Chapter 66

A/N: Really not gonna keep saying this. Read this line and please don't ever ask again lmao... *MEL IS NOT DYING IN MY BOOK!!!*

August

When I woke up, I was wrapped up in Esined's blanket. I rubbed my eyes, yawning. I removed her blanket from my body and sat up. I stood and stretched befo' walkin' ta her bathroom. I turned on the water and washed my face then brushed my teeth. I turned off the water and left her room.

The smell blueberry pancakes filled my nose. I made my way to da kitchen.

Esined stood behind the counter, dancin' to and singin' a song dat I had Neva heard befo'.

Well you could of been anything that you wanted toI can tellThe way you do the things you do

As pretty as you areYou know you could've been a flowerIf good looks were minutesYou know you could have been an hourThe way you stole my heartYou know you could have been a crookAnd baby your so smartYou know you could have been a school book

I simply smiled at how cute and natural she looked. Her hair was slightly messy and she didn't have on any makeup. She had on a gray, long sleeve crop top with black joggers.

Esined placed two cups and two mugs on the counter. She poured orange juice into two of the cups. She put coffee into the mugs and looked up at me.

"Do you want coffee or orange juice?" she asked, starin' directly into my eyes.

Fa some reason, the look she gave me made my heart flutter.

"Orange juice," I said.

She smiled and grabbed anotha cup from the cabinet.

"What's got you so happy dis mornin'?"

"Well, for one, I saw Erica in my dream again and it was nice. Then, I woke up to your face. Now I'm happy,"

"I wish I coulda woke up ta yo face, but wakin' up ta yo bomb cookin' is even betta. Thank you, baybeh," I leaned over the island, kissin' her lips afta she sat my plate down in front of me.

She kissed me back and smiled as she pulled away. "No problem,"

I was hungry, so I quickly ate the breakfast dat she made.

"Babe, slow down," she giggled.

"I'm hungry," I chuckled before drinkin' my orange juice. I licked my lips and smiled. "It was delicious,"

"Thank you," she bit into her bagel.

"No, thank you," I watched her eat.

"You're so weird," she sipped her orange juice.

Eiram came into the kitchen wit Brandon and looked at me.

"I didn't know you stayed the night," she said.

"Me neither," Brandon said. "Thanks for the breakfast, kiddo," he ruffled Esined's hair and kissed the top of her head.

She smiled up at him. "No problem,"

I looked at them funny, just as Eiram had.

"What's this?" Eiram asked. "Bonding?"

"I guess you could say that," he looked at Esined and she shrugged before nodding.

Eiram and I looked at each other. "Hmm,"

My phone vibrated and I looked at it.

Chelsea: Don't forget your appointment is at 5. 12:19 pm

Thnx for the reminder. 12:20 pm

I was actually in need of this therapy session today. I had some things ta get off of my chest and it was somethin' dat I didn't want ta tell Esined yet.

Just when I was puttin' my phone away, it vibrated again.

Mel: Drops to be made playboy. 12:21 pm

I sighed and stood up. I left the kitchen quietly and went ta Esined's room. I put on my clothes and then my chain. I left her room only ta see Don in the hallway.

"Hello, August," he said.

"Wassup?" I gave him a head nod and kept it moving.

You'd think that he'd hate me and I'd hate him afta what happened. Don and I spoke and he told me dat he knew it was me who shot him. We came ta an understandin' and talked it out. He said all was forgiven. He wouldn't say anything ta Esined about it as long as I didn't.

I even spoke ta him a few times and he's not dat bad when you get ta know him a lil. I just hate dat we met through me shootin' him.

Even though Don and I were on good terms, I was gonna watch my back around him. I still didn't trust him. You could never trust someone who is obviously a thief. Besides dat, I remembered some of his criminal history. Truthfully, I don't think Esined remembers seeing his criminal history.

If she did, I don't think she'd be so protective and concerned about him, but then again he is family. Esined was definitely the family-first type. She's a forgivin' and understandin' girl. She believes dat most people deserve a second chance.

I went down the stairs and Esined frowned when she saw me dressed.

She came ova and hugged me. "Where do you think you're going, Sir?"

