Page 36 of So I Know it's Real

My good luck charm.That was the caption. I was hesitant to view the comments. However, my curiosity superseded my restraint.

She’s pretty.

I’ve been following Clover!

This nigga is a simp.

I giggled under my breath while rushing to my feet. If I didn’t get off my behind, I would be on the roof until the sun went down, trying to connect with new followers.

By the time I made it downstairs, an unusual amount of attention soared my way. I tried to play it cool, keeping my shoulders straight and head high, but the unknown shifted my vision from left to right.

“Reggie!” I snatched him back by his backpack. “Why is everyone staring at me? Did I miss something?”

“Nope, but now I know why you never gave me a chance. You’re dating Durk from The Sons of Eshu. Y’all picture is going viral.”

My eyes grew wide. If students knew details about my private life, there was no way my colleagues were in the blind.

“Ms. Clover, please report to the main office,”poured from the overhead speakers.

A mixture of fear and guilt bubbled in my belly as I dragged my body to the other side of campus. As soon as I strolled into the office, Mr. Sudan and the principal approached me.

“Ms. Clover.” Principal Powell shook his head. “Just like our students have a code of conduct, the same goes for us. When your off the clock affairs bleed into work, we have a problem.”

Confused, I narrowed my vision. “I’m sorry, Principal Powell. I don’t understand what you’re referring to.”

He exhaled then pushed his office door open. An array of flowers and stuffed animals covered the room.

“The delivery man asked for you,” he declared.

“I am so sorry, Principal. I’ll have everything moved out of your office immediately.”

He bowed his head. “Please do, and remember what I said.”

Out of twelve bouquets, I saved four of my favorites and gave the others to teachers I admired. The school day ended soon after my trip around the campus, and after I picked up the boys, I went home.

A group of luxury cars and motorcycles filled my block, confirming I had a house full. I filled my lungs with as much air as they could hold before I released it through my nose and got out of the car.

The boys rushed into the house, but I greeted the man sitting on my porch. “It’s a good day to be blessed”

“Amen.” He nodded. “How you are doing, Clover?”

“I won’t complain. O’Cyrus, right?”

“The one and only. The ladies are in the house. The guys and Durk are in the backyard.”

I nodded and followed the boys through the front door. The sound of laughter guided me into the living room, where my twins and Kya settled with the ladies. The time I spent with them had been short-lived, but the group had good energy. Blaze was a protector. Stevie was the sweetheart of the bunch. Stony was feisty.

“Hey, pretty lady!” Stevie rose from her seat when she noticed me. “Your boys are so cute!”

“And being gentlemen I hope.”

Pierce’s brows jumped up on his forehead. “I am. I don’t know about my other half.”

I laughed along with the ladies before I announced I would be back after my shower.

“Auntie Clover!”

I spun around, hearing the panic in Kya’s voice.

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