Those Who Remain

Ten - Evolution

It had taken her a little while, but Cash finally figured out the perfect plan. Since Angel took pleasure in using his own supply, that was the way he would die. No one would think twice about a drug dealer overdosing on his own product. She just had to be smart about it.

School started back up and that gave both Cash, Chris and Yani some much needed space away from Angel. B and Davon dropped out but Andreas and Chris were seniors that year. Cash often joked with them about it, but she was proud of them for promising to finish school. She didn't know if she'd make it another two years.

"You got detention today?" Cash asked Andreas as they met in the hallway.

"Mind your business," he said. Cash laughed, knowing that meant he did.

"I got you," she said, referring to his after school obligations. Andrea smiled before he nodded.

"Appreciate you."

"Don't do all that," she said, waving him off. "I'm taking my cut."

Andreas groaned but before he could say anything, Cash's books went flying down to the ground.

"Watch where you going!"

They both looked to see Eve smirking as she twirled a blow pop in the air, sticking it back in her mouth.

"What's her issue?" Andreas asked. Cash never responded. She just charged at her. Andrea's eyes widened as he tried to stop her.

Cash was already pushing Eve against the locker by the time he got to her. Her grip was strong, but he managed to move her. Eve swung and his Cash on the side of her face. Cash screamed and Andreas let her go to finish what Eve started. As a crowd gathered, Chris came and stood next to him.

"You just let her fight?" he asked. Andreas threw his hands up. "Shit."

School security came around before Chris could get Cash away from Eve, who now had a busted lip and was crying about it.

"I'm telling Granny!" Eve cried. "You going straight to foster care, you orphan!"

"Granny?" Andreas asked, frowning. Chris sighed, still watching the security guard drag Cash to the office.

"That's her cousin."

"Damn," Andreas said, shaking his head. "They definitely about to try to call her people."

Chris pulled his phone out. "I got it covered."

Cash huffed as she slouched in the hard chair, her leg was shaking because she was still mad. She had no clue why Eve bumping into her got under her skin so much. She had been wanting to punch her for a while now, but didn't plan to do it at school. It was too much of a risk.

She'd been waiting for 20 minutes and she was sure they tried to call Mina's old number by now. Probably even called Granny Rietta, too. They had gone this long without getting caught without parental supervision. Cash felt stupid for even risking it.

She looked up when the principal came out of the office.

"Does your mom have a new number?" he asked. Cash's eyes widened a little as she cleared her throat.

"No. Did you call the right number?"

The principal looked towards his secretary and nodded. She frowned while holding a finger up. While she was dialing, the office door swung open and a woman with a familiar face walked in. Cash was confused until she saw Chris behind her.

"Mr. Haynes, you need to get to class," the principal said.

"Yes sir, I ran into Cashelle's mom on the way there," he said, nodding at the woman. Cash held her laugh in as she watched the woman scratched the back of her neck.