I didn't proofread, just a heads up ⬆️

The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Serenity and I gathered our books, exchanging eager glances. Mara had a different last period to us, plus she mentioned having a meeting after school to attend and no she didn't mentioned what the 'quote on quote' meeting is about.

"I have to find something Sam will love," I said, slinging my bag over my shoulder as we headed out of the schoolyard.

Serenity nodded.

The sun blazed high in the blue clear sky as we made our way into town. The streets bustling with life: vendors selling fruits, sky juice, school children laughing as they gather in groups, and music floating from nearby shops. The aroma of jerk chicken and fresh patties teased my senses.

"What about clothes?" Serenity suggests as we stopped at the glass window of a store showcasing fashionable and vintage clothing.

Sam deserves something timeless.

We pause for a moment but then I remember something. "Do you guys have a pandora store? I would like to get her a bracelet" I questioned.

Serenity laughed out loud. "Several darling."

We continued walking, passing a clothing store, salon, pawn shop and even a bakery. Hmm... the sweet aroma made my tummy growl with hunger.

"Over there" serenity points at the building with the obvious sign on the glass showcase windows.

We wandered into the shiny, air-conditioned jewelry store, a stark a contrast to the lively streets outside. Glass cases sparkled with delicate chains, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. I walked straight to the pandora display.

"Something elegant, but not over-the-top," I murmured, scanning the charms. "What about this?" I point to a silver bracelet adorned with a small charm shaped like a sunflower and a cross one.

I'm not sure if Sam is religious, but this is nice.

Serenity tilted her head, a smile spreading across her face. "Sam loves sunflowers. How did you know? That's perfect."

"It was really a wild guess" I smiled. I did say I would get her something I would want for myself.

I hesitated, glancing at the price tag. Things are more expensive here. My stomach tightened, but I quickly dismissed the thought. "She'll love it" I say, pulling out my purse.

So much for saving towards the new track shoes I will be needing to compete this year.

Serenity, sensing my resolve, chimed in "I'll pitch in, that way you can still have money to save in case of an emergency."

I blinked, surprised, then smiled. "Thanks, Seren, but I've got this—honestly."

After paying, we walked out of the store with the bracelet safely tucked inside of a white signature box in a white gift bag branded pandora on the outside.

Seren grinned "Sam is going to love it."

My stomach growled on cue, "Let's go get something to eat."

"KFC?" Seren ask with a wide grin on her face.

"Obviously, now lead the way" I replied, walking beside her.

The familiar aroma of fried chicken greeted us as we entered the bustling restaurant filled with school children. Surprisingly the line wasn't too long, within ten minutes we ordered a bucket of chicken, two fries and two icy sodas, then found a corner table by the window.

"Do you have a hairstyle picked out for next weekend?" I ask seren who isn't wasting any time with her food.

She sees me glancing at her and starts giggling. "Nah I was just thinking to install a wig, then do something simple like a side part. After all it's not my birthday I would like Sam to feel special on her day."

I nod, "I think I'll do the same thing with my hair too."

We continue eating and talking about random things.

Kay is oblivious to the group of girls sitting a few tables away, whispering and casting pointed glances in her direction.

Being the only one that noticed first, I bring it to Kay's attention "Do you know them?" I ask quietly, nodding towards the group.

Kay glanced over, her expression turning serious. "No really. I've seen them around, though."

One of the girls leaned in and whispered something to her friends, prompting a burst of laughter. Their eyes stayed fixed on Kay who doesn't seemed bothered.

"They're looking for trouble," I muttered.

Kay calmly sipped her drink, her voice steady. "Let them look. I'm not here for drama."

But as the group's snickering grew louder, one of the girls got up and casually walked towards our table. She stopped, folding her arms and smirking. "Kay, right? Heard you're always acting like you're better than everyone else."

Kay didn't flinch. She leaned back, her expression calm but firm. "I don't know what you've heard, but I don't have time for foolishness."

Damn Kay got braver, or was she playing shy all this time?

Ever ready to back up for my friends, I added, "If you have something to say, say it and move along. We're busy."

The girl's smirk faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Just making sure that you remember where you are. Not everyone's impressed with your little skills."

Kay stood, her voice unwavering. "I'm not here to impress anyone. Now, if you'll excuse us, we're trying to finish our meal in peace."

