Chapter 32

Quan checked the time on his watch as he waited outside of the Chinese restaurant, placing his hands back into his pockets to cover them from the brisk air. He surveyed his surroundings, his eyes latching onto every car that rode past as he waited for one in particular.

Staying home instead of going to D.C wasn’t just because he didn’t want to be cooped up in a car with his mom and siblings – he had work to do. Lu had trusted him enough to give him double the work, and that meant he had to put in double the time to flip it. Berks was the pickup spot, and Quan stood nervously at the corner since this wasn’t his hood and he knew good and well to watch where he stepped. He just wanted to hurry and get the whole thing over with, especially since he was set to hang with Heaven.

With Shamira still on his heels about her so-called pregnancy, he hoped she didn’t mess up what he had developing with someone who actually liked him. Things were still fresh with Heaven, but she picked up his calls and responded to his texts – two of the basic things that Shamira failed to do when they were together, showing that her true interest was his growing money.

When Quan first arrived to Philly he was a sheltered kid whose only expertise was in video games and football, but six months later he felt like a whole new man – one who was much more street smart and could peep anything from afar. He refused to let Shamira pull a fast one on him, and she would just have to figure out things on her own just like he had.

He was determined to take care of his family now that he was the man of the house. He didn’t respect his mother like how he used to, since it was clear she chose sides with a man who didn’t even love her enough to protect her.

Instead, he did everything in his power to tear her down and make sure both her and the kids they brought into the world together would go without. But it wasn’t his or his siblings fault that they had been born to such dysfunctional parents, and if he had the power to change their circumstances that’s exactly what he was going to do. Starting with the corner.

After a few minutes passed, the blacked out silver Pontiac pulled up in front of the chink spot – giving Quan two beeps to gain his attention. He stepped forward, the sound of the door unlocking allowing him to open the passenger side door and step inside.

“What’s good?”

“What up youngin.” The man known as Havoc greeted, “You got my bread?”

Quan nodded, “Yup. You got the drop off?”

“In the back seat…you need a ride anywhere? I would hate for you to lose that package, that’s some heavy shit back there.”

Quan agreed with that. He didn’t need anything interfering with the smooth transaction, and who knew what was lurking in North at that time of night, just waiting for him to slip up.

“Yeah, I’d appreciate that. I’m right up by the term, you know where that’s at?” Quan asked as Havoc pulled off.

“Aiight, it’s free this time – but you should be looking into a whip if you tryna move weight this big. Too many niggas out here waiting for a come up.”

Quan took the older man’s advice, but unfortunately he didn’t have a license so that plan wouldn’t be as quick as he wished. Still, he appreciated Havoc looking out. He didn’t look like the type to give a damn about the next man, his eyes read that he was fearless and his huge build told Quan he couldn’t be tested.

Intimidating wasn’t even close to describing Havoc – his exposed arms laced with story telling ink, even a few gracing his chiseled face that never cracked a smile. Quan heard about the boss man through multiple corner boys, and while the man had a gruesome reputation he tried his best to not show his fear as he sat in the passenger seat. No one would respect him if he couldn’t even hold his own.

With his head against the seat, Quan shut his eyes as he listened to rap music blasting out of the radio. Havoc had Styles P in rotation as he rode through the trenches, rapping to the tracks while all Quan could think about was all the money he was getting ready to make off his flip.

Of course, he had Lu to thank for that. And even though he got a good cut, the remaining was still enough for Quan to be set for a while.

Keys in the crib, you want keys to the crib
I got work from Argentina and Belize in the crib
Homie holding a nina, could sneeze him a brick
Knee-deep in the cocaine, trees in the six

“What you know about that Styles P, youngin?” Havoc tapped Quan on his chest, his eyes fluttering back open.

“Nothing man, but he’s hot.” Quan smirked, “You listen to Young Thug?”

