Chapter 5 from LLH: Book 2….
Riana sighed and stared at Cheryl.
“No, you’re not.”
“It doesn’t look that way to me. In fact, why don’t we talk about it outside?” Cheryl asked, glancing angrily at Marcus.
Marcus stared at Cheryl as he folded his hands on the table.
Riana got up and followed Cheryl out the door.
“What the hell are you doing?” Cheryl demanded.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t give me that bull. You and Marcus were practically flirting with each other. And what he said was totally inappropriate.”
“You actually heard that?”
“Listen, I can’t tell you what to do, but just know that you should remain focused on your relationship with Shawn. You two have something special, so don’t destroy that because you want to fuck Marcus.”
“Excuse me!”
“Stop it, Ri. I could tell how you were looking at him that you want to. Just don’t give into your desires, okay.”
Riana shook her head. She knew what Cheryl was saying was true. She wanted Marcus, there was no denying that, but that was it. There weren’t any actual feelings there, because she doesn’t know Marcus that well. What she has for him was pure lust.
“Not only is Marcus your boyfriend’s brother, but also your best friend’s man. Didn’t we go through this with Isaac? It wasn’t worth it then and definitely not now.”
“I know, Cher, and you’re right. Thanks for talking some sense into me.”
“That’s what I’m here for. If you need me to do it again, let me know.”
Riana smiled and Cheryl went back inside. She looked up at the sky, still confused on what she’s feeling for Marcus.
Whatever it is, I can’t let it interfere with my relationship with Shawn.
She walked back into the restaurant and saw Britney back at the table with Marcus. The two were talking when she sat down.
“Where did you go?”
“Cheryl needed to talk to me about a family issue.” she said, staring at Cheryl.
She glanced at Riana and grabbed her glass.
Marcus stared at Riana, which made her a little uncomfortable, but also aroused. She didn’t know what was wrong with her, but whatever it was, it had to stop, immediately.
*** After Donnell’s romantic gesture, Monica knew she couldn’t stay too mad at him for long. She knew it would be an adjustment staying with a man, but she really didn’t know all of the little issues she would face being around him on a daily basis. Not only that, but he was still being protected over her after the miscarriage. Now, the two were lying in bed. Donnell had his arm around Monica while she was staring at the wall.
“Can I ask you something?” he asked.
Monica turned to face him.
“Sure.”
“Are you happy with me?”
Monica stared at him, wondering where that question came from.
“Of course. What made you ask that?”
“I’ve been noticing some things since we moved in. At first, I just thought it was because of the miscarriage, but it seemed as if you are upset with me being around you.”
“I don’t know where you got that idea from.”
“Mon, we’ve been together for three years, I know when something is bothering you. That’s why I wanted to talk to you, because if it is, we can talk about it.”
Monica stared at him. She knew she should express her concerns about how things are between them, but with what they just shared earlier, she didn’t want to ruin the moment.
“I guess it’s just the idea of classes starting again and going through the daily grind, that’s all.”
“You sure?”
“I’m positive.”
Donnell nodded and gave Monica a kiss.
She snuggled against him, hoping that the issues she had before doesn’t come back and bite her in the ass.
*** A few days later, and Cheryl was getting ready to meet up with Devin for their first project. The two decided to meet at the student lounge, which was fine with her, since she could take a quick nap on the couch. She has never been so tired in her life, but she couldn’t complain too much about it. She knew what she was getting into by working double shifts and taking a full course load.
She was about to get another cup of coffee when she saw Devin walk in. She had to admit, he did looked good, dressed in a blue collared pullover sweater and black jeans. He had a sexy stride to him as he walked over to her. She shook her head¸ wondering what she was thinking. She just had a talk with Riana about lusting for someone when she was doing the same thing.
“Hey.” he said, sitting down beside her.
“Hey. How are you?”
“Good, just trying to get through some of these classes. The semester hasn’t fully started yet and my instructors are already giving classwork.”
“Tell me about it. Not only do I have A&P work, but a paper due in Western Literature and an online test in Sociology.”
“It seemed as if you working double time.”
“I have to, especially if I want to get into early entrance for medical school.”
“Aww, so you want to be a doctor.”
“Yeah, that’s why I’m working all day and doing a full load. I have to pay for it some sort of way since I decided to do it on my own.”
“I think it’s great that you are. How does Chris feel about you working and going to school all day?”
“He doesn’t have a problem with it. In fact, he’s very proud of me.”
“That’s great.”
Cheryl wished she could get a quick nap as she gave a huge yawn. Devin smiled at her.
“You need to get some sleep.”
“I wish, but I can’t. I have to go to work after our study session.”
“Well, there is another way you could get some energy in.”
Cheryl looked at Devin.
“Really? If it is, please tell me.”
Devin reached into his backpack and handed Cheryl a bag.
“What’s this?” she asked, taking it from him.
“They’re energy pills. They help you stay alert all day and won’t make you feel jittery like coffee does. They’re actually pretty good.”
“I’m assumed you’ve tried them?”
“I’ve used them a couple of times when I need to study. Trust me, they’ll help you with your routine.”
“How many do I need to take?”
“Right now, just a half a pill to see if your body will adjust to it, then gradually take two.”
Cheryl looked at the pills, wondering if she should take one. She went back to the conversation she had with Chris about Devin. But as she stared at him, she realized that he may not be so bad. In fact, he probably the solution she needed to help her stay focus on work and her studies.
“What the hell.” she said.
There was a half pill in the bag. She took it out and Devin handed her a bottle of water. She swallowed the pill followed by a swig of water. She closed her eyes, wondering when the pill will start working.
Chris’ voice echoed in her mind, leading her to take a deep breath. She knew what she was doing was wrong, but no one knew what she was dealing with.
Right now, she needed something to help her cope, and if it was pills, then so be it.
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