Second Chance by L. Divine Read Free Book Online Page B

the six blocks across Wilmington back to Gunlock, I tell her all about my date with Jeremy and the week’s drama so far.
    â€œJayd, if you really like the boy, then date him. Misty will always be around. You just have to learn to ignore her.”
    â€œIgnoring Misty is like trying to ignore a bee stinging me. It can’t be done,” I say.
    â€œYes, it can, Jayd. You’re stronger than your enemies. Always remember that.”
    As we turn the corner onto our street, I see Bryan talking to someone on the porch, but I can’t make out who it is.
    â€œI see your uncle made it home today. Who’s that he’s talking to?” As we get a little closer to the house, I clearly see it’s KJ.
    â€œJayd, what kinda mess you starting now, girl? Does that boy know you dating Jeremy?” Mama asks.
    â€œI didn’t tell him, but I’m sure Misty gave him the four-one-one. KJ and his boys were staring at me and Jeremy at lunch yesterday.”
    â€œOh, that girl is something else,” Mama says, shaking her head from side to side. “Just be cool, Jayd. Just keep a cool head and everything will work out. You’ll see.” As we walk up the driveway, KJ comes to meet us halfway. Bryan stays on the porch looking like he’s got a ringside seat and the main event is about to start.
    â€œGood afternoon, Mrs. James,” he says to Mama.
    â€œGood afternoon, KJ. What brings you by, unannounced, I assume?” Mama looks at me out the corner of her eye and smiles. Mama’s so bad sometimes.
    â€œWell, I was hoping me and Jayd could go out and talk for a while. I haven’t been able to track her down since last week,” he says, looking in my direction.
    â€œAnd yet, you still came by,” I say. Mama frowns at my rudeness.
    â€œWell, I just wanted to make sure you were all right. It’s not like you to ignore a brotha.”
    Mama feels the heat rising and proceeds into the house. Bryan, smirking, reluctantly follows Mama inside.
    â€œI’ll talk to you later, man. And don’t forget to listen to my show,” he says to KJ.
    â€œAll right, Bryan, I’ll check it out. Bye, Mrs. James.”
    â€œI’m sure I’ll see you soon, KJ,” Mama says, leaving us alone in the driveway. Once they’re completely inside, I let KJ have it.
    â€œLook, KJ, you can’t just be poppin’ up at my house like you’re still my man.”
    â€œWhy not? Is the White boy hangin’ out in Compton now?” he says, oozing with jealousy. I actually like seeing him this way; he deserves it.
    â€œYou’re not funny. And, so what if he is? It ain’t none of your business no more who hangs out with me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got homework to do,” I say as I push past him toward the house.
    â€œJayd, what happened to you?” KJ asks, looking a little hurt. “You don’t have feelings for me no more?” he says, grabbing my arm and turning me around to face him. His touch sends shivers down my spine.
    â€œKJ, you must have convenient amnesia or something, because I could have sworn you broke up with me last weekend, almost got me beat down last week, and now you want to be all up on me again. You must be out of your ever-loving mind if you think I’m gone let you back in that easy.”
    â€œWell, tell me what I can do to win you back.”
    I look at this boy, shocked. “Nothing, KJ. That’s the point. I’ve moved on, just like you.” I snatch my arm from his grip, turn around, and walk up to the porch. A part of me wishes neither of us moved on and could forget everything that happened last week. But, the larger part of me knows better than to let him near my heart again.
    â€œJayd, wait. Let me at least take you out one more time. Besides, everybody’s rooting for us to get back together.” No doubt this little bit of drama makes a tasty episode in the days of