Simple, Unexpected Crush ~Book 1 of Life Matters~

Chapter 44~Life Literally Happens

Erix went to the drafting ceremony. Guess what? He got in with Miami Heat. So did Ray. Norma was so happy for him, my parents were really proud and me for his little sister, I was happy for him as well.

I graduated from High School finally. Graduation felt heartbreaking but I knew it wasn't the end. Pam came and watched us walk across the stage with tears. I'm happy that she made friends with good people I can trust. My parents, my aunt, uncle the twins...were crying afterwards. I looked for Angie after the ceremony. She ran to me crying like crazy. Why were we crying when we were both going to UC Urban? I guess its all the excitement.

I made up my mind what I wanted to do. I guess it has been said somewhere in my head in freshman year but I couldn't bring up the idea until I graduated.

"Ebony Michaels." The principle called my name forth. I knew what I wanted to do then from the moment I stepped on the stage. I felt relieved and this fire burning in my chest was gone. I was finally able to breathe.

"I know what I want to do." I yelled out. I ran towards Xavier and he embraced me with a big hug and spun me around like a doll.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I want to work at the office. I'm going to study designing and journalism. I want to help with the magazines and-" Xavier picked me up and spun me around again and ended up giving me one hell of a kiss.

"I'm so proud of you." He said.

"And me of you." I said. "I'm not going to travel like my parents though, unless I have to. I guess this small town has grown on me."

Erix and Norma came to congratulate me later. The very next day Erix had to go to his first official game. We all watched his game from Florida and just watched them win. Norma was on the phone everyday until he got back.

Unfortunately, to great happiness comes great sorrow.

Norma called me one morning scared. I was getting the house ready for the welcome home party for Erix.

"Hello?" I answered my phone.

"Ebony? Has Erix called you?"

"Not since the morning. What's up?"

"I was talking to him and the line crashed. I tried calling but he wouldn't pick up."

"It must be one of his games." I said as I placed the homemade sauce in the fridge.

"I'm scared Ebony."

"Come over then. I'll try calling him and Ray." Norma hanged up and in ten minutes she was over. I kept calling but his voicemail always appeared.

'This is Erix Michaels, I'm busy so don't call back. See ya!'

"Pick up you asshole..." I muttered. I dialed his number again and nothing. I stared to get worried. "Erix this is Ebony. Pick up man! Where are you? Norma is scared. Please call back."

"No luck?" Norma's voice trembled. Lucky's head rested on her lap and he whined. Something was wrong. I went to the back yard and called Ray. He picked up.

"Ray?"

"Oh Ebony!" Ray responded with a hoarse voice.

"Where are you guys?"

"Well we..shit...I'll call you back."

"Wait! Ray! TELL ME WHERE ERIX IS!" The line was already cut. Norma stared at me in horror. I had no idea why I was already crying.

"Something happened?" She said.

"I'm scared too." Was all I said. I texted Xavier to come quick as well as Josh.