"Well, Miss, I gotta go. I got business ta take care of,"

She poked out her bottom lip. "Hm. Okay. When will I see you again?"

"I'm not dat busy. Wanna celebrate gettin' accepted? We can go out fa dinner lata,"

"Sounds like a date,"

"Good. Wear a dress,"

"Okay," she smiled. "Be safe, Snugga. I love you,"

"I luh you too, baybeh. Gimme kiss,"

She got on her tiptoes and I lowered my head ta meet her. Our lips connected and we kissed slowly. She snaked her arms around my neck and parted her lips. I took her bottom lip into my mouth and let my hand find its way ta her bottom. I gripped it and I heard someone clear their throat.

Esined and I let each otha go. She turned away from her mama, embarrassed.

"You aren't a virgin," Eiram said ta her.

"Mama, yes I am," she laughed.

"Mhm. I'm getting you on birth control,"

I started laughin' when Esined gasped.

"Mama,"

"I'm the only woman in this house that got pregnant as a teen and it's staying that way,"

"Mama!" Esined whined, laughing. "August and I aren't doing that,"

Eiram looked at me, glarin'.

"Ma, we not. I promise," I chuckled. "I wouldn't lie ta you, Mama,"

She put her hands on her hips. "I believe you... You better keep your jelly filling away from her donut," she began to walk away.

I scrunched up my face just as Esined had.

"Ew, mama," Esined frowned.

"I don't think I can eat jelly donuts anymore," I mumbled.

"I just know that you better not be trying to eat that donut either!" Eiram turned away, wavin' her finga in the air as she laughed.

"Too late fa dat," I thought I said low enough.

Esined slapped my chest when Eiram looked at me.

"What did you just say?"

"Would you look at the time? I gotta go. See y'all lata," I smiled uncomfortably, inchin' towards the door.

"We'll speak later, August," Eiram warned me as I stepped outside. "Come on, Essy. Let's have a talk," she put her arm around Esined.

Esined pouted. "Look what you done did,"

"I'm sorry. I love you," I mouthed. I made kissy faces at her and she lowly stuck up a middle finger.

Eiram saw it and pinched her side, making Esined jump. "Bye August,"

I waved shyly and she jumped at me. I took of runnin' ta my car.

Thought Eiram was a small lady, well small compared ta me, she was very intimidatin'. She sure did know how ta make me uncomfortable when it came ta Esined.

By time I was in my car, their front door was closed. I pulled off and drove home. I got home safe and quickly. I was hopin' dat Mel wouldn't be too upset wit me bein' late.

When I went into the house, I went straight ta his room. I walked in while he was loadin' his gun.

"I'm s-"

"Shut up," he said.

"It wasn't my fault,"

"Didn't I say shut up? It's neva yo fault, Aug. Nothin' eva is. Just get yo shit so we can go,"

I sighed and left his room. I went ta get my gun and tucked it in my pants. I followed him out of the house and ta his car.

I stayed silent durin' the ride and so did he. He drove through an unfamiliar neighborhood and I watched all of my surroundings. He drove slowly down the street.

He pulled up in front of a house a woman came out. "Wait," he said. "Don't show her nothin'. Just type on yo phone or somethin',"

I took out my phone and began typin'.

"You gotta do the talkin'. Don't fuck up," he said.

The woman came ova ta my window and Mel rolled it down a lil.

"Dis yo friend?" he asked me.

I looked at her. "I don't know her," I said. "I said it was a boy,"

"I'm looking for some supply, you know?" she smiled.

"Supply? What supply are you talkin' about?" I asked.

"I texted for some weed," she said lowly.

"I'm sorry, Ms. We came ta pick up my friend. Maybe you lookin' fa somebody else,"

"Aren't one of you Craig?"

"Nah," I said.

"Oh," she looked dumbfounded. "I'm sorry,"

"We went ta the wrong house," I lied, lookin' at Mel. "Jordan house ain't on dis street,"

"Boy. You got her thinkin' we sell drugs," Mel laughed. "I'm sorry fa the inconvenience, ma'am,"

"No problem," she walked back up ta her door and Mel drove off.

"Unda cova thought she was gon' catch her some niggas today," he started laughin'.

