I'm so excited to see ya'll's excitement about my stories, so in honor of that...

Enjoy!

Chapter One
"Who else you gon' run with? The truth is us." – Jay Z

"Fifteen minutes!" Jazmine's teacher, Dr. Elliot, weaved up and down the aisles. "Please double check your work!" She frowned, looking at a girl's test nearby. "Some of you make very simple mistakes!"

Jazmine watched the girl erased something else then scrawl a new answer down.

"And pay close attention to the wording!" Dr. Elliot peeked at the girl's test again, wagging her red pen. "Read carefully, ladies and gentleman!"

Jazmine tried to push her test over to help, but Dr. Elliot was too fast.

"You can read now, Dubois." Dr. Elliot snatched it, peering at the girl's test to make sure she hadn't copied. "I'll grade this one first."

Jazmine nodded, pulling out her latest literary addiction, The Almighty Hunter. She skimmed its pages, totally engrossed in the fictional relationship between Tristian and Eliza, a world created by her literary hero, Alonzo G. Pratt, who had essentially created a Black Charmed, the closest thing she had to excitement these days.

Something about it made her feel connected to something, something much bigger than herself. And slowly but surely, Jazmine was yearning for that same feeling in real life, as if trouble was in the air.

A good trouble, something life-changing, exhilarating.

Dangerous.

"Okay!" Dr. Elliot clapped her hands together, chuckling once she took up the last test. "As of today, I'm proud to announce that your valedictorian is none other than Jazmine Dubois!"

"What?" Jazmine dropped her book, staring up at her teacher, who was absolutely elated.

"Jazmine has the highest cumulative grade point average in the history of Woodcrest High, a 6.1% GPA, weighted." Dr. Elliot grinned. "Congratulations, Miss Dubois. I'm impressed, truly."

"I don't know why." Martin muttered in the back. "She's a dweeb. All she does is read all day."

Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment as the class laughed aloud, turning to watch her sink in her seat.

"At least she's going somewhere, Martin." Dr. Elliot stepped forward, reprimanding him with a look. "At this rate, I'll be seeing you in summer school before I see you cross the stage."

"Oooohhhhh." The class chorused, causing him to cover his face with his hands.

The bell rang shortly after, giving her the perfect opportunity to slip away.

Ignoring how disappointed she felt, Jazmine sighed and grabbed her backpack, trying to keep calm.

It wasn't a surprise that no one had congratulated her, but damn, she couldn't even get one when the bell rang?

"Jazmine." Dr. Elliot nodded. "Got a minute?"

She glanced into the hallway where a few girls were chatting.

More silent treatment from her peers….or Dr. Elliot?

"Sure." Jazmine decided quickly, walking over to her desk. "What's up?"

"As your teacher, it's my job to offer you some unsolicited advice." She smiled, popping a cracker into her mouth. "Don't let anyone make you feel less than on today, Jazmine. You deserve to celebrate and be celebrated. What Martin said isn't a reflection of your peers' feelings, even if they haven't admitted that to you."

Jazmine shrugged.

"Valedictorian's just a title." She said. "Nothing special."

Dr. Elliot shook her head at her.

"It's not every day I see someone that is truly gifted." She smiled, staring up at her. "I'm an alumni of UCLA, and I've heard from two loud, very reliable sources that you're interested in attending my alma mater next fall."

Jazmine laughed, knowing the two loud, reliable sources were none other than Alyx and Cindy.

"That's true." Jazmine grinned. "UCLA is my dream school! My dream state, actually." She admitted with a sigh. "But it's super far away and extremely expensive. My dad's not entirely on board, so it's on pause for the time being. Hopefully, they accept my application."

"They can be a bit slow." Dr. Elliot chuckled. "But I could put in a good word for you….help you leave as soon as July, maybe even June if you chose Pre-Law. You should expect an email as soon as this afternoon. They'll notify you of your official acceptance and send details regarding your scholarship." She nodded. "Full tuition, room, board, dining, and all the other necessities, of course. Books, supplies, a stipend….if you really want to go, that is."

Jazmine nearly sent her teacher toppling over, reaching over the desk and squeezing Dr. Elliot tight.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Jazmine exclaimed, fighting to keep herself calm. "If you somehow get me in, I'd be forever grateful! Even if you don't…just wow! Thank you!"

"Oh, you're definitely getting in." Dr. Elliot smiled. "Just make sure you maintain your grades and stay focused." She shot her a stern look. "Your major only determines your date of departure. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't ruin your opportunities by slacking this year."

