ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ
𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞
⇆ㅤ||◁ㅤ❚❚ㅤ▷||ㅤ↻

🏀

Hampton University
Wed. Nov. 27th, 1:11 pm
"Lonely Around You"

It was finally the day he's been dreading since attending school. Thanksgiving. More so thanksgiving break. Six days straight of being home with your folks. Families come together to enjoy a once in a lifetime meal, watch a football game, and enjoy each others presence. It was a good time for some families. But, for Shai it wasn't much of anything. Just another day of being alive and a constant reminder that he didn't have a family to even go to. Not a surprise at all.

Shai finished stuffing his duffel bag with his clothes. Six days seems like a lot to people but it wasn't anything to Shai. For the last week of speaking on break, he never mentioned what he was going to do. Axel was heading back home to see his family and he was excited to share the news of how his music career was going. Ashley didn't have much going on since she was staying in Virginia. Seeing her mother again was a plus for her. Keith was heading back to North Carolina, pleased to know he'll be able to go on a walk with his cousins and not be questioned.

Then there was Dess. She was going back to Minnesota and having dinner at her grandparents house. She was going to see her aunts, uncles, cousins, and other distant relatives. Surrounded by love, good food, and laughter. Shai remembered the huge smile on her face as she talked about seeing her family. He was happy for her. But, was still keeping his plans to himself because he didn't want to her to feel bad for him. He'll be alright.

A knock came from his door and he already knew who it was. "Come in!" He shouted, zipping his duffel bag. He look back to see Dess entering the room, smiling like always.

"Babe!" She exclaimed, running to him and tossing her arms around his neck. Shai chuckled, kissing her temple and greeted her.

"Wassup baby. You finished packing?" He asked once Dess let him go.

She nodded, climbing on his bed and kicking her shoes off. "Yup, I have a lot of clothes for just six days. I already know everything I'm going to do when I get home." she answered, laying back on his bed. She shut her eyes, feeling like she was floating on a white fluffy cloud. She adored his bed better than hers.

"That's cool. I hope you enjoy yourself." He replied, moving his duffel off his bag and onto the floor. Dess opened her eyes and turned to look at him.

She frown, feeling the change in his demeanor. She turned on her side, resting her hand on her arm. She realized he haven't mentioned anything about what he was going to do over break, making her feel a certain type of way.

"So, what are you doing over break?" She asked, Shai shrugged his shoulders.

"Heading to my aunt and uncle place, and just chilling. Nothing important." He answered, turning to look at her. Dess tuck in her lips. She knew that was all she going to get out of him.

"I hope you know weren't not stopping our regular FaceTime calls. So, when I call you better answer." She told him.

"Who you talking to?" He remarked, raising his brow at her.

"You nigga. Remember that I wear the pants in his relationship." She joked. Shai smacked his lips, grabbing his pillow and hitting her with it.

Dess started laughing after moving the pillow from her face. Shai shook his head at goofy self. They stared at each other with googly eyes as if they weren't going to see each other again. Six days was too long to be separated from each other. Since Shai had time before his Uber came, he decided to have one last special moment with her. It was as if Dess knew exactly what he was thinking, putting a smile on her face.

"Come here baby!" She exclaimed, putting her hand out. Shai smirked, doing as told and getting on his bed. He laid beside her, causally grabbing her chin and pulling her into a kiss.

Surprisingly, they haven't kissed like this in a while. Just small pecks here or there. This moment was needed. Shai took over the kiss, easing his tongue in her mouth and Dess allowing him. Deepening their kids, Shai moved his hand from around her neck and slowly went down her chest. He slipped his hand underneath her shirt, making Dess smack his arm abruptly. They broke from their kiss, Shai looking at Dess with a confused look

"Uhhh, ow." He said, Dess nervously chuckling.

"Sorry," she apologized, wiping her lips. "I'm sorry. It was just a reflect." Shai slowly nodded his head at her apology. A reflect? It was a weird one but he wasn't going to question it.

"Okay. You good?" he asked and she nodded her head. Shai stared at her, hesitating to start kissing her again. But, Dess reassured him that he was good and their lips touched again.

