Something About Him

-58-

Christopher Brown

"Two days," Jaylen sighed before he brought his bottle of red Gatorade to his mouth to drink as we all set at our regular lunch table.

Everybody's been counting down to spring break and for some reason it just feels like the days are dragging.

"The day ain't over yet, though," Brandon spoke up and Jaylen, just being... Jaylen, snaps back at him, "Nigga. We half way through today already. Like I said-- two days."

I watch as Allie elbows him in an effort to get him to shut up, but it only makes him drop his top and when he made attempts to catch it, it only fell on the floor.

He sucked his teeth as he looked down at it and then right back up. "Man, see whatchu did? It landed right-side up."

"Then stop being mean all the time," Allie responded while looking down as he reached to pick it up this time.

"That wasn't even mean!" He argued. "And Brandon ass ain't soft. If it was mean he would've said some hot shit back."

He's got a point there, but I don't bother adding my two cents in. I take out my phone instead and attempt getting into contact with Layla.

Her last day of school before break was yesterday since her parents let her go out of state to go visit her best option for a college if she chose out of state which was all the way in Florida. Layla seemed excited to go and she made it seem like it was just because she was getting out of school earlier than everyone else, but I also figured that actually getting away during break rather than just being cooped up in the house also played a part in her excitement.

I was proud of her accomplishments. She made a name for herself with her skills in soccer and it was a great thing that even on the opposite side of the country people were interested in her.

That's only two out of many plus sides to the opportunity, but on the other hand, a major downside would be the possibility that distance would come between us.

She constantly reminded me that we shouldn't worry about it until the time comes and what not, but being one who over thinks on a regular, her suggestion went in one ear and out the other.

I only texted asking what she was up to now seeing as earlier she was in the middle of a tour of campus and couldn't really respond.

The three hour time difference is already getting annoying.

With time, she answered my text with: campus is nice, but USC's still my favorite

I chuckled as I texted back. issa hint 👀

😱 are you finally hinting at wanting me to stay?

She's referencing to my lack of help, I guess you could say, with her making her final decision. I have been making a point to stay not exactly engaged since I didn't want to potentially be the sole reason that she chose to just settle for being near me even if that wasn't what she legitimately wanted.

I figured if I remain withdrawn from any decisions related to college, I wouldn't have harsh feelings or even feelings of guilt when things were finalized.

Layla didn't really like my efforts, though.

She literally asked my opinion on everything and it was hard to just give a sort of dry and vague answer, but it was what I'd forced myself to do and get accustomed to.

Gianna, I guess recognizing how quiet I was, asked me, "Are you talking to Layla right now?"

I nod my head yes and that's when Allie went on to tell me to ask her to check out some fast food joint called Cookout.