Rose Cut

Freckles

I groaned as I rolled away from the light streaming in. I stretched out a little peeking to check the clock. It was 9:15 am and i'm finally 23. I hopped out of bed and connected my phone to my sound bar. I began dancing around my room rapping "Want her" along with the Migos.

I started my shower as I set everything up. I had high hopes for today, and I wanted to make sure it was the best birthday ever. Normally, I would go out with Dorinda and act a damn fool but, I always wanted a calm night with someone I cared about.

The last birthday I enjoyed was with my father and I didn't want to think about that now. Especially with what I just learned about him.

I stepped into the shower to clear my head. I sung at the top of my lungs with my music, doing my hygiene thing. I had to hurry if I wanted to be ready in time for whatever Dorian had planned. I stepped out after 45 minutes, and wrapped a towel around me as I went to sit at my vanity.

Running my fingers through my now damp hair, I thought about what look I was going for. I blew out my hair and placed on light make-up being sure to cover my freckles. I hesitated for a moment, thinking about leaving them out but I couldn't.

I wasn't ready for the world to see me. You never know who could be lurking, and watching you. I could not afford to slip up. It's bad enough I kept my hair peach. I shook myself mentally. It's my birthday and I will be happy. My hair, My eyes, and my freckles came from my mother, and I don't ever want to be like her.

I straightened my hair with a middle part and slid on my Victoria secret lace set. I danced to the music lightening up my mood. It's 11 now and still nothing from Dorian. I wasn't bothered though because, it gave me time to cook us breakfast.

I grabbed all the ingredients I would need to make waffles from scratch. I added a little cinnamon since I was in such a good mood. Once I finished cooking, I set the table for two.

Putting out some freshly squeezed orange juice and stepping back. I smiled, admiring my set up. A thought came to mind and I slid on my red stilettos and made two mimosas. I sat down crossing my legs as I waited. I sipped on my drink ready to thank my man.

Dorian's been great. So sweet and patient. He had a temper at times but, he would always apologize and make it right. I was so happy with him but, sometimes I felt like we were missing something. Even in our best moments, something held me back. Today, I planned on getting to the bottom of things. I was ready to commit to him and really find out what's missing.

This surprise is the first genuine gesture from him and I was very excited to see what he planned just for me. I tipped my cup to my lips, only to find it empty. I was so deep in my thoughts I hadn't notice I finished it. I checked my watch to see it was now a quarter til one.

I went to my room and paused the music, checking my phone for any missed calls or texts. Frustrated to only see the calls from Jamir and Rinda. I stomped off back into the kitchen, grabbing my black robe on the way. I warmed my now cold food and killed the second glass.

He wouldn't dare stand me up. It's my Birthday. I snatched my food out the microwave and practically burned my tongue angry eating.

Two hours passed by and I was on bottle number 3 of champagne. f**k the orange juice at this point. I threw away the left overs, sick of seeing it on the table. I was pacing back and forth, trying to calm myself.

I should have known this would happen. Dorian can never be consistent. Always building me up to let me down. First the aquarium, then Ms. Sharon's office and now my birthday. This was the last straw.

I dialed his number, ready to curse his ass out. It went straight to voicemail, pissing me off even more.

"You know what Dorian. I'm sick of your s**t. How you just drop of the radar and don't even call to let me know what's going on. What about today!?" I screamed into the receiver. Liquid courage pumping me up.

"I put up with everything! Your disrespect, your weak ass late night visits and you can't even remember my birthday! f**k You I'm done." I yelled smashing my IPhone on the table.

I cracked the screen and tossed the remains as I held my face in my hands. There I go again putting my happiness in the wrong people. I'm letting myself down at this point.

I reached for the champagne but, decided I needed something stronger. I pulled out some Hennessy and gulped straight from the bottle. I switched up front felling tipsy, drinking as I cleaned up my mess.

