FlawlessLoveff

“But she’s a good chick. Well rounded, and like you said I ain’t never brought no chicken head up in here. Obviously I’m feeling her”.

She nodded, grabbing the food off the counter and holding it in her arms.

“You’re right. As your mother I only want to protect you. But I do trust your judgement....Grab that and come on”.

I nodded, grabbing a bowl of cabbage and following her to the table. I smiled, sitting turning the TV on then sitting  beside Islah with Paige and RL across from us. I’m not sure why he was here, but he said he picked her up earlier. My mom told him to stay for dinner since he was already here. After we held hands and said a prayer, we all began to eat.

“You have a beautiful home Ms Medrano”.

My mom smiled, handing Islah a bowl of Macaroni and Cheese.

“Thank you hunny. You’re welcome anytime?”.

I looked in her direction and smiled before cutting my chicken and shoving the fork in my mouth.

“How was school Paige?”.

Holding back my laughs, I grabbed my cup of water and starring her in the face.

“Good ma”

My mother starred at her nodding. She was obviously seeing through Paige’s lies, but decided not to put her on blast at the table.

“Oh you guys, I’m canceling the trip to LA... so we’re taking the trip sooner then expected”.

“I’m bringing Mickey”.

My mom nodded, sipping her wine and looking at me.

“Jessi.. who are you bringing?”.

I looked over at Islah and laughed.

“I planned on bringing Es”.

“Jessi, I g-”

“No love it’s fine. You can join us. I don’t mind. Just make sure with your parents are ok with it and your can defiantly come”.

She nodded, looking down at her plate. I have no idea why the topic of parents is a touchy topic, but I’ma figure out why sooner then later. The table was silent, the only sound being heard was our forks against our plates.

Islah

9:21

I turned around on the steps of my house, smiling down at Jessi as his hands stayed in his pocket. It was kind of early, but I’m glad i met his mom, she’s beyond sweet. She took to me faster then I thought she would.

“I wish you would have let me decided if I was gonna go on the vacation with ya’ll. Now I have to go”.

He laughed, stepping up one step and shrugging his shoulders.

“I gave you time to think about it, but I really want you to come”.

I nodded. My heart began to race as he licked his lips. Scanning my body up and down. 

“So ask you pe-”

“They don’t really, care. Just let me know when to pack and I’ll be ready”.

He nodded, stepping up to the last step and pecking my cheek.

“Goodnight Islah Es”.

I exhaled, nodding my head and shrugging my shoulders.

“Pretty good.I guess”.

She laughed, running her hand over my head.

“So, I decided since I’ve been traveling without you guys, why don’t we plan a week yacht trip when I come back from this thing in Los Angeles?”.

My eyes widen as I dropped the blending sponge. Standing up, I squealed, throwing my arms around her neck and hugging her tight. 

“I take that as a yes. You can invite once person Paige... only one”.

“Ok ok, I got you mami”.

She laughed, kissing my forehead once more before leaving out my bathroom.

I don’t care if we was broke as hell and living in the projects, my mom would still be my best friend. To be honest, me and her never argue or fight. I don’t know if it’s because we’re so alike, or it’s just the fact that shes a awesome mom. We never butt heads, I have total respect for her. Especially being that she has built her own dynasty, raising me and Jessi alone hasn't been and still can't be a walk in the park. But she makes it look easy. 

Grabbing my phone, I started up a text to Mickey. As as I was about to hit send, I got a text from RL. Going to his message I smiled just a little. 

From: Ralph Lauren (RL) 

Good morning baby girl. What you doing today?.

Laughing to myself at the last part I started my response

To: Ralph Lauren (RL) 

Umm School nigga. But good morning

From: Ralph Lauren (RL) 

Nah, how bout we miss out. Hit up Coney Island for the day.

Biting down on my lip, I tapped my nail on the screen of my phone. To be honest, I really didn't wanna be there today. A day off won't hurt. Shrugging my shoulders to myself, I blew air out my mouth.

