*Understanding Him*

Chapter Twenty-Five

Laria looked over to me and gave me that same enchanting smile I've come to adore ever since I almost ran her over with my bike. She pulled subtly away from Lamon to link arms with me, a gesture I'm sure was friendly, but made my heart skip a beat.

"How about you Corey? You feel relieved that this torturous semester is over?" She asked me.

"Beyond. I don't know if I could have sit through another one of Mr. Henry's boring History lessons", I replied feigning distress as I put the back of my hand to my forehead for dramatic effect.

She laughed and nudged me with her elbow. "You're so silly", she chuckled. My heart skipped again.

We made it outside to stand amongst all the other kids who talking animatedly about their plans for the break. We stood in an even circle, all facing each other.

"So guys, meet at my house around 12 o clock; we'll have dinner, then we can play some games or go out or whatever we decide to do afterwards. Sounds good?" He asked us.

Everyone hummed in agreement.

"Okay then, see you all tomorrow", he said waving. Laria unhooked herself from me to give him a goodbye hug, causing that familiar prickly feeling to rise up inside me once more.
Everyone said goodbye then and made off to their individual cars. Walking over to my silver BMW, I fished in my pocket for my keys, pulling them out slowly as I found them.

The drive to my house always take a bit longer than everyone else's because we lived in Blair Heights, the 'wealthy' side of town.
I have no boasting to do about the fact that I come from a wealthy family, what good what it do me? My parents have money, so what? I find it extremely infuriating when people find out and then peg me as some spoiled rich brat when I'm far from it.

I'm me, Corey Williams, nothing more and nothing less. I keep my wealth on the low because when people know, they only befriend me for money or some sort of fame. It's ridiculous what people would do for a second in the spotlight.
My friends, they're not like that; Violet, Lamon, Tulip, Javon, and Laria are far from being those type of people and that's why I gravitated to them. They're sincere and genuine and it actually feels like I have a second family with them.

When graduation comes and goes, I really hope we can all stick together. I heard the girls were thinking about going to college someplace in Florida. I was sure my parents would have me at any college or university in a heartbeat and I was grateful, but I wanted to earn my way; I would get in on an athletic scholarship. After all, my dream was to become a professional basketball player and with my God given skill, I was sure I had a chance.

Nearing the dark metal gates that enclosed my house, I pressed a button on my keychain that opened them. When they were fully open I sped through before pressing the button a second time to close them.

Once my car was tucked away in the garage next to my parents', I made my way into our grand house. It wasn't a mansion, but it was almost as large to be considered one.

Marble floors and stone pillars greeted me in the foyer, as I continued to head into the kitchen where I knew Mom would have dinner started. I would always try to help her out as often as I could; and besides, I loved to cooked.
My mother was tending to the pot on the stove as I entered; she placed her ladle on the counter top before walking over to pull me into her warm embrace.

"Hey baby, you're home early", her sweet voice chirped.

"Hi ma, I didn't have practice today remember? Christmas break has started already", I finished, hugging her tightly.

"Oh that's right honey, I remember you told me. And you're going to your friend's house tomorrow right?"

"Yes ma'am", I answered, as she let me slip out of her arms and over to the fridge for a snack.

"Well, alrighty then. You can start the beans if you want, I'm gonna work on this soup", she said returning her attention to the pot she left behind.

I loved my parents deeply for being the way they are. They weren't snobs just because they had money, we did all our own cleaning and cooking together; it was jokingly considered family time.
My parents always made sure to spend as much time with me and my sister as they can, not wanting to neglect us. They were the best parents a son could ask for, giving me everything I needed and, when beneficial, everything I wanted.

"Sure Mom no prob, I'm just gonna run upstairs and change real quick", I said already heading for the stairs.

"Okay hun", she replied absentmindedly, eyes glued to the cook book she was reading.

Shaking my head, I chuckled at my mom who was always trying to learn some new recipe; she was the best.
I quickly got changed into some ball shorts and a t-shirt and headed for the stairs again, happy to help my mom make dinner. I passed my dad's study, noticing the door was closed.

Knocking twice, I opened it and poked my head in; he was sitting hunched over some paperwork, his broad shoulders giving him a stern profile.

"Hey Dad, Mom and I are starting dinner; should be ready in half an hour", I said to my father.

He looked up with a smile on his face.
"Okay son, I'll be down in a few", his deep voice vibrated.

"Okay", I said as I slipped back out and shut the door quietly, making my way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Where's Paige?", I asked, referring to my little sister.

"She's over at her friend's house for a little bit before they drop her home. I let her have this extra time because it's Christmas break", my mom said.

"Aw mom you're so sweet", I said gushing.

"Yeah yeah don't mention it", she joked as we both laughed and went to do our jobs.

As I got out the frying pan and green beans, I turned on some jazz music while she and I danced and cooked the evening away.