Page 38 of Search My Soul (Taylor Family Saga #3)

“Hey, Soul.” I heard someone call my name as I walked into Journeys in the mall.

My niece’s birthday party was in a few hours, and I still had a few more things to grab for her.

My baby was spoiled rotten, and I played a major role in it.

Since I had no plans to ever have children, she would be my only baby.

“Do I know you?” I continued to sift through the racks. Romi made me fully aware of her favorite colors as well as the colors she hated. Luckily for her, the store had an abundance of pink.

“Umm, yeah. We went to junior prom together back in high school. We were named prom king and queen. Do you really not remember me?” This time I took a moment to observe her. She was a pretty girl, but it looked like life had beaten her ass and hadn’t turned her loose yet.

“Naw, I don’t. To be honest, I was high out of my mind for most of those years.

” It wasn’t a complete lie. After my parents were killed, I spiraled out of control.

Since my father was involved in the drug game, it wasn’t hard to gain access to any substance I wanted.

Weed relaxed me, but it wasn’t strong enough to erase the pain in my heart or the nightmares that came whenever I closed my eyes at night.

It took me years to overcome my addiction to pills, and I’ll admit there were a few times when I almost fell off the wagon.

However, I refused to fail and fuck up everything I’ve built for myself.

“Oh well. I’m Raven. It’s nice to see you again. I come to a lot of the events you and your family put on, but there is usually a sea of people surrounding you.” I stared at her awkwardly. I’ll admit that my social skills weren’t the best, but things like this only made it worse.

“Alright, well, you take care of yourself.” I grabbed a few more outfits and then headed to the register.

I’d already purchased her a few designer fits as well as a custom necklace and bracelet set from one of my favorite jewelers, but Romi loved this girlie ass store.

Every time we came to the mall, I spent a bag on her in this place.

My phone rang as I headed to the register, so I answered it while placing the items on the counter.

“Uncle Soul!” Of course, her little self would be on my line while I’m shopping for her.

“What’s up, Roro?”

“Are you coming to my party? You didn’t RSVP.” I handed the cashier my card after she read off the total.

“Have I ever missed one of your birthdays before, silly girl?”

“Well, yes. Remember that one time you were in college?” Damn, she got me there.

“And I still called you and sent your presents, so technically, I didn’t miss it. I was there in spirit.”

“Okay, well, I don’t want your spirit here this time. I want the real thing, so don’t be late.”

“You’re bossy like your momma.” I huffed.

“I learned from the best. I gotta get off the phone, Uncle Soulie. I can’t be late for my nail appointment.

” I was about to reply, but she had already hung up on me.

My phone rang again, but this time it was my other spoiled brat.

My little sister, Adore. Once I got back to my car, I tossed the bags in the back seat and then peeled off.

“What’s up, square head?” I connected my phone to the car’s Bluetooth.

“Boy, fuck you. Your head is shaped like a peanut.”

“Yeah, yeah. What do you need, AD? I already sent you money last week and I know damn well you haven’t blown through ten racks in a week.

” All three of my sisters loved to spend money.

More importantly, mine. Outside of Pure, I handled most of their financial needs.

Even though they all worked jobs, we still provided for them.

“This isn’t about money. I need your advice about something.” My ears perked up because she never called me for personal advice. Pure and Patience were the mature siblings that everyone went to for wisdom and guidance.

“How can I be of assistance?”

“Umm, I think I want to have sex.” I almost swerved off the side of the road trying to process her words.

“Y-You want to do what?”

“Soul, please don’t overreact. I called you because Lovely is busy, and I figured you would be easier to talk to about this than Pure or Pay.

” My trigger finger itched at the idea of some musty punk touching my baby.

Adore Renee was the youngest of the Taylor siblings, and she was only a toddler when our parents were killed, so we all had a hand in raising her.

In my eyes, she would always be a little baby, so I couldn’t fathom someone touching her.

“What made you decide this? When did you get a boyfriend, and why haven’t I met him?

You know I need to run a background check on this cat before you can have approval to date him.

” See, this was the exact reason I disagreed with her attending an out-of-state college.

I wasn’t able to watch her the way I needed to.

Although we programmed cameras at her off-campus apartment, I’m well aware of how sneaky young people can be.

“Slow down and breathe. I don’t have a boyfriend.

Well, not yet anyways. I’m only asking because I think I’m ready to put myself out there.

I’m the only junior in college without a dating history or even a semblance of one.

I don’t want to graduate with no life experiences outside of my education,” she whined.

I don’t know what she expected me to say to this.

In a perfect world, Adore would remain a virgin until the good Lord took me out of here.

However, she was an adult now and she needed to have those life experiences.

“I’m not feeling the idea of you fucking one of those broke ass jokers out there, but I understand where you’re coming from.

All I ask is that you be careful about your choices.

The boys your age aren’t looking for anything long-term.

They are surrounded by options and opportunities, you know? Plus, you’re special?—”

“What are you trying to say? Do you think someone is going to take advantage of me because I have an ileostomy bag?” Adore shrieked.

AD was very sensitive about her condition and the fact that she wore a shit bag.

Personally, I never thought it was a big deal because it did nothing to take away from her beauty.

“Breathe, AD. What I’m trying to say is that you’re a special gem in our family, and if someone were to break your heart or take advantage of you, then your campus would be in great mourning.

I don’t mind killing niggas so I need you to pick your partner wisely so they can live a long and promising life.

“As far as your shit bag, I don’t see why that would be a hindrance to you.

A real man will love you for who you are.

You’re not broken or less than just because you have to live life differently.

You’re pretty, smart, and rich as fuck. Those are the only things that should matter.

” I was sweating bullets as I drove down the highway.

None of my siblings ever came to me for advice because I was considered the family fuck up to some degree. I couldn’t afford to fuck this up.

“Thank you, Soulie.” She mimicked Romi’s nickname for me.

“Whatever, silly girl.”

“No, I’m serious. I really appreciate you.

If I had gone to Patience, she would have given me a speech about birth control and the various sexually transmitted diseases out there, as if I don’t already know.

I’m fully aware of how big a step this is.

I guess I’m nervous about dating. Those high school relationships are nothing like the ones in college.

I have a few friends who are already engaged and planning their futures. ”

“I promise you one thing. If you bring your ass home with a ring on your finger, I’m chopping it off and sending it back to that boy.

Don’t play with me. I’m cool with you dating, but marriage is taking it too far.

Make sure whoever you pick is worthy of you.

Most people regret the person they lost their virginity to.

Take your time and enjoy the moment for what it is.

” I couldn’t tell you who I lost mine to because I was living so recklessly back then.

“You’re right. Sometimes, I feel pressure because everyone else has already experienced these things. I will take your advice and enjoy the moment. I love you, brother.”

“I love you too. Now, when you actually do decide to pop that cat, call Patience because I can’t promise I won’t kidnap that nigga and put him in my trunk.”

“Soul, you are crazy.” Adore laughed, but I meant every word. When it came to my family, I’d take out anyone who got in their way.

“I’m serious, and make sure they get tested. They like to experiment a lot in college. You’ll mess around and end up with an itchy pussy from laying down with those nasty dogs.” Nobody would ever be good enough for my sisters and I stood on that.

“I hear you. I’m on my way to my English class. I’ll text you later.”

“Okay, I love you.”

“I love you too.” My heart swelled with pride because I felt like I’d actually made a difference. It meant more to me than I could express openly. I enjoyed the feeling of being needed by my family.

Once I reached the big house, I groaned at the sight of all the cars in the driveway. I loved my family, but when we all got together it could either go one or two ways. I guess I would have to see how things turned out.