Unexpected

8.

TATUM POV

I was hurt.

Michelle just broke up with me. All I wanted to do is talk about how we can overcome this. But she broke up with me. Inhaling a deep breath I went back to the group.

"Eww why are you still talking to that nigger?" One of the women asked.

"I told you about that word..." I warned.

She shrugged "wow so now you're standing up for her too? Someone come shake Tatum up. I think he forgot where he came from".

"Let the girl be. That's what these nigger coons do best" a guy chimed in,

Feeling frustrated. I wanted more than anything to explain everything to Michelle. But it's dangerous. I would hate myself if I brought any danger to her.

"Well remember we have a meeting on Friday! Tatum you are the host once again" Brian said. He is one of the leaders. Also the most dangerous.

I nodded "see you guys Friday" I said. We all got up and dispersed. My mind was on Michelle. I missed everything about her. The way she smelled to just holding her in my arms.

All I wanted to do is talk. Explain things a little better. Now I'm not sure how.

After my classes were done I went home. Usually I would be at Michelle's place.

"Tatum? Is that you?" My grandma asked.

"Yeah it's me" I answered.

"It's early! You are never home... not usually until it's dark out" she joked.

I shrugged "just wanted to take a nap before work".

"Oh, so I see you dumped that black girl? About time. You know how grandpa and I feel about these people. We don't mix well with them" she said.

"And grandma I said that's your beliefs not mine" I said.

"Did she know you are a Nazi?" She asked.

Putting my hands in my pockets "she knows now".

"And?" She asked.

"And we are no longer together, happy?" I asked.

She smiled "yes I am. If your grandpa found out you were having fun with a black girl. He would go nuts!".

"What you and grandpa are forgetting... it's my life. If I choose to be with someone other than my skin color. Then that's my choice. I'm not trying to make you guys happy. It's about my happiness" I said.

"Always been a stubborn one. You'll break. Ever since Brittany broke up with you... you never been the same" she said.

"That's because being with her got me in that group. I saw some things.., horrible things" I said.

It's been two months since I've seen it spoken to Michelle. I found out she doesn't come on campus anymore. She switched to online classes. Makes me wonder does she hate me that much?.

Standing on her front porch I was rehearsing the speech I was going to say. But I was also nervous. Pressing the doorbell... I waited. Whitney opened the door "Tatum? Why are you here?".

"Look I know Michelle probably told you everything. But it's not all that it seems. She won't hear me out! I... just... need to see her, please?!" I said.

Whitney sighed "you know I figured you would have a logical explanation for what she saw".

I nodded "I do, is she home? Do you think she might want to see me?".

Whitney looked stuck "I don't know Tatum. There's things Michelle needs to tell you first. When she's ready... she will see you and tell you".

"Is she okay? She's not dying, right?" I asked.

"She's fine. Just a little