Page 17 of Beyond The Stars

“I want to pay for the next semester,” she said with her chest out and pride in her voice. It always felt good when she walked in there to pay for school. It was easy for her to try to get student loans but that would put her behind when she graduated. The debt wasn’t worth it. It would only add to all the other expenses she had with school and outside of paying back a tuition.

Ms. Aaliyah’s eyes brightened with glee. “Okay, girl! I know that’s right.” She was equally as excited for Siasia. They had developed a liking for one another since Siasia had enrolled into the school. Ms. Aaliyah always did her best to find deals for Siasia when it came to books or anything else she would need for class. When students no longer needed stuff, they would turn it in to her and she’d make sure it got to other students in need. Siasia was always at the top of her list.

Once Siasia had wrapped up handling her business, she made her way out the door, groaning when she ran into Champ.

“Hey, girl.” Champ’s smile was just as fake as her ass.

Dryly, Siasia spoke back. “Hey.”

“Damn, I thought we were cool? You can’t stop and talk for a second?” Champ asked, seeing Siasia had no intentions of stopping to shoot the shit with her.

Sighing, she stared in her face. “What’s up, Champ?”

“Girl who pissed in your milk?”

“Bye, Champ.” Siasia’s jaw clenched.

She had no real issues with Champ but could tell a fake bitch from a mile away. Champ liked to pretend she was a girl’s girl but really she was a mean girl. Champ treated people based on what she felt she could gain from them. Since Siasia had no status, she didn’t treat her like the friend she liked to pretend she was when Ally was around.

“Damn girl, I’m just speaking.” She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, you just signed up for next semester?”

“Mhm,” Siasia responded with tight lips already over the back and forth.

“Okay, I see you getting your shit together.”

“The fuck that’s supposed to mean?” Siasia glared, ready to pop her in the mouth.

Champ knew the look all too well so she back peddled. “I ain’t mean no harm, SiSi.”

“My name is Siasia. Either say what you really want or move the fuck from round me. I ain’t in the mood.”

“I was just speaking since we are friends.”

“Ha!” Siasia laughed out loud at the audacity. “Never that. You are Ally’s friend, not mine. Bye, Champ.” She walked off, not giving her time to respond. It was best for the both of them.

Siasia’s mood was high and she’d hate to allow a nothing ass bitch change that.

She never understood girls like Champ. Champ came from a good home, had goals and dreams but wasn’t truly satisfied unless she was picking on the girls she thought were beneath them. She’d heard the slick things Champ had said about her, so it was beyond her as to why she’d want to fake friendship like she had her best interest at heart. Champ was a turtle—the poisonous kind. You thought they were cute watching them jump all over your yard not knowing they only were trying to get close enough just to poison you. Siasia wasn’t in the mood, so she trekked on to her car.

Next semester’s tuition had been paid in full, so Siasia’s mind was at ease. With the leftover money she could buy the lens she had been so desperate to purchase, so she headed to the used camera store near the school. After that, she stopped in the thrift shop on the block, before ending her morning grabbing groceries so Noodle had something to snack on when she got home from school.

Tired from running around all day, Siasia didn’t waste any time getting in bed to take a nap before Noodle’s bus dropped her off from school. Visions of Qamar’s arms wrapped around her, ushered her right to dreamland where she hoped he would meet her.

6

Qamar jogged onto the field as the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the green expanse. The sound of cleats crunching against the grass and the rhythmic thud of soccer balls being kicked filled the air. He adjusted his headband, pushing his locs out of his face, ready to dive into the intense practice session ahead.

Coach Daniels blew his whistle, signaling the start of the drills. Qamar joined his teammates in a series of sprints, his powerful legs propelling him forward with each stride. As sweat began to bead on his forehead, he felt the familiar rush of adrenaline that always accompanied practice. On the field is another place he was able to just be. Yes, the expectations were high but soccer came easy to him. He could do it with his eyes closed.

As a kid, after Luna’s money from her deceased father dropped, they had Qamar in every sport imaginable. After one spring league of playing soccer, he knew it was his calling. His sister, Solar, made sure he excelled by helping him learn the rules and the game. In middle and high school, he played football, basketball, and soccer but when it came time for him to choose, soccer was his lover. It was unique and the one thing his big brother, Lunar, told him was stand out and be unique so they can’t overlook you. That was a lesson that would stick with him forever.

"Qamar, over here!" Drake shouted. He was a forward while Qamar was the central midfielder.

Qamar kicked the ball with precision, watching as Drake deftly maneuvered around the defenders. The two had an unspoken understanding on the field, a seamless connection that made them a formidable duo on and off the field. During a brief water break, Qamar took a moment to scan the sidelines. He spotted a few thirsty girls waving and cheering him on. The sight never excited him. However, he did wish Siasia would’ve been over there. Thoughts of her had been heavy on his mind, and he couldn’t wait to get next to her again. Her presence brought him peace and when he was constantly in his own head, he needed the reprieve.

With renewed energy, Qamar returned to the field, determined to give his best. The team moved into a scrimmage, and Qamar found himself in possession of the ball. He dribbled past one defender, then another; his movements swift and calculated. As he approached the goal, he took a deep breath and launched the ball with a powerful kick.

The ball sailed through the air, curving gracefully before landing in the back of the net. A triumphant cheer erupted from his teammates, and Qamar couldn't help but grin. He jogged back to his position, exchanging daps with Drake.

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