Crossroads

Eight

Crossroads | Chapter Eight

It was time for the game. I had on my Eden High jersey with black lipstick brushed across each cheek. Kanisha's mom had come home early from work and drove us to River Valley High School. Malachi was at the entrance chatting with a few guys on the football team when we arrived. I walked over to him. His eyes immediately met with mine. He smiled, "I'm gone spit with y'all later." He said to the team placing his arm around my shoulder. It felt weird being this close to a guy, but as I took in the aroma of smoky vanilla that exuded from his skin my heart rate ran for miles.

I peered up at him to study his appearance. He was dressed in a pair of jeans with an Eden High jersey similar to mine. A green snap-back complimented his head, yet it was worn backwards and not to mention the military tags that hung on his neck. He looked so damn good to me, and I was even more ecstatic to see what he would be wearing for the dance. His dark chocolate skin was a bonus. I always had a preference for darker men. I don't know if I was more attracted to his modulated tone or his masculinity, but either way he kept my interest.

We walked down the hall toward the outdoor stadium with his arm still around me. "You look sexy with your Eden High gear on." He said lifting up the collar on my jersey.

"Thanks. Who better than to rep this shit hole than me?"

"True shit. I hope you ready for tonight. I got plans to get you out there on the dance floor."

"I ain't really much of a dancer. I might sit around and let you do your thang."

He gave me a stern look taking his arm from around me and staring into my eyes, "Nah, I know dances ain't your thing, but you're my date. I want you to be comfortable enough to enjoy yourself around me. I asked you out tonight because I'm feeling you. Maybe a little too much." He shrugged pushing his hands into jean pockets, "I know we don't know much about each other, but I do know you're different. Shit, I like different. I want different. And I don't want you doing nothing you don't want to, but can I at least get one dance tonight?"

I stood there contemplating on what to say. I was taken aback by his brown eyes. They gleamed of an unreadable mystery. He stood over me awaiting for an answer. Honestly, I didn't know what to say. But I loved every word he said. I was feeling him too. It was just something about the way he took care of himself. His smile and his charm. He was different. And I wanted different too. "That's cool with me. As long as you promise not to laugh at my two left feet."

He chuckled and grabbed a hold of my hand interlocking our fingers, "I can't promise I won't laugh, but I can teach you a few things."

Once we made it to the outdoor stadium we settled for a seat at the top of the bleachers. We were smack in the middle and had a great view of the field. The crowd rushed in and low conversations engulfed the room. Malachi kept his arm rested around me as I waved the girls over to sit with us. I introduced the three of them to him. Although I talked about him quite often they never actually got a proper introduction. The five us took the time to get acquainted. I learned that Malachi held a position at Planet Fitness as a membership associate. He said the pay was pretty decent and he longed to be a personal trainer in the future.

It was evident that he spent many hours in the gym. I'm pretty sure he preferred strength training over cardio considering he was toned. He offered to come up to my new gig tomorrow so I wouldn't be so nervous during my first shift. I had to admit I was impressed by how involved he wanted to be in my life. It took me back to the conversation I had with Kanisha earlier about how she admired the fact that someone was interested in her. I felt that way about Malachi. The girls drifted into their personal conversations about what they were going to wear tonight and who they were bringing as a date. Amari decided to show up solo. Kanisha, of course, had Darnell and Leiyana was bringing her baby daddy, Trenton.