"Boys! Boys! Aye, if y'all don't get y'all asses down here and out my house or I'm gon-"

"Chill, Grandad," Huey says as he walks down the stairs with Jazmine behind and Riley soon following.

"Yeah, Grandad stop trippin'," Riley comments as he throws on his red snap-back.

Robert glares at the three teens before double-taking at Jazmine's presence as if just realizing that she was standing next to his eldest grandson in the foyer.

"Hey, sweetie pie, would you excuse me, I need to speak to Huey and Riley in private."

"Oh, sure, Mr. Freeman," J says and proceeds to exit through the front door.

Outside Jazmine tries the door handle and gives out a silent cheer at the door being unlocked before getting inside. As she straps herself in her phone vibrates in her pocket. Pulling her phone out she immediately smiles at the sight of the name on the new message.

Romy:

'You wanna hang after school?'

Jazmine:

'You do know I'm going to see you in approx. 10 mins right?'

Romy:

'Wanted to hit you first in case someone beats me to the punch.'

'You tend to be booked a lot.'

Jazmine:

'When I want to be.'

Romy:

'So, you down? Or...do you have to schedule me in for next week?'

Jazmine:

'No, you're good. Where are we going?'

Jazmine hears a door close and looks up from her phone to see Huey and Riley exiting the house. Her phone chimes and she quickly glances at the message.

Romy:

'My house.'

The two brothers finally enter the car and Jazmine drops her phone in the cup-holder.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing," Huey says roughly as he starts up his car. Riley snickers from the backseat as he scrolls on his phone. Huey immediately turns on his music and quickly pulls out of the driveway and heads down the road, not bothering to slow down at the stop sign they pass.

"Grandad yelled at him," Riley says to Jazmine's question. "Told him to stop letting these hoes spend the night."

"Hoes?"

"No, not hoes and that's not what he said, so shut ya' damn mouth, Riley."

"Well, all I know is that he was real suspicious about Huey letting you spend the night all the time."

"Riley-" Huey begins but is interrupted by Riley's loud cackling as he continues on.

"He think y'all fucki-"

"What?!" Jazmine asks, her heart beating harshly in her chest at the younger Freeman's words.

"Aye, Hue-Huey y'all better strap up! Or Grandad gon' beat yo ass-"

Huey abruptly stops the car on the corner of Cherry Blossom and Woodgrove. "Get ya ass out, now!"

"What nigga? You really bout' to kick me out?" Riley asks incredulously.

"Get out," Huey repeats through gritted teeth.

"No, Huey," Jazmine says, looking between the two heated brothers. Placing her hand on Huey's shoulder she attempts to reason with him, "We're in the middle of the street. Don't do this. You don't have to kick Riley out." As she says this the cars behind them begin to bonk their horns obnoxiously as they sit at a green light. Some cars decide to go around the longer they sit, cursing and yelling out the window, but Huey isn't in the least bothered.

There's a short silence before Huey speaks, his tone still angry, " Get out Riley."

"So you gon' make me walk? Nigga fo'real it's like 3 miles!" There's just silence and Riley sucks his teeth before grabbing his bag. "Shit, fuck it den'."

As soon as Riley exits Huey drives off, speeding through a yellow. "Huey you didn't have to do that. Riley was just joking, really, I didn't mind."

"Jazmine, just don't. It's for his own good."

"Leaving your brother in the middle of the road is for his own good?" Jazmine states her voice rising as she tries to figure out Huey's recent actions.

"Look, I don't want to talk about Riley."

"Well, I do."

"Okay," he says and Jazmine narrows her eyes at his unbothered demeanor.

"That was wrong," she expresses, crossing her arms across her chest.

Huey snorts, "Okay."

"He's going to be so mad at you."

"Okay."

"And I don't want to be around when you guys fight."

"Okay."

"Stop saying okay."

"Okay."

"And I'm mad at you," Jazmine pouts, directing her attention outside the window.

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Fine, let me out." Huey scoffs and continues to drive. "I'm serious Huey, let me out."

They stop at a red light and Jazmine attempts to open the door, but Huey quickly locks all the doors.

"Why won't you let me out."

"Don't be stupid Jazmine. You're going to step out in on-going traffic?"

