Hood Lemonade Jamika's Vendetta by T.J. Hope Read Free Book Online

me.”
    “No, I don’t,” Jamika lied. “What makes you think that I like you?”
    “Uh n-nothing,” Mark stuttered. He continued, “Good thing we’re on the same level,  homey. Don’t worry about Trish. That girl has issues.”
    “Alright.”
    “See you at lunch, I’ll save you a seat,” Mark yelled as he walked away.
    Jamika looked after him, and even with the cast, he looked good. A chill went up her body as she turned the knob and stepped into her class.
    -------------------------
    The end of the school year had finally come. Everyone was excited about going to high school. Jamika would be going to Dillard High School to participate in the Performing Arts Magnet Program. Felise had found a home in a neighborhood called Parkway, so she’d be moving away from all of her friends. Felise was very excited that Jamika would be attending her old high school. Jamika was excited because she’d be at school with Marquis, and would finally have a boyfriend at her school.
    She would miss Mark and Colita. They were both going to Boyd Anderson High, which was the high school for the district in which they lived. She and Mark had gotten really close. Mark always referred to her as his homey, so she never told him that she held special feelings for him.
    On the last day of school, Jamika felt really down. She was leaving all of her friends, and Trisha had beaten her out for “Most Popular”. Mark walked along aside of her quietly as if in his own world of thought. Finally, he looked at her and said, “Meek, I’m going to miss you.”
    “Really?”
    “Yeah, what you think? You cool with me.”
    “Well, I am going to miss you too, a lot.”
    “Aw, that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me,” he said, with a half grin.
    “Stop playing, no it’s not.” Jamika said defensively.
    “Yes, it is, every time I say something serious to you, you change the subject. It’s a good thing I never wanted to get with you; you would have dissed me a long time ago.”
    Jamika immediately grew quiet. Why’d he have to go and say that? She wanted to at least leave with the thought that just maybe; Mark had secretly felt the same way about her. Well, now at least she knew the truth, and could go on without looking back.
    Damn, Mark was thinking. Why had he said that? Mark was intrigued by Jamika. She was the first dark-skinned, heavyset girl he had ever found himself attracted to. He had felt that way before he broke up with Trisha, but was somewhat afraid of what people would say. After all, he had a reputation to maintain. His reputation demanded that he date only model-like girls. He sometimes felt as if Jamika liked him too, but she’d always shut him out if he as much as tiptoed around the subject. Now he was certain that she liked him. She had become too quiet after his untruthful outburst. Usually, she would have come back with some type of quick-witted response.
    He looked over at her and took her hand. “Meek, how about you come over and have some ice cream and play some video games?” he asked.
    “No, not today. I’ll see you later,” Jamika responded, still far away in other thoughts.
    “Come on now, girl. This is the last day for the rest of our lives ever walking home from school together. I have your favorite, butter pecan.”
    “Okay, but I’m only staying for a little while.”
    At Mark’s house, they played Pac Man and Joust on the Atari, and ate butter pecan ice cream. They talked and laughed and Jamika wished the day would never end. “I won again! I’m hot today; you can’t touch me, boy!” Jamika joked.
    Mark liked to see Jamika this way. She was happy, vibrant, and beautiful. He liked the way her hazel eyes contrasted against her dark skin. Jamika had eyes that made you think she could see right through you. He was taking a good look at her. He noticed the way her breasts stood firm against her sleeveless shirt. The way her skirt seemed to be drawn on her voluptuous thighs and behind.