Sisterly Bond

Sisterly Bond

Diamond Cartel

This book is a work of fiction. Any characters, incidents, situations, or the like are not real nor are they based on actual events. Similarities to individuals, living or deceased, are purely coincidental and not deliberately intentional.

Sisterly Bond Copyright 2016 by Diamond Cartel. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be copied, duplicated, reprinted, or reproduced in any form (print, digital, verbal, or otherwise) under any circumstances without written consent from the author.

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This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this ebook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover Design: Start Smart Business & Design Services

www.gostartsmart.com

Editing: Rochelle Taylor – Word Artist

www.wordartistonline.com

Isys Publications, LLC

Columbus, Ohio

www.isyspublications.com

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

About the Author

Connect with The Rockstarr

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Sisterly Bond

Diamond Cartel

Acknowledgements

This is always the hardest part of the book to write: my acknowledgements. Why? There are always so many people I’d like to thank, but this time it’s different. While producing this novel I was going through a terrible storm. The following people were there for me in more ways than one. This section is more than acknowledgement for book support – it’s also for life support.

My first and foremost thank you goes to my Higher Power who is the original creator of this novel. I appreciate You beyond words for blessing me with yet another story to tell the world.

To my angels on earth: Kyrah, Kaysan, and TJ. The number of times you’ve sacrificed me so I could write this book is noticed, loved, and appreciated. I pray that I’m being a positive example of what happens when you go after your dreams.

To my parents: Yes, I’m difficult. Yes, I make you worry…a lot! Yes, I’m all over the place. Yes, this time I got it right. Thank you for bearing with me when I couldn’t bear with myself.

To my AP, Elmire: Honey, listen! All of your child, boo and girl, bye statements helped me more than you know! Thank you for pushing me when I didn’t want to move, cutting me when I didn’t want to be molded, buffering me when I didn’t feel like shining, and celebrating me when I thought it was no big deal.

To my editor, Rochelle: You truly are a word artist. Thank you for bringing out the best in this novel. I’m excited to work with you on future projects.

To my graphic artist, Claudel: I know I was a pain to work with, but thank you for dealing with my perfectionism – and or seeing my vision for this novel.

To my former friends: Thank you for entrusting me with your friendship. Regardless of why our season ended I will always cherish the good, learn from the bad, and value you as a person. May you receive all the blessings that your heart desires.

To my established friends: You all k now my crazy, erratic, and sometimes dramatic ways yet you still love and respect me. I know these last couple of years have been difficult, but you weathered the storm with me. For that I will forever be grateful to you. Special shout out to my Misfits crew! Twenty plus years strong…you heffas ain’t goin’ nowhere!

To my new friends: I’m excited that you’re on this next leg of my journey! Let me just tell you it’s going to be one hell of a ride: excitement, laughter, and memories galore! *throws confetti* Whether you’re here for a reason, season, or the rest of my life I appreciate your presence.

To the beautiful soul reading this book: You, yes you, are loved and appreciated immensely. Of all the books you could have chosen you picked this one. I pray that the following pages entertain, empower, and encourage you in some way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting and believing in me.

Expressively yours,

Diamond Cartel

Chapter 1

I feel so old!

Marilyn exclaimed as they were getting dressed and discussing her twenty-fifth birthday party. Always the more advanced of the group, Marilyn comes off as a scholarly, ancient spirit stuck in a young, fit, and flexible body. With her big brown eyes, curly hair that reminds you of Rachel True, and meticulous demeanor it’s no wonder why she’s seen as the mother of the group.

You are not old, Mare! Jasmine said. Because if you’re old then we’re all old and dammit I’m not old!

The girls all laugh as they finish getting ready to hit the town. In addition to Marilyn and Jasmine, there’s Kenna Dee, Phoebe, and LaTonda. Hailing from different parts of America, they bonded like no other set of friends known to man – or woman. These girls weren’t just friends. They were true sisters.

