Disclaimer: I do not own the Boondocks. All rights go to the rightful owners.
AN: This is quite literally the first story I've ever written, so any feedback would help me decide whether to continue. (:
Snap!
"Son of a b- Are you kidding me? "
Jazmine glared at her reflection in the mirror, specifically on the hair brush still lodged in her mane. She took one look at the broken handle of the brush in her hand before tossing it onto the counter in frustration.
"Why do I even try?"
Before she could begin extracting said brush from her curls, her ringtone blared from the bedroom.
She ran into the other room, diving onto the bed to reach for her phone on the nightstand. Jazmine glanced at the screen and it read Mom; she hit accept.
'Hey mom.'
'Hey sweetie, how are you?'
As always, hearing her mom's loving tone made Jazmine homesick. She loved her cozy apartment in Chicago, but there was always a part of her that longed for Woodcrest.
'I'm good, mama. Almost done packing.'
'I'm so glad you can come home this summer for a bit. You know I adore your father, but he's gotten this idea in his head that he's going to learn to play the drums, and well…'
Jazmine giggled, 'Midlife crisis much? I'm happy about it too, mom.' Hearing the front door open and close, she sat up in bed just in time to see her roommate peek into her room and wave.
Waving back at Kenya, Jazmine cut her mom off. 'Sorry mom, I gotta run. My flight is at 8 am so I'll see you tomorrow. Don't worry about picking me up.'
'Don't be silly, your daddy will be there. Oh, I forgot to tell you-! '
Jazmine cut her off, 'it's okay mom, we can talk about it tomorrow. Love you, bye!' Jazmine hung up and made her way to the kitchen where Kenya was putting away groceries. "Hey, how was work?"
Kenya rolled her eyes while placing a box of instant rice in the pantry, "Girl, do not even get me started. If I have to deal with Mr. Fields trying to look down my shirt one more time I'm going to HR."
"Or just tell Mrs. Fields," Jazmine piped in. They looked at each other, shuddered and burst into laughter. "That woman is a terror."
Jazmine moved to help with the groceries, putting some vegetables in the fridge. When she whipped around, Kenya was already eyeing her from across the island. "Nervous?"
She shook her head, "For what? It's just my family."
"Can't all be good memories though, going back there? And what if he's there?"
Jazmine shrugged, "Five years is a long time, and I'm over it. I'm a grown ass woman now and he's not gonna ruin going home for me. Besides there's no way he'll be there. He's off changing the world, one soapbox at a time or something."
"Riiight. I'm not saying I don't believe you, all I'm saying' is every guy who tries to holla doesn't get very far. So that's got to mean something. The heart wants what it wants."
Jazmine stood there worrying her lip for a moment, before Kenya added, "By the way you have half a hair brush in your hair. " Jazmine's hand shot up to her hair.
"I told you, girl, you can't brush your hair dry." Then she left the kitchen.
The next day, leaving the terminal with her bags slung over her shoulder, Jazmine found her dad waiting by the car almost immediately.
"Daddy!" As soon as she reached him she dropped her belongings and accepted his embrace.
Tom laughed as he rocked his daughter from side to side in a bear hug, "Hey baby. How was your flight?"
She released him and smiled, "Good but I'm ready to get home."
"Well alright then, let's go!" Tom grabbed her bags and put it in the trunk before they both climbed into the car.
The drive from the airport to Woodcrest was short and uneventful, except for when Usher came on the radio and Jazmine cranked it. She didn't miss the glare her dad threw her. When they finally reached their neighborhood, she saw Riley and Cindy shooting hoops in the Freeman's driveway. As soon as Tom parked she was out of the car.
"Go ahead, I got the bags. Just don't keep your mom waiting too long, she's excited to see you." Needing no more hesitation, she headed up to them.
"And I'm still stylin' on you! Which way am I gonna go?" Cindy taunted, dribbling the ball between her legs before faking Riley out.
"Aye, that shit ain't cute Cindy! You don't act like no girl."
Cindy scoffed and when Jazmine laughed Cindy turned to her. "Jazzy! When did you get back?"
