Courtin' Jayd Read Online Free Page B

neighborhood haters, but that’s because of their loyalty to Misty’s trifling behind. Otherwise, they wouldn’t bother me either.
    â€œJayd, in all good conscience, I can’t let you out of this car,” Nellie says, sitting back firmly in her seat so I can’t fold it forward, no matter how hard I push. “You’ll be safer with us.”
    â€œI’ll see you at school tomorrow Nellie,” I say, sliding to the driver’s side and pushing my way out of the car. Mickey’s man comes over to watch me struggle out of the backseat of the classic vehicle. I feel like a little kid trying to climb out of a car seat. My clothes are completely wrinkled and my heavy backpack almost causes me to tumble over, but I catch myself before that happens.
    â€œGoing somewhere?” he says with his arms crossed tightly over his chest like an evil genie. He might be able to make Mickey’s wishes come true, but I’m not impressed.
    â€œYeah, home. And before you ask, no I don’t need an escort,” I say, closing the door behind me and walking back down the short driveway. Mickey’s siblings glance my direction and continue what they’re doing. Thank goodness the rain stopped or my bus ride home would be even more inconvenient.
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want a ride? There’s more than enough room for you,” he says, licking his lips and giving me a devious smile. I know this fool isn’t trying to hit on me with his girlfriend in the house a few feet away. What does Mickey see in him? Yeah, he’s tall and he looks okay. But as far as personality goes, he’s one of the most unattractive men I’ve ever seen.
    â€œI got your sweater, girl. Let’s go,” Mickey says, rushing out of her house and down the porch steps. “What’s going on here?” Mickey asks, making her way to the car before I’m completely off her property.
    â€œI’m going home. I’ll see you in the morning,” I say, not waiting for her response. I’m done with this tired scene, for real. If I never see her man again, it’ll be too soon. I feel bad for leaving Nellie alone in their madness but it’s her choice. It’s not my fault she’s too prissy to take the bus.
    After walking back to Long Beach Boulevard, I catch the bus to Wilmington and Alondra, which will drop me in front of my regular bus stop by Miracle Market. I settle at the bus stop and call Rah, who—for the second time this afternoon—doesn’t answer. What’s really going on? I thought we agreed after the last time I didn’t return his calls for a few days that we wouldn’t put each other through that again. I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he sure is making it difficult. I might as well give my dad a call now while I’m thinking about it.
    I locate my dad’s number in my contact list and press send on my worn-out cell. The last thing I want to do is have a long conversation with him, which usually ends in an argument. I’m going to make this as brief as possible.
    â€œHello there, youngin’,” my dad says, sounding as country as ever. The sound of his voice alone gives me shivers.
    â€œHey Daddy. I’m just checking in. How are you?” I ask. The bus is down the street and approaching my stop, giving me the perfect reason to cut short our conversation if need be.
    â€œI’m fine, girl. How are you?” He usually sounds happy to hear from me but he feels the same way about chatting with me as I do: less is definitely more.
    â€œI’m fine. Waiting at the bus stop. How’s the family?” His side is more like a clan that I’m not a part of, but I’m trying to be sweet like Mama taught me.
    â€œYour stepmama and brother and sister are fine, but you’d know that if you came by more often,” he says. What am I supposed to do—fly to his house? He knows