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Dayvon stepped out of the prison gates, taking a deep breath of the fresh air he had been longing for. It had been four long years, and the world outside felt both familiar and completely new. His mind was racing with thoughts of Aaliyah, wondering how much had changed in her life during his absence. He knew she was with Tyrone now, but a part of him couldn't help but hope that their connection hadn't completely faded.
"Welcome back, bro," Durk greeted him, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "You ready for this?"
Dayvon nodded, trying to mask his nerves. "I gotta see her, man. Even if it's from a distance."
later on, As they drove to the venue, Durk filled him in on the details. "Aaliyah's birthday party is tonight. Tyrone's throwing it for her. Just...be cool, alright"
Dayvon's heart pounded as they pulled up to the venue. Music thumped, and laughter echoed through the open doors. He took a deep breath and followed Durk inside.
Then he saw her. Aaliyah. She looked even more stunning than he remembered, her smile lighting up the room. She was surrounded by friends, Tyrone, but there was a distance in her eyes as if a part of her was missing.
Durk nudged him. "There she is, man. Go say hi."
Dayvon hesitated, his feet rooted to the spot. "I dunno, Durkio. What if she doesn't wanna see me?"
"Only one way to find out," Durk replied, pushing him gently.
Gathering his courage, Dayvon took a step forward, then another. Just as he was about to approach her, Aaliyah glanced in his direction. Their eyes locked, and the world seemed to stand still.
"Dayvon?" she mouthed, her expression a mix of shock and something else he couldn't quite place.
Before he could respond, Tyrone noticed and turned to see what had caught her attention. His face hardened as he spotted Dayvon. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Dayvon raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Just wanted to see her, man. I ain't here to start no drama."
Aaliyah stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Tyrone, it's okay. Let me talk to him."
Tyrone looked conflicted but nodded, stepping back. Aaliyah walked over to Dayvon, her eyes searching his face.
"I didn't think I'd see you here," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the music.
"I had to come, Leah," he replied, using the nickname he hadn't uttered in years. "I needed to see you."
Her eyes filled with unshed tears. "It's been so long, Dayvon. So much has happened."
"I know, and I'm sorry for everything," he said earnestly. "But I couldn't stay away. Not without seeing you at least once."
She bit her lip, glancing back at Tyrone, who was watching them closely. "A lot has changed. I'm with Tyrone now."
"I get that," Dayvon said, his heart aching. "But I had to see you. I had to let you know that I'm still here, still thinking about you."
Aaliyah took a deep breath, struggling with her emotions. "Dayvon, I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," he replied. "I just needed you to know. I won't cause any trouble."
She nodded, wiping a tear from her cheek. "Thank you for coming, Dayvon. It means a lot."
He gave her a small smile, stepping back. "Take care, Aaliyah. And happy birthday."
As he turned to leave, he felt a mixture of relief and heartache. He had seen her and talked to her, and that was enough for now. But as he walked away, he couldn't stop thinking of what he could've been if he didn't go to jail.
Outside, Durk was waiting for him. "How'd it go?"
"About as well as it could," Dayvon replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "I told her what I needed to say."
