21

21/Ch. 7

$131,000. We have a claim for $131,000.

"It's unbelievable. All this money. We've been through Hell, but damn."

"Just look at it as a blessing in disguise."

"How could I hide this from my mom, though?"

"Hide what? You didn't make that guy drunk drive. You didn't tell him to hit us."

"No, but I won't be trusted."

"You're moving in with me anyway."

"I don't know..."

We were lying down together at the hotel. His coach knows about his injury, so he doesn't have to play at the game tonight.

"Either you are or you aren't."

"Right now isn't the time to argue about that."

"Then what time is convenient for you?"

"Stop!"

"What's on your mind?"

"Nothing. Stop asking me that all the time."

"I wouldn't have to ask you if you'd tell me. For the most part of our relationship, you don't tell me what's bothering you."

"I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

"That's ALWAYS your excuse."

"Wanna know what I'm thinking? I'M FRUSTRATED! GIVE ME A DAMN BREAK!"

"You wanna break? Alright then."

He got up from under me and walked out the door. I don't blame him. We're both mentally and physically damaged, but he's the type that wants to talk EVERYTHING out. I'm more to myself. I don't know how we've lasted this long.

I won't chase him. I'm too tired for that. He won't go anywhere anyway...probably to the lobby with all the entertainment, food,....and southern belles.

I got up and ran from the room. I saw him turn a corner and I jogged to meet up with him.

I'm disgusted! Who's this that he's talking to?

"Um, excuse me. Sir, can I speak with you?"

"Hold on."

He continued his conversation with this broad. I'll admit, she's a little thick and cute, which put me on the edge.

At the right moment, she walked off in the opposite direction and Rakim turned towards me.

"And now you're being rude?"

"I'M THE RUDE ONE, BUT YOU'RE TALKING TO BITCHES IN MY FACE?!"

"You're a mess." He walked past me, going back to the room.

I speed-walked to catch up with his pace.

"Why would you do shit like that?" He ignored me. "So we're really talking a break?"

We walked together silently as he got his bags together.

"Where are you going?"

"Out of here. You need time to think or some shit. I can't deal with this anymore."

"Let me guess. You're going to that hoe's room?"

"Maybe."

With that being said, he walked out.