Never Let Go

Chapter 26: The F Word

Maya hasn't been active on social media over the last few days and she hasn't replied to my messages. I'm worried about her and I want to know if she's ok, but I don't want to annoy her either. She was quite upset over Dylan hitting me, so maybe I should just let things calm down a little bit. I really hope she's ok, though, and I hope her boss didn't fire her. I could go see her, but I don't want to come across as obsessive or creepy...

I check my messages, but still nothing. I start watching TV again and my phone starts to ring. I quickly look at it, but frown when I see it's Wes calling. I haven't seen him or spoken to him in a while, but I can't really be bothered to talk to him right now. I'd rather be left alone tonight. I sigh and stare at my phone, debating whether I should answer or not. In the end, I give in.

"Hello?"

I grab the TV remote and turn down the volume.

"Hey, man. You free?"

"Uh, I'm actually a bit busy, I'm work-"

"I'm outside."

"What?"

"I'm outside your house. I know you ain't busy. Open up."

"You always do this." I roll my eyes and stand up as I end the call.

I open the front door, seeing Wes get out of his car.

"What's the point in asking if I'm free, if you're already here anyway?" I make a face.

"Because I know you'll only say you're busy, when really, you're not." He smirks.

"I am busy. I'm preparing some things for work tomorrow."

"Yeeeah, yeeeah."

I turn around and Wes follows me in to the living room. He tuts and shakes his head when he looks at the TV.

"Busy watching cartoons more like. The fuck is this? Mickey Mouse?"

I sigh and give him a look.

"It's clearly Bugs Bunny. Does he look like a Mouse to you?"

"Aight, my bad!" He holds his hands up and laughs, but he soon stops laughing and becomes serious when he notices the cut on my lip. "Ey, what happened to your lip, bro?"

It's healed up over the last few days and I actually forgot it was there. I need to think of something quick.

"Uh, it's nothin." I shake my head and sit down.

"That doesn't look like nothin! It looks like you've been hit. Who did that to you? And why?" He makes a face and sits next to me. "Do I need to beat the shit out of someone? Cause I ain't playing. What's his name and I'll-"

"Relax, Wes." I hold my hands up and laugh softly. "I cut myself by accident when I was shaving."

He sucks his teeth and shakes his head, not believing a word I say.

"Oh, really?" He raises his eyebrows.

"Yes."

"You don't shave, bro!"

"What? Yes I do." I chuckle.

"Man, I've known you a long time and I know you can barely grow any facial hair. Peach fuzz is all you got!"

"I grow facial hair." I give him a look. "I just shave regularly and that's why you don't see it."

"You can lie all you want, but that ain't a shaving cut."

"I don't know what else you want me to say?" I laugh.

He squints his eyes and shakes his head.

"Ok, whatever. But you know you can talk to me, Mike, and you know I've got you."