Sophisticated Sophomore (Love 101 #2) Read online

“Now I wish I had more time to make it better.” My eyes begin to tear up. “I was so determined to prove her wrong about going to L.U.” I take a long breath.

  "You'll make her proud. I'm sure of that. When are you leaving for Louisiana?"

  "Either late tonight or early in the morning. We are waiting for Nick to get here."

  My mom walks by, carrying a duffle bag. “I should probably get going and help my mom stay busy.”

  “Alright. Call me when you can.”

  “Will do.” I walk through the house in search of my wandering mother. When I get in the kitchen, I see a beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on the counter.

  My mom walks in behind me and says, “Tulips have always been your favorite. He did a good job.”

  Turning to look at her with my head cocked, I ask, “My favorite?” Stroking my furrowed brows I continue, “Who are they from?”

  My mom walks over to the flowers and hands me the card. “He must have heard from his mother. I called her a few days ago.” She pauses. “Well maybe he heard from Tanya. I’m sure you have talked to her too, right?”

  I ignore my mom’s question as I read the card.

  “My condolences to you and your family. If you need me I’m here. - Josh”

  “I still think you two will end up together.” As my mother wipes the counter around the flowers she pauses. “Don’t get me wrong … I like Chris too.”

  Grabbing her hand before she continues, I walk her over to the table and we sit down. “Mom, I know this is hard on you.”

  She interrupts, “Laila, not now.”

  “If not now, when?”

  My mom drops her head. “She passed at eight in the morning.” Tears begin to roll down her face. “We are usually on the phone, but I was running late for work and I didn’t call.”

  I stand up and wrap my arms around her as she sobs. Her emotions get the best of me and my face is suddenly bombarded with tears. Under my breath I say, “At least you spoke with her often.”

  "Oh Laila, I know you two haven't been close this past couple of years."

  “I should have done better. She was just so passionate about me not going to L.U.”

  “But she was still proud of you. I would send her links to your articles and she’d tell me about all the people she would share them with.” She sniffles and wipes her face. “Okay I have to pull it together. I need to finish packing to get ready for this trip.” Looking at the flowers on the counter she says, “And you need to call Josh to thank him for the flowers and his thoughts.”

  Half-smiling, I reply, “Yes ma’am.” I walk back to my room and grab my phone. I have to make this quick.

  After a few rings, Josh answers the phone in a quiet voice. "Hey, Laila."

  I whisper, “Are you busy?”

  "I'm in class." Good this won’t be a long call.

  “I just wanted to thank you for the flowers. Get back to class. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “You’re welcome. Later.”

  Looking at the time, we still have a few hours before we pull out. Can’t come to town without visiting my girl.

  Laila: Hey girl, are you home?

  Tanya: Yes, coming by?

  Laila: On my way

  Yelling to my mom, “I’ll be back. Going to Tanya’s house.” I grab my purse and walk out to the car. Before I can pull out of the driveway my phone rings.

  “Hey, Nicole.”

  “When are you going home?”

  “Huh? I made it here this morning.”

  “Oh…”

  “What happened?”

  “Um… nothing. Your family okay?”

  “As good as can be expected.”

  “Alright pass along my condolences. I’ll see you when you get back in a few days.”

  “Wait… you sound real suspect. What happened?”

  Nicole laughs awkwardly. “I was riding on campus and I thought I saw you in Chris’ car.” She takes a deep breath. “But obviously it wasn’t you.”

  “So you know it was Chris’ car and you saw some chick in the car with him?”

  “It probably wasn’t him.”

  “Thanks for telling me. Of course I can’t let it go though, so I’ll call you back.”

  “Alright, remember you just went Courtney on him not too long ago so keep it light. Talk to you later.”

  Nicole is right. I'll call him after I leave Tanya's house. Hopefully, I'll cool down by then.

