Samara
My eyes wandered around, looking to see if my mother or the Mighty One was around.
Since the day they showed up, I had been on edge.
I didn’t know whether they had people watching or were watching themselves.
I did tell Chevy and Zaria, who seemed to be unbothered by it all, but I knew Chevy was calculated, so he was probably coming up with a plan I didn’t know about.
Since they came back from their vacation, I wanted to tell them about my opportunity to study abroad, but I hadn’t found time to share the news.
Then I thought about doing it today, but when Dio sent a group text about his probate, I decided to hold off until after he had his moment.
My eyes lit up as I watched six guys standing in a line holding torches.
They were all wearing black masks that covered their faces with only their eyes exposed.
Their thin black crew-neck sweaters sat neatly over orange button-up shirts with the collars resting on the sweaters.
Their black khaki-like pants and flats added a gentlemanly touch.
It was a mix of the Kappas’ and Alphas’ vibes.
Jesaiah, Beans, and the other big brothers stood alongside them.
Jesaiah held a long, thick paddle over his shoulder.
Beans stood with an oversized Chi Kappa Chi Greek letter paddle in his hand.
Another guy held an orange cloth that looked like a napkin, and the other held a whistle in his mouth.
Before they could even start talking, the girls hooted and hollered from the other end.
That was when I saw the girl I fought. Her eyes were fixed on Dio, who stood at the end of the line.
I knew it was him because his eyes were something I loved about him.
He was focused as he stood there breathing heavily.
I turned to look at Zeus, who didn’t hold an inch of aggression in his face, but more of the air a proud father.
The show hadn’t even started, and you could see the love for what his brother was doing in his eyes.
Foe nodded in approval. My nigga, he mouthed.
Preach smiled with his arms crossed over his chest. Diamond laughed.
“Come on, little nigga!” he shouted, then turned to Zeus. “Damn, that little ape nigga making moves. You should be proud.”
Scooter stood closer to the stage with Morgan beside him screaming.
“I see you, twin!” Scooter shouted.
Zaria had already started crying while Sasha rubbed Zeus’s back. Chevy focused on the line intentionally.
“If it ain’t about Chi, then why?! We’re strong, we’re solid, and we’re dogs!” the line shouted.
My head turned back to Dio. His eyes glanced at his brother, then back straight as his eyelids fluttered.
Eyes on me.
There it was, the moment that made my heart race, butterflies appear, and the soul tie we had reconnect.
I’m proud of you, I mouthed. When I saw his head slowly nod, a tear left me.
All the guilt of being so selfish washed over me at once.
I quickly wiped my tears, but they kept coming. Alyse pulled me into a hug.
“It’s almost over, girl,” she whispered.
They all thought that as soon as this was over, Dio and I would live happily ever after, but I knew Dio and I had said goodbye to each other already.