𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈

𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧

      

     I was midway through prom and it felt like hell. I was dancing with Dante, but I wasn't feeling it at all. This prom was a disaster, and Dante made it worse by constantly tugging on my waist and butt.

I rolled my eyes as he pushed me onto him, dancing behind me. I was fed up when he placed his hands on my waist. "I can't do this" I said, removing his hands from me. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked, but I ignored him.

I didn't need to be here; I wanted the prom experience, but not like this. I headed to the table, grabbed my jacket, and put it around me. As I walked outside, he followed, calling out, "Solem, Solem, wait!"

"I'm sorry; I shouldn't have been touching you like that" he apologized, but I had already opened the Uber app on my phone and requested a ride to get me out of here.

I stood there, still silent, having nothing to say to him. I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for the Uber.

"Come on, Solem, you don't even have to call an Uber" he said, I finally responded with annoyance in my voice, "Look, Dante, I barely know you. I only agreed to go with you because I needed a date, and as you can see, I no longer need that. So, I'd be very happy if you left me alone." I told him, and he stood there nodding.

He then backed away slowly, saying "Got it" as he headed back into the school building. My Uber driver pulled up, and I opened the car door and got in.

The car ride was silent. Except for the sounds of the radio, which didn't bother me.

I didn't live far from the school, so we arrived at my house quickly. I got out of the car and thanked the driver.

I opened the front door and unlocked it; no one was there, but the lights were still on. I knew my dad had to work. I paced up the stairs, searching for the envelope that was under my pillow.

I finally found it and held it in my hand, staring at it. Just then, my door opened, and I was startled. It was Isis. "I thought no one was here" I said, and she replied, "It's just me; Dad's at the shop. Why are you back from prom so early?" She came over and took a seat next to me on the bed.

Let's just say it wasn't what I expected" I tell her, and she nods "I'm sorry about that; I know you've been looking forward to it. What's this?" she asks, pointing to the envelope in my hands. I shrug. "Mama Rose gave it to me; she says it's from Gemini."

Isis looks at me "Are you going to open it?"

"Should I?" I ask, hesitant. She nods her head. "I think you should."

"What if I'm not ready?" I say, unsure. Isis places her hand on mine. "We're never ready for a lot of things, Solem. Open it; I'm here with you." She encourages me.

I look over at her "Okay" I say, partially rolling my eyes sarcastically as I open the envelope. Inside, there's a written letter.

Dear Solem,

I'm in love with you. I know you might wonder how I know this, but the truth is, I've been in love with you since we were kids. I remember the first day my grandma introduced us, and we played tag together.

Man, I had a little crush on you even back then. As we grew up, I thought I'd eventually get over it, but I never imagined we'd become such close friends. You were more than a friend to me; I felt comfortable around you, and I wanted you in my life. But I wanted it to be in the right way, not like this.

When yo pops moved you out of the neighborhood, I was lost. I had you and Isis when I visited, but other than that, I had to find my own way. You always told me I had school, but I didn't have the patience to wait. I needed money to get out of the hood, so I took the streets. But I'm building my foundation now, and I'm almost there.

My support system ain't never been as great as yours, but I have my grandma, and she's been my rock through it. I admire your dad for how he treats you and Isis, and I want to be just like him. I want to take care of you and provide for you like he does.

You're the reflection of the girl I want to marry, and Isis is the sister I never had, who works my nerves but I love that girl like crazy.

Most importantly tho , I love you, Solem, and I want to make you my girl. But I want it to be at the right time. When you read this, I'll already be out of the streets, I'll have moved my grandma to a better neighborhood, and I'll have asked you to be my girlfriend.

Yours, Gemini

"He always talking about me working his nerves" Isis said, making me laugh as she glanced over at the letter. I wiped away my tears with my hands, still trying to process. It all felt surreal, knowing he was no longer with us. That he had yet to achieve his goals, and it hurt to think about what could have been.

Isis rubbed my shoulder "At least you know he loved you, Solem, so much too" she said, holding onto me. I nodded. We sat in silence for a moment.

Breaking the silence, I asked, "Isis, what time is it?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Why?" I searched around for my phone but couldn't find it.

Isis pulled out hers and said, "It's 6:30." I nodded, getting up. I knew the protest was still going on, probably just getting started.

"I have to go to the protest" I told her, and she nodded in agreement. "I've been telling you that " Isis said, but I waved her off as I headed to my closet.

I quickly changed out of my dress, which was a struggle to remove, and into a shirt and leggings. I had finally made up my mind, and I just hoped it wasn't too late. I grabbed my phone and car keys from my drawer and headed out of my room.

Isis followed me to the front door "Aht, aht, aht, where are you going?" I asked, already knowing the answer. Isis gave me a duh look, "Duh, with you!" I sighed, "Isis, you know what Daddy said."

Isis stood with her hands on her hips, "He doesn't want me out there, yeah yeah yeah, since when did we ever listen to what Daddy said?" She made a valid point, but this situation was different, and I didn't think Isis realized it.

I let out a frustrated sigh, knowing I might get in trouble for this, but oh well, "Come on" I said, and a smile spread across her face as she followed me. I locked the front door, and we walked out to my car, getting in.