To: Ralph Lauren (RL) 

Sure, I'm with it. Where should I meet you?

From: Ralph Lauren (RL) 

I'll scoop you around 10

To: Ralph Lauren (RL) 

Ok. See you then.

Exiting out of our thread, I went to Mickey's name and sending the message.

To: Mickey 👭

Yacht trip next week. My mom said I can bring one person. Bitch is you down or is you down 

From: Mickey 👭

Fuck kinda question is that. Hell yeah I'm down.

I laughed walking back into my room and plopping down on the bed. 

“Paige, lets g-... why you still in a robe nigga”.

I smacked my teeth, looking back at Jessi.

“I’m not going to school today”

“Why?”.

I shrugged my shoulders. Trying to think of a good lie.

“Just kinda tired still and don’t feel like moving”.

Shaking his head, he gave me the ‘I know you lying face’ before shrugging his shoulders.

“Iight, I’ll tell mama you got a ride with Mickey. Don’t get into no shit Pai”.

I laughed and shook my head.

“I’m not”.

Closing the door behind him I fell back on the bed with a smile and dived back under the covers. I got another 2 hours to get some sleep.

Jessi

7:50 am

I smiled, watching as Islah nervously approached my car, clutching her backpack. Unlocking the door, she swung it own and climbed into the front seat. I watched as she closed it then sat in her seat quietly causing me to laugh.

“Why you nervous?”.

She smirked and shook her head, poking her bottom lip out.

“I’m not nervous”.

I smacked my teeth and laughed, pulling off the curb and on top he busy New York morning street.

I looked at her in the corner of my eye as we drove into the direction of the school. She sat quietly, looking out the window, and every now and then looking into my direction.

“So you coming to the kickback?”.

Once again, she shrugged, looking at me with a devious smirk.

“I don’t know why... you want me too?”.

I laughed, biting down on my lip and looking at her.

“I mean, I think you should come. Mingle with folks, and kick it with me”.

Obnoxiously exhaling she smiled and nodded her head.

“I guess I can. I mean to mingle with people you know”.

“You’re real funny”.

We both shared a laugh and continued talking. I like how she was when she loosened up. As a person and a female she was dope. Pulling in front he parking lot of the school, I smacked my teeth and looked up at the building. I should have did what Paige ass did and stayed home, but I had to see Islah this morning. I’m one step closer to my goal of being her priority.

“So meet me here, after lunch”.

Looking around, then at me she gave me a confused expression.

“Why?”.

“Seniors always leave after lunch. And besides we can chill at me crib”.

She nodded, exiting out the car. After getting out myself and locking the door, I walked over to her side and placed my arm over her neck. Leaning towards her neck, she tensed up. I laughed once again and shook my head.

“Calm down baby. You smell good”.

“oh.. thank you”.

Nodding, we walked into the school, with a few eyes on us. I could tell she was nervous but she ain’t have no reason too. Fuck anybody that has something to say, I’m feeling baby girl, and nobodies opinion can change that.

Rafeal (RL)

12:42 am

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this shit”.

Paige spoke as we walked down the boardwalk of Coney Island. Yo on the real, I know it’s awkward to approach her knowing Jessi my nigga. But ever since I can remember, I have always been attracted to Paige. But for the sake of me and Jessi relationship I always kept my distance, or acted like I couldn’t stand her. But I’m to the point now where I can’t keep going around her, and she not know how I feel about her.

“Oh please, I ain’t put a gun to your head and force you”.

Smacking her teeth, she pushed me playfully with her arm looking up at me with the pretty ass eyes.

“Let sit, and talk”.

I nodded, following her to a bench and table, and holding her stuffed animal across my lap.

“How come... you..approached me like you did. Like out of no where? I’ve know you for a good 6 to 7 years and you’re just doing all this”.

I nodded my head and blew air out my mouth.

“I’ve always had a thing for you. I just ain’t wanna say nothing because of your brother. But I’m at the point where I just don’t care. I had to let you know how I feel”.

