Hope you all are enjoying yourself while reading this. I appreciate you reading it. Now onto Chapter Three. (:

[¥] Chapter 3[¥]

£¬New Problems¬£¬

“Hey mom.” I said putting my books in the back as I watched Kelly get into the car and pull off. I climb into the front seat and kiss her cheek before buckling my seatbelt.

“Hey sweetie, how was school?” She asked starting up the car.       

“Good. Same problems, just different people.” I said giving with a shrug of my shoulder. I loved my mother dearly, but it’s just not the same talking to her as it is with my dad. He doesn’t try to throw a conversation out there, it just happens automatically.

“So, who was that cutie on the steps with you? He’s your new boyfriend or something?” She asked with a glint of hope in her eyes, yet her voice was laced with humor.

“No ma. He’s just a friend.” I laughed lightly. I paused for a second collecting my thoughts before saying, “I would say that out of the whole school he’s the only one who’s been nice to me today.” I added. “We officially met this morning.”

“That’s nice I guess.” She said unsure of herself. I really haven’t told her in detail exactly everything that happens at school. She just gets the sugarcoated version of it; my dad on the other hand gets the gruesome details. “I don’t understand why you don’t have a boyfriend yet; you’re just too beautiful not to have one.” She said with a shrug of her shoulders. I simply ignored her statement, and said nothing. She doesn’t understand like my father would, as I said I’m more of a daddy’s girl than anything. She just knows people at school bully me because they don’t have anything better to do with their lives. Which isn’t really a complete lie.

“His name is Kelly Bradshaw and he said that his mom works with dad down at the new restaurant.” She nodded her head taking in the new knowledge.

“His mother is Adrian?” She asked with slight shock.

“I guess, since they are both new.” I then began thinking on this information, and nearly slapped myself for not putting it together earlier. No wonder he seemed so familiar to me at one point; Adrian and my mother grew up together and have been close with each other. They had lost contact with each other during their college careers. According to my mother they just recently got back in touch with one another, although, I don’t think they have seen one another yet.

“Her and I used to be friends back when we were little, remember I was telling you about her?” She asked taking a quick glance my way. “I saw her like three weeks ago and she told me she had four more boys since the last time I saw her. I just haven’t gotten a chance to meet them yet.” She continued. Well that question was answered. I remembered my mother telling me stories of her best friend and how the last time they had seen each other Adrian had just had her first child, Lenox, and after that, they lost touch. I have to say, I give props to Ms. S because she had just graduated high school and gave birth to a baby boy and still managed to get through college. Now she has four boys and as far as I knew they all turned out pretty good.

“Oh well you’ll get a chance to meet Kelly tomorrow. I’m going to the movies with him and his brothers.” I told her. Then a smile crept upon her face. What is she thinking? “So How is Ms. S doing anyway?” I asked changing the subject.

“She’s good. She invited me out for lunch with her tomorrow.” She gave off a sigh of contentment as if she was thinking back on the good old days.

“That’s good, then she can tell you all about the boys and you can tell her about me.” I said feeling happy for my mother. We said nothing the rest of the car ride home and I took that time to study her features, compare them to mine, as I have found myself doing from time-to-time. Like any other time I couldn’t find any resemblance that stood out from the rest. We had the same high cheek bones and a beauty mark on our neck, just beneath our chin. We had the same skin tone, and that was where it stopped. Everywhere I went, people always said how much I looked like my father even when I wasn’t with my father. I have yet to find one person to say how much I look like my mother. I guess that’s the price you pay for being a daddy’s girl. “Oh and before I forget Dad said that he would take me shopping tomorrow, then Sunday all three of us are going out to eat.” I said remembering what my father told me over the phone.

“That’s nice of him. What made him come up with that?” She asked as she came to a stop light and gave me her full attention.

“I told him he doesn’t spend enough time with us, because he works so late.” I told her.

“Yeah that is true.” She pressed her foot on the gas and proceeded down the road towards home. The rest of the ride home was quit fun. I mean I have never had an actually conversation with my mom since my grandmother died. God rest her soul. I guess my luck is starting to turn around, thanks to Kelly. I think?

