The Game

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𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 - 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔

Monday started loud for no reason. Stephan was arguing with the toaster like it had disrespected our bloodline, Daddy was clanging skillets and singing off-key, and the dogs click-clacked across the hardwood like they had on tap shoes. I let it all blur into background and took my time in the shower, steam undoing the weekend's miles in my legs. I moisturized, dabbed a little gloss, brushed my brows into a soft arch, and stood in front of my closet until the outfit felt right.

Today's fit — the one I'd promised myself I'd wear the next time I needed quiet confidence — was simple and clean. I pulled on an oversized cream sweater with abstract star patches scattered across the front, tucked just a hint at the waist. The skirt was a charcoal micro-pleated number with slim ties at both sides that swished when I walked. I laced up my high-top sneakers, grabbed my tiny shoulder bag, and kept the jewelry minimal like I'd sworn — small gold earrings, three thin bracelets stacked on my wrist, and one short gold necklace that rested at my collarbone. Two sprays of fruity perfume — peach with something bright behind it — and I felt like me.

"Morning, Daddy," I said, leaning past him to steal the last piece of turkey bacon.

"That was for me," he grumbled, then grinned when I kissed his cheek. "You look nice, baby girl."

"Gotta match the excellence," I said, and dodged when Stephan tried to flick bacon grease at me.

Six minutes later I was in my red Lexus with a granola bar between my teeth, easing into Crestwood Academy's lot while the flags threw red, white, and gold around like confetti. By the time I hit my locker, Colby and Neilah were already there leaning like extras in a music video.

"Weekend roll call," Colby said, eyes bright. "One to ten — no lying."

"Eleven," I said before I could be cool about it. "Actually... twelve."

Neilah straightened so fast her braids clicked. "Spill."

A slow smile stretched across my lips. "I spent some time with Chris."

"Wait, really?" Ja'Colby leaned forward, his brows raised in disbelief.

"Yes," I said, practically melting. "We ran into each other — literally. He fell on me, Neilah. He was so sweaty and shirtless. And I swear, I blacked out for a second because — God — he looked so good."

Neilah's jaw dropped in a silent gasp. "Aliya!"

"I know. And it gets better—he offered to hang out with me for the rest of the afternoon. Like, before I could even leave. I honestly thought I was dreaming, or that the universe was playing some kind of joke on me. But it was real. It was perfect."

Neilah wiggled her eyebrows. "So he smelled you up close and didn't immediately propose? Men are unserious."

I laughed. "He was sweet. It felt easy."

Then, I took a breath and then said it out loud, just to hear how it sounded.

"He kissed me."

Neilah slapped her hands against the desk. "You're lying."

"Swear on everything. Christian. Anderson. Kissed. Me."

Both of them just stared at me before bursting out laughing.

"She's gone," Ja'Colby said, shaking his head.

"She's delusional," Neilah added with a grin.

"I'm serious!"

"You're serious," Ja'Colby echoed. "But did he... know who you were?"

"Huh?" My smile dropped just a little.