| Eight | Lessons

Christian

It would be just my luck that our paths cross again. I say that sarcastically because luck has been slapping a big "Fuck you." Sign on my face lately. It'd be just my luck from going out of my way to look for the 'Sign' anyhow.

Maybe it were just your luck instead, to have me in your corner once again. Yes, even after taking everything I could give. Sure, there were others that came afterwards but you- lucky you for breaking down the imaginary wall I'd built for my own protection.

It's either poetry in motion or I'm just dumb as hell to even consider your presence, but lucky you. For even with the time and space that separated us like a long division equation, I still couldn't wrap my head around you.

I don't wish to sound immature, though it's likely I wouldn't be able to stop myself from doing so. In that case I apologize for my childish nature. My unhealthy dependency for a boy I simply couldn't persuade to give me what I wanted showed my own ignorance.

I almost feel like I'm being hard on myself. But I shouldn't be, I've had many blessings and I've been taught many lessons since our last encounter.

If you were either one of those I've learned to accept it.

Wether you were a lesson or a blessing, just know that you were lucky in every sense of the word.

I had caught the city bus right after school, lying to Mama about where I was going in the process. I didn't plan to be gone long though. Maybe if she didn't scold me so much about the small stuff, I wouldn't have to fib.

I focused my eyes on the city passing by right before me.

I didn't go downtown often, especially by myself. Though the city itself wasn't all that safe, the neighborhoods closer downtown always required a lot more attention to your surroundings as for any city I would assume.

More and more loaded on to the bus as we got deeper into the city. A buzz from my phone finally gave me something to look at other than the passing bystanders and business that lined the block.

Von : On your way ?

I managed to get a quick 'yes' out of my thumbs whilst a- plush sized woman decided my seat would be the perfect fit for her and her groceries to squeeze in. I'm not big by any means so I didn't mind her freedom of seat selection, but being pressed against the window for the next ten to fifteen minutes weren't ideal.

Once my stop by a gas station had been reached and I were let off the bus I took a moment to check my surroundings. Noticing a man who so much well off than others hid in the corners of the dumpster next to the gas station itself. I felt out of place to say the least. A man standing on the corner nodded to me in respect. I'll assume him to be drug dealer, noticing how he marked his territory like a capture the flag mission.

The streets were just as busy as my mind were.

I crossed the intersection and kept my pace remembering my way around corners to get where I were going.

In little to no time there I saw him, blazing a cigarette as I assumed he were waiting on me. I could've sworn I told him forever ago to quit those.

"SPIT IT OUT!" I yell, forcing his attention.

He smiled as I approached his porch, flicking his cigarette away before I could reach him and opening his arms to me for a hug.

I scoffed at the lingering cigarette scent, immediately releasing the hug, "You smell awful."

"Missed you too." He chuckled in response.

"Oh wow, you're being affectionate." I teased.

"What's that supposed to mean."

I shrugged, "It's not normal coming from you."

"Don't start."

"I'm just saying," I threw my hands up in surrender, "It's a nice change."

"Well now that you said something don't expect to hear it again." A grin forming on his face as he sat back down. I roll my eyes with him. With time facial hair grew but his personality still remained the same.

"How has your first semester been?"

"Mann!" He exaggerated reaching for his pack of cigarettes. I swatted his hand swiftly causing him to sigh, "Between student loans and and wrecking my car-"

"How the hell did you wreck your car?"

"Well, I didn't do it really my friend did. " he shrugged,"I don't really know how it happened but, he's okay so it's cool I guess."

"Wow." I shook my head. How dumb could you be Von?

"What?" He said, a laugh not allowing him to take himself serious either.

"No wonder I had to ride the bus here."

He chuckled again this time at me I think,"I'm getting a new one soon don't worry."

"If you say so," I huffed,"but really how was school? Like anybody up there?" I had to be straightforward.

"Uh-oh," he smirked, "why?"

"I just wanna know."

"You gonna leave if I tell you?" He stood up, showcasing his height advantage over me.

"Depends on the answer."

"What do you think ?" He grinned.

"Bet." I nodded, getting ready to walk off but he grabbed me by the hand, "I'm kidding Chris I wasn't even like that." He assured, "Plus you're already here. I didn't beg you to come for no reason-"

"What reason was that?"

"To apologize."

5 hours Later

"OUUUU BITCH AND WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?" Shae screamed through the phone as I told her what went on. I laughed at her enthusiasm.

I chuckled, knowingly torturing her, "I'll tell you the rest of the details in class."

"Ugh okay, but overall, how do you feel?" She asked.

"To be honest, I'm not sure." I hesitated.

"You're not sure if you learned your lesson yet? Is that it?"