"Why not? If you're just going to be a jerk I can and will walk to school. I don't want to sit next to someone who doesn't want me here."

"I never said that." The light turns green and Huey continues, "How about you tell me what is really wrong?"

Jazmine just stares at Huey who briefly glances at her as he turns at the light, one hand gripping the steering wheel as always.

With a huff, Jazmine leans back in her seat. She hadn't even unbuckled her seat-belt.

"Hoes?" She speaks after a long uncomfortable silence. "Was Riley, right?"

"You're not a hoe. What he was insinuating was out of line."

"Huey."

"Not that its anyone's business, but I've had a few girls over."

"Did you do stuff? Like-" 'Do you let them sleep next to you too?' Jazmine almost asks but refrains from doing so.

"Sometimes."

"Did they sleepover?"

"No." Jazmine releases the breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Oh."

"Are you done having a meltdown like one of those dumb reality stars you watch."

"Hey, I just needed to know-" Jazmine bites her tongue.

"Know what?"

Jazmine never prayed that they were at school more than she does now. Her prayers are quickly answered as the school pops up in her view. She doesn't answer her best friend's question and instead changes the subject to the song playing on the radio.

"What song is this?"

"If you let me."

"I like this."

"You do?"

"Yeah, it's relatable," The strawberry blonde replies idly as she spots Hiro's blue dodge challenger as they pull in the student parking lot.

Huey quickly parks and Jazmine exits just in time for Cindy to speed through her speakers blasting 'Make a Bag' Watching her blonde best friend back into a parking space while Jazmine follows Huey over to Hiro and Caesar.

The girl finally walks over to their mini-group and Jazmine watches as Cindy proceeds to greet everyone except Caesar which is new.

"What's up, McPherson," Caesar greets in his usual friendly way, but it's promptly ignored as Cindy strikes up a conversation about a test in her third period. This continues for about three minutes with Caesar trying to input small comments in an attempt to get the blonde's attention, but each attempt falls short.

"Hey, I actually need to see Ms. Clairborne before class," Jazmine says, not really looking forward to doing so.

"Great. I'll come with you," Cindy says, looping her arm through the curly-haired girl and pulling her toward the school's entrance.

Hiro bursts out in laughter, "Yo, Caesar what you do now?"

(*)

"Hey, Cin, what's up with you?" Caesar says as he spots the blonde teen standing inside the counselor's office.

"What are you talking about?" Cindy replies back defensively.

"Why are you icing me out?"

Cindy sucks her teeth, "Fuck-" Mrs. Ernestine shoots the two a very disapproving look and Cindy turns away from Caesar and exits the office.

Caesar follows suit after giving a short apology to the elderly office secretary and goes after Cindy who immediately attempts to make a break for it down the hallway. Stopping her by the arm the dread headed boy asks again, "Yo, seriously, what's up?"

"Nothing. Can you let go of me." Caesar complies, but follows Cindy as she continues walking.

"Just tell me what I did. I just want us to be cool." Cindy finally stops walking after a moment and faces Caesar.

"Alright. I-"

"Hey, Caesar, did you get my text this morning?" Cindy looks over at the approaching Nia Lawson, arms crossed across her chest. 'Why am I not surprised?' Cindy thinks to herself as Caesar turns to Nia.

"No, I didn't see it."

"Damn, you got other girls blowing up your phone don't you?"

"Nah, it's not like that."

Nia chuckles. "It's cool. I was just trying to continue our conversation from last night. Don't worry though." Nia says before leaning in closer to Caesar and whispers something Cindy can't see.

"Anyway, hey, Cindy. Caesar tryna run game on you too?"

Cindy paints on the face of friendliness and fake nonchalance. "Nah, he can't handle me." Caesar raises his eyebrows at the comment but doesn't address it.

"Alright, catch you later," Nia says with a laugh before walking away.

Once Nia is out of sight Caesar turns back to Cindy, but before he can say anything the blonde teen beats him to the point before the warning bell signals. "Don't bother."


Things went by pretty smooth for the rest of the day and by the time lunch rolled around Cindy still hadn't let her foot up off Caesar's neck. They were all sitting at their usual table when Riley finally asked, "Aye, where Melanie at?"

