Chapter 2
Chapter
Two
Navy Robertson
I finished up the last test I’d be able to grade today while I waited for Cache to finish her changes.
I’d stayed after school to help her with an essay she was writing to gain entrance into a creative writing contest. The top three winners would gain scholarships to the college of their choosing.
It warmed my heart and filled me with pride when Cache asked me to help her with her essay and potential submission for the contest if she was accepted.
For me, saying I had a favorite student was like saying I had a favorite child. Cache had a special place in my heart though. She wanted to be an author after she graduated from college, and I was so excited for her future.
My day started out dragging slowly because I was sick.
After taking the medicine, I started to feel better.
I was drowsy and used my lunch period to take a nap before grabbing something to eat during my next class.
I should have known Zander would pull up on me when I told him I wasn’t feeling well.
He had always been a man of action, so it didn’t surprise me that instead of texting back he grabbed me some medicine and came up to my school.
The gesture made me smile every time I thought about it.
And it was an example of why when men complained about our friendship, I usually ignored them.
It was hard for me to be impressed by bare minimum effort when I had a daddy who spoiled me and a friend that made sure I had every desire of my heart.
“Okay, Ms. Robertson. I’m done. Read this version and let me know what you think.”
Cache stood and headed toward my desk. I read over her essay while she waited patiently, and though I tried to keep my expression neutral, my heart filled with pride.
She’d decided to write about how losing her mother fueled her passion for words.
Her mother was her best friend and safe space, so when she died, Cache stopped talking.
She didn’t utter a word for a year straight, but she did write.
Journal after journal held the words and emotions she didn’t feel safe sharing with anyone else after losing her mother—until she came to my class. Then, she talked to me.
That part made me shed a few tears.
Releasing a shaky breath, I quickly wiped my eyes and looked at her.
“This is absolutely beautiful, Cache. I love it. I have no comments or revisions to recommend. You’re good to go, my girl.”
“Yay! I’m glad you like it. I’ll let Daddy and Uncle Jeremiah read it, but I think this version is the one.”
“I think so too,” I agreed as we stood simultaneously.
It was five thirty, which meant her ride should have been here by now.
We continued to talk as we made it outside, and the sight of her uncle made me smile.
He was attractive and loved Cache as if she was his own child.
Jeremiah had stepped up to help his brother and so had their parents.
I loved that Cache had a tribe to rally behind her.
I didn’t think she’d ever get over the loss of her mother, but my prayer was that with time she’d find it easier to deal with and live with the loss.
After saying my goodbyes to them, I headed to my car and checked my phone. I saw that I had missed calls from Ian and Twyla, and I decided to call Twyla first.
“Hey, bestie,” she greeted me.
“Hey, pookie. What you doing?”
She sighed. “Sitting here at my folks house waiting for you so we can drink.”
“Uh oh. What happened?”
“Sooo it’s a long story but Eric and I are not together anymore. Zander beat his ass.”
“Oh God. I’m on my way.”
She laughed and told me okay before disconnecting the call.
Normally I had dinner with my parents, so I texted them and told them I wouldn’t be coming straight home so they wouldn’t be waiting for me.
I loved their private chef’s smothered steak and knew it would taste just as good to me later, but this gossip demanded my attention now.
Once I was on the expressway, I returned Ian’s call. It took forever for him to answer, but he finally did with, “Baby.”
“Hey. Are you busy?”
“Work is a little hectic which is why I’m still here, but it’s cool. You made it home yet?”
“No. I’m going to see Twy first.”
He exhaled a deep breath, and I knew why before he even replied. “Will her brother be there?”
“I don’t know, babe. Why?”
“You know why. I told you I don’t like him.”
“You don’t know him to not like him.”
“I know enough.”
My eyes rolled as I huffed. “Well she’s my best friend and he’s my closest friend, so you need to get along with them both, Ian.”
“Twyla is cool. I have absolutely no problem with her. It’s just her brother I don’t fuck with.”
I decided to shift the conversation because I was just as protective of Zander as he was of me, and regardless of who the person was, I didn’t like when anyone spoke negatively about him.
“Was there a specific reason why you called, or did you just want to talk to me?”
“I was calling to see how your day went and if you wanted to go out tonight, but it seems you already have plans.”
“Yeah, her and Eric broke up and she wants to drink, so I’ll probably be there for a while. I can come over later if you’d like.”
“How about you go home and pack a bag. Leave your car. I’ll take you to where she is and pick you up, and you can spend the night.”
With a smile, I nodded as if he could see me. “Okay, babe. Sounds good. I’m leaving the school so you can go ahead and head my way.”
“Aight, baby. See you soon.”
After saying our goodbyes, we ended the call.
I was looking forward to spending the night with him.
While I wouldn’t say we had a perfect relationship, we had more good days than bad.
The only time we had issues was if it involved Zander.
I loved Ian and saw myself with him for a while, but I knew he wasn’t the man I’d marry.
I couldn’t see myself marrying a man that didn’t get along with Zander.
The differentiation between him being my closest friend versus my best friend was very intentional.
There was no one in my life that knew me the way Zander did, not even my parents.
We were close, and our bond was tight. Things I shared with him I wouldn’t share with anyone else—not even Twyla.
I’d say he was my soul mate in friend form.
I felt safest with him, and that level of intimacy and vulnerability allowed me to share things with him organically.
My heart was attached to him in a way that felt like we’d be bonded for life.
I didn’t see anything or anyone changing that.