I followed him through the crowd his hand rested on the back guiding me outside walking beside him "wow" was all I could utter when he stopped at a black sleek Bugatti Chiron "you like" Gio mention probably seeing how wide my eyes were nodding my head I couldn't help but let my fingertips run over the top he opened the passenger door as I whisper thanks sliding in and gush at the interior was red and black strapping on the seatbelt when he gets in.
"Where to," he asks reviving the engine telling him the address driving off the ride was quiet neither of us said anything it wasn't one of those awkward silence more like peaceful the soft music playing in the background with my direction he turned into the neighborhood.
"You live in the worst part not only that mainly when you walk home late" Gio exclaim glaring over at me "it's not that bad" I muttered staring out the window "are you serious Alesha do you know the danger you put yourself in just by walking alone" he raised his voice.
"It's not like am setting up myself for trouble I just can't do any matter" I explained "that one," I said pointing at the apartment building which was badly thirsty in need of paint it was run down but cheaper than your average apartment all the apartments in this particular neighborhood was run down it was really scary walking home you'll see a handful of prostitutes at each corner, men selling drugs all over.
"Thanks again" I said unclipping the belt "here I didn't get to give it to you" he informed handing me a folded bill "no it's fine you did bring me home after all" I said declining the money pushing it back to him "no keep it" he said firmly "good night Alesha" Gio response with a smile "good night and thanks again Gio" I return getting out and closing the door how sweet he waited until I was inside the building before I hear his car driving off.
Running up the stairs but slow down when I spot Nico sleeping peacefully unlocking my room closing it walking into my room I was too tired to take a shower tripping off my clothes staying in my bra and underwear climb into bed pulling the covers over and let sleep kidnap me.
***
Finally picking a song I could dance to while I start cleaning you're a good girl by Robin Thicke start blast through the speaker slide across the living room the socks on my feet giving me better access on the walnut wooden floor and start singing.
Everybody get up
Everybody get up (Hey, hey, hey)
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
If you can't hear what I'm trying to say
If you can't read from the same page
Maybe I'm going deaf
Maybe I'm going blind
Maybe I'm out of my mind
Everybody get up
Dancing while I mop the floor reaching the chorus shouting on top of my lungs with my melodious angelic voice
And that's why I'm gon' take a good girl
I know you want it
I know you want it
I know you want it
You're a good girl
Can't let it get past me
You're far from plastic
Talk about getting blasted
Everybody get up
I hate these blurred lines
I know you want it
I hate them lines
I know you want it
I hate them lines
I know you want it
But you're a good girl
The way you grab me
Must wanna get nasty
Go ahead, get at me
Adding a little dance move as in moonwalk the mop coming handy as a mic hearing the heavy powerful knock beating on our wall it wasn't a concrete more like a ply broad separating each apartment shrugging my shoulder and continue singing Mrs. Jackson was always so jelly whenever it comes to Sunday morning when I start doing my chores well come to think of it everyone always bangs on either my door or walls to shut the fuck up.
I know I sound like a cat in heat or nails drawing on a chalkboard but I like to picture myself as Celine Dion or one of those talented females.
I've already done laundry and just finish cleaning flinging myself on the brown worn-out sofa letting out tiring sigh days like this I dread the most knowing I don't have any time for myself work school like an endless cycle the only time I have to clean is Sunday.
My stomach growl and I lazily drag myself into the kitchen looking in the cupboard "just great just peachy" I said irritatingly only thing was in the cupboard was a canned tuna in the far back and just the sight of it I could tell it was expired and an empty box of lucky charm slamming it shut made a mental note to go grocery shopping after school tomorrow I guess that's what happened when there's no one to remind you what needs to be done.
Searching the fridge well frozen pizza it is taking it out and reheat it while I pour a glass of orange juice taking the plate with three slices turning on the tv as I slide down on the floor skipping through the channel settle on SpongeBob unlike some of us am not privilege enough to afford Netflix.
Monday come faster than I expected it's like I just hit the pillow then boom the annoying sound of my alarm clock and the worst thing was that I was dreaming about Stephen James I was this close kissing him urrh I hate when I wake at the best part why can't I wake when chunky running me down with his signature knife but nope during that am sleeping peacefully running for my life.
Drying myself off sliding on a pink lace pantie and matching bra wriggling myself in a high waist olive skinny denim jeans putting on the long sleeve top I picked out which had the words 'bitch mode' next was my white casual lace-up flat canvas and now for my hair sitting down in front of the vanity taking out the perm rods unraveling it a bit catching my hair in a high puff styling the front setting my edges and to add the finishing touches makeup just the usual light don't like the overbearing and too extra like some of the girls at school I rather keeping it cute touching up my already natural pink lips with lip gloss.