She nodded, looking around at everybody that passed by, then back at me.

“You really think this.... would work?”.

I laughed, nodding my head and grabbing bother her hands.

“In my opinion yes. But it’ll only work if you allow it too”.

Islah

1: 45 pm

“What if you mom comes home?”.

I questioned as we sat on the couch. He laughed looking up from his homework and shrugged his shoulders.

“So, my mama cool peoples first of all. And second of all, you need to be finishing that up instead of worrying about her”.

I smacked my teeth, smiling a little and placing my leg back over his lap and diving back into my school work. Well I was starting to feel him, but I’m still testing the waters.

“I’m finished. English literature is my favorite course”.

“Oh word? Iight, then help me with this one”.

I nodded, sitting up straight an looking at his paper.

“What qualities did King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table possess that would still make them heroes today?..... Ummmm I guess I’d say Honor, respect, chivery, they knew what they stood for, they battled evil, they were there to the bitter end, their hearts were full of purpose, true men the kind legends and hero's are from”.

I laughed, gently grabbing his pencil as he tried to copy my answer.

“No, use your own. Say  They hold highly regards as their purpose of living was to serve and protected”

He laughed, erasing what was already written, and began to write what I just said. I waited until he finished, then snapped my head in his direction when I heard his book close.

“Iight, you hungr-”

Before he could finish, the sound of the elevator opening caused my heart to jump. I tried to stand up, but he pulled me back down. I swear I was about to pass out as the sound of heels clicking on the floor, neared us. 

“Jessi I got you s-.. Oh hello”.

I smiled shyly as his mother stood with a smile starring at me.

“Ma this my home girl Islah. Islah this my mother”.

She smiled, extending her hand for me to shake it. I nervously returned the gesture before standing up and grabbing my bag.

“I’m sorry, I should have made sure he a-”

She laughed, shaking her head.

“No no, it’s fine. I’m actually in shook. Jessi has never introduced me to a lady friend. I’m actually cooking, you can stay if you want”.

I looked at Jessi in the corner of my eye, watching him smirk. Exhaling, I nodded and shrugged my shoulders. 

The smiled, blowing a kiss out the window before pulling off. I gotta admit, this whole moving to New York shit was completely dead at first, but I’m starting not to mind. Reality kicked back in as I got to the door of my house. Taking my keys out my purse slowly, I blew air out my mouth before unlocking the door. As I expected, my mom and her boyfriend were in the same place I left them this morning.

Trying to not make eye contact and speak I began to walk quickly towards my room. As soon as I reached my room, I heard my mom’s boyfriend voice boomed through the house.

“So you don’t speak”.

Biting my bottom lip, I exhaled before walking back into the living room. He’s always made me uncomfortable. He was the reason we moved here, my mother met him online last year and convinced her to move here. Now he thinks that we owe him because we live in his house. My mother has always been the type to look for love, instead of allowing it to find her. She consumed herself so much in men that she neglected her responsibilities as s mother. Resulting in the fact that my grandmother was always caring for me. She was my save haven for all the craziness my mom put me through, having to leave her and my grandfather was the hardest shit I ever had to deal with.

Walking back into the living room, I stood there staring at him, trying not to glance over at my mother who looked to be in a zombie state.

“You walk up in here and don’t speak. Who the fuck you think you are”.

I exhaled, shrugging my shoulders.

“Yeah, go get something to eat”.

Throwing the money at me, I picked it up before storming out the house and slamming the door. Walking back in that house reminded me why the fuck I don’t wanna be here in the first place. I need to find a job so I can get the hell out of dodge.

I held my purse close to me as I walked down the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood. After walking a few blocks I looked up at a Jamaican restaurant. Lord know I love me some Caribbean food. Smiling to myself, I walked in as the women looked at me with a smile, greeting me from the cash register.

“How can I help you baby?”.

I smiled, looking up at the menu, contemplating on what I wanted.

