Surprise, Surprise

Crystal's Note: Hello aliens! This is the second installment of When We Were Young. I really hope you guys read and enjoy it! PLEASE tell me what you think, your comments mean a lot to me. Constructive criticism is always welcome, so don't be afraid to express your thoughts! Without further ado, read on! 

Story Title: When We Were Young

Chapter Two: Surprise, Surprise

It was exactly 4:34 PM when Nicki arrived onto Candi's block. As she reached the front of Candi's porch, a tall, built man that she had never seen before stood by the entrance to the building. Nicki paused for a moment, then took a few steps forward. She couldn't resist the odd look that she gave him when he began to stare her down. His eyes traveled from her face, past her chest, then all the way down to her legs. Feeling very uncomfortable, the teenager decided to speak.

"Scuse' me."

"Where you going?" The man asked, eyeing her quizzically. Nicki mirrored his facial expression and took this opportunity to examine him. His skin complexion was much darker than hers and his face was awfully sweaty. He had a mean look and gave her an extremely bad vibe. He was taller than her by a whole foot and seemed to glow under the dim light that descended from the worn out bulb above. If there was anything this man was, it was definitely scary. The sixteen year old didn't drop her defensive gaze, no matter how intimidating this stranger was. After a few beats, Candi showed up and pushed past the intruder.

"What the hell Marty! Why is your big ass just standing there, blocking the doorway and shit?! MOVE!" The feisty seventeen year old demanded, pulling her best friend inside. Nicki couldn't help but look back at the mystery man, wondering who he was and what he was doing here. Her imaginative mind began to wander as she thought about the possibilities. All the while, Candi continued to drag her along until they got inside her first floor apartment. It consisted of three bedrooms, a bathroom, living room and kitchen. It was a bit small, but the family couldn't complain.

"Don't ever be alone with him again, Nic. He ain't nothing but trouble." The brunette advised, keeping a close eye on her friend. Nicki looked down then began to twist her gold bracelet around her wrist. It was something she did when she was too much into her thoughts or nervous.

"Who is he? Why is he dangerous?" The teenager asked. Candi rolled her eyes and walked into her kitchen. Her best friend since 7th grade had always been this curious, always wanting to know the "how's" and "whys" instead of listening to the "do's" and "don'ts". Nicki followed close behind her then sat on the wooden stool near the kitchen island.

"Just don't be alone with him, ever. I'm mad I had to look out my window and see you standing there, stuck on stupid." Candi commented, getting a glass of water then pouring a glass of iced tea for Nicki.

"I was not! I just never seen him before. He looks like a creep and I-"

"NEEKI!" TT screamed, nearly attacking her short friend. She pulled Nicki into a tight hug then picked her up and spun her around.

"Bitch! You didn't tell me you were here! I was in the living room with Lauren and Tracey." TT said, keeping her arm over Nicki's shoulders. The Trinidadian beauty simply smiled then replied.

"Girl, I just got here. I had to walk my lazy ass down them long blocks too." She explained as the girls shook their heads.

"We all know how lazy you can be." Candi said as Nicki nodded.

"But not for no boy! I bet Nic would run laps for that." TT teased as Nicki playfully shoved her.

"Shut up, y'all are the thirsty ones, not me."

"Mhmm, okay Ms. Boy Crazy."

"Whatever. Hey! I almost forgot, I met someone today." Nicki announced, immediately catching their attention. Seconds later, Lauren and Tracey walked in.

"Oh, so y'all done started a party without us?" Lauren said, approaching Nicki so she could give her a hug.

"My bad, I had to go outside and grab Onika before Mr. Creepy-as-shit got to her first." Candi informed them, giving Nicki a stern look.

"Ay no mija! You have to be real careful with some of these guys in the neighborhood." Tracey, who was full-blood Puertorican, said. She had dark brown hair with blond highlights at the end, wore huge hoop earrings, and usually had excessive pounds of make-up on her face. She was the only Spanish friend the group had and they occasionally invited her to their get-to-gethers. Nicki hugged her next then decided to change the subject.

"So can I tell y'all about how I met some cute ass boy named Jay at the corner store or..."

"TELL US!"

Candi, TT, Lauren and Tracey all lit up with excitement and waited for Nicki to share her brief story about her new eye candy.




About an hour later, there was a light knock on Candi's door. The girls were settled in her living room, all sipping on a cup of orange juice with just a small portion of Hennesey in it. Of course the girls would get in trouble for this, but rebelled and snuck some liquor into their drinks anyway.

"Go open it TT." Candi said.

"No, you go open it." TT replied.

"C'mon hoe, go open the door for me." Candi pleaded, taking another sip of her beverage. Tracey tried hard to suppress her giggles as the girls continued to bicker.

"No! And don't call me a hoe, hoe. You go open it."

"Lauren?" Candi offered, batting her eyelashes.

"Bitch, this is your house. You go open the door!"

"Bitch, you-"

"Shut the fuck up! I'll go answer it!" Nicki complained, stopping the argument before it escalated. She arose from her spot on the corner of the couch and walked to the front door. With one swift movement she unlocked it then exposed the person on the other side.

It was just Tracey's boyfriend, Jose.

"Is Tracey here?" The Dominican boy asked, looking straight into Nicki's brown eyes. He looked angry and had his hands balled up into a fist. Jose was nearly 24 years old and Tracey was only sixteen. Nicki didn't approve of him since the day she first met him, but Tracey was not to be argued with. Nicki called out for her friend while keeping an eye on their unexpected visitor.

"Trace! Jose is here!"

"AH! Babe-"

"Not right now. Step outside so we can talk." The older man said, his voice harsh and cold. Nicki didn't have a good feeling about this, but left anyway. She returned to the girls as they whispered about the sudden situation.

"He looked angry, like he wanted to beat the shit out of her or something." Nicki said in a low tone, watching the door and listening for any screams or signs of an argument. Candi shook her head.

"We all know that nigga beats on her anyway. We tried talking to her but you know how she is." Candi said, getting up to go refill her cup.

"Yeah, well, it ain't our problem."

"Guys, yes it is. She's our friend and-" Nicki was interrupted by another knock on the door.

"Nic, get the door!"

"What do I look like to you, Candi? Damn, I don't even live here!"

"Just get the damn door Nic! I'm looking for some more Henny!"

The sixteen year old rolled her eyes and got up from her spot on the couch. She hoped it was someone she actually wanted to see as quickly opened the door.

Nicki couldn't believe who was standing before her. She felt her heartbeat pick up speed as she nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Well, I guess this is fate." The visitor said, smiling and exposing his dimples. Nicki tried hard not to look like a complete fool as she smiled back, exposing her dimples in return.

"Jay, uh, hi." She lamely said as the twenty-one year old casually leaned against the door frame.

"We meet again. Hello, Nic."

TBC...