BFF

Rewind Time 11

 Tia's POV

Dear reader, I'm taking you back—eleven years ago to be exact.

Senior year. Young, bold, and unaware of how the moments we didn't think twice about would shape everything.

I was in my bedroom getting ready for school, the speaker on my dresser thumping out old-school R&B. I sang along, twirling around in front of the mirror, toothbrush in one hand, flat iron in the other.

"And slip on your high heels
And some of that sweet perfume
It sure smells good on you..."

"This my song!" I said to myself with a grin, dancing as I mouthed the words.

Kim popped her head into my room without knocking, as usual.

"Is Dave picking you up today, T?" she asked, eyes flicking to my mirror like she had something to say about my outfit.

"Nah, he not," I replied, still flat-ironing my hair. "I'm driving today."

"Alright, I'll ride with Mom then."

I looked at her through the mirror and smirked. "Wow. So you don't want to ride with me unless Dave is there, huh?"

She rolled her eyes, but a grin tugged at her lips. "Well... I did wanna see him, but no—ugly."

"Yeah, I bet. Get out, ugly," I laughed, throwing a pillow at her. She dodged and ran out, laughing.

I threw my purse over my shoulder and headed to school, mentally trying to push Dave out of my thoughts—but failing miserably.

At School

Brandy and I were standing by the lockers during lunch when Dave walked by. I glanced at him, but he didn't look in my direction. Just like the last few days.

"Girl, no," I told Brandy, continuing our conversation. "I haven't talked to him in four days. But it's cool."

Brandy raised a brow. "Tia, stop frontin'. You know you pissed."

I sighed. "Of course I am. Me and Dave talk every day. And now, out of nowhere, he ghosts me? I'm over it."

"It's sick how you don't even realize why you're mad."

"Here you go again," I groaned, rolling my eyes. "I'm not in love with him. We're best friends, Brandy. We've known each other half our lives. That's all."

She gave me that whatever you say look. "You going to DJ's party?"

"Yeah. I am."

"Aight. I'll see you after school."

As lunch ended, I walked through the hallway, already annoyed. Not hearing from Dave in four days was bugging me. Not just because we usually talked every day, but because I knew what kind of life he was involved in. He never had to say much—I just knew. And not hearing from him? That scared me more than I liked to admit.

I met up with Ki outside of class.

"Friend! Finally, you here," she said, linking her arm with mine.

"My fault, Ki. I was talking to Brandy."

"It's cool. We going to the mall after school, right? Gotta get something for DJ's party."

"Yeah, alright."

Ki glanced over at me, concern in her voice. "Still haven't talked to Dave?"

I shook my head. "No. You know how I get."