Ms. Fallon

Friendship & Understanding

Monday

Ariyah and I drive to her parents law firm and walk in. She's wearing an all black turtle neck dress and heels and I have on black dress pants and a white button up and black vest. "It's going to be fine baby. But when you see him, just remember he is sorry. It's his parents that want this meeting, not him." Ariyah says kissing the back on hand.

"I understand baby." I say. We walk into the conference room and are met with Ariyahs parents who are in matching grey suits at the head of each side of the table while I see Jackson with a black eye and stitches on his face in a black suit like his father who is a bald man with a grey beard and glasses covering his brown eyes and his mother who has straight grey hair and blue eyes. God they're so basic. I internally roll my eyes.

"Alex, Ariyah please have a seat." Alani says. Ariyah and I sit across the table from Jackson and his family. My eyes trained on the boy who deserves so much more then a few scratches and bruises.

"Thank you for joining us for this unfortunate meeting. Now, we are all aware of the situation that happened on Saturday. Our only reason for this meeting is to determine how much further are we willing to go for it." Joseph says sternly.

"This 'girl' nearly beat my son to death and you think I'm just going to not press charges?!" The woman says pointing at me pissing me off more.

"Your son should learn to keep his lip to his fucking self." I retort to the woman. Ariyah grips my thigh to calm me down.

"This girl clearly doesn't understand the heights of trouble she's gotten herself into. Sorry but assault is a criminal offense. 'They' should've told you that!" The man says clenching his jaw.

"Baby calm down." Ariyah whispers in my ear when I start shaking. "Well pressing charges against Alex isn't up to you. It's Jackson's and if he cared even a little about our friendship then he'd make the right choice." Ariyah says calm but stern. Fuck if we weren't in a meeting that determines whether or not I go to jail I'd take her right here.

All attention goes to Jackson who has been quietly looking at my girlfriend apologetically. "Uh first I'd like to apologize again to Ariyah and Alex."

"You don't have to apologize to these people!" His mother says.

"I'd suggest you shut the fuck up Mary. You are only a partner of this firm this is our damn building. Do not disrespect my daughters again." Alani says.

The woman known as Mary sits back in her chair with fake poise. "Like I was saying. I'm so sorry. I got caught up in the past and thought I had a chance. I was wrong. And I suffered the consequences for it. And because our friendship matters to me Ariyah, I will not be pressing charges. I will not hurt you twice." Jackson says looking Ariyah in her eyes sincerely.

Ariyah nods her head. "Thank you Jackson. I forgive you but the future of our friendship is non existent." She says but her voice cracks. I look at her and I see that she's crying. "Excuse me." She says getting up and walking out of the conference room.

"Alex, go check on her please." Joseph says.

I get up and run after Ariyah who is walking in the restroom. "Baby."

"Not now Alex, please?" She begs while tears fall down her face leaning over the sink.

"Baby what's going on? Talk to me." I plead.

She takes a deep breath and looks at me. "He's my best friend Alex. We've known each other since we were in diapers. And yes, he fucked up bad. I never thought I'd put my hands on him and he deserved it but," she pauses to take a breath, "the only reason I'm dismissing him from my life is because I'm with you and I love you and I want to respect your wishes. It hurts but I understand. I just needed a breath." She explains and I feel guilty for even telling her to stop being friends with him.