"This what y'all been waiting for?"

Y'all favorite, up there 😑🤦🏽‍♂️😂 

Jaylen POV

 The breeze felt really good against my skin. It was almost like I was being cleansed. I felt a huge sense of relief as I looked towards the clear blue skies. By now, we sitting here in silence. "I still want you two to go to college." I said, finally breaking the silence. I felt them both tense up. "Are you serious right now?" Malika said as she turned her head and looked up at me. I nodded my head. "Yes. I don't want you guys to put your life on hold for me. Y'all know I wouldn't want that. Chase your dreams." I said as I smiled. "I'm not doing that." Dion flat out said. "Yes y'all are." Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I promise. I want you guys to keep going. Make me proud". You'd think I'd be scared or begging them not to leave me behind but I'm honestly calm as hell right now. A little too calm if you ask them or me.

  "I said I'm not going." "You out ya rabbit ass mind if you think I'm actually leaving you here." they both argued back. This is why I love them so. "You guys-""Say something dumb like that again and imma sock the shit outta you." Malika said as I sighed. She wrapped her arms around my waist as Dion's grip tighten a little. Silence fell over us once again. They both placed kisses on me. Malika on my stomach, Dion on my neck. "I'm not going anywhere without you." he said. "You heard him." she added. I never felt so loved. "OK." I said as I started to tear up. "Stop that. We've done enough of that today." they said in unison as they wiped the tears from both sides of my eyes. I didn't know what to say so I just twiddled my thumbs. "I'm glad you finally told us." Malika said as I looked down at her and smiled. "Me too. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders." 

  "I don't like you keeping things from me. You know how I get." Dion whispered in my ear. "That's why I didn't tell you. I know EXACTLY how you get. Both of you." I finished looking down at Malika. "OK but we still need you to get outta there, ASAP." she said as I nodded. "I know, I know, I'm working on something." "You need to work faster before I step in." she said. "You heard her." Dion added as I sighed. "Were y'all not listening when I said what happened the last time I tried to escape?" "Yeah and I'll gladly give my life if that means saving yours." Dion said as a chill ran down my spine. "I-I- I can't afford to lose any more friends. Escpially you two. I will get out of there but I'm doing this on my own." "Like hell-' "On my own!" I said interrupting Malika. "Let's just drop it for now." Dion said kissing me on my shoulder blade. We sat there for few more minutes as the wind swept all of my worries away. Dion  hummed a song as Malika swayed me from side to side. I always told him that he should take singing seriously. He would always shoot the idea down because he said it would take him away from us. That and fame changes people, He wants to be remembered as hot headed, yet lovable Dion. His words, not mine. 

  "Hey let's go bowling. I want to enjoy the day." I said breaking silence yet again. "Good because my legs were getting numb." Malika said getting up. While she stretched, I got up to do the same. "A little help here?" Dion said as I looked down at him. "I'm a girl and ya big ass is a little to heavy for me." she shrugged. Chuckling, I offered my hand as I grabbed it. I planted my feet because this mf was a lil on the husky side. He pulled me into him "I will give up my life for you, put that on everything." he said as I froze. When I looked up at him, he had a big kool aid smile on his face. I know just a few seconds ago though, his face was dead serious. "Ight, I'm ready." Malika said, interrupting my train of thought. I pushed that thought to the side as we walked to the car. 

  We turned up to a few songs while we drove. Each time the sun would touch my face, I would smile. Am I the only one that does that? Maybe so. Malika would take pictures of me each and every time too. I think it was her way of cherishing the moment. It  could also be something to remember me by should something happen to me. I don't want to think like that but knowing them, I know that both statements are true. "So how are we doing this?" Dion asked as we walked into the building. "Free for all." me and Malika said in unison. "Cool." he said as he paid for our admission. We each grabbed our shoes and headed to our lane. The order was as follows, Malika, me, then Dion. Me and Malika rolled 2 strikes in our first two turns while Dion had yet to score on the board. "You this jawn rigged." he said as we laughed. "When they start crazy, that's when I know that they want some more." Malika said as she went up. He had an 8 - 10 split. Only she could make these. She went again and got a split. "Thank yooooouuuu" she said as she bowed. 

