Leila

"But dad?!?"

"No buts Leila, it's something I can't get out of."

"But you promised."

"I know but this is my job. The same job that is paying for your education as well as raising you and your brother. Sometimes these things come up and I can't get out of it."

"Fine. Whatever."

Sighing and completely over the conversation, I gave my mom back her iPad and left. Making my way back to my room, my mom called out to me but I honestly didn't want to hear it.

"I knew everything was just too good to be true."

Closing my bedroom door, I sat by my desk with my journal writing my thoughts out. For the past three months my life was just so smooth. In the back of my mind I knew something was going to change it but for it to be the possibility of my father not seeing me cross the stage, graduating as valedictorian just kills it for me.

Hearing my phone, I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. Cutting off and then ringing again, it was Josh. I knew if I didn't answer he would show up and I wasn't in the mood for that, let alone to talk on the phone.

"Yeah babe." I answered.

"I'm coming over. Ion like how you sounding."

"Not now please."

"Why not? What's wrong?"

"I'm not in the mood babe."

"Then you'll not be in the mood with me besides you."

"Josh?"

"I'm serious. I got a feeling something was off.."

"Josh."

"And I don't like that feeling at all."

"Josh?"

"Now you're telling me you're not in the mood."

"Joshua!"

Pausing, he stared at me, surprised that I yelled at him, I'm sure.

"I just want to be by myself for a bit okay. I'm grateful that you want to ensure that I'm good, but right now, I just want personal space."

"Aight ma. I get it. I'm sorry." He said in a tone I didn't know.

"Please don't be upset with me." I sighed. "That's the last thing I need right now to have to process."

"Alright, alright. I'm not upset with you babe. This has to be something big for you emotionally and the last thing I want is to add to it. Call me, message me, anything, when you're ready for me. I'll drop what I'm doing and come."

"Thank you." I replied trying not to cry.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Go back to your writing."

"Mhmm." I nodded.

Ending the call, I exhaled. Unable to hold it back, the tears came. In the midst of it, I felt arms wrapped around me. Startled but still in tears, I looked up at my mother as she hugged me.

"You know he'll do all that he can to be there love."

"Why did they have to put it for that date though?"

"These things happen, especially within the medical field. Your father is top in his practice and is required to be at these seminars."

"I know but I just can't help but be upset. This is my high school graduation, he's never missed any of them. Grandma already isn't going to be there, now him. It's not fair."

Not saying anything, my mother just held me, allowing me to pour out my emotions.

~••~

"How's your burger?"

"Perfect. Thank you."

Sitting between Josh's legs in the tray of his truck, we ate our dinner. After spending my entire day in my room, I eventually called him to come get me. With no hesitation, he came and took my favorite food places and now we're here.

"Let me get a bite."

"No. You take big bites." I pulled away.

"You got TWO burgers Leila, one bite won't hurt."

"Yes it would."

"Then I'll buy you another one."

"Mmm." I hugged before giving him access to the bite.

"Just greedy."

"You still love me."

"I do and I'd like to know what had you in that mood today."

Sighing, I tried to ignore him and continued eating.

"C'mon babe. You know I don't like when you're going through something and I don't know what it is. Who I gotta fight?"

"No one. Daddy isn't going to be there to see me graduate."

"Shit."

"Yeah. He has a major conference, seminar or whatever shit it is and he's a key speaker."

"I'm really sorry babe."

"Me too. I just have to accept it for what it is."

"I'm sure he'll try to do everything he can to be there. Don't give up hope yet."

"I guess."

"And he's coming in this weekend for prom, so talk to him."

"I think about it."

"I'll take that." He hugged me. " I can't wait to see you in your dress."

"I'm excited about that too."

"Did you get the one for next weekend?"

"I did. It's so simple yet perfect."

"Like you." He kissed me on my cheek. "I don't want you being unhappy about anything. We have too much important things to focus on."

"Yes babe."

"Good. By the way, I loved how you shouted my name."

"Of course you did." I laughed.

"After the initial shock yeah."

"You're so foolish."

Both laughing, we continued as my spirit was being lifted. As much as I was still hurting, I didn't want it to get in the way of my time with my boyfriend.