"Just now. I see nothing's changed," Jazmine teased hugging Cindy.
"Nah, I'm still ballin' on him."
"Man, shut up. Hey Jazmine, whaddap? You still teaching little brats?
Jazmine shook her head, "At least those little brats can read and write. Can you?" Cindy guffawed.
"Real funny, nigga. I thought we was gonna be adults, but…"
"You know I'm playing, Riley. I missed you too." Jazmine ruffled his hair. "I like the mini fro."
Cindy spoke up, "So?"
Jazmine raised an eyebrow, "So?"
"How you feel about seeing Hu-"Riley's hand over Cindy's mouth shut her up real quick.
"Aye Jazmine, me and Cindy got some stuff to do, bye. See you at dinner tomorrow."
"Uh, okay. Bye…" She watched Riley drag Cindy off.
A day later Jazmine stood in her room, staring at pink walls covered in posters. Her parents hadn't touched a thing, and the nostalgia of it all took her back to memories from back then.
Huey was sitting at her desk. Jazmine was already bored with flipping through her magazine and had settled for hanging upside down off the bed, just studying her best friend in his somber element.
"The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Ol-Ole-"
"Olaudah Equiano," Huey corrected her without looking up.
"Well, what's it about?"
"Nothing you'd understand." Huey flipped the page.
Jazmine let out a huff and turned herself upright. She waited for Huey to look at her but he didn't; she was used to him ignoring her. She settled for playing with the zipper of her hoodie, knowing the 'zip' would eventually get to him.
When she heard the book snap shut, she looked up to meet his eyes and raised brow. Even though his face rarely gave anything away, she could always read his deep eyes like a book.
"I'm not as stupid as you think I am, you know. Maybe I can't say deep proverbs or lead protests, but I'm not an idiot, Huey. I know things."
Huey rolled his eyes. "Where is this coming from?"
"I'm just sick of you treating me like I'm dumb! You're always so mean. Cindy says I should just drop you, but I don't want to… You're my best friend. Aren't I yours?"
She had taken to picking at her nails during her rant, and even though she heard him get up she was surprised to feel him sit next to her.
"Jazmine."
She still wouldn't look up at him.
"Jaz…"
Nothing.
"Look I'm sorry, okay? I don't think you're stupid. Can we not do this?"
"Whatever, Huey."
"Would you stop? I don't. You're… you're Jazmine. You're probably the closest thing I have to a friend, okay?"
"Really?" A smile lit up her face.
He looked uncomfortable and let out a cough, "Uh, yeah. I guess."
She couldn't contain a giggle and placed a kiss on his cheek. As she pulled away and saw the look on his face, she froze. A second later his face had already gone back to its usual stoic mask, but she knew what she saw in his eyes. She barely hesitated when she leaned up to press her lips to his in a sweet kiss. And he didn't push her away.
She leaned back, searching his face for any sign of anger or annoyance. None; he looked more shocked than anything. Embarrassed, she started to scoot further away from him until she felt his hand grab hers, stilling her. Before she could say anything, his hand was wrapped around the back of her neck gently pulling her back to him. She felt his soft lips against hers once again, but this time he was in control. Feeling his lips massage against hers, and the way they pressed until her mouth opened to accept him was too much for her. The soft moan she let out seemed to wake something up in Huey. His eyes shot open and he jerked away from her before all together scrambling off the bed.
"That shouldn't have happened." How could he look so calm when she felt like she was on fire?
Completely reverted to indifference again, he only stopped to get his book before leaving without a word.
That was the year before he broke her heart. They had been seventeen and that had been Jazmine's first kiss. If she thought things would change after that, they didn't. Huey still ignored her in the halls at school, and the one time she mentioned the kiss on their walk home he stormed off. She learned pretty quickly not to bring it up again.
It was funny in a way; the one person she wanted to forget about was the one who starred in most of her memories. Ever since he moved to Woodcrest when she was ten, he commanded her attention. She adored him, wanted so badly to be his friend. She didn't notice his irritation with her 'childish ways', which carried on into their teenage years. She still got mad at how stupid she had been back then. She spent her childhood chasing after a boy who thought she was the most annoying person in the world.
