Killafornia

XI.

Killafornia

Vanity

I woke up the next morning with the sun beaming down right on my face through the window that we obviously forgot to close to blinds to last night. Stretching out my arms, I was quick to notice that CJ wasn't right next to me. I know he doesn't like to sleep in too late but I'm not one to over sleep too long.

I pushed off the blankets and reached for the shirt and shorts that were tossed off the bed last night. I tried to see what time it was on my iPod but of course, I forgot to put it on the charger and it died. Oh well, I continued across the room and out down the hall to find a seemingly empty house. Imani's bag was gone and CJ's keys were still in the pocket of my sweatshirt from last night- I remembered, he drives around in Rack City's cars so I could use the Rover.

My night was amazing beyond words to explain and now my morning left me feeling lonely. That's a terrible thing, I don't want him to think I'm clingy and can't be on my own without him but I always feel that warm sense of security when he's around. I guess I've grown a bit of a dependency on him but when I step back and look at the big picture, he's always been there for me like he said he be so I couldn't help but develop that small bit of dependency.

I needed to break my attention off of him so I reached for the home phone that sat in the charging dock on the counter. I finally managed to memorize Chastity's number so I dialed and went to the fridge to find something to eat. As it rang, I searched again for the peanut butter jar in the cupboard, where did Imani put it? I really wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast.

"Chastity speaking, who this?" Chastity said into the phone. I could hear her munching on chips as she crumpled the bag in her hands and then the loud chewing to follow.

"It's Vanity, good morning to you too."

"You got a cell phone finally?"

"No, this is the house phone. I told you, as soon as I get a job I'll get a phone and we go from there. How are you and what chips could you possibly be eating this early in the morning?" I found the jar and happily brought it down to the counter next to the bag of slice wheat bread. I grabbed a spoon and scooped up a giant bunch of the peanut butter and stuck it in my mouth as I continued about the kitchen to get the jelly.

"Fair enough. I'm eating salt and vinegar chips. I also have a chocolate bar that I need to open but this is actually one good ass breakfast." She paused to let out a burp that got me to laugh. "I'm downing it with Candida dry."

"Candida? It's Canada-"

"I say Candida so hop off. Where's Mr. Grouchy-No-Share-Porn-Info at?"

"He's out-"

"Did you tell him about the relationship thing? Are y'all an item? If so, now I have a true reason to put together a gift basket and drop down there for a visit."

"I didn't and I'd rather not even talk about it to be honest. I called you was to keep my mind off of him." Spreading the jelly evenly before I took another lick of the peanut butter off the spoon. "Chastity?"

"Vanity. Where in God's name are your balls? You live with the nigga, y'all both said y'all love each other. Tell me how is it too hard to say 'Hey CJ, I was thinking a lot about us and wanted to suggest making what we have official.' Yeen gotta say it exactly like that but be straight up with his ass. If you're tryna drop hints, his ass won't notice the hints. It's either you're bold and upfront with him or he won't notice shit." She said. "I could paint a single orange dot on a blue background and wait for him to tell me about the orange dot but he won't, not unless I straight up say, do you see that orange ass dot?"