"Probably the same place you were at this morning," Cindy replies with a cackle to which Riley steals a hand full of her fries much to the blonde's protest.

"Yeah, I haven't seen her all day," Hiro comments his attention locked on a girl at another table.

"Like yo dog ass noticed," Cindy comments and in reply Hiro barks causing everyone except Huey to laugh.

"Well, I hope she alright," Caesar pitches in.

"Always worried about these hoes," Cindy mumbles, dipping her fries in the puddle of ketchup on her tray.

Caesar throws his hands up and Riley and Hiro don't hold back their laughter. Even Huey coughs to cover up his laughter at the blonde's words.

"I am just being nice," The dreaded headed boy grunts out.

"That girl ain't even here. The fuck?"

"Whatever man, ain't no winning with you today."

"Today? Imma be like this tomorrow too."

"Then I'll talk to you the day after. Whenever you decide to cool off." Cindy huffs at Caesar's remarks and turns her attention elsewhere.

Hiro tries to calm down his laughter, but fails as he asks the blonde, "We're still on for this weekend right?"

"Hallows Eve as usual," Cindy replies. "The day we celebrate a real bitch."

Everyone murmurs at Cindy's remarks to which she laughs and flips all of them off, "Fuck all y'all."

"This weekend is going to be so fun, can't wait," Jazmine says, picking up Huey's water bottle and drinking from it. To which everyone makes a face. "What?"

"I don't know if I've ever said this but you and Mc. Hater too comfortable with each other."

"Yeah Jazzy that shit gross."

The strawberry blonde just shrugs and continues to drink from Huey's bottle for the rest of lunch without protest from Huey who was more concerned with the book in his hands.


It was the last class of the day and Bentley was thanking Jesus. She just had to deal with these bad-ass students for one more hour and then she can link up with her girls for drinks downtown. Considering the week Ms. Bentley had she needed more than a drink.

Nodding at her students as they waltz in the classroom before the bell rings slap-boxing, gossiping and carrying on Ms. Bentley frowns at her cell phone, her line been dry ass fuck since she broke up with Jamari. She honestly misses him and something else...but she just bought a new pack of double-A batteries so she should be good, for now.

She thought she would marry him, they were together for four years and she was devastated when she found out he had cheated on her. It was a year ago while she was at a teacher's convention and things have been great between them, but she just couldn't get over his infidelity. At least not now.

At 34 years old Ms. Bentley was a hopeless romantic at heart and still believed that she would one day find her soulmate. She liked the flowers, chocolates, roses, and the unconventional romances that were hallmark worthy.

She wanted to settle down, get married and start a family, but she doesn't believe she will ever love some like she loves Jamari nor will she find someone that pleases her quite as he did. The literature teacher was so confused and day after day continues to press decline on Jamari's calls and messages, claiming to be living her best life, but hot girl summer has simmered out and so has the high she had been riding on during her month-long girl trips as well.

She needed love or at least something that would help her believe in it again. She wanted to see that undeniable spark between two beings...maybe she just needed a wattpad account.

The bell finally rings and Ms. Bentley places her phone inside her desk and stands. Clearing her voice she begins, "Hello, class, today we're going to do something different. Instead of answering our soapbox question and doing any written or reading assignments I would like for us all to have a discussion." The class rumbles with half excitement and half un-interest.

"Okay, okay, everyone calm down. We are going to discuss gender roles and expectations within a relationship in today's society. Considering our reading assignments last week I expect honest, but respectful answers."

Leaning back against her wooden desk Ms. Bentley takes a breath. "Now, who wants to go first?"

"Well, all I gotta say is if she ain't learn how to cook she can't be my girl, ya feel me," Wallace Ackers shouts from the back of the class, causing his classmates to burst into loud laughter.

"Wallo, you ignorant as fuc-" At Ms. Bentley's warning glance, Shaina Varce quickly switches her words around. "As fudge. Why does the woman have to be the only one that cooks? Yeah, why can't we hire a cook?"

