Undercover

24.

9:59 P.M. that same day

Jamila's P.O.V.

My mom and dad's room were closed and they were definitely asleep at the moment. Jalen was coming by to pick me up for a late coffee run, I could use the company.

I threw on a black tee, leggings, and my Nike slides.

"Alright Jamila, let's not mess this up," I whispered to myself in my bathroom mirror.

I threw my natural hair into a bun and grabbed my house keys before tip-toeing down the stairs.

I finally got the text from Jalen saying he was outside so I eased the door open and I heard a door close upstairs.

I froze as I saw my mom walking down the stairs in her robe.

"Jamila? Where you going this late at night honey?"

I sighed. "I uh, well you see...I don't have an excuse."

"Going out with friends?" She said as she came to stand in front of me.

"Yes ma'am, I can cancel if you want me to."

"No, no, just be home by eleven. I don't want your daddy to wake up and realize you're gone."

"You for real? You're letting me go?"

"I always wanted to give you more freedom. All that time and rules was your daddy's idea - I never liked it."

I gave her a big hug as she kissed my cheek. "Thank you mama."

"Go have fun and be aware of your surroundings. Call me if you need anything."

"Yes ma'am."

She winked at me before going back upstairs to her room and easing the door shut. I locked up the house and walked outside to Jalen's car.

He got out and leaned against the side of the car.

"I thought you were standing me up."

"Well I'm sorry, I usually don't have coffee dates this time of night." I laughed.

"Oh, so this is a date?"

I blushed thinking about what I said. "A date between new friends, how about that."

He nodded before walking to the passenger side of the car and opening the door.

"Well let's go date then."

I laughed as I walked around the car and got inside. "Why thank you my good man."

"It is my pleasure malady."

We both fell out laughing as he closed my door and got in on his side. He started the car but it kind of stalled at first.

He looked at me nervously as he tried it again. "Hold on, it does this from time to time."

"It's fine. I can wait Jalen there's no rush." He chuckled nervously and tried again making the start completely.

"Alright, let's go."

He pulled off as we headed to one of the coffee shops near the school.

"So school huh?"

I laughed. "What about it?"

"We the best aren't we?"

"I mean you guys have a strong student body so, I can say you guys are some of the best students I've seen."

"Hey, you're a part of it too you tourist."

We both laughed as he stopped at a red light. "You're right. I guess we're all a bit great, huh?"