Unfazed

Twenty-Seven

After a month and a half of recovering, it was safe to say I was getting back to my normal self. The surgical scars were healed, starting to fade and my breathing was getting back to normal. It upset me that I missed my birthday and New Year's Eve but I managed to look at the fireworks through my window.

Even though I was upset, I still missed Julian. Just a little bit though. My heart warmed up when I found out him and Ta'Shay weren't dealing with each other anymore. She was no good for him anyway. Word on the street was that Ta'Shay had gotten jumped at a gas station by a group of girls around our age. Somehow, no one knew anything and nobody called the police. It was unfortunate but karma is a bitch. A bitter one too.

As for Julian, he was living his best life. He was single, his grades were thriving and he applied to a couple universities to continue his education. Meanwhile, I haven't figured out what I want to do in life.

My phone started buzzing and I smiled when I saw his name pop up. "Hey Rodney," I mumbled rising up from the bed.

"Get dressed. Dee and I are on our way. We're about to go bowling but the catch is we're going glow-in-the-dark bowling," he cackled after revealing the surprise. I put a piece of my wild coily hair behind my ear.

"I don't think I can go. After all, it hasn't even been a whole two months since the incident. I don't want to be targeted again," I expressed my worry by rambling on with excuses.

"Nah, don't even worry about all that. You need to get out and have some fun. You've been in the house too long," he reasoned. It was a bit of shuffling on the other side before I heard Dee's voice.

"Sis, come on! Look, we don't have to go bowling. We can go laser tagging or to the movies or something ya'know!," she dragged speaking really close to the mic.

I huffed before rolling my eyes in defeat. "Okay! Alright! Give me an hour." I hung up and jumped off the bed walking to my bathroom.

After a thirty minute shower, I decided on an Adidas Three Striped dress and accessorized it with a plain black fanny pack I put over my shoulder, a pair of black rhinestone slides I purchased from the beauty supply store and my usual pair of giant hoop earrings. My previously unkempt hair was in a defined high puff with slick baby hairs.

A knock on my door followed by my mother's voice forced me to turn around.

"Loyalty, you look so nice. Where do you plan on going?," she asked, leaning on the door frame.

"Out with Rodney and them. Just for a little while," I replied after glossing my lips for the second time.

"Do you think that will be a good idea? I don't think this is the right time," she reasoned. I sighed, taking a seat on the bed.

"Ma, I can't be caged in the house forever. Plus, God got me. My friends got me. I'll be fine. I'm not staying out long either. They should be here any second now," I explained, checking the time.

"Okay. You have a guest downstairs," she told me heading out. I frowned my face up at that thought.

"Who?"

"I'll send them up!," she yelled, walking down the stairs. I sighed loudly as I heard a set of footsteps approaching me.

"Happy Belated Birthday," a voice greeted. Of course! My mom is messier than some of these teenage girls. Who said I wanted to see his face just yet?

I couldn't help but to stare at those brown almond shaped eyes that complimented his caramel skin and those plump pink lips that deliver the most delicate kisses. He was holding a giant cardboard box that was almost falling apart from being so full. He slowly placed it on the floor and sat next to me.