"You can use your sugar daddy money to hire a cook Shaina," Amy Carfield speaks up from the left side of the room causing Shaina to wrinkle her nose and various people within the class to snicker even Ms. Bentley had to disguise her chuckles with a cough. "But those of us that live in the real world are expected to know how to take care of the house and home," Amy states with some people nodding along and expressing their agreements and disagreements.

"And that's fair?" Someone within the room asks and that produces another uproar of answers and Ms. Bentley watches as each student bounces off a previous thought and adds to the list of expectations. One particular answer raises her finely arched brows.

"I don't believe women should perform wifely duties if she isn't the wife. Why should we devote ourselves to taking care of a house that isn't our home? We shouldn't devote ourselves to a man who can't reciprocate those same things, feelings, and emotions." All the girls within the class give out resounding sounds of agreement with Candice Banks' point. Even Amy Carfield began to clap.

With a smirk, Candice flips her jumbo box braids over her shoulders obviously waiting for a worthy response. Ms. Bentley isn't surprised by Candice's cocky demeanor. The young lady is obviously intelligent, and according to other teachers has no problem proving her prowess in any of her classes.

"As men how will we know if you are capable of being a wife? You may not be asked to take care of our homes, but your ability to take care of yours means something. It is substantial when a woman holds her space in high regard as well as her entire being. Plus, if we are made to provide and prove our loyalty and love why shouldn't you? 50-50 right?"

"Yes, 50-50. However, as women, we are prepped and wired to provide and to be loyal even at our expense. Men aren't held to the same societal standards and therefore it was never a true expectation for men to be loyal, but as women, we are 'supposed' to stick it out and forgive because that's what is expected of us."

"Woah, wait, so men are the only ones that can commit infidelity?"

"No."

"No one is a saint. We've all been attracted to other people, had wandering thoughts-"

"But we all do not act on them."

"We all make mistakes."

At this point, the class is silent listening in on the discussion, everyone's heads ping-ponging back and forth between the two teens. It isn't until the bell rings that Ms. Bentley who had become wrapped up in the heated discussion as well brings it all to a halt.

"Okay, that'll be enough Candice...Hiro," Ms. Bentley states looking between the two. Hiro throws up his hands and Candice silently huffs and begins to pack up her belongings in her green messenger bag.

The class files out and start-up their previous shenanigans in the hallway all over again. Ms. Bentley places her lesson plan folders and other class documents in their designated drawer as the last of the lingering students leave.

"Hey, Hiro," Ms. Bentley addresses the phone absorbed student.

Stopping at the door and turning around Hiro smiles at the literature teacher, "Hey, Ms. Bentley, what's up-I mean what's going on?"

"I enjoyed hearing your thoughts today in class. You made some good points, even ruffled a few feathers."

"Candice? She'll be alright."

"Right, so I wanted to ask if you would like to join the debate club."

"I don't know Ms. B, I don't think it's my thing, you know."

"Well, just stop by tomorrow after school and see if it could be your new thing." Ms. Bentley hands Hiro a small white card that just states the name of the debate club, meeting times, and room number. Grabbing her purse and keys the literature walks with Hiro to the door and locks up and before walking away gives the Asian teen an encouraging smile, "Think about."


The ride home from school was much calmer between the three teens as Huey sped through the streets of Woodcrest. Jazmine was happy that things seemed back to normal and that she can sing along to the songs that played from the car speakers and that Huey wouldn't skip any of the songs Riley liked even if it meant that he had to listen to the two teens belt out lyrics to 'type different'.

As the beat to 'plug walk' fades out Jazmine's phone rings and she quickly reaches in her back pocket for the pink covered phone.

"Hello," Jazmine answers without looking at the caller ID, a smile still gracing her pink glossed lips. "Hey, Melanie!" The mulatto teen greets cheerfully. "I'm happy you called me back, we were so worried about you today." Jazmine goes on to talk to Melanie on the phone, oblivious to the side glances from her best friend.

"We have to hang out soon! Totally, how about Saturday? You're still coming to Cindy's party, right? Okay, I will see you then, bye." Jazmine ends the call and tucks her phone in her back pocket as she sinks back into her seat.

"You and Melanie are becoming real close," Huey says after a moment and it doesn't sound like a question so much as an observation.