Havoc laughed with a hold of his stomach, “Hell Naw, no real street cat listen to that shit. Once you get a wheel make sure you only blasting that thurl shit, none of that fake rap.”

He reached into his arm rest as he came to a stop, pulling out a few mixtapes and blank cd’s.

“This right here is real trap music. Trust me.”

“Nigga you know what year it is, ain’t nobody bumping a CD these days. Where’s your aux?” Laughed Quan, taking a look at all the classics Havoc handed him.

“I’m in my thirties, I ain’t got time for all that technology shit. CD’s is timeless youngin, plus it don’t matter what it’s played on it’s the vibe that counts. Bitches love it.” Havoc shrugged.

“Okay cool, let me borrow this one.” Quan picked up one with QuillyMillz on the front, getting a nod of approval from Havoc.

“What you about eighteen, nineteen?” Havoc asked.

“I’ll be eighteen in two months.”

“Damn so you a youngin foreal, tryna carry weight like that.”

“I got to, my mom needs it. McDonald’s and all that ain’t for me, so this is my next best option.” Quan admitted, his eyes watching the city pass by.

“I can dig it. Just know, it’s a lot of ways into this lifestyle – but it ain’t a lot of ways out.” Havoc told him.

His words sent a shiver up Quan’s spine, as if he had just cast a spell on him.

Just then, flashing lights emerged from behind the vehicle – sending Quan’s heart into overdrive. He was hoping the cops would hop out of their lane and zoom past, but he was sadly mistaken as the sirens warranted Havoc to pull over.

The bulky man kissed his teeth, “Shit, these niggas never stop fuckin’ with me. Be cool youngin.”

Quan nodded, too fear stricken to even utter a word. His mouth was dry and his hands were moist, and his nerves were kicking his ass. Havoc on the other hand seemed completely unfazed, lowering the sound of his music as he watched the cop stroll over in the driver side mirror.

“How are you doin officer?” Havoc asked politely.

“Great, until I saw you run that red light back there. License and registration?”

Havoc handed over the information. Quan watched from the side of his eye, hoping the cop would verify everything and let them keep it pushing.

“You Aiight, you sweating like a crackhead in the summer?” Havoc looked over to Quan, “These niggas do this shit all the time, it’s nothin.”

Quan tried his best to remain as calm as his body would let him. He watched the cop in the rear view mirror, hoping he would speed up the process. He let out a breath of relief when the officer stepped out of his patrol car and made his way back over to the car.

“Step out of the car.” He demanded.

“For what, all my paperwork is straight!” Havoc spat at the officer, “I know my rights.”

“Yeah, well you’ve got one hell of a record so step out of the car before I throw you out.”

Havoc looked over to Quan, knowing too well what was about to go down.

“Stay solid youngin, you don’t know shit about me. Remember that.” Havoc spoke lowly, before the two hopped out of the car.

Quan couldn’t believe his luck – but Havoc was right. There was multiple ways in the game, but it was only two ways out, dead or in jail. And with the amount of work in that car, Quan knew his option would be the latter.

One, two, three, let’s go

Rolls Royce truck but my windows ain’t tinted (Gang)
Traphouse jumpin’ like a Wendy’s or a Denny’s (Woo)
He ain’t stoppin’ shit, I decide when I finish (Nope)

Moneybagg Yo’s 123 blasted throughout Zay’s house, weed smoke hovering in the air, liquor sprawled out everywhere as the party was in full effect. With Christmas around the corner and winter break started, Zay figured it was just another reason to celebrate.

Besides that fact, it was the only thing that could get his mind off of the letters his mother sent him. His father still wasn’t back in town, and Zay had no words for him after he found out the truth after so many years.

He didn’t understand why William would want to keep his mother away from him – when she was the very thing that Zay longed for since he was a child. Sure, him and his father wasn’t that close – but to know that William hid such a secret from him hurt him deeply. But he wouldn’t let his sorrows get the best of him, or so he thought.

