“What’s up!” The guys said to him. He came into the kitchen, and I could instantly smell his cologne. He always smelled so good and looked good too. I don’t know if puberty recently hit him or what, but he seemed to be looking finer every time I saw him. His chocolate skin was always glistening. He finally got his braces off, and his teeth were so perfect and white. His eyebrows were dark and thick, he had dark brown doe-looking eyes and thick semi-pink lips. His bottom lip was fuller than his top, and I always wondered how soft they were. He had a little mustache and chin hair. And his waves were always on point with a fresh edge-up. Ricky was tall and skinny like Jemar, but he had more muscles since he played football. As I was staring at him lustfully, I saw Jemar mugging me. Do I feel bad for staring at his homeboy the way I was? No. Ricky was just a friend, and like I said, I wasn’t that kind of girl.
“What’s up, Bre,” Ricky said sarcastically.
“Hey, Ricky.” I smiled.
“You need help?”
“Sure,” I said then continued to put the food up. He grabbed a bag then started putting things away.
“Have you dropped out of school?” He asked randomly.
“That wasn’t the plan, but it seems like I have no other choice,” I admitted. I know that I missed a lot of days, and with the new DC laws, my mother could get into trouble. And I was a good student, so I know some of my teachers were probably concerned.
“You know they have online classes now? You need to get your mother to give the school a call and start those courses so you won’t have to stay back.”
“I didn’t know. Thanks for telling me, but I’m not really talking to my mom.” I said while putting my head down. It’s been months since I was kicked out, and I still wasn’t talking to her. I wasn’t even talking to my siblings. I only kept in contact with Chianne and Keisha.
“Look at this, Mr. Clark ass nigga.” Day Day joked. The guys laughed, but Jemar looked over at us with a mug on his face.
“Aye, Ricky. It’s time for you to go handle that.” Jemar said. I saw Ricky tense up a little then nodded his head towards Jemar. He finished helping me then went into the second bedroom.
“What is he doing in there?” I asked. There was nothing but baby stuff in there since that was going to be our baby’s room. I was hoping that Jemar was stupid enough to store money or drugs in there.
“None of your business.” Marco spat. I looked at him like he was crazy. I never knew what his problem was, and I wasn’t the only person in our family that he acted this way towards. Nobody really messed with him because he always seemed to have an attitude or problem.
“What’s your problem, Marco? You always have something smart to say to me, and I’m your cousin!” I said.
“Blood doesn’t make you family.” He stated.
“Whatever!” I said then stormed away to our bedroom. I sat down on the bed with my phone in my hand. My hands started sweating because I was nervous about what I was about to do. My heart was beating as I heard the phone ring.
“Hello?” She answered. She was skeptical because I was calling from a blocked number. I honestly wasn’t expecting her to answer, morelike hoping that she wouldn’t.
“Ma.”
“Bre?”
“Yeah, it’s me. Look, I’m not going to hold you. I was calling because I know I haven’t been going to school and want to, but I haven’t had time to. Anywho, I heard about them having an online program, and I wanted to ask if you could enroll me into it, so I can complete this year. I don’t want to get you into trouble with the Department of Education about my absences, and I don’t want to stay back. Education is important ...still important to me, and I want to finish high school.” I said. It was silent, at first I thought she hung, but I heard her breathing.
“I’ve already been to the school and withdrew you. I changed your address to your dad’s, so legally, you’re in his care. Give him a call and express your love to continue to your education like you told me. I know he would be happy to hear that.” She said sarcastically.
“You know, I was hoping that your attitude would have changed by now, and you would’ve been happy to hear from me, but I was completely wrong. I’m glad I didn’t expect much from you. I am going to finish high school without your help or care. I am going to go to college and graduate. I am going to make my daughter so proud of me. Take care, Aretha.” I said then ended the call.
“Stop cheating!” Jemar shouted. From my irritation with Jemar and his friends to my conversation with my mother, I was beyond pissed. I hopped up from the bed and stormed out into the living room. I went straight to the tv and unplugged the PS4 from it.
“Bre what the fuck! We were in the middle of a game!” Jemar shouted.
“I don’t give a fuck. I told you that y’all make too much noise and I’m tired of telling you that. And I told you that I bought stuff that needs to be in the freezer. You and your bum
