Someone Like You (Jacquees)

Chapter Forty

"So what did you do about your dad?" I asked.

"I can't really be mad at him right now after what she said. She was actually convinced that she had nothing to do with our family being broken up!"

     I was laying in bed looking up at the ceiling while on the phone with Jacquees. I had called him yesterday after school to see how the visit went but he told me that he didn't feel like talking. I could understand why now that he was telling me what happened. From what he's telling me, it didn't go so well.

"I really thought that shit was gonna be different this time, man" he sighed.

     I couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. Jacquees was such a good person. He really didn't deserve any of this.

"I'm sorry, Que. I know you're mad at her right now but she's still your mom either way. You can't just completely shut her out because of one mistake that she made. She feels bad enough and she doesn't need you putting her down even more. I'm pretty sure you're the only thing keeping her sane right now. You're her only child and she loves you"

"I know she does, Nicole" he sighed. "And I love her too no matter what. I'm just...fucked up in the head right now"

"Just try not to think about it, okay?"

"Well, what else am I supposed to think about then?" he asked in a frustrated tone.

"How about your birthday that's coming up?" I said trying to cheer him up. 

     I could hear him suck his teeth through the phone.

"That's next month, Nic" he scoffed.

"So what? What do you want me to get you for your birthday?" I said with a smile.

"Well since you asked, there is this Escalade I had my eye on..."

"Something you know that I can buy, Que" I said shaking my head.

     He laughed.

"Just get me whatever you want. You can't possibly screw up a birthday present"

"Gee thanks" I mumbled and he chuckled after that.

"Are you having a party for it?" I asked.

"Nah. I don't want anybody to make a big deal out of it"

"I think everybody is gonna make a big deal out of it, Que. You're turning 18 years old. That's something to celebrate"

"Eh, I guess you're right"

"Is Janay doing anything for you?" I asked.

"Not that I know of. She's just getting me a regular present to I think"

     I didn't know how long Janay planned on keeping his surprise from him. But I decided to keep the news to myself. 

"Hey" I said to him.

"Yeah?" he said.

"I'm here for you...you know that, right?" I asked.

     I could hear him chuckle through the phone.

"Yeah, I know. I'm here for you too"

    I smiled.

"I'll talk to you later, okay. I hope everything works out with your mom"

"Aight, bye"

     We hung up and I turned in bed to take a small nap.

                                                                                         ***

     A week has passed and it was April 1st meaning that I only had 15 more days to get Jacquees a birthday present for his birthday and I had absolutely no clue what to get him. His dad was crazy rich so I was afraid that whatever I got him, he might have already had. I would have to ask my mom to take me to Target or something when she picked me up. I had stayed late after for my history class to finish a test that I'm pretty sure I failed. I stepped out of the classroom and made my way for the lunchroom. The halls were empty because everybody was already at lunch right now. I was going to be at least five minutes late showing up.

"Nicole" I heard someone call from behind me.

     I turned around and saw Khalil jogging up to me. I rolled my eyes and continued to walk away at a faster pace. I was still extremely bitter about him embarassing me that day at lunch when Jacquees beat him up. I could see him walking next to me out of the corner of my eye. He took off his snapback running his hand over his fade before putting it back on.

"What have you been up to?" he asked.

     I still said nothing to him. What was he trying to do? He had to know that I was still pissed at him.

"So you still not talking to me?" he asked.

     I rolled my eyes again still ignoring him. Just his mere presence gave me a sick feeling in my stomach. I was surprised at myself for not throwing every time I saw him.

"I've been meaning to talk to you. I heard that you aren't with Jacquees anymore"

     I didn't see where he was getting at. I had finally gotten over my feelings for Jacquees so I didn't care that we weren't together anymore.

"And I also heard that he's with some other fine piece of ass. I think her name was Jasmine, Jayla...Janay. That's her name. That girl is fine as hell!"

     I began to speed up in my pace as I walked outside making my way for the cafeteria. He caught up again unfortunately.

"Whoa slow down, Ma" he said with a smug grin.

"The fuck do you want?!" I exclaimed.

"Hey, hey calm down. I'm just trying to confirm the information I was given"

"Yes, okay? It's all true. And it's old news anyway so I don't even know why you would give a damn"

"I don't. I just wanted to push your buttons which I guess I did. So you have feelings for him, huh?"

"No, I don't" I said.

"Yes you do. You don't have to lie to me. My lips are sealed"

     I scoffed at him.

"Yeah except for that one time" he chuckled. 

"Leave me the fuck alone, Khalil"

"Oh, so you are fine with him putting his dick in other bitches? Wow! For most girls, that would be a real low blow. I guess you really are a push over"

     I glared at him and pushed him hard into the wall of the cafeteria. I could see people peeking at us through the window. A look of embarassment took over his face.

"You damn slut!" he said as he charged toward me.

     He back handed me causing me to drop my binder and fall onto the floor. I held my cheek staring at the ground.