Stuck between two bad boys

When we agreed on a spot, I left the library feeling euphoric. I walked into the restroom and just turned on the tap to wash my face.

Everything about Emily made me happier, she was like a drug. I washed my face for some minutes and when I was done, I turned off the tap.

I straightened my stance and looked at my reflection in the mirror. I brushed my hair backward with my hands and paused when I saw a reflection that wasn’t mine.

What the fuck was Xavier sneaking up on me?

“Look, I don’t want to fight you, just get away from me.”

He pulled away from the wall he leaned on and stood straight.

“I don’t want to fight you either.” He started.

Pffff! That was a huge relief.

“What are you doing here?” I asked the moment I turned to meet him.

“I just came to talk.”

What the hell did Xavier want to talk about? It obviously had to do with Emily. I knew he saw us the other day at the basketball court but I didn’t do anything.

Odd, right?

“Devin I need you to stay away from Emily,” he started. “She’s my sister and she’s a minor.”

Was be hearing himself? He was the one who was kissing his sister and having shit with a minor not me. I’ve never touched or kissed Emily. The other day at the basketball court, I badly wanted to but I stopped myself knowing she was a minor. I respected that and ignored what I felt the urge to do.

Okay fine, I have kissed her before but it was brief.

The only time I can count I really touched Emily was the night at Nigel’s party and I was only trying to protect her.

“Xavier I-”

“I know,” he interrupted me. “I know I messed things up with you and Amelia. I also know I haven’t been the best friend in the world but please leave Emily out of this.”

He was out of his mind. Did he think I was going to use Emily as a revenge? Hell no!

“Don’t play games with Emily, just leave her. Stay the fvck away from her, that’s all I’m asking.”

“You can’t be serious Xavier.”

“Devin I’m not fvcking joking. If there’s still anything about Amelia, please put it aside. I don’t want to hurt Emily, she’s still a kid.”

I couldn’t stand the bullshit he was saying so I walked out on him. He knew she was a kid but went ahead to bruise her lips with a motherfucking kiss?

So annoying!

I wasn’t playing games with Emily like he thinks. He sucks that he thinks I’m like him. I was way over whatever happened with Amelia and the earlier he realizes that, the better.

My strides paced faster as I walked out in anger. Xavier used to be that buddy I called whenever I needed anything. He was always there too, we drank, smoked, did all the nasty stuffs and still went to school. He knew the nature of my job and the reason I had to work there as a fighter. I took him a as a family till he fucking betrayed me.

He knew how much I loved and cared for Amelia, he knew how I also wanted to be able to provide for her. He laughed when I took more shifts and fought more just to get the bucks and spend on Amelia. He also knew I was trying to hide my job from her because she had a phobia.

All these he knew and still brought her there. The memories flashed back and I just clenched my fist. Despite all these I tried to forgive him and get us back to normal but it never worked out.

As usual, I ended my deep thoughts with blaming my mother who dropped me in that fucking orphanage. I paused when I realized I had reached the spot where we agreed on. Emily wasn’t there yet so I just took a seat on one of the benches.

Shortly after, I raised my head to a figure approaching. It was Emily and she was walking hesitantly. When she sighted me, she gave a quick faded smile.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” she replied.

“Thought you wouldn’t make it.”

“Sorry, uh.. I just had to do a few things before coming.”

I nodded in understanding. “Let’s take a seat.”

I gestured to the bench but she looked nervous and uncomfortable. “No, thanks.”

I raised my brows wondering why she was feeling so uncomfortable. Am I that scary? Was she afraid i’d hurt her?

Not again.

“Listen,” I said and turned to her. “It’s fine if you want to go home because you feel uncomfortable around me. I understand okay? You can go home.”

Her eyes flickered and she went mute. Why was she looking like she didn’t hear what I just said?

“No it’s not-” she tried to explain but I cut her short.

“I get it. Go home, Emily.”

I closed the gap between us and placed a kiss on her forehead. I turned and walked away.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

She didn’t move but I didn’t turn back. I didn’t have to make her do things against her wish. If she was comfortable around me or felt any slight thing for me, she wouldn’t be so skeptical and nervous around me.

I headed home, taking the short route where I met Jack the other time. I plugged in my earphone and listened to Polo G – Hall of fame album.

I was listening and walking when the music went off and a vibration followed. I checked the caller ID and it was Martha. What the hell did she want from me? My jaw clenched as the call connected.

“Hey hunny.”

“What?”

“Common, you should see how great she talks about you. She says she’d love to have another night with you. This time all night.”

Her voice irked me, I could throw up just talking to her.

“I’m not fucking interested.”

“Aww, that’s the same thing you said the last time. You should really make up your mind, isn’t this like your business or something?”

“Fvcking old folks isn’t my business!!” I flared up.

“She isn’t even that old. Still about sixty-eight.”

“She’s older than my mother bitch.”

“But not older than your grand mum. Listen Devin, no one really cares who she’s older than. I’ve done so much for you already, all I need is for you to fvck my friends whenever I call you.”

“I’ll rather die.”

“Don’t get me angry Devin.”

“Or else what? I could have you turned in for Statutory rape.”

“Quite playing, you fuck them on consent.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that I’m 18 and you’re 45.”

“Devin.”

“Don’t even say it. You haven’t done shit for me aside from stealing my innocence. I was only 15 Martha, fucking 15! Return my innocence and I’ll pay you off.”