Conflict Reloaded

Chapter 5: Scandal

(Jahlil)

"Hey Jahlil!" My sister Hailey answered the door. Damn, would it have killed her to use a comb and some grease?

"Hey, I just came by for a little bit."

I followed her into the living room where Ashley was. Turns out, they're both my half sisters.

They mama was the high school hoe. Now she just a 'round town hoe. It's funny, cause some of my homies tell me how they got with her.

Just sick.

She gotta be at least thirty-eight. Around Brandon's age.

"Hey bro!", Ashley smiled. "Did you come to pick us up and take us shopping?"

"Nah, I will some other day though. Unless you need something. Do you?"

"No, we're good. Our food stamps on our card now. We'll probably go shopping tomorrow."

I just gave them a head nod. Man, these two have really changed over the years. Hailey looks a lot like her mom. They could pass for twins. Yeah, creepy. Ashley, on the other hand, actually looks mixed.

I sure didn't expect for Hailey to drop out of school. Even though she's five months pregnant. Her mom don't give a shit. When she ain't layin in bed watchin tv, she layin in bed earnin money. That's what Hailey told me.

They live in this somewhat ran down house in the hood.

Just, wow.

I'm hoping that one day Ashley can finish College so she can move them into a better home. I got money, but not enough to buy them no house!

As long as they have a stove, food, hot water, and beds they're good here for now.

"Jahlil, how have you been?", Ashley asked.

"I been managing. That's 'bout all I can say."

We talked a little while longer before I looked at the time. I said my goodbyes then went out and got into my car.

"Damn, 'bout on E."

I started up my car then went to the nearest gas station. When I got out and went in, I noticed a face I've seen before. It was a light skinned man, bald head, buff as hell. Where could I have possibly seen him from before? I don't know, but ol' dude look like he been in prison before.

He glanced my way then turned his head quick.

Mmm, I don't know. It might come to me later.

After about fifteen minutes, I made it over to Jamarcus' house. I don't want to see him or none of my damn "family", but I'm only sixteen. I need an adult with me to visit my mom.

"Bro!! Hey!!" Khalil ran out to my car and got in. I looked at him in the mirror.

"Sup bro? How you been?"

"GREAT!"

Did he really have to yell in my ear?

"How are your grades in school? They should be good."

"Yes, yes they are good bro! I even got a hundred on my spelling test yesterday. It was easy."

"Good. I want you to keep making hundreds. Not just on spelling test, but on everything."

He laughed as Jamarcus finally decided to join us in the car.

"I'll try bro! You have to make hundreds on everything you make too."

I chuckled then shook my head. High school is much more difficult that Elementary school, that's for sure. I can make an A on something, but nine times out of ten it won't be a perfect one hundred. Not unless the teacher messes up.

"Hey Jahlil. How are you today?"

I backed out of their driveway then started driving towards Khalils grandmothers house. I know where it is since I've had to take him over there before.

"Alright bro, we're here. I'll see you later."

"Bye dad, bye bro! Love you guys!"

I made sure that his grandma answered her door before I took off.

"Umm, do you want me to drive? I know where the place is."

"I bet you do." I smirked. "One day last week I put it in my GPS and found the place. I know where it's at."

"I'm sorry Jahlil, okay? Janelle didn't wa-"

"Can't you see I'm trying to focus on the road man?"

I blasted my music to drown out any bullshit that may come out his mouth. This hour drive ahead of us will seem so much damn longer than it is.

(Janelle)

"Redding!" The guard calling my name took me by surprise. I quickly stood up and went over to the bars.

"You have two visitors." My heart began to flutter. Could my baby be here to see me?? Oh I surely hope so. Ugh, I hope it isn't Tanisha and Tameka. I love them women to death but they are overly dramatic about everything.

"Table six."

Tears started rolling down my cheeks when I looked in that direction.

MY SON!! HE LOOKS SO GROWN!

When he and Jamarcus stood up, I noticed how tall he was. I went over to them.

"Son you cut your hair! You look so good! I love you baby." I hugged his slim body, but he wouldn't hug me back.

I also hugged and kissed Jamarcus.

We all took a seat at the small white table.

"Thank you so much for coming baby."

Jahlil saw me looking straight at him. "Jamarcus, she talkin' to you man."

"No I'm not. I'm talking to-"

"Why are you here?"

Oh I knew this was coming. I promised myself that I would tell him the truth about any questions he may ask me.

"Well son, I murdered Reggie. He tried to sexually assault your aunt Emily. She told me. And I just shut down. I had to hurt him. I never intended on killing him. At least he can't hurt me or any of your aunts anymore."

He continued to keep his blank face.

"Grams didn't want me coming to see you or write you. Jamarcus didn't tell me where you where. Nobody told me shit. Why?"

I took a deep breath.

"I didn't want them to. I wanted to tell you in my own way. Through a letter. I never meant to give you the impression that I just up and left. Your grandma and I aren't in good terms, because she was having an affair with Reggie. He told me everything before I killed him."

Jahlil had a 'what the fuck' look on his face, but he didn't say anything. He continued to stare at me.

"Baby? Say something?"

He got up and walked out of the visiting room.