PROTECT

Chapter 13

"Mom. I'm leaving now"

"That's your ride outside?"

"Yes maam. It's safe, i promise"

"I see that car picking you up quite often" she says in more of a persuading 'tell me more' voice.

"It's nobody for real"

"I wasn't born yesterday Nana. I wanna meet this mystery woman that's making you happy. You've been glowing lately"

Making me happy.

"I'll keep that in mind" I say then kiss her forehead and then head out the door.

"Hey Charlie" i say speaking first to the person in the car as Ty was outside opening the door for me.

"Well hello to you too" Ty says closing the doors behind her.

"My mom wants to meet you. 'The mystery woman who's making me happy' " i say copying my mom.

"So i make you happy?"

"You're getting off track"

"Not really"

"Yes i was talking about how she wants to meet the mys-!"

"So let's do it" she interrupts excitedly.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I'm down" she agrees.

"Ok. I can set something up"

"Cool".

We stare off out the windows in silence for a while.

"So i make you happy?" She asks breaking the silence.

"Uh Ty'Elle"

"Autumn. So yes?" She exaggerates pulling me into her.

"No" i joke looking away but getting comfortable in her arms, heads against her chest.

We ride in silence again.

"You smell good" I compliment her.

"You broke the silence this time"

"Cause you do"

"I know"

I shrug. Arrogance is her.

"You look pretty" she fiddles with my blue flannel.

"You too. I like your pants. Where'd you get them?"

"You want me to get you some?"

"No. I can get them myself" I enlighten her and sit up straight.

"Where we going?"

"Quit asking questions"

I shrug again and relax in the seat. Confidence. That's her.

A few minutes later, we arrive to this building that could be a skyscraper downtown Charlotte.

"You gonna tell me what we doing?"

"Can you wait til we get there?"

"Fine".

She opened the car door on her side and i opened the one of my side and got out.

"Aumani!" She shouted.

"What I do?"

"I was finna open the door for you"

"I can open my door"

"I'm sure you can. And hold it but I'm gonna do it when you with me OK?"

"Sure" i say knowing I'm going to hold and open the door for myself if not us both.