  Rolling the windows down, I turn up the music and pull out of the driveway. On my way to Tanya’s house, I’m tempted to pass through Travis’ neighborhood but I shake that thought away as quickly as it enters. Travis, my ex-boyfriend, who should have been my first. The one who was arrested on my graduation night. Nope, no need to take a trip down that memory lane.

  Tanya's street is relatively quiet, and as I get closer to her house I turn the music down just in case her parents are home. I park on the curb and hop out of the car, skipping to the door. I’ve missed my best friend!

  Before I can ring the doorbell, the door opens and Tanya is standing there with a wide grin on her face. We embrace each other and I say, “How’d you know I was here?”

  “Girl, I heard that Lil’ Wayne coming down the street, and then it got quiet. Had to be you!” She laughs and pulls me into the house as she closes the door behind me.

  Tanya walks in front of me, guiding me to her room, and I stop walking. “Wait. I think you are smaller now than you were before having Ava!”

  Tanya bursts out laughing. The kind of laugh that is funnier than the joke. “Guess Ava keeps me moving. By default I may have lost a few pounds.” She smacks her side and says, “But don’t worry honey I still have my hips.” She shakes her ass, “And this booty ain’t going nowhere!”

  We both laugh even harder. In Tanya’s room, I don’t see Ava. Tanya looks at me and says, “Randy’s parents have been helping out a lot.” She grabs one of Ava’s toys. “They have her today so I can study for exams tonight.”

  With a smirk on my face I say, “Well isn’t that nice.” Plopping down on her bed I hug one of Ava’s bears. “Wish I would have known. I would have loved to see the little one.”

  Remembering my encounter with Randy at the beginning of the year I contemplate telling Tanya. “So how are you and Randy anyway?”

  Tanya sits at her desk and looks at me with her nose scrunched up. “He does what he can from afar. But we both acknowledge there is no chemistry between us.”

  "Guess you wouldn't be mad if he were kicking it with other chicks?"

  Tanya chuckles. "Naw. If I had time, I'm sure I'd be exploring my options too."

  "Cool. I did see Randy at the beginning of the year with some chick on campus."

  Tanya shakes her head. “And you wouldn’t have told me if I had a problem with it?”

  “Good question. Guess we’ll never know.” I laugh and sit up on the bed. “I got some flowers today.”

  Tanya looks at me with a raised brow. “From who?”

  “Mr. Jones.”

  With her mouth half open she looks at me with a blank stare. “My dad?”

  I snicker. “No silly, your brother.”

  Tanya slaps her desk. “Dammit. I told that boy to chill out. I’ve tried to tell him to back up while you and Chris are together.”

  “You knew? Did he tell you?”

  She sighs. "Josh told me a while ago that he was digging you. I said I would stay out of it."

  “His timing is just off. He should have said something when Travis left me solo.”

  “If it’s meant to be, it will be. But don’t worry about him. If Chris doesn’t mess up, then it’s just not meant to be.”

  Oh Chris. Wish I didn’t have to ask him about who was in his car earlier. “Speaking of which… Nicole called me earlier and told me she saw him driving some chick around.”

  Tanya shakes her head. “Since when is giving someone a ride such a big deal? You don’t want to be that girl that flips out about e
very little thing.”

  “Says the girl who had me all around Fort Walton Beach looking for her man when he didn’t answer his phone.”

  Tanya laughs. “We learn from our mistakes.”

  Chapter Eight

  “I’m glad you got home safely.”

  I laugh as I shake my head. “Home?”

  “Well you know what I mean.” Chris fumbles with his hands before looking at me.

  "Yeah, I do. They always say, ‘home is where the heart is,' right?"

  “That’s right. I won’t stay long; I know you have a lot of work to make up after being gone last week. I just had to see you before you got too busy.”

  I lean in and give Chris a couple of pecks before his tongue finds its way into my mouth. He pulls away, standing and adjusting his shorts before opening my bedroom door. “I better get out of here before I can’t leave.” He looks down between his legs and winks at me.

  I stand up and follow him to the living room. Nicole is sitting on the couch and when she sees Chris, her eyebrows arch. “Hey.”

