Since 2nd Grade

Joseph's POV

   "Pick a room."
   I yelled down the stairs towards Dulce. We had finally made it to the house my mom left me. Honestly, I'm really grateful Dulce didn't do me like her mom, and gave me a second chance.
   "Can I at least get a tour first?"
   She ran up the stairs to where I was standing.
   "Ight, but I don't know what you want me to say, so ima just open a door, and if you like it you got it."
   I said walking to the far left where the first bedroom was. She followed, and I opened the door. She walked inside of the room and towards the closet.
   "No, see, this closet isn't big enough, and there's not enough sunlight coming from the window."
   She complained, moving to the next room. We went through three more rooms, until we got to the Master bedroom.
   "Oh my God, Joseph, the bathroom is gorgeous!"
   She started twirling around the bathroom, until she tripped on air, and fell on her butt. She started laughing.
   "You weird as fuck, yo."
   I chuckled and she flicked me off.
   "Actually, Lil Yachty, I'm happy as fuck."
   My facial expression went from amused to amazed, and Dulce noticed.
   "I might have listened to your SoundCloud while you were helping out earlier."
   She smiled, lingering around the room.
   "Well I'm glad you like it, but this is my room."
   I spoke up.
   "Not anymore. I call dibs, so bring me my boxes, please."
   She started pushing me out of the room. I let her, but inside I was starting to get worried. How am I supposed to tell her? I didn't want to ruin her mood, and seem like a bitch ass nigga, so I'll wait until she's going to bed to tell her.

   After getting situated, Dulce went and did a little shopping for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. She came back with all types of green shit.
   "Yo, where are the boxes and packets of food?"
   I asked, helping her take everything out. She eyeballed me, and continued to unpack the groceries.
   "Dulce, where's the cereal and milk? You're playing, right?"
   I said when we only had one bag left to unpack and stock up.
   "Joseph, you have cereal here, and I got almond milk. I don't do regular milk."
   She sighed, taking the carton of almond milk out of the bag. I started to feel bad. She did go shopping by herself and spend her own money.
   "I'm sorry, best friend. Can I have a hug?"
   I reached my arms out, and she hugged me.
   " Now get out and let me do me, lil boy."
   She shooed me out of the kitchen.

  • • • • • • • • • • •
   "So why did you start making music?"
   Dulce and I sat on her bed talking.
   "I mean, school isn't my favorite thing, so I needed another route."
   I answered, messing with a braid.
   "Oh okay....... How are you? You know, without your mom?
   She asked nervously.
   "Honestly, Dulce, I've been grieving everyday since the day she passed, and I don't think I'll ever get over it. She was there for everything. Now she won't even see me graduate. That's why I know I have to be something, somebody."
   I said, holding my head down. I hated to express my feelings, but Dulce always knew how to get it out of me.
   "I know, she was an amazing person. And I know you'll make her proud. Speaking of which, I am very inspired by your alter ego, so I'm going to create my own tomorrow. So get out of my room, and you'll see the other me, Sweety, tomorrow."
   She smiled, standing up.
   "You're really naming your alter ego Sweety?"
   I cringed, trying to buy time. I still couldn't figure out how to tell her.
   "Okay, don't be jealous because you're not as creative as me. No, really though, you would understand where Sweety came from if you would have taken Spanish freshman year like I told you, loser."
   She flashed me an innocent smile, and pushed my shoulder.
   "Now get out, I need my beauty rest."
   I stood up, and she slapped my butt, and I jumped.
   "Aye, what the fuck! Come on with the games."
   I tried to be serious, but ended up laughing. She knows I hate that shit.
   "Well night night, I'm going out for a walk. You know I don't get this fit overnight."
   I winked, and started to leave the room.
   "Be careful, Joseph. And close my door."
   She winked back at me. I closed the door and walked downstairs towards the front door. Hopefully by the time I get back she'll be sleep.