  It was now my turn. Strike number 3. "Whew. All in day's work. I'm starving, what do you guys want to eat?" "Chicken fingers." Malika answered. "Lemme get some honey barbecue wings." Dion asked. I decided on a cheese burger. "I hope y'all don't think I'm carrying y'all drinks back." I said. "I mean you could always make 2 trips. Ouch." Dion said as Malika smacked him upside his head. "Rude ass." she said as she followed behind me. We made small talk as I paid for our food. While we were on the way back, I saw that Dion had finally scored. "There we go. Had us worried for a second there.""Ha ha ha. Gimme my food." he said taking the food from me. The game resumed as it looked like Dion's luck was actually turning around. He was now on his 4th strike in a row. "Too much sauce." he said danced to the song as walked back to us. Malika was up next and knocked 7 pins down. "Can you count?" she pointed to the board as did Dion's dance. 

  I managed to get a spare during my turn, keeping me in the lead. "They slept on the rise up." I sung as I the song played. "I didn't change, I became." Malika joined as we danced together. "Ight America's got talent. Move out the way, it's my turn." He said walking past us as we laughed. Gutter ball. "See, God humbled you that quick." I laughed as he pouted. "Aww bring it in." he said as he ran to me. "He's such a big baby." Malika chuckled. "I'm y'all big baby though." he said looking at her. He has a point because he only acts like this around us. When he's around his other friends, it's a whole different person. "That may be true." she agreed. "Thanks baby." he said as I mushed him. The game ended with me winning followed by Dion then Malika. She demanded a redo because she suspected foul play from Dion. That time, she won followed by me then Dion. He in turn called foul play, so we played another round. I won again with them two tying for second. 

  Low key though, I knew that they were actually trying to spend as much time as they can with me now since they know what I'm going back to. I'm not mad at it though, I was honestly enjoying myself. "Now that it's over, I'll never be sober. I couldn't believe but now I'm so high." we sung and danced as we walked out the building. They wanted to go to a near by photo booth to take some pictures. We made silly faces in each one of them. "This is embarrassing." I laughed as I examined the pictures. "That's just how we are." Malika smiled as she slung her arm around my shoulder. On the ride back, she fell asleep in my lap. I looked up to the newly forming stars, reflecting on the day. I can honestly say I'm kinda proud of myself. "What you smiling at?" Dion asked me. I didn't him glancing at me through the rear view mirror. "How much fun I had today." Thank you." "No problem. You deserve it." he smiled as I danced in my seat, making him laugh. 

  The closer we got  to that place, the more the mood changed. By now, Malika had woke up and was looking out the window. Shortly after that, we arrived. "Well here we are." Dion said as he parked in front of the abandoned house. "Yeah here we are". Malika gripped my hand. "You guys. I'm going to be OK. That's why I made sure I got the phone. Should anything happen, I'll try my best to alert you two first." I weakly smiled. "It may be too late though." she mumbled as my smile faltered. Just then, Roman texted me and told he that he was in my room. A huge sense of hope washed over me. "You guys, don't do that. I'm gonna be OK. I swear.""Why can't we see what the place looks like?" Dion asked abruptly. "Because they'll know what you look like and more then likely will start to follow you or worse because you were seen with me." I countered as he sighed. I grabbed my book bag and reached for the knob, only to be pulled back be Malika. She pulled me in a hug, which Dion joined. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't crying right now. 

   "Promise me that'll you'll get out of there." she said. "Only if both of you promise me that you'l go to college." Dion sighed. "I alrea-" "If that's all it takes, I swear to you I will." she said cutting him off. "Then I swear to you that I'll get out of there and this city." I smiled as she kissed my cheek. We stayed like this for a few more minutes before they reluctantly let me go. I got out the car, waving goodbye as I started to walk. That walk turned into a sprint because I knew Dion was about to start the car up and come follow me. I made it in without being followed. There was a party going but I didn't waste any time trying to figure out exactly who it was for. "You didn't text me back." Roman said as I entered my room. I forgot about him being here that quick that I jumped when I saw him. "I'm sorry. I had a long day so I kinda lost track of time." I said dropping my bag to the floor and heading to the bathroom.                       