The girl hesitated, clearly expecting a different reaction, before walking back to her group, muttering under her breath.

I shake my head as I sat back down. "What was that even about?"

Kay smiled faintly. "Some people just like to test you. But not today."

Completely shocked, I laughed "girl since when do you stand up to bullies?"

She shrugged "I always do, but you and mara are always there to save me, so why bother."

"Debate. Her team lost to us on Monday," kay explained.

I completely forgot about that competition. The main reason why I wanted Kay to join our debate team is because at some days, spelling bee competitions clash and I'm unable to compete for both. Our school made the best decision bringing her on the team with such a short term.

"Girl you're making enemies everywhere, you soon need a bodyguard," I joked.

Kay laughed. "Maybe."

After finishing our meal, I called an on-time taxi and we head home.

I got home to a quiet house, saved by the faint hum of the ceiling fan in the living room. I tossed my bag onto the couch and sank into it, feeling a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction from the day.

My phone buzzed. I picked it up, expecting a message from Kay or Mara, but my chest tightened when I saw the name: Cardo.

Cardo: "Hey, been thinking about you. Can we talk?"

I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. Memories of our fleeting moments together flashed in my mind—his laugh, the way he would caress my body. But I couldn't forget why I had ended things.

It's not that I don't like him, I do—maybe too much. But we are too different, and my brother would hurt him if he found out we were together.

I sighed and locked the phone without replying. Standing up, I head to my room. Determined not to let that message weigh me down.

Some things are better left unsaid and some doors better left closed.

10:43pm

I yawn exiting my room thirsty for something to drink. Hearing the creak of the back door grabbed my attention. I caught a sight of Val tiptoeing towards it, her sandals dangling from one hand and her phone clutched in the other. "Val," I called sharply, making her jump.

Val spun around, her face a mix of guilt and annoyance. "Kay, go back to watching your cartoons or whatever."

"Cartoons? Don't play me. Where are you going?" I asked, folding my arms.

"Out. Just mind your business, little sis," Val replied, trying to keep her tone casual.

"While mom's at work? You know she'll kill you if she finds out," I warned, stepping closer.

"Only if you tell her," Val shot back, attempting to brush past me.

I sidestepped to block her. "Why you acting so sneaky then? If it's nothing, why not just wait until she's home?"

Val hesitated, the tension in her shoulders giving her away. "It's not bad, okay? I just need some air."

"Air inna dat skimpy dress you got on?" I smirked. "You're going to meet someone, aren't you?"

Val groaned, she knows I won't let up easily. "Fine! Yes, but it's just a friend if you must know."

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Well, I think you should call mom before leaving."

Val huffed in frustration. "Stop being such a bitch, Kay"

I raised both hands in surrender. "Do you boo!"

The house has cameras, I don't think Val figured that out, yet. I'm pretty sure it notifies my mother whenever someone leaves or enters this house. But who am I to stop Val's shine.

• • • • • • • •

It's Saturday morning, the smell of fried dumplings and ackee wafted through the air as I set the table. My mother stood by the stove, stirring a pot of callaloo while Val scrolled on her phone trying to act nonchalant.

"Val," mom said without looking up, her tone casual but carrying weight. "How was your little outing last night?"

My head shoot up, and Val froze mid-scroll, her face suddenly pale. "W-what outing?" Val stammered, trying to keep her voice steady. She suddenly turned to face me with a mean mug on her face.

Mom turned off the stove and faced her with a knowing smile. She reached for her phone on the counter, opened the security app, and held up a clip of Val sneaking out the back door. "This one."

Ah yasso nice, subrella hypes up in my head.

Val's jaw dropped. "You checked the cameras? Since when do we have cameras? That's an invasion of my privacy!"

Look how mi try warn the shallow head gyal.

Mom crossed her arms. "Privacy? You're sneaking out of my house in the middle of the night while I'm at work. Try again."

I bit back my smirk as I watched Val squirm.

"It wasn't a big deal," Val muttered, avoiding my mother's sharp gaze.

"Not a big deal?" Mom's voice rose slightly. "And what if something happened to you? This isn't the first time I've warned you about being responsible, Val. You're setting an example for Kay."

Psshh... more like I'm the one setting the example.

Val glanced at me, I raised an eyebrow, clearly I'm enjoying the roles reversal.