Jazmine nodded, smiling at her.

"I won't let you down!" She rushed out of class, rushing over to where Cindy was standing. "Thank you again! This helped soooooo much!"

"You're welcome, Jazmine." Her teacher smiled again. She paused, nodding calmly. "Just remember what I said, okay? You deserve this."

"Okay." She waved, turning on her heel. "I won't."

Jazmine grinned from ear to ear, squealing to herself once she was out of earshot.

UCLA, wow.

Finally, something to be excited about.

Maybe this would be a good year after all.

Huey glared at the group outside Woodcrest High, annoyed he was back already.

"Keep a low profile." He instructed, his hand resting on the gun in his pocket. "Do not embarrass me." He said, looking every last one of them in the eye. "The stakes here are higher than they've ever been before. We need to assimilate before we can strike. Don't make any waves, understand?"

The twenty teenagers nodded, most of them smart enough not to disagree.

"Yeah, gang, we gotcha."

"We won't let you down, my brotha."

"Copy that, boss!"

But there was always one.

"It ain't my fault you burned down a school." Quay snorted. "I ain't tryna dim my light, ya heard?"

They all stared at him, watching as Huey pushed past the gang of teens until he stood face to face with Quay, the youngest and biggest headache of The Visionaries, an organization focused on strategic disruption amongst upper-class youth.

"Problem, Q?" He stood up straight until Kwame lowered his gaze. "Don't get quiet now. Answer the question."

"I mean…." Quay frowned. "I don't get it. How do we dismantle something we're a part of? Sounds ass-backwards to me."

Everyone laughed, freezing up when a thick, heavy book flew out of Huey's hand and into the back of Quay's head, slamming him down hard onto the concrete with no warning.

"Huey, watch it!" Isis spoke up from behind Caesar, kneeling down to check on Quay. "You nearly gave give him a concussion, which is the opposite of not drawing attention to ourselves, remember?!"

Huey shrugged, raising his voice slightly.

"At least he'll have something going on up there." Huey glared, watching Quay slowly sit up. "In order to destroy a system, you have to be familiar with it first, identify the threats, eliminate its targets." He nodded, folding his arms behind his back. "Wuncler's impacts on capitalism and systematic oppression have worked diligently to destroy black people as a whole. The kids here can wake people up the best, get their attention focused on the issues. They have access to platforms we can't afford to frequent and rich mommies and daddies who can bail them out. Once we get in their ear, act unimpressed with the status quo-"

"Nigga, we know, damn!" Riley rolled his eyes, spinning around in his brand new outfit. "We sposed' to make all the whack ass law shit seem lame to em like we always do, then hype em up to rebel and spread the word on social media. Talk to Q on your own damn time! I'm tryna see if Ms. Paula remembers a nigga! Ha ass used to make good ass fish plates!"

"Hold up." Caesar held up a hand, causing the entire group to turn away from Huey and stare at him. "Riley….are those flames on your car?"

"Yeaaaa boy!" His brother grinned, gesturing to his 1997 Dodge Viper. "Clean ain't it? Gone look extra sexy rollin' round here. Won't be able to keep the hoes off me." He whistled. "Shit's fire, is it not?"

"Take them off." Caesar commanded, speaking to him in a hushed tone. "You can't be drawing attention like that, not like you used to." He shook his head. "You're sixteen, not ten. I shouldn't have to tell why not to bring attention to your stolen car."

Riley snorted, unbothered by his brother's best friend.

"Imma stand out regardless." Riley shrugged, his voice calmer. "People here know me, nigga! They ain't gon' bat an eyelash at some flames on my car."

Caesar and Riley looked at him, as if expecting Huey to bail them out.

"Riley. Take that shit off your car, please." Huey looked over at Cairo, snapping his fingers. "Help him out right quick. We gotta get moving."

"I got it." Cairo nodded, heading towards Riley. "C'mon, bruh."

"As for the rest of you." He stared at the remaining teens, nodding. "Remember why we're here. You're all assigned to different age groups, so it's important to fit in and excel. They can't get to know you if you're constantly in and out of class."

He rolled his eyes at Quay, who was still on the ground.

"That means get up, and get your ass to class, Quay." He pointed his finger towards the entrance. "Now."

"This nigga almost killed me and now he wants me to go to class?!" Quay muttered. "His ass is crazy as fuck."

Huey smirked, pretending to launch another book at him.