I wanted to call Dorinda but, realized I f****d my phone up. I was over my birthday and I snatched my garment bag up with my dress, and threw it in the trash. I heard someone knocking on my door, so I sat down the Henny and marched to the door.

Dorian had some f*****g nerves walking up to my s**t after the stunt he pulled. I snatched the door open and froze as the curse words I was gonna say died on my lips.

"feliz cumpleaños!" Screamed Priscilla, squeezing my leg. Knocking open my robe. She looked so cute in the dress I made. Her wild curls were still all over the place. I reached down to return the hug.

"Happy Birthday Twin." I told her standing and turning to look at Jamir. His eyes were roaming my body and I looked down to see my robe was sliding loose. My lace bra and panties covered almost nothing.

I blushed and looked up to meet his eyes. He smiled showing his slugs and I snatched the ties to the robe and knotted it tighter.

He went on as if he didn't just witnessed the peep show. "So, is now a good time?" He questioned. I raised my eyebrow and looked to see Scilla still on my leg. "Oh her hair. Yeah, uhm come in." I managed to stammer out leading them inside. Priscilla rushed past me and sat in the living room.

Jamir rolled his eyes making me giggle. She was showing off the fact that she's been here before. Pointing around and telling Jamir where things were. Jamir's eyes roamed the room as he took in the scenery. His eyes lingered on the hall to the second bedroom before focusing back on me. His tall frame was relaxed as he sat on my couch.

He was dressed in Black and grey today with jordans to match. "How do you want your hair?" I asked turning to Scilla. She smiled at me. "I just want it up." She said grabbing at it.

"I love the dress, Si" she told me as she jumped off the couch and twirled for me. "I was gonna wear pants but, this dress I like and Mommy was happy it was a dress." She giggled explaining. I nodded and stood to pick her up. Jamir followed me to my bedroom and I sat her on my bed.

"You live alone?" Priscilla asked me, as she watched me grab some things for her hair, swinging her legs as they dangled. "Stop being nosy Scilla." Snapped Jamir. He was lounging in the doorway watching.

I pulled out the chair from my vanity and sat her in it. "It's okae. I do live by myself." I told her putting some organic coconut oil detangler in her hair. I only put enough to run my fingers through. Then I began pinning it up off her. "It's a big bed to be by yourself." mumbled Scilla.

"Priscilla." warned Jamir, coming in to sit on the bed next to us. I laughed. "What can I say. I like my space. " I spoke up. I finished pinning her and gave her a hand mirror to look.

She grinned and looked to Mir. He smirked and gave her a thumbs up before she stood in the chair to hug me. "Thank you! thank you for all my gifts." she said and I pulled back but, didn't let go. I smiled at her but, she didn't return my smile. She pouted a little before speaking up.

"I gave you nada." said Scilla sadly. "It's okae hunny." I told her quickly trying to soothe her. I looked over to Jamir, to see him watching us. "Come with us Lena." she begged.

"I told you she can't Scilla. And we gotta go." said Jamir standing and picking her up. I followed them to my living room as Scilla kept whining. "I don't wanna go without her God Daddy, don't make me." she wailed, fake crying.

Jamir looked back at me debating. "Do you wanna come ?" he asked me, as Priscilla nodded her head enthusiastically.

I chewed on it for a minute. At this point f**k Dorian. "I'll go." I answered with a nod. I walked over and opened the door for them.

" Uhm Rose." Jamir said coming to stand by me. "Yes?" I asked blushing at our closeness. He smiled and leaned over towards my ear, so I met him halfway. "You might wanna change first." He whispered, before chuckling to himself. I turned on my heels and hurried off to change.

30 minutes later, We pulled up to a big Tattoo shop Dwn Bottom. I kept on my red heels but stepped in a tight blue and white dyed pants jumper. I felt it was more child appropriate for her party. I checked my red lipstick before Jamir opened my door and helped me out. He did the same with Scilla and grabbed her hand as he lead us inside.

