Roses & Thorns

From The Beginning

Lyric's POV

Imani: I promiseeee!!

I watched as Imani flung her arms and groaned.

Imani: My parents have cursed me by birthing me in Jacksonville, Florida. This place has nothing to do.

I laughed to myself as I gave the last carrot to the rabbit that usually visits me.

Me: There's stuff to do. But all the things I want to do, well... you don't.

Imani: Becauseee Lyric.. what do I look like wearing a skirt while riding a skateboard?

Me: You know some girls actually ride skateboards with skirts right?

She gave me a hard glare. I put my hands up in surrender and laughed.

Me: You got it. How about you change into something more comfy. Maybe some shorts and a tank top.

Imani: Lyric... that is your style.. not mine. Plus do you know how far my house is? Thats a walk to go change.

Me: (Giggling) You're only 3 houses away.

Imani: It is too hot to be walking back and forth.

Me: Whatever.

I rubbed the top of the rabbit's head and stood up, wiping the crumbs off my hand.

Imani: Anywaysss.. so Lyric.

Me: Yeah?

Imani: You know we've been best friends since I don't know... pre school.

I felt my eyebrow raise as a grin grew on her face.

Me: Yeah?

Imani: You know how we always do things together?

Me: Yeah..

Imani: Even if one of us doesn't like the idea.

I raised my eyebrow even higher.

Me: What did you do?

Imani: I ain't doing nothing. We are.

Me: (Crosses arms) And what are we doing?

Imani: We are going to Jay's house party this Saturday.

Her smile widened like I already agreed to the idea.

Me: What? I- you know how I feel about parties.

Imani: We have no more classes, Lyric! Summer break just started. I want you to experience the party life as much as you can. Even if its through one party.

Me: I guess.

Imani: Will you please come with me?

Me: I don't know. You know how my father is.

Imani: Don't you want to get away from him and.. you know.

Me: You are right. I don't want to be stuck in that hell hole.

Imani: Is he-

Dad: Music!! Get ya ass in here!!

I kissed my teeth and turned towards the house.

Me: It's Lyric!

Dad: What?!

I rolled my eyes and turned my head back to Imani.

Me: Imma go in before he has another fit. I'll see you later.

Imani: You want you to spend the night with me?