“We really got five more months until all this shit is over with. I’m really going to miss y’all niggas, but hey – we gon’ be living it up in college this time next year!” Zay toasted, his shot glass high in the air, “To the class of 2019!”

“To 2019!” His friends cheered, taking their shots back in unison.

“Ima miss you too bro, especially beatin’ yo ass on the court. But it’s all love.” Josh joked, patting Zay on the back.

Zay jokingly scoffed, “Negro please, you couldn’t even beat me when we was young bulls in middle school. You definitely ain’t seeing me now.”

“We’ll see. You got anymore ice for this punch though, that’s what you can do.”

Zay slit his eyes at his friend. There was never a time the gang wasn’t joking around, and he knew that was what he was going to miss the most when he went off to college. If they all chose different paths in life, he would have to start over in a whole new place. Popular Zay back in Fels had no credentials in the real world.

He disappeared into the kitchen, spotting Alex among a few other teammates as they conversed among themselves.

“My nigga Lex, I’m still in disbelief that you came. Let me guess, cause it ain’t no homework tomorrow?” Zay snickered giving Alex a handshake.

A laugh fell from Alex’s lips, “Yeah I figured why not, it’s winter break. You got a second to rap though?”

Zay grabbed the ice from the freezer, giving Alex a nod to let him know he had a listening ear.

“What’s the deal with Lux and Sasha, they still…you know.” Alex gave a telling look.

Zay squinted his eyes, “What, together?”

“Yeah nigga” Alex laughed, tapping Zay’s chest, “Throw a nigga a bone. She badd Bro, and I know y’all all are close. The last thing I heard, her and Sasha was taking a break but she still iggin’ me.”

That sounded very familiar to Zay, and he could remember the time he was crushing on the famous Lux Connelly too. Months later the two were genuinely friends, and he was now head over heels for her best friend. He would’ve never guessed that.

“That’s just how she is bro, she ain’t easy like these other chicks in school. Plus, she’s like infatuated with Sasha. She loves that girl, even after Sasha cheated.” Zay shrugged.

Alex’s eyes widened, “Real rap, I thought that shit was just a rumor. I ain’t take Sasha for the type.”

Zay nodded, even though he realized he may of said too much. He was close with Sasha as well, and he didn’t want to throw salt on her but the truth was the truth.

“Look, I ain’t telling you what to do or what not to do. Don’t get me wrong, Sasha is one of the bro’s definitely. But Lux has a mind of her own – and she definitely a hard nut to crack. She’s not into that corny shit, she likes a straight shooter. So if you come at her, just be yourself.” Zay advised his friend.

Alex nodded, the two sharing a dap once more, “Thanks bro I appreciate it.”

Zay headed back into the dining room with the requested ice. He was sure that Alex would shoot his shot and miss, because there was no way Lux would go for Alex if she hadn’t even gone for him. After filling the punch, he moved his way through the crowd.

While his body was present, his mind was somewhere else; Usually he would be having a blast at his own event – but so far all he could do was think of his current situation and nothing could take his mind off of it.

“You do know the difference between a get together and a party right?” A voice emerged from behind him.

Turning around, Zay’s eyes lit up at the sight of Valencia. She smiled coyly, moving a loose piece of hair behind her ear.

“I try to distinguish between the two, but it never goes my way. I’m glad you made it though.” He smiled nervously, “You came alone?”

Valencia shook her head, “No, Lux went to grab a drink – you know her.”

Zay tittered, “You’re right about that. You want one too, I can go grab you one?”

“I’m okay, I don’t really —”

“It’s cool, I’ll be right back.” Zay said before taking off.

He didn’t know what was up with him, but he was completely off of his game. Just standing in front of Valencia had him extremely nervous – and Isaiah didn’t get nervous, especially not in front of a girl. Him and dating went hand in hand. He told himself he just needed a drink, and that should help take off the edge and clear his cluttered mind.