When she pulled up to the house we got out of the car, I grabbed my things from the back and headed straight for my room. I threw my books haphazardly onto my messy bed and changed into my blue and red basketball shorts and a plain white tank top. I stood in the middle of my floor looking at my room. It was a mess; dirty clothes were spilling from the hamper, clean clothes through all over the place due to the constant search for something good to wear. My dresser was covered in jewelry, and other miscellaneous iteMs. S few of my posters were starting to come off the sea blue colored walls, indicating the many months of wear and tear. “Time to put something different up.” I said to myself. “Alright Khalia, it won’t get clean with you just standing here.” With that finally thought I began cleaning my room and taking off the posters that were falling. I’d think of a new way to decorate my room some other day.

About an hour and a half later, my room was clean and I had taken my clothes down to be washed. When I got back to my room, I had made up my mind to get started on my homework. A load of it needed to get finished right away. I had to read 40 pages, and write a 2 to 3 page essay on what I read, for English. Then I had to do 10 problems for Geometry, some worksheets for Chemistry, and some work for my Spanish class. This is too much homework to be doing over the weekend. I turned my radio on and started my English homework. I read like 15 pages and wrote a couple of paragraphs. Then I started my Geometry homework, since Math was one of my favorite subjects it didn’t take me long to complete the probleMs. Sfter that, I did two worksheets and the rest of my Spanish work that was due. Once I was done, I put my books up and lay in my bed. Today has been a long day. New discoveries have been made, I found out Kelly likes me and I do not even know him that well, he has been in my classes since day one. Crazy? I know. Before I knew it, exhaustion took over my body and I feel asleep for about only to been awakened by my phone ringing. I reached over on my night table and grabbed my phone answering it blindly.

“Hello?” I said in a sleepy voice.

“Hey Khalia it’s me Kelly.” He said in a happy tone. What is he so happy about?

“Hey,” I said trying to wake up. I sat up on my bed and stretched. “What’s up?” I asked.

“I need help.” He said sounding a bit frustrated.

“Don’t you always?” I teased “With what, Geometry?”

“Yes.” He laughed.

“What’s wrong?” I asked fully waking up now.

“Everything.” He joked.

“Oh, gosh.” I laughed.

“You thought I was joking about the tutoring thing. Girl I was dead serious.” He said as laughter filled his voice.

“Okay. What question are you stuck on?” I laughed. “Number 20.” He said.

“Okay. Hold on let me get my book.” I got up off the bed, grabbed my book bag and pulled out my notebook and my textbook off my desk. “Hold up I’m almost done.” I informed him.

“Take your time.” I settled down and I flipped to the homework page and found number 20.

“Okay I got it; did you try to work the problem out?” I asked looking over my work.

“Yes. And something doesn’t seem right.” He said. I could hear the turning of pages and guessed he was trying to look back and forth through his work as well.

“What answer did you get?” I asked. Looking at my answer.

“I got,” He paused for a second then said, “3/8.” What in the world? He is way off.

“I got 5.” I said going over the problem again.

“How did you get 5?” He asked, shock evident in his voice.

“Once you find the answer to the first line, you multiply it by 4x and divide it by 8. That would give you 5.” I explained.

“Do you see what you did wrong?”

“I’m looking.” Then he got quiet for a second.

“Found it. I multiplied the first answer wrong. No, I did it right because you would get 10 right?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. I don’t know where these numbers came from.” He looked over his paper and the problem once more. “Oh never mind I see what I did wrong. For the second part of the problem, I was looking at question 21. Sorry, about that I’ll fix it.” We both laughed at his mistake.

“It’s okay. So now, you know what’s wrong?”

“Yup, now I’m done. Everything else can be done tomorrow.”

“That’s exactly what I said. I have to read 40 pages in this book and write a 2 to 3 page essay for my English class.”

“Wow that sounds like a lot of work.”

“It is.” I said sounding a little annoyed.

“So how many pages have you read?”

“About 15 and I wrote a couple of paragraphs for it too.”

“I see you miss Over Achiever.” He said jokingly.

“If you say so.” I replied.

“Hey, how about you meet me at the park on Kings Street?” he asked in an excited voice.

“Sure. But when?” I asked trying to cover a yawn.

“How about in 30 minutes. No make that 45. Have to take a shower.” he said.

“Same here.” I laughed and took a quick glance at the clock. “Wait it’s almost 5:30, why are you going to the park?” I asked a bit confused.

“No reason at all, just going to get some fresh air and to take a break from all this homework.” He answered. I heard movement in the background so I guess he was getting himself together.

“Okay well call me when you’re ready.” I responded standing up myself.

“Okay. See you later.”

