FACADE

03| Surface Level

PAECYN

It's been seven long months of high school... and everyday it gets worse. If I ace the end of year exams with a high enough score, I'll get the recommendation to skip second form.

They usually give those who agree to skip, a comprehensive booklet to test the foundational information taught in the 8th grade... and if one does well on that, then that's when you can skip for sure.

*I'm nervous*

Me too, but the shorter high school can be for me, the better.

"Why yah stare outa space Afro-P?" Neem asks his usual question.

Ever since his brother got expelled, he's been somewhat of a better human being. Mommy did really right when she say bad influence can ruin your life.

"You too Stillen. Two a unuh just nah talk from week," he points out.

"Duh call me that," is all Jacen says lowly, before shoving his head back into his phone.

Neem soon understand say when he gets like this, Kemp and I just leave him alone. He'll be back to normal in a few days or weeks.

"Me just a worry 'bout the skip thing. Yah skip?" I look at Kemp.

"So you couldn't ask me?" Neem laughs out.

"'Me mark your homework often, you no ready fi that," I giggle before crushing my Fun-C cheese curls some more.

"I've been studying for real. All three a unuh can't leave me behind," his tone falls surprisingly serious.

I smile.

I like an underdog story. Most improved and anything like that.

"Alright bossy," my smile becomes a giggle while I shove the Fun-C crumbs into my patty.

We chit chat for a little longer before I slide over to Jacen. Before I speak, I look over to ensure Neem and Kemp are still busy watching TikToks.

They are.

"You okay?" I nudge Jacen.

He groans before pulling his head up from his phone, "No."

Me know him did ago say yes. Nuttin never do him ye–

Wait? He said no?

*He said no!*

What do I ask next???

"Oh..." is the only thing that comes out of my mouth.

*Do you want to talk about it?*

"You wanna talk about it?" I mumble my question, fearing he'll draw back into his shell– but he doesn't, he looks over at me.

Eyes tired, jaw ticking, elevated breathing.

"Yes," he starts to stand.

*Bumbawwwwtt*

I swallow. The last time he said he would share something with me, I found out his father died.