The struggle of acceptance (Jacob Latimore) ON HOLD!

Chapter 24: He acknowledges his struggle

Nani POV

I flipped through the pages of the Juliard pamphlet that I stuffed in my backpack at that college fair. I found it today and I was amazed at how successful and prestige this school was.

"You thinking about going there?"

I looked up at Jacob who laid on my bed while I was on the floor.

"Me? Attending Juliard? That's a dream." I chuckled, throwing the pamphlet.

"Why you say that? You a good dancer."

"Yeah for a highschool dance team. I'm no where near good enough for that school."

He finished rolling the blunt and I handed him the lighter. Once it was lit, he took a pull, closing his eyes. I studied how focused he was as he passed it to me.

"I think you should give yourself more credit. You're really talented Nani."

"Thank you." I put the blunt to my lips and inhaled, feeling the drug take over my lungs.

"Nani."

"Hm?"

"This is our last blunt."

"Yeah, this is literally the last of what I brought from New York. I'm gonna have to find a new plug." I passed it back and exhaled slowly.

"No, baby. I mean this is our last blunt, ever."

I'm so caught off guard by what he just said that I ignore him calling me baby.

"Yeah give me this back. You been smoking too much."

"Foreal Nani. We need to better ourselves, there's more to live than weed."

"I know that."

"You think this shit is helping you become a better dancer?"

I rose an eyebrow at how serious he was being.

"I'm serious Cataleya. We need to quit."

I rolled my eyes. "I will try, but no promises."

I wasn't addicted to weed, but I've been smoking it a lot more lately, mostly because my life seems even more chaotic here than back in New York. It was the only thing that kept me from filling someone.

"You know I only want what's best for you."

"You sound like my daddy."

"You said that like its a bad thing." He smirked and I laughed, sitting up. An awkward silence filled the room as I brought my knees to my chest. I rested my chin on my knees and sighed.

Jacob's phone started ringing and he picked up. I watched as he listened to the phone call.

"I'm with Nani." He responded. I rose an eyebrow.

"Who is it?" I mouthed.

"My dad." He responded and my eyes grew wide. I heard his dad yelling and I bit my bottom lip.

"Nigga I'm tired of you disrespecting her! How dare you say that shit when yo black ass got the same roots as her." I stood up and hit Jacob.

"That's your father! Respect him!"

"Fine. I will." I couldn't tell if he was talking to me or his dad. He hung up and tugged at his hair.

"I hate to leave you, but I gotta go home."

"No it's cool, I understand. Everything okay?" He stood up and put on his jacket.

"Nah, but everything will be."