Page 138 of River & Crown
Feeling my phone vibrate in the pocket of my sweats, I pulled it out and looked at the screen. The text was from Navy in our group chat.
Navy:
Where y'all at? Crown texted me from Honor’s phone thirty minutes ago. I'm just now seeing it, but we gotta get outside.
Honey:
What happened? Lynx and Rize still chilling.
Chosyn:
Why did Crown text you from Honor's phone, and what were you doing that you didn't realize he texted you?
Navy:
Honor was shot!!
"I uh... I have to go," I blurted, stuffing my phone back into my pocket.
"Everything good?"
"Yeah, I uh have to handle something. Give me your phone. Text me with the info for the get-together and I'll try to come through."
"Ight." He handed me his phone, and with trembling fingers, I typed my number in and passed it back. "Ight Riv, don't be a stranger."
"I won't." I half smiled. "See you later."
Rakim glanced down the street, then turned back to me.
"Let me get a hug first."
Sucking my teeth, I allowed him to grab me and pull me in close. I was engulfed in his arms with one ear buried against his chest.
"Ight Riv be?—"
The sharp cracks of gunfire tore through the air from a speeding car at the end of the block. A black shadow holding a gun fired off shots in my direction. I froze, the sight bringing forth a memory I'd wished I had forgotten.
"Get down, River!"
Rakim yanked me down and wrapped his arms around me. Ruckus broke out. Screams and running footsteps added to the heavy knocking of my pulse.
Then it calmed.
Tires screeching faded.
Gunshots silenced.
Pedestrian's screams muted.
I opened my eyes as I felt Rakim start to move around. He stood up, searching around before reaching down to me.
"You're okay?" he asked, his voice rough but still calming.
"They... they must've been warning shots or blanks," I forced out.
"Who you fucking with that has niggas sending warning shots at your birthday party?"
His question was valid, but I didn't have an answer.