 "You missed me? Aww." "Something like that." he said as I walked to my bed. "How was your day?" "It was very relieving. I finally told my friends everything." I said as he took his jacket off. "Wow, I thought they already knew. How did they take it?" "Nah. I couldn't bring myself to tell em. Wanted to keep safe. They didn't take it very well at first. There were a lot of tears shed, as I expected. Once we talked everything out, you could say it went well." I said with a smile on my face. "Well that's good. I proud of you for telling them that." he said as he came over and gave me a hug as we laid down. "Still, I can't dismiss the thought of them or you doing something crazy, so I'm always gonna keep my eye out for y'all." I said as he rubbed my hair. "Can't disagree with that." was all he said as he yawned and closed his eyes. I sighed as I watched his chest rise and fall. 

   Graduation Day

  "I'm so nervous!" I said as I rubbed my hands. "Don't be. We made it. We worked our asses off." Dion said with his hands  on mine. I already had to sneak my way here with their help. "Hey, this is our day. All 12 years have finally paid off. Thanks for coming to my trunk party too." he said smiling at me. "No problem." I said as I smiled. Malika was on the other side with the females, so we really couldn't see her. We walked through the doors and joined the line. Soon after that, we were walking towards our seats. The good thing is that all 3 of us made the honor roll, so we'd be sitting on the stage together. As I made my way into the auditorium, I couldn't help but think how bittersweet this moment was. Everyone had their family here and I was just......here. Alone. i know my family would've been the loudest ones here though. 

 Smiling, I shook the thoughts off as we took our seats. The begun the introductions and all that jazz, I surveyed the room. Everyone's family was here, it literally wasn't any seats left, so people were standing by the wall. They then proceeded to announce the colleges that everyone would be going to. What surprised me the most was when they got to my name. I had 4 full scholarships to colleges I never applied to. A roar of applause sounded off as I had the most confused look on my face. I turned around to see Malika and Dion wink at me. That was enough to make me tear up. "I'm not leaving without you." she said as she kissed me on my cheek. Smiling, I waved my hands as they moved on to the next name. After that, I reminisced on the all moments I spent with them. All the fights, laughs and tears were worth it because I gained 2 solid ass friends, some new found confidence, and maybe something else. 

  Lemme stop playing with y'all.

   It hadn't even occurred to me that they were now calling the names of people to get thier diplomas. They were already on the L last names. "Malika Lafleur." he said as her family roared with cheers. I wiped my tears as I clapped and cheered for my best friend. I watched as she danced across the stage. Only her. "Jaylen Maio" he announced shortly after that. "That's my baby!" "My boy" Malika and Dion yelled as I stood up. "Go Jay!""We're so proud of you!" "My nephew!" their respective families yelled as I walked across the stage. I grabbed my diploma as I looked at Malika. She stood up as we did our signature dance. "Ah! Ah! Aye!" everyone yelled as I walked towards her. "I love you." she said as I took my seat. "I love you too." I hugged her. "Dion Navarro" he said as I we turned our attention towards him. He was on the football team so our cheers we almost drowned out by them. He did his signature game winning dance that he'd do whenever he won, earning a laugh a from me and Malika. 

  Once all the diplomas were handed out and were given our bid farewell, we tossed our caps in the air as we dispersed out of the auditorium. Everyone crowded the hall as they scrabbled to get last minute pictures, signatures, phone numbers, social media names from people we'd more then likely would never see again. "You guys did it! I'm so proud of the 3 of you." Malika's mom said as she pulled us in a hug. We took pictures with her family as Dion's came right up behind hers. "My high school graduates! Those 4 years paid off! I really am so proud of all of you!" his mom said crying. "Aww mom." I said hugging her. We took pictures with his family as we smiled. "I thank God everyday for you." Malika said hugging me as I smiled. "Stop it ugly." I laughed, as I saw her mom taking our picture. When she let me go, Dion scooped me up. "I definitely couldn't have done this without you. I'm so happy to have you as a friend." he said scooping me up in a bear hug. He was gonna kiss me on my cheek, but I had turned my head too fast to look at him so he ended up kissing me on my lips (A/N: Ooops). 

