Page 99 of Arris, Jayme & Dyani
“Yeah. It has.”
He offered me his hands and I gave him mine so he could pull me up.
When we walked back out of Blake’s new bedroom we were met with four men and Dyani instructing them where to put certain boxes.
The three of us had moved in together. We hadn’t gone anywhere far. We just moved down a floor into a three-bedroom apartment.
Blake and I had been in a two-bedroom before, but if the four of us were going to live together, it made more sense for us to have an additional bedroom.
Dyani and I had each claimed our own rooms, which made sense since we had the most clothes and accessories. We hadn’t determined when we would sleep in which room or anything and I didn’t think any of us cared. Having separate rooms was more so we could have all of our things in a designated place with enough space.
I slid out of the way when two DP members made their way toward me holding my dresser between them.
I was genuinely thankful for all of their help. D-Ville was a family if nothing else and I appreciated that a lot. They always showed up for Arris, and by extension, me and Blake.
I did a double take when I saw Darryl but didn’t comment because not only was DP helping move all of the shit from mine, Dyani’s, and Arris’s old apartments, but I was sleeping beside his sister every night.
He and Arris had squashed their beef and they repped the same set. He apologized to Dyani and they shared blood. The nigga was going to be around. I knew that. It didn’t mean I had to be his best friend.
I turned back to grab the box someone offered me.
“This shit is light, but it ain’t labeled,” he explained and I nodded.
“Thank you.”
I walked the box to the counter to pry it open and peek inside. I saw it belonged in Dyani’s room so I walked it down and headed back to the living room. I paused when Darryl cut me off at the doorway.
“Hey,” He looked down at me, “Can we chop it up real quick?”
“For what?” I deadpanned.
“Man, come on, Jayme. Don’t act like that.”
I looked over at Arris who was talking to two of the DP members but staring straight at me.
I gave him a little wave to let him know everything was fine. He nodded once then went back to his conversation.
“Alright. Whatever. Come on.” I gestured for Darryl to follow me and started walking without waiting for a response. I led him into the nearest room, crossed my arms over my chest, and faced him. “What’s up?”
“Look, I didn’t mean to disrespect you,” he said. “I had a lot of feelings going on and I was mad at Arris and Dyani and shit but that’s not your fault. You were collateral and that’s fucked up. I’m sorry.”
“Thanks for the apology.”
“Come on, man. We’ve known each other for years and I’ve never once talked to you crazy or disrespected you or no shit. Doesn't that count for anything?”
I exhaled. “Yeah. I guess it counts for something.”
“Then dap me up then. You gon’ be my sister-in-law and shit after all.” He wagged his eyebrows up and down jokingly but I didn’t smile.
“And that’s the only reason I’m going to dap your stupid ass up.” I cut my eyes at him.
“Ruthless.” He chuckled and closed some of the space between us. “But I’m genuinely sorry. You’re family to me, andfamily fights and argues and shit, but I’ve got love for you and I’d lay my life down for you and Blake for real. You know that.”
“Yeah, alright. Well, I’m going to give you a pass but I want you to know the next time you try me, I’m on yo’ ass.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
“Good.”