I heard music booming and I only saw a couple cars. "Why rent out a tattoo shop?" I asked switching past him as he held the door. "Why rent a place when you own a Tattoo shop." he retorted.

Jamir took us in the back where the lounge was decked out in Gold and Black. There were crowns everywhere and a cute little throne that said Princess Scilla written on the back. Priscilla ran over to Kailey, who snatched her up and kissed her.

They were surrounded by other adults and I notice that there weren't any children here. Kailey looked over to me and smiled welcoming me over. Jamir guided me towards the group. I recognized ShaMilla but no one else.

There was two other guys and a girl. One guys was buff and the other sulked to himself and was rather short. The dark skin girl was cute but, she kept glaring at me. Once we came over she walked away. Jamir didn't say anything, so neither did I.

"Tell me another joke Raw-Low." begged Priscilla, to the Big guy. "I got you little mama." said Raw-Lo. "Anything for the Birthday Princess. How does a napkin get down?" He stated, as she grabbed her chin and thought on it.

"I don't know, How ?" she answered giving up. "You put a little BOOGIE in it!" answered Raw-Lo before cracking up with Priscilla. I giggled too, rolling my eyes at the corny joke.

"Aye nigga. Quit teaching her that dumb shit." chuckled Jamir. "Everybody this is Rosalina. Rose, you know Milla, and Kailey but, that corny motherfucker is Raw-lo, and Mad ass over there is Dupree." spoke Jamir introducing everyone.

"Well hello Rosalina." said Raw-lo, as he slid beside me and pulled me in by the waist. I gasped and he winked at me. Kailey and ShaMilla just laughed at him. "You always gotta be dumb, Yo!" Snapped Dupree.

"Clearly she wit the boss man cause, they walked in together." stressed Dupree, as Raw-lo let me go and glared at him.

"Don't be a hater short stop. She just didn't see you down there." he laughed. I giggled too but, coughed to cover it up. I mean it was pretty funny. Dupree was about to charge him but, the chocolate girl spoke up. She walked over and leaned on the back of the couch. She looked hella young but bitter.

"Jamir doesn't date." she said to them. "Right Mir." she retorted, walking up to him. His face was expressionless as he watched her. She chuckled and walked past me, close as hell but, she knew not to touch me.

"Especially not for light bright over there. He likes chocolate." she said over her shoulder walking back to her seat.

"Sounds like someones jealous." I spoke up. Not to anyone but, loud enough for everyone. "OOO" hyped up Scilla, before Kailey shushed her. She giggled but stayed quiet. "Oh, you speak." she snapped glaring again.

"Man, chill Brandy." began Jamir as I put my hand on his shoulder to stop him. He looked at me and let me continue.

"Brandy is it?" I asked, not letting her answer. "You pressed by me sweetie? You sound real bothered and I know I don't know you, so whats the issue?" I teased her.

I wrapped my arm around Jamir's glad he let me. "b***h don't play yourself." Said Brandy walking up to me. She looked at Mir briefly. Her face dropped a little but, she was still pissed.

"Calm yourself Brandy." stated Milla, sounding bored. She had a knife or something in her hand but, it danced across her knuckles so fast, that I couldn't tell. "It's still Priscilla's day, and we wouldn't want any accidents now. Do we?" she asked Brandy.

Brandy shook her head and backed off me. Milla cut her eyes to the door then back at Brandy. She nodded and headed out. "I need some air." she said over her shoulder.

"Aye Brandy." Jamir called out as he untangled his arm from mine and placed it over my shoulder. I leaned in ,grinning a little too much. Brandy turned to glare at us but stopped. "Your fired." was all he said as he turned us back to face the group. Brandy stormed off and the party kept going.

"Damn boss man. You ain't had to do shorty like that." said Raw-low as everyone shuffled to the couch. "Nawh man I'm sick of all that drama. I warned her ass." Jamir explained as Raw-Lo nodded.

