't want to-" "Yes." "Huh?" "Bobby, yes I will be your boyfriend." He leaned in and kissed me. There was this beautiful feeling swirling around in my chest. Is this what they call fireworks? " Been waiting to do that all we- babe what's wrong?" he said as he wiped my face. Was I crying?

  "Huh?" "You're crying. Did I do something?" he asked with a look of concern. "Nothing. I'm just super happy. Thank you." "Nah thank you." he said as he pulled me close. "I meant what I said though. I'm coming for that." he mumbled in my ear. "Well you already got a head start." I said as we laughed. We stood like this for a few minutes before he looked at his watch. "Ight. I gotta go. Lemme call ya lyft." he said as he pulled out his phone. I got a little sad. "Ight she'll be here in five minutes." he said as he held me in his arms. In a few minutes, a car was pulling up. "Don't look like that. You making me feel bad." he said as he kissed me. I didn't say anything as he released and backed away me. He flashed me a weak smile. "You still have me. I'm not going anywhere." he reassured me as I started my trek to the car. 

  He waved to me as the car pulled off before heading to the rental place. Once I got home, he texted me. 'I didn't like that look. I want you to always smile for me baby. Even if it hurts. OK?' This made me smile actually. I texted him OK before saying goodnight. "I actually have a boyfriend." I said to myself before heading to sleep. 

  These last few days zoomed by. I've been on my A game both at work and school. Benji sent me two more EP's. It was actually what I would listen to when I studied. He was recently  promoted to assistant service manager. I'm really proud of him. He treated me to lunch to celebrate (though I made him his favorite pie too). Me, Malika and Dion host study sessions every Thursday. It's one of the few reasons why I we've been doing so well. As for me and Bobby, we talk or text almost every day. I really miss him. Weird thing is, he hasn't been responding to my texts today. I figured he must've been busy at work or something. I was now on my way home from school. Good thing I was off today. 

  I just walked in the house when there was a knock on the door. Who is this? I couldn't see nothing but flowers.  "Delivery for Jaylen Maio." the person said. "I did-" "Hi baby." Bobby said as he popped his head from the side of the flowers. To say I lit up would be an understatement. I was basically the 4th of July fireworks. Minus the shooting. "Did you miss me?" he said as I ran into his arms and kissed him. "I'll take that as a yes then." he laughed as he walked us back into the apartment. "I thought you was staying in Denver." I said confused. "I couldn't stay there when I just made things official with you. I missed you too much. Luckily a transfer position up here opened up. I jumped at the chance. Spent the last few days working some kinks out but I'm here now. I can do this as much as I want." he said as he kissed me. 

  I got up from him and turned on Amerie's talking to me. I held my hand out as he started to dance with me. "Every time our eyes meet, be talkin talkin talkin talkin to me (talkin to me)." she sung as me and him locked eyes. 

  "Talking to me." he said as he kissed me. 

This chapter was fun!

Thoughts?

Malika?

Dion?

Bobby?

Jaylen?          

Prince?