They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 33 - JAMILA

7:11 AM

"Okay what else did your mom put on the list besides balloons?"

"I don't know. It's too early for all this."

I rolled my eyes and took the paper out of her hand, reading off what was next.

"Nia could you and Ryan go grab some jalapeños and bell peppers for the quesadillas?"

Ryan nodded, "No problem. We're on it, come on babe."

The two walked in the opposite direction of us and disappeared around the corner.

Today was Ms. Linda's big surprise party and we were at the market grabbing a few groceries for the dinner Ms. Valentina and my mom were preparing.

The meals seemed easy to shop for so I wasn't mad about all the items on the list.

As we walked down the canned food isle, I grabbed two cans of black beans and put them in the basket.

"Alright, corn is next and then we have to grab two avocados and the chicken your mom wanted. You'll have to help me out because I don't know which brand she-"

I turned to look at Maya who was supposed to be pushing the basket but instead was sleeping on the handlebars.

I couldn't be too upset because I know she had a rough night and barely got any sleep.

I offered to just go shopping and take Nia and Ryan with me, but she insisted on coming even though she was exhausted.

I dang near had to drag her inside the store because she was fast asleep in the car.

My mind couldn't put together a scenario that would explain why she was so paranoid she couldn't sleep properly.

That's how I knew this was serious.

Maya was a lot of things but a fearful person has never been one of them.

I smiled as I watched her snooze, rubbing the back of her head softly.

As much as I hated having to wake her up, we had to get this food back to the house before the others woke up.

"Maya," I whispered lowly, "Come on baby we've gotta finish shopping."

She stirred a little but didn't wake up.

"Maya come on. You've gotta help me pick out the meat."

She groaned as I continued rubbing her head, stretching out across the basket.

"Fineeee," she yawned. "Go get the corn, I know where the chicken is."

"You sure you can manage or do you need me to hold your hand?"

Her deep chuckle made me smile as she stood up straight. "I'm a big girl. I think I can handle it."

"Sure you can." I laughed. "I'll meet you over there."

"Alright." Maya wiped her eyes and walked away, heading to the back of the store where the meat counter was.

I continued my search on the canned food isle as I looked for refried beans. You'd think this stuff would be easier to find but each shelf was labeled in Spanish.

My mind was wandering as I scoured each section for the right can. It should never be this hard trying to find beans.

"Jamila?"

I frowned, glancing over my shoulder to see who was calling my name.

It was a male's voice so that excluded Ryan and Nia.