"Aight, damn!" Quay frowned, jumping to his feet. "I'm going, chill!"

Huey pointed at Riley, glaring. "Make sure your mini-me gets to class. You know how he is."

"Chill out on my boy." Riley snickered. "Yo ass just scurred. You were hella nervous about comin' back here already. Prolly thinkin' about sum shit you ain't sposed to. Like-"

Huey jabbed his thumb towards the entryway. "Nigga, take yo ass to class!"

"Aight." Riley threw his hands up. "Catch you later, then." Riley winked, strolling off with Q by his side.

Caesar and Cairo shook their heads , snorting as Riley laughed about something with Quay.

"You know he didn't take those flames off, right?" Caesar shot him a look, gesturing towards the black car, still covered in bright red and orange flames.

"It's Riley." Huey shrugged. "Would you expect anything less?"

"No." Caesar shook his head, lowering his voice as the rest of The Visionaries headed off to class. "But you showing favoritism ain't a good look, man. It's dividing us, and we don't need that right now."

"We?" Huey raised a brow.

Isis stepped forward, her eyes hard as Cairo reluctantly did the same. "We."

Huey sighed, relenting for the time being.

"I'll talk to him." Huey kept his eyes straight ahead, studying a few other kids at Woodcrest High. "Let's just get through today for now."

Caesar nodded, patting his shoulder. "Thanks, man. Glad we worked that out."

Huey just stared after him, narrowing his eyes.

He loved Caesar like a brother, maybe more than he loved his own brother, but he was really starting to piss him off.

Because there was only one leader at the end of the day, and his name was Huey Freeman.

"I'm so excited, Caez!" Isis skipped happily. "No offense, but I'm tired of being the only girl around you guys."

She paused their conversation and turned around, glancing at Huey from their position up ahead.

"You coming?" She asked him, raising a brow.

He turned to lock his black 1969 Camaro, easing towards the front.

"Yeah." He nodded. "Let's go."

Jazmine was so glad this day was almost over.

"So wait." Alyx grinned. "You're really going off to UCLA? I mean, it's practically official, right?"

"Yup." Jazmine smiled, pulling out her phone. "They sent me the email after lunch. Dr. Elliot works fast."

Cindy shook her head, grinning. "That lady loves her some you. I can't say I'm surprised."

"Same." Alyx slid backwards. "Now you can focus on what's important, thanking me and Cindy in your valedictorian speech and….damn, he's fine!"

"Really?" Jazmine shot her a bored look. "You couldn't focus on my accomplishments for five minutes without talking about a stupid guy?"

"Girl, look around! Fine niggas everywhere!" Alyx gestured to a group of boys walking past, who were, admittedly, all fine as hell.

Especially the tall, lighter skinned one with big, deep brown eyes.

He looked good.

Where the hell did he come from?

"Okay." Jazmine breathed, grinning back at her. "They are fine, but seriously-"

"Girl." Cindy clutched her arm, glancing behind her. "Don't freak out, but….I think we know one of them."

Jazmine craned her neck to see who she was talking about, but it was hard since every girl in Woodcrest High was scoping out the new boys in the halls.

Her classmates were loud and animated, walking past slowly, hoping to get the boys attention.

"Aye! Watch where the fuck yo thirsty ass is goin, hoe!" They heard somone scoff. "Yo ass scuffed my new dunks, whack ass bitch!" He barked. "This shit is custom! Getcho ugly ass back!"

"Is that?" Jazmine's eyes widened as a group of girls turned in the opposite direction. "Riley?!" She whispered, turning to look at Cindy. "I thought he moved to LA with Mr. Freeman? He packed up and moved to California five years ago, right?"

"He did." Cindy nodded. "But I heard from Uncle Ruckus he had a stroke." She shrugged. "Huey's eighteen now, and I think the house is still in his name. He probably brought Riley here while Cookie gets Mr. Freeman's health back on track. You know he's the type to do it."

It made sense to Jazmine.

"Wow." She whispered, not sure how she felt about them coming back. "I never thought I'd see them again. We were what? Thirteen when they left?"

"I know." Cindy nodded. "I wonder if he came here alone or-"

The entire hall froze in place for a moment, staring as two tall boys made their way down the hall.

"Shit." Alyx, Cindy, and Jazmine stared with no shame.

"So. Damn. Fiiinnnneee!" Cindy squealed, staring the dreadheaded boy next to Huey down, fanning herself. "God bless science, shit! Caesar looks good as hell."