Josh

"You look so handsome."

Adjusting my bow tie for me, I tried not to blush at my mom's words. Prom night had arrived and I was ready to finally see my girl. We hadn't talked all day as she, Anna and Kareem were at their appointments and that just made me more anxious.

"I can't wait to see Leila. I know she's going to look gorgeous."

"You sound more excited than me." I laughed.

"I like Leila. She's such a beautiful, well mannered girl and she has done wonders for you."

"Oh really."

"Yes. You don't think I've noticed your behavioral changes."

"Well, you haven't said anything."

"Because I didn't want to make you self conscious. Just know, I'm proud of you son. I love you and I'm proud of you." She cupped my face.

"Thanks momma."

"And I want you to continue with it while you're in college. Don't let the fact that y'all aren't together cause any changes."

"It won't."

"Good. Now let's get going."

"Aight." I laughed.

"Caitlyn! Get your shoes and come on!"

"Coming!" She yelled back.

Shaking my head, I checked over myself one more time, nodding in approval and then we left. Heading over to her place, I don't know why I was nervous like it was our first date. Listening to Caitlyn sing every song that played, it eased my nerves a bit.

"Are there any after parties I should be aware of?"

"Nah. I mean I'm sure there will be but we may not go."

"If you do.."

"I'll let you know."

"Thank you."

Pulling up, the front light was already on with the door open. Taking a deep breath, I exhaled.

"You good?" My mom blushed.

"Yeah." I looked at her and smiled.

"Well alright then. Caity, time to see your brother melt." She joked as we got out.

Walking up to the house, she and my mom were in front of me. As I approached the front door ad looked up, Leila was making her way down the stairs. In complete awe at the sight of her, I simply froze right there.

"Son? You alright?" I heard my mom asked.

"Yeah- eh hem. Yeah I'm good." I answered as I entered.

"Hi babe." Leila smiled as she approached me. "Don't you look handsome."

"My love." I smiled making her blush. "This is for you."

Taking out the corsage, I placed it on her wrist then kissed the back of her hand.

"Thank you. It's beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you."

Sharing a kiss, we parted when her father began clearing his throat.

"Let's get these pictures before y'all ride get here." He then said.

Leading us to the back yard, the set up was perfect. Leila's parents really went out of their way and we really appreciated it.

"Okay. Y'all have everything right?" We were asked.

"Yes." We both said.

"Phone, money portable chargers?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Leila answered for us.

"Okay good." My mother said.

"Lei come touch up your makeup."

"Josh let m talk to you for a minute." Her dad said.

"Sure." I nodded as I followed him to the front.

"I'm not going to threaten you or anything." He laughed. "I just want to say thanks for bringing my princess out of her shell." He sat as did I.

"Oh. You're welcome."

"Before this school year began, she wanted nothing to do with prom, then seeing her as she got ready today and how excited she was, I knew mainly you had a part to play and I'm grateful."

"Don't mention it Mr. Hassan."

"Another thing. I'm not sure what y'all have planned for after.."

"Nothing really."

"You sure?"

"Yes sir." I laughed lightly.

"Because I know what happens on prom night and..."

"And you don't have anything to worry about." I reassured him. "I didn't book any hotel room or anything. Lei and I are going to prom. Knowing her, she'll get tired within three hours tops and then want to go get something to eat." I chuckled as did he. "Like I told my mom, if we decide to go to any after party, we will let y'all know."

"Okay. I appreciate that."

Hearing a horn out front, I got up and went to the door to see the limo in front and our friends getting out. As soon as Leila stepped out, Anna and Kareem hyped her and being her, she acted accordingly, doing a small twerk for them.

"Sis you look amazing."

"Me? Girl that blue is stunning on you." She added.

"Kareem is such a boss." They acknowledge him.

"Well y'all know I had to get y'all right."

All while we interacted, along with Kareem introducing us to his date who happened to be his ex who flew in, we didn't realize our parents were taking pictures.

"Alright, group shot."

All coming together, we took pics of all of us, of the girls alone and then the guys before getting into the limo and being on our way to prom.