HIM.

Maybe.

I was heading to talk to my professor when I realized I left my charger in my room. I texted Lani to see if she'd bring it when we met up for lunch.

I crossed the street and headed toward the Matthews building where my professors office was. I was tired but really needed to talk to him about this portfolio.

As I walked in I could feel someone watching me but i shook it off. I was sleepy after all so it could've been nothing. I talked to my professor and finally was heading to eat when I felt a hand grab my arm.

Whipping around I couldn't believe who I saw.

"Get away from me." I said quickly walking away from him

"Come on. Give me 5 minutes." He pleaded following me to the door.

"No. Stop following me or i'll call the police."

"Anila plea-"

"Leave me alone." I said looking at him then storming off.

"Thanks Miya, see you tomorrow."

"No problem, later boo." She said hugging me.

We went to hang out at Yari's house and finally she was dropping me off at home. I was tired and just wanted to curl up in my bed.

"Anila!" I heard a voice across the yard whisper.

"Huh?" I asked looking behind me.

Over walked Ahmad, his hair was longer and he looked a little different. I was confused, I hadn't seen him in almost a month and he just popped up.

"Do I know you?" I asked folding my arms.

"Damn. I deserved that." He said smiling and stepping back.

"So where you been?"

"My grandma.. she died. I went back home for a few weeks." He said not looking directly at me.

"I'm so sorry Ahmad, really I am." I said immediately feeling selfish.

"It's alright, I kinda disappeared on you. I'm sorry for that."

"Give me a hug and i'll call it even."

He smiled and yanked me toward his chest, pulling me into a tight hug. I wrapped my arms around him and could hear his heart beating quickly into my ear. I said i'd curse him out, or ignore him when he got back, but seeing him changed everything. He seemed so tired and sad, he needed this hug just as much as I did.

"Mook!" I heard my brother yell from the driveway. He pulled in and I didn't even notice.

I quickly pulled away from Ahmad and looked at him. He looked angry and annoyed, here we go.

"Yo what the fuck you doing?" He asked walking over to us with a bag hanging from his hand.

"Nothing, stop embarrassing me." I mumbled looking up at him.

"Go in the house man, it's late as hell anyway." He said mugging me and looking over at Ahmad.

Ahmad

Anika's brother walked up on me as she headed in the house. He was about my height and had a mean ass look on his face.

"Look nigga, don't know you, and I don't want you around my sister, period." He said staring at me directly.

"All due respect, I don't think I can do that." I replied unfazed.

"You think i'm playing with you?"

"Nah, i'm just telling you, man to man."

"You a lil ass boy, and you not about to be fucking with my sister. So take this as a warning. Get the fuck on." He said then walked off toward his house.

I laughed to myself and headed in the house, everybody was asleep of course. I went up to my room and took a shower, I got out and had a text.

Anila 😍🌹:

I'm so sorry about that, my brother is super controlling and annoying. Don't listen to anything he says, he's stupid.

1:43 AM

Me:

It's cool, i'm not tripping. He just doing what brothers do. I'd be controlling too if you was my sister, honestly.

1:44 AM

Anila 😍🌹:

I'm sorry though. and haha, very cute. 🤦🏽‍♀️

1:44 AM

Me:

you gonna let me see you tomorrow?

1:45 AM

Anila 😍🌹:

I have school, maybe after.

1:47 AM

Me:

bet, let me see you afterwards then.

1:47 AM

Anila 😍🌹:

Hmm, i'll think about it. 🤗

1:49 AM

Me:

hope you do, get you some sleep shorty, see you tomorrow.

1:50 AM

Anila 😍🌹:

lol goodnight Ahmad.

1:51 AM

I put my phone on my nightstand and rolled over to go to sleep. I wanted Anila so bad, but I was just praying I didn't get in my own way. I had to tell her the truth if I was gonna pursue her for real.