not a lie

Syreeta was keeping a little secret to herself. It was the most awesome dream ever. Sawyer.

She felt as if she were in third grade, all over again. Honestly, she thought she could never be crazy about a guy. She was suppose to be older and wiser. Sometimes, you just had to go with the chemistry.

Syreeta wanted to know more about him. Where was he from? What grade was he really in? She could only hope she wasn't longing for a middle schooler. Oh, the things she prayed about.

Finally, she woke up to the fact that Fish was being uber serious with the parents. She stopped with the bottle of juice in her hand as she stood next to the fridge.

Shan was here.

Syreeta hoped she didn't look too shocked.

"Can..can he just stay tonight." Fish wasn't exactly begging. He went on about some term paper Shan was working on. "He needs to get it in this week. If ..if he doesn't, he might not graduate."

"Are you, sure that's all its about?" His Dad looked him in the eye as if Fish might be hiding something.

"That's all it is." But even Syreeta knew that was a lie. She knew when Fish lied. He'd get all silly as if he might be getting ready for open mic at a comedy club. He pulled his hair back from his forehed, as if maybe he'd pull it out if he could. "All right." Fish sighed. "He's having some troubles at home. And.and..I think he needs a break. That's all."

"Well, Aren't you, the best friend in the world, Fish?" Their Dad's voice was a bit cynical but smooth. After all, he worked for the 911 call center. He crossed his arms and looked at Fish as if there had to be more to the story.

"He's my best friend, Dad." Fish didn't look so happy though.

"I don't mean, to put pressure on you, son. But please, you have to remember, we don't want anyone taking advantage of you." Now their Dad gave Fish a pat on the back.

"Dad?" Fish squinted a scowl. "Shan..."

"What?" It was hard to know if their Dad was just a tease or really serious. "Look, I'd say this to your sisters too. You gotta a kiss a lot of toads before you, find your prince."

Fish rolled his eyes as their Dad half hugged him.

"All right, just tonight." Their Dad finally agreed.

Soon enough, Syreeta caught up to Fish who was back, tending to Keegan. "What is Shan doing here?"

"I told you." Fish scowled. "I have to help him with that paper." Fish sounded as if that was the real reason he was here. Fish was going to help Shan graduate.