First Queen II

Not A Fan

Michael played his game well on her. I wasn't a fan of him. Lainni didn't know that he was just like all other men. She saw him as an object who supplied her every need. If she had a chance with Corey, she wouldn't hesitate to be with him. He was the only one who understood her thoroughly. I knew all this via her drunken tongue one night.

"Liah, did you miss me?" She followed me into the kitchen.

"You said we had important business to discuss. What's up?" I tried my best to not sound bitter, but deep down inside I was mad at her allowing her selfishness to affect her happiness. At one point, she had to stop depending on men and love herself. Everyone had to learn to do that. It was impossible to love someone without loving yourself.

She hoisted herself atop of the counter then smiled. "Michael gave me this." She pulled her hair up, "Don't say anything yet but we are a step closer to an engagement ring."

A sterling silver ring with diamonds forming an M was hanging from her neck. It was so pretty. The ring was either to small or big for her finger so she had to put it on a necklace. The diamonds were so shiny and clear, plus it really complemented her neck.

My eyes focused on it before traveling up to her smile. It was so genuine. She really was gone. It was going to take more than just my words to make her see through this. I still had to be a good friend and admit to her that things weren't what they seemed. She needed to listen to me, too.

"Lai," I sighed, "Is this worth it?"

"What?" She looked taken aback. Her smile had dropped. We were staring at one another in complete silence.

"This. You're selling yourself short. Michael can't be worth that much to have you this way-"

Lai held her hand up. "That's my man. I don't give a damn what you or anyone else thinks. Save your advice for when I need it. I'm a grown woman that does not need her friend's or anyone else approval. My life is my life and when I decide to make a change, you just be there to support me. That's what real friends do. It's actually funny because I did the same for you." She scoffed before walking off.

The tension the next morning was thick. Lainni wasn't talking to me and I could sense her anger. She was handling everything so roughly. Everything. From her cooking utensils to Malasia, she literally held her daughter in her seat and forced her to take some medicine. Not once did she make eye contact with me. There was not one word spoken, not even when Michael walked in with Brandon.

I jumped up, hurrying to him, and locking my arms around him. Brandon muzzled his head into my neck then placed a soft kiss behind my ear. I pulled away before we went any further. He looked into my eyes then over at Lai as if asking me a question. Without replying, I grabbed his arm then led him onto the patio.

We took a seat under the cozy gazebo by the pool. "Tell me what's going on because I saw how she was glaring at us."

"Last night I just came in and tried to be a helping friend. You're not here all the time so you don't see how Michael treats her, but I do. She didn't want to hear my advice. She even bought up my ex which hurt because that was a rough time for me. Since then, we have not spoken to one another. I think that moving out speech might come soon."

Brandon sighed heavily. He scratched the back of his head. He was being hesitant? My own man was being hesitant about this situation. There was no choice here. Obviously, I'm the right one in this time around! Lainni took my words out of context. It was out of love and care that I came to her with the help. She was the one who went all in defense mode over nothing.

"Baby, I don't know about this one. From what I see, he loves her."

"How do you know?" I ended him short.

Brandon threw his hands up. I scoffed while looking over at the tall trees. "She doesn't love him, either. This is all out of benefit of herself. Those bags? He bought. Those pumps? His money. Her world? All his. Everything revolves around him. Money has so much power over an individual. Do you know how I know? I was that girl once! I thought that him spoiling me was true love!"

Brandon pulled me closer to him to keep from crying. He rubbed my back as my breathing slowed. My anger began to subside as my head lay on his broad shoulder. For a moment I forgot where I was. Brandon put me in a better mood as we sat there. Just that quick and he had me feeling like myself before I even came home last night.

"It's not our relationship, problem, or life. You have to let them live." He assured me.

I nodded, but I wasn't about to let my friend fall anymore for him. She deserved better and that's what she would get. The materials weren't worth anything when you were genuinely happy. Michael was a shitty boyfriend and wanna-be father. Lainni could play it like it wasn't obvious but I would make her see one way or the other. That was my word.