I REFUSE •Stephen Curry•

•22•

S T E P H E N
I didn't feel right inside. A empty void was left in me. I had messed up things again. Why would I accuse her of something like that knowing I know she would never. I walk out to meet Klay.

"Could you take me home?" I ask not bothering to meet his gaze. He nods. He goes in to tell aaliyah I'm guessing. Klay pecks her cheek ever so softly making my heart sting. I turn away hoping the burning would stop but it only made my heart clench.

"You ready?" He asks before closing the door softly. I just nod suddenly not up to speaking with him. Klay and I used to be so close but space had come between us. Of course on the court it seemed as if we were best friends but behind the scenes things aren't like that anymore. To each other we're unrecognizable. We get the car an uncomfortable tension rose in the air. "So how is you and Ayesha?" He asks attempting to make small talk but failing miserably. That was the last thing I wanted to think about and I was only hoping my house was vacant when I arrived there.

"Good." I lie I didn't really feel like talking about her she wasn't worth making a big fuss about. Her bratty attitude made me almost nauseous. Klay nods awkwardly.

"How are you and Aaliyah?" I ask. He shrugs. He huffs.

"Complicated we are just friends but you know," he stops himself mid sentence. "Uh never mind I know it must be weird for me to talk about her to you. I'll stop." He says shaking the subject off.

"No no it's fine." I push the subject. If Aaliyah wasn't gonna tell me nothing I could at least try with Klay.

"Well I guess. I honestly really like her but she's really broken you know? She's scared of loving again and it just breaks my heart to see her in such a state." He explains his eyebrows furrowing together as if he was almost trying to figure the situation out in his mind.  Once again I felt that knot of guilt pull in my stomach. I bite on my lips trying to push back a frown.

"I'm sorry." I say for the millionth time. It obviously wouldn't help nothing but Klay gave me a soft smile. For the rest of the way the radio placed softly in the background. My house came into view.

"Oh where is the little boy at?" I ask now realizing he wasn't with us.

"Oh he's at my parents house no need to worry." He smiles. I nod and get out the car. I go to the door waving before he drives off. I go inside food sat on the table and a note

I apologize for my behavior I don't know what have gotten into me lately. I've just been kind of jealous that you haven't gotten over her. Hopefully this food makes up for it. :)
                          ~Ayesha
A smile comes to my face. At least she made up her mistakes unlike me. I sit down and dig in luckily the food is semi-hot so it was still ok to eat without heating it up again. I see homemade mashed potatoes and steak on a plate. In a small bowl I see my favorite food, popcorn. I dig in the food satisfyingly tasteful. After a couple bite it was gone. What has life become honestly.

A A L I Y A H
Once he left I felt the weight of guilt burden on my shoulders. I couldn't bring myself to forgive him. I know it's selfish and the wrong thing to do but I just couldn't. Somehow I knew if I didn't, closure was never gonna be in my favor.

"Ms. Haughton?" I jump at the sound of the nurses voice. I snap my head in her direction. "You can leave now your set to go we will have your medication sent to the nearest pharmacy." I nod. "Your clothes are in the drawer in front of you." I nod once more and with that she closes the door. I throw on my clothes and shoes and head out the door. A knock was heard on the door.

"Come in, I was just finishing dressing and then I'll head out." I explain not bothering to look up.

"Ok ms. Haughton." A deep voice attempting to mock the nurses high pitch voice. I giggle when I see Klay with a big smile upon his face. Shaking my head I hug him. "You ready to go?" He asks I nod my head as we leave the room and soon the hospital. After walking a couple minutes we reach the car. "We gotta stop by my parents house and pick up Marcie." Klay says while he pulls out. I smile softly before leaning into the seat. A comfortable silence was between us. "You know Aaliyah you should forgive him." Klay breaths as if he's been debating over if he should bring up the subject. I open my mouth to speak but he stops me. "I know Aaliyah but you can't hold a grudge forever sometimes you gotta let things go and not for him but for you." He whispers taking a long look at me while at a red light. The light turns green and my mouth snaps shut. A couple more minutes in silence we reach his parents house. We get out the car only for the door to snap open.