Hearing her mom call for her, she shut off the light in her room and headed downstairs. Time for dinner with the Freemans.
"Well, if it ain't the little half and half come home to grace us with her presence." She rolled her eyes and turned around to the gruff voice and was met to meet one good eye.
"Hi Uncle Ruckus."
"Ruckus, who the hell let you in this house?!"
As she listened to Mr. Freeman and Uncle Ruckus' bickering, she took her seat at the table next to a quieter than usual Cindy.
"So you and Riley, you a couple now?"
Riley spoke up from across Cindy. "If she wanna have the honor of being Reezy's girlfriend she's goin' have to start acting like it."
Cincy piped up, "Boy bye, ain't nobody trying to be your girlfriend."
"You tell him cutie pie, Riley ain't good enough for you anyway." Robert had finally given up on trying to kick Uncle Ruckus out and took his place.
"Grandad!"
The conversation was flowing, and everyone had begun digging into the food. Uncle Ruckus was telling an uncomfortable Tom why slavery should be reinstated. Jaz kept trying to talk to Cindy but it seemed like she was dogging her, so she talked to Riley instead. Her ears tuned in halfway through a conversation her mother and Mr. Freeman were having.
"Is he on his way?"
"He should be here any minute."
"Who?"
"That boy didn't even help with dinner. Said he needed to clear his mind, and took off. He's been back four days already, and I rarely see him."
"Who?"
"Four days?" Tom asked. "We haven't seen him yet."
"Yup, drove all the way here too. It would've been easier to fly in, but he's still on a domestic terrorist list." She noticed Cindy was shifting in her seat.
"I saw the lil nigga last night, standing outside yo house, Tom. I think he was gonna steal something."
Robert snapped, "Shut up Ruckus."
"Who?" Jazmine persisted. She didn't like this. And she think she knew exactly who.
"You know, he almost wasn't going to come. It wasn't until I mentioned Jaz was coming home that he agreed."
"I haven't told her yet, I wanted her to be surprised. They used to be so close." Sarah said excitedly.
"WHO?" She stood up and slammed her hands down on the table.
They all turned to look at her but before anyone could speak front door slammed.
Sarah chimed in, "Oh, he's here! Jazmine, we have a surprise for you!" at the same time Cindy finally broke, "Jazzy, I'm so sorry. Riley wouldn't let me tell you!"
Riley shouted "Snitch!" while a confused Sarah asked, "Sorry?"
Jazmine didn't say a word. She heard the footsteps carry from the front door to the kitchen. As soon as he rounded the corner she froze.
Huey.
He had definitely grown up but he was still Huey. She would recognize him blindfolded; he still had that effect on her. Man that pissed her off.
She sat back down heavily in her seat and stared dazedly. His piercing eyes stared back. What do you say after five years of no contact? You suck?
"Hello." His deep baritone shook her out of her stupor. Hello works too I guess.
"Hello," she mumbled.
Although no one besides the four youngest knew what had happened between them, it was pretty obvious now this wasn't going to be a happy reunion. Robert ushered Huey into a seat which was directly across from her, and when she met her mother's questioning eyes she shook her head as if to say 'later.'
After a few moments of eating in uncomfortable silence Tom jumpstarted the conversation. "Huey, we had no idea you were even back. How are you, son?"
"I'm good, Mr. Dubois."
"What have you been doing with yourself? We haven't seen you in, what's it been Sarah? Three years?"
"Two years ago I started up an organization called Africans Fighting Racism and Oppression; AFRO. We're based out of Missouri. We fight the everyday injustice that black people face, living in a society that was designed to keep them down. I also write for the local paper."
"Blah, blah, blah. Nigga, you boring," Riley chimed in and Uncle Ruckus made some comment about how the black people need to be kept down by the white man for their own good.
Sarah leaned over to speak to Jazmine. "I saw Mrs. Harvey at the grocery store the other day. She said her son is studying to be a lawyer in California, isn't that great? You remember Wallace, right?"
