Crossroads

Ch. 3: The Tutoring Session

I sat in my living room watching The Wayans Brothers as I waited for Khalil to come over. My mom didn't get off work until 9:30 PM and my step dad was still on a business trip so I'd basically be alone for a while. I got up to get some snacks when a text came in from Khalil stating that he was on his way. I left school earlier than most of my peers because they gave free last periods to all the Honor Roll Students. I could just stay in the classroom with no teacher and kill time by gossiping and playing games like the rest of the Honors students but I didn't like being at school unless I absolutely had to be. I was good in school but I hated it.

I took 2 cans of root beer and my bowl of sliced watermelon from the fridge. After gathering everything in my hands, I struggled to carry them back to the living room. About 5 minutes later, the doorbell rang and I jumped up to answer it. I was really bored most times when I was alone at home so I was excited for his company even though this was about school.

I swung the door open, "Missed me?" He asked holding up a bag from Wing Stop.

"No, but I'm hungry." I said before grabbing it from his hands and skipping to the living room couch.

"Damn. Way to bruise my ego." He said locking the front door. He followed behind me into the freshly cleaned living room and I noticed him looking around and taking in the appearance of the place. "This is a nice ass house too. Damn, I see you Miss Hollywood. Y'all doing it big. Y'all rich or something?"

I shrugged. "My stepdad owns a record label."

He whistled in approval. "Damn. That's nice, yo." He swung his bag off his shoulder and stepped closer into the living room.

"Ah ah ah ah ah! Wait! Take off your shoes before you step on this white carpet boy." I exclaimed pointing to his feet.

He slid off his black and blue Air Jordan 1's and sat on the couch with a loud sigh. "Man, you a trip." He laughed shaking his head.

"I know." I laughed and fished through the Wing Stop bag. I took a bite of a lemon pepper wing. I closed my eyes and savored the taste.

He looked at me and shook his head. He reached for my bowl of watermelon sitting on the coffee table. I swatted his hand away. "No. Don't touch my watermelon."

"Girl, you over here just devouring my wings that I bought. Come on now don't be mean. Sharing is caring."

I groaned. "Fine you can have some but don't get too crazy. I don't play about my watermelon," I warned.

I let him eat while we talked and joked about anything we could think of. He tried to show me all the impressions he was supposedly good at but he totally was not. He was lucky I thought he was cute. Otherwise, I would've kicked him out for being so lame.

"Alright, time for some Spanish amigo," I said before stuffing two ranch-dipped fries in my mouth then grabbing a root beer and taking a quick swig of it. He looked away from me and I could tell he was trying not to laugh or say some smart remark. "Leave me alone. Yes, I'm a fat ass. Nothing's wrong with that." I laughed.

"I didn't say that there was anything wrong with it." He smirked.

"Whatever, come on." I said grabbing my Spanish book and sat on the carpet with my back against the chair and patted the spot next to me.

"You gotta start from the beginning because all I know is hola and amigo." He said seriously.

"Let's start with some basics. I don't wanna scare you off. What time is it?" I asked looking at my phone. "It's 6:30 which is night so... Buenas Noches, mi amigo. Que tal?" I said quickly to throw him off a bit.