Valencia stood in the middle of the floor – practically squished by the crowd of teens that danced and carried on in the middle of the foggy living room. Finally Zay returned with two red cups in his hands, telling her that it was one for each of them.

“You’re adorable.” He smirked as he watched her cringe from the first sip, “The trick is to not even think about the flavor. Kind of like when you take medicine.”

He downed his in the blink of an eye, “See?”

Valencia twisted her lips with a chuckle, “Easier said than done.”

“I got you…tilt your head back.”

Zay took the cup from her hand, and Valencia did as he requested. She closed her eyes as he poured the drink down her throat slowly, and she surprisingly enjoyed it.

“Look at you, a natural. You want to dance, or you too shy for that too?” He jokingly slit his eyes.

Valencia flagged him, “Boy whatever. I’m not shy, I’m just…reserved. And for sure, we can dance.”

“Okay, well show me what you workin with then.” Zay licked over his lips.

Just as he hoped, the liquor was settling in and he felt more like himself. The playlist he prepared had the place lit, and he didn’t hesitate to place his hands on Valencia’s waist as they stood in the middle of the floor. He could tell she was way more comfortable with him than before, and he liked it. Hell, he loved it. She moved her hair over her shoulder, looking back at Zay seductively before throwing it back on him to the beat. Zay bit down on his bottom lip as he watched her work.

Megan thee Stallion blasted through the speakers, giving Valencia all the confidence she needed to show Zay that she could be just as intriguing as the other girls. The past few weeks the two had grown closer and closer, and she needed to seal the deal with him. Tonight was the night he would ask her to be his.

“You want to get away from the party, maybe?” Valencia asked, dancing closer to him, “You know, like alone…”

Zay furrowed his eyebrows, “Why would we do that?”

“I mean, I thought that’s what you liked. I know last time I was nervous, but this time —”

“Don’t worry about last time.” he told her, “And you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I just want to have a good time with you.”

“And I want to have a good time with you.”

Valencia turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as the music shifted. She gazed at his perfectly full lips, placing a kiss on them without warning. That was usually all Zay needed to hear, but he didn’t want to screw things up with Valencia – not again.

“Vee, I really like you.” Zay confessed as he broke their lips apart, “But the real you. I’on want you thinking you have to be these other girls, okay?”

Valencia could see the sincerity in Zay’s eyes, and she quickly backed down from her aggressive behavior.

“Oh,” she replied, slightly embarrassed, “Sorry, I just really like you too.”

“Enough to be my girlfriend?”

Valencia grinned from ear to ear. She uttered her lips to respond, but was suddenly interrupted seconds later.

“What the hell is going on! Isaiah!”

Zay’s heart fell to the pit of his stomach at the sound of his Dad’s voice. William had returned home days early as a surprise to his son, only to be the one arriving to a surprise. He was livid; Kids in every corner of his home that smelled of nothing but drugs and liquor.

“Shit.” Zay cursed under his breath.

Williams broke up the crowd, shooting kids out of his way as he stormed over to the speakers to pull the plug.

“Everybody out! Party over!”

“Damn old head.” One of the kids shouted, however no one hesitated to linger.

Zay was mortified, “Pops, I didn’t know you were coming back today. I was just having a few friends over.”

“Does this look like a few friends to you!? Have you lost your rabbit ass mind!” William continued to shout, “Everybody out, now!”

Zay hung his head low, not even wanting to look any of his friends in the eye as everyone spilled out of his home. Once it was empty, William locked the door and turned back to scold his son.

“I go away for a few days, and this is how you treat our home? You got kids in my house, doing drugs and who knows what else.”

“Dad it’s only weed.” Zay rolled his eyes.

“Only weed?” William looked at his son as if he didn’t know who he was, “Who are you?”

“Me? Who are you!” his son shot back, “You tell me that!”

“Watch who you’re raising your voice at. Everyone was right, I spoiled you too much – trying to compensate for your mother not being here.”