“Can I please get a Large Jerk chicken plate, with rice and beans and greens. Oh and Plantains”.

She nodded, writing it down then walking to the back.

“Anything else?”.

As soon as I was about to respond, somebody stepped beside me and nodded.

“Yeah, let me get a  Ackee and saltfish plate, Curry goat with rice and peas and a Jamaican patty wrapped in coco bread”

Looking behind me, I realized that it was Paige’s brother butting into my order.

“Oh these are se-”

He shook his head and stepped in front of me.

“How much I owe you ma?”.

I watched as the women played on her register before looking up at him.

“$25.30″

He nodded, taking out his card and handing it to her. I couldn’t help but feel his eyes starring a hole in the side of my face, causing my cheeks to turn red.

“Alright, 15 minutes”.

He chuckled, still looking down at me and took his card.

“Iight ma, preciate it”.

Walking over to the waiting area, I sat down and smacked my lips when I seen him hot on my heels.

Jessi

7: 18 pm

I smiled as she continued trying to not make eye contact. This girl was really stunning. Like beautiful. I been keeping to myself because I’m trying to focus on Basketball and school, but I can already tell she’s gonna become apart of my focus as well.

“How come you treating me dirty?”

She shook her head, playing with her nails.

“I’m not, I just don’t understand why you paid for my food”.

I mushed up my face, laughing lowly and putting my hands up.

“That’s what a man is suppose to do”.

She exhaled, resting her head on her hand, looking up at the TV that was in the corner of the store.

“Well I ain’t ever had no man do that for m-”

“That’s because they weren’t men. They was boys”.

He took her attention off the TV, looking at me and starring hard before speaking up.

“What do you want from me?”.

I shook my head.

“Nothing, Just to get to know you.... We can start by your number”.

She laughed, shaking her head a crossing her fingers.

“I already don’t like it here, I’d rather kee-”

“Well then let me change your perception on it. I’m sure you’ll feel me in a bout a good 2 weeks”.

I watched as she tried to cover her smile. But I peeped it. She ain’t slick.

“Tell you what, I give you my number. And you use it when you ready?”.

Hesitant for a second, she shrugged her shoulders, handing me her Rose Gold IPhone from my grip. Smiling, I saved my number in her phone before handing it back to here.

Paige

7:30

Walking down the stairs from my room with my hair wrapped, I seen RL and Raquan on the couch. Smacking my teeth, I walked to the kitchen and grabbed a water bottle, looking out the window.

“Where’s Jessi?”. I yelled

I listened as one of the stood to their feet and walked into the kitchen. It was RL annoying ass.

“He wen’t go to get something t eat”. 

I nodded, leaning on the counter and scrolling through my Instagram. I could feel him starring at me. Clearing my thought I snapped my head in his direction and giving him a mug.

“Damn, can I have my face back?”.

He laughed, putting his hands up in defense and taking two steps towards me.

“So you gonna be cheering this year?”.

“I cheered last year didn’t I?”.

I answered in a rhetorical manner. I watched in the corner of my eye, as he moved closer to me, leaning on the counter and looking at my phone screen.

“Personal space..RL... you’re invading it”.

Licking over this bottom lip, he looked down at my breast before looking into the living room, I guess making sure Raquan wasn’t paying him any mind.

“Why you always, playing?”>

I placed my hand on his chest, pushing him back a bit only to have him in my face once again.

“Who say’s it’s playing?”.

“Me. I know you feeling me, cause I can tell. And I know you can feel I’m feeling you”.

I laughed, maneuvering my body around his and shaking my head. How awkward would that be. I mean don’t get me wrong, RL was fine as hell and close in age to me. But he was Jessi’s friend and that shit would be weird. I think. He smiled, shrugging his shoulders and walking up to me once more.

“Well, you think about it. Cause sister of Jessi or not, I was feeling you way before tonight”.

