When the Fairytale Ends by Dwan Abrams

hotel’s seventy-three stories to the restaurant. Once inside, Shania looked around and noticed that the restaurant had a nice-sized crowd. Live jazz music filled the air. She felt Greg’s arm reach around her waist and pull her close, making her feel even more safe and secure.
    They didn’t have to wait long before being seated at their table and placing their drink and food orders. Shania glanced out the window and admired the lit buildings. She couldn’t believe how much had changed in a few short months. Who would’ve thought that the four of them would be on a double date without Shania wanting to strangle Jonathan? She remembered how she felt when Cheyenne first started dating him. They were juniors in high school, and Shania didn’t think he was good enough for her little sister. Not long afterward he became a high school dropout and occasional street pharmacist. In her eyes, he lacked ambition and his very essence meant trouble. But in Cheyenne’s eyes, he was her gift from God.
    It wasn’t until Jonathan had been shot in the abdomen after an altercation and hospitalized that Shania felt compassion for him. Although she felt devastated when she found out that Cheyenne had run off and eloped with Jonathan, she decided to give him a chance.
    â€œWe have a surprise for you, sister.” Cheyenne’s eyes glowed, and she sounded excited.
    A surprise for her? Why were they giving her surprises on Greg’s birthday? Shania stopped looking outside and looked at Cheyenne. She held her breath, hoping that Cheyenne wasn’t about to announce that she was pregnant. If her sister’s lips so much as formed a p-word, she was going to flip. When it came to Cheyenne and Jonathan’s relationship, Shania needed to take baby steps, not quantum leaps.
    Squeezing Jonathan’s hand on top of the table, Cheyenne announced, “Jonathan got his GED. He’s even going to attend the fall semester at Valdosta State along with me.”
    Cheyene was a sophomore at Valdosta State and Shania felt proud of her younger sister for going to college, because it was no easy feat getting her there. In high school, Cheyenne was notorious for skipping classes. It was a favor from God that allowed her to graduate. Shania had never seen someone miss as much school as Cheyenne and still graduate with honors.
    Shania exhaled, and a smile spread across her face. She could tell that her sister was proud of him, and even though she was reluctant to admit it, she was proud of him too.
    â€œI’m so glad to hear that. Congratulations,” Shania said.
    Greg chimed in, “That’s terrific. Very smart decision.”
    Jonathan eyed Greg and Shania. “I owe y’all a lot.” He raised a brow. “When I was coming up, my mom abandoned me and my brothers and sisters. For a while, I lived on the streets. I was homeless.” He tilted his head to the side. “I sold drugs to survive—am I proud of that?” He paused. “No. I was just doing what I had to do.” He placed his hands on his lap and exchanged glances with Cheyenne. “Then I met my boo, and everything changed.”
    Cheyenne leaned over and kissed Jonathan on the lips; then she leaned back in her seat. For the first time, Shania could see how her sister might be attracted to Jonathan. Beneath his thuggish veneer lay a decent guy trying to find his way.
    Jonathan took a sip of water and swished a cube of ice around in his mouth. “Man”—he shook his head—“I coulda been dead. When I got capped, all that stuff people say about your life flashing before your eyes is true, the bad and the good. While I was in that coma, it was like a presence was all around me, keeping me. You know what I’m sayin’?”
    All eyes were on Jonathan until Greg broke the silence.
    â€œIt wasn’t your time,” Greg said. “God has a plan for your life.”
    â€œI know that