•͟U͟N͟D͟E͟R͟S͟T͟A͟N͟D͟ ͟c͟a͟r͟t͟i͟u͟z͟i͟•͟

XXI

Caleb nodded his head in understanding, "I fuck with the mindset, cuh. It's a somewhat spiritual perspective, and you know I'm about that typa shit. The controlling of one's destiny, and the acceptance of others doing the exact same."

Caleb had been into that spiritual-type shit for a minute now. Ever since he started smoking, he had been all about the health benefits associated with hemp and the spiritual trips people had been taken on by Mary Jane. He was convinced that he had become one with nature, and that in order to remain with the constants of the universe, one must acknowledge their own destinies and all sorts of things associated with being "central". He tried explaining it to me one time, but I fell asleep like I always do, so nothing new.

After getting changed, we finally left in the Cadillac to pick up Travis. Travis had a car, but never actually drove, something I never really understood, giving up essentially a blessing in a non-walkable city.

After the brief "argument" with Travis about why he couldn't drive, and him giving some reasoning about how he didn't have any gas money, we finally arrived at the Lithia Springs stadium. I was truly ready for a night that I had been waiting for awhile.

"You know what would be great?" I announced as we all stepped out of the car. Both Travis and Caleb shrugged their shoulders. "If y'all don't tryna abandon me for sex like last time."

Travis playfully shoved me, "Nahhhhh I'll just have sex here this time."

"Oh yeah?" I laughed, "Wit who?"

Travis pointed at the grandstand, "That band girl I told y'all about."

I facepalmed myself, "The fuckin' tuba girl?" He nodded his head, smirking, to which i facepalmed once again.

"I'm for real boutta call that shit out and be the first to say it: that shit did not happen." Caleb announced, as we walked closer to the student section.

"Deadass will show you her tonight, bruh." Travis explained to Caleb as I laughed. As soon as Travis finished his statement, I noticed Rakim and Amala standing together not too far away, and Amala caught sight of me and started waving. Caleb and Travis seemed to take noticed and began to back off.

Caleb put his arm around my shoulder and whispered, "Good luck, cuh; just try your hardest, but don't be forceful." I nodded, looking back towards him. Travis shook his head, "Yeahhhhhhh Jordannnnnn!!!! Go get some dick!!!"

I ran over to him laughing, and put my finger over his lips, shushing him almost instantly. He laughed, and they walked off in another direction.

"Just call me when you're tryna leave for this party thing up in Marietta." Caleb shouted out to me as they walked away, to which I noted. I approached Rakim, who welcomed me with open arms. It was the first time he had hugged me since my breakdown in the bathroom, but it was still just as comforting. Amala greeted me next, just as respectfully. They were two of the sweetest people I had ever met, and the fact that they were a thing together seemed to only increase the levels of kindness the expressed.

"So you're sure that you wanna try this?" Rakim asked me. I nodded my head, "Technically, it's not my choice, but rather Symere's. I've already promised myself that I'll respect his decisions, and that it's not worth trying to change his mind if he's already set on something."

Both Rakim and Amala looked at each other with hope. "Personally, I really want y'all to be together," Amala explained, "like, I ship it."