  “Hey Nicole.” Chris keeps walking to the front door. Before leaving out he leans down and kisses my forehead.

  I close the door behind him and stand to look at Nicole. "What?"

  “Did he ever tell you who the girl was in the car?” She places her arms across her chest.

  “No, because I didn’t ask.”

  She cocks her head. “I’m surprised. I thought you would have had a few questions.”

  “Exactly why I didn’t say anything.” I look around the apartment. “Where are the other two?”

  “I’m not my sister’s keeper. No telling where they are. I’m about to leave though.”

  “Alright, I’ll see you. I need to get some work done.”

  My books are sprawled out over my bed. I randomly grab one and sit at my desk. I have to catch up on work from last week and write an article for the paper. Joy!

  Economics is my book of choice. Guess it makes sense to get it out of the way before I get tired… although this subject will probably bore me to sleep.

  Lawmakers could read this chapter on unemployment. Not very encouraging to know that the odds of landing a well-paid job when I graduate are low. Doesn’t make this chapter very appealing.

  As I read, my eyelids get heavy and the temptation to close the book is weighing heavier. Instead of proceeding with the reading assignment I pick up my phone and send a text to Jason.

  Laila: Do we have any quizzes for Econ this week?

  A few more paragraphs into the chapter and I stop again. Maybe music will help me get through this reading assignment. I turn on Pandora and search through my stations. R. Kelly, Beyoncé`, not the right mood. I finally settled on Little Wayne. My phone dings with a message, from Jason.

  Jason: You know that man is crazy. Of course we do.

  Laila: Damn. Can I get your notes?

  Jason: Yeah. I’ll bring them when I leave campus.

  Laila: Thanks.

  The music helps me stay awake. I’m bopping and reading, and my eyes aren’t as heavy.

  My door cracks open, "Laila!" I hear Monica before I see her. Then she slides through my cracked door. "I've missed you." She hugs me from behind. "How are you feeling?"

  Spinning around on my chair I stand up and give Monica a proper hug. “I’ve missed you too, youngin’.” I sit down, “I’m okay. Last week was hard, but now I have to get back in these books.”

  Monica glances at my bed and sighs. “I have a lot of work myself. I’ve been slacking a bit.”

  I gasp. “Alright girl, don’t have Mr. White coming up here dragging you back to Alabama.”

  "He'd have to drag me, literally.” She laughs. "But I'm going to get it together."

  “What have you been doing anyway?” She plops down on the floor and leans against my bed.

  “Let’s see. I have been doing a lot of extra-curricular activities lately.” She smiles.

  “What does that mean?”

  “I’ve been thinking about running for student government.” Her smile widens. “So I’ve been socializing with people, volunteering. Random stuff so if I run, people will know me.”

  Clapping my hands I scream, “That’s awesome, Monica!”

  “Well I haven’t decided yet.” She shrugs. “So keep it between us.”

  “If you need a campaign manager I’m your girl.”

  "I should get in these books. I can't run with a low GPA." She stands. "But I'll take you up on your offer for a campaign manager."

  I laugh. “Alright.” I turn the page of my Econ book. Thank God, the end of the chapter. I glance back at my books on the bed and then look at the clock. It's going to be a long night.

  Standing up, I stretch out a bit before grabbing my Geography book. At least this subject is semi-interesting. Before I can settle on the page for my reading assignment my phone dings with a message.

  Evan: I hope you are doing okay. Call me when you can.

  I click to call and Evan picks up after a couple of rings.

  “Laila. How are you?”

  “Hey, doing okay. Busy trying to get caught up on all this work.”

  “Right. Will you have time for this week’s article?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  “Well, if you are extremely overwhelmed I could assign it to someone else. But let me know now. I’d prefer to give you this assignment as it’s a follow-up from your interview with Kim.”

  “Oh, I thought I was doing an article on freshman resources.”

  “Yeah, that can wait until next week.”

