Malia&Khari

chapter nine | malia

"Everybody wanna be black, but no one want these black problems."

Deciding on a pair of light blue boyfriend jeans, I slid them on to match my olive green, long sleeved button up. It was cold outside so I turned in my pumps for my light brown knee high boots. Placing all of my necessary items into my Hermes bag, I went over to the mirror to apply on a little makeup. I wanted to keep it simple today so I vouched only for eyeliner and a nude color lipstick. After running water through my hair to wake up my curls, I went back to the closet to grab my brown Olivia Pope coat. Adjusting my hearing aid, I kicked the door closed.

I honestly wasn't sure why I still wore these hearing aids. Lately, I have noticed that my hearing has been the same the last six months. I even felt as if my hearing was progressing, not regressing. I'd have to make a doctor's appointment real soon.

"I really hope you're dressing up for Khari." Kaleigh blurted as she came out of the shower. "You're cute though, boo."

Not quite.

Duane begged me to meet up with him at Starbucks, claiming we needed to talk. I wasn't trying to impress him, though.

"Thank you. I'm looking good for myself. And Khari and I are just friends."

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."

I looked at her causing her the giggle. Her and Danielle were so sure that Khari and I would become more than friends. Don't get me wrong, Khari is very handsome. However, he is far from boyfriend material. I'm not even sure he is even looking for a girlfriend.

"Seriously Leigh, we are."

"The way he defended your honor the other night, I'm not so sure." She held her hands up in defense. "He wanted that guy to leave you alone." She started laughing.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I didn't tell her the reason why he'd beat the poor guy. I figured he didn't want everyone in his business. I wanted him to trust that his secrets were safe with me. I think that's the ultimate betrayal. Befriending someone and allowing them to confide in you only for you to spill what they didn't want spilled.

I shrugged it off and grabbed my bag. I walked over, placing a kiss on her cheek. "See you tonight at the game."

"Okay, have fun wherever." She waved me off.

Looking at my collection of sunglasses, I decided to go with the Armani's today. I placed the big frames over my eyes, fluffed my curly hair in the mirror and walked out of the dorm. Carefully, I walked down the stairs and out into the cold air to my car. My phone rung as I got into the car. It was Duane.

I rolled my eyes instinctively and dropped it into my bag, cranking up the car. I was fully aware that I was late, but he was on my time. I didn't have to meet up with him. This was a favor. To be even pettier, I waited a good five minutes until the car was warm before I pulled out of the parking lot.

As I drove to the Starbucks where Duane pleaded for me to meet him, my drifted to when we were happy. Beyoncè's Hello softly played in the background as I hummed the lyrics. My thoughts took an unexpected turn to Khari. I couldn't fight the smile that formed on my lips. He was like a breath of fresh air. Although he was bit hot headed, he carried sincere vibes. Our friendship could grow. I was looking forward to it.