Jazmine had to agree with her, peeping Caesar in his red hoodie and jeans, casual but still carrying himself with an effortless swag, like he'd barely even tried to garner their attention.

But her eyes weren't on Caesar.

Not really.

They were on Huey, watching as he easily commanded all the attention, the girls clamoring just to stare at him a little bit longer.

Everything about him screamed danger, his long black cargo pants and black combat boots, tied together with a plain white tee and long trench coat, looking far from the little kid he'd used to be, wearing that dumbass coat in the summer.

It was hot, it was thrilling.

It was…

Sexy?

"Um, okay." Jazmine averted her gaze, ignoring her former neighbor turned living sex symbol. "I don't think we should be ogling them, guys. It's kinda rude, isn't it?"

Her friends snorted, ogling on.

"Speak for yourself." Cindy shrugged, leaning on her locker as she waited for them to walk past. "I'm personally on a mission."

Jazmine and Alyx just grinned, shaking their heads.

Cindy was bold. She always saw what she wanted and went after it, no matter what anyone had to say about it.

She admired her friend for that, especially since Huey's eyes were on the other end of the hall, eyeing none other than Brooklyn Davis, who was acting disinterested as she stood waiting for him to approach.

She wished she could be like that.

It seemed to be working wonders for her and Cindy.

Because Huey hadn't even looked her way, not even acknowledging them with so much as a look.

Caesar, however, seemed to notice them instantly. He gave them each a good-natured smile, even if it was slightly distant for some reason.

"Long time no see." Cindy nodded coolly. "Lookin' good, Caez."

Caesar grinned wide and nodded back, turning the corner with Huey just as Cindy collapsed on her locker.

"Tell your godkids that's how I met their daddy, please."

Jazmine just laughed and slammed her locker door shut, raising a brow when Brooklyn scoffed as both boys walked past. Apparently Huey had brushed right past her, as if he hadn't even seen her standing there.

Then again, maybe he hadn't.

Huey had never been one for distractions, even when very pretty girls were involved.

For all she knew, she was just being jealous, projecting something onto Brooklyn she wanted for herself.

"C'mon crazy." She told Cindy, dragging her along with her. "Let's get to class."

Her friend pouted, chuckling.

"Just leave me here." Cindy collapsed dramatically, laughing harder when Jazmine fell to the ground with her, laughing as well. "I need time to reflect on the best day of my life. I think I'm in love, ya'll. Forreal."

Alyx just smirked, looking at both of them.

"Well, I'm headed off to class." Alyx sauntered off. "That's where the other cute boys are, probably even finer than the others one we just saw."

Jazmine and Cindy dropped what they were doing and followed after her, suddenly very interested in seeing if what she'd said was true.

Change was turning out to be a very good thing.

There was something about Dr. Elliot.

He couldn't put his finger on it.

"Aye!" Cairo snapped, finally getting his attention. "You need us to do something, tonight?" Cairo waved at some girl on the other side of the classroom. "There's a party later on, and I'm tryna swing through, see what Woodcrest is on for the night."

"Say less." Huey nodded, his eyes on Brooklyn's legs before turning back to Cairo. "I get it. Do you."

Cairo smirked, chuckling.

"Lemme guess." Cairo leaned forward, nodding towards the girls across the room. "You already have plans, don't you?"

"Not yet." Huey held up his hand, watching Brooklyn as she angrily approached him. "What's up?"

"Any reason you staring?" Brooklyn glared, folding her arms across her very ample chest. "Because it's extremely rude."

He shrugged, acting like it was no big deal.

"It's human." He said coolly, relaxing in his chair. "I like what I see …a beautiful, confident woman. Someone that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it."

Brooklyn blinked, her glare still intense, but he could see the blush creeping on her cheeks.

She wasn't fooling him.

"Whatever." She snapped, loud enough for the whole class to hear. "Just don't let it happen again."

"So that's it?" Huey smirked, admiring her long natural hair. "You don't like what you see?"

"No." She glared. "I don't."

"You were staring in the hall like you did." He opened his book, skimming through the pages. "I was hoping you'd be down to hang tonight, do something together, just us, of course." He took one slow look at her and looked back down again. "I guess I misread. My apologies."

Brooklyn still didn't believe him. She stared at him, studying for any traces of deception.

"You wanted to go out with me, tonight." She deadpanned, raising a brow in disbelief.

