In the middle of it all

Present Day | The Donor

Buzzing. Just buzzing in my left ear. I turned to the other side in my bed, eyes still closed and picked up my phone.

"Finally~" groaned Aneesa. She was sleeping on the other bed beside me. I stayed over at her house last night.

I opened my eyes and saw missed calls from Tanisha. 2 each minute, every 5 minutes for the past half an hour. I wiped my eyes before calling her back.

"What took you so long to call back ?" complained Sha.

"It's Saturday. Not even 8 in the morning, I'm the problem ?" I replied in my morning voice.

"Get to the crib now. Announcement." she said and just like that she hung up.

"Who was it ?" asked Neesa, now sitting up in her bed.

"Who else wakes up this early?" I reply. "It's Sha, she wants us at the crib now."

"No~" She fell back on her bed before covering her eyes. "It's too early~"

"It better be worth it."

We headed to the crib with Asad short after. At the entrance there was nobody so I had to get out of the car and open the gate for Asad's car to enter. We went to the back of the house and all Silver members were gathered there.

"What's going on ?" asked Neesa as we made our way to the younger ones. Izzy was resting her head on Kyle with a sleepy look on her. By Nate and Kyle's expression, it must've been a common occurrence, so I didn't bother commenting. Asad, on the other hand, made his way to the small stage.

"She didn't tell us anything yet. Since he arrived they've been talking, that's all I know..." informed Nate. He turned his head to the little podium and I subconsciously followed his gaze.

"He's back ?" I blurt out as I notice Xavier next to Sha.

"Why're you surprised ? You thought he'd leave for real ?" says Nate. Xav gives Asad a handshake and soon after, he walks towards us.

"Hey Aneesa." greets Xavier.

"Hi, do you know why we were asked to come here ?"

"You'll know soon." He turned his head to me and his lips rose into a grin. " 'Sup Mika."

"Why didn't you come yesterday ?"

"You were looking for me ?"

"It's your first meeting, at least inform us when you're not coming. I don't care how you do it in the East side but here it's different, white boy."

His smile dropped and he nodded. " I apologized to our Leader, don't worry."

"Stand tall !" shouts Asad. "Respect." continues Asad, shouting in a hoarse voice. We all bow down and pay our respect to the leader.

"We have news. Good news." begins Sha. "Great news actually. We now have enough money for the renovation. It's all thanks to our generous donor, X." Everyone's eyes shifted to Xavier. He was smiling awkwardly. "During the crib's renovation, we'll move to a place in the West side. Our moving date is yet to be confirmed but trust it'll be soon. That is all."

"Dismissed." hollers Asad.

After the ceremony, we all dispersed in smaller groups. I was with Neesa, Nate and a few other members. Izzy and Kyle were somewhere on the premises and Xavier was chatting with JJ, Tanisha and Asad. I left my group and walked towards him.

"Can we talk somewhere real quick ?" I asked. I didn't even need to ask. No matter what I had said I knew he'd follow. He agreed and we went inside the house as everyone was outside.

"What's wrong ?" He asked.

"What's that shit about, Xav ?"

"I don't get it ?"

I neared myself towards him."Generous ? Why would you give that much money to us ?" I began to push him backwards as I continued talking. "What's your plan ? You think we're some kind charity place ? Do you pity us ?" I was about to push him back once more but he managed to grab my hands.

"I'm part of this crew, Mika. I'm just trying to help out like everyone else. Stop coming at me."

"Where'd you get the money ?"

"It's my business, okay?"

"Let me guess, you also provided the place?"

"What's wrong with that ?"He retorted. I was able to free my right hand so with it, I pushed away his hand but he quickly held onto my right wrist and I was now unable to free my arm.

"I swear if you put us in some sketchy bullshit-"

"Whatchu finna do, huh ?" He interrupted. " You can't do shit about it. I said mind your business and stay still like always Belladonna." He was holding my wrists tighter but I hid how much it was actually hurting me. His gaze was different. Colder and darker. I never thought an East side brat could even have eyes like those. I tried to pull back my wrist, in vain. He finally let go of me and took a step back. "I'm just a bit paranoid, I didn't mean to. I'm sorry Mika."

He walked away and when he left, it came back to me. Did he call me Belladonna ?

I made my way towards the bathroom, constantly replaying the scene in my head. I was walking my head low until I reached the door. That is when I was surprised by a shriek.

"Izzy ?" I exclaimed. My eyes, slightly shifting to the individual beside her, widened. Izzy's hands were around their neck and their bodies were against each other. "Kyle !"