I sat in between Kailey, with Scilla on her lap and Jamir on my other side. Milla disappeared somewhere while Raw-lo and Dupree fused over the seat across from me. "You want something?" offered Jamir. "We have all kinds of food Lena!" piped up Priscilla leaning over to smile at me.

"Ain't no one talking to you Priscilla." Kailey scolded, making her pout. "But she came for me." pouted Scilla, as she folded her arms. "Priscilla Alexia Jacobs. Do you want a spanking on your birthday?" snapped Kailey. "No." answered Scilla pouting still.

"No what?" Said Jamir. "No Ma'am, Sorry MA MA." answered Priscilla quickly.

"That’s my girl.” Why don't you help me make a plate for Lena?" Jamir offered even using her nickname for me to get a smile. "And JUICE!?" perked up Priscilla. "Want Juice Lena?"

"I would love some juice." I told her with a wink. She hopped down out her mom's lap, and pulled Jamir towards the refreshments. I giggled at the powerful force of Priscilla, always getting her way.

"That little girl is something else." said Kailey as she watched Jamir scoop her up.

"She's so dramatic and I love it." I told her catching her attention. "Do you now?" She questioned, sipping on her flask. Kailey offered me some but, I declined. I'm still lit from my Henny session.

"I do, she's perfect." I complimented. Kailey nodded her head, stashing her flask back in her bra. She winked when she caught me looking.

"I'm still under age and Mir is so extra sometimes." she explained as I nodded in agreement. I looked around at the strangest guest for a 5 year old party but, you could tell there was a lot of love in the room.

Raw-Lo and Dupree seemed to have reached some truce, as I watched them start a smoke session with some grade A gass. I had to pass on the joint though. I didn't wanna be too turnt.

"Can I ask you something?" said Kailey seriously, snapping me from my thoughts. I gave her my undivided attention and nodded.

"What made you come? Don't get me wrong I'm happy your here but, Jamir told us you weren't coming." went on Kailey "I just hope your finally giving my brother a chance." she said patting my leg. I don't know if it was her sincerity, or the liquor but, I felt like I could be honest with her.

"My boyfriend stood me up today. "I began." Today is also my Birthday, so naturally I was disappointed. "

"Happy Birthday Lena !" shouted Kailey, causing Raw-Lo and Dupree to look over at me. "Happy Birthday!" they both told me in unison before glaring at one another. "thank you." I giggled before continuing.

"I was having a pretty shitty day until those two came." I said, smiling over at Priscilla fussing with Jamir over a plate that barely had food on it. "I came because, Jamir has a way of changing my mood. Even when I know I shouldn't, I do anyway." I told her playing with my fingers.

My head snapped up hearing her laugh. "Yeah you got it bad." said Kailey, not unkind. I laughed with her, knowing she had a point. Finally Jamir and Priscilla returned with a plate that had my stomach biting.

There were greens and red rice, with macaroni and fried chicken. I thanked them for the plate and said grace before digging in. It tastes just as good as it looked.

"You like it Lena?" questioned Scilla as I cleared through my food. "mmhmm." I mumbled in between bites. Glad to have something in my stomach. Besides alcohol. Jamir passed me some juice and napkins.

"Damn you can eat." said Raw-Lo in between coughs. He passed the joint to Jamir, who took it and moved from Scilla. "I just like good food and I was hungry." I corrected.

"I cook from time to time. Who made this?" I asked looking at Kailey. "Not me." she answered holding her hands up. "I can't cook for shit." she explained.

"It was God Daddy." said Scilla moving in my lap to avoid the smoke. I looked over to Jamir and he just shrugged coming over to sit by me. "He's really good. Si?" asked Scilla, looking at me. "He seems to be good at a lot of things." I told her smiling at him.

The lights dimmed. "WHO WANTS CAKE!?" shouted ShaMilla, as she rolled in a 3 layer cake that looked like a castle, with number shaped candles counting to 5. Each candle had crowns lit at the point "I DO! I DO ! " shouted Priscilla, as she bounced in my lap.