"Yup." He popped his lips, watching as her eyes lingered on them. "Just something chill, nothing fancy." He nodded. "We could see a movie, grab a bite to eat. I know a cool spot or two. You seem like a Thai food lover."

"I bet I do." Brooklyn placed a hand on her hip as the class leaned forward, intrigued. "You probably pull this stunt with every girl you see."

"Just you." He nodded honestly. "I'm observant. I pay attention. There's nothing behind what I told you. I want to take you out and do something light. Do you think any of that is a lie?"

She blinked, her eyes a little less narrow.

"I guess not." She turned around to shrug at her curious friends, who were just as intrigued as she was. "But I'm not going anywhere alone with you, not yet."

"You will." He said confidently, meeting her hesitant gaze. "I'll make sure of that." He nodded. "But until then, is there anything I can do to earn your trust? Something more public, maybe?"

Brooklyn thought about it for a moment, and then….

"I'm having a party tonight." She handed him an invitation, acting unbothered despite her eyes flaming hot, just like the rest of her. "Come through. We'll see where it goes from there."

Huey nodded, acting indifferent.

"I'll see what I can do."

Cairo shook his head as the girl walked back to her seat, whispering to a homegirl nearby.

"You wild, man!" He snuck another glance at Brooklyn, who was trying to be discrete with her excitement despite her friends singing her praises. "I think you just pulled the baddest girl here, bruh! Forreal!"

"Relax, Cairo." Huey snorted. "It's really not that serious."

But his eyes were elsewhere, lingering on a familiar cloud of orange right outside the hall.

It was weird…he could've sworn he'd seen something like that before. He just couldn't remember where he had.

And quite frankly, he could care less at the moment, not once he turned his attention back to Brooklyn and smirked.

She was a distraction he couldn't wait to get into.

Maybe Woodcrest wouldn't be so bad.

He'd only been here for a little while, but there was something about Huey's presence Jazmine didn't quite like.

When she'd been a kid, Jazmine had been hopelessly devoted to him, following him around like a pathetic lapdog until he'd moved away for good.

Between his absence and her mom's death, she'd drawn into herself, stayed in the background.

But now that he was here, that aggravating know-it-all attitude of his front and center, she was fuming, and she really didn't care if he knew it.

Because not only was he taking up space in all her classes, he was cutting her off, outright talking over her in one period, causing the class to applaud him for it, and he'd even gotten out of gym class, feigning religious accommodations to avoid playing dodgeball like everyone else.

His ass didn't even believe in God!

"Um, Jazmine?" Alyx poked her. "You're staring again."

"Who cares?!" Jazmine slammed her locker door. "It's just…."

"When he lived here before, he terrorized you." Alyx rolled her eyes, nodding. "I get it, but Jazmine…you two were just kids. Maybe he's changed." She suggested. "Someone that gorgeous probably doesn't spend their time harassing girls anymore. He's just trying to fit in." She shrugged. "He doesn't seem malicious or anything like that. And you know I'd tell you if he was, Jaz, honest."

"I guess." Jazmine shrugged, biting her lip nervously. "Which is good, considering we have a project together."

"Really?" Alyx's eyes widened as she gripped Jazmine tight, asking a billion and one questions. "For what? Just you two? When's it due? Are you excited? Do you like him? Oh my gosh, you like him, don't you?! This is the start of the excitement you've been waiting to make-"

"Alyx, stop!" Jazmine slapped her hands away, sighing loudly. "It's for US History, and it's due next week. He'll be in my class with Dr. Elliot starting tomorrow. She wanted me to let him know ahead of time, but I dunno.…Huey still seems pretty…abrasive."

Alyx rolled her eyes at her.

"Your life is abrasive." She shoved her down the hall. "Go talk to him, already!"

Jazmine shyly made her way down the hall, pulling her jacket tight against her. She slowly approached Huey, who was deep in conversation with Brooklyn.

"-Um, excuse me..." She tapped his broad, hard shoulder, amazed by how toned it was. "Huey Freeman? I don't know if you remember me but-"

"Remember you?" He snorted, glancing down as if she was the most unimpressive thing he'd ever seen. "Not really." He shrugged. "Now's not a good time, anyway. No disrespect, but you're not the type of girl I'm into."

He turned towards Brooklyn with a wave of his hand, and then turned back around when she didn't move, scowling.

"Did you hear what I just said?" He glared harder. "I'm not interested."

Jazmine blushed, stammering as she struggled to defend herself. "That's….that's no…I didn't come here for that."

