ASHLEY

31

   I stare at Kenneth in pure shock. The fact that he thought to get such an amazing gift surprises me. I really do love it. He not only thought of me when he bought it but of my mother as well. Now I have something in my charm that represents her. "Thank you so much."

   "Of course. I'm glad you like it."

   "You know I didn't get you anything. You didn't have to go out of your way. You didn't have to get me anything," I utter. I don't know why. I love gifts, especially this one. It's just that I didn't expect it. We only just rekindled our relationship.

   "Whatever Bria. If I know you I know you like gifts. Really I didn't mind it at all."

   A genuine smile forms on my face, revealing my dimples. I place the small velvet box carefully in my purse as if it were the most delicate thing I owned. That's because to me it is. "Okay, okay. So uh, how come I haven't seen you at school? This is your last year."

   "School isn't for me. Are you hungry? We just got done groceries."

   "Of course I'm hungry but that reminds me, what's up with your dad, I haven't seen him?" I ask getting up and making my way to the fridge. Kenneth's dad, Mr. Walker, ia one of the funniest guys I've ever met in my life. If you're ever having a bad day he can cheer you up. He's so laid back but he can be hard when he needs to be. I always loved having him around, especially for gatherings. If there was ever any tension he could cut it and make you forget all about it. Its one of his best qualities in my opinion.

   Unfortunately things weren't always so black and white between Kenneth and his family.

   "He's always working so he's never home and when he is it's only to start arguments with me so I don't really care."

   I hate hearing bad things about their relastionship but if he doesn't want to talk about it I won't push him. "What's with you guys lately? I know y'all have always had a rocky relastionship but damn Ken. Seems like it's gotten worse, like y'all going to war or something."

   "He's a fucking bitch that's what."

   I stare at him, flabbergasted by the words coming out of his mouth. "You hella disrespectful for that," I admit openly, not caring if he catch an attitude.

   He rolls his eyes and slam the chips he pulled out roughly on the counter. Clearly aggravated. "Look, I get you bring concerned and all but I'm going to need you to stay out of this. You don't know the whole story," his voice is surprisingly calm when he says this, making me a little aggravated.

   "That's because you won't tell me anything!"

   "It's none of your business girl. Stay. Out. Of. It." The way he says every word slowly, dragging his words out as if to make sure I understand, has me gritting my teeth. I cross my arms in front of my chest. Running my hands along my flower tattoo. I fix my mouth to say something when Kenneth's lips quirk up into a smirk. My eyes become narrow slits. "You know something?"

   I force out a "what?"

   "You nosey as fuck," he jokes. Apparently he finds it more funny than I do and bends over the counter laughing his ass off. I push pass him, mumbling a string of swears under my breath. Kenneth puts an end to his laughing. Oh carp he heard me. Kenneth grabs my shoulder, pulling me against his hard body. "What was that?" Instead of answering I roll my eyes. This gets him riled up. "Oh, so you gone sit there and ignore me. Okay."

   He nods. What could he have up his sleeves because I know he isn't just going to let that fly? My question is answered when he starts tickling me with his hard fingers. I'm ticklish so of course I start laughing uncontrollably. In an attempt to slip out of his grasp I trip and fall on the couch. This doesn't make Kenneth stop. He hovers over me, tickling me and making me laugh so hard my sides begin to hurt, I scream out in a fit of laughter for him to stop. He keeps going, saying something about having to teach me a lesson.