Khrisana tapped her pencil against the edge of the table, eyes flicking toward the clock on the wall. 5:42p.m. Amara's house, Sleepover. Guest rooms. Snacks. Laughter. It all sounded like something out of a show other girls got to star in. Not her. Definitely not her. She stood in the middle of her small kitchen, nervously twisting her fingers as she waited for her mother to hang up the phone. Her mom glanced at her, covered the mouthpiece, and whispered, "She sounds real nice. Calm dung, nuh." Khrisana offered a tight nod. After a few more seconds, her mother hung up and gave her a look that was part smile, part sigh. "Alright. Yuh can go. Just for the night, y'hear?" Relief bloomed across Khrisana's chest. "Really?! Thank you, thank you- i" Before she could even hug her, a voice cut into the room like a cold wind. "Go where?" Khrisana froze. The man stepped out from the hallway, arms crossed. Same judging stare. He didn't live with him, but he was around too often. He never said much, but when he did, it was like he always warning her. "She's going to a friend house ," her mom said carefully. The man scoffed. "What friend? we dont know these people. We don't know their house, their family. That girl could end up in anything."

Khrisana felt her stomach flip. It wasn't just the words it was the way he said that girl, like she was a mistake. "I-I ask mom to call. She talked to her mom. Amara's mom sounds really nice," Khrisana said, voice shaky "She even sent a car to pick me up. Its safe." 'I don't care what kind of car it is," he said sharply. "You're not going anywhere." Her mom looked between the, hesitant. The weight in the room was unbearable. Khrisana stepped forward, trembling but trying to stay calm. "Please. Just this once. I swear I'll be back by tomorrow afternoon. Just- just call her back if you want to double-check." The air held still. Her mom finally nodded. "She'll be alright." He didn't respond. Just glared, then left the room. A horn honked twice outside pee pee. "That must be the car," Khrisana said, barely above a whisper. She grabbed her small bag, slung it over her shoulder, and rushed out the door. Her mom gave her a soft "Be safe" and a kiss on the cheek before she slipped out. The sleek black car parked outside looked like something from a movie. Khrisana hesitated for a moment, her eyes lingering on the house behind her. Her hands were still shaking. She opened the door and slid into the back seat. 

Jaylen sat inside, legs crossed, earbuds in, phone glowing in his hands. He looked up the moment the door shut. Girl," he said, flashing a wide grin, "you took too long i thought they locked you up or something." Khrisana tried to smile, but it came out crooked and tired "I'm fine," she mumbled, eyes darting to the window. Jaylen noticed immediately. He leaned in a little, his playful energy quieting. "You sure?" She didn't answer. Not really. Just a small nod. But her shoulders told another story. Jaylen didn't push. He scooted a little closer and gently bumped her arm with his. Then, without a word, he took out one earbud and handed it to her. They rode the rest of the way like that side by side, the soft beat of some chill R&B track playing in their shared silence. When they reached Amara's house, the gate was already open. The place looked like a When they reached Amara's house, the gate was already open. The place looked like a mansion, even if it technically wasn't. There were lights glowing from the front porch, the lawn perfectly trimmed, a breeze catching in the tall trees that lined the driveway. Amara stood by the gate, her arms crossed, one foot tapping lightly. She was holding two cans of soda.

As soon as the car rolled to a stop, she stepped forward. Jaylen hopped out first, then turned to offer Khrisana a hand. She took it. But the moment Amara saw Khrisana's face, her playful expression dropped. "Whoa... Kris?" Amara asked, hurrying forward. "Are you okay?" Khrisana's lips parted, but no words came out. "She's... had a long day," Jaylen said quietly. Amara looked between the two of them, her brow furrowing. "What happened?" Her voice was soft now, careful. Khrisana looked down at her shoes. She hadn't realized how tightly she was clutching her bag. "I'm okay," she said. But even she didn't believe it. Amara stepped closer and wrapped an arm gently around her shoulder. "You don't have to talk right now," she said, guiding her inside. "But you will tell us what happened. Okay? Because something's not right. And we care." Jaylen nodded beside her, silent. Khrisana blinked back the sting in her eyes.

For the first time in a long time, someone noticed something was wrong... and didn't just walk away.