“See you later.” I hung up the phone and then placed it on the charger. I stretched a little more just to make sure I was fully awake before heading to my closet. I got out my blue Levi jeans and a plain white t. I put my hair up in a high ponytail, got into the shower, and washed up. I was in there for a good 25 minutes or so when I got out, I lotion up and put on my clothes. Double-checked my outfit in the mirror to make sure I looked good. Who am I kidding I always look good. I laughed to myself and checked the time. It was now 6:02, I shouldn’t be out that long.

I grabbed my phone off the bed, got my keys, my I-pod, my black jacket, and made my way down stairs. When I got down there I found my mom and dad arguing. This is something new. Wonder what they are arguing about today? “Hey, what’s all the fussing about?” I asked once I made it to the kitchen. I guess I startled them because when I spoke they both jumped a little. They got silent for a second until my dad spoke up.

“Nothing baby girl. We’re just having, a little disagreement that’s all.” My dad said as he looked at my mom. For some reason I knew he was lying, I know that there was something more going on between them, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I just shook it off and continued to the fridge.

“Oh.” Was I could say. Then there was an awkward silence between us as I made my way into the kitchen, I grabbed a bottle of water, and sat down at the island. Aware of my presence my mom decided to change the subject.

“Where you going all dressed up?” Smart move.

“I’m not dressed up and if you must know I’m going to the park.” I said with a smile on my face. For whatever reason, I was a bit excited to see Kelly again.

“And who is at the park?” My dad asked.

“People.” I said nonchalantly avoiding his question playfully.

“Any specific person?” I thought about it for a second. Should I tell him, I mean he will find out no matter what? Oh well.

“No just a friend.” I said with a shrug of my shoulders.

“This friend has a name?” When I did not respond, right away he gave me a stern look.

“Dad come on, do I really have to tell you?” I wined but I couldn’t keep it before I began laughing. Me and my dad always played around that way. He would pretend to play the strict father role, and I’d play the whinny child.  

“If you must know. It’s one of Ms. Summers’ sons, his name is Kelly.”

“Oh Kelly is it? I heard he’s a very smart kid.” My dad says taking a sip of whatever he’s drinking.

“Yeah he is. Even though he doesn’t think so, and he’s nice too.” I said proudly.

“Well go have fun. Don’t bring me back any babies either.” WHAT?!

“Dad, how dare you say something like that? I’m hurt.” I said pretending to be shocked. We all laughed and my dad apologized.

“I’m kidding. I’m kidding.” He said as he messed up my hair.

“Better be.” I laughed. “I kid, I kid.” I looked at my watched and noticed that Kelly should be ready to go now. “See you people later.” I hugged and kissed each of my parents and walked out the door. I could have taken my car but I wanted to walk, get some fresh air and to give myself time to think; besides there was something wrong with it and I still haven’t gotten it checked out yet. I got to the end of my driveway when my phone went off. I thought it was Kelly but when I looked at the caller I.D, I notice it was my god sister Jazzmine.

“Hey Jazzy, what’s up?” I greeted her.

“Nothing. Just chilling you know the same old, same old.” She said.

“I feel you.”

“What are you doing right now?” She asked.

“On my way to the park.” I answered.

“Which one?”

“Elizabeth Park. Why?” I asked a little annoyed.

“No reason, just wanted to know. I am on my way there too. I am meeting Braydon there he wants to ‘talk’.” she said sounding a little annoyed as I was. What can he possibly want now?

“Oh lord it could only be bad news.” I joked. The only time he wanted to talk with her is if he’s giving her bad news; either he did something bad and could potentially get locked up, or he just had a bad a day.

“Yeah I know. That’s why I prepared myself for the worst.” She said with a deep sigh.

“Yea--” I was cut off by my phone beeping letting me know I have another call waiting. “Hold on J. That’s my other line.”

“Iight.” she said, as I clicked over to hear a familiar voice. Kelly‘s.

“What’s up?” I’m not sure why but hearing his voice just triggered something inside of me. I found a slight smile on my face when he spoke.

“Where are you?” he asked.

“I’m on my way to the park. I just left the house.”

“Okay. I am on my way there as well. Do you mind if my brothers come?” He asked sounding a little irritated.

“It doesn’t matter to me, they can come if they want.” I could hear other voices in the background making noises. They must be his brothers. I wonder what they are like.

“Okay. We’ll see you in about 10 minutes.” He said in a rush, as if he was fighting them off. I heard shouting as well as laughter, and I just laughed silently to myself.