Second time around, they kept the momentum of the kiss slow as they eased their way back into things. Shai hesitantly placed his hand on her leg, slowly making his way up to her thigh. He didn't have any other intentions because keeping his hand there. But, that felt too close for Dess. She grabbed his wrist in an attempt to move it but didn't have any success. That soon led to her smacking his hand and Shai getting the hint. Their kiss broke for the second time. Shai let out a small sigh, wiping his mouth then getting off the bed.

"I'm sorry," Dess apologized again, sitting up on the bed.

"Don't apologize. It's fine." He assured her though deep down he was slightly annoyed.

He just wanted a special moment with her before parting their ways. He didn't want to go to Houston. He didn't want Dess to go home either. He wanted to stay in Virginia, get a hotel, and be with the only person that he enjoyed being around. That's all he wanted. However, he couldn't get it.

"It's nothing against you, Shai." Dess continued explaining since she assumed he was upset. "It's just that...I'm not used to being touched like that and I don't want to you know..."

Shai squinted his eyes at first before finally getting what she was saying. He shook his head quickly and spoke, "No, Dess. That's not what I was trying to do."

"I don't want to do that with you at the moment. I just wanted to place my hand...i wasn't trying to...I should've asked permission...I'm sorry." He apologized after stammering over his words. Dess knew his intentions, she just wasn't ready for all of that.

"It's okay." She acknowledged.

Shai blew out a breath, scratching the back of his head. He could feel the awkwardness rising between them and he wasn't liking it.

"Uhh, we should probably start making our way outside." He spoke, searching for his duffel bag. Dess hummed then hopped off the bed.

Shai picked up his duffel, tossing the strap on his shoulder and making sure he have everything. Once he was good, he placed his attention on Dess who gave him a small smile. Shai returned one than grabbed her hand, and made their way out the room. They stayed quiet as they headed down the hallway. Shai mood changing as he realized what was about to happen. For once, he did not want to see his aunt and uncle

🏀

Houston, Texas

The cab began slowing down as it approached house number 42. Shai looked out the window at the purple house he remember living at during his high school years. He was finally at his aunt and uncle house. A place he did not want to be at the moment. Shai thanked the driver then got out the car with his duffel bag in his hand. The door to the house opened and Susan ran out excitedly. Shai placed a fake smile on his face as she approached him.

"Oh, my baby!" Susan exclaimed, throwing her arms around Shai.

She rocked him side to side while kissing his cheek repeatedly. Shai tucked in his lips, wanting her to stop but didn't say anything. He saw his Uncle William coming down the stairs and towards them. Susan let go of Shai and cuffed his face with both of her hands.

"Oh, my baby! I miss you so much! How was your flight?" She questioned, wiping her thumbs against his cheeks.

"It was fine." Shai answered, placing his attention on his uncle who was now behind Susan.

"Hey, Unc." he gave him a small head nod since Susan was still cuffing his face.

William gave him a head nod back. "Wassup. You made it out here fine? No issues?" He questioned.

"No. Everything was fine." Shai answered, William nodding his head.

"That's good."

"Uhh, Shai, where is your luggage?" Susan interrupted their conversation, looking him up and down. All she saw was the black Nike duffel bag he was carrying, making her frown. Though he was only going to be here for six days, a small duffel surely wasn't going to do him any good.

"I don't need a big suitcase auntie. I'm good with everything in here." Shai responded, hitting his bag.

Susan shook her head, "That's a damn shame. And look at you boy!" She exclaimed, stepping back and looking him over.

"You're skinnier than a damn stick." She mentioned, making Shai look down at his body.

He will not deny his weight loss. It was intense so to say. He barely ate anything at college besides noodles, cans of soup, and whatever was served in the cafeteria. And majority of the time, he didn't eat anything at all. College food was starting to be tasteless to him. That was the only good thing about Thanksgiving though. The food. He was ready to throw down on whatever was being cooked. He was even going to eat the cranberry sauce despite hating it. That's how bad he needed a home cooked meal.

"Yeah, college food isn't really all that." He responded with the truth.

Susan shook her head, "Mmm, we're not doing that. You're not going hungry while down at that school. Let's get some food in you boy." she said, grabbing Shai's hand and leading him into the house.

