03 | Chapter Four
February, 2015 | Harlem, New York
It was the fifth night of me staring at the folded papers I had retrieved from the Grasshopper. It had been the fifth night of me stating that I was going to get more facts. It was also the fifth night of me folding them back up again and placing them right in the box. I wanted to find information, I really did, but at the same time, I didn't. I missed Reid. I missed him more than I could ever put in words, but he left me. It wasn't the opposite. Why would I be searching for him, when he was the one who left me? I ran my fingers through my hair. I glanced at the time on the clock besides me. It was one o'clock at night. Cassie had left our apartment two days ago, so I no longer had anyone to talk to. I had Joey, of course, however lately he's been remaining pretty distant from me. I didn't know why. Perhaps that was something that I could do now instead of sitting here and contemplating on these letters. Joey was right here and right now, Reid was yesterday.
I exited my room and headed towards Joey's room.
He had a fancy TV sitting on his counter, but had no cable on it. Instead, he used an HDMI cord that I had purchased for him for his birthday, and watched Netflix off his TV.
I sat down on his bed right next to him. He was covered in blankets and I got under them. He didn't say anything and he didn't take his eyes off the TV either. I rested my head against his shoulder and ran my fingers through his hair. His hair was so smooth to touch, and he rarely let anyone touch it. I suppose he always had a soft spot for me. He would get teased about it by Quentin or Rakim, but he didn't care. Joey never cared about anything except his sister, and his career. I would love to put me in those categories as well. I knew he cared about me, he made it quite obvious when he wiped away my tears when I cried, or held my hair when I threw up. However, I didn't really think that I belonged in the category of 'Joey's Cares'.
"You okay?" Joey spoke finally. His eyes were no longer on the TV, but locked on my lips. I wanted to urge him to kiss me, but I wanted answers just as much. I turned my head.
"Why are you ignoring me?" I questioned.
Joey sighed, but didn't say anything. Honestly, I didn't know what I wanted him to say. I didn't know if I wanted there to be a legitimate reason, or if maybe we were just growing apart. I didn't know how I was going to react to anything he would tell me, but I knew I wanted to know. And the first step of knowing was questioning.
"I'm not ignoring you, I've been talking to you." Joey stated.
I scoffed.
"If you consider 'Isis what's for breakfast?' or 'Where's the remote?' talking." I stated curtly. Joey's lips curled up in a smile. I guess he knew I had a point and he wasn't going to waste a breath to argue with me. "I was just tired." Joey stated, looking away from me and back at the TV. "What? You're tired of me?" I questioned, my defensive mode kicking in. Joey shook his head quickly, trying to make up for what he just said. "Just tired you know of school, work, life." He continued. He ran his fingers down my bare arms. "I could never get tired of you. I love you too much." He answered. I was glad to hear that. At least now I know I'm still guaranteed a place to live. I shot him an honest smile. "Well, I love you more JoVaugn." I responded, his full name making my body tingle as it fell off my tongue.
"I doubt that." He stated.
He tilted my chin and pulled me closer if that was even possible on his small bed. He wrapped one arm around my waist and with his other, he played with my hair. I inhaled his scent. His scent was manly, but not so manly that the girl would get intimidated. I loved his smell and would often steal his plethora of sweaters just so I could have it with me. Our lips connected with one another's and a surge of electricity bolted through the both of us. It was almost like this and though it seemed cliche to say, it was magical. Every single touch he applied to me seemed to awaken each one of my senses. I know he felt the same. He didn't have to say it, I could tell from his quickened breathing and the euphoria in his eyes.