Zay laughed unbelievably, shaking his head at his father, “So you’re really going to keep up with this act, huh? I know already so you can stop pretending.”

“Tell me, what the hell do you know. You know what I know, your ass will never see the light of day besides school and home. Your ass is off the basketball team.”

“What!” Zay shouted, “You can’t do that, besides I’m eighteen and I don’t need your permission to play. But nice try.”

William stood face to face with his son, “But I can take your car keys, your phone, and everything the hell else I pay for. You think you’re the man, I can show you who’s the man.”

“That’s fine” Zay shrugged, “I can just go stay with my Mom.”

“What did you say?”

Zay smirked deviously, “You heard me right. Didn’t think I knew did you. Those letters you hid, I found them and I know all about you keeping me from seeing her. You had me thinking she abandoned us—”

“She did abandon us! You don’t know half of the shit your mother did, so you have no room to judge me for what I did to protect you!” William argued, however Zay didn’t want to hear any of it.

“Yeah right.” Zay scoffed, “I don’t need you, I never did. You took my mom away from me – so as far as I’m concerned you’re dead to me. I graduate in five months, and after that you never have to speak to me again.”

Zay tossed his phone and keys on the couch, turning away to the stairs and up his room. His father was right, he didn’t know the full story but he knew his mother would never just leave him behind, there was no way. He was determined to find out the truth.

“Thanks a lot for dropping us off, I can’t believe one of Zay’s parties actually got shut down.” said Lux, as Alex pulled up to her block and in front of her apartment.

Alex shrugged, “And that was my first one, just my luck.”

After the party got shut down early, Alex took that as his opportunity to offer a ride to the two friends – especially because this was the night he was going to make his move. As far as he could tell, Sasha was nowhere in sight and that was fate giving him the go ahead.

“Well have a good night, thanks for the ride Lex!” Valencia said climbing out of the back seat, and Lux placed her hand on the knob to open her door next.

“Wait, Lux.” Alex called out, “Can I…Can I talk to you for a minute.”

Valencia looked back at her friend, the two sharing words without even speaking.

“I’ll meet you inside.” Valencia reached out for Lux’s keys, and she reluctantly handed them over.

“What’s up Lex?” asked Lux.

Alex let out a deep breath. Lux was glaring into his soul it felt like.

“Well I’m going to keep it real with you Lux; I like you, and I know that to you we’re just partners in class. I wanted to know if you wanted to…go to the winter dance with me?”

His emerald eyes were hopeful, and Lux tried her best to hide her unsure expression. Alexander was nice, and she didn’t want to be rude – but she couldn’t hurt Sasha like that.

“I can’t, I’m sorry. But thanks Alex – I really think you’re cool too so don’t be mad at me.”

Alex was the next one to hide his true reaction.

“It’s cool, I just thought I’d try.” He shrugged, “…is it because of Sasha, are you two back together or…”

“Not yet, but —”

“So you’re telling me you don’t think there’s a little chemistry between us, come on I see the way you look at the kid when I stroll into class. Always laughing at my corny jokes. Why you iggin me Lux?” Alex bit down onto his lip, showing his dimples that couldn’t help but pop out.

Lux hater that he was right, she did have chemistry with him – but she didn’t want to. And she hated that she loved his corny jokes.

“I do.” She admitted, “But I’m with Sasha, and I’m not going to betray her.”

“You mean like she betrayed you?” Alex raised his brow.

“What?”

Alex threw his hands in the air, “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying Lux – you’re cool as hell, real, smart, funny. Pretty too, but you know that already. Sasha messed that up, so why give her another chance?”

Lux sighed. While he made valid points, Lux didn’t want to hear it.

“She didn’t mean it, you don’t know Sasha.”

“Maybe not, but I know cheaters. And they don’t change. You deserve better, Lux.”

Lux rolled her eyes, “Thanks for the ride Alex, I gotta go.”