William shook his head, slowly making his way back inside. He ahad a feeling how this week will go with Shai being home. He already knew. Entering the kitchen, Shai took off his bag and placed it on the floor. He took a seat at the counter while Susan took out a plate. She started stacking Shai's plate with barbecue chicken, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. When she was done, she handed it to him making Shai smile at the food.

He didn't waist any time digging into the food. Susan shook her head as she watched him stuff his face. She knew college was not good for Shai whatsoever. Between the people, the staff, the parties, and the food. She did not trust whatever was going on down in Virginia.

"You see that, William?" Susan questioned as Will entered the kitchen. "This is why I said I want him back home. He's not healthy down at that school."

Shai scrunched up his face. "You want me to leave school?" I questioned, covering his mouth so no food came out.

Susan nodded her head and replied, "Yes, I do. Do you know there was just a shooting at that school Norfolk State University. I know that's not your school but it's close to Hampton. Virginia is not safe for you. Isn't that right, Will?"

"Don't put me in this." William responded quickly, Susan sending a glare his way. She rolled her eyes, placing her attention back on Shai. She'll handle William later.

Shai shook his head, "With all due respect auntie, I'm not staying here because of your paranoia. I'm fine." He told her, his voice expressing sternness.

"You're fine but you look like you haven't eaten in years boy. I don't feel like your safe out there. For right now, I'll let you settle down and rest. We'll have this conversation later." She had the last comment like always.

Susan walked around the counter, grabbed Shai's bag, and exit the kitchen. Shai rolled his eyes already annoyed and he haven't been here for an hour. As a whole, he was starting to regret not going to California.

"I really should've went home." He muttered, playing with his food. William was leaned up against the fridge, being a bystander for what just happened.

"Really?" He spoke up, Shai looking at his uncle. "You wanted to go to Cali?"

Shai hesitated to answer. He trusted his uncle but knew his loyalty was to Susan. Shai didn't want to tell him the truth then he turn around and tell his aunt. That'll just lead to bigger issues that he didn't want to have. William noticed the hesitation in his nephew's response.

"Relax, I won't tell her. I don't tell her anything that revolves around you." He assured Shai.

Shai believed it. He sigh, "Yeah, I was thinking about going to Cali." he answered.

"And why didn't you?"

She shrugged. "Because I didn't want to look stupid." he responded truthfully. "I had this vision in my head that I'll be greeted by my parents with so much love. But, I realized that that wasn't going to happen. I still would've went but I knew my girlfriend was going to want me to tell her everything that went down. So, I figured in order to have a story to tell that I come here. I don't want to be here though." he answered.

William nodded his head, believing everything Shai was saying. Since being in the family, William was able to read and understand Shai better than anyone else. And he didn't have to talk to Shai everyday or baby him. All William had to do was observe and his observations were always correct.

William cleared his throat, leaning off the fridge and approaching the counter. He leaned closer to Shai, wanting their conversation to only be heard between them.

"I want you to take what I'm about to say in whatever way you want. It's not going to matter to me but will determine how it'll affect everyone else." William began, Shai nodded his head and listening closely.

"I understand you have a lot going on in your life and you just want things to be normal. You must remember you're eighteen, a legal adult and can make your own choices. If for whatever reason you decide to isolate yourself from everyone, including your aunt then you do just that with no regrets. If you have to block her calls, turn your phone off, and not come out here in order to get away then you do that. At the end of the day, you're the only person that knows what Shai truly wants. No one else. So, again if you need to any of that then do it and don't apologize either." William informed him.

Shai nodded his head again, taking in what his uncle said. William hummed to himself then leaned back and exited the kitchen. Sitting there alone, Shai thought about what William told him. He didn't think it was a bad idea to remove himself from his family. Sometimes that was all he needed.

🏀

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Discussion Board:
1. weird kiss...thoughts?

2. feelings on Susan and her wanting Shai to stay in Houston?

3. thoughts on William's advice.

4. ya girl is moving up from Wattpad and working on publishing an actual book...yes, you read that correctly an actual book...check out my Instagram @misstanzanite and my Twitter @miss_tanzanite for more details