Alliyah

“You’re late.” Ocean sipped his coffee, and the steam from the cup fogged up his glasses.

“Shut up, I saw you flirt with the cute goth girl.” Alliyah set her backpack on a chair while she sat down.

“I was not flirting.” He raised his hands. “…I tried that yesterday and she shot me down.”

Both chuckled.

“You actually know her?”

“She was at the sports bar last night."

Alliyah stayed quiet, pretending she didn't also see the girl last night.

Ocean continued:

"I met her when I went back because I forgot my jacket. She’s so cold, though.” He almost sounded like he was whining.

Alliyah shook her head:

“She’s just not interested, maybe.”

“What kind of girl isn’t interested in all this glory of a man?” He said playfully and gestured towards himself.

Alliyah laughed and shook her head, then looked around, searching for the rest of their friends. The coffee shop was full and loud, but the smell of fried bacon pleased her.

“So, is it just us this morning?”

“No, I invited Blue and Z. Z at least said she wouldn’t be here at 10 because of school, but you and Blue could honor your commitment to breakfast with your hottest friend a little more…”

Alliyah pretended to choke on her water, as Ocean lowered his glasses on his nose to at her.

“You, the hottest friend? Have you looked at Z?”

“Fine, fine… The hottest male friend.”

“Maybe after Colson…”

“Oh, please, we both know you don’t eat cra-”

He didn’t finish the sentence because Blue abruptly sat down.

”Dude, you’re late and interrupt the conversation? How rude!” Alliyah sipped her water and winked at Ocean.”

“I didn’t even say anything!”

“Well, what’s your excuse for being late, young man?”

“Young man? I’m one year older than you… But I was just at a last-minute meeting. God, I hate this job.” He threw his head back, shaking away the long, thin curls from his eyes.

“Yeah, sucks having rich boy jobs.” Ocean snickered into his coffee mug.

Blue’s jaw tensed, but he turned his attention to Alliyah:

“Why couldn’t we meet at Steamin Beanz?”

“You didn’t tell him?” Ocean arched a thick, dark brow.

“What’s wrong, sweets?” Blue fretted.

“Nothing. A couple of days ago, I was… Expelled from Steamin Beanz. Ugh, even the name is less funny to say now. Anyway, now we hang here at Tribbiani’s.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her hazel eyes.

“Why were you expelled?”

“Look, I don’t regret it. I know the owner’s true colors now. But I don’t wanna talk about what happened. You’d only get upset.”

“You told Ocean.”

“You’re cute and sensitive, he’s not.” She stroked Blue’s cheek, speckled with freckles.

Before any of the boys could protest, they heard Z’s soft voice:

“Hey, guys.”

“Oh, no, did you get in another fight?” Alliyah immediately noticed the blood on her flannel shirt and her knuckles.

“You’re one to talk.” Ocean smirked from behind his coffee mug, but Alliyah ignored him and the others didn’t listen.

“I may have.” Z answered, sitting down.

“Why? Do you need ice?” Blue furrowed his brows and spoke fast, as usual.

“No, thanks.”

“What happened?” Alliyah insisted.

“If I don’t teach homophobes a lesson on the first day of school, then am I even myself?”

Alliyah smiled softly. She wished she could always be there to help her younger friend, even though she knew she didn’t need her help. Z was small but full of anger, and bullies always tasted it on her fists.

“Been there.” Blue raised his glass.

“You were bullied?” Ocean raised his eyebrows. “I know your dad’s gay, but he’s also rich as fuck.”

“Kids do not care.” He chuckled. “In university, it was different. I was glad to have more open-minded people around.”

“Yeah, I think most students in mine are too, but still I couldn’t let that one slide.” Z shrugged. “My moms will be proud of me.” She held her head up high, much to everyone’s surprise.