21

21/Ch. 22

The next day, he didn't answer his phone for me at all!

"I don't know what to think about him. He's sweet, but has a weird way of showing his interest in me."

Nikki and I were having another one of our girl talks.

"It's hard to tell because of this bracelet, but other than that, it sounds like a breakup."

"Ughh. Why can't I have a relationship like you and Mon?"

"We aren't perfect, either. With him gone to college out of state and my schedule with school, we barely have time for each other."

"But still....He returns your calls and texts."

"Whenever he has time."

"I guess so."

We left What-A-Burger and was on our way to the bowling alley. Nikki wanted to cheer me up because I lock myself in my room all day if I'm not either at school or work.
*****

In the middle of my winning streak, I got a phone call.

*Ring, Ring, Ring*

It's an unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Sorry. I'm switching out phones and couldn't text or call back."

"Why not? What's going on?"

"I just can't."

"Why can't you?" My voice was starting to rise.

"Don't loud-talk me, and I just can't."

"So are you gonna come to visit me or something?"

"Maybe tomorrow."

"Maybe?"

"It's complicated."

"Are you cheating?"

"Hell no!"

"What's so complicated, then? Why can't you explain to me why we can't see each other."

"I'm going out of town for a couple days."

"How long is a couple days?"

"Maybe a week. Maybe longer."

"You'll call me everyday?"

"I have to. I can't go a day without your goofy laugh or your retarded voice..."

"Where out of town are you going?"

"New Orleans."

"Can I go?"

"You got school and work."

"And?"

"And you can't come. It's a little business trip."

"Oh. Okay."

"If you wanna meet up real quick, you gotta drive about an hour. Come out to Natchez. To that McDonald's I took you to that time."

"Here I come."

We hung up and I rushed Nikki to the car.
********

About 1 1/ 2 hours later:

I've been here for 30 minutes and he still didn't come yet. This isn't the first time he stood me up.

"Cherelle, I'm sorry, but we should just go. I don't think he's coming.."

Right when she said that, he walked through the door.

"My bad. How long y'all been here?"

"Long enough."

Nikki: I'll just go use the restroom.

"This won't take long, but hurry back."

Hakeem: What you mean this won't take long?

"Because I've been here long enough. I've had enough. You're always standing me up!"

Nikki left and Hakeem and I sat in a booth.

"I was busy trynna do something."

"Do what??"

He looked away.

"Tell me what! You've been hiding too much!" My voice was in an agitated whisper.

He leaned in against the table and looked me in the eyes.

"I can't tell you. Quit asking so much questions. If I'm not gonna tell you, then respect that."

"Oh, really?"

"I got to hit the road by tonight."

"Where's your phone? And why are you in a hurry?"

He sat back up.

"If all we're gonna do is argue, then why should I stick around for that shit? And my phone is dead. I couldn't charge it."

"If you'd tell me everything, we wouldn't be arguing."

"Damn, girl. I don't ask you all your business. Give me some fucking space!"

"You want some space?"

"Nahh...not how you saying it."

I saw Nikki walking out to the car, so I got up to follow.

He got up and grabbed my arm, yanking me his direction. This caused some attention in the restaurant. He walked me outside into the chilly ass air.

"The truth? You want the fucking truth?!"

"Calm your voice.."

"Answer my damn question! Yes or no, nigga?!"

"No. I don't wanna know anymore."

He let go of my arm and we looked around as if nothing happened.

Hakeem: You good, Ma?

He sounded calmed now.

"I guess so."

"How can I make you feel better?"

"You can't."

I started to walk to Nikki's car, but he grabbed me again.

He pulled me into a kiss. Like, DAYUM! Whenever we kiss, our troubles always start to fade.

"Good now?"

"I don't know. Try it again."

Momentarily, we pulled back.

"What about now?"

"Give me time."

I walked off.

"You not gonna tell me bye?"

"Fuck off, Sexy."

I got into the passenger seat and Nikki started the trip back home.

"How was it?"

"I don't even know what to say."

"He didn't tell you why he was acting that way?"

"He was, but I didn't wanna know anymore. His bitchy ass attitude was getting worse by the minute."

"Y'all must be very alike. Well, only if his attitudes are as bad as yours."

"Hahaha. I don't have attitudes."

"Wow...yes. You do."

"Whatever, Nikki."