Innocence

18.Charming🦋

🦋A•R•I•E•L🦋

I stepped out my Lyft and thanked the driver before closing the door. I knew I was late showing up to see Chris at the hospital, but I had a long shift today. I came here as soon as I could. I walked through the sliding doors and followed the waiting room arrow. I pulled out my phone and continued to walk, but I bumped into Hakeem.

I looked at him and rolled my eyes, "My fault." He said barely acknowledging my presence.

I stuffed my phone in my purse, "Did you see him already?" I asked.

His eyes scanned his phone, "She better not be tryna see that nigga..." He mumbled.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Uhm, hello?" I waved my hand in his face.

His eyes popped out of his head, "Bro what you want?" He yelled.

My mouth gaped, and I raised my brow, "Who the fuck—" I put my hands up. "You know what. Forget it."

I brushed passed him and sat inside the waiting room. I was ready to cuss this boy out, but I just wasn't in the mood. I had to save that energy for my brothers. I looked around, seeing no one in the waiting room. I wanted to call Chris and ask what was going on, but I knew that was inconvenient. Hakeem walked inside and placed a chair in front of me. I watched him intently as he sat down.

I scoffed, "What're you doing?" I looked at him, unimpressed.

He placed his bottled Pepsi on the floor, "If you tryna see Chris, he kicked me out a minute ago." He admitted.

I shook my head, "And you pulled a chair just to tell me that? I mean, I see why he kicked you out, anyway."

He pulled his head back, "The fuck that shit supposed to mean?" He looked me up and down.

I scavenged my purse for my phone, "I'm not finna answer that shit..."  He snatched my purse. "Hakeem, I'm finna beat yo ass!" I tried taking my purse back, but he sat on it.

He folded his arms, "You ain't gettin shit back til you tell me what I wanna know."

I towered over him, "Hakeem get up." He shook his head, and I snatched his pepsi.

I sat down and crossed my legs, "Shit, you can have it I got another dollar-fifty  in my pocket." He shrugged.

I unscrewed the cap, making the soda fizz to the top. I looked directly into his eyes before gulping down half of the bottle. I knew boys couldn't stand people drinking or eating their stuff no matter what. I pulled the drink away from my lips and smacked them. I sighed with relief, feeling the burning sensation travel to my stomach. My smirk faded away as a smile stretched across Hakeem's face.

He burst into a laughing spree, "What?" I asked, sitting the drink beside him.

"Because..." He put his head back, laughing and clutched his stomach.

I smiled, "Hakeem..." I giggled.

He smiled like a toddler who had just won a carnival prize. His teeth glistened like diamonds in the hospital lights. Hakeem had a contagious laugh. Once he started laughing, you couldn't resist joining in. I chuckled nervously as he wiped a tear from his eye. I'd admit that I didn't like Hakeem, but witnessing his goofy side definitely made me want to stick around. Sadly, this wasn't the reaction I was expecting.

I rolled my eyes and leaned back, "So you gon tell me what's funny?" I folded my arms across my chest.

He licked his lips, "Trust me baby girl you don't want to know..."

I shook my head, "I think I would. That's why I'm asking in the first place." I looked at my chipping nails.

He handed me my purse, "You—"

"Hakeem lets go." Jessica said with bass in her voice.

Hakeem turned around, "Who you talking to like that? You got an attitude for no reason."

"I don't have time for this. If you will not take me, I'll take my dang self." She stormed off.

"The fuck..." Hakeem mumbled.

He looked at me, and I could see his face hardened. The goofy Jello Hakeem was gone and the rageful Hakeem had entered. Anything could make him snap like a stick. I didn't know Hakeem that well to calm him down, but for an odd reason, seeing him angry made me upset too.

He stood to his feet, "Well, Ima head out." He walked off, but stopped in the doorway and turned to me, "You need a ride or som?"

I peeled the excess polish off my nails, "My mama don't get off til 8 so I'm just gon wait." I shrugged.

"Just ride with me." He waved me over.

I slightly pulled my head back, "You're funny." I scoffed. "I don't think I wanna be in the car with her. I'm telling you right now if she say something to me, Ima hurt her feelings."

Hakeem smiled, "Girl she ain't gon say non' to you. Come on." He walked over and held his hand out.

I stuttered to take his hand, but eventually I gave in. He yanked me up, and I stumbled into his arms, "Hakeem!" I hit his chest.

He chuckled, "Damn, you already all over me." I pulled away and followed him out.

I shook my head. I felt like a hypocrite, I always got riled up just by hearing another girl mention Hakeem's name. I would tell them he was just a flirt. Just another mediocre. But here I was, smelling his fresh cologne, and adoring his presence.  He was so corny, but yet so smooth. He had to be strong because although I fell into him; he stood still like a brick wall.

*^*^*

Hakeem turned onto my street and stopped in front of my shack for a house, "This it?" He asked, scoping it out.

I blushed with shame, "Yeah, it sure is..." I forced a laugh and fiddled with my fingers. "I know, it looks merely impossible to fit 7 kids in there."

"I-i ain't mean to come off like that. My fault."

My eyes darted left and right, "Yeah, I usually just tell people to drop me off at the intersection over there." I pointed down the street.

"Naw..." He huffed. "You shouldn't feel the need to hide how or where you live. You needa hang with people that can accept everything that come wit you."

I sighed, "I mean yeah, it's easy for you to say. If I stayed away from every judgmental person, I wouldn't have any friends at all." I opened the door and stepped out. "Thanks for the ride Hakeem." I shut the door.