Looking at myself one last time running my finger over the gold ring on my engaged finger letting out a sigh as I push back the memories that try breaking free the emotions I've locked away just glaring down I guess no matter how I try moving on a part of me still holds on to promises and memories.
Taking up my blue galaxy rucksack school bag and unplug my phone off the charge heading out and locking the door Nico wasn't there putting in my earplugs strolling through my playlist selecting ocean eyes by Billie Eilish clinging my bag on my shoulder as I walked down the stairs and off to my hell.
Just in time to see Mr. Gibbs walking up the stairs with a newspaper in his hand sweat stain under his armpit evident by his blue polo shirt and so does his neckline yack "morning Mr. Gibbs" I called out "oh fuck off will ya" he said grumbling cussing as he stopped halfway the sound of his heavy panting and the rapid intake of deep breath as if he was dying bracing on the wall catching his breath needless to say he only went out to collect his daily paper and that's the outcome of being lazy and sit down living off welfare and rent waiting around on people hard working money.
Overweight and watch porn all day while stuffing his face with pizza well I know after bringing the rent thought he had company after he cracks the door a little the loud obnoxious sound turns out it was porn.
Reaching school in record time unlocking my locker taking out the required books I had two sections of math damn kill me now I suck at the darn subject I don't even see the need for it it's not like X can pay our bills or buy food after sociology, then break putting the books in my bag zipping it up just in time to see a hand thrown over my shoulder.
"Oh Alesha I miss you so much," Kelsey said dramatically as she hugged me from the back turning around leaning on my locker "seriously it was three days," I told her throwing my arm around her shoulder heading down the corridor Kelsey had three days suspension for verbally assaulting our literature teacher Mrs. Matthews after she caught Kelsey sleeping in her class.
"You wouldn't believe what my parents did Alesha they took my phone laptop and send me off to spend the days with my aunt Sally" Kelsey retort I laughed imaging her wearing farmer overall her aunt owns a farm and I know how she hated going there for holidays "it's not funny I had to shovel pig and horse shit every day," she said in disgust "maybe that will stop you from being a smart mouth" I state bumping her shoulder playfully.
Kelsey's what you'd call a firecracker outgoing fun to be around with her dark melanin rich chestnut complexion chocolate brown eyes which blend well with her appearance her hair which was neat with triangle honey blonde braid makeup was always on point her best features were her eyes and it was true in all strong black girl.
"Did you see the two expensive looking Porsche cayenne outside with four sexy panty dropping guys" Kelsey ask as we walk to our seat in the extreme back "no" I told her she rolled her eyes "girl you always miss out on the good stuff" she taunts sending me a wink.
"Who you think they're anyways" I question "don't know but from the looks of them they look like someone climb straight out of those magazines hallelujah I come back to school or I'd miss them," Kelsey said the last part dreamily we talk about random stuff the class was full with chatters as everyone was intrigued about who the mystery men in black were.
"Gush his lips felt heavenly on my neck he wasn't too rough but a little bit of both I can still feel him between my-" "please don't finish that" I warned making gag sounds she laughed knowing how gross out I am about these things I was about to say something when the intercom trip in silencing the noise.
"Ms. Alesha Morgan please report to the principal asap" I hear Mr. Donald our secretary my mouth dropped the class erupt with "oos" as everyone turned their attention down the back my heart was beating at a fast pace I was never called to the principal's office before and am freaking out.
Kelsey gave me a questioning look "I have no idea" I told her "I repeat Ms. Alesha Morgan please report to the principal office asap" he repeats getting up "text me" Kelsey said nodding and walk out hearing chatters from the nosey students wanting to know the reason.
Heading down the stairs since I was on the second floor walking to the principal's office as soon as I turned the corner only to see two men decked out in fine black suits like men in black as if their starring in the movie guarding the door to go inside.
"Hey excuse me sirs" I said standing awkwardly in front of them I couldn't see their eyes under those shades "I need to go inside and you're blocking the way" I said when they made no intention of moving.
"Name," the one on the right asked his voice was deep and scary boy were they big "Alesha Morgan I was asked to come here" I told them lefty give a brief nod as he opens the door when I entered the door closed behind I walked up to Mr. Donald desk but stop in track when two men stood on opposite sides.
"You may go in Ms. Morgan Mr. Everett's waiting" he said sternly what the hells going on they act like am meeting the president or something one of them walk towards me and I give him a blank look "seriously" I grumble when he search me not saying anything then he opens the door motioning me to go in rolling my eyes.