  His lips were so soft. 

  To everyone else though, it looked like a regular hug. He had a huge smile on his face as he looked at me. "Make some room for me!" Malika said as she jumped in the hug. She kissed me on my cheek as stood there smiling. I really love them. After taking a few more pictures, we decided to get something to eat and then go to the arcade. "Alright so we singed you up for the winter semester, which starts in December so you'll have time to decide if you wanna go." Malika said as we were now riding back my "place". "Thank you guys so much for everything. I swore to you I would get out of there and I gotta upkeep my word." I said as Dion parked. He's been extremely silent this whole time. As I grabbed my things to exit the car, he grabbed my hand. "I'm gonna be OK. I promise." I said kissing it as he reluctantly released it. "I love you." I kissed Malika on her cheek before getting out. I watched as tears formed in both of their eyes as they continued to look at me. I waved to them one last time, not bothering to look back before sprinting. Once I made it to my room, I broke down and cried. 

 A week later.                         

  It's been a week since I left them and things have been getting worse around here. Everyday was a struggle, Roman's workload got a little busy so he couldn't come for the last two days. Boy did they take advantage of that. I damn near got jumped and raped yet again. Luckily though, Mario was around to help.I put the money Darren left me in the duffel bag Roman gave me. I'm surprised it was stolen by now. I was now video chatting with Deon and Malika. "Guys I'm fine. See? Not a scratch on me." showing my face and body. "See I knew we shouldn't have left." Dion said, giving me a deathly glare. I really don't have the energy to argue right now. "Guys I gotta go. I'll call you tomorrow." I hung up not bothering waiting for a response. Exhausted from the events, I was now on my way to bed. 

  As soon as I was on my way to sleep, I was interrupted by the sound of a loud crash and a banging on my door. I opened it to see Allure standing there in full gear. "Let's go!" she yelled as I wasted no time questioning what she meant.I put on some joggers and shoes before grabbing my duffel bag, and phone. She grabbed my hand as we ran downstairs, ducking past all of the fighting that was going on. A full revolt was happening right now. "This way." she said leading me towards the back of the house. "Where do you think you're going?" Maleek said walking directly in from of us. "Take this and go." I said handing her the bag as we both ran. He tried to grab her as I punched  him dead in his face. "I guess killing you will do." he said as he cracked his neck. I began to square up with him as he charged at me. I jumped over him as I kicked him in his back.

  "Get up bitch." I said as he got back up and we went blow for blow. He punched me in my stomach as I punched him in his face again. Each time he'd hit me, I hit his ass back.  He picked me up and slammed me into a near by table, causing it to break. Staggering to get up, I clocked his ass with a nearby vase as I slammed his head on the broken glass. He grabbed my leg and slammed me on the ground. He tried to get on top of me but I threw the broken shards of glass at him as I flipped us over. I continued to punch him in his face as I he tried to desperately block. I picked up a nice shard of glass and started cutting him. The image of Darren on the ground flashed through my mind with each cut. When he made an opening, I sliced his throat. "I didn't kill you then, but I damn sure did it now." I said as I got up off of him as he covered his throat. 

  Mario came running down the steps. "I'll kill you." Maleek said, trying to get up, gasping for air before finally collapsing. "Hurry up and go." he said opening the door as I limped/ran my ass out of here. I made it to the alleyway before someone grabbed me. Allure held her hand over my mouth as some of Bryheem's boys ran past us. She signaled for me to be quiet as we made our way through the area, staying crouched the whole time. We managed to make it out unscathed. Luckily for us, there was a nearby cab parked right across the street from us. Quickly, we ran over to it, staying hidden in the shadows. "Drive to the farthest hotel." she said before he could even say anything. He started to drive as we kept our heads down the whole time. Once we seen that we were far enough away, only then did we prop our heads up, just a little. 

 I actually did it! I finally made it out!

Boom! There we go!

Thoughts?

Jaylen?

Dion?

Malika?

Roman?

Who's do you love?