The Other Side: Growing Pains

26. Pump Fake

Summer's POV

"Hey sis, you got a minute?" Omari asks.

"Please, stop knocking on my door!" I yell and he opens it slightly.

"But I really need to talk," he begs and I'm really in no mood.

This past week has been a week from hell. And I blame him for a lot of it. I mean, he should take some blame for being an annoying ass brat on our way home from the attempted robbery. Since all he does is run his big ass mouth to avoid whatever it is he has going on in his tiny brain. And even smaller heart.

"Go away, Mari!" I tell him again and he walks into the door anyway. "So, is this your way of causing more drama in my life?"

"No, this is my way of resolving the drama in your life," he says confidently and he almost has my attention.

"So, basically you're trying to fix what you messed up?"

"By definition hate means to feel intense or passionate dislike for someone. And disappointment means to have sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of hopes or expectations."

"Are you really quoting Webster's Dictionary right now?" I ask him, confusingly.

"Just—- stay with me," he mumbles as I notice a paper, of some sort, in his hand. "All I'm saying is that I know you don't hate me, so I have a chance to fulfill on an expectation you have of me and get rid of the disappointment."

I shake my head to avoid the headache of his words. "What expectation do I have of you?"

"C'mon, Summer! I know things have changed. New state. New friends. But we've always been tight. Matter of fact, this whole family has been close. And I know I've made it hard on us to get along, lately, but that was because of my own hang ups."

"You mean because you're nervous about high school football?" I ask and he looks at me surprised.

"How'd you know that?"

I roll my eyes. "Like you said, we've been tight for a long time. I know you. And I know when you're tripping."

"So does that mean you forgive me?" He asks and I roll my eyes.

I attempt to answer him, but Shai rushes into my room and interrupts.

"Your high school Principal is downstairs!" She says with very little breath.

"For what?" I question.

"He's—- he's saying something about J.R. being expelled!" She responds and my eyes focus in on the formation of her mouth as she speaks.

I repeat the word 'expelled' before frustration takes over my mind.

Omari's eyes look at me, sadly. And all of the forgiveness I had just mustered up for him, goes out as quick as I can say the word 'expelled'.

"What did he do?" I ask and she shrugs as I move swiftly towards the stairs.

I'm careful enough to stay out of sight as Omari stands close behind me. Shai follows and we listen in on their conversation, silently.
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