Page 19 of Impacted by Love

"Alright, class. This assignment is due by next Friday. I need you to write an essay about something you would change if money weren't an option," Mrs. Lane explains.

The class goes up when my classmates begin chattering about what they're going to write about. My chest tightens, and I fight the water welling in my eyes because I would change my mom and dad's craving for drugs. Yet this isn't something I can openly share with Mrs. Lane or anyone else. No one knows my mom and dad spend countless hours sucking on a glass contraption that feeds them a vapor which causes them to forget I exist. I would also love to change the attraction older chicks have for me, which has me being a human sex-machine. I'm fifteen, and my dick has more miles on it than a runaway freight train.

"This assignment is a little juvenile, isn't it?" I ask Mrs. Lane, who's walking past my desk.

"Maybe it is, but it's still something you'll be graded on, so either you complete it or worry about failing this semester. The ball is in your court, Mr. Harrison, so choose wisely or don't," Mrs. Lane replies sassily before continuing her strides to the front of the classroom.

"I got you, babe." Danielle leans over, causing me to look toward her.

"The last time I gave a woman control over something concerning me, I found out how foolish of a decision it was. Maybe jumping on the ledge with Onesti isn't a good idea."

Or maybe you need to stop trying to let your past define what could be your future. While things haven't worked out in your favor where other women are concerned, you shouldn't judge them all based on someone else's failures.

Huffing, I grab a can of Tahitian Treat and close my fridge before returning to my living room when a notification sounds from my phone.

Bzz.

Onesti:

Oh, hi, Asaiah. I'm not sure if you can, but I would much rather talk to you over the phone than text. But if this works, I'll acquiesce to your option.

"This woman." Sitting on the couch, I push the phone icon with a smirk when the ringing sounds around the room once I place the call on speaker.

"While you might be a man of few words, I am a woman with many. Texting feels cold and informal, at least when attempting to establish a connection and common ground with someone," Onesti says when the call connects after the third ring.

For some strange and foreign reason, my heart pumps wildly in my chest when I hear her sultry and sweet voice. Swallowing the sudden lump in my throat, I gather my thoughts and respond to her statements.

"I apologize. It wasn't my intention to come off that way. I just wasn't sure if you were working or doing something important preventing you from talking over the phone."

"Take the risk next time. If I'm unable to answer, I'll let you know. However, I'm a woman who loves and prefers this method of communication."

"Duly noted," I say.

"Good. I'm glad you called, though, Asaiah. I wasn't sure if you would, but I hoped you would be a man of your word." The jitters in my stomach return, making me feel something I'm unable to identify yet pushing me to respond.

"I do my best to, if nothing else, honor my word. How is your day going?"

"Now that I'm off work… great. I love what I do but enjoy the end of a shift just the same."

The sound of Onesti's giggles causes an electrifying warmth to spread throughout my body, leaving me momentarily speechless from the uncommon reaction. Rubbing my left palm down my pants, I do the same with my right after placing my phone beside me.

What the heck is wrong with me?

You're smitten with a woman is what's wrong, although I don't see anything wrong with it. In fact, keep talking, and let's see where this goes.

My conscience answers before I have a chance to analyze the feelings I'm experiencing from hearing the lighthearted humor from Onesti.

"Asaiah?" Onesti's humor is gone, reminding me of my sudden silence.

"I'm here. There's nothing like being home after a busy workday."

"Indeed. So, what do you do?"

Ooh, seamless banter. I can do this.

"I'm the chief financial officer at Baxtown Technologies."

"Oh wow. That sounds like an important and exciting role. Do you have an assistant? That usually confirms how important a person is in the corporate world."

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