“You good? You hungry?”
I tucked my bottom lip in and nodded.
“I could use some food, but I’m too tired to go anywhere.”
“You don’t have to. I’ll go get you something.”
“You sure, Flocco? We just got back. I could go make something or walk to the s–”
“I’m sure. That shit doesn’t matter. I’m not tired of your stubborn ass yet.”
“Oh, so that’s what this is about?” I sniggered. “You miss me already?”
“And a nigga ain’t even left yet.”
I shook my head.
“I’ll be on the porch waiting until you get back. Don’t be in a rush. I’m not starving and I want you to go home at least for a few minutes to decompress.”
“I’m good, Hyph, but I’m going by the crib.”
“Alright. I’ll be here.”
“One more kiss.”
I pressed my lips against his. Slowly, he backed out of my doorway.
He’s toast.I thought as he walked backward to his car, never taking his eyes off me.
I watched as he got into his truck. Shortly after, he disappeared. I turned around, stepping inside of my house. Though I was happy to be home, loneliness began to creep in.
Maybe I miss him, too.
I leaned over,handing Saga the letter I’d been staring at for the last hour and a half. She was a few steps ahead of me with a bag of strawberry cookies in her hand. Her menstrual had touched down and her cravings had led us to the candy lady. Because I knew Flocco would return soon, I didn’t buy anything for myself.
“Shut up, bitch. This what been had your attention all this time?”
“Yes,” I sighed. “I got in.”
My acceptance to the University of Huffington at Channing was solidified. The next four years of my life would help me carve my corner in the world. I’d applied to the nursing program with the intentions of cunning the dean out of a spot on the roster if necessary. It wasn’t. I’d been granted admission and would be starting classes late August.
August 24th.
It would be the first day of the rest of my life.
No distractions.
No clubs.
No trips.
No trouble.
That was the plan and it was also the reason I had to make my summer in Dooley one to remember. I would be turning a new leaf soon and I was unsure what that chapter looked like for me. I’d been pouring into my savings, piling them so that work was the last of my concerns when studies got tough.
I finally had an egg nest. The rest of the money from Zeek’s duffle would pay for everything the scholarships I’d applied for wouldn’t. For the program I was entering, I’d only be out of $11,000. By the time I’d taken my last class, my home would be paid in full and I’d officially be debt free.
“I didn’t doubt you would.”
