More weeks went by and it is now spring break. School is almost over and I am done putting in my applications. There were only two schools that I applied to-one in-state and one out-of-state. The one in-state is about three to four hours away. If neither school doesn't offer me a full ride, or if I don't get accepted into them, I don't know what I will do. My grades are great, but I don't have anything else going for me. It's not like I'm an athlete; I don't play a sport and athletes are more likely to get a full ride. So, I have to rely on my grades only, and hopefully my transcript is good enough.

"Whatchu doing for spring break?" Briana asked. I just shrugged my shoulders.

"Just working, I guess."

It's been super awkward between me and everyone. Even though we don't talk about what happened, I can tell that they have questions that they want answered. Yes, they know I been using, but they don't know to what extent. They also still don't know about Kennedy. They do know that me and my mom don't get along, but that's about it. It's just too much; I don't want them to know everything and the last thing I need is for them to judge me and pity me more than they already do. There are just some things I'd rather keep to myself.

"We should do something and maybe catch up."

"By catch up, you mean to watch me and micromanage everything I do," I frowned.

"No Asha, I just...we just worry about you, that's all. You still haven't been yourself lately and-"

"You wanna know if I'm still using." She just shrugged.

"Habits don't just go away over night. Ion want you to forget that you made a promise to quit."

I didn't say anything. Briana can be overbearing sometimes and it can get annoying when she tries to hold my promise over my head every chance she gets. She thinks that she's trying to hold me accountable, but really it only pisses me off.

"I can't do anything for spring break especially if it's somethin out of town," I said.

"Why not?"

"Because I have work." Amongst other things, of course.

"Well, can you just think about it?" She asked. I only nodded.

.....

Since it was the last day before break, I caught the school bus home. I called off of work today. I don't want to get Briana's hopes up since I already have plans for spring break, ones that don't involve being watched like a hawk by her and everybody else. I need to pack and get all my shit in order. Like I said, school is almost over and I need a plan. Dashawn offered to help me move, but I need to do it quietly. Once I got home, I started packing. Since I didn't have boxes, I used black heavy duty trash bags. I wasn't worried about being neat, I just threw stuff in bags. All of my clothes were together though.

I packed most of everything, but kept a few things to get me through for a few days, maybe longer. It took me the rest of the night. I was so occupied that I lost track of time, and it was rather late when I finally went to bed.

I got up early the next morning for work. It was the weekend and the house was quiet. I slipped out before my mom could see me and fix her mouth to say something that would ruin my day.

I wanted to speak to my boss, but he called out unexpectedly today. I couldn't remember the last time he ain't come to work. I asked around but nobody knew what was up. I made a mental note to check up on Earl later.

I took up extra hours for spring break since I don't have school, so I will be working 12-hour shifts starting today all the way through next week.

By the time I was done today, my feet were aching. We were so busy that I had to help out everywhere-in the kitchen, waiting tables, over-the-phone, and over-the-counter. I felt terrible but the extra money will make it all better. Luckily tomorrow is Sunday and the diner isn't open on Sundays. I get a break before my long week starts.

Tomorrow, I'm supposed to be going apartment hunting. Nothing fancy, I just need something to get me by.

It was only six when I got off and close to seven when I got home.

I took a quick shower and fell into bed.

.....

"Whatchu lookin for?" Dashawn asked me.

"I don't know. Something small and cheap for now until college," I shrugged.

"I know someone that could help you out," he stated. I nodded my head. We drove to the first place and met up with a woman, a realtor that Dashawn had connections with. If I remember correctly, Dashawn said they went to school together so they had some history. I wasn't sure to what extent, but they seemed friendly enough. It wasn't my business regardless.

"This is nice, but I know I can't afford this. I need something smaller. Hell, I'd be fine with a shoebox as long as I could afford it. This is just too much," I stood off to the side bouncing my leg. The realtor showed us around and then left to let Dashawn and I to talk. But, I don't know what there was to talk about. I could never afford this. Ion even know why Dashawn had the realtor show me a townhouse. Eventually, I will have to pick up another job, but even then, I wouldn't be able to afford this.

"You ain't livin in no shoebox," he frowned.

"I'll live in whatever I can-"

"No, scratch that. I ain't lettin you live in no shoebox. Been there, done that. It ain't fun."

"Well it's not up to you," I shrugged looking away.

"Mane, the shit you can afford ain't no place for you and you know that. I'd put yo ass in my crib before I let you live somewhere that ain't safe. This right here is good," he said gesturing to the place.

"D, I need to stop depending on you for shit."

"The fuck you mean?"

I was getting frustrated. I don't like depending on nobody and Dashawn already do too much for me as it is. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I let him buy me a place to stay. Yes, I would be more comfortable here, but I hate feeling like I owe somebody. If I have to live in some sketchy ass place in some sketchy ass neighborhood until I can get on my feet, then so be it. At least I would be doing it on my own.

"Can we just look at some more places. This is only the first one," I whispered.

D smacked his teeth. We walked out of the house and met back up with the relator.

"What do you think?" She looked at me.

"Can you show me more that are not as expensive, please." She looked at Dashawn, and the look she gave him had my gaze snapping towards him as well. I frowned.

"This place is already yours. All we have to do now is go over a mortgage plan and sign the lease," she stated.

I was about damn near ready to go off. Sensing my irritation, Dashawn pulled me to the side. "Aye, give us a minute Nique." The realtor looked at us hesitantly before nodding and walking off.

"I made sure it wasn't too fancy cuz I knew you would trip. This shit perfect for you."

"Dashawn," I warned.

"You ain't gotta worry about shit ma. I gotchu, mortgage and all. All you need to worry about is you."

I shook my head in disbelief while trying to fight back the tears. I didn't deserve such kindness. Our friendship has been rocky because of me, so the fact that he was doing this made my heart swell. For the past few weeks, I've been trying to keep my promise and lay off the drugs. It's so fucking hard. Just yesterday I was a meltdown away from snorting a line due to stress. I can barely keep a promise and he's gifting me a place to call my own.

"How can I repay you?" I asked looking up at him.

"Imma help you get clean, and when you move in here, you starting fresh."

"D-"

"You remember my mama right?" I nodded as a tear managed to escape.

"She got a friend that does counseling. I told her about you, and she gone do me a favor and take you as a client for as long as you need. Medication and shit like that will be covered."

"Dashawn," I sobbed. He lifted my chin.

"Relax." I took a deep breath.

"It's my fault you like this," he caressed my cheek. "I took advantage of you. I destroyed you and now I'm just tryna put back the pieces."

"You didn't destroy me. I-"

"I know what I did. Now, I just need you to be okay."

I didn't want to argue with him. I couldn't argue with him. Instead, I walked into his arms and wrapped my arms around him.

"Thank you," I mumbled into his chest. He only laughed.