Two months later
Jack
Jack was at the funeral. He had no one with him. He'd tried going on a date but it felt like he was being unfaithful to Akilah. Two months later he was still in love with a girl he dated for one month. It took twelve hours. Daisy had announced the baby and Fred is convinced his mother will be re-incarnated as his child. Daisy and Fred turned eighteen three months ago now and were allowed to take custody of Jack. He'd be eighteen himself in July.
"C'mon Jack, let's go." Daisy said softly. She took hold of his shoulder and guided him away from the church. Fred leaned down and kissed her but luckily they were both ungodly tall so Jack didn't have to see it.
They finally reached their new apartment. Jack got the small room while Daisy and Fred shared. Gross. He picked up his phone and did something he only did once in the past two months.
Akilah
Akilah entered her room laughing. Elijah followed also laughing. He pushed her down onto her bed and climbed on top of her. He pushed his mouth against hers but Akilah pulled away. "Wait! I want to wait until marriage." She had expected the same reaction Jack had. Especially from such a sweet guy.
"Why? I bet you slept with Jack! Don't you like me or something?" Elijah said trying to pull Akilah towards him. Akilah backed off.
"No I told him the same." Akilah said standing up. For a moment she swore she saw a flash of anger but then Elijah smiled.
"If that's what you want, baby." Akilah never liked the name "baby" but Elijah refused to call her anything else. They had been officially dating for about a month. Akilah wasn't too happy about it but who else did she have? Just then Jack rang. News of his mother's death had spread around school and now he'd stopped being Jamal's friend Jamal wouldn't miss a chance to pick on him.
"Who's not here today?" A teacher asked.
"Jacks parents!" Jamal would respond.
"PICK IT UP THEN!" Elijah shouted. "Go on! Call your other boyfriend! I know you're cheating."
"No Eli- baby it's not like that!" Akilah protested but Elijah was leaving. She grabbed him but he pushed her off. This was the fifth time. He'd be back tomorrow. She looked away.
Jack
Jack watched as the phone went to voicemail. Of course she was with her new man. Jack found himself crying again. WHY HIM? WHAT DID HE DO TO DESERVE THIS? Angry questions blurred into his mind. He looked at his apartment window. A fall would be fatal. No. Fred already lost Ma.
"It's ok, Jack." Fred said suddenly appearing at the door. He pulled Jack into a huge bear hug. He had to bend down he was so blinking tall. "Daisy and I were thinking, would you like a suit for prom?" Fred asked.
"Yes! Oh my god thank you Fred!" Jack ran to his bedside table and grabbed his wallet. They went to the suit store and picked out a black one with navy swirls around the collar. It was perfect.
Akilah
Akilah was out with Mathew picking out a prom dress. She had chosen a black one with pink shoulders and a huge skirt. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen! The rose pattern on the hem was so detailed that she could almost feel the silk petals. Mathew didn't go to her school but was allowed to attend as Akilahs plus one. It was perfect. Apart from one thing. Love. Akilah needed a real love.