Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 54 - Khaleel

I texted my cousin Sumaya to book another henna appointment. The designs she had drawn on me four weeks ago were beginning to fade from dark orange to a light apricot. The assorted Celtic artwork I had argued against had strangely grown on me and I wanted to sport them for another month. Asking for that would no doubt give her bragging rights. Sumaya always got so loud and arrogant when I complimented her, so I tried not to. Someone had to humble her. She referred to herself as the older sister I never had but always wanted—deluded woman.I was the younger brother she never had but always wanted.

I turned from my reflection in the bathroom mirror and rolled down the sleeves of my buttoned shirt. I threw my blazer over my shoulder and headed for the exit. I had spent the whole morning looking after a girl I couldn't have, and now I had to go to the rooftop to pound the fucker who conspired to have her kidnapped. When Loyal texted me to leave Arisa in Zander's hands, my mood should have worsened, but instead I felt relieved. I wasn't done talking to her about 'us' nor was I ready to let someone else protect her, but I wanted an out from facing Matilda.

I took the steps up to the rooftop and opened the door to find Carter crouched next to one of the power ramps. His bloody face couldn't hide his broken nose or grief. Hino stood over the snake, delivering relentless kicks to the side of his stomach and legs. It was payback for the arm sling, I assumed, unfazed by his apathetic expression. Loyal was there too, looking out at the suburban view. The air felt warmer against my skin today, which was a clear sign of spring.

I kept my blazer off to avoid sweating and waited for an update from my friends. "Take the rat out of here," Loyal said to Hino.

"I'd love to," Hino beamed pointing to his injured arm. "Bit of a tough request, though."

"Let's talk on the other side," I suggested. "Hino can make sure the rat stays put."

"Now that I can manage," Hino replied.

I led Loyal behind a second ramp to the left side of the rooftop. We usually avoided the whole area because the new building for the term four students was built directly across. The chances of getting caught were higher, so we had to hide  behind a third ramp. "Hino did most of the damage," Loyal told me. "The guy pulled out his rings and everything. I haven't seen him do that in a while."

"Good for him for letting loose," I commented. "Any news about Dobberman?"

Loyal shook his head. "Only that he's been texting Tommy non-stop since Arisa's kidnapping."

My eyes widened. "That fucker has some nerve."

"Yeah," Loyal complained. "And worse, Zander overheard Tomasia telling me."

"It won't be pretty if Dobberman comes to Jackheights," I added. "Whether it's for Tomasia or to cause more problems for us. It will be bad news on all fronts."

"That's the worst-case scenario."

I couldn't agree more.

"Anything you want to report?" Loyal asked.

My stomach abruptly unsettled with worry and stress. This was a good time as any to bring up the shit I had been bottling up since yesterday. If I didn't do it now then it might be too late, and if she told him first, it would make me look like a shady asshole. "Yeah actually, I do," I said with a straight face. "I told Arisa I wanted her."

The wind tussled through Loyal's perfect hair. He blinked at me but maintained his composure. "How serious were you when you said it?" he asked.

"Pretty serious."

Loyal took a deep breath. "What did she say?"

"That she doesn't see me that way," I replied, candidly. I couldn't hold back my smile when I continued to speak. "I pulled that line you texted about how hate can turn into love quickly if enough time passes. I think she ate it up."

"This is exactly why I envy you," Loyal said.

His words took me by surprise.

"Everyone calls me the human lie detector," he continued. "The devil who can read people with a single glance, the demon who can scare you into revealing your darkest and most shameful secrets. I never saw myself to be that. I think you are more deserving of the title. I've never had to use my abilities on you, Khaleel. You've been real with me from the day I met you and it's been both refreshing and terrifying. You have this rare gift of getting the truth out of others without getting lost in their lies. Without it eating you up so badly that you start thinking there's no one in the world you could trust."

"I only became that way after meeting you guys," I said.

"No, you saw the appeal and changed for the better," Loyal concurred. "Not everyone is dedicated enough to pursue honesty. They weigh their truths in their own favour and always look out for number one. You're not like that. You spit the truth even though you know it will hurt, you risk it all because you believe it's the best tool."

I let the awkward silence pass.

"Did I hurt you with my truth?" I asked. "Sorry, I didn't mean to. You know I'll have always your back but I draw the line when it—"

"Comes to your life," Loyal finished for me. "I know, I can respect that. Honestly, I don't blame you for wanting her. I'm also not ready to lose a friend over a girl."

"Yeah," I agreed. "Neither am I."