Conflict Reloaded

Chapter 11: Our Circumstances

(Ashley Mariah McClain)

Walking through the hood at night is worser than walking through the hood in daylight.

I guess.

It's almost the same difference.

The only reason I went to the store this late is because Hailey was hungry. If she wasn't carrying that baby, I would have asked her to wait until the morning.

Our damn stamps go so quick because Shelby gets our card and sell a majority of the stamps.

I hate everything about her. She is a whore. She used to mess around with boys I went to school with.

That's just embarrassing!

People expected Hailey and I both to turn out like her.

Hailey did. Anyone could be the father of the baby she has in her belly.

I hate living under these circumstances. I was always on the honor roll list. Graduated from high school with an A in every subject. Now college. I've been in college for about a year, which hasn't been easy.

"Hailey I'm home!!"

She hurried into the living room to get the bags from me.

"Thank you so much Ashley. You are the best. This must've cost a lot. How did you this much?"

"I've been saving up."

***

Shelby stumbled in with yet another strange man.

"Hey girl, wanna join the fun?" The guy asked me. He looked to be over six feet tall, buff as hell, and dark as hell.

"No nigga now get the fuck out my face."

Shelby grabbed me by my arm and pulled me to her.

"He'll pay more with the both of us. I'll even give you a cut."

"Fuck that, I'm not no hoe."

I pushed her away from me then ran out the front door. I feel bad that I left Hailey behind, but she'll be okay.

(Jahlil)

I love Kim's sweet self to death, but the woman can't cook that well.

"Are you chocking Jahlil?!"

I tried swallowing the best way I could. "No Kim. I'm good. I umm, I just can't force myself to eat. Thank you for cooking though. It's nice."

She rubbed my hand then smiled at me. "You're welcome Jahlil."

"Ass Kisser." I looked across the table at Josh. This ghostly husky muthafucka gon' make me nut up on his ass. He has been making smart remarks under his breath all day. Abby is much more cooler. She's a brown haired, fair skinned female who's damn near taller than I am. Brad is tall, so maybe that's where it comes from.

"Shut up dumb ass."

They started arguing so I got up from the table then went upstairs to my room.

I sat on my new twin sized bed then picked up the envelope beside me. Instead of reading the whole thing I scanned through it.

"So sorry it happened....Love you so much....You won't have to come see me in a few months because I will be getting. Don't ask me how it happened. Just thank God baby boy."

A smile spread across my face.

My phone buzzed against my bed. I picked it up and looked at the caller I.D.

(Malia)

"I've never seen you eat so much!" Jahlil basically shoved a whole taco in his mouth! Oh wow, I hope he's chewing his food good.

"If you had what I had for dinner tonight you would be hungry still too."

He took a sip of his drink then cleaned his mouth with a napkin.

"So why did you come all the way to Stockbridge to see me? Didn't think you would want to."

"Why's that?"

"I treated you rudely the day I figured out you had another boyfriend. I was jealous."

He started pouting and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Aww Jahlil. Why would you be jealous?"

He gave me a 'Seriously?' look causing me to laugh. I got up and sat beside him.

"Can I be honest with you Jahlil?"

"Yeah."

I leaned up and pressed my lips against his.