Self Riotous

8.

***1 month later***

Bryson.

"Sis! Marely!" I yelled as I came through the door of our apartment, dropping my bag at the door. I slid off my coat, hanging it on the coat rack.

Mariella was able to spark a few plugs and with the help of her, I was able to get a job at Starbucks. I had been working there for about 2 weeks now.

It wasn't much but it was definitely a start to me finally getting off my feet and I was beyond thankful of Mariella's help. I'll happily be paying her back soon.

On top of that, Mariella also moved into our guest bedroom, which did nothing but increase my liking towards her.

I knew I shouldn't have a crush on her, but I honestly couldn't help myself. She's just...her. She's so perfect in my eyes.

"We're in here!" Brooklyn's voice sounded through our apartment, making me shake off my thoughts of Mariella.

I walked through the kitchen and to the dining room, where I found her and Marely sitting at the dining room table.

"What's going on?" I smiled at both of them, going to sit next to Mariella. She was writing in her notebook, doing what looked like homework. I took in her sweet scent as I sat next to her.

"I'm trying to help her with this stuff." Brooklyn sighed, looking at Marely and they both laughed.

"Well what are you having trouble on?" I turned her notebook towards me.

"All of it." She replied. "Its this project we have due on Monday, and I got most of it done I'm just...I confused myself." She showed me two sides of paper filled from top to bottom, all highlighted in different colors by section.

"Oh....yeah, no." I got up from the seat. Mariella smacked her lips as Brooklyn began laughing.

Hitting me in my leg, she rolled her eyes. "You're no help either. Guys what am I going to dooo?" She whined.

"Lord please save her for me." I looked up at the ceiling. "Oh my gosh Bry you aint shit." Brooklyn began laughing again as I chuckled with her.

"Ughhh." Mariella giggled, getting up from her chair and gathering her things. "I'm going to my room."

"I'm sorry!" Brooklyn called after her as she left the dining room. "Whatever!" Mariella shouted from down the hall. Brook smiled, looking at me.

"So how was work?" She asked, resting her head in her fist. "It was...work. Kind of boring but I'm looking at at least $425 in this upcoming paycheck so I can't complain." I shrugged.

"Alright then brudda brudda you go." Brooklyn smiled and I chuckled in response. "Yeah, yeah."

"Have you told her yet?" Brooklyn raised an eyebrow. I sighed. "Its way too soon for all of that." I spoke.

A few weeks ago, Brooklyn basically pushed me to my limits to get me to attmit that I kind of liked Mariella. When I say my limits...I mean my limits. Like she was so determined to know, it was ridiculous.

"You should tell her. I get the feeling she likes you." She smirked. "Forreal?" I asked.

She sucked her teeth. "Don't act surprised. I've seen how y'all act around each other, but y'all both too shy to talk about it."

"...it doesn't matter. Its too soon and I'm still trying to figure myself out. I wanna get myself together first before I come to her." I spoke in honesty.

She was a amazing girl and I damn sure didn't want to pull her down with me and my mess.

"I know, I get that but I mean...what if she could help you find yourself?" Brooklyn asked. I looked at her, unsure of what to say.