The Hood Diaries

Chapter 6: Alone?

After we pull away for air, I feel so liberated. It felt good to let all the stress and emotions out and off my chest. We stare at each other for a few seconds till my stomach growls to remind me that I haven't eaten since lunch.

"Sounds like somebody hungry" Ca'Tye says smiling at me.

"Yea, I haven't eaten since lunch." I say smiling in embarrassment.

"How bout we get you something to eat then we'll figure everything else out."

"Aight"

We head to a near by IHOP. I order some pancakes with grits and bacon. Ca'Tye just orders a milkshake.

"That's all your gunna order?" I ask.

"Yea, I ate before the game. They usually feed us before a big match."

After wolfing down a few stacks I was full.

"So now that you've eaten, what are you gunna do?" Ca'Tye ask leaning into the table.

"I don't know." I say simply. And it was true. I had no idea on what to do next.

"How about you stay with me? I mean you'd have to deal with my annoying little brother but its home."

"I want to but this is my problem, I don't want you taking on any more of my burden. I've spent the last few days in and out of peoples homes and letting them take care of me. I need to get my shit together. And I need to do it myself."

"That's cool and all, but what about tonight? Where are you gunna go? You can't stay in the streets."

"I'll stay with Nychelle for tonight."

"You sure?"

"Yea. She'll be cool with it. I hope."

"Just call me if you change your mind or if you need anything."

"Thanks alot Ca'Tye. I appreciate it."

"Its all good. I gotchu. And remember your not alone in all this. When ever you need me I'm one call away. Don't forget that."

"I won't. We should go. Its getting late." I smile

After paying for the bill we head out. I try calling Nychelle to warn her that I'm coming but she doesn't pick up.

We pull in front of Nychelle's place and Ca'Tye carries my suitcase and an extra bag to the door.

"So this is it?" Ca'Tye says.

"Yea, till I can figure all this shit out."

"Aight, I'm here if you change your mind. I'll see you tomorrow at 8." he kisses me lightly on the lips.

"Tomorrow?" I ask feeling kind of confused.

"Our date remember?"

"Oh yea. See ya tomorrow at 8."

"Oh and uh Shondrah?"

"Yea"

"Letting people help you isn't a bad thing. It just means you have people who care about you." He kisses me one last time before he gets in his car and drives off. Its like that boy was sent for me. What the hell am I saying? I just met him.

I knock on the door and Nychelle's brother answers the door.

"Hey JJ, where's your sister?"

"I don't know. I ain't her keeper. She somewhere around here" He says, sounding just as ghetto as his sister. Now I know I have my ghetto moments but damn. Its like they breath, sleep, and eat ghetto.