Best Friend Trials

            The Next Morning

"Kayla, sweetheart, time to get up."

My mom's voice floated through my half-open door, gentle but firm.

I groaned, rolling over and burying my face in my pillow. "Aight, I'm up, Ma."

"Chris picking you up today?"

"Not sure. I'll call him after my shower."

She nodded like that was a valid answer and pulled the door shut behind her. I sighed, stretching before forcing myself to sit up. My body still felt heavy with sleep, but I pushed through, grabbing my phone and scrolling through messages as I made my way to the bathroom.

The hot water was already steaming up the mirror by the time I stepped in. The heat melted away the last bit of grogginess, waking me up fully. My morning showers were always quick, just enough time to refresh myself and get my mind right.

After drying off, I brushed my teeth, staring at my reflection. Hair still wrapped in a towel, I examined my face—clear skin, full lips, tired but bright eyes. Cute as always.

I threw on some music while getting dressed, letting the bass pump some energy into me. My outfit was casual but put together—something slight, just enough to serve without trying too hard. Once dressed, I worked some coconut cream into my curls, deciding to wear them wet today. Gotta remind these girls at school that I don't need weave.

Smirking at my own confidence, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.

In the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of orange juice, taking slow sips as I checked my phone. Before I could text Chris, my screen lit up with an incoming call.

I answered on the third ring, already knowing what to expect.

"Speak."

I rolled my eyes. "That's how you answer my call? I might have to revoke your title, Best Friend."

"Kayla, don't play. What you want, foo'?"

"You picking me up or what?"

"Man... where your car at?"

"You know what? Never mind. I'll see you at school."

I hung up in his face just as a text popped up.

Best Friend 💘: Do u gotta be a big baby? Ima be there at 7:30. BE READY KAYLA!! 7:00am

Man, shut up. 7:30 it is 😉7:01am

With a little time to spare, I made myself a light breakfast—a bagel with cream cheese and some fruit. Just as I finished eating, a loud honk from outside let me know my ride had arrived.

I kissed my mom goodbye and stepped outside, sliding into Chris's car—where, of course, music was blaring. First thing I did was turn the volume down.

"It's too early for this, Chrissy."

Chris side-eyed me. "Do you pay the car note?"

"No, but—"

"Then don't touch my shit."

I scoffed. "Fine, asshole."

"Thanks, sugar foot." He grinned, leaning over to kiss my cheek.

"Get the fuck on with that stupid-ass pet name."

"SUGAR FOOT! SUGAR FOOT!" he sang dramatically.

I rolled my eyes. "Childish."

Seventh Period

Sliding into my seat, I scanned the room until my gaze landed on him.

Justin. Coke Boy. The dude I met yesterday.

I took my time checking him out—tall, smooth brown skin, fresh cut. He had that effortless confidence, like he already knew he had people's attention. Not that I was about to tell him that.

Licking my lips, I glanced at my phone just as a text popped up.

Best Friend 💘: The gang coming to my house later. You down?2:45pm

Is Jasmine gonna be there?2:46pm

Before I could get an answer, a deep voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Wassup, ma?"

I looked up to see Justin standing beside my desk, a lazy smirk on his face.

"Hey," I said, flashing a small grin.

"So when we gon' kick it, lil mama?"

I raised a brow. "Sorry, I don't talk to dudes with nicknames like 'Coke Boy.'"

His smirk deepened. "Oh, so you got jokes?"

"I mean... it's true." I shrugged, going back to my phone.

Another text from Chris.

Best Friend 💘: Yeah, she is.2:48pm

Nah, I'm good. Y'all have fun.2:49pm

Chris must've been in his feelings because he hit me back fast.

Best Friend 💘: C'mon, Kayla, why you acting like a bitch?2:49pm

Fuck you. Get out my inbox with that shit. Text me when you stop acting like a jerk.2:50pm

I locked my phone and turned my attention back to Justin, who was watching me with an amused expression.

"Aight, let me come with a better approach," he said, sticking his hand out. "Name's Justin. Yours?"

I eyed his hand for a second before shaking it. "That's better. Nice to meet you, Justin. I'm Kayla."

"Well, Ms. Kayla... what you doing after school?"

"Nothing, Mr. Justin. What do you have in mind?"

"What about some Baskin Robbins?"

I chuckled. "Good attempt, Coke Boy."

Justin grinned. "So that's a yes?"

I smirked. "It's a yes."

-

Revamped