“Iight.” He hung up and I clicked back over to Jazzmine.

“Jazz you still there?” I asked.

“Yeah I’m here. Who was that?” Here we go with the 21 questions.

“A friend.”

“Does he have a name?” She put emphasis on the word ‘he’.

“Why does everyone say that? Why can’t it be a girl?” I complained.

“I know you, now what’s his name?” she said a little louder.

“Fine,” I said in an aggravated voice. “His name is Kelly.” I said getting tired of the direction the conversation was going in.

“I thought it was a boy?” She joked. Let the games begins.

“It is.” I was really getting annoyed at this point. I loved her to death but sometimes she just annoys me. I guess it’s because she’s really trying to dig into my personal life and that’s something I don’t let many people do.

“And his name is Kelly?”

“Yes J. His name is Kelly. Why do you think I said ‘his’ the way I did?” I said sounding aggravated.

“I was just making sure. No need for the altitude.” we both laughed at that. This child has been watching too many Madea movies.

“Okay Mr. Brown.” I chuckled.

“Well I’m here now and I see Braydon, so I’ll see you when I see you.”

“Okay.” With that said and done, I hung up the phone and put it in my pocket.

I took my I-pod out and started blasting the music. I was listening to Pleasure P. - Boyfriends Number 2. I was almost there, when I got this strange feeling that someone was watching me. I turned the music down and sped up a little. I turned around for a brief moment but saw no one so I kept walking and looking straight ahead. This hasn’t been the first time I’ve gotten this feeling. It’s been going on for the past week, and I have yet to locate the source of it. My phone went off in my pocket witch scared me. I opened it and it was a text. I did not recognize the number and it confused me. This is weird. I thought.

--I’m coming for you. 

            What is going on? Fear began to rise up within me, I took another glance at my surroundings, and like before, I found nothing. I was really beginning to regret not taking my car.

--Who the hell are you and how did you get my number?

I finally reached the park and went to the swings. I saw Braydon and Jazzmine talking at a picnic table. Wonder what he has to say this time. It took all I had not to run to them and let them know what was going on. I had to be tough, for myself. I took out my phone and called Kelly, I needed something to distract me, and somehow I knew I’d feel safer with him here with me. I waited Jayiently for an answer, and he answered on the second ring. “Man shut the hell up with ya big head.” He laughed. “Hello?” He said realizing he answered his phone.

“Hey Kelly I’m at the park where are you?” I said keeping the fear from my voice. I couldn’t help but look around once more.

“We are pulling up right now.” I heard the sound of car doors closing and I was now calm.

“Okay. I’m on the swings by the lake.”  I informed him.

“Oh, okay. I see you.”

“Alright.” We hung up and I got another text from the same number:

--You don’t need to know who I am and I have sources. ;) Just know that I’m back and I’m coming for you.

Who the hell is this guy? Why am I the only one he’s tormenting. I could think of a thousand people who’d want to torment me, but none of them have ever gone as far as to harass me over the phone. No one would dare take my number. That is when it hit me it could only be no other than Jason, my ex.

He claims that I am the reason he was placed in jail. The thing is, he was in a gang and they were doing things I did not like. He knew I hated the fact that he was in it, and everyday he’d promise to quite but never did. One day they had a gunfight, I was in front of my house when I heard gunshots. I did not know what was going on so I did the first thing that popped in my head. I called the cops. When they showed up, I found out that it was Jason and his crew shooting at some other crew down the street. They caught most of the people, but it took them about 3 days to catch Jason. He went to juvenile for 3 years since he was still a minor. Out of those three years, I only visited him once. It was my first and last time I had seen him. He told me that when he got out I was going to pay. He did not scare me then so there is no reason to be scared now.

--Well Jason if you think you can scare me with threats you’re going to have to do better. There’s nothing more you could do to my life to make it any worse.

Then Kelly and a group of guys walked up. They were tall too, well two of them at least. “Hey beautiful.” he said with a smile.

“Hey.” As he made his way over to me, I could feel the heat rush to my face and burn my cheeks. What has this boy gotten me into, for me to be feeling this way? I got up off the swing and hugged him. For some reason I felt safe in his arms. He was so comfortable to be around; I could live with this every day.

“These are my knuckle headed brothers. This is Lenox he is the oldest, Jordan the middle child, Cameron the second youngest, and Desmond the youngest.” He said pointing them out. Desmond was somewhat cute. Hell, all of them were cute. I guess good looks do run in the family. “Your pick, who do you want? You can take any of them I do not mind. Just get them away from me.” He said referring back to our joke in class.

