"thanks," I spoke as I strapped into the passenger seat.
André nodded and waved me off, before beginning to drive.
"I owe you," he spoke.
"what for?" I asked, unsure of what he was talking about.
"I was a dick to you bro," he sighed.
"my intentions were good but not how I went about it, I can't just show up outta no where making demands." He spoke, "and for that—I'm sorry."
"you don't have to apologize, honestly." I assured, "I understand what you were saying and I'm sure you're right, coach probably won't like us doin too much when he gets back." I spoke.
His eyes widened for some reason, confusing me.
"coach?" He spoke, finally explaining why he'd look so taken back.
I gave him a questioning look causing him to speak up again, "still callin him that?" He chuckled.
I shrugged as I spoke, "is it weird, I don't know I feel like calling him dad or somethin' might make him uncomfortable." I said honestly
"Nah, you don't have to do nun like that until you're ready but I'm sure they won't mind. Both doc and my brother are your legal guardians and if you're comfortable enough to call them dad—er whatever , then do it. I know they'll be okay with, matter fact I know a hundred percent that my brother will love it. His big goofy ass always wanted to be a dad. Kinda why he—," he paused himself and shook his head.
"But yeah nah it's not weird." He nodded.
"You and him are close right?" I asked.
"Yeah, he's tough on me though, too tough sometimes." He sighed.
"You think he'd still let me play ball for the school?" I asked, looking over at him with anticipation.
He exhaled before speaking, "honestly, I don't know—when it comes to keeping people he cares about safe he can become suffocating. He can also becomes harsh because he feels like that's best. But I know that if Doc talks to him anything is possible." He explained, "my brother doesn't have many weak spots but Doc's definitely one." He nodded.
"and you lil bro—are the other." He smiled.
I sat back in the chair in thought, I never really considered that.
I know It would be hard for some people to understand, but my entire life I wanted a father.
Watching all the other kids play with theirs, talk to theirs, just be in the presence of theirs.
It hurt me.
So now that I had someone to fill that void, well two people to fill it, I attached myself to them fast.
My phone vibrated in my hand causing me to look down at it.
D🤩
can I ask you for something?
Sent 2:35pm
Course :)
Delivered 2:36 pm
Can you help me with my Spanish hw?
I can pay you!
Sent 2:36 pm
Damn hw on the first day😂 you don't gotta pay me I gotchu, I'll call when I get home.
Delivered 2:37 pm
ok thnx :)
Sent 2:37pm.
"Don't that hurt?" André chuckled from the driver seat.
"What?" I asked.
"Smiling so hard," he teased, "Yo cheeks ain't aching or nun?" He asked.
"I-," I cut myself off with a chuckle and shook my head.
"my bad." I shook my head.
"Watchu apologizing for," he laughed, "you 16, live a little." He nodded.
"If some little girl gotchu smiling like that it's okay, don't grow up too fast."
"guy," I corrected, "and yeah I guess you're right." I nodded.
We all continued with our small talk but there was clearly tension.
There were unresolved issues between Apunda and I that we still hadn't confronted.
I took a sip of my drink before speaking, "so, Apunda, I know it's been a while since we've talked, or even tried to—" I started.
"But I want you to know, I'm sorry—honestly. The person I was a couple months ago was miserable and I can't be upset at you for cutting me off, I deserved it," I nodded.
Everyone looked at Apunda with anticipation, even Lekan was unsure of what she'd say.
She nodded and wore a friendly smile, grabbing my hand from across the table.
"Josh honestly I appreciate the apology but you weren't wrong, as a friend—a best friend, I should've stayed by you're side as Alyssa did. When you needed me most I left you, and I know you have issues with that." She explained.
"I love you josh and I'm sorry." She nodded.
I shook my head and smiled, "love ya too."
We stood up and hugged as best we could while being across from each other.
"Oh my gosh guys I'm gonna cry, the bands all back together!" Alyssa said happily, face red, eyes glassy.
"Girl," Apunda rolled her eyes as we sat back down.
I'd hold off on telling her about Clare, I wanted to talk it through with him first at least.
Honestly, I was just happy to have a friend back. I was starting to slowly feel normal—like my life wasn't roller coaster all the time.
The rest of the lunch we all caught up on life, of course they'd asked me how I'd been and that they couldn't believe what Clare and I had went through.
At first I was confused but then I remembered that on the news, Clare had been just as innocent as me. He'd been painted as a victim so according to everyone he was.
Apunda and Alyssa of course new more than everyone else but they chose to keep it to themselves, whatever questions they had they left alone and I was thankful for it.
"So josh, you think Clarence would join us for a dinner some time, I'd love to meet him on better terms than last time." Apunda spoke.
Alyssa looked over at me in anticipation causing me to clear my throat and speak up.
"He's not really a people person but I may be able to convince him" I smiled nervously.
She cheesed and nodded before continuing to talk,
"Kelv how the job holdin up man?" Lekan spoke up, changing to subject.
I said a silent prayer and stayed silent.
I tuned out from the conversation as I fell captive to my own thoughts, it was on the spot things like this that I couldn't handle, I had to leave out so many details.
All they knew is that we were kidnapped, but there was still parts of the story I had to leave out, or tread lightly around because of Clares new job.
"Josh!" Alyssa's voice broke me from my trance.
"Yeah—er, sorry." I shook my head.
"We were just asking how you were holding up being that your kidnappers back on the lose, what are you gonna do?" she asked.
"Not really sure honestly, of course I've gotta be extra careful but I'm just waiting on Clare to get back to see what measures we'll take." I said honestly.
"Have the police been in contact?" She followed up.
"Yeah," I replied honestly, "they assured they were working day and night to find him, and would take whatever means to protect us." I informed, giving them a short summary of the call I'd gotten this morning.
"Well just know we're here for you man, forreal." Kelvin spoke up.
I nodded and said a low thanks before sipping my drink.
The rest of the lunch went by smoothly, we basically all caught up on everything.
Lekan and Apunda were still taking things slowly. While although Kelvin and Alyssa moved at a faster pace, you could still see that they loved each other.
This was nice, I liked this—the peace.
•RUIN 🥀US•