Broken

10.

August

"Aight, I got dis'" I told Izel as I was trying ta braid her hair.

"I know little girls that braid better than you." She giggled.

"Ion see nothing wrong with dis' braid ma."

"How about you go wait for me in the car while I finish getting ready." She smiled and pushed me out of the bathroom.

I walked downstairs and saw Travis and my mom crackin' it up while my nieces were sitting down eating they cereal.

"Hey, is Izel up?" My mom calmed down.

"Yea, she still gettin' ready." I took a piece of bacon off the stove.

"I heard y'all come in at like three in the morning." Travis whistled while walking away.

He did that shit just ta get me in trouble.

"Excuse me?" Mama frowned at me.

"I wanted ta apologize ta her so I took her ta that place Mel used ta take us all the time. I wasn't paying attention ta time." I shrugged.

"Mhm. Don't let it happen again. What did you do to her?"

"I didn't really do anything. She thinks just because i'm being too nice that I'm trynna hit."

"Are you?"

"No mama." I frowned. "I just care a lot about her."

"Well I don't blame her. You two just met and you moved her out of her house. I'd think you were some rapist too."

"I uh - I dumped Jasmine for her."

"August!" She smacked the back of my head.

"I thought you hated Jasmine." I rubbed the back of my head.

"I do, but you're rushing things. You didn't even get a chance to know her thoroughly. What if she already had a boyfriend or something? Does she even know all about you?" My mama frowned.

"No - And I figured she ain't need to know." I shrugged.

She shook her head.

Izel came down the steps and she was ready to go.

"Uh, Ms.Sheila, is it okay if I stay after school today?" She asked my mom.

"Yea, y'all have a good day." they exchanged hugs.

"I'll see y'all lata'." I gave my nieces all a kiss before walking outside.

I opened the door for Izel and she climbed in.

When we pulled up ta the school, I instantly saw Jasmine and her hoodlum friends right next ta her, twirling they stiff four year old weave.

I circled over to Izel's side of the car and let her out.

"Thanks." She gave me a small smile.

"Aye, if she say some to you, just ignore her. Aight?" I took her hand in mine.

"I'm sure Celeste would say something before I do." I sighed. "Why would she say something to me?"

"Because she's a jealous ex." I shrugged.

When we walked pass them, I heard them saying slick things about her but I had to control myself because I wasn't trying to put my hands on no female.

"August, you're squeezing my hand. Are you okay?" She looked up at me.

"I'm fine. I'll see you in class." I let her hand go and walked towards the gym.

I walked in and saw my coach doing drills wit a few freshmen.