Brianna Ridges
I woke up wit' Kamari knocked out next to me, arm heavy across my waist. Nigga was snoring low. I just stared at him for a sec, then let out a lil sigh.
Sliding out from under his arm, I swung my legs off the mattress. Soon as my feet hit the floor, this wave of nausea smacked me. Stomach did a whole flip.
"Damn..." I muttered, hand on my mouth.
I pushed up quick, movin' toward the bathroom door in the room, but every step made my head spin. Reached the sink just in time, breathing slow, tryna keep it together.
Behind me I heard sheets rustle. "Bri?" Kamari's voice was all raspy. "Yo, you good?"
"I'm straight," I called back, but my voice came out weak.
He dragged himself to the doorway, his curly hair all wild, eyes half-closed. "Nah, you don't sound straight. You look pale as hell, mama." he said in his sleepy voice.
"I just... felt like I'ma throw up, that's all. Maybe it's the food from last night."
He stepped closer, rubbing his eyes. "Or maybe you caught a bug. You want water?"
I shook my head, leaning on the counter. "I'm good. Just... lemme breathe."
Kamari rubbed my back gentle "Ma, sit down for real. You can't be playin' with your health."
I glanced at him in the mirror. He looked worried, i felt bad for not telling him.
"I said I'm good, Kam," I mumbled, even though felt like i wanted to just, puke again.
He kissed his teeth. "You hardheaded, Come sit. I'm finna get you some water anyway."
He disappeared for a second going downstairs. I splashed cold water on my face, staring at my reflection. My heart was racing, and I couldn't even tell if it was the nausea or the secret sittin' heavy in my chest.
Kamari came back with a glass, pressing it into my hand. "Here. And stop frontin'. You ain't gotta act tough for me, ma."
I took a sip, the cool water helping a little. "Thank you Kam," I said soft.
He leaned on the doorframe, eyes still on me. "We stayin' in today, I don't care, I just need you good."
"I'm gooddd bae" i said looking at the water, couldn't even look at him because i just feel guilty for lying to him
He stood in front of me while i was sitting down, and he pulled my chin up, tilting his head like he was tryna read my mind. "Why you won't look at me?"
I forced a laugh, staring somewhere else "Boy, it's early. I ain't got lashes on—relax."
"Cap," he said low, a little grin playing but his eyes dead serious. "You only duck my eyes when somethin's up."
My stomach flipped again, but this time it wasn't just the nausea.
"Kamari, it's nothing. I'm just tired," I said, voice softer than I wanted.
He reached out, thumb brushing my chin, I finally face him. "mama... don't do that. If you not good, you tell me. That's it. I don't care if it's small or big, don't keep it to yourself."
The weight of his words sat heavy. I wanted to spill everything, but my chest locked up.
Instead I gave him a tiny nod, whispering, "Aight. I hear you."
He studied me for a beat, then kissed me. "Go lay back down. I'mma make some tea—ginger, honey, all that."
Before I could argue, he was already heading for the door, mumbling, "Hardheaded but you my hardhead."