She nodded the affirmative. Huey probably remembered him too.
It had been a week before prom, so close to graduation. Jazmine found Huey at his locker reading something. She ran to him, and would've slid right into the locker door if he hadn't been there to stop her. "Can you believe it? He asked me, Huey! All those girls after him and he picked me."
"What?"
"Wallace asked me to prom and I said yes!" She did a celebratory booty shake.
Seeing some boys eyeing her from the hall he stepped in front of her, blocking their view. "Enough, Jazmine." He sounded angry.
She straightened, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Congratulations." He slammed his locker door and walked off.
What the hell? She didn't expect him to jump up and down with her but why was he mad? It's not like he was ever going to ask her. She brought up prom once and he told her it was a stupid tradition created for people to play dress up and make fools of themselves. But, it was important to her. He should be happy for her. Besides, sure Wallace was cute and nice, but Huey had her heart. He just wouldn't acknowledge or accept it. So what if she was going to prom with Wallace? She deserved some fun before graduation. Not letting this ruin her day, she ran off to class considering dress options.
"You know Huey, Jazmine became a teacher."
Jazmine had been lost in that memory, but when she heard her name her head shot up.
Uncle Ruckus would not shut up. "Lovely of those white folks to give you a chance to mold their children's minds into great white leaders."
"Actually, she teaches in Chicago. In Huey and Riley's old neighborhood."
Jazmine looked up to find Huey staring right at her. "Really?' he asked her. She shrugged. "That's great, Jaz."
She cleared her throat and pushed her chair out and moved to give Mr. Freeman a kiss on the cheek. "Dinner was great, thank you. I think I'm actually gonna head home first though. Have to finish unpacking."
Cindy jumped up as well. "I'll walk with you."
As soon as they were out of the house, Cindy began. "I am so sorry, Jazmine. I wanted to tell you; I tried. Riley said Huey didn't want you to know, though."
Jazmine scoffed, "Fuck Huey."
"You gotta believe me. You're my girl, I wouldn't play you like that. I think it's messed up how they sprung it on you."
"When they reached her front door she turned to Cindy, "I know, Cin. I'm not mad at you. I won't let this get to me. He can do his thing and I'll do mine; and we'll never have to run into each other. I'll be gone in a few weeks anyway."
"Man, I couldn't imagine sitting across from Riley if he broke my heart like that. That shit sucks."
"Thank you," Jazmine said sarcastically.
Cindy backpedaled, "I just mean I'm proud of you for being the bigger person and shit."
"Yeah, well." She sighed.
She waited until Cindy left to have her panic attack. She leaned against the front door for support while she considered her options. Her first thought was to get the first flight back to Chicago, rent a car if she had to. But that would crush her parents. This was just like Huey; making all these moves not caring how it affects others. He had been like this from the day they met, but she had loved him regardless. Had been in love with him since they were thirteen so it hadn't mattered to her. Until it turned on her in the worst way.
Four nights later, wrapping a towel around herself as she climbed out of the shower she heard a crash in her bedroom. Running to see what it was, she saw Huey dusting himself off in front of her now open window. "Huey, I have a door."
"I didn't think your parents would approve."
She didn't bother to tell them they were out of town for the week visiting her great aunt. "They've never had a problem with it before," she countered. "I think they know by now you have zero interest in me."
He cleared his throat, "Right well, I didn't want them to know I'm here. We need to talk."
"Okay…" She walked over to sit at her desk while he sat on the edge of her bed; elbows resting on knees facing her but glaring at the prom dress hanging from her closet door. He seemed to be contemplating something.
They sat like this for two minutes before she got fed up. As she opened her mouth to tell him so he blurted out, "Don't go to prom with Wallace."
"Excuse me?"
"I know you heard me. Can you please put some clothes on?"
She ignored that. If this wasn't the stupidest- "Why?! Am I supposed to sit at home with you on prom night while you ignore me and plan another prison breakout? No thank you."
He didn't say anything.
"Huey come on, what is this? I know you don't like prom, but you know how much this means to me. This is my last chance to really see everyone before we go our separate ways."
"Then go with me."
