Crossroads

Ch. 13: Mr. Moving On

Daniel

It had been two weeks since I'd last spoken to India. Ever since that day we went to the mall, I wanted to give her the space she seemed she needed. I was not gonna talk to someone who did not want to be bothered by me and I refused to continue putting so much effort when it wasn't getting me anywhere. She even saw her "boyfriend" hugged up with Star and still felt like she owed him loyalty and that she still loved him. That's what drew the line for me. Although, I noticed she had been staying away from him, she still spoke about him to her mom. Maybe she just didn't want them in her business but it made it very clear to me that still, she cared.

My first day attending my old school was great. It was weird transferring back with only about three months left of school but it wasn't something I could have changed. The principal made an exception for me because she remembered I was a good student and considering what I'd been going through, she welcomed me.

I got a lot of attention from the girls. Some of which I already knew from my previous years but most of them were freshmen and sophomores that I never met who were followers on social media. In general, it was a tough experience because everyone had been giving me their condolences after hearing the reason why I'd returned. It only made me dwell on the fact that my parents were really gone but instead of accepting it I tried to push it further and further to the back of my mind.

Fortunately, I did not have to ride with India to school because John bought me a brand new, olive green Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye. He wanted to put me in a Chevrolet Corvette but I told him absolutely not. He practically dragged me to the dealership after I refused for days. I didn't like handouts. I felt like he was just trying to shower me with gifts to get me to forget that I was orphaned when it actually forced me to remember more. I agreed upon the condition that I could at least pay monthly what it would cost him to add the vehicle to his auto insurance policy. I wanted him to know that I wasn't going to milk off of him. However, I did share with him that I was tremendously grateful for his efforts to uplift me.

I pulled on my all white Air Force 1s to go with my blue jeans and graphic white T-shirt. I dug in my jewelry box and pulled out my dad's gold watch that he wore the night he died, and a gold locket my mom gave me with a picture of the three of us inside. I put them on and held the locket against my chest reminiscing on the moments I missed most with them.

I loved the good memories.

I grabbed my phone and walked downstairs to see India sitting at the island and Maria was serving the food on plates.

"Good morning, moms," I said, kissing her cheek.

India rolled her eyes. "I don't think she ever pushed you out."

Maria nudged India's head and turned to me. "Morning, sweetie. I made you breakfast. Here."

"Thanks." I took the plate from her hands and sat at the island. I ate quickly, in a rush to get out of their way. Maria took my plate when I was done and I grabbed my car keys from the key holder and walked outside. As soon as I got in my car my phone rang.

"Yo," I answered after recognizing the caller.

"Wake the fuck up, nigga," I heard Cameron say.

"Man, I'm already on the way to school. Somewhere you should consider going," I told him and pulled out of the driveway.

"I got my GED. School is for idiots," he laughed.

"That's exactly why you should be there." My phone beeped indicating I was getting another call. "Aye man, we'll talk later. Somebody calling me." I hung up and accepted the call from Natalie.