"Yeah, we share calculus together and from there we just began to talk more. She's actually really nice." 'And crazy good at calculus' Jazmine thinks to herself.

"Oh."

"Oh?" Jazmine teases.

"That's good," Huey replies after clearing his throat to which Jazmine just laughs and tries to poke the hidden dimple in his right cheek.

A few moments later Huey pulls into the Freeman driveway and parks in his usual spot next to Dorothy. Once Huey cuts the car off Jazmine turns to her best friend as Riley jumps out and heads inside the house. "So...what time do you have to go?"

Huey's phone chimes with a text and he begrudgingly picks up his phone from the center console. It's from Melanie. Huey's eyes skim over the short message before closing the screen.

"Huey?"

"I was actually about to go inside and get ready for work."

"So, you're leaving soon?" Jazmine asks, sounding a little disheartened. "Well, what time do you get off, maybe I can come over?" The strawberry blonde continues, exiting the car and following Huey inside the house.

Huey doesn't answer to this and Jazmine catches his arm, stopping him in the foyer, folding her arms as Huey faces her. "Are we still going shopping for Cindy's birthday Saturday?"

'Fuck' Huey can't help but think as he thinks back to his schedule this week. He told Jeff he would work the morning shift.

Jazmine's frown deepens at Huey's silence. "Huey you promised!"

"I know. It was a last-minute change, Jeff needed someone to cover the morning shift because Erica called out."

The strawberry blonde teen just stares at her best friend before sighing loudly. "Fine."

"Fine?"

"Yes. It's fine," Jazmine says turning on her heels and heading back out the front door. "It's not like I'm not used to this." The door closes and Huey stands there a moment longer only to be interrupted by Riley.

"I'm not tryna be all in yo business or nothin' but you know how you barely had time to hang out with Jazzy all summer? I can only remember you hanging out with 'er, on one hand, this summer and she still lit up, like a damn Christmas tree whenever you wuz around."

"Your point?"

"Well, as you already know she came over almost every day and waited. Sometimes I would come back from the park from playin' ball all day and Jazmine would be watchin' Soul Food with Grandad or playing checkers still waiting. That girl waited and waited- "

"What are you trying to say, Riley?" Huey asks, his tone rising with his irritation.

Unbothered Riley continues, "And den' one day she just stopped. One day Jazmine gon' stop waitin' on yo ass. She gon' be with somebody dat got time for her and you gotta deal with dat."

Riley disappears and Huey grits his teeth and leaves to get ready for work.


Jazmine doesn't have time to wallow in her thoughts as she spots a familiar black Tesla across the street and with renewed energy Jazmine approaches the car.

"Hey, Romy. You're here early."

"Yeah, I figured I would come scoop you once school let out so we can have more time to hang, but I can come back later if something came up-"

"No, actually," Jazmine starts, "It's perfect timing."

(*)

Romy takes them to a place called Starships and it's a cozy neon lit diner that makes Jazmine gasp in joy. They get a booth adjacent to a long bay window and upon sitting down she notices the little glittery stars scattered across the ceiling of the restaurants.

"Cool, right?" Romy asks as he runs his long fingers through his red hair.

"Uh, yeah!" Jazmine says as if it's obvious. "It's so pretty here."

"Good, I know you would like it."

"Ooh, how'd you know that?"

"I don't know, I just saw this place and I thought about you so..."

"You thought about me? You think about me often?"

"Why, nosy?" Romy teases.

Jazmine giggles, "No, I'm not nosy, I was just wondering. Because I think about you too."

"Oh, you do? Tell me what you be thinkin' about?"

"Now, who's nosy." The two teens laugh as they pick up their menus and begin to flip through them.

"See anything you like?" Romy asks moments later.

"Yup," the mulatto teen answers as she stares at the menu.

"You're going to get the chicken fingers with Cajun shrimp fettuccine."

"Yup."

"And the blueberry lemonade."

"Oh, you know me so well," Jazmine says with a chuckle.

"It's hard not," Romy says as their waitress Holly comes and takes their order.

"What do you mean?"

"You're really easy to talk to. I like that about you actually."

Holly returns with their drinks before scurrying off again and Jazmine is mesmerized by her and Romy's drinks that are decorated with colorful sugar and mini candies."Yeah, well thanks. I guess," she replies, sipping from her lemonade.