“No, thank you. I think I’ll stay an only child.” I laughed.

“So Khalia you like my brother?” Lenox asked. Straight forward I see. He had a deep voice, nice smile, pretty eyes, and sexy dimples, uh where was I? Oh yeah he asked me about his brother. Stay focus girl.

“No more than a friend.” Liar!!!!!!!!!! Yes you do. The voice in my head screamed, determined to get its way.

“Too bad, he likes you more than a friend.” The youngest one said as he shoved his hands in his pocket. What was his name again? Desmond!! That is it!

“Yeah he talks about you a lot.” The caramel colored one said.

“Now we see why.” Lenox number two said. I mean Jordan. Dang they look a like.

“Okay this is weird now. I knew he liked me but didn’t know he talked about me a lot.” I said a little confused.

“Well now you know. See this is why I want to get rid of them. They have a big mouth.” He said looking at each of his brothers.

“Kelly doesn’t love us anymore guys.” Desmond joked in a wined.

“Cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it.” He said.

“Stop being mean to him.” I said playfully pushing him.

“Yeah stop being so mean to me.” Brian said with a smile. My phone went off again saying I have a text:

--I see you, and let me just say you looking mighty fine in those jeans. Tell ya lil boyfriend and his dick hoppers to beat it.

I was starting to get really annoyed with this person right now. They were not only creeping me out, but getting on my nerves.

--Thanks for the complement I know I am sexy. Now what you can do is beat ya meat and leave me alone.

I looked around at his brothers they were nice people. I spotted the oldest off to the side on the phone. He was tall, nice even tone, and had well-built muscles as if he worked out just about every day. It was scary how he and Jordan looked alike yet he was the middle child.

“So how old are you?” Jordan asked.

“None of your business.” I quickly answered with a smile.

“Okay, I’ll leave you alone.” Then Lenox hung up the phone and walked back over to us.

”Aye Kellz. I have to go. Melissa calling.” he said.

“Iight bro duces.” They embraced each other in a manly hug before letting go.

“Nice meeting you Khalia” He said with a slight nod of his head and a smile on his face. There was no mistaken them for being brothers, they all had that same smile.

“You too.” I waved as he went and said bye to the others and left.

“I’m about to go walk around peace out.” Desmond said, as he walked off.

“Well since everyone is leaving. I might as well leave too. I’ll be at the lake if anyone needs me.” Jordan said as he began making his way towards the lake. The only people that was still there were Kelly, Cameron, and I. We figured since everyone else had left he was going to leave as well, but he was just standing there staring off into space.

“What you want me to do, leave too?” he asked noticing everyone else had disappeared.

“You don’t have to.” I told him. Although I really did, just thought I’d be nice about it.

He simply shrugged his shoulders and looked around before his eyes landed on someone in the distance. “I’ll leave you two alone, Kelly you know how to reach me if you need me.” He said nodding towards Kelly. “Nice meeting you Khalia, see you around.” He flashed a smile before trailing after his target.

“You too.” I called after him. Now that it was only Kelly and I, my stomach started doing flips; my heart started beating faster, and my whole body just felt weird. Being alone with him just makes me feel all tingly inside. I know it’s a bit childish to say, but it’s the truth. Something about him has my blood boiling, in a good way of course. Once Cameron was out of site, Kelly sat on the swing next to me.

“Interesting family you have.” I said breaking the silence between us.

“More like annoying family.” he said with a roll of his eyes.

“Don’t say that. They just love you.” I laughed lightly as I playfully pushed him.

“Can they tone down the love? It would be greatly appreciated.” he joked.

“So what movie are we going to see?” I asked changing the subject.

“Obsessed.”

“I wanted to see that. It seems like it’s going to be a good movie.” I said a bit excitedly. I simply adore Beyoncé.

“Yeah especially with my wifey in it. It’s going to be off the chain.” a big smile spread across his face as he danced in his seat.

“Since when were you Jay-Z?” I teased laughing at him.

“I see you got jokes.” he playfully pushed me.

“Full of them.”

We sat and picked up a random topic to talk about. I found it was easy to just sit and talk with him about absolutely nothing at all. In the middle of the conversation, Jazzmine walked over with her boyfriend Braydon. “Hey girl.” Jazzmine said once she stopped in front of us. I saw her eyeing Kelly as she stood there. When I spoke, she redirected her attention to me.

