•͟U͟N͟D͟E͟R͟S͟T͟A͟N͟D͟ ͟c͟a͟r͟t͟i͟u͟z͟i͟•͟

XI

Overdue -Travis Scott/Metro Boomin

RAKIM:

TWO DAYS LATER:

Lithia Springs High School: Mableton, Georgia

I was beyond pissed off. Symere called me in tears on Saturday, going on about the football game, and hanging out with Jordan, and sleeping with him too. I couldn't really gather many specifics at first, but I understood the overarching idea: Jordan rejected Symere when he came out to him. It made me want to pound his ass.

After trying my hardest to comfort Symere over the phone, I went on Instagram, and looked this bitch up. I typed in "Jordan Carter" and sure enough, there he came up. I didn't even request to follow him, I just went straight to messaging him, with a couple of defensive words. My message was as follows:

"I know that we may have only met a couple of times before, but if you intend on going after Symere just because of who he likes, I suggest you stay the fuck away from both me and him. Homophobia is what is killing both society, and those that it is targeted at. Unless you want your ass pounded, or want me to gang your black ass, don't ever message me back, and don't you EVER talk to Symere again. Fuck you, Jordan Carter."

And I sent it. Later that night, he read it, and didn't respond. Good, that pussy-ass bitch didn't want to get slaughtered. I informed Symere that I had told Jordan off, and that he didn't need to worry.

"I'm just so fucking sad, Rakim." Symere sniffled, "I really thought I had a chance with him. I really thought he liked me."

"If he's gonna be like that, he shouldn't even be in your life. True friends are the ones that don't give a shit about who you like." I replied, trying to make my best friend feel better. Symere laughed, "You always give the best advice, Dad." I smiled at my phone, wishing I could hug him and make him feel better.

I met up with Symere in the parking lot on Monday morning. He had decided to park in the spot he always used to park in, far away from Caleb and Jordan's Cadillac. I jumped out of ASAP, and ran to the driver-side door of Symere's Legend, and nearly pulled him out of his car, and into a big, warm hug.

"Everything's gonna be okay, lil' homie." I told him, "Little vertical." He looked up at me, "Little Vertical? The fuck that supposed to mean?"

I laughed, "It's my new way of saying to you 'you're short'" I replied. Symere hit me on the arm, "Uh-huh, Lil' Vert." I laughed, but then Symere looked at me solemnly. "Everything okay?" I asked. Symere smiled, "I'm gonna tell them today." I blushed with excitement, "Are you sure?" Symere nodded.

"Sure about what?" Amala asked, who had pulled up beside us without being noticed. "Symere is gonna tell the group." I told her, while kissing her on the cheek. Amala got excited, "YESSSSSSSSS MY CHILDDDDDDD, GO OFFFFFFFF!!!!!" she shouted, while showering Symere with hugs. Symere laughed, while telling her to stop, and after her brief attack was over, we all advanced towards the courtyard, where Miles and Sheyaa were waiting for us.

To be completely honest, I was definitely concerned about Sheyaa's potential reaction towards Symere's coming out. Sheyaa always hated change, and quite obviously, this was a pretty big change. As for Miles, I doubted he would really care either way. In fact, I used to think that Miles was gay himself at one point. I tried to insert my concerns into Symere's plans during the walk through the parking lot, but Symere seemed to be content with what he had planned.