"It's kind of hard to have someone who listens and wants to just talk, someone that doesn't judge me."

"Well, I wouldn't want to be judged either, so I just treat others like I would want to be."

"Thank you for that because I have a lot of shit going on in my head sometimes."

"No worries, you can always talk to me," Jazmine pats Romy's hand, her hand resting gently on top of his and Romy lets his thumb stroke her fingers before pulling away.

"Plus, you're like the most innocent person that I've met, why would anyone judge you?"

"Sheesh, a lot actually," Jazmine says and they both erupt in laughter again. " But really," She starts again once their laughter has died down. "A lady never shares all her secrets."

"Okay, that's fair," Romy says and Holly returns with their food.

They dive in and begin to talk about the places Romy lived, how Spongebob has changed, and the newest shows on Netflix.

"But you gotta watch it!" Romy insists in a heated discussion about the Netflix show 'I Am Not Okay With This.' "His whole entire-"

"No! Don't tell me. I wanna watch it, how about we face-time."

"It's a plan," Romy agrees as he checks his phone. Jazmine watches as his fingers quickly slide across his phone's keyboard. His demeanor is still calm, but she can tell he is concentrating on whatever it is he's doing by the slight crinkle in-between his dark eyebrows.

"Is everything alright?" She asks after drinking from her second refill.

"Yeah," he replies and places his black phone in its original spot on the table. "You ready to slide?" He asks, eyeing Jazmine's empty plates.

"Yes, we can go, but wait, what about the bill?"

"It's paid for."

"What, how?" Jazmine asks, her hand pausing inside of her bag as she stares at her red-headed friend.

Romy stands and Jazmine's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "But... I have to tip."

"Don't worry, I got you. Remember?"

"Okay..." Jazmine says completely unsure.

"C'mon, I swear we're good for it," Romy says with a chuckle.

"Fine, fine." They both exit the restaurant, but don't enter the Tesla opting to take a walk around a nearby park.

The sun is setting and Jazmine smiles at the sight. "So, today was another awesome day."

"Was? Today isn't over yet."

"You're right, it's not. So what do you wanna talk about?"

"Do you ever wish you could be someone else?" Jazmine contemplates on this idea as Romy continues, "Like, just for a day. All the things that usually hold us back wouldn't. We would be exactly who we wanted to be. The times we should've said or did something and we didn't, maybe for a day we could have the guts or confidence to actually do it."

"Yes, sometimes," Jazmine replies and is it wrong that her mind automatically goes to Huey. She's reminded of the night she felt as if something inside of her was on the verge of snapping. Her control was wavering and she was afraid of what she could do if she would've given into that feeling...but she didn't because that's not her.

"Like Cinderella!"

"Cinderella? The cartoon?" Romy questions.

"Yes, silly. She gets one night to feel beautiful to get to pretend to be someone else."

"Wow, that was really philosophical."

"Oh, philosophical? I'll show you 'philosophical'," Jazmine says as she begins to tickle Romy relentlessly. This action quickly backfires as Romy gets the upper hand and tickles the mulatto teen until she gets the hiccups. Jazmine finally runs out of reach and Romy chases her only for them to crash into each other and land in a pile of tangled limbs on the ground. They both erupt in another fit of laughter and Jazmine and sits up, her legs straddling Romy.

It isn't until their laughter dies down that they become aware of Jazmine's position. There's a moment of pause in which their eyes meet. It was just a moment, but it leaves Jazmine wondering if Romy's eyes have always been this blue?

"You ready?" She hears Romy finally asks, his voice sending jitters through her.

"Yes!" Jazmine says quickly without thinking. "I mean, yeah," she says in a more neutral tone and Romy paints on a face of faux confusion before breaking into a smile.

"Okay," Is all the redhead says and Jazmine feels fingers squeeze her hips as he lifts her up. She hadn't noticed that his hands were wrapped around her waist and as she stood up properly and watched Romy run those long fingers through his hair for the tenth time this afternoon her body aches for those fingers to grip her hips again. Maybe even tighter.

