Every Kind of Way

02.

Sanchez pushed out of the building and was blinded by the setting sun. He pulled his dreads from its ponytail and let them fall in his face as a shield. He was on his way to grab "dinner" from the athletic cafe before he went back to his place for a nap. He hadn't taken his usual hour nap between his first and second class because he wanted to review the material for his last class. It was a smart decision because he was certain he aced that test but now he was exhausted.

"Hey Sanchez." a girl's voice slowed him down. He looked to his left to see two girls from the dance team.

"Hey Carley, wassup?" he lifted his arm, inviting her in for a quick side hug. He was fairly cool with a few of the Sundolls because he liked to mess with them during his time on the bench. "You going or coming from class?"

"We're coming from class. You're going or coming?" she asked.

"I'm about to go get something to eat." he lifted his arm for the other girl when Carley stepped away. "I'm starving right now."

"We'll walk with you. We're headed in that direction anyway." she flipped her blonde hair and gave him a smile.

"Cool."

"You had any midterms today? I had two and honestly my fingers are crossed for my scores." she pushed the conversation forward.

"I only had one today but I know I scored well. With the study hours I've been putting in I didn't expect anything less."

Carley scoffed, "I've for sure been falling behind on studying. I've been focused on our upcoming charity projects and forgetting about school work. Bad right?"

"You already know the answer to that but at least it's for charity right? Can't feel too bad." he shrugged.

"Yoooo!" Dorian and Zeek shouted from ahead of them. "Chez come here right quick."

"Well, I'll see you later Sanchez." Carley touched his arm. "Don't let those two get you in any trouble." she smirked then left his side.

Dorian and Zeek watched her and her friend walk away before they met Sanchez halfway with wagging fingers. It made Sanchez frown because he knew he hadn't done anything but one could never know what was going on with them two.

"What? Why are y'all giving me the naughty finger?" he pushed their fingers from his face.

"What we tell you about interacting with Carley ass? That girl is a freak and never up to any good." scolded Zeek. "You seen how she was feeling up on your arm. Don't fall into her trap."

"I'm not even looking at Carley like that. And y'all niggas forgot I was fucking her best friend freshman year?"

"That's supposed to mean what?" Dorian lifted his 'brows. "They not friends no more."

"That I don't get down like that. I never circle back like that. It can get messy."

"Good." Dorian nodded in approval. "Now can I brag about scoring a 91 on my Advanced Psychology exam? It was online and I didn't even cheat."

"Hell yeah, bro. Let me give you a dollar for your hard work. I'm so proud of you." Sanchez reached in the pocket of his sweats and pulled out a folded single. Dorian gladly took it.

"Thank you, Chezzy boy. At least someone appreciates my hard, hard dedication." Dorian threw at Zeek, sure to make eye contact with him.

"All you've given me is a pat on the back. Is that what you want too?" he patted Dorian's back. "Great job, Dorian. I'm proud."

"Fuck off me." Dorian shrugged him off just as something caught his eye. "Sweet baby Jesus. Aye, y'all know who that is right there? The girl in the sweatpants."