“Hey J, Braydon.” I said with a slight nod towards him.

“Hey small fry.” Braydon greeted.

“And this must be Kelly?” Jazzmine said with a smile.

“Yes, it is now bye.” I said shooing her away with my hand. This was going to be embarrassing if she don’t leave soon.

“You’re so rude.” She said pretending to be hurt by my words. “Anyway hi Kelly I am Jazzmine, Khalia’s god sister and this is my boyfriend Braydon.” she stretched her hand towards him and he shook it politely.

“Hey.” Braydon responded back.

“Braydon is the one I told you that taught me the math.” I reminded Kelly.

“Oh yeah. Nice work.” He joked.

”You Lenny’s little brother aren’t you?” Braydon asked.

“Yup. That’s my big headed brother.” Kelly responded.

“Where is he anyway?” he asked looking around, hoping to find a familiar face.

“He’s with his girlfriend Melissa.” Braydon nodded his head in response, leaving the floor open for conversation. I took that opportunity to speak.

“So loser what did you have to talk to my sister about?” I asked looking up at him.

“None of your business.” he said sternly and stuck his tongue out at me.

“I’m going to find out later so you might as well tell me now.” I insisted.

“I don’t have to.”

“Jazz what lies he told you this time.” I asked turning my attention to her.

“Nothing. I’ll tell you later.” Meanies. I simply narrowed my eyes at her, showing her I wanted answers right then.

“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes skyward and looked around the park, admiring everyone and everything. It was a beautiful night, the weather was just right and families were out seizing the opportunity before it got too cold. I hope we have snow this winter, last year it barely snowed.

“Anyways bye y’all.” she waved pulling Braydon along with her.

“Bye Jazzy.” Kelly and I sat there for a while until he suggested that we go for a walk. We got up, he grabbed my hand, and we started walking around.

“So that’s your god sister huh?” he asked with amusement lacing his voice.

“Yup that’s her, crazier than ever.” I glanced down at our hands still locked together. I wish we could stay like this forever. It felt so, right, in a way. I really couldn’t explain it.

“I have a question and I want you to be completely honest.” he had to slightly look down at me because he was slightly taller than I was. I hadn’t noticed it until now.

“Okay. Shoot me.” he laughed at my little remark.

“How do you feel about me?” Like I am in a fairy tale and you’re my Prince Charming. My mind wanted to release its own thoughts, but I wouldn’t allow it. What if I said it and he didn’t feel the same, I’m stuck looking like a complete fool with my hopes crushed. I don’t think I could continue going to school with him around if it did happen. I’d be too embarrassed to.

“What do you mean?” I finally answered.

“When you’re with me how you do feel?” Like I am a new person and have nothing to fear. My mind spoke.

“I don’t know. I mean you’re a sweet guy and I feel comfortable around you.” I stopped and took a deep breathe. “No one has ever been this nice to me ever.” And it was the truth. Ever since Christina humiliated me no one has been nice to me.

“Come on I’m pretty sure someone has made you feel special.” he stopped walking and held both my hands, and looked me in the eyes. I could stare into his eyes all day they were a light brown with a thin line of hazel green around his irises. As I continued staring at them, I thought I saw the color of them change slightly, but it was gone just as quickly as it came. I snapped myself out of my daze and realized I have yet to answer his question.

“No, not one person, well besides my parents and my grandmother, no one has ever treated me this nice. Not even my ex.” I cringed on the inside just thinking about that low life.

“What about Jazzmine?” He asked with the look of sincere in his eyes.

“She doesn’t count.” I said shaking my head.

“But still she cares about you.” He made a good point. She‘s the only person I can truly trust with my life and not regret it.

“I guess that counts as well.” I shrugged.

“Okay than.” He gave me a playful smile and we started walking again.

“But it’s not the same. She is a female and you are a male. We connect on different levels.” I said trying to explain my view on things.

“Okay. I understand that, but the fact still remains; she cares about you.” Okay so maybe he did have a point. I found no argument in what he said so I just staid quiet and thought about his meaning for asking the questions. As we kept walking, I got another text it was from “Jason”.

--Awww look at you two. Oh and by the way, this is not Jason. You will never find out who it is. Then again, I just may be nice and pay you a visit in person. That way you can see who I am. Until then I’ll keep my distance. My presence may be too much for you to handle.