There's another moment of silence, but the air is tense between them, a lot of unspoken words in the air. Jazmine pretends to be interested in her white converses and the mini sunflowers beneath their feet until she can't. Looking up, her eyes immediately lock with Romy's and...she was right. His eyes were amazingly blue. Maybe it was the sunset or maybe she never really noticed until now.

"Can I take you somewhere? I wanna show you something."

(*)

"You did not tell me I would be wearing this blindfold the entire car ride," Jazmine states, her pink bubblegum lip gloss covered lips set in a pout.

"Don't worry," Romy starts with a chuckle as he expertly navigates the Woodcrest streets. "We're almost here."

Staying true to his words approximately five minutes later Jazmine feels the car come to a stop and the sound of a Romy's seat-belt being unhooked. "Are we here?"

"Not quite. I'm going to walk you up to the door. Just...trust me okay."

"Okay. I trust you."

She hears a door open and closed and a few seconds later she is met with a cool wind as her door is opened and she is pulled gently out of her seat. Grabbing her hand, Romy leads her up some stairs and they take them one by one because Jazmine doesn't want to trip. When there are no more steps her heart rate picks up once more in anticipation.

"You can open your eyes blue jay," Romy says after removing the blindfold.

Confusion immediately settles in place upon opening her jade green eyes. "What are we doing here Romy? This is the Wuncler Estate."

"I know. I live here."

"Here?" Jazmine questions in disbelief. "No, I've been here almost a million times now and the only person that lives here is Ed."

"Well, Ed is my uncle and I moved here this summer."

"This summer? I don't remember-wait." Realization finally dawns on Jazmine and quietly she questions her redheaded, blue eye friend, "Raven?"

Romy smiles. He doesn't answer and instead says as he enters the grand foyer, "Let's go get some ice cream."


"You on Cherry Tree?"

"Yea. Just creeping."

"He's outside Thompson's house right now. He getting ready to pull off."

"That's what's up. Thanks for the heads up."

"So, we straight?"

"I'on know, but Ed and Rummy will appreciate your services."

"But-" Before Jacq can finish his sentence the line goes dead.

Flipping her long blonde hair over her shoulder Cindy makes a note to scratch off a percentage of Jacq's debt before dropping her phone in the passenger seat.

The blonde flicks the ashes out before finishing off her blunt and throwing it out the window of her dad's black Mercedes Benz s class just as the black Maserati a couple meters away moves. As she follows, she makes sure to always stay a few cars behind just to be sure.

Cindy contemplates many things as she follows this car, but all that matters is what she's going to say and do when she confronts Rome. As she slows down to another red light her mind goes to Caesar and how she sort of hates herself for even showing interest in him.

Yeah, she liked him from afar for years now, but he never knew that. Now, he does and she's embarrassed. Feeling something drop on her collarbones she looks down and sees tears, hitting the italian leather steering wheel she in frustration more tears continue to pour.

"What the fuck!" She screams inside the car.

The light turns green and she pushes forward.

Cindy isn't even paying attention to her surroundings, she just focuses on making every twist and turn the Maserati in front of her makes. Her phone rings and chimes, but she ignores every single text and calls as she gets lost in what's in front of her.

The black car slows down before making a sharp right. Cindy waits a moment and follows stopping at the bottom of the large hill outside a familiar house or rather...estate.

The Wuncler Estate to be exact.

'But why the fuck would Ed do some shit like this? It doesn't make sense, taking money out of everyone's hand for a larger cut?" Cindy thinks before quickly shaking her head. "Nah, Ed wouldn't do something like that, but this shit doesn't make sense." Cindy drives up the hill and pulls over to the side, parks, and jogs the rest of the way up to the mansion.

Ducking behind the finely trimmed hedges Cindy watches as the Maserati quickly backs into a parking spot. The door opens and Cindy's in shock at the redheaded boy as he walks up the marble white stairs leading to the front door. Ducking further into the hedges Cindy eases her way out of sight of the boy before booking it back to her car and disappears into the night.


Pulling in the driveway Huey parks in his usual spot. As he gets out he stretches and mentally berates himself for agreeing to work an early shift tomorrow. Thinking about that causes him to look over at the Dubois' residence. The entire house is dark and the driveway is empty. Has it always been like this?

