We'll Be Fine (Princeton Love Story EDITING)

10. "Mental Breakdown."

Jacob’s Point of View

“J-jason?” I said getting a little teary eyed.

“Aw kill that emotional shit.” He said laughing as my mother gave him an evil eye for his language. “My bad ma. Anyways what’s been up little bro? Man I get out and all this new technology sh-stuff and you in yo senior year of High school!” I was too happy, too happy that my brother was back. Man, and too think I woke up angry this morning.

“I know man, when you in a cell and getting booty raped every day the free world becomes a stranger.” He laughed sarcastically and punched me in my arm. “How about we hit the mall?” I nodded as I put the orange juice back in the fridge.

“Yeah, gimmie a couple of hours.” I said walking towards the stairs.

“Alright, I’m about to go hit up Thomas and Carlos anyway.” He kissed momma on the cheek and left the house. I went upstairs to my room to get ready. Man my brother has been locked up for the last four years. He was locked up for gangbanging with Thomas and Carlos but he refused to snitch even if they lowered his sentence. He got six years but I’m guessing let out early on good behavior. I didn’t even know he was coming back today.

It’s cool though, as long as I got my brother back.

Aaliyah’s Point of View

My head was banging. I needed something. A Tylenol, an Advil, something! But I didn’t want to stay in the house I wanted to leave and go somewhere. I didn’t want to be bothered with anyone’s presence though. Just by myself today.

My grandma was in her room watching TV.

“Grandma, I’m gonna go for a walk around the block just to clear my head.” I said to my grandmother as I passed her room.

“Ok, be back soon.” I smiled and left the house. I knew someone who didn’t live too far away. Jacob.

I decided that I was going to visit him. Plus we haven’t fully finished our project for Hugh yet. I walked over to his house to see his mother leaving the house.

“Hi Ms.Perez, is Jacob here?” I asked in an overly friendly tone. I sounded like I stalk him for a living. Luckily she didn’t mind and gave me a warming smile as she talked.

“Sorry honey, you just missed him.” She said locking the door.

“Oh ok, cool. Well I’ll just see him at school.” I said walking away.

“You know, his brother just got back so he might blow you off but, don’t be offended. That’s just how men are.”

“Yeah, well thanks.” I said turning away.

“Aaliyah, you have a good fashion sense right?” She asked getting her car keys out.

“I guess,” I shrugged. “Maybe when it comes to an occasion or if I just want to get fancy.”

“Good, because I have a date in a week with a close co-worker and I haven’t been in one of those in forever so I need a good fashion sense since all of my nieces and sisters are away somewhere.” She laughed to herself. “So would you mind maybe on Saturday coming with me to go to the mall?”

I nodded. “It would be my pleasure Ms.Perez.” She smiled and clapped her hands looking exactly like Jacob. “Great, if something comes up I’ll have Jacob call you.”

She said goodbye and got in her car. I continued to find something to do but I failed so I just went home.

On Monday and Tuesday I talked to Jacob a couple of times at school without crazy ass Nicole interfering and we decided that when I came back from shopping with Jacob’s mom we would work on Hugh’s project to make the final touches.

The rest of the week was a drag and I was kind of mad at Jacob because he didn’t show up at all. I thought maybe he was just with his brother because he told me he got out of Jail. Maybe he was just getting him settled in. So I just kind of finished the project by myself.

That Saturday I made my way over to his house. Nothing was out of place. It looked normal like always. Ms.Perez’s car in the driveway and the grass neatly kept.

I knocked on the door repeatedly but no one answered. I tried calling Jacob but he didn’t answer. Out of habit I twisted the door knob.

It was open.

I opened the door and smoke came out. Nothing but weed and old liquor lingered in the air.

“Jacob?” I coughed. He was sitting on the couch. If you asked me he looked dead.

His eyes half open, his face drowsy and tired.

“Jason.” He took a hit. “He killed her.”

“He killed my mom.”