Enemies Without a Limit

Chapter 10

"Hi." he greeted, looking down at his feet, before glancing up at her. She hadn't thought much of what she would say to him when she saw him with her mind so preoccupied with haughty thoughts, but as she saw his sullen face she decided then to cut him some slack.

"Hey, I didn't see you at lunch today." she greeted back, leaning in for a brief tight hug. He looked shocked at her warm welcome as his eyes widened just a fraction. "Yea, I decided that it was best to spend the period in the library. I had a test to study for." 

"Are you sure that's the only reason?" she pressed jokingly, still trying to tuck everything into her bag. 

"No." he drawled, chuckling along with her. "Look, I'm sorry about what I did. I honestly had every good intention in mind when I spoke to----"

"It's alright." she intercepted, fearing that the mention of Darryl's name would only stoke her fire. "But, I have to admit that I might have overreacted just a bit. But thanks so much for the bears and candies and notes, they're really sweet." she said, smiling up at him. He started to lean in for a kiss, but Naomi drew away. 

"Look, Miles. The only reason we've been butting heads since Friday night is because maybe we got off on a quick start." she said apologetically while taking his hands and intertwining their fingers, "But if we're interested in starting a relationship, maybe we should take things slower." she suggested, flinching a little at how lame it sounded coming out of her lips. 

"No, I think you're right." Miles agreed, squeezing her hand a little tighter before bring it up to his lips and grazed her forehand with light kisses. "So can I walk you home?" he offered just as she finally shut her locker door.

"Um, no sorry. Not today, I'm not heading home right now." she stammered. 

"Where are you heading?" he asked in innoccent interest, but Naomi couldn't help but feel as if he knew her secret. 

"Um, it's pretty much family oriented, ya' know?" she answered, as they finally stepped out into the warmth of the sun outside. 

"Alright, maybe some other time right?" he asked squinting into the sunlight. Naomi nodded, not trusting a word that would come out of her mouth if she spoke. It was almost heart-wrenching how she was basically playing him but at least they weren't serious and that was the only thing that gave her comfort. "Can I call you some time?" he asked pulling out his phone, just in time for her to dictate her number for his keeping. 

"I'll talk to you later Miles!" she called after him as she scurried away towards Darryl's house. 

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Darryl had went straight home after the last bell. He had been able to stay clear from Tameeka for the rest of the day, already knowing that he was going to have to pay hell for it later. And somehow, he managed to get through all his classes, something he hadn't been able to do for a week now. He had to somehow make up all the work he missed in order to have enough credits to move onto his senior year, but he wasn't worried much about that----he always managed to meet the mark. No, what had him pacing back and forth in thought in his living room was the fact that his father was gone. This time he hadn't left a note like he usually did, but he did leave cash for him----five hundred bucks. At least the place isn't a mess, he noted as he noticed all the trash that usually carpeted the floor was gone.