It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 20: Lake

The only thing on my mind when I got to school was finding Emani. I haven't heard from her since yesterday, and I'm beginning to worry. Some idiot recorded her argument with Gunner, and now the video has gone viral. Gunner has received death threats, and I low key felt sorry for the creep. He may not be the nicest guy, but he didn't deserve this much hate.

The hallway was buzzing with students gossiping about the video. When I turned the corner, I saw Emani standing with Sasha at her locker, and I walked up to them. Emani looked beautiful in a red blouse, dark jeans, and tan UGG boots. Her hair was still damp from the rain and hung past her shoulders. She looked as if the weight of the world was on her.

I buried my nose in Emani's hair as I hugged her. "Are you ok? I was worried about you."

Emani nodded, flashing me a small smile. "I'm fine. I just didn't feel like talking. My mom went crazy when I told her what Gunner did and threatened to kick his ass. She was angrier than I was about the situation."

Mrs. Jefferson played hardball.

"Can you blame her? I still want to slap him again," Sasha muttered, balling up her fists.

I cupped Emani's face, and she kissed me. "I still kind of want to kick his butt too."

Emani laughed, and Sasha wrinkled her nose at our affection. I finally felt more comfortable displaying PDA and didn't care who saw me. Emani was mine and always would be.

"Ok, as much as I love the both of you, I'm going to class," Sasha said quietly.

"Ok, talk to you later, girl," Emani replied, waving at her friend.

"I wish we had P.E. together," I said, kissing her temple. "I would rather run than learn about history."

"Ditto."

The bell rang, indicating it was time to get to first period, and Emani frowned. I gave her one last hug before going to boring history class.

**
"Lake, we have to be at court in an hour!" Jordan yelled from the kitchen. "Time to put Larry's punk ass away."

"I'll be out in a second," I hollered, washing off my body.

I turned the shower off and dried with a towel. The bathroom was filled with steam, and I cracked the door open, enjoying the breeze. I walked into Jordan's room and got dressed. I don't know how some people get ready in a hot bathroom after a shower. I just can't. I heard the doorbell and quickly put on my white dress shirt and trousers.

"Lake, someone is here to see you!"

I finally emerged from the bedroom, and Emani was standing beside my brother. I didn't tell her about court today and knew Jordan must have spilled the beans. I'm glad she wants to support me, but there are certain things I'm not ready for her to learn from my childhood—stuff I've buried from everyone, including Jordan.

"Hey, your brother told me about today. I hope that's okay?" Emani gave me a hopeful smile, and I couldn't turn her away.

"Yeah, it's cool. We should get going," I remarked, reaching for her soft hand.

I led Emani outside towards Jordan's car and opened the door for her. She rested her head on my shoulder, and I stroked her arm as my nerves took over me. She seemed to sense my mood and planted a soft kiss on my cheek, making me grin.