This November

Chapter 39

"Well if it isn't Nova Nova, little Rova!"

Nova rolled her eyes at her most hated bully. Was she back in high school all over again?

"Hello, Star."

Star looked freaking amazing. Better than ever now, ten years later. Skin flawless even covered with a layer of make-up her skin radiated. Curly sandy brown baby hair framed her face as her curly hair cascaded down her back. She had those long talon nails with gemstones on them that she click-clacked when she talked. Taller than her by several inches, and curves fit into a bright pink fitted dress, she looked so out of place at the picnic.

Star smacked her lips at her and rolled her eyes. Yes, she was indeed back in high school. Along with Star was her ragtime possie of cronies snickering at every syllable that dropped from her lips. The same girls who ten years ago did the exact same thing. Groth. There was none here.

"Little Nova Cain, still out here chasing big dreams while others live them?"

"I teach at Roosevelt High now." She did not feel she needed to prove herself successful to her bully, but she had to say something.

"Well! Those that can, do...those that can't...teach."

She hated when people thought because she was a teacher she had given up her dream. Her dream had given up on her. She was perfectly happy being a teacher now.

"And what exactly is wrong with being a teacher? I love what I do. My students love me."

"Yeah, it just means you were always a subpar actor who couldn't make it in Hollywood like some thought you would. You had the face for silly high school plays, not for the big screen. I mean, you're no Malik Hunter...although you want a piece of him."

She could not wait to bust her bubble.

"Actually Malik and I are together now, and happy, so there. And you knew he always wanted to be with me, that's why you were jealous of me."

"Jealous of what? Your little troll ass, blackie? Bitch please." She flung her long, naturally curly hair over her shoulder. "You always were and always will be a charity case to Malik. You think you have him? Bitch please, I stay sucking and fucking him like I always have. Dick taste so good."

Others around started to chuckle and she wanted to laugh as well. Starchima was out of her mind.

"Now I know you are lying. Malik has been with me every day since he's been back. With me, not you. Get over him."

"Never," she said with a smile. "And how do I know he was staying with his sister, in St. Charles, in the Raintree Apartments? I can tell you the décor of the place, but I was down on my knees sucking the life out of him. Then we fucked. No mother fucking condom."

She did not want to believe anything this silly girl said to her. Then Malik came over and put his arm around her waist.

"Star, leave!"

"Oh, no, I'm just getting started." Star put her hands on her hips, made it seem like she was a peacock fanning her feathers out. "Did he tell you I was in Atlanta with him as well?"

"No, you weren't! Stop lying."

She tensed up at that. Could Star be telling the truth? Malik said he had business to take care of but maybe he wanted to take Starchima away so he could go down memory lane with her far away from her. He had an insatiable sexual appetite and they went weeks without getting intimate with each other. Maybe he was getting satisfied elsewhere in the meantime.

Malik looked down at her. "Babe, don't believe the shit she is saying. I am not doing anything with her."

"Oh, he told me he was with you, that just made it more exciting." Star laughed. "I fucked his brains out and then sent him back to your ass. You can have the lying hoe."

Then Starchima walked off and left her too stunned to speak. Malik gave her a little shake.

"November, listen, I did not-"

Somehow she knew he was lying. Silly her for believing Malik had changed. "Don't lie to me, Malik."

"Babe, just listen...let me explain."

The others around them were so uncomfortable about the situation, they got up and left them. She felt sick to her stomach.

She pushed him away from her.

"Same old Malik, huh? That's why you didn't want to come here. Because of her? And who else? And who else have you been sleeping with since you've been back? I mean, besides me."

"Nova, come on, no one. I didn't do anything with her...I mean...I did...one time...not sex....it was...oral sex. That's it! I promise you. I regretted it ever since and I wanted to tell you but I didn't want to hurt you. Nova, you have to believe me."

"No, I can't trust you. Because then you will hurt me just like you always do."

Tears rolled down her face and she wanted to be anywhere but there. Not only did he betray her like this, he embarrassed her in front of their whole class. Brought her here and made her look like a fool.

And if things could not get worse...

"What's going on here?"

"C-Carter...Dr. Foster!"

Why was he here?

"Nova, are you okay?"

She wiped her tears from her face. "What are you doing here?"

"I always visit every class reunion." He looked at Malik and back at her. "My favorite class."

Now was not the time, nor the place. If ever. Carter was out of his work suits, dressed down in khaki shorts and a Roosevelt Roughriders shirt. A matching cap topped his blonde curls. He looked handsome, and any time he was near her, she still felt a twinge of those old feelings.

She did not like having Malik and Carter right in her face. She couldn't take it. Not only was the bomb dropped on her about Malik, but standing in front of her, right next to him, was her big secret.

Two wrongs never make a right.