Before Alex could even part his lips, Lux was out of the car and up the steps of her apartment. She hurried inside, knowing that she couldn’t spend one more moment with Alex – not only was he questioning her thought process he was looking good while doing so. But she refused to be that girl.

“Sooo, what happened?” Valencia asked as Lux entered her bedroom.

Lux shook her head, “Nothing, he just wanted to talk about school stuff. I’m going to head in the shower before we go to bed, you cool in here alone for a while?”

“Yup.”

Time alone with her thoughts was exactly what she needed. Her heart was damn near beating out of her chest, from both nerves and the fact that now felt more confused than ever. Did Sasha deserve her? Was she being foolish by allowing Sasha to hurt her all over again? Lux thought she had all the answers – and if not, her heart would lead the way. But now, she wondered if her heart wasn’t in fact correct.

Sasha hopped off the metro, her headphones plugged into her ears as she wore her dark blue hoodie draped over her wild hair. She had cried all the tears she could muster up, until she decided she was done crying for the lost love between her and her mother.

She walked halfway through Spring Valley before making it to the train, figuring out her way back to her old neighborhood as the night sky began to fall.

Just from the sight of it, it brought a small smile to her mouth as the memories began to dance in her head.

Things had changed so much since the last time she walked those streets, in fact she was a completely different person. D.C reminded her of quiet, insecure, sad Sasha.

The Sasha who put her dreams on hold, to appease those in her life who didn’t even care for her. She was happy to say goodbye to her, and also happy to return home.

After a short ten minutes block, she found herself in front of Chris’s house. Nostalgia crept up on her, and she could remember walking those same streets practically everyday after school.

She didn’t even bother calling, especially because she was sure he wouldn’t even pick up. With both nerves and hopes weighing her down, she gave the dark brown door a few knocks before stepping back.

“Who is it?”

Her heart struck at the sound of Chris’s raspy voice.

“It’s Sasha.” She answered back.

Chris opened the door moments later, a shocked expression on his face at Sasha standing on his porch.

“Wow, I didn’t know you were in town.” He said pushing his dreads back, “You didn’t call.”

“Thought I’d surprise you…also I wasn’t sure if you were going to answer.” Sasha looked down at her shoes, shamefully.

Chris knew she was right about that, because as far as he was concerned him and Sasha weren’t even considered friends anymore. He thought he just wasn’t cool enough for her anymore, and she had proven that time and time again. However, no matter how hard he tried he could never be mad at her.

“Of course I would. So…you’re in town for the holidays I’m guessing?” He asked, stepping out of his house.

“Yeah, something like that.” She nodded, “So, what’s new?”

Chris shrugged, as if to say not much. An awkward silence emerged since neither knew what else to say – and at that point Sasha didn’t know if she was just there to unload her emotional baggage onto him.

“You want to tell me something, don’t you?” Chris squinted his eyes at Sasha, who looked extremely pitiful.

Sasha jokingly rolled her eyes over, “You think you know me that well, huh?”

“Ehh, so so.” Chris laughed, “We can go shoot hoops in the Rec if you want to talk about it.”

“You, shoot hoops?” Sasha made sure she was hearing Chris correctly, “Where’s Chris and what have you done with him.”

“Now I didn’t say I would be good at it. I just know that’s your favorite spot, and it’s one more hour until it closes.”

“Okay, bet. Let’s go.”

Chris headed back inside to grab his coat and throw on his shoes, and before Sasha knew it the two were on their way to the center she had missed so much.
He was right, basketball was exactly what she needed to help deal with her unstable emotions – and if she never felt like a girl before, her tears sure did the trick.

However she was grateful that so far Chris hadn’t even brought up the fact that the two were basically strangers the past few months – and she was relieved for that because she truly did miss him.

As the two walked through her old neighborhood, the friends shared memories of all their shenanigans in the beginning of high school. It reminded Sasha that this was indeed her last year, and she was just barely getting a grip on life.

