The Crippled Savage

Chapter 9 : Trust Issues

The sun was shining through a slit in the curtains over my window at 10:30 in the morning. I woke up and checked my phone. I had some texts from last night. I always woke up to texts but none of which were from the one person I wanted to text me. I got up and walked up to the window.

"What a beautiful Thursday morning it is." I said half singing.

I honestly don't know why I was in such a good mood but at least it was senior skip day at school. I went downstairs and saw my mom in the living room.

"Goodmorning mother." I said smiling at her.

"Are you just getting up?! It's like 11:00." She scolded as she inspected my pajama shorts and tank top.

"Mommy," I whine "let me be."

"Whatever." She says rolling her eyes.

I haven't been this hype for no reason in such a long time. I felt good. I had a song in my head and just started dancing all over the house.

"STOP THE BOOMING BEFORE YOU BREAK SOMETHING!" My mom screams at me.

I run upstairs and trip in my attempt to escape a lecture from her. As soon as I fall I hear her laughing. She's always laughing at me but I continue going up the stairs. My phone starts to ring as I walk in the room. I pick it up and see Lashonda's face flash across the screen.

"Hello?"

"Babyyy. You wanna come to the mall with me?"

"Of course," I squeal, "come pick me up in like half an hour."

"Copy. You better be ready tho."

"I will. I promise." I say as I hang up the phone.

I walk over to my closet and start rummaging through it looking for something to wear. I didn't feel like dressing up all that much so I pulled out my red and white varsity jacket, a plain black crop top, black tights and white converse. I inspected myself in the mirror and was satisfied with what I saw. I decided to just put my braids up in a ponytail and leave it at that.

45 minutes passed by when Lashonda finally pulled up to my house.

HONK HONK

I walked downstairs and headed towards the door.

"Bye Mom. I'm going to the mall."

"Don't be out too late."

I made my way to the passenger side of Lashonda's car and got in.

"Who'd you get all dressed up for?" She asked arching a brow at me.

"Nobody."

"Mhmm nobody my ass."

"Just drive. I wanna go."

...

We finally pulled up to mall after 20 minutes since Lashonda wanted to stop at McDonald's like there wasn't food at the mall.

"Where do you wanna go first?" She asked me.

"I don't know let's walk around a bit." I said.

We must've been wondering for about 15 minutes before we made our way up to the third floor.

"Omg Mani. Did I ever tell you how good Jay hit?"

"Ew. Why would I want to know all of that." I say looking disgusted.

"I mean it was amazing."

"Chill." I say laughing at her.

At that moment I thought I heard a familiar voice behind me. I could've sworn I was buggin out. I turned around quickly just to make sure but I knew my instincts were right.

"Hey isn't that Jay sitting over there on that bench?" I asked Lashonda.

She turned and looked over wide eyed at the bench about 15 feet in front of us.

"I think Tyrell is over there too."

"Really?" I asked scanning the bench when my eyes finally landed on him.

"Let's go over there." She said grabbing me before I could say no.

"Why does everyone love grabbing me?" I asked.

But before I knew it we were standing in front of Jay and Tyrell along with two girls they had brought along.

"Hey Jay. Hey Tyrell." I said.

"Sup." Jay said with a half smile.

"Hey." Tyrell said never taking his eyes off me.

"Who is she?" I asked looking at the girl sitting next to Tyrell.

"Wow you're buggin." Tyrell laughed.

"What's so funny? I just asked a question. Who is she?" I asked trying not to raise my voice too much.

"You need to chill and stop making a scene." He said looking around.

"What are you looking around for? I'm talking to you."

"Mani stop acting like that." Lashonda said.

"I'm his sister, Taylor." The girl responded.

Shit. Why am I always do quick to jump to conclusions. I felt my face getting hot and tears welling up in my eyes.

"I-I'm sorry." I said.

I backed away from the group and ran towards the elevators across the floor. I bashed on the buttons as hard as I could. I was so embarrassed. I just wanted to disappear. I bashed on the buttons even harder.

"Can you calm down please?" Tyrell asked.

I nearly jumped out of my own skin when I heard his voice directly behind me.

"Mani. Come on. Look at me."

I looked at him with tears falling from my eyes. I couldn't help but cry. I didn't know what else to do.

"Stop crying." He said wiping my tears. "I hate it when you cry. Look I know you have insecurities about me. I know you have trust issues. But I'm not going to do anything to hurt you I promise. I care about you too much to hurt you in any way."

He had reassured me with his words. He could always do that. I guess it was just that level of charm he had.

"Are you done crying now? Can we go back to the group?"

I nodded my head yes and we made out way back over to the group. They must've been joking around because they looked like they were having a good time.

"Hey the lovebirds are finally back. I was just about to tell everyone about that party at Jamal's house tomorrow. Do you guys wanna come with us?" Jay said.

"Hell yeah." Lashonda and I said simultaneously.

"Then it's settled." He said with a smirk.