Trust

Prologue

Two Years Later...

First Semester

Ketara Greene

I swiped sweat off of my brow as we situated my mattress on my new bed. I sighed, looking around at what would be my new home for the coming school year and looked back at my mother who glowed more than I thought she ever would on this day. She almost danced around my dorm as she bought in boxes of clothes and my other incidentals that I would need for the first week.

"...and your fast tail better not knock on my door in two weeks talking about coming home."

I sucked my teeth. She promised me and Louis were having sex but ironically, that was all that was missing from our relationship at present time. I wasn't sure whether we just didn't feel comfortable doing anything under our parents' roofs or if the right time just hadn't appeared, but it just hadn't happened. I blushed at the thought and pushed the thought of my boyfriend aside for the interim. I was slightly annoyed that he wasn't around to help me move in but rather, I had to deal with my mother that had all the mouth in the world.

About an hour later, we'd finished moving in and I sat on my bed, taking inventory of the small space I'd share with my best friend. I was excited. Shakyra Smalls was someone I'd seen every day of my life and we'd done overnights on Christmas every year. Now we embarked on our young adult life in what I was referring to as a long-term sleepover.

"Come here."

I slid off of my bed and walked over to my mother. She pulled me in for a strong hug. Her deep inhale and slow exhale told me she was more affected by our separation than I thought. I nestled my head in her shoulder as she held me tight.

"I love you, child. I did all I can do by you...do well, make smart choices and above all else?"

I pulled back to see what she was about to say. She fixed me with a glare and popped me clear on top of my forehead.

"DON'T COME BACK PREGNANT!"

I sucked my teeth hard.

"I'll see you in December."

"Good."

And my thus, my adult life began.