Kissing my forehead, he walked out the kitchen and back to the living room. Standing there in shook, I shook my head, not wanting to walk out of the kitchen. Where did all that come from

Jessi

10:45 pm

After walking my niggas out and checking on Paige one more time, I headed up to my room and fell out on the bed. Tomorrow was a nigga first day of basketball try-outs. I was glad to be back on with court with  my team. This was the most important season though. It was my last and scouts would also be at my games, watching me and also looking at my highlights. I can’t fuck this up. Ima trying to get a scholarship too. I’ve gotten calls from a few HBC’s but I’m really aiming for Southern University in Baton Rouge. I seen one of their scouts at my last game last season. And I’m praying that I get a scholarship from their. But wither way it go, which ever school I get a offer from, Ima go with the best choice and going.

Turning my TV on, I started to get comfortable. As soon as I plugged my phone I got a text from some random number. I knew who it was though because I don’t just give out my number. Smiling I saved her number before saving it.

To: Islah

I thought you wasn’t going to hit a nigga up. Almost hurt my feelings.

Laughing to myself, I got comfortable in the bed and turned my lights off before checking her response.

From: Islah

Yeah right, I’m sure you got the juice. 

To: Islah

If I did, don’t you think I would have gotten caught up on who this was texting me... Islah

I know that one had her ass stumped. She didn’t respond for another good 5 minutes

From: Islah

True, I guess.

To: Islah

Yea true, but yo. I’m having a kickback Friday. You should come.

From: Islah

I’ll think about it

To: Islah

ok, that’s straight. Ima pick you up in the morning, be ready around 7:30. Straight?

From: Islah

Lol ok, Goodnight Jessi

To: Islah

Iight, goodnight 

I nodded my head in compliance. That didn't mean I wasn't still gonna have company. When my mom works late nights at the office she don't get home until at least 11 or 12. Sometimes later depending on the design.

Throwing my head back I looked up at Paige as she took her time coming down the steps.

"Don't rush me, you not trying to do anything but sit up in the hallways and talk to them lame a-"

"Alright enough. Come on out the door".

We all went out the door and onto the elevator. Once we reached the bottom,we both gave my mom a kiss on the cheek before going our separate way"

Hopping in my car, I headed to my homeboy Raphael house. As soon as we pulled up, he shook his head and smacked his teeth as he hopped off the stoop and looked into the car. I watched as he starred at Paige.

"Nigga no, the back".

I smacked my teeth, grilling the fuck out of her. As soon as I was about to pull off, I seen a lil bad shorty, standing at the bus stop. She was fly as shit, cute as fuck and all.

"Ayo RL who dat?".

Looking back at we drive off he shrugged his shoulders.

"She just moved here from Texas, that's all I know".

I nodded, focusing back on the road and headed to school.

"Yo you got the fr-"

RL started, but was soon cut short from Paige loud mouth self.

"Yes we do and no you can't come. Keep yo ass home".

Smacking my teeth, I pushed her arm hard as hell and shaking my head. Pulling up into the school parking lot, we all hopped out and headed into the building.

"I have cheer tonight so yeah".

"I'm not coming back so ask Mickey if you can hitch with the-" 

"Nevermind all that. Ayo God you got the free" 

I turned around looking at Raequan and dapping him up.

"No doubt no doubt. We'll ride out after lunch"

Most of my classes were electives and there was no point of staying here for the whole day, you know ya boy peel out when I get the chance. 

Paige

8:10 am

“Alright everybody. Your warm up is on the board and I will be taking it up as a grade, so get to it”.

I smacked my teeth at Mrs. Norris. It’s the first day of school and she already on some dumb shit. Damn whatever happened to an introduction, going over the conduct book, and all of such. I just asked for this class only to get a extra credit, newspaper isn’t that serious if you ask me. Only good thing about this was I got my girl Mickey in here with me. I actually had 4 classes with her, so I can’t complain to much about my schedule.

“Girl, you think your mom can take me home tonight? Jessi leaving early”.

She nodded, opening up her Binder and crossing her leg.

