Daya

27|More talking

It's the day of Vicki's birthday and Vicki is given an abundance of balloons that scream, "give me attention,' and "love me." So the whole school knows Vicki Prevez one of the youngest in her grade is finally 17.

I'm sure everyone already knew, but in case someone didn't get the memo Jada brought donuts before school and all of her friends including me sang happy birthday to her. It's like everyone forgot we have a week off next week and just decided to focus on Vicki. Vince and I will never get that luxury because our birthdays are both in mid July.

"Daya what are you doing tonight?" Unna asks just minutes before the end of 3rd period. Yes unfortunately I also have 3rd period english with Unna where we sit in adjacent seats. Unna looks me over and I can't help, but feel insecure and a tad angry because I wish she would leave me alone. Maybe this time she plans on giving me a list of places to go to make me more beautiful.

"Nothing," I lie. Sure, I want to brag and say I'm going to Vicki's get together, but that would lead to more of a conversation with Unna.

"Mhmm what a shame you look cute," she gestures to my Stankonia tee and mom jeans. Thank god that's what she said, I thought she was going to point out that my arms are still not shaved. Unbeknownst to her I'm going to change into an off the shoulder long sleeve, so I'll look cuter for Vicki's get together, and my blonde hairs won't be noticeable.

Unna doesn't give me a chance to reluctantly say thank you and struts out of the classroom as the bell rings. When she's a good amount of feet away from the door I leave the classroom, and head straight for my locker.

After scarfing down my chicken salad sandwich I spend the rest of my free time perfecting some of my short film ideas in the library. My ideas are put together, I just wanted to avoid the pep rally that's happening in the patio.

With only 15 minutes left before my next class I head outside to the water fountain.

"Fuck," I whsiper to myself as I attempt to pull all of my braids back. When my braids touch the water fountain they stay wet for the rest of the day, which is a big problem for the people who sit behind me.
Some braids as usual escape and touch the water fountain due to the light wind.

I'm trying to pull them back ,but someone's presence comes behind me and I feel my braids being lightly pulled back. I should check to make sure I'm not being kidnapped, but I'm thirsty as hell so I  take a long slip of water. 

When I'm done my braids are released and I turn around to face Ziyah.

"Thanks," I say a little awkwardly. I don't immediately let him see my full smile, because I sort of feel like he stalking me, but then I notice his big group of friends not to far from us.

"No problem," he says. His nervousness is just as apparent as mine as he shoves his hands in his pockets, and makes me feel glad that I'm not the only one.

"Do you wanna?" I gesture to the walkway and he nods in approval. Something about standing by a water fountain outside the library is a tad weird when we can enjoy blue sky by walking around our dirty campus.

"I like you," I blurt out when we're away from the crowds of book nerds by the library. Ziyah turns to give me a quick look telling me to give more context. "I mean I didn't really say it to you in person."

This conversation would be so much better on the grass in the park, instead of out at lunch where any of the other thousands of kids can approach us at any given moment.