The Bad and the Worst (URBAN)

The Bad and the Worst : One

Kameh (KUH-MAY) India Waajid

I knew today would be bittersweet, but gahdaamnn! All my life, I knew I was going to Howard University to be a comm-major and minor in creative writing. I'd be damned if I gave up that dream for anybody, even if I did think I was in love.

Checking the time on my phone, an hour had gone by and I was still waiting on his ass. All my shit was packed into my car and the U-Haul my brother was driving. I had said all my good-bye to my friends and family, but the main person I'd be leaving behind couldn't even be here on time.

"Peaches, you gotta get on the road. It's gon' be dark before you know it," my paw paw warned.

"I know, Pops, but Kash still not here," I sighed, checking my phone again.

"Kammy, listen baby, you're going to Howard. You've been talking about Howard ever since you started grade school. You really putting it off for this boy?" my mama asked.

"I'm not putting off nothing. I'm just waiting. He's coming," I leaned back on my car.

"Let this nigga show up if he want to," my brother stepped in. "Leave dude alone and gon' 'bout yo' business, May."

Before I could even respond, his car came swerving around the corner, coming to a sudden stop in front of my car. It took him a second to get out the car, so I walked to his side and waited for him to open the door. I heard the locks pop, so I stepped back as he got out and was instantly slapped with the stench of weed.

I scoffed, shaking my head at him. I was so fucking pissed I coulda slapped him. "May, don't start. I know I'm late," his deep, groggy voice spoke. His hat was low to cover his eyes, but since i was shorter I could see they were blood-shot red with bags under them.

"I know I don't smell weed," I stated, expecting him to try to lie, instead he just licked over his lips. "I leave today and you show up late and high?! Really?!" I yelled in a whisper, so I wouldn't make a scene in front of everybody.

"But I'm here," he raised his voice a little, but as soon as he saw my face he brought his tone down. "Please, I don't wanna fight today."

"Well, what did you think was gon happen after I been waiting on yo' ass for an hour?! You know what? Whatever."

Shaking my head, I turned to walk away when I felt a tight grip on my arm. "What I told you about walking away-"

And like lightening, Shakur, my brother, stole Kash in the jaw. He released his grip from my arm and got a good shot in Shakur's eye.

Before it could go any further, I pushed Kash back as my mom attempted to tame my brother. "Enough, dammit! You fucking up, Kash! For the longest you been fucking up and like a damn fool I been sticking to yo' ass. You've never appreciated shit I do and you'd think since I'm moving damn near 3 hours away today you'd at least be cooperative!"

"Cooperate for what? You fucking leaving me, Kameh! How the fuck I'm supposed to cooperate with that?" He yelled in my face.

Biting my lip as he stepped back, I swear I wanted to kill him and be here for him at the same time. I knew he'd be sad for me to leave, but this shit here is unnecessary.

"What you want me to do? I love you, but you know-"

"Yes! Damn, you wanna go to Howard, I know!" He sighed, stuffing his hand in his pocket. "I know."

"I'll be home like once a month. The drive isn't bad, you can come when you can. Kassius, I'm not leaving you."

He was about to say something, but Lord and behold that damn phone rang. He looked at me to see what I would say, but I just looked right back at him to see if he'd really do this right now.