My Neighborhood Love Story

Chapter 26: Cowardly Brave

Jawan's P-O-V

I woke up to Lucky licking my face. I pushed him off of me and sat up in my bed. I looked out of my window to see that Aria was just waking up as well. She was beautiful as always and I only wanted her to be mine. Just to be able to know that we belonged to each other. That was all I wanted, but it obviously wasn't what I got.

I got ready and went out to the bus stop to go to school. I looked around to see if Aria was there, but I didn't see her.

Beep! Beep!

I looked away from my shoes and at a car with a familiar face inside. I didn't know who it was until the window rolled down. It was Lamar.

"Yo, Geek! You seen Aria anywhere?"

"Yeah. As a matter of fact, I have."

"Oh, for real? Where? I got some unfinished business to take care of with her."

"Like what?"

"What kind of question is that? It ain't none of your business. Just tell me where you saw her."

"I ain't obligated to tell you a thing."

I heard kids at the bus stop say, "Ooh" as his jaw tensed up and he nodded his head in a manner where he knew that I disrespected him.

That's when he hopped out of his car and snatched me up by my hoodie, "Listen you little Steve Urkel look alike, don't play with me. I refuse to be disrespected by anyone. Not you or that light-skinned brother of yours. So just tell me where Aria is."

I looked around and people were struck with fear and not one was courageous enough to stand up to Lamar, but I'm about to change that.

"And if I don't?"

He smirked, "You're in for a whole world of pain little man." He spoke in a whisper, "But I need to save my energy to beat Aria down first. So just tell me where she is and you'll be a free man."

He was going to beat up Aria? What kind of guy is he? Does he have a conscience?

"You know something, Lamar?" I began as I snaked my way out of his grip, "You aren't a single thing close to a man. I mean, everyone else around here may be afraid of you, but I'm not. I dare you to touch Aria. See what happens."

"Oh we will see. I don't know when you decided to grow a pair. But you did it on the wrong day. Just know that."

He got back into his car and drove off.

"Aye man, that was brave," I heard a guy say as I got pats on my back.

I smiled and thanked him. Eventually the bus came and I was on my way to school. Once I got there, I wanted to look for Aria, but guess who stepped in the way? Heather!

"Hey, honey-bunch."

"Heather, what do you want?" I replied not even stopping for her.

"Why the attitude, boyfriend?"

"I'm not your boyfriend."

"Hey, calm down Chowder. We made a deal, remember?"

"And I called it off yesterday. Kicking you out doesn't ring a bell?"

"You were serious?"

"As a heart attack. So, please, leave me alone."

She grabbed my arm and turned me towards her, "Who shoved a stick up your butt?"

"For one, you. And Aria's jerk of a boyfriend."

"Me? What did I do?"

"You don't get it, do you? I don't like you," I yelled to her then continued walking.