𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 | 𝐒. 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲

Chapter 11

ALANI CASTILLO
   Charlotte, NC.

_ January 2008
We've been back on campus for a week and I feel like I haven't seen Wardell at all. I know he has basketball practice and stuff but it genuinely feels like he's avoiding me. I've had intense cheer practice this past week and I still managed to send him a message here and there.

I was still fuming about his mother inviting that Ayesha girl over for Christmas break too. The only reason why I didn't blow up is because I didn't want Wardell to get into more trouble. Our relationship has already caused enough problems. Wardell's parents, well one of them at least, hates me. Sonya hates our relationship. She hates it because apparently I bring out the darkness in him. She hates it because she doesn't have control over him anymore. It was a sad situation honestly. But I was used to it I guess.

I waved hi to Wardell's teammate Eric on the Wildcats as I walked into the dorms. "Is Steph here?" I asked him.

"Yeah, but he's with a girl." Eric said cautiously. I facepalmed myself. "You said that you and Steph were just friends. Your reaction is making me think otherwise."

"No, no. We are just friends." I clarified quickly. I don't want anyone getting suspicious of us or this somehow getting back to Sonya. "Stephen told me to come over so we could study together." I lied, knowing we had no classes together.

"Alright then, Alani." He said before walking out. "I'll see you later. "

Nice save, I guess.

When I reached the door, I tried to turn the doorknob but it was locked. This man never locks his doors. I was so livid I knocked louder than I intended to. Wardell opened the door with a puzzled look on his face.

"Alani, what are you doing here?" He whispered, wiggling his eyebrows.

"I haven't seen you in a week. I know you have that bitch in her!" I whispered back.

"Keep your voice down." Wardell stressed.

"Is everything okay, Stephen?" I hear her voice behind him.

I'm about to spazz out!!!

"Yeah, it's just Alani." He replied quickly.

"Stephen and I actually have some work to do, if you don't mind." I pushed passed Wardell and entered his dorm. My eyes landed on the bed, Ayesha was sitting on it in one of his old high school jerseys.

That's our thing. One of our pregame rituals was for me to wear his jersey the day before the game. He said I was his good luck charm. Wardell is a very superstitious person so this is weird to see. The fact that she was wearing it angered me. I balled my hands into fists and counted to ten in my head.

"I don't mind." Ayesha said innocently. "I guess I'll see you at the game tomorrow, Steph." She grabbed her things and kissed him on her way out.

Did she just kiss him??? On the lips???

"YOU INVITED HER TO THE GAME?" I yelled as soon as Ayesha was out of earshot. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"