She laughed. "Good one."
Blink.
"Oh. You're serious."
Blink.
"Can you explain this to me? I'm not here for games, Huey. Are you doing this because you're worried Wallace might try something? I'm not a kid and I don't need a big brother. I can handle my own." At that the frustration he was hiding very well broke to the surface and he began pacing her room.
"No. It isn't that. Just go with me, okay?"
"No! I want to go with someone who wants to be there with me! Not a negative Nancy who could care less if I was the-"
Next thing she knew, he had yanked her from her seat into his arms and was kissing her. It had been a year since their first and only kiss, and all she could think was 'finally.' Her eyes slid closed while he maneuvered her until her back was facing the bed. Using the pressure of his lips and hands he guided her backward until she fell, the mattress catching her fall. She felt his tongue rub against her bottom lip, asking for permission and her eyes popped open. 'That's different.' She opened her mouth and felt his tongue slip in, the passion of their kiss consuming her until she was all caught up in him. When he finally pulled away, he was just as out of breath as her and she felt a stab of pride.
He looked into her eyes, "I want to go with you. I want you with me."
Biting her lip and letting out her nervous giggle that made him smile a bit she whispered, "Okay."
He grabbed her hand and kissed it before returning to her lips, eventually making his way down to her neck and collarbone.
"Is this okay?"
She nodded before realizing he couldn't see the motion. "Yes," she sighed.
She felt his gentle hands running down her body and she thought 'please.' She must have said it out loud because with no hesitation he made quick work of her towel, placing kisses all down her body before reaching her center.
The first touch of his tongue to her core made her gasp and pull away, but Huey's grasp on her thighs wouldn't allow it. He took it slow, studying her sounds and reactions. Her hands went to his fro and tugged gently, pushing him away then pulling him back and it was all the encouragement he needed. He folded her legs over so she was completely exposed to him, before diving back in like a man starved. The more she moaned the more he ravaged her and when he was he was finished she laid there, legs shaking.
"Oh my God," she panted out.
"We're nowhere near done."
She didn't notice until he was making his way slowly back up her body that he had undressed as well.
"Jaz, are you sure you want this?"
"Please" she breathed, "I love you."
Rolling the condom on and climbing over her, he placed a sweet kiss on her lips before gripping her hips. "I'll go slowly," he whispered.
It wasn't painful exactly, she felt a pinch and then a feeling of fullness. He hovered over her peppering her with kisses but not moving, allowing her to adjust to his size. After a few moments of him inside of her she was ready, but he still wouldn't budge. It wasn't until she wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him in deeper that he let out a groan.
"I love you," she whispered again, kissing his shoulder.
His thrusts felt so good, she never wanted it to end. She felt every inch, rubbing inside of her, making her shiver. When the feeling began to intensify and she couldn't contain her moans, he covered her mouth with his.
He whispered loving things into her ear, telling her how beautiful she was, how perfect she was. When she felt his grip on her tighten and his grunts increase it pushed her over the edge. When she peaked she only managed to cry out one thing "Huey!" and earned a groan of "Baby!" in reply. As she was falling asleep in his arms later her last thought was 'but he didn't say he loved me back.'
When she had woken up the next day deliciously sore, he was already gone. She lazily stretched in bed before setting out to get ready for school.
She knew the first thing she had to do was find Wallace and tell him; it was only fair. He took it really well, but she knew he would. When she brought up the girls dying to go with him, they both laughed. Then she looked for Huey. She found Riley instead, and she could barely get him to break away from his make out session with Cindy to say that Huey skipped today. She ran to the Freeman house after school, only to be told by Mr. Freeman that Huey was out. Seeing her dejected expression, he gave her a look of sympathy.
"Come back later, cutie pie. Maybe he'll be here then."
He wasn't.
When she finally saw him the day before prom, and she was freaking out. She sat down next to him at their tree, and while he looked down at the town she looked at him.
'Where have you been?"
'Around.'
'That's it? Around? Did I do something wrong?'
At that, he sighed and gave a little. 'No, Jaz. How are you…feeling?'
