Devil

-17-

-Esla-

"Esla," someone knocked on my door. I was too immersed in my music to tell who it was. I paused my music and was about to go to the door when it opened.

It was Kiersten, and I blinked with surprise. "Hey you. I haven't seen you in a minute," I gave her a weak smile. So much had happened today that I didn't think I could handle anymore surprises. "My mama went to get sumin from the store so I decided to drop by here. I'm sorry she wouldn't let you stay over," Kiersten came and embraced me. I gradually un-tensed myself and sighed at this ounce of familiarity.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"I'm still by yo side. My mama just didn't know all that was going on, y'know. But ima solid friend, I'm here for any emotional support you need." She stood back and awkwardly stuffed her hands into her jean pockets, "I saw your dad when I walked in. He was on the couch, he looks like he's getting better," she commented. I nodded, my heart sinking a bit as I thought about his hospital stay.

"How long can you stay?" I asked her, shifting my weight to one leg.

"I don't know. Ion know if my mom doesn't want us to have no contact, or if she just wouldn't let you stay over," she admitted, "but ima try my best to be there for you, Esla."

We hugged again and my mother walked by. "Kiersten, your mother called." She grimaced and I tensed up. I hoped that our friendship wouldn't be snatched apart because of my father getting shot, although I could comprehend the maternal need to protect her kid.

Kiersten pulled out her own phone to call her mother and leaned against my doorway with a sullen face, waiting for her to pick up. After a second, my mother moved down the hallway to mind her own business, I assume. I sat back on my bed and played with my earbuds while I watched Kiersten's face and strained my ears to hear the other end of the conversation.

"Hello."

"Why...as soon as I left? I don't...but you need to be safe." I felt awkward going up to her to hear the rest conversation clearer, so I stayed in the same spot. "Mama, I just wanted to make sure she was alright. I wasn't being sneaky leaving."

"Kiersten still. I don't like this. You better be home in ten minutes or..." Kiersten started walking down the stairs without a glance at me. I hesitated for a second then followed behind her. My mother had the blow dryer loud in her room, and my dad was watching some sports highlights. He craned his head around to watch us leave, a slightly happy smile on his face, probably glad to be home, until he saw Kiersten's expression.

"What's wrong?"

My best friend was still deep in conversation with her mom, so I backtracked and told my dad what happened. He grimaced and I felt bad all over again for landing him in this situation. "Well, you can't control what a parent wants to do with their own child," he sighed. "She's my best friend though," I frowned, "I hope her mom can be understanding."

I heard the front door close and I jogged to catch up with Kiersten. She was wringing her hands out, and pacing back and forth. She looked irritated and pissed all at the same time, her gaze burning a hole into the sidewalk. "I can't believe she could be so close minded. I just wanted to come over and see you. She's blowing things way outta proportion. She act like people don't get shot all day long over here."

"I mean, that really be near the apartments," I half joked, "but I get what you mean. Maybe we can just stick to texting. Y'all could bargain with that, or compromise, or whatever," I shrugged.

"Man, yeen gotta parent like mine," Kiersten chuckled dryly, "she's the boss and no opinion can be pushed into a decision unless it's hers. What she says, goes. She pays the bills," Kiersten shrugged, a bitter expression on her face.

"I'm sorry bruh," I laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Maybe when we go back to school we can be cool," Kiersten offered. "Just...know that I'm here for you. I'm sure shit is tough right now, Esla," she promised me. "Look, the hardest part is over. I know that my dad's okay so I'm straight. Now I need to get my justice," I told her seriously. She understood what I meant and let out a low whistle.

"What if somebody's already nicked him? I heard he had some bad blood with the wrong people. He fled Houston and was tryna lay low here. My mom and I was watching the news over at my aunt's house, and my cousins had mentioned it. Cause one of them knew the girl you fought, because she was my cuzzo sister's old best friend," Kiersten explained.

I frowned. "Yeen know that before?"

Kiersten looked offended, "Esla, if I knew her beforehand I still woulda been on yo side. And no, I'm just now learning all of this. It's not like I'm kinned to da hoe."

I shrugged in a "I guess you're right" way. "Well, where is the girl?"

"Ion know, but Perry Island buzzing with all of this. Everybody talking," Kiersten told me, which made stress pile onto my shoulders. "I'll keep my ears open, but people speculating all types of stuff."

"Where do you think she's at?" I asked curiously. Two heads was better than one, and I don't know when I'd get to see Coco in person again. I'd probably just have to text her, because I'm sure she hadn't told Malybu about all the turmoil that was going on in the background with Nicotine.

"She's probably out of town, or maybe she'd want us to think that," Kiersten supplied, "ion think nobody I know would take her in but I'll inquire."

I nodded and watched her slowly turn towards the walkway. "I probably gotta run home, but I miss seein you bestie. If we can't talk no more, at least come to my games sometime." I smiled and watched her jog off.

I turned back around and twisted the door knob. It wouldn't budge. I twisted it again, and frowned. I rung the doorbell then knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"Ya daughter," I said back.