Conflict Reloaded

Chapter 8: Decision

"Jahlil you have a letter from your mother."

My grandma barged into my room as always.

"Ugh, boy put a shirt on!"

I didn't even bother responding. I just took the OPENED envelope out of her hand then rubbed my eyes.

I need to quit eating and laying down, my dreams be all crazy and shit.

But hey, at least I can keep food down now.

I turned on my lamp then read the letter that has yesterday's date on it.

(Letter:

Dear Jahlil,

Hi baby! I love you so much! I hope you are doing excellent. I know I am. I was so excited to get a letter from you. Thank you so much for having a change of heart. We don't know much about each other now, but we can try to build our relationship back up.

I have something I want to address. Two things actually. The first is your appearance. I bet you are a heartbreaker! You look so handsome and grown. My baby is almost grown! I can't believe it! You look so nice with your haircut. Never thought you would get your hair cut off! But, you look very skinny. Are you eating? Do you have a fast metabolism? You've got to eat baby. I want you to be nice and healthy. Not saying you aren't healthy now, I'm just a concerned mother.

The other thing I wanted to ask about was... Reggie. When I told you about Reggie, your face was blank, but your eyes had fear in them. Is there any reason why? You can tell me anything. I'm still that friend you had nine years ago.

Love, Mommy)

The last part caught me by surprise. I try not to show any emotion. Showing emotions is a weakness. It is for me at least.

The only person I show my true emotions to is Malia. I cried to her and she told me things I needed to hear. When I cried to my grandma, she did hold me a little, but the next hour she went back to being mean to me. What's her deal?!

I got up and went over to my desk to write my mother back.

(Letter:

Dear Mom,

Hey, I'm alright. About my hair, grandma got it cut a long time ago. She said all that hair made me look too girly. Kim was still maintaining my braids though. I think grandma just wanted to cut my hair to be spiteful. I don't know. It took a long time for me to get used to this look though.

I do eat mom. Sometimes I forget to though. Not sure about my metabolism. Grandma surprisingly makes sure I eat dinner every evening. I am healthy, don't worry about me like that mom.

As for the Reggie thing, you told me that he hurt you and my aunts. That hurt me and did something to me to know that. I would have never guessed that happened to you all. I feel bad about that. Well, I love you mom. Until next time, be sweet.

Love, Jahlil)

(Malia)

I sat across from Dave and smiled. Dave is a guy from school. He has dark brown skin, pearly whites, and he is not that tall. Compared to most the guys at school he isn't. His 5'9 frame is only three inches taller than I am!

"So what's up Malia? Are you dating anyone right now?"

My friend, Sandy, looked at me. I couldn't read her expression though.

"No.", I smiled.

"Well then I would love for you to be my girlfriend. Will you be."

His homeboy tapped him up. Sandy kicked me under the table.

"Oww!"

She leaned over and whispered in my ear. "Don't do it, I'm sure there's someone else who's a better choice."

"Who?" I whspered back. "Because nobody else is here asking me to be their girlfriend."

I turned back to Dave.

"Looks like we're official!"

We leaned over the table to kiss each other.

"Big mistake.", Sandy coughed.