"Uh-huh." He slammed his locker door shut with his foot. "Make sure your body gets that message next time." He stared down at her chest, shaking his head at her graphic. "Your bra really needs some padding to cover that up. Maybe worry about that instead of mean muggin' me all day."

Jazmine fought back tears, wishing she could disappear.

She was embarrassed, enamored, and infuriated all at once.

Since when did Huey act like this?

"Don't make a shrine of me later, either." He shrugged, walking off with Brooklyn to head down the hall. "I know how your type gets down."

Brooklyn laughed, a newfound respect in her eyes.

"Oh, we're gonna get along just fine." She grinned. "I can tell."

Jazmine just rolled her eyes, staring after him.

What an asshole.

She couldn't believe they'd ever been friends.

Jazmine turned down the hall, holding her books over her chest.

She really did need a new bra.

"Daddy, please!" Jazmine wailed in the car. "I can't tell you why I need to go to the mall with Cindy! I just do, alright?"

But her dad wasn't budging. Tom shook his head at her, his voice stern.

"Enough, Jazmine." He shot her a look. "It's been a long day defending those new kids at your school, and I really don't have time for this, today. Whatever it is will just have to wait."

"It can't!" She exclaimed. "I need to go today! Please!"

Her dad rolled his eyes. "You'll have to wait until tomorrow. Unless it's an emergen-"

"I need new bras, okay?" Jazmine blurted, humiliated she still had to talk about this with him. "People have been…making comments. Saying they can see…y'know, through my shirt."

Jazmine hugged her jacket to her body, tearing up over what Huey had said.

Her father softened, glancing at her. "I'm sorry, honey. I didn't know."

"I know." She sniffed. "I really try not to whine, but I'd feel a lot more comfortable doing this with someone my gender for a change."

"Then why don't I call Cindy's mom?" Her dad smiled. "I'm sure she wouldn't mind tagging along."

"Dad, seriously!" She snapped, beside herself with rage. "Every girl my age gets to shop for bras with their friends! Why can't I?!"

"Because." Her dad was calm, amused even. "My house, my rules." He gave her a knowing look. "And besides, I know Huey is back, and I'm almost certain this new bra thing has something to do with him." He nodded, studying the blush on her cheeks. "You don't have to impress anyone, honey. You're perfect just the way you are."

"You're not listening!" Jazmine fought hard to keep her face neutral, trying to express what she'd been feeling. "Dad, I just want to shop without you approving all my outfits! I want to hang out with my friends without having to come home by 4:00 pm! I want to drive a car! To date! To not have to call you every hour!" She exclaimed, praying he'd listen, this time. "I want to be normal, not a permanent leash-wearer!"

"You are normal, honey." Her dad chuckled. "I was a teenager once. I know how it feels to want freedom." He nodded. "But the rules I've set are to help you. You'll see when you get older."

"I guess." Jazmine sighed, putting her phone on silent then adding herself as a contact….

Under Cindy's mom's name.

It was clear her dad would never let her grow up if he could help it.

This wasn't about Huey or keeping her safe from whoever burned down some school a few towns over. This was about control, about him keeping her his little princess forever.

And she was officially done taking it.

She quickly sent a text to herself, pretending to ask if Cindy's mom could take her shopping for bras this evening.

Then she deleted the blue text and sent another mom-like text, claiming she was already there and would be happy to help her shop for new bras.

Once everything was all set up, she presented the fake messages to her dad, who gave her a triumphant nod of approval.

"You see, honey?" He smiled. "I told you she'd like to help." He shook his head, frowning. "You need an adult to guide you through these sorts of things." He said. "You and Cindy are too young to worry about shopping for stuff like that. That's why we're here, to keep things appropriate."

Jazmine fought the urge to tell him she could care less about being appropriate.

Instead, she acted like a perfect little angel, relieved she'd saved money to buy the things she actually wanted.

"You're right, Dad." She told him, even happier once he pulled up to the mall. "I'll have Cindy's mom drop me off."

"Of course." He nodded, starting to unbuckle his seatbelt. "I should actually go inside. There's something I want to talk to her about."

"Dad, no!" Jazmine shouted, softening slightly when he looked at her, confused. "I mean….Mrs. McPhearson and her husband are kind of going through a rocky time. She's a little…cruel towards other men right now."

Her dad shook his head. "Don't be dramatic, honey. I'm sure it isn't that bad."

