Turnover

8

        

Kasim had disappeared for the whole three days Jason was in town. Kesi saw him every day because he visited Aziah a lot, she knew Jason was probably the most protective of Aziah and from the moment he shook hands with Derryck it was clear he didn't like him either.

Aziah however loved Jasmine and thought she was perfect for Jason.

J & J as she called them were too cute for words.

Kesi couldn't get in the celebratory mood with them , she was too concerned about Kasim and where he'd disappeared to. He wasn't picking up his phone or anything but each night at 12 he'd send her a message saying good night and that he was okay.

Stubbornness must have ran in their blood because if angered enough Kesi knew she might have done the same damn thing. She spent her time in the one place she knew she could be peaceful and away from worry, the Library.

She found a quiet corner and settled herself in with a copy of Maya Angelou's collection of poems. Timeless by Adrian Marcel swallowed her consciousness as it played through her headphones.

Kesi mouthed the words to The Conceit and it seemed to hit a certain chord within her.

Give me your hand
Make room for me
to lead and follow
you
beyond this rage of poetry.

Let others have
the privacy of
touching words
and love of loss
of love.

For me
Give me your hand.

She was so wrapped up she didn't even realize Chase was watching her. He cleared his throat a few times but still she didn't hear him so he decided to approach her. He tapped her shoulder and she startled a bit at seeing him.

"Hey Chase."

"Diana , how are you doing?"

"I'm good, you?"

"I'm great now, I've actually been trying to get a hold of you for a while but-"

Suddenly another figure came over and sat himself right next to Kesi wrapping his arm easily around her shoulder. She looked over and smiled at Cartier who returned it.

"Hey Chase, thanks for keeping my friend here company, sorry I'm late cupcake."

Kesi smiled apologetically at Chase who gave a small smile before leaving. Cartier started chuckling as soon as he left.

"You're so welcome for that , do you know how long dude was there looking at you trying to catch your eye?"

Kesi looked after him , she felt a bit bad about the fact that she wasn't interested in him , he seemed alright.

"Can't you set him up with someone else."

"I've tried but he wants dirty Diana , you know?"

Cartier wiggled his eyebrows causing Kesi to slap his arm as she tried not to laugh.

"I'm serious Kesi Kes , he's been asking Carter and I for tips and don't let me get on him and Brandon. It's almost like whenever they're off the court there's tension."

"But why? I'm not dating Brandon. Maybe I should talk to him."

Kesi began to get up but Cartier pulled her back down.

"No , no , no you'll hurt his pride. I know you mean well but Kesi just let him realize it himself or move on."

Kesi nodded knowing that Cartier was being serious. They settled back down and he put her book to the side after he flipped through it.

"Is Kasim alright?"

He asked and Kesi shrugged.

"Jason didn't know , Kasim has to know that. I mean I can see why he's upset but it's been years."

Kesi knew Cartier spoke the truth but she could attest that feelings didn't just die like that , time didn't always heal wounds , sometimes it made them fester until you learned to live with them. Even when they were killing you or poisoning you , some people never sought to heal themselves or amputate the decay and breathe. It was a horiibly human cycle.

"He just needs time Carti."

Kesi rested her hand on his shoulder, she could see this was tearing him up, one of his friends didn't like his older brother. She wouldn't  want to be in his shoes.

"I hope that's it , man I need a drink tonight , good thing there's another party."

"Where?"

Cartier looked up at her and smiled.

"Southgate , so I'll see you there right?"

Kesi thought about this , Brandon knew who she was now and maybe her brother would show , he never missed a party. Also Aziah would be shocked as hell.

She smiled back at Cartier and nodded.

"Of course."

Cartier shot up from his chair , his expression one of shock.

"Kesi Bledsoe is going to a party? Oh my lord , where's a church? I need to get right with Jesus , the end is near."

Kesi laughed but Cartier actually rushed out of the library, she only shook her head. He probably was going to tell Carter and Azi. She settled back into her poems, immediately flipping to one of her favorites.

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.

Yet it is only love
which sets us free.

Her phone beeped with the promise of a new message, it was from Brandon and she smirked when she read it.

Cartier is screaming down the halls that you're finally coming to a party. Is this real?

LOL Yeah it is , are you coming?

I wasn't but now I'll definitely pass through.

Really? For me, are you sure?

For you , I'm positive.