Just Another Secret.

Chapter 101

Kahlil

Keisha and Tamera went to settle on campus after I walked Tatum to school. He decided to tell everyone we saw that I was his big brother. It was cute, but overwhelming.

When I got back home Mom isn't here.

Dad is stretching in the yard.

"Your Mom went to work."

"Work?"

"She's analyzing the market here before she gets back into her normal routine."

I nod and turn to go back inside.

"You good?" Wayne asks me, giving me a bottle of water.

"He can't look at me."

"Kahlil—"

"How am I supposed to be confident when my dad can't even look at me?"

Wayne goes outside against my wishes.

"Doc, you are making Kahlil insecure. It's a buzzkill because he's been working really hard to build back his confidence."

"Wayne, why should he care about what anyone thinks? You see these?" He gestures to his scarred chest. "I'm proud to look like this."

"You got those in combat. He got those because a group of girls haven't stopped harassing him since sophomore year. Those girls are currently awaiting trial—"

"Wayne get over it," I say.

"No. I just had the best week of my life with my parents—with my dad. This is not going to work. I had breakfast with Tatum this morning. He's already asking me if we are going to leave because he thinks you don't like us, Draymond."

"Yes, that is because you are breaking my rules."

"It's been one day—"

"My son is disciplined. He gets up early. Makes his bed. He keeps everything nice and tidy."

"You are not the one watching him most of the time!"

"Twenty." Dad points to the ground.

Wayne scoffs. "I'm not—"

"Forty. Until then, no food, water, bathroom or entertainment. I still have your phone from last night."

Wayne walks away, down the street.

I sigh and get to Tatum's room. I reorganize. Tatum's bed can turn into this loft like bunk bed. I get started. My bed gets in tomorrow. I start with the beams and ladder for Tatum.

Dad stays outside all day. It's weird.

I make lunch before going to get Tatum from school. He's out playing with a girl as I walk up to the fence.

"Kahlil!"

I smile. "Hey buddy. How was school?"

"We got huge cookies!"

"Did you save me any?"

"You say you only like Keisha cookies. Can we bake with Keisha when we go home?"

"You have to ask Dad."

The girl whispers in his ear and bro blushes crimson.

"Kahlil, this is Donna." He hides behind the little dark skin girl who is about about five or six inches taller than him.

"Hi, Kahlil." She gives me a huge smile. "What happened to your face?"

I can't help but chuckle at her boldness. "I was in a little accident, but I'm working on it. Now why don't you tell me. Is Tatum good in class?"