            I got scared a little if it was not Jason then who was it? I took a quick glance around us again trying to see if I spotted any one suspicious, but just like the other times I came up short handed. I took a deep breath trying to calm my nerves and I felt Kelly squeeze my hand lightly giving me comfort. I looked up at him and smiled silently thanking him, although he didn’t understand what just happened. We began making our way back slowly, just discussing random things we could think of, when my phone rung. I looked at the caller I.D and it was an unknown number. “Excuse me.” he nodded and went off to the side respecting my privacy, while I took the call. “Hello?” I answered out of curiosity.

            “Hey baby girl remember me?” I recognize that voice anywhere. I really regret answering my phone now. What does he want? How did he get my number first? I thought my life was over while I was with him. We never dated yet he always staked claim on me, even when I was with Jason. He always blackmailed me to do whatever he wanted, and each time it worked. I when I finally got away from him

            “What do you want from me?” I said in a voice none above a whisper. Jackson was a bad experience I went through in life. The first year while Jason and I were dating, I was going through a lot. I had just lost my grandmother, my parents were fighting, school began to become too much for me, and Jason and I were having issues with one another. Jackson found me one night walking the streets aimlessly, not really paying attention. That night he came off as the nice guy that was willing to help listen to my problems and just be my shoulder I needed. Stupidly I accepted his friendship only for it to turn into a complete nightmare. A few days later, he invited me to one of his parties, I was going to bring Jason with me but he said he had other plans and said that I should go without him, to have fun and enjoy the night. I already knew his “other plans” consisted of drug related activities but I didn’t say anything about it. I went to the party, enjoyed myself, only I had a little too much to drink, and wanted to go home and sleep it off. However, he would not let me leave. Told me that I could lay down in his room until I felt better. I laid in the bed only to wake up in a trashed room, no clothes, bloody and bruised knuckles, and someone lying unconscious on the floor next to the bed. Jackson had said that after he and I had sex he left me alone to sleep the alcohol off, however one of his friends came in and tried taking advantage of me because I was drunk, yet I beat him down as if I was a guy myself. He thought that the alcohol would have made me weak but somehow it made me stronger. I asked if the guy was dead and he told me that he was, but assured me that he wouldn’t tell anyone about it. However, that’s not all he continues to hold over my head. That isn’t what I was afraid of, because later I found out that he died because he had too much drugs in his system mixing with the alcohol. I just so happened to beat him before his body could give in. What he continues to hold over my head is the fact that I had an abortion. I killed the seed that came from him. I was young and didn’t know what to do with myself. I couldn’t take care of a child let alone myself. I regret it every day I think about it, but I never told anyone but him.

            “I just want to have fun that’s all.” his deep baritone voice boomed through the phone. Just the sound of his voice made my skin crawl. I hated him with every ounce of my body.

            “Why must you taunt me every chance you get?” I hissed feeling pissed off with this conversation and the memories it was bringing up.

            “It is fun. Oh and if I were you I would watch out for Mr. Kelly Bradshaw I heard he’s bad news.” he let out a hardy laugh. Lies!! All lies. Do not believe him. He has deceived you before do not fall for it again! The voice in the back of head was screaming out to me. I could not let him get to me again. He has done it once I cannot let it happen again. With that, he hung up. What does he mean Kelly’s ‘bad news? Let it go Khalia he is playing with your head. Do not let him get to you.

 *********

So I really hadn't noticed how long this chapter was until I went back and edited it. I think I had gotten a little too happy while writting it. Anywho, I just really hope you enjoyed it. This should hold you over for a while.

Looks like we have two new players in the game. Do you think it's really her ex playing mind games? Or someone else? Is Kelly still in your book for being a good guy? How does he and Khalila look so far? What about this mysterious Jackson guy that just showed up out of no where? Share you ideas, thoughts and comments. Remember all is excepted, the good and the bad. (: So get to it! Go ahead and press that pretty little button at the top right there, it says Vote. You know you wanna!! X]

A/N: So In case you didn't know I kind of made this story a fanfict when I wrote it the first time (like 3 years ago). It was a B5 fanfict; hints the reason Kelly has four brothers. Tee hee. But after awhile, once it was complete I decided I'd change the characters names after I went back and read it for the second time. I'm still changing things as we speak, just so I can get it to that level of awesomeness I would like for it to be. But I hope it doesn't stop you all from reading. More coming your way soon.

~'Shay