Testimony {August Alsina}

Two: On The Come Up

"August?" He looked at me confused, then a look of realization washed over his face.

"Devan? Wow, How you been!?" He said stepping towards me, closing the gap between us. August and I were really good friends in high school. I usually kept to myself, but when it came to August I felt like I could let my guard down, tell him anything. Just be me. I grew strong feelings for him and my heart told me he felt the same way. Though, he would always tell me that I "didnt need a nigga like him in my life". He was always chasing the 'bad bitches' of Edna Karr High School. That always made me wonder "What do they have that I don't" I finally felt he would give me a chance, but sadly his step father began battling a drug addiction. This was around the time my grandmother got sick. His mother moved them out to Houston for a better life.

We kept in touch for a while. But eventually the daily phone conversation turned into texts Every now and then. Then we lost touch all together. He Disappeared when I Needed him most and it broke my heart and from the point on it was hard for me to let anyone else in.

"I've been pretty good. What about you? I remember you moved to Houston. What brings you back?" As I uttered those last words I could see his expression quickly change. He looked lost in his thoughts.

"I got into some trouble and moms kicked me out," He stated with a voice so lifeless. "somehow I ended up back here." Lord, why did I ask him that?

"I-I'm sorry." I apologized unable to look into his saddened expression.

"Nah don't be. I'm good, ma. I made my bed and now I gotta lay in it. The way I see it, It can't get no worse then this here. It can only get better." He seemed to be explaining it more to himself than me. It was at that moment I noticed the oversized book bag on his back and the pillow and blanket draped over the bench behind him. His eyes followed my gaze.

"August, are you ho--"

"I prefer to say on the come up." He forced a smile that didnt reach his eyes. I shook my head unable to smile back.

"Here, ta-"His hand wrapped around my wrist before I could even unzip the front pouch of my purse where my money was located.

"I don't need your money." The look in his eyes begged me to spare his pride.

"What do you mean you dont need my money? Look where you are, August!" I said pointing to the blanket and pillow siting on the old, ratty bench in the allyway. He looked hurt by my words.

"No offense, ma, but it don't take a rocket scientist to know i'm in a fucked up situation right now!" I jumped at his words. He noticed looking regretful."Look i'm sorry, iight? But I'd apreciate it if you kept your pitty money. I might need it, but I dont want it."

"Fine. You were never one to take handouts anyway." I remarked as I walked to the passenger door of my 2013 Dodge Nitro admiring the fresh, cobalt blue paint job. "Get in!" I told him.

"What? You kidnappin' now?" He chuckled running his fingers through the soft, kinks of his overgrown hair.

"If this is the only way you'll let me help you, then yes!" He blew a long, hard breath.

"You really grew some balls since high school haven't you?"

"I didn't really have a choice. Now get your stuff and let's go!" He quickly complied grabbing his things and geting in the passenger side. I jumped into the driver side making the trip to my apartment.

.........

We arrived about ten minutes later. Slipping my heels off, I placed the key into the doorknob about to turn it.

"Eh Hmm." I cleared my throat dramatically peering down at August's worn and torn Jordan Retro 7's.

"Really, Devan?" He Asked with a look of amusement. I only shifted my weight from my left foot to my right waiting for him to remove his shoes. I just mopped and neither one of us was about to ruin my hard work.