Enemies Without a Limit

Chapter 21

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Darryl's mood lightened after he finally got some food in his stomach. Maria had been generous enough to allow him a big lunch and as he lied on the couch rubbing his belly in satisfication he could help but feel lifted for once. His father's car--his car--moved with ease. After he dropped off Maria home and thanked her once more, he went for an idle ride but that ended short when he remembered that he had no money for gas if his tank ran out so he drove back home and didn't bother changing out of his clothes.

He had a lot of thinking to do. He didn't know if he would go along with Dancy's offer and go into the foster care system or find a place to stay. But where would he start? He could always ask one of his boys, but it seemed like eons ago since he last spoke to them and he didn't want to be bothered by them--lately he felt like he outgrown them. He could ask Tameeka--and he knew she would be willing enough to let him into her house--but that inferred that she would count on having sex and he didn't want that. And plus her parents would bitch, if I asked, he thought as he quickly discarded the idea. 

Then there was Naomi. Her home was so close to his, it wouldn't feel like so much of a move. And he'd been there so many times before that he knew it like he knew the back of his hand. Her parents once liked him, but after that fateful day freshman year he knew that he was unwelcomed there. And he knew for sure Naomi wouldn't waste time in helping him, either. And what if things did work out with her? How could he share a home with his girlfriend. He never had a serious relationship and he knew he wasn't ready for a big step like that. So, he was at a dead end. 

He momentarily closed his eyes and groaned to himself as the stress of the world rested on his shoulders, yet again. You know, Dad, you're pretty fucked up to do this, he thought towards the heavens. He began to doze off when there was a loud and obnoxious knock at the door. 

Darryl growled impatiently. Why doesn't everyone just leave me alone? He glanced over at the clock: two-thirty. He contemplated on getting up and answering it but he decided that he was too tired to entertain any guests and ignored it. 

"Darryl! Get out here and open this damn door! I know you're home! And don't think about sending me away with some bullshit!" he heard Naomi's voice from the other side of the door in between another round of brutal knocking. He rolled his eyes as he got up and walked over to the door and opened it.

He couldn't imagine that four days could bring so much more beauty to one person as it did to Naomi--even if she was glowering at him. He was momentarily transfixed at just the sight of her in modestly short-shorts and red tank with her hair tied back in a ponytail. So simple, but beautiful. 

"I want to talk to you so don't bother trying to cut anything short." Naomi said as she pushed past him into the living room. Before he could face her, she thrusted a container of food in his arms. "My parents wanted me to give you this. It's probably been a while since you ate a decent meal." she said as she continued on into the kitchen and taking a seat around the island countertop. 

"If you're here to tell me that you hate me and all that, get on with it." Darryl urged as he stored the food in the fridge.

"Aren't you gonna eat that?" Naomi asked, gruffly. He could tell that she was still upset even though she did show a little concern. 

"I had a big lunch. So can you just say what you have to say?" 

He watched as she glared up at him once more. "What's gotten into you?! First you all but spit in my face Friday night and then you tell me you don't wanna see me anymore, and to top it all off you sleep with my bestfriend!" she snarled.