*Understanding Him*

Chapter Twenty-One

*Lamon's P.O.V*

I was angry when I came up empty handed at the cafeteria today. Ria said she had smelled him, some distinct cologne he wore I'm guessing, and she was on edge ever since. She's afraid I can tell, but she doesn't want to show it. She can be so strong at times, a trait I admire astonishingly.

Corey and I searched every inch of the caf, looking at faces just in case we saw someone out of the ordinary; but everyone looked like the same high school kids we saw each day. When we came back to our table and I told Laria we didn't find him, I didn't miss the defeated look her face held for a second, before she quickly covered it up. I knew she was disappointed and above all, fearful; but I still tried my best to cheer her up.

Little did she know, I was looking around from the first day I knew about this stalker. I kept a better watch over her at school, to see if there was anybody suspicious following her or something. Thankfully, she seemed to be okay. I liked when she was joyful, she would always smile, or blush when I make some comment about her. She was so humble when she needed to be, and I admired that.

For quite a while, I've had feelings for her, since I first got to know her actually. She reminded myself of, well, me. Strong, determined, resilient, yet fragile and somber. That day I saw Corey almost kiss her, I couldn't contain myself. I knew he was going to make a move before I did. I didn't trust him, and I slightly still didn't. He liked her, I could see that much, but he took a respectful step back because of me. I appreciated that, and tried my best to get along with him. We hang out at school sometimes and even practices, seeing as we were both on the basketball team. Once you get to know him, he's an alright guy.

Even Javon; I was skeptical about him dating Tulip when I first found out but as we hung out more, I saw that he was okay as well. He looked after her, and was there for her,even for Laria, in a brotherly sort of way. My little group of friends were great so far.

Then there was Savannah; I knew since the first day that she was no good. She tried to have this Queen B aura around her but it wasn't happening. The only reason people were afraid of her is because she would go snooping in their personal life, find some dirt about them, and then broadcast it to the entire school; that's why nobody dared to challenge her. Thankfully, Laria finally stood up to her today, and I was proud to say the least. She didn't deserve to be ran over by some wannabe boss; she was one of the most sweetest girls I know. After their fight, I knew she wasn't going to be bothering Laria for awhile.

Every time I think about the fight, my anger boils up and my mind races 100 miles per hour. I hated the fact that I wasn't there to stop it, that I wasn't the one pulling her away from the fight, or calming her down afterwards. I had to admit, I was glad Corey was there to interfere, but it should've been me. That day I was in the library clearing my head, when I heard some commotion by the front door. By the time I got out there, the two of them were already gone and all that was left was a bloody Savannah amongst idiotic teenagers recording. I ran after them and found them outside.

I made it home from school, after dropping off Laria at her house. The ride was enjoyable as always, as we sang along with the radio or just talked about plans after school. After walking her to her door, I kissed her on the forehead and made sure to see her inside safely. Little did she know, I kissed her on the forehead for a reason; there was only one other special person who got those.

Walking inside our fairly large living room, I smelled the essence of something mouth watering emanating from the kitchen. There my mom was, the other woman in my life who got forehead kisses. As I planted one on hers, I lifted a pot cover to see what she was making before she swatted my hand away.

"Lamon Mitchell, get away from there!", she said in all her motherly glory. When I think of home, the first thing that comes to mind is not a building, but her. She is warmth from the cold of this world, my infirmary when I've become unwell, and my chapel when I need some holy advice. My mom was so dear to me.

Looking at me with those doe eyes of hers, she shooed me out of the kitchen as I laughed all the way out. She was so stern when it came to her cooking time. I went upstairs to my room, wanting to get some rest before dinner was ready. Dumping right down into bed, I didn't bother taking off my clothes, too worn out from today.

My eyes fluttered close every now and again, as I fought sleep long enough to look at a photograph hanging on my wall. It was off all of us, when we were at the mall; I took the picture on my phone and had it printed out. Everyone looked so happy, so at peace.

With Christmas approaching, I kind of wished that we all could spend it together. Little by little, all of them were growing on me, and that was saying a lot because normally I was the type who was alone as much as possible.

"Thank you", I found myself whispering into the atmosphere, sleepily. I'm not sure who I was thanking, but I was sure thankful for this new life I had; for the new friends who are becoming family, for special people like Laria, for my amazing mom, and even for the hardships in life. Granted, we all are programed to despise those, but really, they make us into who we are. Every trial and every testing molds and sharpens us, makes us wiser than before.

As slumber's cold grasp wrap around me, my eyes slithered shut as my breathing became steady, already bordering on the edge of unconsciousness.

"Thank you", I breathed out one last time.