The Life We Live

3.Raven

While sprinting to the bus, Raven attemps a jump over a short bench. She seemed to have underestimated it as she didn't jump high enough letting the bench take her out.

Harlow watches her face plant and stops to wince for a second to feel the pain "oooh that must have hurt like a bitch.." he then figures he must help her and somehow finds the energy to sprint faster forgetting about the bus.

"Are you good??" He asks trying not to laugh

Raven rolls over smiling "I just got wrecked..."

Harlow sees her smile and starts laughing "you got that right." He pulls out his hand to help her up.

As she got up they turn to see the bus was leaving. "Shit... we missed it." Raven says

Harlow blows it off waving his hand; "It's ok... Atleast its not a far walk"

Raven huffs "I guess..."

As they walk home Harlow feels sudden curiosity and asks "how did your grandfather know about my mother?"

Raven shrugs "I don't know.. I mean.. we live in a small neighborhood and I guess maybe some of the neighbors who he met maybe gossiped..."

Harlow tilts his head looking to the side feeling a little embarrassed knowing that the whole neighborhood most likely knows who his mother is.. he hopes they don't think he is like her... "That's probably true.. the old people of this neighborhood sure do have big mouths and like to be in people's business."

Raven laughs "...old people am I right."

"Right." Harlow agrees

"So where's your father? Can't you live with him?" Raven asks suddenly as if it was a question she had been contemplating on asking.

Harlow sighs "Killed... No one knows by who. It was a big deal for a while as he was a very good person and liked to help people. Everyone wondered what happened to him and looked for him. Once someone finally found his body they claim he was buried in some leaves somewhere. I don't quite know exactly where.. I was young at the time and people kept telling me it was alright and that he was in some complicit activity. I blamed him for a while.. until I couldn't add anything up... like I said... he was a good man and liked to help people... so why the hell would he be killed for something like gang activity or anything illegal. I convinced myself that maybe someone out there was envious or stupid enough to kill him for nothing. The cops didn't seem to dig into it much and everyone seemed to have forgotten about it. I regret it now but I dont know what I could've done to find the information I need, to figure out what happened to him. So I eventually gave up... I am now just hoping that one day while I'm still alive.. that information will just turn up on my door step." Harlows chest suddenly felt heavy and full of despair; sadness quickly floods his heart. "That's also when my mother turned into a raging alcoholic..."

Raven notices his expression change and gently pulls him into a hug "a man like that deserves justice.. Its sad that happened. You deserve way better..." She then pulls away and brushes her hair behind her ear. "I believe I can maybe help you find out what happened to him.."

Harlow laughs feeling doubtful "I have most likely already tried everything you think you can do. I appreciate the gesture though."

Raven laughs "oh... you don't think so... she raises her eyebrows testing his reaction.

Harlow smerks tilting his head looking up and down at her "Alright then... show me what you can do."

Raven smiles, takes his hand and starts running towards her house.. once they get to her front door Harlow hesitates to walk in. "Come on in..." Raven insists.

Harlow puts his hand on the door frame "will your grandfather be okay with this?"

Raven groans and laughs then grabs his hand and pulls him inside "just come in.."

Harlow stands awkwardly looking around at the decorations and pictures while Raven walks into her kitchen to grab them some water.

As she comes back from the kitchen she sees Harlow still standing there. "Make yourself at home..." she says staring at him waving her hand towards the couch. Harlow nods and awkwardly walks over to sit on the sofa. "This is comfy.." he says looking up at her.

Raven laughs "why are you being so weird?"

Harlow laughs "Im not being weird... I'm just not used to being in a girls house."

Raven walks over to sit on one of the seats then leans over. "Just treat me like im just one of your guy friends."

Harlow nods complaisantly. "Alright then..."

They sit there awkwardly drinking their water staring at the ground. Minutes go by until Raven's grandfather finally walks into the house.. "Well what a nice surprise." He says.

Harlow turns around smiling at him "Hi Raven's grandfather."

"Marvin.. just call me Marvin." he says laughing alittle

Harlow nods "Alright."

Marvin coughs a bit walking down the hallway to his bedroom.

"Grandpa... can we show him our office?" Raven asks him loudly

"Raven... what did I tell you?" He responds

Harlow sits back confused at to what she is talking about but listens.

Raven rolls her eyes and looks at Harlow... "do you got your phone on you?" She asks

Harlow quickly pulls his phone out of his pocket. "Yes I do."

Raven throws herself out of the seat and takes his phone.

"HEY!" Harlow yells throwing his hands in the air, quickly standing up. He stares at Raven walk outside and set his phone in a sound proof box under the walking chair on the porch. She walks back inside and sighs looking back at Harlow. "Sorry... I had to... You'll never know what might come out of your mouth only for your phone to listen and report it."

Harlow furrows his eyebrows, even more confused "what?"