Miss Sacrifice

Malik

The day was long but is was eventually time to go pick up my sister Tay and go to the library with her. I was unexpectedly surprised that I was excited to go the library, usually I hated it but now there's a benefit in for me. I texted Jaaliyah telling her that I was going to the library and asked if she would be there while I waited for .

I think I'll be there in about 15 minutes.

I looked at my phone immediately and saw her text, suddenly getting even more excited. I wanted to take some time walking with Tay so that i could meet her at the entrance or even on the way there.

Aight.

"Malik!" I heard her voice from a distance. I turned to see Tay running up to me arms opened.

"Hey, what's up? How was school?" I asked.

Before she answered she pulled out a sheet of paper, "I have to do a lot of math homework Malik."

"How many questions are there?" I took the paper and saw that it was only 5 problems, and laughed at her, "Tay, its not that much. Don't be lazy."

"Yeah, 5 is a lot. When am I going to have time to finish them and then play with my dollies?" she asked as she took my hand.

"I don't know, but what I do know is that you have to get the homework done before mom comes home." I said.

The library was down the street from Tay's school and when we arrived, there was no sign of Jaaliyah anywhere. I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I settled down knowing that it was not 15 minutes yet.

I don't think I'll be able to make it today. Maybe I can come at the last minute but Not sure. Was what she texted me.

I was a bit disappointed by the text and I had hoped she came. It seemed as if she was a present that I couldn't wait to revive and open.

"Malik, what's wrong? Asked Tay.

" Nothin' I'm just thinking of what I could order to eat later." I lied.

"Can we get pizza?"

"Uh, maybe. Just work on your work for now." I replied

For the rest of the time I helped Tay on her math homework and then letting her get sometime on the computers. It was strange of me to think of someone that much and I was liking it bit by bit. After 30 minutes of waiting, I heard the door open and in the corner of my eye I caught the smallest glimpse of Jaaliyah. I turned around quickly not letting her think that I was looking for her— which I was— but instead I just let her walk over to my table.

As she walked by,I smelled her fragrance smelling of cherry blossoms and vanilla.

"Hey." Her voice was soft and quiet. As usual.
She sat down quickly as if not wanting me to look at her face.

"What's up?" I asked with a smirk.

"Nothing. How about you?" She was polite when she spoke.

"Same. Why you keep me waiting?" I laughed so it didn't sound like I was being rude.

"Uh, I'm sorry I had something to do for my dad. I didn't mean to keep you waiting." She kept her eyes down.

"It's aight girl no need to apologize." I looked for her eyes but couldn't find them.

"Oh, sorry." She fiddled with her nails chipping the polish off.

I gave her a low chuckle, "So what you doing for the day?"

"Nothing really most likely staying in the house and reading." She said. Jaaliyah looked up and I noticed her face.

At first it looked like she did her make up incorrectly but as I looked deeper and thought about it, there was a bruise on her cheek. 

"What happened to—"

"Malik I'm all done now."  Tay cut me off. My train of thought did not leave Jaaliyah's face but only went on to pay attention to Tay.

I couldn't stop thinking about Jaaliyah's face when I spoke to Tay, we stayed at the library for a few more minutes before walking out together. I was scared to ask her about it but something told me that I had to ask about it, it wasn't like me to be so scared and caring about someone but when I do worry its a big deal.