"Jo Jo, I never thought I'd ever graduate from college."
I laughed and smiled for the camera with Charles.
"Say Cheese!" My mom sang.
"Cheese!"
"I'm not saying cheese."
"Charles!"
"Nope!"
Everyone laughed and finished snapping pictures. I felt so much joy inside.. I graduated from college! I looked at my degree and realized I haven't been taking the steps I need to get started in my career.. I didn't even finish making my acting portfolio.
I guess I've just been too busy helping Charles. But it's worth it. Thinking about where he came from versus where he's headed makes me happy.
"Can I talk to you guys?" My mom asked. I nodded and grabbed Charles's hand, following my mom out of the room into the hall.
"So," She said crossing her arms, "I have a confession."
"What is it?"
She looked around then leaned in, "I know you're Wolf, Charles."
What?! How!
I gasped and looked at Charles. He was speechless with his jaw dropped.
She laughed and looked at Charles, "Do you remember when I interrogated you that one day a few years ago? Then you went off on me, and told me how much you loved my daughter?"
I smiled remembering that day, there's nothing like young love.
"Yeah," Charles said, "But how-"
"When I finally gave in and allowed you to date her, I never forgot your smile. You have a beautiful smile. When you walked across that stage, I saw that smile again. I knew it was you... I don't understand how, but I know it's you."
Charles looked at me, still speechless.
"Mom, please don't tell anyone."
"I won't."
She laughed and held her arms out, "Gimmie a hug, Charles."
He sighed then smiled, walking into her arms.
"Sorry for putting Jodie through so much pain."
I was surprised that that's what he said.. I wonder if that whole situation still bothers him.
"It's okay Charles. I'm glad you made a change in your life."
"Thank you!" they broke their hug and looked at me.
Am I supposed to say something?
"... Hey yall."
We all laughed and walked back into the ballroom
-
"I'm nervous," I confessed standing outside of our new LA apartment. We were staring at the door, but I didn't wanna walk in yet.
"Why?" Charles asked.
"I don't know... I never thought I'd live here."
"Me either."
"Have you seen the inside yet?" I asked.
"Nope."
"Is it nice?"
"I said 'no'."
"Then why did you get it if you know it's ugly- "
"I said no that I haven't seen it yet."
"No you didn't!"
"Jodie! Yes I did!" He yelled.
"No you said you saw it!"
"Oh my God," He turned to me, "You asked me if I saw the inside and I said 'no'."
"You said yes!"
"No I didn't!"
"I specifically remember you saying 'yes, I saw the inside-'"
"Jodie I never said that."
"Yes you did!"
"No I didn't!"
"Oh my gosh! You get on my last nerves."
"You get on my last nerves!"
I rolled my eyes, "At least I can remember what I said-"
"I SAID I NEVER SAW IT!"
"You're a LIE-r and you're a CHEAT-er."
"What?!"
"And that's exactly why I can't stand you!
I flipped my weave in his face then walked into the apartment.
It's nicer than I expected. It was already fully furnished and had a pretty nice view... Of the brick building next to us.
