You'll Always Be My Thug

Chapter 5.

The drive to New York wasn't all that bad at all, it was actually pretty smooth. Michelle drove the first day and we settled in at a motel for the night and ended up leaving the next day. Once we got to New York, well, it was everything I thought it would be and more. The city was beautiful, and thanks to the money our parents gave us, and the money we saved up, we were able to afford a nice apartment until it was time to move into the dorms. Currently, we we're on our way to go grocery shopping.

"Wow, this Wal-Mart is better than the ones back home; all nice and neat." Michelle said in awe.

"Close your mouth so we can hurry and get what we need, please. I'm not feeling good at all." Ever since we got up here three weeks ago, my stomach has been all funny. I woke up and went straight to the bathroom to throw up yesterday and this morning. Maybe I'm just home sick.

We walked up and down the isles looking for whatever food and seasoning to store in the kitchen, and some appliances. I was looking at something that looked like wine and reading the label. Being from the South, I opened it and taste tested it. Yuck.

"You might want to go to a doctor, I'm not trying to catch a bug from you," Michelle said. "We are in a new city, new guys, new scene. Man up, hoe."

I was about to throw the glass bottle at her, but I quickly remembered how I'd have to pay for it. No thanks.

"We'll stop by a doctor once we leave here, then. I'm positive I'm just a little home sick or something. Nothing major."

We were aimlessly walking through the store when we heard our names being called.

"Anika! Michelle! Wait up!" That could only be....

"Zack?" I questioned. "W-what are you doing here..in New York?"

He gave me a boyish smile and ran his hand through his hair. "Moved out here couple days ago. Going to NYU so Mickey and I decided to scope out the city and get a feel for it, ya know? We know school doesn't start until August but we just figured it was best to just leave home. What are you two beauties doing way up here?"

"Same as you," Michelle laughed. "We're going to NYU too, so we left the day after your party."

"Wow, bet Trey and Matt aren't too happy about that one." Mickey said, looking straight at Chelle.

"Oh, um, we broke it off the night of your party with them. Caught them with some girls in a room." I scratched the back of my neck and looked away, awkwardly.

"Word? I'm sorry to hear that, ma." Zack said, bringing me in for a hug. Why does he smell so good, Jesus?

"Are you now?" I smiled up at him.

"Well, I guess I'm sorry you were hurt but I'm definitely not sorry about what he did. It just gave me the chance to be Superman." Mickey nodded in agreement.

"You two girls deserved better." Mickey chimed in.

"If that's the case, how come you never came on to me like Zack did Nika?" Michelle asked Mickey, standing with her hand on her hip.

"Unlike this dick, I know what Matt and Trey are capable of and how people 'disappear' when one of them has a problem with said person. I wanted to wait for my perfect opportunity. Guess this is it." He gave her a warm smile and took her hand.

"Hm, well, I forgive you." I tried to hide the laughter that was threatening to make its way out my mouth. Michelle is such a handful and Mickey is going to have a hard time.

"So, Anika," I looked up at Zack. "Since you're single and I'm single, how bout a date?" He gave me the most adorable puppy eyes and with those pouted lips? Damnnnn.

"I mean, if you're asking, I'm accepting." I smiled.

"Great, you still have my number?" He asked me.

"Ya, I do. I'll text you when we're done with all our shopping."

"Sounds like a plan." We said our goodbyes to Mickey and Zack and Michelle stuffed some more things in the cart before we made our way to the register to check out.

"So, has Tremaine attempted to get in touch with you again?" she asked, hesitantly. "When Zack mentioned them, the question kind of came to mind."

"Ya, he has,"  I sighed. "But lately, it's stopped. Maybe both of them have finally given up?" If they did, the Lord would've answered my prayers.

She swiped her card and I helped put the groceries in the basket, and we walked to her car.

"I got on Facebook yesterday and you know that hoe Erica? The one Matt was fucking that night?" Her fist were balled up as she recalled the night our hearts broke.

"I do, why?"

"She pregnant with his child." Michelle and I got in the car and my heart sank for my friend. That was supposed to be her one day, having his baby.

"Serves him right, son. You dodged a bullet and just think: if we wouldn't have walked in on them and stayed in Louisiana, how dumb would we look chasing after them?"

"You're right," she started the car. "Things are looking up for us, though. Maybe this could be your chance with Zack and I could get with Mickey. They are probably the hottest white guys we've ever encountered." She laughed, looking at me. I mean, I have to agree. Guess the Lord is looking out for ya girl.

We drove back to the apartments and set the bags on the table. I flopped on our couch and took out my phone to text Zack.

'Hey, it's Anika.'

'Finally lol. I thought you were just going to blow me off....again.'

'I would never! Okay, maybe one time but we both know it was for the best haha. But anyway, about that date.'

'Awww man, please don't tell me you changed your mind already.'

'No, I didn't. I was just wondering when it was gonna happen.'

'How does tomorrow sound?'

'Perfect!'

'Well, what's your address?'

'2301 Auburn St, apartment number 69.'

'69? Hm. You sure that's the apartment number and not just your favorite position?'

'Lol shutup. Just be here tomorrow.'

'Alright baby girl, We'll be around at  8 p.m. on the dot. Don't keep us waiting too long.'

'Don't worry I won't. You just make sure you're here.'

'Wherever you are, I'll always be. Sweet dreams.'

'Goodnight Zack.'

I put my phone down smiling and from the looks it, Michelle was in the same state I was. Hopefully she was right, and this could be something with Zack now, without Trey in the way. This time though, I'll protect my self and my heart.

Sorry it's taken me a whole year to update! I swear it won't happen again!