The Inevitable

Chapter 4: The decision

My heart was pounding the entire way to Tyler's uncle's house. The closer I got, the more I questioned whether this was the right decision. What if my parents found out? What if this was a trap? I kept hearing Tatum's words in my head, reminding me that I wasn't doing this for Tyler—I was doing this for his sister, Aqeelah. She deserved a shot at a future, just like anyone else.

The neighborhood felt different as I walked through it, quieter than usual. I knew where Tyler's uncle lived. Everyone did. He was Dice after all.

When I reached the house, it looked normal on the outside, almost like any other in the area, but I knew better. I hesitated for a moment at the front door, then knocked, hoping this wasn't a huge mistake.

Tyler opened the door after a few seconds, looking surprised to see me.

"You came," he said, his voice a mix of relief and something else I couldn't quite place.

"I'm here to tell you that I'll help. You know, with Aqeelah." The words came out in a rush, like if I didn't say them quickly enough, I'd change my mind.

Tyler blinked, taking a moment to process before stepping aside to let me in. "Thanks," he muttered, his eyes softer than I'd seen before. "She's in her room right now. I'll let her know later."

I nodded, awkwardly stepping into the house. It felt tense inside, like the walls themselves were holding secrets I wasn't supposed to know. Tyler led me through a narrow hallway and into the kitchen.

"You want something to drink?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Uh, sure," I replied, not really thirsty but too nervous to decline. He opened the fridge and pulled out two cans of Coke, handing one to me.

For a second, we just stood there in the kitchen, neither of us knowing what to say. It felt strange being in this house, in this world that wasn't mine. I didn't belong here. The silence stretched, becoming almost unbearable, when I realized I was holding the Coke can without opening it.

I fumbled with the tab, my fingers shaky, and suddenly, the soda fizzed out, spraying both of us. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" I yelped, grabbing a kitchen towel in a panic.

Tyler laughed—an actual laugh. "Relax, it's just Coke."

I stared at him, surprised by how light the moment felt, considering where we were and who he was. But it was quickly replaced by awkwardness as we both tried to wipe the mess. Our hands brushed, and I pulled back, feeling the heat rise to my face.

He noticed, but didn't say anything. The playful moment vanished, replaced by the tension that seemed to follow Tyler wherever he went. "You don't have to be nervous around me, you know," he said quietly, watching me.

"I'm not nervous," I lied, but the tremble in my voice gave me away.

Tyler didn't push, and I was grateful for that. "Look, I appreciate you doing this. It means a lot."

I gave a small nod, still feeling out of place. "It's for Aqeelah," I said softly, reminding myself of my reason for being there.

He leaned against the counter, studying me for a moment. "Yeah... but still."

I shifted awkwardly, feeling like I needed to leave before things got more uncomfortable. "I should probably go. I don't want my parents to find out I wasn't studying."

"Right," he said, standing up straight. "I'll walk you out."

As we moved back through the hallway, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't the last time I'd be in this house. I had made a decision, and somehow, it felt like more than just helping Aqeelah. This choice was pulling me into something deeper, something I wasn't sure I was ready for.

The walk home was uneventful, my mind replaying the encounter in Tyler's kitchen. I kept thinking about the awkwardness, the way our hands brushed, the tension in the air. And then, the sound of my own voice agreeing to help. What was I getting myself into?

But as I turned the corner to my street, my stomach dropped. My parents' car was already in the driveway. I froze for a moment, panic setting in. They weren't supposed to be home yet. I checked the time. How were they home already?

I felt the sweat begin to form on my palms as I approached the house, trying to calm myself. They couldn't know where I'd been—they'd kill me if they did. I just had to act normal. But my heart was racing as I stepped through the front door, bracing for whatever awaited inside.