"Do they know you're here?"
"You think I'd be here if they knew?"
Jamal sighs and sits back in his seat. "You're eighteen in September. Why don't you wait till then? Look-"
"Don't tell me you're on their side Jay?" I huff. "Unbelievable."
"They brought up some valid points, Cole. I get that there's a high chance the negatives won't happen but you know, just in case..."
"You all act as if I can't handle myself. I'll be fine. Okay? You guys behave like I'm still a child. It's not so deep"
We're currently outside Mrs Smith's mansion. Exactly where I parked the last time I was here. The drive here was quiet until we parked and Jamal started talking.
I've been at his house for three days, since that Christmas night. His family has been very quiet, they avoid me to avoid any trouble. I know my family wants me back home but honestly I have no intention of going back.
I had to beg Jamal to drive me over here. He reluctantly did so and now he's arguing with me.
"You're just seventeen. You're a minor. Your parent has to make the choice for you"
"You make it sound like I'm a baby"
"You're not, but you have to let adults decide for you for once"
I let out a forced breath.
"You're seventeen as well. You're working"
"My parents are okay with my job, Cole."
I keep quiet.
"Jay, I want us to move. I see us in a nice house closer to the city. No dripping taps, no creaking doors. Electricity running twenty-four- seven. A nice lawn. I want to have my own pet, Jay. A German Shepherd so the twins can play with it. I want Jed to be able to go to work without stress, you know? Mom to smile, actually smile, for once. I want us to breathe fresh air, Jay. Why don't you get it? Why doesn't anyone get it?"
He starts the car and winds up the windows.
"When should I pick you up?"
I smile hard. He still frowns.
"At noon" I say and unbuckle my seatbelt. I reach over to hug him before I get out and shut the door. "Thank you, so much"
"I really hope you know what the fuck you're doing, Cole"
~
"Ms Smith will be with you shortly".
I take my time to sit down after the maid leaves.
She left me in some massive study, conveniently lit by the skylight above the desk. The size of this room is bigger than the plot of land my house sits on.
I scan the walls clad with framed copies of magazines she'd been on the front cover of, luxury brands she's walked the runway for and even awards from movies she's appeared in.
She's really done a lot. Imagine working with her...
The door opens abruptly and I shift in my seat and try to make myself look better.
"I am so sorry I kept you waiting darling, I had some urgent phone calls I had to make. I hope you don't mind?"
"No, no, not at all ma'am" I try as much as I can to sound confident. Brielle really looks just like her mother, almost a spitting image in fact. Brielle is just lighter than her mom. Ms Smith sits down on the large chair across the desk and drops some folders in front of me.
YOU ARE READING
DELUSIONAL
General Fiction"I really don't know what to say to her anymore. She's so stubborn. She won't talk, she won't even sit down on the couch. She stands for thirty minutes and leaves without a word. I want to help her, I really do. But she acts like she's alone when I'...
