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738 Words
As Laurel laid back and thought about the aftermath of what happened, she kept wondering: Was it worth it? Trying to get into a night club she had no business being in. Sneaking out the front door! So not smart ... but her main mistake was letting Derek talk her into it. He was always getting her into trouble. Why was she letting him draw her in like this? Goodness, she made it sound like he had her by the neck with one of those canes pulling her off a stage; like he was pulling her arm. At times that’s what it felt like.
Her phone rang. She picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Laure! That you?”
“Jackie? Hey, girl!”
“What up, cuz! How you doing? What chu up to?” Jackie asked.
“Same ol’, same ol’. You?”
“Please! Do I get to go anywhere?”
“Yes! Everywhere. All the time. When was the last time you went clubbing?”
“Last night but …”
“Uh huh. Uh huh. See?” Laurel said making her point.
“Well from what I hear, you don’t need to be talkin’.”
“Who told you?”
“Who you think? You know how tight everybody is in this family. Forget all that. What was you sneakin’ out for? I thought you were miss goody goody?”
“I think you have me confused with Graciela,” Laurel corrected.
“How is G, anyway?”
“I wouldn’t know but I’ll tell you what. She needs a man. Seriously.”
Jackie laughed, “Oh is that what she needs? That’s the answer to all her problems, huh?”
“You think I’m playing. Jackie, that girl is lonely.”
“You’re a mess. An over-exaggerated mess.”
“I do not exaggerate. I’m being truthful.”
“Well, then who would you hook her up with, oh truthful one? Last time I was there, she wasn’t givin’ any of the guys around your part of Jupitervale that kind of attention. They were either arguing or just cool except her and that one boy. What was his name?”
“What boy?”
“That one boy she was always hangin’ out with.”
“Who? Greg?”
“Yeah, that’s it!” Jackie exclaimed. “Greg Marshall.”
“Marcel. His name was Greg Marcel. That was her best friend. Well, guy friend.”
“Why don’t they get together? It would be so perfect! Friends turned to lovers.”
“Into what?” Laurel screamed in shock.
“Boyfriend and girlfriend. That’s what I meant. You sounded like you were gonna have a heart attack or something, girl.”
“Well, yeah. Wouldn’t you if someone said that about your lil brother?”
“Excuse me? I don’t have a brother. I have a Francisco,” Jackie corrected. “There’s a difference.”
“Umm hmm.”
“So, where is that Greg Marcel boy?”
“You don’t know?”
“Know what?”
“Dude moved about a month after you visited.”
“He moved? Goodness gracious. That was like four or five years ago.”
“Yep, it was.”
“How has she been dealing with that? Is she alright?” Jackie asked concerned.
“She’s had five years to deal with it. She’s fine.”
“Are you sure? You said so yourself. That was her best friend.”
“Yes, he was. I think she’s past it.”
“Past her best friend leaving her? I don’t think so.”
“She has another best friend, Jackie.”
“Maybe so ... but I bet he ain’t like Greg.”
“It’s a girl, Jack.”
“Oh. Then it’s definitely not the same,” Jackie joked. “I have to go. My mom’s expecting a call.”
“Alright, Jack. I’ll talk to you later, girl.”
“Peace,” Jackie closed as both her and Laurel hung up their phones.
- Writer
