BFF

Rewind time

Tia POV

Dear reader, I'm taking you back fifteen years ago...

"Tia, can I wear this shirt?" Kim called, stepping into my room.

I glanced up and laughed. "Kim, you cannot fit that shirt."

"But it's cute," she pouted.

"Well, how about we find you one at the mall later on?"

She grinned. "Deal."

Our mom's voice rang out from downstairs. "Tia, Kim, y'all ready for school?"

"Yeah, Ma, I'm grabbing my bag," I called back.

Kim chimed in, "I'm putting my shoes on now!"

We headed downstairs, both of us in a rush to not be late.

"Alright, babies, see y'all later," our dad, Terry, said.

"Bye, Dad!" we chorused together.

Middle school was easy for me. I liked my teachers and stayed on top of my grades, not because I needed straight A's to do hair—but just in case I changed my mind someday. Even though it felt unlikely, I still wanted options.

"Alright, Tia, see you after school," my mom said when we reached the car.

"Bye, Mom. See you! Bye, Kim."

"Bye, Tia," Kim waved as we split off. She was still in elementary school, two years younger, so we went to different places during the day.

Once I got to school, I headed straight for my locker. Seventh grade wasn't hard, but I was already counting down to eighth and then high school.

Just as I was turning my lock, a familiar voice shouted, "Best friend!"

I turned with a smile. "Hey, Brandy."

"Did you see the new boy yet?"

I shook my head. "No, but Principal Miler just called me to the office, so I'm guessing that's what he wants."

I'd been the unofficial tour guide since I got to this school. It was fun showing new students around, giving them the inside scoop.

"Girl, he is so fine. Like, fine," Brandy exaggerated.

I rolled my eyes. "I bet. You say that about every new boy."

"I don't! But I'm for real about this one. Maybe you can get on."

"Get on what? I don't want a boyfriend."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. He waiting on you." She giggled and skipped off down the hall.

When I got to the office, Principal Miler smiled at me. "Hey, Tia. I need you to show our new student around."

"Okay," I nodded.

The new boy walked over, and when I say Brandy wasn't lying—omg—he was fine. Easily the cutest boy in our school and on our whole block.

"Hey, ma. My name East," he said smoothly.

"I'm Tia. What's your real name?"

He grinned. "My fault—Dave."

He held out his hand, and I shook it. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice meeting you too, ma."

"So, you call all girls that?" I teased as we walked down the hall.

"Nah," he laughed. "Just you."

"Oh yeah? I bet. What grade you in?"

"Eighth. You?"

"Seventh."