  “Okay, so what’s the headline?”

  “After Kim’s story was published, three more girls have come forward with allegations.”

  “What the hell?” I groan. “Are you serious?”

  “Not cool. I know. But I need you to interview each of them and do a joint story.”

  "I'm so busy. Three interviews this week may be pushing it."

  “I can pass it along.”

  “No. I’ll make it work. Somehow.” Grabbing a notebook and pen I ask for the names of the other girls.

  “I’ll send you a text with names and contact information. Thanks, Laila.”

  “Hey, before you go. Where is Dr. Douglas?”

  “I would assume, his house. I don’t think he can leave the area while he is being investigated. But of course he hasn’t been back on campus since he left.”

  “I hope this is settled soon.”

  Chapter Nine

  “Babe, is everything okay?” Chris’ voice is delicate as he leans in front of me.

  “Yeah. I’m fine. Why do you ask?” Turning away from my book I give Chris my full attention.

  “It just seems that we haven’t been on the same page lately.”

  “I guess I’ve been busy.”

  “Is it the story? I know a lot has happened with Dr. Douglas.”

  Holding back my tears, my voice quivers and I say, "I was close to him. All of these girls coming out about him… it's just."

  Chris interrupts me. “He never tried anything with you. Did he?”

  "Oh God no! Chris, he was like a father to me. It was hard for me to believe the stories. I had nothing but respect for him."

  "What can I do to help ease your mind?" Chris' eyes light up and I already know where his thoughts are, and I don't care at all.

  “Food always makes me smile.”

  Chris bursts out laughing.

  "Not where I was going with that." He grabs my book out of my hand throwing it to the floor. "But I promise to feed you after I make love to you." Chris leans me back on the bed.

  “Hmmm… that may work too.” I caress his face, and then he nuzzles it into my neck, nipping at my collarbone. He grabs my hands and places them over my head. I allow my body to relax and follow his lead. He attempts to pull my shirt over my head but it gets stuck between the bed and me. I lean up and pull it off swiftly.

  He whispers in my ear, “Thanks
.”

  I just mumble, "Mmm hmm." His hands begin a gentle assault on my breast. I stretch my neck to try to reach his mouth but he moves, trailing kisses down my stomach. I'm quickly reminded that he is in control. I give up and lay back, enjoying his affection. His kisses make their way back to my lips. Just where I want them.

  While we kiss intently Chris removes my shorts, and then my panties. He parts my legs and gently eases inside of me. Our bodies intertwine and in a cadence slower than my thoughts, we grind until it’s unbearable. Before I lose my mind I dig my nails into Chris’ back.

  He responds with slower motions, absolutely torturing me. I attempt to grind my hips quicker but he leans onto me, further keeping me from moving. Then he stops thrusting and pulls out and my eyes fly open. “Hey.”

  Chris looks down at me with a crooked smile and says, “How bad do you want it?”

  My eyebrow arches. As if I have time to tell him. The sensation is leaving.

  Wriggling beneath him, I try to reach my hand between my legs but he catches it. I pout my lips. "I thought you were easing my mind. This is torture."

  He laughs. Then he slides back in, continuing the slow motions. The sensations return and I’m at the edge of my peak, again. I begin to moan and Chris covers my mouth with his. With all his strength, he thrusts into me, sending me over the edge.

  I rub Chris’ chest as he crawls off of me. Chris grabs my face and says, “Sometimes you just have to slow down and enjoy the moment.”

  “Touché.”

  “You know I love you right?”

  I laugh. “I do. And I love you.”

  “Next month will be a year since we met.”

  I nod my head. “You’re right. I’ll never forget you crawling up my leg.”

  “Probably not the best way to approach you. But guess it wasn’t too much of a turn off.”

  “Well. Considering it wasn’t my first impression, I let you slide.”

  Chris smiles. “Thank God for that.”

  “I don’t know if I could have imagined all this back then.”

  “Did you expect less?”

  “Much less. But you’ve proven me wrong.”