Chapter One

As Nicki and Safaree pulled into the drive way, they observed the lavish house. It was beautiful. It looked to be about three stories, with two big bay windows towards the front, a Basketball hoop at the end of the drive way, and six or seven cars already there. Nicki stared out the window, admiring the house before they got out. She spoke softly when Safaree came around and opened her door.

   

“Faree, I’m so nervous.”

   

“Hey, I am too. But I’m gonna try to be optimistic about it.” He said as he helped her out of the car, shutting the door behind her. They approached the front door and rang the doorbell. A woman about five feet, mocha colored skin tone, with long dark brown hair answered the door.

   

“Onika! It’s been years since I’ve seen you. Gosh you must have been maybe ten or eleven.” The woman smiled sweetly at her, leading her and Safaree through to the kitchen. She had a very thick Massachusetts accent that was captivating as she spoke.

“Yeah it’s been a while, Ms. Felicia. I can’t express to you enough how much this means to me. My mind is everywhere right now.” Nicki approached her and gave her a hug.

“Oh, I’m sure it is. And this must be Safaree.” She extended her hand for him to shake. “Well Cailysce and Cody should be back from basketball practice around 4:30. Its 2 now, so they just got out of school. Kids will start piling in from now until around 5ish.”

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Felicia was still explaining things to Nicki about their routines and activities their family does when 4:30 came around and two beautiful kids walked in. A boy and A girl. The girl had long black hair down her back, some pink foams on, black warm up pants, and a grey and black hoodie with her name on the back. The boy in a black hoodie, grey warm up pants that matched his twin sister’s and addidas slides. The girl looked exactly like Nicki, while the boy resembled his sister but didn’t look nearly as much as Nicki.

  

“Oh my God! Ms. Felicia we won our game.” The young teenaged girl screamed as she walked through the front door. “That was the hardest team in the district and we’re still undefeated!” She beamed as she was telling her how great the game was, completely oblivious to Nicki  admiring her every move.

“Yeah we won too ma! The boys’ varsity team is undefeated as well. We’re definitely going to states this year." Cody stood their talking to Felicia, when he noticed Nicki  staring at him. He shot her an evil glare as he stormed up the stairs.

“Well Cai, baby go upstairs and get ready for dinner. I have some things to attend too.” She nodded her head as she continued to text on her iPhone, heading up the stairs. She still never noticed Nicki who was still stood their shocked at the way Cody looked at her. She suddenly felt as if she shouldn’t be doing this.

“Did you see the way he looked at me?!” Nicki exclaimed. “I shouldn’t be here. I’m ruining everything. They have such a great life here, and here I come plowing into it, trying to tear them apart.” Nicki sobbed uncontrollably when she heard foot steps come down the stairs. She turned around to see the girl embrace her in a tight hug.

“Mommy….”