"Trust me, it is." Jazmine lied, making a show of looking scared for his safety. "The last guy that approached her got arrested because she was screaming and yelling so loud. Daddy, please. I really don't want you getting locked up over this."

Her dad blinked, exploring the possibilities.

"Okay then, honey." He nodded, putting his seatbelt back on with. "Have fun!"

She hopped out of the SUV, acting somber.

"Okay, Daddy." She smiled. "I love you."

Tom smiled. "I love you too, sweetheart. Have a good time."

She gave her dad one final wave before heading inside, both proud and disgusted with herself.

She'd never felt so guilty and ashamed.

Mr. Dubois wasn't as passive as Huey remembered, which meant they'd need to tread a lot more lightly than he'd originally planned.

Especially with all those cameras in his yard.

"Mr. Dubois." Huey nodded. "It's been a while."

"It has." Tom nodded, shaking his hand. "I'm sorry to hear about your granddad. How's he doing?"

"Better than before." Huey tried to keep his tone on the up and up, not wanting to raise any alarms. "Aunt Cookie's done a good job helping with his recovery. I figured this would be a better place for Riley." Huey nodded. "Granddad already had one stroke. He'd have ten more with Riley still in Chicago."
Tom chuckled at that.

"You're not lying, Huey." He shook his head. "It's hard enough keeping Jazmine on the straight and narrow. I can only imagine what it's like with Riley."

Huey raised a brow at that.

Jazmine seemed pretty straightlaced to him. She'd nearly cried back at school when he checked her earlier.

"I know she doesn't seem like it." Tom shrugged. "But that's only because I stopped it before it could really get started."

Huey shook his head, not too surprised.

Tom had never been able to control Sarah, but with Jazmine, it was probably easy. She probably never put up much of a fight.

"Between me and you." Tom lowered his voice. "The Woodcrest PD are looking into you and your new classmates." He said. "They think you're tied to all the vandalism in the states with those Visionary kids." He rolled his eyes. "I pointed out that your grades are incredibly advanced, pushing you at the top tenth percentile of your class. Your test scores and SAT scores are perfect, and the same goes for the other kids who transferred recently, even Riley." Tom nodded. "That's why I want you to keep an eye on your brother. Make sure he stays under wraps. They are waiting for him to slip up, and there's only so much I can do. Understand?"

Huey nodded.

"I'll definitely talk to him, Mr. Dubois." Huey said, genuinely thankful for his help. "Thank you." He turned to leave and then paused, his gaze softening. "I'm also sorry about Mrs. Dubois." He nodded. "It's messed up, what happened to her. My sincere condolences."

"It's been four years, Huey." Tom flapped his hand awkwardly, like it would make the pain go away. "Jazmine and I are handling it fine. But thank you."

Huey seriously doubted that, but it wasn't his business.

"Understood." He headed back to the house, nodding. "Good seeing you, man. Let me head inside and get Riley's head on straight."

Tom laughed. "Alright, big guy. You do that."

He paused.

"Did….did you see anything out of the ordinary today with Jazmine?"

Huey turned around, raising a brow. "No. Why?"

Tom shrugged, glancing back at his house like it had all the answers.

"No reason…just wondering." He eyed Huey with a bit of suspicion and then shook his head, as if trying to remind himself that this was Huey he was thinking about. "Tell Riley I'm sorry I missed him. And…tell Robert I wish him well. We all are."

"Of course." Huey nodded. "Have a good evening, Mr. Dubois."

Tom nodded. "Likewise."

He entered the house, overhearing Tom as he muttered to himself.

"Same ole' Huey, still acting like a grumpy old man at eighteen." He shook his head. "At least he'll keep Riley in line."

Huey chuckled, closing the door behind him.

At least Tom knew.

Jazmine looked good in a skintight dress, she couldn't even lie.

She'd purchased a few school-appropriate outfits, things that were girly and chic, but still different, stuff that made her feel her age.

And a few more graphic tees too, because hey…she was still Jazmine at the end of the day.

And there was no way she was leaving without a dope graphic based off the 70's, not when she was completely obsessed with that era and its music.

Satisfied with what she'd purchased, she called Cindy up, grinning. "Guess what?"

"What's wrong?" Cindy made some noise in the background, sounding like she'd just woken up from a nap. "Are you…out?""

Jazmine nodded like she could see her.

"At the mall." She grinned proudly. "Alone."

Cindy gasped.

"How'd you pull that off?" She asked her. "I thought you were still following daddy dearest's rules?"