"How you know?"

"I was watchin' ha through da window. She was gettin' somethin' put on her,"

"Why you ain't just pull off then?"

"Because dat woulda gave us away. If we pulled off, she would have knew dat we saw somethin',"

I nodded.

Mel and I went around, continuin' ta make drops. Once we finished dat, it was about time fa me ta start gettin' ready fa my therapy session.

As soon as we got home, I took a shower and switched into a different outfit. I picked a gold chain and put it on. I sprayed on a lil bit of cologne and Mel came into my room.

"Where you goin'?"

"Therapy," I said.

He looked at me strangely. "You and Es still togetha?"

"Of course,"

"Why you gettin' all dressed up if you just goin' ta therapy?"

"I get dressed up all da time," I chuckled.

"Aug, I'ma knock ya head clean off yo shoulders. You bet not be fuckin' around wit Chelsea,"

"Man, hell no," I said. "I have a date wit Esined lata. I ain't thinkin' about no other girls, but her. Chelsea is a grown woman anyway,"

"You like grown women,"

"Esined clearly is not a grown woman though,"

"Yeah, whateva lil boy. Just know dat I keep eyes on you,"

I sucked my teeth. "Just know dat I ain't no cheater,"

"Mhm,"

"Assumin' ass," I mumbled as he left my room.

He looked back at me and came back into my room. He walked ova ta my bed and took my phone. "What's yo passcode?"

"Really, bro?" I looked at him. "I ain't cheatin' on Es. Gone wit dat bullshit,"

At first, I was laughin' it off, but now I was mad. Mel wasn't the only one who thought I was cheatin' on Esined. They really didn't believe dat I was goin' dis long without sex, so they thought I was gettin' it from somewhere else.

"If you ain't cheatin', then you wouldn't care if I look through yo phone. What's yo passcode?"

"Esined's birthday,"

He typed it in and sat on my bed. He went through my phone and all of my messages. "Why you got so many unread messages?"

"Because I only read the ones from y'all and Esined,"

"You got hoes sendin' you nudes left and right. You need ta tell dem you don't want they ugly ass nudes,"

"You tell 'em. You got my phone,"

"Nah. Dats yo job," he handed me back my phone.

"You happy you invaded my privacy now?" I asked.

"Yup. I'm even happier dat I didn't find nothin'. I deleted da nudes in yo messages. Have a nice therapy session," he smiled and left my room.

I shook my head and grabbed my car keys. I went downstairs.

"Hey Nola," Viola smiled.

I kept walkin', not botherin' ta say hello or return a smile. I left the house and closed the door behind me. I walked ova ta my car and got in. I put on my seatbelt and started the car befo' drivin' off.

I was already frustrated and the long ride made me even angrier.

Once I got there, some of my anger had went away. I was prepared ta talk instead of just sittin' there.

I left my car and went inside the building. I sat on a chair and unlocked my phone, seein' dat I had a few messages from Esined.

PoohBear: My mama and I sat down to talk about what happened before you left... It wasn't pretty at first. 4:55 pm

PoohBear: She said she's gonna smack your accent out of you. 4:56 pm

PoohBear: She said I can still go on the date though. 4:57 pm

Lmao. Tell her I'm sorry. It was an accident. 4:58 pm

PoohBear: How you eat 🐱 on an accident?¿ 4:59 pm

I'm talkin' about me sayin' it out loud in front of her 💀 5:00 pm

PoohBear: Ohhh! Lol. Welp nvm what I said. What time will you be here? 5:00 pm

Just start gettin' ready now. You take forever to get ready 5:01 pm

PoohBear: No I don't, but okay. Have a nice session 5:01 pm

I'll try. Thanks 5:02 pm

I looked up and Chelsea was walkin' out.

"August," she said.

I stood up and she smiled.

"Hi. How are you today?"

"I'm aiight," I held the door and she went back inside.

I followed her ta her office and I took my usual seat.

She closed the door and sat down. "You seem upset,"

"I am,"

"Why is that?"

"I'm tired of everyone," I sighed.

"What do you mean by everyone?"

"My family,"

"Why?"

"They all think I'm cheatin' on Esined,"

"But August..."

