My Neighborhood Love Story

Chapter 16: Apology

Khalil's P-O-V

"Khalil!" I heard Karina yell. "What are you looking at?"

"Huh? Oh. Nothing."

"Are you looking at Miss Easy over there?"

"Karina... Serene is a human being with feelings just like you."

"Are you sure about that? After all the guys she has run through, I'm sure that she's numb to it by now."

"Karina, why do you got to be so cold?"

"Why do you always have to stick up for her?"

"I do not just stick up for her. I stick up for everyone you talk smack about. And you know what? I'm fed up with even dealing with it."

"So what are you trying to say?"

"We're done."

I walked away from her then got into my car. I felt bad. Not because of Karina, but because of Serene. She doesn't deserve all of this torture because of some dumb rumor.

Karina kept calling me, but I wasn't going to pick up. I left my phone in my room and went to talk with Jawan.

We talked about Aria. Since Aria moved next door that was all we ever talked about. He didn't want to take my advice on how to get with Aria, but he complained about how Lamar is stealing her away.

But after he rejected my suggestions, there was an awkward silence and in that silence, I began to think about Serene and the fact that I was the cause of everything she has to go through.

I was blankly staring out of the window and realized that Aria was there.

"Aye, looks like she's back," I said pointing at the window.

Jawan turned around and looked at her.

"See, now here's your advantage point. You see her when you get home and at school. Lamar is only able to make his move during school hours. So here's one of your chances. Take it."

I got up and walked through the door.

"Where are you going?" Jawan had asked.

"To go follow my own advice."

I left the room and immediately walked across the street to Serene's house. I had to apologize to her.

I knocked on the door and she opened it.

"Serene. Can we-"

"Jalil! Khalil is here to see you!"

"Oh. Hey man!" Jalil said walking over.

She walked away from the door.

"Uh, hey."

"So, what's up?" Jalil had asked.

"Um, nothing much. I actually came here to talk to Serene..."

"Well, um, okay. But, I hope you know that she isn't going to talk to you."

I entered the house, "Well, it's worth a shot."

"Alright, she's probably in her room."

"Alright. Cool. Thanks, man."

I walked up the stairs. I remembered where her room was. Once I got there, I knocked on the door.

I heard her yell, "Come in."

Once I entered the room, I saw her roll her eyes.

"What?" She said bitterly.

"Can we talk?"

"No."

"Serene, I'm sorry."

She got up, "Khalil, I honestly don't care about what it is that you have to say to me right now."

"Look, I didn't know what I was thinking when I did what I did. I just want us to be cool again."

"Khalil. Get out."

"Not until you can forgive me."

"You want me to forgive you? You must be out of your mind to expect that!"

"I know what I did was wrong."

"What you did was more than wrong! It was foul. You ruined my entire life! Everyone thinks I'm easy and willing to give it up! I was sexually assaulted today because of you! And you expect me to forgive you for that? You know what? Just leave!"

I couldn't believe that I caused all of that.

"But-"

"I said leave!"

I headed for the door feeling ashamed. But before I left, I turned and looked at her.

"I just want to let you know that I won't stop. I'll come over every day and beg for your forgiveness. And I mean that."

"Yeah, whatever. Just go."

I felt hopeless, but I really meant what I said. So tomorrow, I'll go back over there and plead. Because all I want to do is be friends again with Serene.