***

"So you went partying yesterday aye?" I asked Lucas. He didn't Answer but silently stared at me.

Like he was lost in the air.

"Lucas?!" I yelled.  He finally smiled.

"You're beautiful this morning." he said. I stared at him, lost. Was he tipsy?

"Did you drink for your first time yesterday?" I asked, amused.

"No. I'm just really really tired."

"What was the partying all about?"

"A friend's birthday. Went clubbing."

"So, you're trying to tell me that you still don't drink alcohol?"

"No I don't, honey. I've seen the effects it has on people. If I ever get drunk, I might start saying odd stuff or revealing my worst secrets. No thank you."

I laughed.

"That depends on how many glasses or bottles you consume. Anyway I'm here to give you the notes and propose to draw you after school."

He raised a brow at me and smirked.

"Why? You wanna hang my portrait in your room?"

"Shut up, idiot. It's for James." I mused.

"I know. Was just kidding. Alright then. After school. I'm in a good mood to pose. And this time, you'll be drawing me in my room."

"Perfect."

*

Our lectures ended by five PM. I didn't waist time and went straight to the sigma house then up to his room.

"So? You drawing or painting?" he asked.

"I'll surely paint you pretty boy. I wanna make something colorful, yet beautiful."

"Okay. Here I am. At your service hood goddess."

I chuckled.

"Now it's goddess?"

"Yup. And I'm still to find another nickname for you."

"Hm, okay." I chuckled, "Let's get to work."
-
Time passed by as I slowly and carefully painted a portrait of my model. Lucas was great. He didn't move and remained in his actually pose, making things easier for me.

"Oh, where did I put the blue paint again?" I asked, looking around.

"It's on the table over there lemme go–"

"No! Don't move! I'll go get it. If you move it will affect the way I paint."

"Alright, then."

I got up to go get the paint, slightly pulling the waistband of my jeans up. They were tight but the waistband was slightly loose and most of the time the jeans slid down my waist.

I bent over and got the paint. I turned back so quickly that I had the time to catch the rich kid staring at my ass.

He immediately looked up at me, reddening. I was suddenly amused.

"Like what you see?" the question left my mouth before I could think. His lips parted and he was about to say something but I cut him. "Forget what I just said. Back to business."
-
Minutes passed and soon I was done with the painting. It was perfect to me.

"This is one of my best works so far." I told Lucas. He stood up to come see, leaning in with his face close to my ear.

"Wow. Oh, you better tell James to sell this at a higher price."

"Yup. Thought so."

"Your work is beautiful."

"No. You're beautiful. It's cuz I paint you that I sell this much. I owe you."

"Harlem, I said I don't want your money."

"I know. But I gotta give you at least a gift. What do you want?"

He looked at me and I looked at him. His posture made his face to be a few inches away from mine. And for the first time, I stared straight into his green eyes. 

"I want a kiss on the cheek." he smiled and I rolled my eyes.

"Seriously, dude?"

"Yup."

I sighed.

"Fine." I turned and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
He let out an intentional moan and I laughed.

"Damn. The feel of your lips tho. I'll be sleeping like a baby tonight." he cooed dreamily.

I laughed and pushed him away.

"Fuck off, sicko."

***

I reached the house at seven that evening. I hugged Yasmin once in my room but I noticed there was something wrong about her. She didn't look okay.

"What's up, Yazz? You don't look good."

"Baby, sit down. Gotta tell you something."

"Whut?"

She looked serious and that scared me. I sat down for her to tell whatever she had to.

"Girl, Jordan called me tonight."

Jordan was her boyfriend.

"Uh huh?"

"He said I shouldn't tell you this but the nigga probably knew I was gonna tell ya."

"Tell me what?"

"King. Well King has started doing drugs again."

"What??"

"Yes. And he beat Yolanda's brother to a pulp last night. Lil man's in the hospital."

"What??" I stood up angrily. Why the hell was king like this?! He'd promised! He'd promised to stop!

"Where is he??" I asked angrily.

"Calm down, girl. Apparently he's hiding cuz the cops are after his ass."

I felt like crying. Why was he like this? Like, the hell?

"Harl, calm down."

"Hell no. My phone." I hurriedly looked around, "My phone! Where is my phone??" I took it out of my bag and immediately called King.

"Yes, hello??"

"Hello bab–"

"King why did you do this?!" I cut him.

"What??"

"Drugs! And you almost killed Yolanda's brother??"

He was silent, confirming he was guilty.

"I trusted you to change! I gave you one last chance."

"I know baby but–"

"Listen. Remember what I told you the last time?? If you ever took drugs again or harmed someone I would leave you. Remember??"

"No. Harl don't! I'm sorry–"

"I love you but I have to tell you we're over. Why can't you settle and stay out of trouble. King we can't be together in such circumstances."

"Harlem, I'm sorry. We can arrange things. Give me another chance."

"What?? A ninth chance? Oh no, no. You've taken me for granted enough. Be happy I'm still willing to be friends."

"Friends. Me, a friend?!"

"Yes! Be happy. Cuz I can still decide to make you an enemy or so!"

"I knew it." he started, "You've met– you've met someone else."

"Not yet, King. But I soon will. I'll find someone who'll help get you out of my fucking head! I realise you're not worth it." I was now sobbing.

Yazz sat watching me. She knew how much I loved King. But he'd exaggerated! I would get rid of that love!

"Baby girl–"

"No. We're friends now. Don't be surprised if I tell you about a new man in my life, pal. See you during the weekend, King. If the cops don't lay hands on you first." I sniffed.

He was silent for sometime.

"Okay, Harlem. I love you."

"Goodnight, King."

I hung up and immediately went into Yasmin's arms. She calmed me down.

"Honey maybe you were too harsh on him."

"No, Yazz." I sat up, wiping away my tears. "No, I wasn't. I was damn serious and I ain't coming back on my decision."

"I understand, Harl."

"Good."

I was a strong girl. I didn't spend days crying. A night was enough. I would go on with my life.