She hopped down and grabbed my hand. "Have some cake Lena. "She said to me as everyone gather around the small throne. I put Scilla into her seat, as Jamir walked up with a gold tiara, that sparkled with small and large diamonds. Clearly it was real and had to cost a fortune, but Priscilla beamed as if it was a regular trinket.

"First gift." said Jamir proudly, as he placed it on her head. "It's priceless and irreplaceable like you Bebita." he said with a soft smile. I've never seen him so relaxed. I looked around the room at all these strong characters of people. Seeing how this small little girl made all of them mesh well together. I smiled and joined in to them singing happy birthday.

" Haaaappy Biiirthday Priscilla! " everyone sung together as she smiled. " And Lena too! " she added in. I laughed as Jamir pulled me next to him. Everyone cheered while Scilla blew out the candles and made a wish.

I felt Jamir move my hair off my neck and slid a necklace in place. He locked it and moved my hair back over my shoulders. Just before stepping away he whispered happy birthday in my ear.

I looked down to see a rose gold necklace with a beautifully cut rose dangling above my breast. The rose had diamonds in the center and was just big enough to catch your eye and not stand out. I loved it and immediately turned around to thank him.

I searched the room, upset not to find him anywhere inside the lounge. I heard Kailey cough and looked to see her watching me. She motioned towards the front and went back to opening gifts with her daughter. I walked quickly up front to see Jamir headed outside.

" Wait! " I shouted, as he paused and let me catch up. It was about 9 and the street lights were on. It still looked pretty dark outside besides where the lights touched. " Thank you." I said, to him once I was close.

We continued on our way outside. "It's no problem at all." he said, walking slowly beside me. He moved so fluidly and it looked so sexy to me.

"Where are you going?" I asked him, as we continued down the street. I heard gun shots and jumped moving closer to him. He chuckled as he offered his elbow, and I wrapped my arm around it.

"You don't have to be scared out here with me. Okay." said Jamir, as I nodded. " I just wanted to step away for a bit." he spoke up answering my earlier question.

" Why? I mean I would love to have friends and family like yours. " I said to him as we continued our stroll. I was shorter than him but, he slowed his pace to match mine. "I'm grateful but, I still need space. Too much of a good thing can be tiresome. " he answered, making me think.

" I don't understand. " I admitted as we ended up next to a waffle house.

"You wanna sit down? " he asked looking at my heels. I snorted. "I'm fine thank you. " I said rolling my eyes. My feet were not hurting at all and I resented him for assuming so. He just laughed it off and steered me towards the building.

" Chill with the attitude ma. " he told me, as he let me go, and held open the door.

I titled my head and crossed my arms not moving. "I rather you sat down while I explain." said Jamir, shaking his head. I went inside and choose a booth. It was pretty much empty inside, besides a group of teenagers up close by the doors.

" I shouldn't have to say all that just for you to do what I ask. " snapped Jamir, as he slid on his side of the booth.

" Yeah but, it would be nice to know why your asking. " I threw back at him. He looked at me for a moment before smirking. "Alright, touche." He said, letting it go. I watched him as he signaled the waitress. I can't believe how great everything turned out and for me to end my night across from Jamir and not Dorian. They were two completely different guys, yet I found myself connecting with Jamir more than I ever did with Dorian, and he was my boyfriend.

Jamir only ordered us drinks and the waitress scurried off to get them." You were saying? " I prompted him to continue. He smiled showing he slugs. "Right too much of a good thing." he began, as the waitress brought two vanilla sprites.

Surprised we liked the same thing, I happily sipped as he spoke. "You see I love my family but, sometimes I miss everyone else." explained Jamir as he looked around the room. His eyes settled on me as he continued.

"My mom use to bring me here all the time. This same one in fact." he said with a faraway look in his eyes.

I didn't notice we were leaning in until he straightened himself and I did the same. "I can only remember a little bit before she switched up but, every now and then I find my mind wondering on her. Mostly when your around." he stated making me choke on my drink.