“Yeah she can, but yo Is Leah the team Captain this year?”.

I widen my eyes and scoffed. 

“Shit I hope not, If anybody is Captain it should be you. She just joined the team and why the hell is her senior ass still on the Varsity team anyway”.

She laughed shaking her head. Mickey was my girl, and It’s been that way since we was in kindergarten. I got her back and I know damn well she got my front. Getting started with the warm up, I noticed somebody sit to the left off me, looking over I smiled at her causing her to return the same gesture.

I looked over once more, after I realized she was the girl from the bus top that Jessi ass was drooling about. I decided to be friendly. 

“I’m Paige”

Extending her hand, she smiling and shook my hand.

“Islah...Islah Bowen”.

I smiled. She seems nice, I guess I could fourth the conversion.

“I like that, oh this is my home girl Mickenzie but call her Mickey”.

I leaned back watched them both smile at each other adding a small wave.

“So you new here, What Grade you in?”.

Mickey asked. She nodded, writing on a piece of paper then looking over at me and proceeded to talk.

“Yeah, just moved here from Texas with my mom and I’m a Senior”

I nodded,tilting my head to the side.

“That’s wassup and that’s wassup we gonna call you Texas Trill”.

The three of us laughed, causing the teacher to look up. Rolling my eyes, I began to act focused before I started talking again.

“Anyway, what are you doing after school”.

She shrugged.

“Cool, you should come to the cheer leading audition. Me and Mickey are on the team and it would be dope if you joined”.

She looked hesitant. But finally she shrugged her shoulders and nodded

Jessi

11:23 am

“Yo you the only one with the fat crib, and you said ya mama is leaving out of town for Los Angeles in 3 days for a week, lets get it popping at ya spot”.

I shook my head waving my hand at my neck. That shit was beyond dead. Ain’t no niggas coming up in my spot, fucking up my momma shit. Hell no I ain’t risking it and I ain’t going for it.

“Bruh come on now, look limit who you invite and you ain’t got to worry about niggas tearing the shit up.”

“Nigga please, once word gets out, hella niggas and bitches gonna flo-”.

Before I could finish, I seen that fine as chick from the bus stop. Standing up from the cafeteria table, I downed the rest of my Welch's grape juice before approaching the table she sat at. Looking back at my boys I nodded, before sitting beside her. I cleared my throat a few times then finally introduced myself.

“Wassup. I’m Jessi”.

She smiled shyly and nodded. I laughed, turning toward her fully.

“Wassup with you. Can I know your name so I’ll know what to call you”.

She looked at me with a hard stare and laughed.

“Why do you need to know my name?”.

“Because, I’ll just call you baby, and I don’t know if you’re comfortable with that”.

She laughed, biting down her lips and rolling her eyes to the ceiling.

“Islah... Islah Wallace”.

I extending my hand for her to shake.

“Islah Baby, I like that. You new here”.

She nodded, eating a few chips then taking a sip of the juice in front of her.

“Yeah, I’m coming from Texas”.

My eyes widen. I ain’t never met no shorty out here from Texas, That’s dope though. 

“Oh word, that’s wassup. So do y-”

“no she doesn’t now move thirsty”.

I looked up and shook my head to see Paige, standing there with her food and her little minion sidekick.

“Why you ov-”

“I’m over here because she’s my home girl. We got a few classes together”.

I nodded, but with a smile. This shit might be good though. If she get close with Paige and start chilling with her often, I can get closer to her fine ass. I stood up from the table pushing Mickey a little and  looking down at Islah.

“Don’t let my clown ass sister and her busted ass friend taint you perception of me. I’ll see you soon though”.

Walking backwards, I winked my eye and walked back over to the table.They all laughed grabbing my shoulder and getting louder.

“See see, another reason to throw this party. Invite shorty cause I know you feeling her”

Raquan voiced. It was risky, but I mean I’m ready to risk it, just to get a little closer to her. I threw my hands up in the air and shrugged.