The Hood Girl

Issues

Lakira's Pov-
Her eyes met mine as I stood waiting on her answer. She fixed her glasses and nodded. I closed the door and sat in front of her.

Lakira: I have a problem and I don't know what to do about it. Can I just vent for a while... Coach?

She sat back in her chair and smiled.

Coach: Of course. Let me send an email to your other teachers. Start from the beginning of your issues.

She took a sip of her drink
Lakira: okay well let's start with my momma-

She choked.

Coach: Wha-what about her?

She put down her drink and rested her chin on her fist.

Lakira: Well when I was really young she left and obviously that hurt so I turned to this dude, Dre. That guy's like a brother to me.
Coach: I don't think she just left willingly, but what about this guy? What did he do for you?
Lakira: He got me a family. But that family got some issues that are pretty bad
Coach: Like what?
Lakira: I can't really specify but just know there's issues. And well someone I really care about might be leaving because of those issues
Coach: That boy you're always with?
Lakira: Joey. My rock. My whole heart. I go to him for everything. I swear when I sleep over we just lay up in his and talk all night. It's the best thing ever. I don't want that to end.
Coach: Well baby you gotta ask yourself this: What's more important? My "family" issues or my rock?
Lakira: The choice is obvious
Coach: Then just do what you think is right. Sort out your problems by going to the source; starting with the most important one
Lakira: That's actually such a great idea
Coach: My momma said that to me before she passed. I had deep talks with her too. We'd stay up for hours looking up at the sky and talking about life. She was like my family soulmate. We did that all the way up to my first babygirl.
Lakira: What happened to her!
Coach: My momma died under some type of circumstances and I had to do something I never wanted to do.
Lakira: What?
Coach: Something I regret everyday.

She wipe the tear I didn't see forming and stood up.

Coach: Do you have anything else to talk about?
Lakira: Just some cheer stuff
Coach: Oh okay well let's get on that

I nodded and pulled out a notebook so I could write down ideas. My mind wandered off a little, but I was still listening. I kept wondering why Coach was always so weird about literally everything. I also thought about what I'd do about Joey and the gang. Obviously I had to fix all this or it was gonna blow up in my face.

After my "meeting" with coach finished, I packed up my bag and started heading out. There was only five minutes left of school so I figured I might as well just get my stuff out of my locker. As I pulled out what I needed, a boy came over and closed my locker. Charles.. haven't seen him in a while.

Charles: Well hello there
Lakira: Um hI

I started walking away, but he chased after me

Charles: Whats the rush beautiful?

He picked up my chin with his finger. I smiled but then pushed him back

Lakira: Don't touch me
Charles: Spicy. I likes that about you. You're so beautiful. Like a caramel chocolate chip

I looked at him confused

Lakira: I have a boyfriend
Charles: That doesn't matter
Lakira: It really does because I care about him too much to cheat with a slime ball like you
Charles: I was his best friend. Trust me. He isn't as much of a good guy as you think. He not right for a good girl like you.
Lakira: Doesn't matter. I'm not as much of a good girl as you think. I've done thing you couldn't even imagine so I suggest you move your ass out of my way or you'll see just how spicy I can get.

I pushed him aside just as the bell rang. Obviously Joey wasn't gonna take me home so I called Dre. He picked up and we headed to my house.

When we got there I asked him to come inside so we could talk.

Lakira: Dre there ain't no way to say this easy but I think I need to retire
Dre: What you mean?
Lakira: I can't do this stuff no more
Dre: You can't just leave
Lakira: I got too much on my mind. I need to retire. Imma still be there for y'all but I can't keep doing this dangerous bull shit
Dre. I'll have to talk to C-baby but I'm sure we can work something out
Lakira: Thank you

I hugged him and called Joey as soon as Dre left. He didn't answer so I decided to Uber to his house.

I walked into his room after saying "hi" to Sophia and his mom. He was playing his game.

Lakira: Joey?

He moved his headset away from his ear.

Joey: Lakira? What do you want?

He turned the game off and stood up. I walked his to him and wrapped my arms around his neck.

Lakira: I don't want to lose you over dumb shit. You're one of the most important things in my life and I can't let you go. Not yet. I'm gonna retire. I won't be completely out, but I also won't be doing anything that could kill me. Or more importantly you.

He smiled at me and kissed me so passionately.

Joey: I'm glad you did that for me
Lakira: Anything for you

I let go of him and started to leave, but he pulled me back.

Joey: Stay...