Issues ▷ Reggie Mantle

TEN

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TEN; THE BEGINNING OF THE END

"CAN WE TALK about Reggie?"

Kalani slammed her locker shut, staring at Lucas with a raised eyebrow. "Reggie? Since when do you want to talk about my boyfriend?"

"Since I found out he's been selling drugs to freshmen."

Kalani paused. Her eyes widened and her head snapped up, staring at Lucas. There was no humor laced in his voice, only compassion and empathy.

"Please tell me you're joking. Please, Lucas," she begged.

Lucas was trying to find a way to word his observation correctly. "I saw him yesterday. I wanted to get more confirmation before coming to you, and it's true. He's been selling drugs in his free time."

She shook her head, gripping the metal lockers next to her. "Lucas, it can't be. I've given my heart and soul to him."

"Kal, I swear, I wish it wasn't true."

"Beautiful rose!"

On any other day, her heart would be filled with pure elation at the sound of Reggie's voice. Now, she was overcome with a feeling of dread. Lucas glanced at the man approaching them before laying both of his hands on his cousin's shoulders.

He shook her lightly. "Kalani, listen to me. I know you love that boy, but you cannot let this toxic presence into your life."

"Hi, beautiful rose," Reggie grinned. He threw an arm around Kalani, but he failed to notice her figure tense underneath his touch. "Hey, Lucas. How are you today?"

"Uh, I'm just fine, Reggie. I'll see you later, Kal."

Lucas departed with another nod towards Kalani. He also offered her a look of understanding.

Kalani suddenly felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. Reggie's presence used to be a source of comfort, but he was now suffocating her. "Beautiful rose?" He asked, staring at her. "You alright? Want me to walk you to class?"

"It's not true, is it?" She responded, throwing his arm off of her and taking a step away from him. Reggie frowned at the hostility.

"What are you talking about?"

"Have you become a drug dealer, Reginald Mantle?"

The world stopped. The chatter in the hallways was no longer coherent in Reggie's ears. He focused on the girl in front of him — the girl he was willing to dedicate his whole life to. He wished that he could turn back time and refuse to take those drugs from that kid at Southside High because he knew that with just one glance at his girlfriend, he had already lost her.

"Beautiful rose-"

She shook her head, taking a step back as he took a step forward.

"We're done. It's over."

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