Sane

Chapter.23

Brookhaven, New York

Dezmon POV
I got up early to take my shower and pick out my outfit, my mind racing with thoughts of Niya. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was really falling for this girl. I wished my folks were here so I could tell them about it. But they were gone, leaving me to navigate this world alone. I didn't talk to the family back home; they had all started acting weird once my parents passed. Nobody wanted to take me in, which left me on the streets for a long while until I met Rick—his pop-belly and rough demeanor masked a certain kindness that pulled me in. He offered me a way out, and that's how I ended up selling weed for him.

As I finished getting ready, I glanced at the clock and realized it was time to wake Niya. She'd need to shower and get ready for school too. I walked down the hallway, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of my past and focus on what lay ahead.

I knocked gently on her door. "Niya? Hey, it's time to wake up!"

There was a moment of silence before I heard her muffled voice from inside. "Ugh, five more minutes!"

I chuckled softly, knowing how hard it could be for her to get up in the morning. "Come on! We have a big day ahead of us! You don't want to miss out on all the fun we have planned."

After a few moments, the door creaked open, and she appeared, hair tousled and eyes still heavy with sleep. "You're way too chipper for this early in the morning," she teased, but there was a smile creeping onto her face.

"I can't help it! I'm excited," I replied, leaning against the doorframe. "Plus, you know you'll feel better once you're up and moving."

She sighed dramatically but stepped into her room to start getting ready. I watched her rummage through her clothes, admiring how she always managed to look effortlessly cool.

"Do you need any help picking out an outfit?" I asked playfully.

"Ha! As if you have any fashion sense," she shot back with a laugh.

"Hey now! I can dress myself," I protested, feigning offense. "But seriously, just wear something comfortable. We'll be doing a bit of walking later."

"Alright, alright," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless.

As she showered, I took a moment to reflect on how much Niya meant to me already. It felt surreal that someone could make me feel this way after everything I'd been through. The thought of sharing my life with her filled me with hope—a hope that maybe things could be different now.

When she finally emerged from the bathroom, her hair damp and a towel wrapped around her, I couldn't help but grin at her. "See? Wasn't so hard to get up after all."

"Okay, you win this round," she said with mock annoyance before heading back into her room to finish getting ready.

I leaned against the wall outside her door, feeling a sense of excitement about our day together. Today wasn't just about school; it was about us exploring our connection and maybe even taking a step toward something more meaningful.

As she got dressed, I thought about how far we'd come since we first met—two kids trying to find their way in a world that often felt overwhelming. But together? Together we could face anything.

"Ready when you are!" I called out as she finished up.

"Just about!" she replied cheerfully.

I felt a smile spread across my face as I waited for her to join me. Whatever challenges lay ahead today, I knew one thing for sure: having Niya by my side made everything feel possible.