Sane

chapter 10

August 13,2016
Brookhaven, New York

Dezmon POV

As I headed out to make the drop, my mind was a mix of focus and concern for Niya. The streets were familiar, a routine I knew well, but today felt different. I couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility—not just for the job, but for Niya too.

The drop went smoothly, As I walked into the room, I saw Niya sitting in the chair, staring at the bag of weed I had accidentally left on the table. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked up at me, asking for an explanation.

"Niya, I'm sorry you had to see this," I began, trying to find the right words. "Yes, I've been dealing a bit to make ends meet. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's what I felt I had to do after my parents passed away."

She listened intently, her expression a mix of concern and disappointment. "I didn't want you to find out this way," I continued. "I know it's risky and not the life I want forever. Meeting you has made me realize that I need to change things."

Niya nodded slowly, processing what I had said. "I appreciate your honesty, Dezmon," she replied softly. "But promise me you'll find a way out of this. You deserve better."

"I promise," I said earnestly. "I'm already looking for other options. You've given me a reason to want more for myself."

After Dezmon explained the situation, Niya sat quietly for a moment, processing everything he had shared. Despite her initial shock and concern, she appreciated his honesty and the vulnerability he showed in admitting his struggles. She realized how much she valued having him in her life, especially during such a difficult time.

"Thank you for being honest with me, Dezmon," Niya said softly. "I know it's not easy to talk about these things. I'm here for you too, just like you've been here for me."

I odded, feeling a sense of relief that she understood. "I promise I'm working on changing things," he assured her. "You've shown me that there's more to life than just getting by."

"We should go to sleep and get ready for school," Niya suggested, her voice soft but determined. "You can shower first; I'll be up in a few when you're finished."

Niya walked upstairs, feeling a mix of exhaustion and lingering anxiety. As she settled into the quiet of the house, she couldn't shake the weight of the discovery she had made earlier.

Meanwhile, I stood in the living room, my heart racing as I realized I had left the bag of weed out in plain sight. "Fuck, I can't believe I left that shit out," I muttered to myself. Quickly, I grabbed the bag and tucked it away in a drawer, hoping Niya wouldn't dwell on it too much.

I also set her medicine down on the table where she could easily find it when she came back down. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel lost or abandoned again.

After putting everything away, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I knew I needed to be honest with her about my choices, but I also wanted to protect her from the darker parts of my life.

As I waited for Niya to return, I thought about how much she meant to me. Her presence was a light in my otherwise chaotic world, and I wanted to ensure that she felt safe with me—no matter what challenges lay ahead.