It was my first time being in his office which looked like the typical principal's office desktop computer laptop on the dark desk little paper scattered on the table family photo you know the usual gray painted walls two black chairs in front of his desk.
"Thanks for coming Ms. Morgan please have a seat" Mr. Everett acknowledged my presence but all I could do was stare at the figure that stood along with the principal.
I was beyond stunned he had a blank expression I couldn't help but stare at how the navy blue suit stick to his muscular body he wasn't overbearing with muscles but just enough to know he lives in the gym black shiny shoes his hair was sleek to the back with strands fallen over his eyes which he fingered comb back it would have been even sexier if he did it in slow-mo with soft romantic music in the background playing and a bright light in cartoons what a sight that would be my eyes trail back up, red heart-shaped lips looking so soft nice cheekbones and jawline irresistible blue eyes that would stop any girl in their track.
Short stubble beard his facial features give off this mysterious aura daring you to look away but at the same time caught up in some kind of sorcery hypnotizing shit I just couldn't look away from Gio, looks like he just walked straight out of a photoshoot so charming so mighty so-.
"Alesha" the loud voice ring in my ear coughing trying to control my raging hormones and composure when I realized I was gawking him maybe if I was white my face would probably be as red as a tomato.
Forcing myself to look away but not before I see a ghost smile on Gio's handsome face looking at Mr. Everett "what's the matter with you I've been calling your name for a minute" he said frustratingly "huh uhmm" too nervous to even construct a complete sentence.
"I mean sorry I blank out a little" I said what a bloody excuse glimpsing over at Gio who wink at me and if it was a different story and setting I'd be swooning over heels but nope ok fine I did a little.
"Please meet Mr. D'Errico" Mr. Everett introduced "nice to meet you Ms. Morgan," Gio said with an outstretched hand his voice was enriched smooth not like Mr. Everett who's voice is robotic and rough "likewise Mr. D'Errico" I said kindly shaking his hand which was a mixture of rough and soft does that make sense his grip was firm as we shake pulling back.
Gio's last name sounds like Italian of course he does stupid he has the accent to prove it "have a seat" Mr. Everett told us sitting down "the reason why I pulled you out of class Alesha is that I want you to tour Mr. D'Errico around the school" he paused waiting for me to say something. "Why me I mean I'd love to but why me" I question of course I don't have a problem but out of all the kids especially the seniors why choose me that too to tour a boring ass school, there's nothing special about McIntosh High.
"Alesha if I had someone else you won't be sitting there now would you" Mr. Everett said nicely yet bitchy tone I know if Gio wasn't here he'd be barking orders like he normally does, "you're a part of the building and facilities committee and the only student from the school the other teachers are busy at the moment" he explained.
The only reason I'm even in the group is that the only club that had space were the glee club, chess, and math club yikes so I joined the only useless club which they welcome me with open arms and I'm the only student but who would want to be in a club with a bunch of teachers and parents.
"Well just so you know Mr. D'Errico has agreed to donate two hundred thousand dollars to our school renovation" my choking sound cut him off when I choke on my saliva after hearing the amount looking over at Gio who was too comfy with a leg crossed and all "and your job is to show him around" he finished.
Mr. Everett was talking about God knows what I just tone him out thinking about how Kelsey will freak when I tell her why I was called.
"Ms. Morgan" I hear Mr. Everett called out "yes Mr. Everett" he looked annoyed "you may accompany Mr. D'Errico now" he instructs getting up they shake hands while I wait by the door and walk out "are you gonna ditch the suits" I whispered to Gio as they followed us out of the office the other two join us.
"That will be all go back and wait for me" Gio said with the raise of his hand they nodded and walk down the corridor.
"I must say I thought it was the president at one point" I told him he chuckled "where to Ms. Morgan" he asked his eyes a glint of amusement rolling my eyes "drop the formality and call me by my name Ms. makes me feel old" I told him "Alesha where are we headed to" he repeats "hmm we could go by the field I always heard the jocks complaining about the field wants patchwork" I told him.
"Lead the way" he replies it was silent for a while but you know me I just had to ask the burning question "why did you choose this school out of so many" I inquired passing the cafeteria "well I was checking out the less privileged school and I found this one top of the list so I had to help" Gio answered "jeez couldn't you be any less blunt about it," I said laughing "can't help it" he replied "I don't mind the school seriously in need of some damage control" I agreed with him pushing the gray doors leading outback.
Walking down the steps through the bleachers onto the field "they always complain about the patches all over causing them to lose" I told Gio as we walk around the field "but between me and you that's some bull because they suck just using the field to not look so bad" I added.
