BESTFRIENDS

Mixed Emotions

Raheem P.O.V

The whole week pops had us working. Today we had to wash cars to raise money for the church fund. We were standing outside waiting for someone to pull up. James was holding the sign up and I even took off my shirt showing off my ripped abs but still nobody showed up. “Aye bit, come here.” “What.” He looked over. “We might as well chill, ain't nobody gone show.” Im surprised he ran over, he normally would talk me out of, as he would say doing the wrong thing.  We walked inside the church. We be here so much we might as well stay. “What if dad show up.” “He not but if he do we can run outside and just say we took a pee break.” “Alright.” We went in the back room where the cameras were and watched to see when pops would show so we could run back out.  “Whats up.” I playfully pushed James just to start conversation. “Nothing.” “You know you can talk to me right.” I assured him. “Yeah.” “Then why you acting like you shy knowing damn well you not.” “I just don't have none to say.” “You.” I asked knowing he normally talk a nigga ears off. “Yeah me.” “Aye you remember the day we took this.” I said holding up a family portrait. “Yeah, I remember.” “You remember crying when you thought we weren't getting anything for Christmas but this picture too.” I laughed uncontrollably as I thought about that day. “Its funny.” He asked with a  smirk. “Yeah, I can literally imagine you crying that day.”  I said. “Its not that funny.” He stated while still laughing his self. “Dont get mad you still cute when you cry and most people not.” “Stop.” He said. “I miss this and us.” I said speaking my mind. James looked the other way like we didn't just have a moment. “Why you acting like that.” “Raheem what you want me to say. I want you as bad as you want me but we both know that it won't last.” “How would you know if we never try.” I said rolling my chair closer to his.

James P.O.V

“We have tried and failed, Id rather be your friend. I mean thats best.” I said knowing Id rather not but I knew if I put myself back in that situation I'd only get hurt again. Raheem had girls lined up, ready to make some happen with him, while myself on the other hand was really nobody. If I left this world today who would really remember me other than Raheem or my parents. “That's why its called taking chances. You never know what could happen. ” “And that's what I'm scared of, not knowing what could happen. ” “And I'm scared too bit, I know this risky but I don't care.” “Dads outside.” I placed the chair back where it was and ran outside. “I hope y'all made some money while y'all slacking off.” “Nobody showed and plus we just went to pee.” Raheem said. “Yeah Alright, let's pack up and go.” He said rarely believing anything Raheem said. We walked to the car and got on the backseat. We never really argued over being in the front because as kids sitting in the back became a habit. Espically when all we wanted was to be close to one another. I looked out the window as rain started to sprinkle from the sky onto the window. I could feel Raheems smooth hands wrapping between mine as it laid on the seat. I smiled inside wishing that I wasn't so scared to even consider having another secret relationship with him. As soon as we pulled up in our driveway I slowly pulled away and walked in the house. I walked to my room and climbed into my comfy bed. All I wanted to do was rest but I couldn't take my mind off of Raheem or the things we disscussed. “Come in.” I yelled as Raheem knocked like he was making a beat. “So dad said he and ma going out of town this weekend...” “Let me pack.” I knew we were going to visit another church. Other than seeing the view, I hated traveling. “Hold up, let me finish. ” “I stop what I was doing to let him proceed. “He said we staying at home because we don't deserve to go.” “Well we need to stay in trouble if this our punishment. ” I joked. “That's the same thing I was thinking.” But I'm sure Raheem was as serious as a heart attack. “but he said Sister Hamilton gone be house sitting. ” He continued. “House sitting, do he not know that we are capable of taking care of our own selves at this age.” “Yes, I know but until you prove that your trustworthy I think not.” My father said ear hustling our conversation. I wonder how much he heard.