"What if you turned out pregnant, huh, Val? You're not old enough to take care of a child, you much less can take care of yourself on your own." Mom continued.

"I'm sorry, Angela," Val finally said, her tone subdued.

Mom sighed and softened. "You're lucky it wasn't worse. You're grounded for a week. No outings and you'll be helping Kay with chores"

Yess!! That gyul no lift a finger since she moved in here.

"What?" Val groaned.

"You heard me. Now come eat before the food gets cold," mom replied, turning back to the stove.

I leaned over and whispered, "Told you sneaking out wasn't worth it. But I got so much perks in the end."

Val glared at me, but I grinned, savoring the rare moment where the tables had turned.

I sat on the edge of my bed, my literature book open beside me. A broad smile bread across my face as I mumbled to myself "Man, I can't believe how much I've improved. Kay is seriously the best tutor ever. Who knew I'd actually like poetry analysis? I aced my last test. Kay really got a way of breaking things down that makes it all click."

I grabbed a paper from the nightstand, where a "A-" was circled in red at the top. It's a huge step up from my usual grades.

If it weren't for kay, I'd still be struggling. She's a lifesaver.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. I jumped up and opened it to find Kay standing there with her backpack slung over her shoulder. She was punctual as always, her calm, no-nonsense demeanor instantly making the room feel like a productive space.

"Ready for today's session?" Kay asked, with a small smile, stepping inside and pulling out her notes.

Normally we have tutor sessions downstairs in the living room but I needed a change of scenery and less noise.

My girlfriend, Calyssa should've been here by now but no show—no calls. Calyssa was the bartender working at my brother's housewarming party. We talked, hanged a few times and it just clicked between us.

"Yeah, man" I said enthusiastically, motioning to the desk. "I was just thinking about how much you've helped me. Seriously, I can't thank you enough."

As we sat down, Kay started outlining a new essay structure, her tone patient yet firm. I hung onto every word, jotting down notes and asking questions. I respect her skills and I appreciate her guidance.

My bedroom door creaked open a bit, "Didny you closed the door?" I asked Kay who glanced up at me with a confused expression.

"I did" she replied unbothered.

I shrugged, not that it mattered. We continued working.

Later, Kay started packing up her bag to leave for gym. I thanked her for coming even, though she's getting paid to do so. "Thanks again, Kay. I really appreciate your help," she flashed me a polite smile before heading out.

"Oh hi, cally" Kay said, her voice genuine, her face carrying the same polite smile.

"Hey, Kay" Calyssa returned, not as enthusiastic as Kay. My brow furrowed in confusion.

Kay doesn't pay it any mind and continued walking.

"So... yuh really like Kay as a tutor, huh?" She asked, her tone a bit sharper than intended and her arms crossed.

I looked up, startled by her tone. "What do yuh mean? Yes, Kay is at what she do. Mi grades gone up, and mi finally understand Shakespeare. What's not to like?"

Cally stepped closer, her voice light but edged with something else. "Oh, so Kay dis and Kay dat. Every time mi come 'round, is Kay name mi hear. She smarter than me or what?"

I frowned, setting the book down. "Cally, stop di foolishness. Kay is just mi tutor. Mi need help with lit, and she know how fi teach. How much times mi must explain dis to yuh."

Cally rolled her eyes. "Yeah, mi hear yuh. But yuh nuh see how yuh light up every time she come 'round? Mi not blind, Stefan."

I groaned, rubbing my forehead. "Cally, yuh serious? Kay is just mi tutor. Dat's all. Why yuh acting jealous?"

"Mi nuh jealous" Cally shot back, though the look on her face said otherwise. "Mi just nuh trust how talk 'bout her like she perfect."

I stood up and walked over to her. "Look, mi appreciate Kay because she help mi wid mi schoolwork. But mi appreciate you because yuh always yah fi me. Yuh know dat, right?"

Cally hesitated before nodding reluctantly. "Alright, mi hear yuh. But mi a watch yuh still," she said with half-smile, trying to shake off her feelings.

I chuckled, pulling her into a tight hug. "Watch all yuh want. Mi nah go anywhere, cally. A yuh mi love."

She smiled in my chest, I hope that makes her feel better.

____________

I know some persons said that they forgot Stefan was a character so I said let me give him a little POV action.

I hope you guys enjoyed it. Until next time 💋