Blood Diamonds

The Truth Will Set You Free?

Blood Diamonds: Chapter 18

~Charnae P.O.V.~

We were now down to the final weeks of school. I absolutely couldn't wait till school was officially out. I couldn't wait for the long hot summer days and warm summer nights that were to come.

It was Saturday and I had already been up for a while. It was around 8 in the morning and Marquez had walked into the living room dragging his slippers across the carpeted hallway. He was in his dark blue robe but looked well rested.

"You looked like you slept well." I said with a smile. He looked my way and smiled back.

"I actually feel well rested for once. Talk about a long week at the office. Last night I brought your car home. I took it to get cleaned since you took such good care of my apartment all week." He said as he ruffled my hair.

"You think I'm not old enough to take care of myself and the house? Wow, I thought you knew me better than that. Thank you for getting my car all cleaned up."

"Nope, you're nothing but a youngin' but your welcome." He said before he took a sip of his usual morning coffee.

"I was thinking about getting a part time job." I always felt bad asking for money from Marquez and that he pays for my phone. He already does so much and I feel like nothing but a mooch.

"Really? That would be cool if you got a job. You don't need to but having your own money would be good."

"I feel bad. You already do so much so the least I could do is start paying for my own things and help with bills." I think having a job would be pretty fun. It would keep me busy and I get my own money.

"Alright, well I'd check out the mall if I were you. I hear a lot of places are hiring. You and a friend could go." I nodded my head and pulled out my phone since I felt it vibrate in my sweatshirt pocket. "You know, your birthday is coming up. Got any ideas?" I dreaded my birthday because Marquez and I always did the whole 'birthday beat down'.

"My birthday passed. You missed it."

"Really Charnae? I've known you for 16 and a half years. I'm pretty sure I know your birthday." He laughed as he walked across the kitchen to the cabinets.

"Well you're wrong. But I have no plans." I said with a small laugh. I looked down at my phone and saw a text from Travie. He said he and Dontario went to South Central. So much for us hanging out today.

"Well if you're not doing anything let me know. I'll treat you to something nice instead of a birthday beat down." Lying ass.

"Yeah sure. I know you too well Marquez." He said nothing more.

I decided to text Joel. He and I have become really close friends. Travie thinks we don't talk anymore but Joel is nothing but a sweet kid and I'm not about to cut him off because Travie doesn't like him.

8:13 a.m. Joel- Morning Charnae

8:14 a.m. Me- Morning; wanna come with me to the mall?

8:15 a.m. Joel- you know I'm down, I'll swing by and pick you up since I'm already on the road

8:16 a.m. Me- thank you !

"Well I'm going to the mall to get me a J.O.B. " I said as I headed to my room.

"Good luck!" He yelled before I heard him walk back down the hall to his room.

I decided to change into a pair of white shorts, not those really short shorts, a pink tank top, a pair of brown leather sandals, and threw my hair up in a bun. It was supposed to be pretty hot today.