SUGAR - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

"Baby girl, are you sure this is what you wanna do?" my dad asked as he sat across from me at dinner.
"I have to. I can't tell you why but you have to help me get him into Mexico."
"Have you talked to Drew about this?"
"No. I ran him and Bria off. Everybody thinks he's this bad guy and I understand why but after he explained everything to me the other night it made sense. I'm the reason why everything got to this point and I have to accept responsibility for my part in this."
"Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?" he chuckled as he took a sip of wine. "I never thought I'd see the day my little girl held herself accountable."
"A lot changes as you go through certain things in life."
"I do agree. I haven't broken the law in years and here I am, risking everything for my baby."
"Daddy, please. You drive below the speed limit," I laughed.
"Only when you're in the car," he laughed back. "Your dad used to run the streets, get into some shit here and there, gang banging. Your mother told me to get my shit together if I expected her to take me seriously. I straightened up, went to school, and became the man I am today and I have her to thank for that."
"Love saved your life," I smiled.
"That it did. And love is going to do the same for Slim. I won't tell Drew what he doesn't need to know and I'll work on getting him and Bri to forgive you. It may take time but they'll come around."
"Thank you, Daddy. For everything."
He paid the check and we left the restaurant, getting in the car with Daddy's driver as he checked texts and emails. I looked out of the window and noticed we weren't heading back to my apartment.
"We're not going towards Spring," I said, looking over at him.
"I know. I have something important to do first."
We arrived at the airport and the driver opened the door to my side of the car.
"What's going on?" I asked, looking back and forth between them.
"I can't tell you. Just come on."
I took the driver's hand to get out as we navigated through the airport, passing the terminals I was familiar with until we reached a gate. There was a small plane on a runway being loaded with baggage and fuel.
"Stay here," my dad said as he turned to walk away.
I stood in the cool Houston breeze, watching as the plane continued being loaded, wondering what the fuck I was doing here.
"Hey, my love," a voice behind me said.
I turned around to see Slim, dressed in his usual all black attire. Tears formed in my eyes as I ran to him, jumping into his arms and wrapping my legs around him. He hugged me tightly before placing me back on the ground.
"Baby, what are you doing here? There are cops everywhere," I said softly, placing my hand on his cheek.
"Don't worry about that. All that matters is seeing you before I leave."
"I thought you were driving there?"
"Your dad had a better idea," he smirked, looking at the plane behind me.
I hugged him tightly, enjoying the moment while it lasted as I accepted this would be the last time I ever saw him.
"I finally understand what you meant when you said I was like to you because you've become that for me. A sweet taste that I can't get enough of. What am I going to do without you?" I cried against his chest.
"You're going to finish school, graduate, marry Drew, start a family and forget about me."
"I'll never forget about you, Devon. I just wish we had more time."
"I'm no good for you, baby. Drew's got his head on straight. He can give you the life you deserve."
"What about the life I want?" I asked looking up at him.
"Don't think about it, Jordyn."
"We can leave together, right now. Nothing else matters to me."
"Stop, baby," he said holding my face with his hands. "As good as that sounds, I need you to go back to your life before me. I need you to finish school and be happy."
"How am I supposed to do that without you?"
"You're a smart girl. You'll figure it out," he smiled, placing a kiss on my lips before we were interrupted by Nina.
"I'm sorry to cut this moment short but they're done loading the plane. It's time to go."
"Thank you for helping him, Nina. Please take care of him."
"He's in good hands, Jordyn. Don't worry. We'll call you when we arrive."
She reached out to hug me before walking back towards the plane.
"So this is it?" Slim asked jokingly, holding my hands in his.
"This is it," I replied in a soft voice as a tear rolled down my face.
"I love you, Jordyn. Never forget that."
"I love you too, Devon. More than I thought I would."
We hugged once more, sharing a passionate kiss before he began his walk towards the plane.
"Can I come visit?" I yelled after him.
"Next time, Sapphire," he winked before climbing the steps to get on the plane.
I sat and watched them take off, crying as my dad appeared next to me, rubbing my shoulder.
"You'll see him again, baby girl."
"I'm sure I will," I laughed as we walked back towards the building to go home.
Later that night ...
I said goodnight to my dad, hugging him before heading upstairs to my apartment. I put the key in the door noticing it was already unlocked. I twisted the handle and opened it, seeing Drew on the other side with candles lit and flowers all around.
"Before you say anything, I wanted to apologize," he said as I walked towards him. "I haven't been the calmest person in all of this and I haven't made it easy on you. We don't have to talk about the past few months ever again. I just want you to know I love you and I'll never make you feel like I'm not there for you ever again."
He reached for me to hug him, pulling me close to him and kissing the top of my head.
"I'm just glad this is behind us so we can move forward and start the rest of our lives."
"Drew, I have to tell you something."
"If it's about him, I don't wanna talk about it. Whatever happened is in the past."
I remembered what Slim told me and decided it was best to just keep my feelings to myself. I couldn't have who I wanted so it was best to keep what I needed.
"Come on, let's go to bed," he whispered, taking my hand and leading me to the bedroom.
I lay in the bed as he showered, checking my phone to pass the time. I saw a message from the 281 number I finally decided to save as "".
I can't put into words how much I've grown to love you. I wish I had gone about things differently. Maybe if I wasn't who I am, we could've had something really special. I'm grateful for each moment I've shared with you even though I took that time for granted. Although I can't have you in this life, just know that I will search for you in the next one. I love you. Stay sweet, .
One week later ...
"I never thought I would say this but after the summer we had, I'm glad school is back," Bria laughed.
"I promise next summer will be better. No drama, just us in bikinis on the beach."
"Girl, please. You will find some drama to be in," she laughed. "Speaking of drama, have you heard from Slim?"
"He called when he made it to Mexico but I haven't heard from him since. I guess he's just trying to lay low for a while until everything blows over."
"How are you feeling?"
"A little sad. I miss him but I have to get back to a normal life. The past 3 years have been so up and down for me, I just need a stress free year."
"You deserve it. I'm just glad you're in a better place now. I thought I lost my best friend."
"Bitch, I was out of my mind. You should've whooped my ass," I laughed as my phone began ringing.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Good morning, Ms. Powell. This is Rachel from the admissions office. How are you today?"
"I'm doing well. What's going on?"
"Well I was just calling to tell you that we were returning the tuition you paid for the fall semester."
"No, there has to be a mistake. Classes start this week."
"Oh, no. You can still attend classes. There was just an overpayment to your account that we need to return."
"An overpayment? By how much?"
"Almost $41,000."
"I'm confused. How did I overpay when I only paid for this semester?"
"Your tuition was paid for fall and spring last week. The payment you submitted after that was returned."
"Last week? By who?"
"According to the system, you. There was a wire transfer sent in your name to cover both semesters. We can send the return in the form of a check if you like."
"Yes, please. Thank you so much for calling," I said hanging up the phone, still confused.
"What happened?" Bria asked.
"My tuition's been paid for fall and spring. They're returning the payment I made a few days ago."
"Who has almost $100,000 just sitting by to pay your tuition?!"
I smiled when I thought of the only person that could be responsible for this.
"Slim."