“I got Erin’s number. She told me.”
“How the hell you get her number?” I chuckled.
“Don’t worry about that, big bro. I got her number and we talked.”
“Talking about what?”
“Nothing really. Just school and your fights.”
“Don’t use up y’all time talking about me.”
“We can’t help it. Everybody loves you. I even got teachers wanting to meet you and stuff. You should because maybe they’ll pass me without me doing work.”
I pushed him upside the head.
“Nah, you gon’ do the work.”
He sucked his teeth. “That’s what Erin said too.”
“She’s right. You need to listen to her.”
“Do you like Ms. Eris?”
“I do. Why?”
“Because she’s pretty and nice. Besides, you need a girlfriend, bro.”
“How you know what I need?” I smirked.
“I don’t, but I know you’re always gone on the road and probably lonely. You have this big house, and I don’t see no woman’s stuff so you’re alone.”
He wasn’t wrong, but I wasn’t lonely. Far from that shit, but I appreciated with how lil’ bro was taking an interest in my happiness. I never thought he saw me like that because we spend time apart.
“Damn, it’s like that?”
“Yeah.”
I chuckled but my mind went to Eris and how I liked being around her. It’s been a minute since I was about a woman like I was with her. The shit made me feel lame sometimes, but it’s cool because she matched my energy although she fought with it.
“Aiight, good looking out.”
“It’s the least I can do.” The lil’ nigga winked like he laid down law. I chuckled and ruffled his head before putting him in a headlock. This was the kind of shit I missed. It’s fucked up that I can’t live normally with my people, but that’s life.
Maleek and I both fell asleep, and I had to rush him back to the crib with enough time before Ma got off.
When I pulled up, she was coming out the house.
“Damn,” Maleek cursed. I didn’t have time to check his ass because she was coming to the door, snatching him out the truck.
“Get your ass out this car. What the hell have I told you about being around him?” she lectured, popping him upside the head.
I got out, rushing around to the other side.
“Aye, fuck you doin’?” I pulled Maleek back.
“This is my goddamn child and if I wanna put my hands on him, I will. Just like I’ll do you.”
SMACK!
