Chapter 8: The Truth*

“Today was nothing but stressful.” Bre said climbing into bed.

“I know. And I have a feeling that later, when we all wake up; things are going to get worst.:” Jill said joining Bre.

“i know. Liz looked like she was ready to attack Shibbz.”

“I know. And Lu was going to kill Daniel.” Jill added.

“I just hope everyone works things out. We haven't even been here for 24 hours.” Bre said turning on her side.

“Right. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Bre replied shutting her eyes.

“What do you think I should do about the whole Nellz—Norland situation?” She asked.

“I think that the two of you need to make time for each other. It seems like he's getting all her attention and that's a problem.” Bre replied.

“Thanks.” Jill said. She wasn't sure how to tell Chanel the truth. They needed to spend more time together. Jill needed to get things off her chest; and Chanel was the only on she knew she could trust in the house.

“Night Babe.” Norland said kissing Chanel.

“Night. How do you like my friends?” She asked. Chanel couldn't help but laugh. Tonight's evens were somewhat out of the ordinary.

“These are some crazy people that's for sure..”

“Trust me; things like this don't always happen.,”

“Good. But what's the deal with Shelby and Lulu?”

“I actually don't know. They act like they're together but I'm not sure if they are. Their relationship is pretty complicated.” Nellz replied looking at Norland. She smiled and climbed into bed. She loved him more than anyone else, and to be able to live with him and the other people who made her life complete was beyond belief. “Oh, hey. Tomorrow night you and me are going out to dinner with Sasha and Michael.”

“Sounds great.” Norland said kissing Chanel goodnight.

“Tonight was crazy.” Sasha said taking off her jewelry.

“It was. I was really looking forward to seeing that Daniel kid kick Lulu's ass.” Michael said getting into bed.

“You think he would have kicked Luisto's ass?” Sasha asked getting into bed,.

“Yeah. Daniel was heated at him. He could have taken Lu.”

“Yeah—I thought it was cute how he's stick up for Shibbz. He was really acting like her best friend. “ She said. Sasha noticed Michael falling asleep and gave up on trying to keep a conversation. She was too tired to fight with him, there would be enough time to talk in the morning when everyone was awake and the things that happened tonight actually registered.

“That's crazy.” Keith said getting into one of the beds.

“What's crazy?” Ruga asked getting into the other bed.

“Shibbz and Izzy. I deff didn't see that happening.”

“I sure as hell did. It's only a matter of time until she gives into you; and all the sex you'd give her.” Ruga said laughing.

“Nah. I know Shibbz, and even though I make the sexual comments, I know she'd never actually hook up with me.” Keith said.

“Nah—Give it time. She's hooked up with Litho, Izzy, me, Ace, Drew and Daniel. You're the only one left.”

“She;s never hooked up with Ace or Drew. And yall only dated—yall didn't do anything.,”

“Wrong. Her and Drew fooled around last summer when Lu went with his dad to P.R. And her and Ace have fucked a few times on the dl. As for me and her,. We've had a quickie or 2.” Ruga answered with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Really?” Keith asked shocked.

“Yup.”

“Wow. Maybe I don't know Shibbz as well as I thought I did.” Keith said staring at the wall. You can hang around with someone for years and never really know who they are. Maybe everyone has a hidden life. Like things that they keep to themselves. Keith thought he knew Shelby, thought the only guy she seen was Lulu. But really all he knew was what she told him; what she wanted him to know.

“I fucking hate him!” Daniel said crawling into bed next to Lexi.

“Who?” She asked looking at him.

“Luisto! He's suck a fucking fuckface asshole bitch! He doesn't deserve Shelby!” Daniel said, his anger obvious.

“You don't think anyone deserves Shelby.” Lexi said rolling her eyes.

“That's not true. I like that Izzy guy.”

“But Liz likes him—so Shelby will never date him.”

“You girls are so stupid. I don't see why Shel has to sacrifice her happiness for the Hippo. What has she ever done for my Buddii?” Daniel asked. He had a point. Sacrificing your happiness for someone was hard. You never know what you're going to get in return, if anything.

“Can you believe her? She's supposed to be my Wifey, my best friend. And she fucking makes out with Izzy. My fucking Izzy.” Liz complained as Kassy shut off the light.

“Yeah, it was fucked up that she did that.” Kassy said pulling her blanket up to her chin.

“It was more than fucked up. She's on some Monica status right now. The only difference was Monica had the balls to do it in front of me, while Shibb hid.”

“Liz, can I tell you something”” Kassy asked after a minute of silence. Liz agreed and Kassy continued to speak. “You know I love you. But I love Shellie and Izzy too. And he talks to me. He tells me things others don't know. And from what he tells me he really likes Shellie.” Kassy looked away from Liz, afraid she hurt her feelings.

“He can't. Shibb is supposed to be with Lulu and I'm supposed to be with Izzy., we had that shit planed for years.”

“I'm sorry Liz.” Kassy didn't know what else to say. She rolled over and closed her eyes.

Liz seen Kassy falling asleep while she turned toward the door. Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks. If she pushed Shelby away from Izzy, she'd lose them both. If she let them be together she'd be giving up her dream. Never had Liz felt so alone.

“Do you like Liz?” Izzy asked after Mike shut off the light.

“Honestly...I don't know. I'm going through some shit. I don't really want a relationship.” Mike replied. He could tell from Izzy's silence that wasn't the answer he hoped for. “Do you like Shelby?”

“Yeah. I really do.” Izzy replied,.

“Well I hope hist works out for you. Daniel and that Lulu kid will kill each other if Shelby keeps going back to him.” Mike said.

Izzy agreed with him. Him and Shelby may seem weird, or different but that's just because no one ever thought that they'd be together. Hell, they never thought of Shelby being with anyone other than Lulu. Izzy knew that he could treat Shelby better than Lulu could—Now if only she'd give him a chance.

“You and Izzy huh?” Lulu asked Shelby once they got into bed.

“Yeah...he wants to get with me.”

“What'd you tell him?”

“I could never go out with him. He's like my older brother.”

“Any other reason?” Lulu asked putting his arm around Shelby.

She cuddled into him, putting her head on his chest before she answered him. “If I went out with him, I couldn't be with you.” Shelby smiled and looked at Lulu.

He smiled back at her and reached into the night stand next to the bed,. “I gotta ask you something.” Lulu found what he was looking for and turned toward Shelby.

“Yeah?” She asked giving Lulu a weird look.

“Shibb. I can't stand the thought of losing you. Not to Izzy, Keith, Daniel, or anyone. I'm ready to be with you and only you.”

“Lulu, what are you saying?”

“Shel...will you marry me?” Lulu asked pulling out a ring. It was a silver band with a big diamond, with two smaller diamonds on each side.

Shelby was speechless. She didn't know what to say.

“Well?” Lulu asked with a smile on his face.

“Yes.” She said as he slid the ring on her finger. Nothing else mattered. Shel and Lu were good again. That's all that mattered.