She instantly got shy. 'I'm okay. I was a little sore at first but it's okay now.'
She perked up, 'But Huey we need to talk about prom! It's tomorrow. You have a tux, right? Are we renting a limo? Because I don't mind taking your grandad's car.'
'Whoa, slow down. I'll…uh get a limo. I'll meet you in front of your house at 7.'
She was too caught up in her own excitement to catch the lie in his voice.
She banged her head against the door, trying to shake away the feelings that always accompanied these memories.
"Fuck Huey," she grumbled again.
She wanted it all to be perfect. She had the perfect dress, she was going with the guy she loved and it was going to be a perfect night. She was a bit sad her mom wasn't there to help her, but she thought she had done pretty well. She'd picked out a beautiful lavender chiffon dress that flowed to the floor around her. She had even left her hair in a twist out all day to make her curls more manageable in its updo; Huey would've murdered her if she had straightened it. He was already late, but she tried to be patient. That lasted about five minutes and when Huey's phone was going straight to voicemail she got nervous.
'Huey, where are you? Call me back.'
'Huey, I'm getting really worried. Is everything okay?'
'It's me again. Please call me back.' She ran over to the Freeman house, ringing the doorbell over and over.
Riley opened the door looking irritated. "What nigga?! Damn, nice dress."
"Riley, where is Huey? He was supposed to come get me almost an hour ago." She followed him as he walked back to the living room.
"You tell me, nigga. He left a letter for Grandad saying he was leaving and not to look for him."
"He's… gone?"
"Yeah, he ain't tell you? He been talking about joining some Black Panther type shit ever since he graduated early. Some dumb shit about fighting persecution and finding himself. I guess he finally did it."
Graduated early… Seems like there's a lot Huey had been hiding from her.
"No, there's no way…he wouldn't just do that," she denied.
"Well I'm tellin' you, he gone. That selfish nigga left me all alone to do all the chores too." Seeing Jazmine's eyes fill up with tears and her lip quiver, Riley stopped. "Aw man, don't cry. That nigga gay anyway, you know you didn't like him. I'm the better brother." When the dam broke and she let out a wail, he jumped back. "Oh shit!" Leaving her to cry, he ran off to call Cindy.
Twenty minutes later, Cindy ran into the house to find a sobbing Jazmine on the couch and a wary Riley sitting next to her. She shoved him. "Nigga, move."
"Gladly. Help yo best friend, I can't take all this crying."
It took Jazmine all of two seconds to fall into Cindy's arms, trying to explain what happened through the tears. From what she could piece together, Huey had asked her to prom, taken her virginity and then stood her up and skipped town. The glare she threw a shocked Riley could've killed a man, and he shrugged defensively. "Yo, I swear I didn't know!"
She remembered she'd spent the week after graduation in denial, swearing it was a misunderstanding and that he would return. It wasn't until Robert let her read the letter that she accepted the truth; Huey wasn't coming back. She made Cindy and Riley swear they'd never tell Mr. Freeman and her parents what had happened. When asked if she ever heard from Huey, she claimed they just drifted apart. Then she set out to grow up and get over Huey Freeman. As soon as summer was over she was out of the state and at school. Now here she was, staying two doors down from him again.
When she felt the vibrations from a knock on the door, it startled her out of her thoughts. She opened it without thinking and once again, Huey was right there.
She would've said he almost looked nervous but she knew better. He had no feelings. Then she noticed his extended hand that was holding her cellphone.
"You left your phone."
She quickly snatched it from him and went to close the door, ready for this interaction to be over when something stopped the door. She glared at the offending foot Huey had placed and then glared at him.
"Listen, hold up. Jaz, can we talk?"
You're five years too late nigga, she thought. She was already emotionally exhausted from this day and being around him for even a short period of time brought all the hurt and anger she'd kept tucked away for so long to the surface. He didn't get to decide when they talked. Before she even registered what she was doing, she had wound her arm back and clocked him in the face. That sure as shit moved his foot and she used that opportunity to slam the door and lock it.
She heard him outside cursing, "Ow damn it, Jazmine!" as she marched up the steps.