Link Up ✔️

Chapter 36

It was my first Homecoming as a college student. It was my first Homecoming at Mizzou and I knew it was about to be crazy wild. There was so much to do and we would not be able to do it all.

Fresh, I'm sure your boy got some things planned with ABC, right?

That was a text from King Friday morning in our English class. We never hung out anymore, but still texted often. I was trying to be a good girlfriend and not flaunt another hottie on my arm. That would be disrespectful to Diallo. Long as I kept it as friends with King and me, there would be no problem.

Yes. ABC party Friday night U should come. My friends from home r coming down

Coo. I might see ya there

I smiled and was about to put my phone away when he sent another text to me.

U look cute today

I blushed, and put my phone away. He sat near the middle of class, I sat in the back with my roommates, Donell and Rich. We always had a blast in that class, cracking jokes and mocking the teacher. I sat at the end of the row, Allura next to me, then Twyla, of course next to Donnell, and then Rich.

Things were messy with Twyla and Donell, but I continue to stay out of it.

"Do we have to go to the ABC party?" Twyla said after we left class. "I heard the Tri-Delts are having a big party."

A white sorority. I had never gone to any of the non-Black parties on campus. They partied on a different type of level than we did. Not knocking it at all, I heard their parties are always fun, but I had to support my boyfriend.

"Girls, this is a big deal for Diallo and ABC. It's Homecoming and they are throwing one of the bigger parties for the African American students and Alumnae. We have to go."

"Yeah, I'm with lil Rave on this one," Allura stated. "I gotta be with my people tonight. Even John understands that and he's coming with me. Isn't he the greatest?"

Twyla turned to Donell. "Sweetie, are you going to the ABC party?"

Donell stopped looking at his phone. "Ugh! Did you just call me sweetie? Don't do that."

"Sorry. Just that, Rayvn is going with Diallo, Allura with John, we should go together too."

"Naaa!" he said, brushing her off. "Come on bro, let's leave the girls."

I felt low-key shame for Twyla, trying to catch a guy that had no interest in her other than a smash-and-dash. Again, I'm staying out of it.

My friends were scheduled to come around three that day and I would be done with my classes. The whole campus was abuzz over Homecoming activities. More people were walking around. Little pop-up stands were handing out souvenirs. And I was still under pressure about meeting Diallo's mother.

She was not coming till Saturday morning so that Diallo could enjoy the ABC party before his mother arrived. Let's just hope the party was not too wild that I woke up the next day in a funk.

I met my Uncle Jared and my friends downstairs in the lobby.

"Girl, you are getting too ca-yute!" Jared said when he hugged me. "I see why Hook always worried about you up here."

"What do you mean?"

"You're not his little girl anymore. Little Rayvn is all grown up. Angel told me you have a boyfriend and everything. Do I get to meet him?"

"Jared, no. My father hasn't even met him...and I am trying to keep it that way."

"Mmm-hmm, he won't pass the daddy inspection is what you're saying."