Life of All

Chapter 11 I'm Home

As Layla was taking the long cab ride home she began thinking about her past. Layla remembered how her and her sister had to always hide when strange men would try to come in their room and mess with them. Layla thought angrily, "Meanwhile are crack head parents were downstairs, high, and doped up". Layla rested her arm on the car door, and put her hand on her cheek. The cab driver said, "We have a few more hours until your home, do you want to stop"? Layla said tiredly, "I'm fine I just really want to get home". Back at E.F.H Collin, Asia, Travis, and Carlos all found out that they were going to be counselors. Though Asia and Collin turned it down, both Carlos and Travis said that they would come back. Collin asked Asia worriedly, "Asia did Layla call you yet"? Asia shook her head no and said confidently, "I'm sure she'll call, remember she did leave really late". Travis just shook his head in agreement, and though he didn't want to admit that he was worried he couldn't help but think about her safety. As Layla's cab pulled up to her grandma's house she was trying to figure out how she would explain why she was back so early. The cab driver helped her with her luggage and said farewell as Layla made her way to the door. Layla didn't realize that it was someone else car in front of their house. As soon as she was about to knock on the door her little brother Na'Shawn opened the door. Na'Shawn said confused, "What you doing back here so early". Layla tried to hug him saying playful, "You know you missed your big sister". Na'Shawn tried to push her as he made his way across the street, Na'Shawn said annoyed, "Yeah right, anyways I'm going to my friends house across the street to play street fighters if grandma ask, okay". Layla nodded her head as she made her way into the house.

Layla smelled neck bones, sweet cornbread, and cabbage. That was Layla's favorite meal, and she knew that Maw Maw's cooking would cheer her up. As she made her way into the kitchen she saw someone sitting at the table eating a plate of food. Layla said confused, "Hey, I'm home, and it smells great Maw". Maw Maw was at the stove preparing to make some sweet tea with lemons. Maw Maw said excitedly, "Oh my baby done came back from camp, why so early"? Layla made up a quick lie and said, "They said I could leave early because I decided I wasn't going to go back because it was a little lame". Maw Maw looked at Layla knowing it had to be more, but she began introducing the man who was sitting at the table. Maw Maw said excitedly, "Layla this is Gavin, Gavin this is my grand baby Layla". Gavin got up to greet Layla, and he was very handsome. Gavin said kindly, "It's so nice to meet you finally". Layla said sweetly, "The same here". Layla looked at her grandma and saw that she was truly in love with Gavin and it showed all over her face. Layla said tiredly, "Well grandma I'm going upstairs to unpack and I'll come back down to get some good cooking". Maw Maw said worriedly, "Alright child and your sister won't be back until two days from now she at her friend's house".

Layla thought that it was odd for Anaya to be at someone's house for a long period of time, since she had phobias of the dark, she hoped her sister was okay. Na'Shawn had come back in to eat dinner. Maw Maw said sternly, "Now eat all of your food because I don't have time for you to waste it". Na'Shawn looked down and shook his head yes as he sat and ate his food. As Layla was unpacking her cell phone ringed, but she didn't feel like answering it. It wasn't because she didn't want to talk to the person; it was because she was really tired. As she was taking her clothes out of her bags on the bed she began to get sleepy, and actually fell asleep. Back at Anaya's friend house was Anaya's friend Gabi and Gabi's boyfriend Roger. They all were sitting in Gabi's room while Roger started to roll a blunt. Anaya said nervously, "I hope your weed ain't messed with or anything cause last time I didn't feel so good". Gabi started to laugh as Roger began to look at Anaya as if she was trying him. Roger said pissed, "Well you ain't got to smoke my shit that's on the real". Gabi said jokingly, "Oh calm down Nay didn't mean any harm, chill bae". Anaya just rolled her eyes at him and started to text her boyfriend Charles. Anaya met Charles through Gabi when they all went bowling. Anaya thought he was straight, but she really wanted to talk to Landon. Landon was two years older than Anaya, but she knew Landon since she was in the sixth grade. He never paid much attention to her as she wanted him to, but she didn't mind. Landon had a girlfriend already, and her name was Maya. Maya wasn't really the type you would think Landon would go for.