Conflict Reloaded

Chapter 1: Soft Spot

(Malia Isabel Perez)

"Things have been so crazy and hectic

I should have gotten back by now

But you know how much I wanted to make it

It's probably better anyhow

So if you gotta go

If there's anything I should know

If the spotlight makes you nervous

If you're looking for a purpose

You put the tea in the kettle and light it

Put your hand on the metal and feel it

But do you even feel it anymore..."

Drake's song Karaoke played loudly as I looked in my mirror. My black hair is up in a bun. Not like those gigantic ass buns that some females choose to wear. They know all that hair be heavy on their head.

I have on a white long sleeved v neck shirt and a denim vest, black skinny jeans, and red high heels to match my red purse.

I put red lipstick on my full pink lips then did my make-up. I have pretty olive skin, so I think I'll skip foundation and concealer today. When I made it downstairs I saw a note on the kitchen table.

(Note:

Hey baby. I had to rush this morning. Woke up late. Left you a twenty on table. Have a nice day! Love you! ~Mom)

I stuffed the twenty in my bra then walked out to Jahlil's black Impala. He got out and came over to my side to open the door. That's just one of the things I like about him. He's a gentlemen.

"You good?", he asked with a concerned look on his face.

"Yeah I'm good."

I got in and shut the door. He got in and drove off. Its ten after seven, and school starts at 7:40. It's about a twenty minute drive to school. I'm so glad Jahlil offers to drive. I like driving...when I'm going to a place I actually want to go to. School, no. I hate school actually.

Jahlil and I have been friends for about two years now. We are both sixteen year old Juniors.

We met each other the same day I came to this city. My parents and his grandparents WERE good friends. Of course I say they were since his grandfather passed away.

Poor Jahlil, I know he must be hurt by that. He just doesn't want to show it but I don't understand why. It's natural for people to cry after someone the love dies. It's not healthy to have all of those emotions bottled up.

But back to the day we met, there was a natural kinship between us two. Even after I told him about my boyfriend Kyle. Kyle is a blue eyed, brown haired, white guy. We met in the city I was previously living in. One day I met him in a store, and I guess we hit it off. But now our relationship isn't as good as it was, but who doesn't have problems in their relationship? No relationship is perfect. But I shouldn't be thinking about that right now.

"Jay?"

"What up?", he asked as he turned his music down. I looked over at him. He has on a light blue button up shirt, cargo shorts, and black and white shell toe Adidas. His medium brown six foot frame is really starting to look smaller these days. That's not good. He's very handsome though.

"Mali?"

"Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about my mother and how it seems like she puts everything before me. She acts like being a nurse is more important than being a mother to me. It kind of makes me sad. I just wanted to vent about it. Am I wrong for feeling how I feel?"

"Mali you should tell her how you feel. There's nothing wrong with you wanting to spend time with her. You have both of your parents in your life. Hold on to those relationships as long and as good as you can, because anything could happen to either of you three in the blink of an eye. Enjoy the time you have with each other while you have that time. You're blessed Malia."

I felt a certain sadness take over me. Here I am complaining about my parents when he lives with his grandmother. There must be a reason why. Where are his parents?

"I'm sorry Jay. I shouldn't complain. I'm lucky to have them both. What- what happened to your parents? If you don't mind me asking."

He huffed out a big breath of air before switching lanes.

"My umm. My dad? He's had major problems. Gambling. Drinking. Anger issues. Haven't seen him in almost a year. He was a professional football player, but due to all his fuck-ups, I doubt people even know who he is anyone."

I rubbed Jahlil's hand. He really seems bothered by this convo.

"I'm sorry to hear that."

He shook his head. I wasn't even gonna ask about his mom again but he started speaking.

"Haven't seen her in nine years. Been livin' with my grandma all this time. Her husband, Jamarcus, don't even know where she is. Guess she got tired of me and left."

A single tear slid down his face. He stopped me from wiping it off his face and he wiped it himself. Crying isn't something he frequently does, so I know he has to be really hurt.

"Jay you can't possibly believe that that's why she went away. There has to be another reason why. I don't see how anyone could get tired of you."

He chuckled. "You haven't known me long enough to ger tired of me I guess. And I wish she would tell me what that reason is then."

He turned into the student parking lot at our school.

"See you in Culinary."

He gave me his keys then got out the car and walked away.

Why did I have to ask him about his parents? Just the other day I was telling him it was okay to show his emotions and express himself. A tear? I can tell that the topic of his parents is a very sensitive one for him.

Now he has to try and get through the day with those thoughts in his mind. I can be so inconsiderate at times. I also speak without really thinking about what I want to say at times.

I sighed then got out of his car. I locked the doors then put his keys in my purse.

As I walked across the parking lot, someone grabbed me and pushed me up against a truck making me hit my head.

"What the fuck Kyle?!"

He pushed me to the ground then kicked my leg. "I told you to quit riding to school with that nigga."

I picked my body up off the ground."You don't even have the right to call him that, ignorant jackass. You should come pick me up in the mornings if your insecure ass has such a problem with him!"

I moved away from him and ran into the school building before he could say or do anything else to me.

This day started off all messed up, but hopefully it'll get better.