My New Neighbor

8- Truth

           I laid in my bed reflecting on everything. With all the LV, Prada and Gucci pieces in his room, it all made sense. I should've known. I should've known...

"You have a guest" I heard my mum say before turning back to see Samuel by my door.

I specifically asked her to not let anyone in!

"What do you want?" I turned and put my covers over my head.

"I'm sorry I lied," he sat on my bed, "after what you told me when I first met you, I wasn't tryna let you know I was one"

"Ok"

"Can I ask though; why are you acting like I'm apart of one drug cartel?"

As he said that, a tear fell before revealing, "I was the drug dealer back then - not my dad"

"What?" Samuel asked, baffled.

"The truth is I'm the reason he's dead. I'm the reason for everything," I got up and looked at him,
"My friends' friends were the wrong type of people and got us into dealing. One day one of the guys told me to plug, and I wasn't about to do that...But when I refused, they found out where I lived and that's when we went to Nigeria- to get away from things. My dad, he sacrificed himself for me when they found us" I explained; I felt I almost owed it to him since he wasn't the only one hiding truths.

The only other person who knew the truth was Jamila.

That night after his death, I just spent it crying. I experienced all of that at only thirteen years old. I hate myself for it; for all that happened. It also made me stop dealing obviously- drugs do more harm than good. Sure, I can get the latest things, but is it worth it if I could die tomorrow?

"Tani... that's mad that happened to you. I'm sorry for real you know, but I'm not doing this for no reason."

"What, do you think you can become the next James St. Patrick or something? Even he still got killed."

"Nah, nah. I'm not looking to do this for long; it's just that when we were in Tottenham we were struggling in a rough estate. Once I got into this life, I could help my parents with money. I just told them I was a reseller, and eventually when we got some money we moved here," Samuel explained, "but my parents are thinking of leaving because they can't keep up with payments and I don't know if I can come up with the enough money in time by myself. I can't stop now."

"You're moving again?"

"Unless I find people to help me..."

I didn't think before I blurted, "I can".

"Tanisha did you just hear what the f*ck you said to me? I can't let you do this!"

"Samuel I already lost my dad, I don't want to lose you. But who knows how far you'll move out to; it'll feel like I lost you."

"I-"

"I'm good at making edibles; I'll make brownies, sweets, cookies, anything. Please let me help you"

I know I sounded crazy, but the truth is I felt like Samuel was my soulmate. I was angry he lied, but I didn't really tell him the whole story. All the signs keep pointing to him, and I didn't want him moving to jeopardise it. If he needed my help then I'd be there.

"Tanisha I can't. You're mad if you think I'm gonna let you help me. Trust it's for your own good" Samuel kissed my forehead and left.

I guess I'll have to get this money without him knowing...

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