ASHLEY

19

   I take Kianna's thick hair out of its ponytail and begin working my hands through it, combing it out, parting it in sections. This is only Kianna's second time coming to me to get her hair done. She was asking around about who she can call to get her hair done and Stephanie sent her my way. She loves the braids I did last time and said she would be back. Well here she is.

   I know don't her that well but from what I can tell she's a sweet girl. She just has a mouth on her and likes to gossip sometimes. She a beautiful biracial girl. Big green eyes, nice tall frame, big curly hair. Guys flock to her like dogs in heat. It would be a miracle if she doesn't have problems in her knew relastionship.

   "Oh my gosh," Shock is evident in her voice as she stares down at her phone. Hesitantly I ask if she's okay which she replies with, "I don't know if you know her but this girl that go to our school, Nicole, is pregnant. That's not even the worst part," she pause, waiting for me to ask her what the worst part is.

   Not that I really care but I ask anyway to be polite. "What's the worst part?"

   "It's not by her boyfriend. It's by some random dude. When her boyfriend find out he is going to kill her. I heard that boy is crazy."

   "Wow. That's crazy." My voice lacks any real excitement. Gossiping is not really my style. I dont have time to be worried about what someone else is doing. I have too much on my plate already. Plus, what other people have going on is not my business. There's no use telling Kianna this. It would just go in one ear and out the other. I don't have the time to sit and argue with anybody. I dont even have the energy.

   "It is. But what have you been up to?"

   "School. Work."

   "You do hair and go to work?"

   "Yeah. Doing hair is not reliable all the time so I need a steady income."

   "I hear you. So uh what's the scoop on you and your new man? Everybody has been talking about him." I'm not surprised she asked. A lot of people have been wanting to know the scoop between me and Isaiah, mainly boys that have tried to or have gotten with me in the past.

   My shoulders bounce up then down. "Well we're getting there. Just seeing where things lead us you know?"

   "Mhm. Have you guys had sex yet?"

   "Oh my gosh Kianna."

   "What? It's just a question. Can you answer it please?"

   "No. That needs to stay between us. Sorry." I say quickly closing the conversation. There's just no way I'm discussing my relationship nor my sex life with this girls. I am not about to have her going around and telling everyone what I said, giving a twist on it. She's like one of those gossip magazines. Better yet she's like the whole company.

   After braiding Kianna's hair down I open the packs of blonde track hair. She wants a bob with a beautiful swoop bang. She says she's never had it before but she's willing to try new things. The girl is bold. I'll give her that.

   I finish sewing the last piece. Flatironing comes next. It doesn't take me long. I've had years of practice. The style looks just as amazing as I pictured it to look. It highlights her strong, stunning features. I direct her to the bathroom and let her have her fun with her hair in peace. I smile when I hear her squealing. She loves it.

   "I look so good girl. Thank you so much." Kianna says. She hands me fifty dollars and in exchange I give her her change. She thanks me again before pulling out her phone and quickly dialing someone's number. "Hey babe. I need you to come pick me up now. I'll text you the address...yeah...yeah...okay. I'll be ready."

   While she waits for her ride to come I assist her in taking a couple pictures for the gram. Her following count is pretty big and all her pictures look amazing. I'm impressed. Handing the rose gold iPhone back, I take a seat on the soft couch, propping my feet up. My phone buzz with a couple of 'thinking about you' texts from Isaiah. My lips form a wide smile. He's so sweet.

   Knock! Knock!

   I get up to answer the door. Kianna received a text from whoever is suppose to be picking her up that they're here. When I swing the door open Kenneth stands in the doorway. The white t-shirt he wears does little the cover up his beautiful ink. My eyes travel down to his white skinny jeans hanging below his waist and the new maroon retro 11s and the flashy watch he wears. He looks like money and smells good too.

   My eyebrows knit together in confusion. This is who Kianna was talking about? Kenneth? Of course. I'm greeted with a smile. He opens his mouth to say something but doesn't get the chance because Kianna comes rushing past me and into his arms. I roll my eyes when they're not looking, apparently too wrapped up in each other to even notice I'm still standing here. When they finally break apart I put on a fake smile.

   "Kianna go wait in the car. I need to talk to Bria real quick."

   "You two know each other."

   "Yeah we go way back. She like my sister." Even though that was true I know the only reason he's telling her that is so she wouldn't worry. Not that she has anything to worry about. Kianna spares me a weary glance before turning and heading to the car.

   I shift my weight to my left leg, placing my hands on my hip. "So you got you a girl huh?"

   "She's not my girl."

   "You're picking her up. You probably paid to get her hair done too."

   "You sound jealous." I try my best not to knock that stupid smirk off his face.

   Rolling my eyes, "I can assure you I'm not. I have someone. Is this what you wanted to talk to me about because if so you can leave."

   "He the reason you stopped returning my texts?" Kenneth ask. Why does it even matter to him? He should be worried about his girl. Not me. We aren't friends anymore. Yes it hurts to say that but it's the truth. Moving wasn't his decision, I know that. But that doesn't mean he had to shut me out of his life. He hurt me more than anyone ever could. All that talk about us being best friends forever meant nothing to him. They were all lies.

   It serves him right to see how it feels. Now he knows what I felt like when he didnt return any of my calls or text. I don't owe him anything so he shouldn't expect me to put my relastionship or friendships in jeopardy for him. He's not worth the trouble.

   My face turns hard when I stare at him. I try my best to control my racing heart, my temper. "Its your fault." And with that I slam the door in his face. I'm not willing to go back and forth with him. I just want him to leave before Angela or Kayla show up and see him. Surely they would get the wrong idea.