"I didn't do it though," I said, already knowin' what she was talkin' about.

"Didn't you think about it thought?"

"My answer was no from the start,"

"You need to tell the authorities about her,"

"I don't feel like bein' in all dat mess. I already got a lot on my plate,"

"You can stop her from trying it with another student. Please talk to someone about it,"

"Fine. I will," I gave in.

When I actually went ta talk to Ms. Angie about gettin' an extension on my paper, she had otha options in her mind fa me ta make up my missin' scores in her class. I had only told Chelsea about it.

"Did you tell Esined about it?"

"No. I don't want her ta worry,"

"August, you can't just hide things from her. Even if she worries, that's fine. As your partner, she should be worried about you. It's not right that she tells you a lot of things and you hide a lot from her,"

I sighed. "I'm not tellin' her fa a reason,"

"What's that reason?" she stopped writing her notebook and looked up at me.

"I'm not sure if I'm ready,"

"Ready to tell her things?"

"No,"

"Then what do you mean? Just say it, August. I'm your therapist, you don't have to beat around the bush with me,"

I sighed. "I don't think I'm ready fa what Esined has ta offer. I'm not ready ta fully be wit her and let her in all the way,"

"So you haven't been with her fully? How much have you been with her for this past year?"

I shrugged.

"A shrug is an invalid response,"

"What do you want me ta say?"

"What do you want to say?"

"I don't know,"

She stared at me. "She got accepted to Princeton, didn't she?"

I nodded.

"Are you being selfish about it?"

I scoffed. "No. She's bein' selfish,"

"For what? Following her dreams? This isn't a blame game. If it was, you're the one being selfish. I thought we came to an understanding that you would deal with her leaving it she got accepted. You even told me that you understood that you were being selfish,"

I stayed quiet, tappin' my fingers on her desk.

"Stop it," she said, lookin' at my fingers. "Let your anger and hurt go,"

"I'm not angry or hurt, aiight? I'm fine,"

"Denial," she said. "You can't lie to me, August. I'm literally a professional at knowing how people feel by body language and facial expressions,"

"What am I doin' ta show anger or hurt?"

"Do you really want me to read you right now?"

"Yup, since you think you know everything,"

"I'll read your anger first," she looked at me. "You're poking your tongue at your teeth. You're clenching your jaw. You're becoming defensive also. You're denying everything and you're still tapping your fingers on my desk,"

I sat quietly, my fingers still tappin'.

"Okay, now the hurt. Your eyes tell it all. You're bitter that Esined is leaving. You're bitterness and selfishness is showing more than you think. You don't hide your emotions well,"

"Whateva," I mumbled.

She looked at the clock. "We have twenty minutes left in our session now. Are you happy with how you spent the first twenty minutes of our session?"

"Nope,"

"I'm not either. Will it be different next time?"

"Yeah," I mumbled.

"Why are you becoming emotional?" she passed me two pieces of tissue.

I sniffed, shruggin' befo' I cleared my throat. "I'm mad," I admitted.

"Why?"

"Because you're right. I am bitter and selfish," I sighed. "I don't deserve a girl like Esined,"

"Why don't you think you deserve her? You worked hard to get her, right?"

"Yeah, but I feel less compared ta her. She's so smart and just amazin' all around and I'm just... I'm barely passin' school and I'm in da streets. She out hea doin' her thing and I feel like a bummy ass boyfriend ta be honest wit you,"

"You're not bummy at all. Far from it. You're smart too, August. Very smart and intelligent. It's just that one class. Besides, are you not doing your thing? I have never met an eighteen year old who can provide for their family and then some, regardless of your occupation. You're doing pretty great, if you ask me,"

I listened ta her and gave her eye contact. "Thank you,"

"You just need to work on your internal problems and stop making them external. Work on being less stubborn and communicating more. And get help when you need it," she said. "Esined and plenty of others have offered you help, take it. You're good enough for Esined and she obviously thinks you are too, right?"

I shrugged.

"Oh, come on. She's been with you for a year,"

"And? Dat means nothin', accordin' ta her,"

"She said that?"

"She said it because I told her what I did in my past, which is anotha reason why I don't like her knownin' too much,"

"What did you do in your past that would make her say that?"

