Page 17 of Adonis Gates
“You say that now.” I laughed.
“Naw, but you know Brock’s pops was super strict, and he was soft as fuck. I didn’t want him to go home and get his ass beat or no shit like that.”
“Maybe Apollo felt the same way about his friend.” I shrugged. “He might not have been as lucky as Apollo is. You never know what that child went home too.”
“True, but that’s not AP’s cross to bear.” He shrugged. “I don’t want him involving himself inanythingthat will fuck his future up, or shit, get me jammed up. Especially shit that has nothing to do with him.”
“Right.” I agreed lowly. “The school reported that you were hostile with the staff.” My eyes landed on him again. “They’re concerned that maybe Apollo is in a questionable environment.”
He chuckled, but there was no humor in it. It was more sarcastic.
“You know better than that.”
“Adonis,Iknow you. Everyone else doesn’t.” I spoke. “That’s why I came here today. There is no question whether or not Apollo is properly cared for, I know that without a doubt, but I also know how hot headed you are.”
“And?” he frowned. “That ain’t got shit to do with nothing for real, and like you said, you know me. I would never involve my brother in any bullshit.”
“I know.” I sighed heavily.
I was starting to think that this case was too close to home for me. I knew and cared about Adonis and his brother a lot, therefore I didn’t want to see anything happen to either of them, but I didn’t want my personal feelings and relationship to them to cloud my judgement. I needed to treat this case as I would any other one.
“Can you have Apollo come in here, please?”
He held eye contact with me a few seconds before nodding then getting up to go get his brother. When they returned, I smiled at Apollo and began asking a few questions I already knew the answers to.
He was a very sweet, well-spoken child. To others it could be shocking considering his twenty-seven-year-old brother, who was probably the wildest and most unhinged man that I knew, was raising him, but Adonis was doing a great job with him.
I asked routine questions about both his home and school life while Adonis sat off to the side listening. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him watching me while stealing glances at his brother here and there.
By the time I wrapped up my observations, I felt good about reporting that there was no foul play in the home, the house was clean, and I could see that Apollo was safe and cared for. I did give him my card and let him know that he could call me anytimehe needed me. I also let Adonis know that we were available for any additional resources that he may need.
“Go back to yo’ room. I’m gon’ walk her out.” Adonis said to his little brother as he rose from his seat. Apollo smirked and did as his brother said, singing me a goodbye on his way.
Adonis took my things from me as he pulled the front door open then waited for me to exit first before following me out. The walk down to the car was quiet, but it was comfortable. I was glad that I was able to sit with them and talk for a while. Even though it was work, spending time with them was like a breath of fresh air.
When we made it to the car, I hit the button on the key fob to unlock the doors, and he pulled the driver’s side open for me.
I took my things then peered up at him with a smile.
“Thank you for letting me come in and speak with you guys.”
“You don’t have to thank me.” He slipped his hands into the pockets of his sweat shorts. “You’re welcome here anytime.”
“I’ll report everything we discussed today. Since an investigation had to be opened the case will stay pending for forty-five days, but you shouldn’t have anything to worry about as long as he doesn’t handle any more incidents.”
“His lil’ ass betta not.” Adonis said as his handsome face twisted into a frown. “I went easy on himthistime.”
I chuckled. “I’m sure he’s going through it without all of his belongings.”
“He’ll be aight,” he shrugged. “What about you though? You good? That nigga didn’t do shit to you did he?”
“No.” I quickly answered. “I’m okay. Derrick talks a lot, but he knows better than to act on anything he says.”
“Nigga shouldn’t be talking to you crazy either, Jruelle.” He frowned. “You’re better than that and you know it.”
“Adonis, I’m fine.” I assured him, a little annoyed. I never got to see him, so I didn’t want to spend the little time I was around him talking about Derrick.
“You’d tell me if you weren’t?” he asked, pulling one of his hands from his pocket and easing it onto my cheek. The gesture warmed my entire body. His hands were so soft and his voice too. He was always worrying about me when he had it worse than me.