Love in New York [Under Construction].

IX.

Aaliyah POV

I woke up and looked at Adam who was laying next to me sleep. His arms were wrapped around me and I was resting my head on his chest. I really liked Adam, and unlike my other douche boyfriends, he actually cared about me. I examined his room which was centered around art. One painting in particular caught my eye. It was a modern painting of an African woman. I guess I rubbed off on him. Adam opened his eyes and caressed my face. "What was that for?" He opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by Priscilla running into the room. "Aaliyah what are you doing here?"

"I uh-" She jumped in the bed between us. "You slept here last night? We could've had a sleepover!" Adam's mom walked into the room. "Priscilla, can you please be quiet-." She stopped and looked at me and Adam. "Aaliyah, what are you doing here?" I stood up. "I was just leaving." "You should stay for breakfast" she suggested. "Thank you but I have to get to class today." 

Adam glanced at me. "I'll walk with you" Adam said. "Okay I'll meet you outside." I noticed I was still wearing his clothes. "Keep them." I looked down at the loose fitting clothes. "Thanks." I picked up my dress and shoes and left down the hallway to my apartment. I tried to open the door but it was locked.

I opened my clutch and took out my spare key. I opened the door to see my mother talking frantically on the phone. "She just left and hasn't come back!" I went up and tapped on her shoulder. "Mom?" She turned around and stopped talking when she saw me. She turned the phone off. "Where have you been?!" she asked, then she looked down at my clothes. "And what are you wearing?" "I just stayed at my friends house last night" "I see, and why were you there?" Before I could say anything my dad spoke.

"Why does your friend have men's pajamas?" 

"They're unisex' I lied. My mom put her hand on her hip. "Were you at that boy's house?" I rolled my eyes. "Yes, I was." "For what Aaliyah? Does he even have a job?" my dad asked. "Yes, he does." "Where?" I slammed my clutch down. "Why does it matter, Mom?" "To prove he's nothing. Where ever he works it probably couldn't support a family" my dad added. "So where does he work?" "He works at a corner store, which is fine with me!" 

"James has a real job, and he's in Georgia Tech! One of the best colleges in the world!" "I don't care, I can't stand him!" "Lower your voice!" my father snapped. "No! I'm sick and tired of listening to you, because all you're talking is bullshit!" I stomped at the room before they could say anymore. I took a quick shower and threw on some clothes. I grabbed my bag and walked past my family in the living room. 

I met Adam outside and I was already late again, I hadn't even got on the subway, and I was late. "I'm going to get called out in class, once again." "It can't be that bad." "It is. And having to go back to my apartment with my parents..." "You can just hang out with me for today."

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I walked into the classroom and was greeted by all staring eyes. "See me after class Miss Williams" Mr. Thompson said.  I hung my head down and walked to my seat next to Lyra. "I think you need a new alarm clock" she whispered. "It was just a long night." "This week's assignment is to make five cultural inspired outfits. All cultures go. The top five designers will have the clothes featured here for the Mercedes-Benz fashion show, that world famous famous fashion designer, Ralph Lauren will be attending, with his own line of clothes." Everyone started going crazy, we LOVE Ralph Lauren, just to be in the same building as him would be a honor. "Alright class calm down" Mr. Thompson told us, excitement visible on his face. Now we're going to head down to the studio now to meet with Bella Agency's models." 

Everyone started packing up their belongings and heading down to the studio. I picked up my bag and walked up to Mr. Thompson. "Mr. Thompson-" "Aaliyah, if you are late once more, I will be forced to drop you from the class" "Mr. Thompson it was just a long night honestly-" "I don't want to hear anymore excuses Miss Williams. You have a lot of talent. I do not want to see it wasted. End of discussion." "I'll just go to the studio now-" "But tell me one thing." I stopped. "I saw you walk into the building one day with some Latino man who looks oddly familiar." I looked at him, confused.

"Adam?" I asked aloud. In his mind, something clicked. "Last name 'Rodriguez'?"I thought he moved out of town?" "Why would you think that?" I asked him. "I was his art teacher is high school, before I was transferred here for fashion. He came from a family full of artists, their work was some of the best I had seen. His brother, Alex, was his biggest inspiration. But he died suddenly on his way to an Art Institute out of the state. His parents weren't supportive of him in the art business, some family 'business' they supposedly had. So when Adam was admitted into the Institute, his parents pulled him out. I thought he would've left to pursue his dreams, but he never has." I was stunned. "Wow, I never knew that." 

"...You really like him don't you?" I shrugged, feeling weird. This was my professor I was talking to. "I guess." "Well, Adam is a good kid. I know you two would be a great couple." "Thanks, Mr. Thompson." I quickly walked off, I didn't like sharing or talking about my love life with teachers, but if it got us off the topic about me being late then I'm all for it. But I have to ask Adam about this.