" mMe?" I questioned, as he smirked but nodded. "Yeah, crazy right. There was this girl with crazy hair and freckles. She use to come with us here. You remind me of her and my moms but, that was some years ago. Don't think on it too much." said Jamir before drinking his drink.

"Don't think on it too much!?" I thought to myself. My mind was reeling and I wanted to tell him everything Ms. Sharon told me. Am I this girl he's been thinking about? I want to be and the story sticks but, is it true?

My hand shot up to my face, causing him to look up and watch me. He said she had freckles, I paused thinking hard. Should I show him?

"Rose. Are you alright?" asked Jamir, as I lowered my hand and avoided his gaze. I'm not ready to be seen. "I'm fine." I spoke up reassuring him but, still looking away. I felt him watching me for a moment, before I faced him.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked, tired of the silence. "I'm thinking, I don't wanna back track." he answered me. "We're being honest right? So tell me wassup?" He pressed on. I chewed on my bottom lip but, Jamir reached over, and gently grabbed my chin and pulled it loose.

"Well, I feel like I already know you." I stammered out trying to put my thoughts in order. "So do I." stated Jamir, making my stomach flip. "I mean before the hallway. What if i'm the girl your talking about." I told him hesitating a bit. Jamir paused but, started laughing to him self.

"I'm pretty sure I would know if it was you." laughed Jamir, as I slouched back. I guess I was just feeding into Ms. Sharon's story but, I couldn't stop the disappointment of him not believing me. Jamir stood up and held his hand out "Come on." he said, as I placed my hand in his, while he helped me out of the booth.

We walked up to the waitress and Mir placed the money in her hand as he thanked and tipped her. We left and headed back to the shop. I played with my fingers walking quietly beside him.

"It's not that I don't want to believe you." he spoke up noticing my sulking. "It's just Hard to believe. It makes since though but, lets not dwell on the past." he explained and I nodded understanding.

I did understand because, wasn't I just having a hard time believing it myself. How could I expect him to so easily. Jamir stopped suddenly, turning me to stop and face him.

"This quiet thing ain't gonna work." he snapped. "Tell me if somethings bothering you or if somethings on your mind but, don't shut me out." Jamir went on. His velvety voice soften but, still stern.

"I do care about you. More than you know. Were not serious but, i'm here for you. Know that." he told me sweetly.

I smiled at him loving everything he said. "I hear you and I know. I care about you too Mir." I told him looping my arm back with his as we started walking again.

"Good, Stop that quiet s**t though." he said, pushing me a little making me laugh. We rounded the corner and walked up to the shop to see people leaving. Once we were closer I noticed it was Kailey and ShaMilla carrying a sleeping Scilla.

"I see she had a good time." I giggled watching Milla strap Priscilla in her car seat. "Indeed she did." Chimed in Kailey. looking at Jamir. He rolled his eyes. "Lo and Dupree cleaning I hope." asked Jamir opening the car door for his sister.

ShaMilla got in the driver side and downed the window. "Yeah, if their not fighting by now." said Milla leaning across Kailey, sounding ready to go. "I'm taking them to my house. See y'all later."

Kailey waived before ShaMilla quickly pulled off and kept it pushing. Jamir shook his head and lead me to the car. "Let me take you home." he said, opening the door for me.

"I can help with the cleaning." I offered, not quite ready to go to my empty home.

Today was different but in a good way. I got to relax and enjoy being a part of something. With family and friends celebrating. It's always just been me, and then there was Dorinda.

"Nawh, those two are probably fighting for real." answered Mir, as I got in. He jogged around and strapped in. "I'll come back and help later." "Okay." I told him as he pulled off and headed home.

"Thanks for inviting me." I said, as we glided down the highway."No problem." he said with a grin showing his slugs again. "Were Friends Right?"

"Right." I agreed thinking about a lil girl with wild hair and Freckles. . .