"Not anymore." Jazmine's eyes narrowed, still a little annoyed with how he'd acted in the car. "It's a long story, but I can fill you in once you pick me up. Plus, I wanna show you the cute stuff I got. I'm going for a new look."

"Aw, shit! Okay!" Cindy laughed. "I'll try and get Alyx too, see if she's down to hang at your place for a bit."

"Cool." Jazmine nodded, glancing up at a someone watching from afar. "Call me when you make it, Cin. I'm inside."

"Okay." Cindy said, so ecstatic she could practically hear the big smile on her face. "I'm on my way."

Jazmine hung up the phone, her face flushing when she realized he was fast approaching, looking her up and down like she didn't look basic as ever right now.

"Your boyfriend's letting you shop alone?" He flashed a wide smile, his gorgeous face rendering her speechless.

"I….." She took a deep breath, collecting herself. "I don't have a boyfriend."

He seemed happy with that response and nodded.

"We gotta do something about that, then." He shook his head, whistling. "Because you're too damn fine not to have one."

Jazmine blinked, suddenly irritated.

"You need to relax." She rolled her eyes. "I'm single, not desperate."

His demeanor changed instantly, like he already knew he was on thin ice.

"My bad." He said. "It's just…I dunno, ya'll are kinda different around here. I was just trying to spit some game. Nothing personal."

"It's fine." Jazmine managed, suddenly ready to go. "Well…it was nice meeting you, um-"

"Cairo." He nodded. "I think I saw you at school earlier with your friends. Blonde white girl with the long ponytail and a tall black girl with black curly hair."

"Yeah." Jazmine glanced at her phone. "That's them."

"Well, congrats." He looked confused when she gave him a weird look. "Your name's Jazmine, right? Dr. Elliot told us you're the new valedictorian." He smiled. "Congrats. That's a good look."

"It is?" Jazmine's eyes widened, all pretense of annoyance erased. "You're the first one outside of my dad and teacher to say that."

"I shouldn't be." He frowned. "Why wouldn't they be excited for you?"

"Because people my age don't like people like me. Not here, they don't.""

Cairo shook his head.

"That's because people our age are dumb." He nodded "They're crazy not to be excited. Especially if someone as pretty as you is giving the speech."

"Cairo….." She warned him.

"Alright, damn." He playfully bumped her with his shoulder. "You can't blame a brotha for trying." He smirked. "You walked right into that, and you know it."

Jazmine laughed. "I did, huh?"

"Yup." He grinned back. "So, what's the plan for college?" He asked her. "Howard? Spelman? University of Maryland?"

"UCLA." Jazmine nodded. "Living in California has been my dream since forever."

"I hated it out there." Cairo frowned, but upon seeing her crestfallen expression, he softened,. "But that doesn't mean you will." He shrugged, giving her a comforting smile. "I mean, California was made for someone like you. You'd probably thrive in the Sunshine State."

"But you didn't, right?" Jazmine rose a brow. "Why not?"

He thought about it for a moment, his thumb on his chin.

"Let's just say it wasn't my scene." He shrugged, smirking at her. "So, are we good now, Jazmine? Can we be friends, you and I?"

"Friends." She looked at him curiously, wondering what he was getting at.

"Friends." He nodded. "You can have those, right?"

Jazmine laughed. "Yeah, I can have those."

"Well here's to friendship." He extended his hand, fake wincing when she shook it. "You gotta strong grip, girl! Ionno. You might be kinda dangerous."

"Shut up!" She laughed, staring down at her ringing phone. "This is my friend, Cindy. I gotta go." She headed for the exit, turning back to look at him for a minute. "See you later, Cairo."

"Or tonight." He suggested. "That girl, Brooklyn, invited us to a party she's having, tonight. You and your girls should come through."

Jazmine looked at him like he was crazy. "I wasn't invited, Cairo. And besides, some of us have curfew."

"So sneak out." He airdropped her his number, giving her a playful wink. "What your dad won't know won't hurt him. You're valedictorian, live a little!"

Jazmine thought it over and then nodded, shrugging noncommittally.

"I'm not saying yes." She lifted her chin. "I might show up."

Cairo nodded.

"Okay." He grinned sweetly. "I'll be patiently waiting, just in case you do."

She jumped when Cindy honked, watching them with curious eyes from the car.

"I'll think about it." Jazmine nodded, rushing towards the exit. "See you around, Cairo!"

He smiled back, those brown eyes of his sending tiny, gentle butterflies floating around in her stomach.

"See you around."