They’ve known each other since their freshmen days at Colonial College. It was during the Freshmen Inauguration, as the school called it. They were grouped together for the weekend along with four other freshmen. While they all seemed to get alone well, these girls clicked. After their inauguration program ended the regular school year started.

The school year was a new experience for all of them. Marilyn was the only one who had family with a college level education. Kenna, Phoebe, LaTonda, and Jasmine were all first generation college attendees in their family. They looked up to Marilyn and asked for her advice when it came to scheduling, college credits, studying, and – of course – parties. She was more than happy to help out her newfound friends.

What really solidified their bond was the week of finals. They all shared one course together – Humanities 101 – and had the worst teacher on campus, Ms. Finkle – a monotone, wrinkly, despondent women in her mid-sixties that’s probably never been kissed, hugged, or even told she was loved. Her lackluster demeanor made it difficult to learn an already stodgy subject. The girls pulled together and became a study group, focusing on every chapter read, essay written, quiz taken, and assignment given. It was a long, hard week, but they all came out of it with an A. Once they realized how well they worked together – and how much fun they had in the process – they became inseparable.

As close as they are, you can definitely set them apart by their personalities. Marilyn is the mature one, Kenna is the lover, Phoebe is the protector, LaTonda is the fashionista, and Jasmine is the sweet, innocent girl that somehow gets away with everything. They complement one another without complicating their bond. It’s always been this way. They’re not just friends; they’re more like sisters.

Marilyn, what the hell are you doing? LaTonda says, questioning her accessories.

What’s wrong with it? Marilyn said exasperated.

It’s all – gold! You need a splash of color. Here, let me help you, honey.

Marilyn went from looking like a plain Jane to LaTonda’s style twin in half an hour. When it comes to fashion, LaTonda knows what she’s doing. She majored in Fashion Design and turned the school’s program inside out. Not only did she graduate Magna Cum Laude with a 4.2 GPA, the school offered her a position as a professor. She turned it down because her dream was to move to Paris and become a top notch fashion designer. While she may not have relocated to Paris – yet – she is the protégé of a well-known designer in the metro Charlotte area.

Damn you, Tonda! Marilyn said, laughing. Damn you to hell!

At least I’ll look good when I get there.

The girls finish getting ready and head out to their favorite Friday night spot, Club Vega. It wasn’t your typical all black, hip hop, teeny bopper club. They discovered during their college years that hip hop clubs weren’t for them. Club Vega plays a mix of hip hop, pop, techno, and R&B. It was a mixed club and you could find all nationalities there. While Kenna and LaTonda preferred to stick to the black men, Marilyn had a thing for the Latino boys while Phoebe and Jasmine both drooled over the Dominicans.

Phoebe and Jasmine were best friends. They knew each other before Colonial College. For a few years, they went to middle school together. Then Jasmine’s father was transferred to another military base so she had to move. They emailed each other every day, and when Skype became popular they were virtually inseparable - literally. They came up with the plan to attend Colonial College together. No distance in the world could keep these two girls apart.

Club Vega was packed tonight. It was their fifth anniversary and everyone came out to party. The girls arrived at the door a few minutes before midnight. VIP status was their thing; there was no waiting in line when it came to partying with them. They walked right in and were escorted to their usual table. Since this was the club’s anniversary, all VIP patrons received a free bottle of champagne for the toast they were doing at midnight. The girls got there just in time. With five minutes to spare, they popped the bottle open and poured each other a glass. Swaying to the beat of the music they got their own party started.

5…4…3…2…1!

Happy Anniversary, Club Vega! Everyone shouted.

The crowd went nuts! Everyone was singing two different songs – happy anniversary and happy birthday – in their own off-key, drunk-and-slurred way. The girls took in the scene with uncontrollable laughter. They were nowhere near the level of intoxication like their fellow patrons, but they planned to get there as soon as possible.