Huey thinks back and comes to the crazy realization that it has been for some months now. He hadn't really taken notice, but the more he thinks about the times he would get off of work and Jazmine would be over, or he would come home after being out all night would glance over and everything would be off.

Where were Tom and Sarah? And why the hell is he just now noticing how absent they've been? Riley's words from earlier haunt him and Huey contemplates on whether or not he should call Jazmine.

'Fuck it.'

Just as Huey's reaches in his pocket for his phone he hears a muffled ringing sound. Holding his phone in his grasp he knows it's not his. Checking in his car Huey opens the glove compartment, but eventually finds the source of the noise between the arm rest and passenger side seat.

By the time Huey pulls out the fluffy pink phone the ringing stops and the screen flashes with three missing calls. One from Cindy over an hour ago and two recent ones from someone named Romy.

Suddenly, the phone pings twice with new messages.

From: Romy

had a great time with u tonight. can't wait to hang again.

i can't believe u saw the inside of my room...and you looked kind of cute on my bed.

A million things run through Huey's mind as the messages continue to pop up on the screen, one sticking out more than one.

okay, ur not replying and i know ur probs laughing ur cute face off right now, so imma go to bed. good night blue jay.

For once, Riley was right.


Waving Romy goodbye Jazmine waits until his car disappears down the street before allowing herself to smile stupidly as she thinks about her day with Romy. She can't believe that he was Raven, the person she spent many days just talking with over the summer. It shouldn't be such a surprise considering how good of a listener and talker considers Romy to be.

Gathering her self up she looks over at the Freeman's residence and Huey's car is still gone along with Mr. Freeman's. Not letting the memory of her argument with Huey cloud her mind again, she reaches inside her bag and grabs her key and unlocks her front door. She refuses to let anything ruin her mood.

"How was your day honey?" Jazmine hears upon entering the house. She immediately freezes and stares at the source of the melodic voice.

"Did you miss me? Cause I sure have missed you, dearly," Christie says, examining her sparkly pink gel nail-polish.

"How did you get in here," Jazmine asks, her tone hard.

"Funny how this little key here still works," Christie says, twirling around the pink custom key.

"Why are you here?" The strawberry blonde asks instead as she kicks off her shoes, takes off her bag and sits it on a side table.

"Like I said, I missed you. I really did, J."

Jazmine stares at Christie through the circular mirror in front of her, trying to figure out if Christie's being honest or not. It's always been tricky with her.

"You did? You sure do have a funny way of showing it."

"Well, you know my rules baby J, but that doesn't make me feel things any less, it doesn't make me want-" Christie says, waltzing up behind Jazmine. Standing behind her she begins to stroke her strawberry blonde curls softly.

"No, we're not doing this. I've-I told you I'm done. With you."

"Oh, but you didn't mean that did you?"

"I did."

"Are you sure?" Christie whispers in her ear, sending chills down her spine. Jazmine begins to nod, but Christie jerks her face towards her own, their eyes locking. Christie doesn't wait and claims J's cold pink glossed lips, claims what belongs to her.

Everything moves extremely fast after that as Christie takes control of her, and the strawberry blonde allows her to. Expertly, Christie unhooks J's pink bra with one hand and unzips her jeans with the other.

Christie holds Jazmine's face in her palm and with one shared look immediately leads them upstairs. Christie quickly finds her room and Jazmine locks the door, their lips never breaking apart. Within minutes Christie's pulling J's rose pink panties off, the last item of clothing between them.

Pushing her on the bed Christie immediately takes hold of Jazmine's ankles and kisses them before diving in and capturing her lips again.

"None of the girls at boarding school can compare to you. I love your stupid smile, your hair, and these fucking lips of yours. Your mine. Fucking mine."

Jazmine doesn't reply, she doesn't have time to as pleasure takes her.


Lol, it's been about fifty-eleven years, but here's an update, another one should be coming soon. I swear. This story is nowhere near being over, okay? Drop down in the comments and let me know how this chapter made you feel. The secret's out...well at least among us. Jazzy isn't so innocent and the group hasn't found out. Will they ever? Will this continue? Nope, it prolly won't, but there's a lot of more things to come so stay tuned.