Stuck In The Middle 2

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Royalty

"What? What quiz?" I ask going into a mini panic. "The quiz for Rilands class." I hit myself on the forehead. "I completely forgot." My life has been busy with school to the dance team and three other clubs. I barely have time to eat breakfast. Hopefully with dance season ending soon my life can get a little more organized.

"Yo Ro!" I see Odell and Ary walking through the quad. "Hey y'all!"

"Where you headed?" Ary asks. "Just getting out of class actually and headed to another one here shortly. What's up with y'all?"

"Nothing. Chilling. You coming through tonight right?" I bit on my nail as I try to remember what's happening tonight besides dance practice. "Uh.." Ary laughs, "Dinner? I texted you last night..."

"Oh! Yeah. I'll be there. Who else is coming?" I ask out of curiosity. "The whole crew." Odell says popping some sunflower seeds in his mouth. "Oh." I say dryly. "Your best friend will be there." Odell says laughing. "Messy." Ary says laughing. "Y'all know what I'm not about to go there with Toya and her scandalous ass." I roll my eyes.

"Ro you know you gotta throw some shade at least one time tonight. Do it for me." Odell says. I shake my head laughing. "I turned over a new leaf. No more shade."

Ary and Odell start laughing. Am I really that bad? "Bet me now. How much you got baby?"

"No you took my money last time. I can't bet on Ro and her shade anymore."

"I gave it back though."

"Damn I am standing here." I say crossing my arms laughing. "Girl I love you like a sister but shade is just what you naturally throw." Ary says. "I am done with y'all. I have to quiz I didn't know I even had to go study for. Bye guys. See you tonight." I say laughing as I head in  the direction to the library.

I sit down at the table and begin to look over the chapter. I glance up every now and then, it feels like someone is looking at me, then I get back into the book.

"What's up Ro?" I roll my eyes glancing up to see Darrien staring at me. "The ceiling. Next question?"

"When are we going to sit and talk?"

"Never D. We don't have anything to say."

"Ro I think we're both grown here."

"Funny but you look the exact same height I remember the day I walked in on you and Jasmine. Who grew what now?" I responding highlighting this keyword in the book. "Ro the past is the past. How long you gone hold on to it?"

"I should be asking you the same thing. Look I have a quiz to study for."

"Cool. Later Royalty." I roll my eyes as he walks away.

I check the time and see I need to be heading to class. As I walk out the library I see August walking in my direction. "What's up girl?" He hugs me leaving one arm around my shoulder. "Where you headed?"

"Hey Aug and to class. Where are you headed?"

"Lunch. You should skip class and eat with me." I look at him sideways as he laughs. "You're smart enough Ro."

"I appreciate you thinking so highly of me but I do not skip class plus I have a quiz."

"You're slick a nerd but I like that." I laugh, "Whatever August. Are you coming to the dinner tonight? Ary said the whole crew would be there."

"They putting you and Toya in a room together?"

"Am I that bad?" He laughs, "I mean she says something off the wall then you just start throwing trees at lil baby."

I laugh as we reach my building. "Oh my gosh. I need to work on that."

"You should. Good luck on your quiz although you don't need it."

"Thank you Aug."

"No problem gorgeous."

I walk inside the classroom and take my seat. Let's get this over with already.

------

"Yo that shit was hilarious man." Odell says telling us another football joke that only he understands. "Alright anyway so let me tell you this, I was walking to class and I saw this fine ass Greek. Like if he would've asked for my number he could get it."

If he would've asked for her the panties she had on he could get it. I look up and every one except Toya is looking at me. Did I say that shit out loud? "What?" I ask clueless. I turn around and realize Darrien is at the door. "What's good folks?" Who invited him?

"Ro slide over." Like hell am I moving over. "Why he can't sit by you Odell?" I ask. He has a whole side he can share. "Girl go over." Ary says. They set me up for this, I swear. "I love those shoes Darien." Toya says. "Preciate it Toya. Tyreme always sends me an exclusive."

"Word? I need to cop a pair when they drop." Odell says. "Tyreme is our cousin." August says proudly. "How did the athletes gene skip over you August?" Ary asks. "Excuse me? You don't know my life." We all laugh.

"The gene did skip over you cuz. Remember when your tried to play ball? Shit went left so fast."

"Fuck you D. They tried to sack me. I'm a lil ass nigga. You can't have 10 damn near 300 pounds men  pouncing on you."

"I remember that actually. Your mom couldn't make it so I had to come get you. Then we went and got ice cream. Sat on the roof all night." Um Ary just went into detail. "Hell did you kiss him too?" Odell asks. It gets silent at the table. Well this is awkward.

"It wasn't any shit like that." August says clearing his throat. Ary face turns a shade lighter. What is up with that? "Ro remember that night went-"

"No." I respond rolling my eyes. "Damn girl you didn't give him a chance to finish." Odell says laughing. Darien sits his hand on my thigh, "Can we talk?" Why is he doing this in front of everyone? "Mhm Ro can y'all talk?" Ary asks smiling. I look at her like really.

"I'm fine on that. I actually need to get going I have practice in the morning." I say getting up. "I'll walk you." August and Darrien says at the same time. "The girl lives two damn buildings away why does she need escorts?" Toya says scrunching up her face.

"Do it Ro." Odell teases. "Not tonight, and I'm fine." Ary looks at me funny. "Good night. The food was great."

I walk out the room and head out the building. "Excuse me miss?" I turn around. "You dropped this."

"Thank you." I say grabbing my room key from the guy. "I'm Zaire." He says extending his hand. "I'm Royalty."

"Ro you left your folder.." August says walking up to me, "Who's this?" August says sounding slightly jealous. "What's up Woe? I'm Zaire." Zaire says. "Thanks Aug and it was nice meeting you Zaire."

"It was nice meeting you too Royalty." Zaire says walking off. "Later Aug." I respond turning around. "I'm out here now I might as well walk you to your room." I laugh shaking my head, "Fine if you insist."