"Is that so" he responds guess he's a man of few words I nodded but realized he couldn't see me because I was a little behind him trying to catch up his long steps just observing Gio he walked graciously hand behind his back while he looked around just confident like he was above everyone.
"So if you don't mind me asking what kind of job do you do" I pry wanting to know he stops to let me catch up "I own various organizations around the world" he states "I didn't expect to see you here" he mentioned "well good thing you just spared me two lousy hours of the agony of math" I thanked him he did me a huge favor.
"Ok I've seen enough," Gio said "ok our next stop has to be the cafeteria you need to replace the cafeteria ladies please get rid of them I can't stomach eating another meatloaf mash potatoes beans or mac and cheese" I dramatically begged with my hands together in a praying sign.
"That bad" he asked referring to my facial expression looking down on me shifting my glaze to avoid looking into those alluring cerulean knowing if I just stare I'd just hold captive his eyes got that sort of power I don't even know this manly creature to find him so fascinating don't get me wrong Gio's handsome and all but am not some hungry thirsty girl who just spread their legs at the slight of some handsome guy.
"What would you suggest," he asked I followed him when he sits down on the seat I took the seat in the front sitting on one of my leg turning slightly raising a brow "really" I shouted out I look at him like he's crazy I was joking about replacing the cafeteria but not about how terrible the food was, it was gross eating the same under-seasoned liquid mash soggy beans the oatmeal look like something a cat throw up the lunch is that disgusting.
"Choose" was all he said to make a grin break out on my face I probably look like a lunatic every fast food I could think of Macdonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King are so many to choose from oh jeez this is even worse than my math exam.
The tip of my tongue was sticking out at the corner of my mouth something I was custom doing which was my thinking face "KFC or Pizza Hut kinda confuse unto which one" I said letting out a huff of air "what about you get both" he said casually my eyes widen "wow no I can't do that the money has to renovate the school" I pointed out.
"Nonsense you did say the food was darn awful I can always throw in another four hundred thousand so the school and the restaurants" he confirmed in a finalize tone like it was a norm to dash money mouth open and close gaping who's this man.
Never in my sixteen years on planet earth have I ever met someone who acted like money was easy to come by looking long and hard I wonder if he'd somewhat adopt me I could write up a resume I can read and I can clean up after myself I laugh just thinking how crazy I sound.
"We should get going the sooner I finish touring I can get back before lunch," I told him I could feel his eyes his gaze was hotter than the sun up above "nice ring" Gio mention I didn't even know I was subconsciously playing with it, it was a little big for my finger but I make it work as I place a small fashion cute leafy silver ring with crystal stone keeping it from falling off.
"Thanks" I muttered "Mr. Everett give you the day so if you want you can go back to class or you can stay since I've already known what am planning to do, no need to continue this tour" Gio counter thinking about it class or slacking off "what do you have in mind," I asked.
"What do you say we have brunch" Gio suggested "I can't just leave like that" I answered "Mr. Everett knows you're with me it won't be a problem c'mon" he replied reassuring me I hesitate when he gets up to walk off but stopped when he realized I was still sitting.
I maybe friendly and all but one thing am not a fool or naïve to go somewhere with a stranger ok Gio may not be a stranger and he gave me a ride home but that's beyond the point you may never know what's someone's intentions be.
"Am not some serial killer or something" Gio exclaim with a sly smirk "yeah right like some killer gonna go around announcing 'am a killer come with me little innocent girl'" I scoff mockingly rolling my eyes "do you think that low of me?" he said in a fake hurt tone "if it makes you feel safer I have candy" he said with an evil voice and a sinister grin.
Swinging my bag on my shoulder walking into the parking lot to see the two expensive cars Kelsey told me about and of course, the guards were standing beside it when we approached them they slightly bow their heads as one of them open the back door Gio motion for me to go inside first then he sits down beside me.
Inside was cool because of the ac black and cream leather seats the car was black jaguar XF I'm well aware of the different types and model cars Niko has magazines with cars which we always look at imagining owning them guess Gio only drives in fine style well he has the money so why wouldn't he.
"Where to boss?" the driver asked starting up the car "Artemis" Gio replies the driver repeat it to the other car through the earpiece he waited until the car drives off and we followed behind.
Gio lead over me and I suck in a deep breath unsure what he was doing and at the same time I try not to inhale his musky manly scent but all he did was strap on my seatbelt I look over he smiles at me.
"Why are we going out of the town just for brunch a two hour that is when we could just stop at some diner" I whispered not wanting the two guards to hear "because I don't go to local cheap places to eat especially diner" he answered in a mock whisper nodding and went back looking through the tilt window like some eager kid I've never been out of town before so it's like a sight to see the tall buildings pass by.