“You first,” Sasha said grabbing a ball from the rack, “I don’t want to spill all my problems on you without hearing about how things have been for you.”

“Oh how kind,” Chris replied sarcastically, “Well to answer that – nothing really. I joined the chess team, that gives me some time out of the house. My mom got a new dog, he’s pretty cool too. But other than that, same old Chris.”

Sasha began to dribble the ball, “Chess huh, that’s cool. What’s the dog’s name?”

“Turtle.”

“Seriously?” She cracked up.

It was especially funny because Chris’s mom was obsessed with the chocolate candy known as Turtles. Sasha could still remember her always calling Chris to pick her up two packs on the way home from school.

“Seriously.” Chris snickered, catching the ball as Sasha tossed it, “Now stop stalling, spill your problems.”

Sasha gave her best friend a knowing look.

“Well, I kind of exploded on my mom at dinner. Told her about me playing ball, about Lux being my girlfriend…everything.”

“Sheesh, that’s some heavy stuff.” Chris said genuinely surprised, “Is she okay, or did she like faint?”

“Surprisingly she didn’t faint, she just said I belong in hell with my father. Oh yeah, and they’re kind of…not together anymore. The other day we caught him at the mall with his new girlfriend. So there’s that.” Sasha continued, shooting a perfect lay up.

Chris mouth dropped, “Damn. Sasha, I don’t even know what to say. This is more dramatic than the first season of degrassi.”

“Tell me about it. Now my Mom wants to move back here, and that’s kind of why I had an outburst. I don’t want to move back, there’s nothing here for me.”

Sasha quickly realized her choice of words, and twisted her lips as she stopped dribbling the ball, “Sorry Chris, I didn’t mean it like that —”

“It’s cool, I get it. You’ve finally found your group, I can’t be mad at that.”

“But you’re still my best friend Chris, always. And while I’m at it, I should apologize for being a jerk the past few months. I didn’t mean to treat you like that – you didn’t deserve it.”

Chris’s cheek raised, “Thanks, but I also didn’t make it any easier on you. I can’t lie, I was jealous at first. About a lot of things, especially you and Lux. The fact that you got a girlfriend before me.”

The best friends shared a laugh.

“You want to hear something funny?” Sasha asked catching the ball and dribbling it, “Lux thought it was because you liked, liked me. Can you believe that?”

Sasha continued to double over in laughter at the accusation that Lux had made so long ago, whereas Chris didn’t respond, just scratched his head awkwardly with a frown.

He thought that once she moved away, his feelings for his best friend would eventually vanish – whereas they were indeed still in tact. There was something different about Sasha though, that he could immediately tell from the moment he opened his door.

Her choice of clothes were definitely more boyish, and everything from her walk to the way she talked was different as well. But he knew deep down she was still Sasha, the curly haired girl he fell in love with.

Realizing his silence, Sasha furrowed her brows, “Maybe you had to be there.”

Chris chuckled nervously, “Maybe…or maybe she was sorta right.”

“Ahhhh, you’re funny. Good one, now pass the ball back.” Sasha laughed him off.

“Sasha.”

“Chris, I’m serious. Throw the ball —”

“I’m serious too, Sasha…Lux was right, even though I’ve been scared to admit it.” He confessed, causing Sasha’s heart rate to accelerate as she stared at her friend in confusion, “I know this is sudden, but I figure it’s now or never. I loved you, since I met you. Since manhunt with the other kids before the streetlights came on, since riding bikes to Georgetown for those bomb ass cupcakes, to sneaking into the museums when the guards weren’t looking – all of that. I mean yeah, you’re my best friend Sasha. But when you moved to Philly, I lost the girl I was in love with too.”

Sasha gulped hard, tears at the brink of her eyes as she listened to Chris’s confession to her. Her head was spinning – but there was no way she could ever feel the same about him. She loved Lux. She liked girls, and only girls. Right?

TO BE CONTINUED

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