"I would get into relationships wit girls just fa sex then leave 'em,"

"I'm guessing she thought that you were going to do that to her too,"

"Yeah. She asked me if I was gonna do dat ta her because I said if I wanted her fa sex, I would have been smashed her and left. So I got kinda irritated like, I been wit you fa a year and ain't asked fa it, so why would it be my motive now?"

"I see what you mean," she nodded.

"Dats when she said us bein' togetha fa a year didn't matter,"

"I think you may be interpreting it a little wrong, but I see where you're coming from also,"

"Can you explain her side then? Because it's botherin' me,"

"She means in that particular situation, not saying that your year long relationship doesn't matter at all. Also, plenty of guys get with a girl and stay with them for a long time just to have sex with them,"

"What guy has dat type of time though? I'm sorry, but if I'm just tryna get da cat and be gone, a year of givin' a girl false hopes ain't worth it. I'd wait a month or two. Dats it,"

"My ex had that type of time," she laughed a little.

"I'm sorry ta hea' dat,"

"It's fine. All I have to say is that you can't be upset with her for being guarded. You're her first boyfriend, right?"

I nodded.

"I'd be guarded too. Like goodness, my first boyfriend and I have no clue on what a relationship is or should be like,"

"I see," I sat up afta I noticed how much I was slouchin'.

"Since our session has five minutes left, I want to tell you something,"

"What's dat?"

"I spoke to your mom,"

"About what?"

"Your anger,"

"What about it?"

"I think that you're relapsing and you should go back to anger management. She agrees and-"

"Nah,"

"August, listen before you turn it down,"

I looked at her, lettin' her know dat I was listenin'.

"Two weeks. You'll be out of school, all of your work will be excused. Eight hours a day you'll be at the center,"

"I don't need ta go there. My anger isn't dat bad,"

"It's worse than you think. In your head you think it's just a simple thing because you know that you can get angrier. You compare your anger to other levels of anger that you have," she explained.

"It's not dat deep, Chelsea. I don't have anger problems. I'm good,"

"Well, I beg to differ," she challenged.

I laughed. "Dats fine,"

"I'm glad that you think so because your mom and I came to an agreement. She signed the papers for the program to come get you every morning starting in two weeks,"

I stopped laughing. "Y'all can't do dat,"

"We can and we have,"

"I'm eighteen, so y'all really can't. I'm technically an adult and I don't want to, so,"

"I can't be your therapist anymore if you don't do it,"

"Why not?"

"It's a rule. If I suggest you to the program, you kinda have to go unless your mom thinks otherwise,"

I didn't want ta lose Chelsea as my therapist, so I got ova not tryin' ta go.

"I ain't gotta stay there?" I asked.

"Not overnight. Six days a week for two weeks. They come get you at seven in the morning and drop you off at three,"

"Okay, Chelsea,"

"We're a little over, but that's fine," she stood and so did I.

I followed her ta the front.

"One week," she told the receptionist.

"One week?" I asked.

She nodded.

I tapped my fingers on the marble top.

Chelsea handed me the card with my new appointment on it.

I tucked it in my back pocket.

"Pound it, so I know you're not mad at me," she put out her fist.

I touched knuckles wit her and she smiled.

"It won't be that bad, August. I promise,"

"Mhm,"

"Have a nice day, okay?"

I nodded.

"See you next week,"

"See you, Chelsea," I left the office and walked down the hallway. I got in the elevator and it took me ta the basement. I walked ta my car and got in afta unlockin' the door.

I took out my phone and sent Esined a message.

I'm sorry. I have to cancel our date. Something came up. 6:02 pm

Nothin' came up, but I just didn't want ta be around her while I had dis attitude. I decided ta take a long drive and go somewhere I hadn't been in a while. I went ta the cemetery and talked ta my dads headstone fa a lil while.

-Hi y'all. How's everyone's day going?

I haven't updated in a little because I'm trying to really plan out these last chapters.

How are y'all feeling about August and Esined right now?

Remember when y'all said that y'all love me? Hold onto that love :]

Excuse typos please.

Comments & Votes are appreciated.

Much love, Shia. Xoxo