One Foot In & One Foot Out

Chapter 9.2

TUESDAY

Only having classes two days a week is fabulous. Especially in your last semester of school. It gives you time to focus on the classes you have and time to think about what you're going to do after you graduate.

Jael still had no idea what her post college life looked like. The only future she was currently thinking about was how full and happy her belly was going to be after eating her spicily seasoned jerk chicken wrap and fruit bowl.

"So how was your date?" Lucia asked Jael.

Leave it to that girl to talk about private girl talk in front of everyone else who had not been included. Byron, Sophia, and Kostas were also with her for a late lunch that day after everyone had finished their classes for the afternoon.

Even though Jael thought Sophia was an ok girl, and even though she was semi alright to her in return, she didn't believe that Sofia wholly believed that she wasn't trying to "steal" her man.

When they first started dating, Kostas made it a point to inform Sophia about how he and Jael had previously been semi friends with benefits on occasion in the past. He said that he wouldn't have felt right not telling her. After finding out, Sophia attempted to prohibit Kostas from hanging out with Jael, but their roots ran too deep.

She just decided she would keep a watchful eye over Jael instead.

"You had a date? Why didn't you tell me?" Kostas asked, upset.

"My man, why would she have to tell you? She didn't tell me either. I'm pretty sure Lucia is the only one who knew," Byron put in.

"He's right mi amor. Why do you care?" Sophia asked pretending like her question wasn't coming from a place of jealousy.

Kostas glanced in Jael's direction, "Uh, I mean I guess it's not a big deal, it's just that you know, we're best friends."

Jael tries to help him out before the "she devil" can speak, she can see where Sophia is trying to go with that obvious tone in her voice, but Lucia interjects instead.

"Ya'll are best friends but it's ok not to share everything between the two of you. Some things can be left private. Just like how you didn't tell us that Sophia didn't shave her mustache this week. Boo, you might want to handle that. It's getting visible and trying to wave at us."

Lucia Flowers. The real MVP.

Jael's hands fly up to her face to keep her quiet laughter from being visible, but she can't stop the short snorts that sound. However, she can understand the uneasiness Sophia may feel at times, which is why Jael tolerates and is nice to her.
Even though she has reassured her many times that Kostas is all hers and she is not trying to interfere in their relationship, Jael could tell that Sophia was perturbed. And even though Jael felt for the poor girl, she and Kostas were best friends long before she came along and will stay that way long after.

"That's not funny puta!" Sophia says to Lucia which only makes her laugh which in turn makes Jael and Byron laugh again as well.

"Ladies, chill, please," Kostas says trying to keep the peace at the table.

"Hey Jael, I wasn't expecting to see you here, an unknown voice from behind her suddenly says.

Jael turns to see Dominican Bruce standing there (why do they call him that like they know another black guy named Bruce?) and she couldn't help but get googly eyed while staring at him. If all the men in the DR looked like him she was getting a plane ticket soon. His deep russet brown skin reminded her of the edges of a pancake that she wanted to bite into.