They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 8 - MAYA

1:12 PM

I continued flipping through the channels on the TV as my patience was wearing thin with the lack of good choices.

My mom left early this morning to head to work and I've been up ever since. I didn't have much of a choice either since my car was brought over from the impound at like seven o'clock.

After I signed off on the paper work, I just decided to come downstairs and watch TV. As much as I wanted to, sleep didn't find me much last night.

I tossed and turned, fighting the urge to take a drink of something that would take the pain away.

I loved my new home and I loved being back with my family, but I was still anxious about this whole Jamila situation.

And sure, I know I have bigger things to worry about but she's all I could think about. How did we go from best friends to strangers so fast?

My thoughts were broken as my phone buzzed on my leg. I swiped my finger across the screen, answering the phone call.

"Hello?"

"Hey Maya, I heard you got out yesterday. How are you doing?"

".....Dinah," I said in disbelief, "why are you calling me?"

"Wait, am I missing something? Why do you sound upset? Did I call at a bad time?"

"A bad time? How about you never calling me period! Or sending a care package or a note. I haven't talked to you in years Dinah. Do you know how that feels?"

"Maya look I'm sorry. Okay? I got wrapped up with a lot of stuff after you got locked up and I couldn't talk to you."

"Sounds like a bunch of excuses to me. I thought we were cool."

"We are cool, okay? It's just.....a lot going on right now, I don't expect you to understand-"

"Oh right. My bad for getting locked up, guess you dropped me since we stopped fucking, huh. Anyways, don't call me again. You didn't show up for me then, don't start now."

"Maya wait-"

I ended the call and wiped my face in frustration. How could she expect me to be fine with any of that bullshit? You got caught up with life, yeah right.

I really hate we had to end things off like this.

...

Friday
4:28 PM

"Thank you," I grabbed my Subway bag from the cashier and started my walk out of the food court.

Today's feeling was much like yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that. I got tired of sitting at the house so I left to grab a bite to eat and buy a few pieces of clothes that I wanted.

After all that happened, I was shocked that I didn't receive any negative expressions from anyone. It was as if I was invisible or no one knew what went down.

In a sense, I felt relieved. I don't know how I would have functioned if everyone looked at me with a judgmental attitude.

As I was walking out of the food court, an all too familiar afro came into my viewpoint and I sighed heavily. My luck has to be the worst.

I kept walking as she quickly made a b-line in my direction.

"Fuck," I mumbled.