Expect The Unexpected (H-Town)

Talk To Me

Shazam

I finally caught up to Stacey after our music class. She clearly wasn't trying to hear anything I had to say, and I was still confused about what she meant earlier.

"Stacey," I called, grabbing her arm.

"What do you want, Solomon?" she snapped, yanking her arm back.

"What are you mad at me for? And what did you mean earlier?" I asked.

She stopped walking and turned to face me. "
Are you really that oblivious, Solomon? You seriously don't pick up on hints?"

I shook my head.

She sighed, studying my face, then let out a short, humorless laugh.

"Look," she said, more serious now. "I know we grew up like brother and sister, but I don't feel that way. I never have. I've had the biggest crush on you since I was twelve. Hell—I might even love you on another level. But I'm not risking going there when you clearly don't feel the same."

She turned to walk away.

I stood there stunned, then reached out and pulled her back gently.

"I respect you for being honest," I said. "And yeah—you're right. I don't feel that way. But I don't want this to mess up our friendship."

She smiled faintly and slipped her hands from mine.

"I can't be friends with someone I'm in love with," she said softly. "Maybe I just need time. Maybe then we can be cool again. But for now? Nah. Thanks for hearing me out though. I appreciate it."

Then she walked away.

Stacey

"What if that never comes?" Shazam asked, jogging up behind me.

"Then I guess we won't ever be friends again," I said, keeping my face straight.

His expression dropped.

I laughed. "Boy, relax. We'd still be friends—eventually. I just need a little distance right now."

Now I understood exactly how Kae felt on Saturday after Dino shut her down.

The difference between us? I bounce back quicker.

Let me introduce myself.
My name is Stacey Leilani Peters. I'm eighteen years old, with a little brother named Cole who's fifteen. Our dad is an American soldier currently deployed in Afghanistan, so our Aunt Kayla takes care of us. My mom passed away two years ago from cancer.

Rest in peace to her beautiful soul.

"Dwayne's having a party next Friday," Shazam said.

"Maybe I'll see you there. And I'll catch you back on the block."

"Maybe," I replied, smirking. "Don't get your hopes up. I'll see you around."

I climbed into Aunt Kayla's car. Cole was already in the backseat.

"Hey, y'all," I said.

"What's up, Stace?" Cole replied.

"Hey, baby," Aunt Kayla said. "How was your day?"

Now that was a question.

Long. Tiring. Heartbreaking. And I wanted it over.

"It was pretty good," I lied.

"That's good," she said.

If you only really knew, I thought, staring out the window.