Fragments of Us.

Part 2

I groaned, cracking one eye open to check the time—11:34 a.m. Gym nah see me today, that's for sure. Yawning, I sat up, feeling a little disoriented. Mi body felt heavy, like mi neva get enough sleep. 

Rubbing my eyes and reaching for my phone, when I noticed another Instagram notification.

brandonashcroft: I'm stopping by with food soon.

That message was sent 30 minutes ago. Wah?! My eyes widened in panic.

Mi heart nearly jump out mi chest. I leapt out of bed and practically sprinted to the bathroom. The cool tiles under my feet woke me up a bit more as I fumbled for my toothbrush. Brushing my teeth and hurrying through my business, I jumped into the shower, letting the warm water rush over me as my mind raced. By the time I got out, I checked my phone again. Another message.

brandonashcroft: I'm parked outside.

Jesus Christ. I was moving slow! I grabbed the first thing mi hand could reach—mi Nike Pro shorts and an oversized tee mi tief from mi father's closet.

Not exactly cute, but functional. 

Spritzing some perfume and body mist, I texted him back: Coming. I wrangled my hair into a messy bun and took a quick glance in the mirror. Lawd, mi pop down bad, but mi nuh have time! Slipping into my slides, I ran out of the room, ignoring the curious glances from the girls on my flat. Dem too fass, but honestly, if mi did see someone a run down the hall like me right now, I woulda mind dem business too. 

As I reached the parking lot, a sinking realization hit me. I had no clue what he drove. I was about to text him again when I saw the lights of a sleek Porsche flash, signaling me over. I felt my heart do a summersault.

Lord, please don't mek me embarrass myself.

Mi stand up like fool beside the car, feeling awkward. The tinted window rolled down, and there was Brandon, his intense blue eyes locking on me.

"Aren't you coming in?" His deep, smooth voice had this stern edge to it, and I felt my face flush with embarrassment.

Before I could stammer out a response, he opened the door and stepped out. 

 "I'll just come to you then."

Wah? Mi brain stuttered for a second. "But mi room messy right now."

"That's fine, Saija."

The sunlight hit him just right, making him look even more striking than he did last night. His shirt lifted a little as he stretched, showing a hint of toned abs.

"Perv," he teased, smirking. My face feel hot-hot, and mi eyes darted away. This man could read my thoughts.

He handed me a bag of food and two drinks as we made our way to the entrance. I signed him in, fully aware that people were looking at us. Mi feel dem eyes pon mi back like heat.

Jah know, how people nosey so. Then again, when mi think 'bout it, mi guilty a di same ting. 

Mi fass tuh.

The elevator ride up was quiet, but I could feel the tension building. I started to fidget with my slides, knowing full well the girls up top ago make excitement when dem see us. True to form, as soon as the doors opened and we stepped into the flat, everything got quiet. Their eyes cut to Brandon then back to me.

I glanced around, grateful that I cleaned up last night. My small space was decorated with a few posters and pictures from high school, it felt even smaller with him in it.