Shots of tequila quickly commenced after the celebration was over. The girls had three rounds each. The first shot was to celebrate the anniversary of Club Vega. The second shot was to begin the countdown to Marilyn’s twenty-fifth birthday. The final shot was just because they believed everything happened in three’s and shots were no different. The rest of the night consisted of more shots, dancing, and lots of flirting.

On the other side of VIP sat a group of guys who looked like they were having a good time as well. Marilyn was the first to spot them in the corner. Her high crown and birthday sash made her easy to see. One of the guys, a light skin guy, smiled brightly while raising his glass toward her. She returned the gesture.

He motioned for her to meet at the bar. She smiled, but shook her head no. He gave her the, Come on! look. She wasn’t buying it. A challenge. He thought. This is going to be interesting.

The girls partied until three in the morning when the club finally closed for the night. They were standing outside near LaTonda’s truck when Marilyn’s admirer from the VIP approached them.

Happy birthday, beautiful, the young gentleman said, reaching out for her hand.

Thank you, Marilyn said, not returning the gesture.

You really are hard to get, huh?

No, Marilyn responded, just hard to impress.

Well then let me put all my old mack daddy lines to the side. Hi, my name is César.

I’m Marilyn.

That’s a very beautiful name for a very beautiful woman.

Marilyn laughed.

What were you drinking back there? She exclaimed. Whatever it was has you full of charm!

No, sweetheart. That’s just how I was raised.

Suddenly, Marilyn became intrigued in her new prospect. They talked for a few minutes. He invited her and the girls out to breakfast. She asked them if they wanted to go and unanimously they agreed. He introduced his two friends, Arnold and Mario to Marilyn. She, in turn, introduced the girls. Once everyone chatted for a while they got in their cars and headed out to eat.

They met up with them to breakfast at The Poached Egg, a popular 24-hour diner. For another two hours, the girls hung out with César, Arnold, and Mario. The guys were clearly outnumbered, but no one cared. The group meshed well with each other and no one felt like the odd one out.

After breakfast, they went to Pins Down for some late night bowling. The fun commenced until almost six in the morning. When their fifth, and final, game was over they all exchanged numbers. César and Marilyn had made plans to meet up again that night. Everyone said their goodbyes and the girls headed back to LaTonda’s house to pick up their cars. Instead of leaving, the girls sat around chatting until everyone passed out around seven in the morning.

Last night was more than a typical Friday night for the girls. They spent a lot of time together outside of their working hours. Their closeness marveled and mystified others at the same time. It was rare to see young, vibrant, successful African-American women get along for such an extended period of time. Although they’ve known each other for seven years, their vibe gives off the impression they’ve known each other their entire lives. Of course they fight, nitpick, and argue, but they know when to call it quits and when to simply agree to disagree.

Phoebe and Jasmine went to find Marilyn’s present together at the mall. Marilyn had several loves, but her absolute favorites were crystal figurines and snow globes. It wouldn’t be hard to find the perfect gift. Her favorite store, Through The Looking Glass, sold almost every imaginable glass figurine and snow globe one could imagine. That’s where they knew they would find her present.

This girl and her glass! Jasmine said jokingly as she examined a plethora of crystal figurines on display in a glass case.

I know, right?! Phoebe concurred. But you got to admit she takes damn good care of them. I’m still scared to move around her house for fear of being cursed out.

They both laugh as they continue to search for the perfect gift for their friend. Jasmine found a large snow globe with a praying angel inside. She knew Marilyn would go nuts over it. After she purchased the gift, they went to a few more novelty shops until Phoebe found her a crystal figurine of a mom and baby koala, Marilyn’s favorite animal.

Check and mate! Phoebe said, as she spotted the figurine from the other side of the store. The girl had eagle eyes for sure.

After her gift was purchased and wrapped, they went to the food court for an early dinner. While standing in line at the Cajun Café they overhear an altercation from the other side of the food court.

Fuck you, bitch, and your sorry ass nigga!

They turned around just as a crowd of people started swinging on each other. Security officers rushed over to break up the fight. From the looks of things, someone