Love, After Dark

Chapter 29

The rest of my day went without a hitch. At least, that’s what it looked like from the outside. I tried asking Keisha about the awkward moment with Nala during study hall, but the second I brought it up, her jaw tightened and she shook her head. “Not today,” she said flatly. “Some things are better left alone.” So, I dropped it. Last period was African American Studies, and Nala was there. She sat two rows over, close enough that I could feel her presence without us actually speaking. We exchanged a glance once or twice, nothing more. No chance to clear the air. No time to ask questions.

When the bell rang, the teacher, Mr. Owens clapped his hands together and announced a group project. Four students per group. Immediate groans filled the room as desks scraped and clusters formed, making it painfully clear who already belonged. I stayed seated, scanning the room, feeling that familiar tug of being the new girl. “Siri.” I looked up. Nala was standing, backpack slung over one shoulder, chin lifted like she’d already decided the answer for me. “We have room for one more?” I smiled before I could stop myself. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

As we filed out, she fell into step beside me. “We’re meeting at the library after school to go over the project. Can you join?” “Sure,” I said. “I’ll meet you there. I just need to catch someone first.” She nodded easily, no pressure. I found Keisha at her locker, and we walked out together, trading numbers and laughing like we’d known each other longer than a single day. She asked how it went, and I told her everything she hadn’t been there to see. When I mentioned gym class, her smile vanished. “She did what?” Keisha snapped, already halfway to violence. She muttered a few very creative curses aimed squarely at Wynter and her friends before squaring her shoulders. “Don’t worry. You’re not alone here. I've got your back.”

By the time we reached my car, her eyes widened. “Damn, new girl,” she said, switching effortlessly into Spanish. “Este carro está muy caliente.” I laughed, heat creeping up my neck. “Thanks.” “Text me when you make it home,” she called as she headed to her own car. “Don’t disappear on me, chica.” I buckled in, set the GPS for the library, and texted my mom that I was dropping Sia off and meeting my group after. The reply came almost instantly. Don’t bother. She’s already home. We need to talk when you get back. My stomach tightened. I already knew what this was about. As I pulled out of the lot, I was grateful for the library. Grateful for the delay before I had to face the fire waiting at home.