Speak To Me

CHASITY DAWSON POV.

“He is taking out the garbage!” whispered Payton.

I quickly ran to her window, peeking outside from behind the curtains; at the man across the street. Payton laughed and moved away from the window, and let me stand at the spot she was just in. Joe Bandit is Payton’s neighbor and the type of man that every girl in the school wanted to be with. He was athletic, smart, tall, rich, and handsome. I had a huge crush on him, but obviously, he didn’t know that. He did not have a bad boy persona, and I was never into that anyways. What I really liked about him, was the fact that he was so mature. He didn’t act disrespectful or immaturely towards others, and a lot of the girls in school loved that; especially the staff.

He wooed everyone with his charming smile, green eyes, and dark brown wavy hair. He was six feet tall and used it to his advantage. He played basketball, volleyball, track, soccer, and is the school’s quarterback on the football team. We made it to the championship and the game is next week. Joe Bandit was not the type of tall man that was scrawny. No, he was tall and very well built.

Joe and his two closest friends, John and Giovanni always worked out at school or at Joe’s house. If I was in Payton’s room, then I would have a great view of Joe’s room and the front of his house. I don’t live anywhere near Joe’s house. Payton, Joe, John, and Giovanni lived in the rich neighborhood. I lived in the suburbs. Sometimes I like coming here, and sometimes I do not. The only time I would come here; is when my mom is going to work, and another would be when Payton invites me over. Which is a lot, because she is the only child.

Joe and I do not hang around in the same crowd, but that doesn’t stop us from running into each other every now and then whenever I am at his house. I mean, it is inevitable, since my mom works as a housemaid for them. I have never spoken to him before because he makes me nervous. I am always afraid that I’m going to say something stupid. So, I always make an expression or do something, that does not require me to speak.

My mom started working for them, way before I was born. She works so hard, and I’m glad that the Bandit family are nice people. She always says nice things about them, and I believe her; after seeing how they treat their employees, as well as each other every day.

I sighed when I saw him without his t-shirt, causing Payton to laugh.

“I still can’t believe you have not spoken to him before.” She chimed with laughter.

“I know right? I mean he probably thinks I am a mute by now.” I groaned.

Sometimes I wonder if that was way worse.

She raised her index finger “One day, something is going to happen that requires you to speak.”

I shook my head “That day will never come.”

“Never say never, Chasity.” She sang in a warning tone.

I narrowed my eyes, pulling out my school books from my back. “Whatever, let’s focus on our homework.”

She smiled when she won the argument and pulled out her school books from her bag too. After an hour of doing our homework, my mom texted me; letting me know she’s done with work and to meet her in the kitchen at the Bandit’s house. She didn’t want me waiting by the car, and would tell me to come inside whenever the cook made extra sweets for me. I loved Francis; he was a kind chief and treated me as if we were family. He’d always made extra sweets for me to take home and eat.

CHASITY: I’m on my way.

MOM: He made Oreo cupcakes.

I squealed in happiness. That was joe’s favorite dessert and it was mine too. I liked that whenever Joe asked Francis to make it; Francis would make sure to save some on the side for me too. I quickly pushed my books into my bag and zipped my backpack. Payton looked up from her books and laughed.

“Francis made Oreo cupcakes?” she asked chucking.

I nodded in excitement and hugged her goodbye. I looked both ways before I crossed the street and tried my best to not be seen as I headed towards the kitchen. When I successfully made it in the kitchen unseen, I saw my favorite chief in the world; with a box of cupcakes just waiting to be eaten from me.

I spread my arms wide “Francis you are the best!”

He smiled with pride “I know.”

We both laughed. I immediately opened the box and sat on a stool on the kitchen island. Francis began to put the food away while I happily ate my dessert; and waited for my mom to come into the kitchen.

Ding!

I unlocked my phone and read the text message.

MOM: Wait in front of the car, I will be right out.

CHASITY: How long do I have to wait? I’m not complaining, I am just curious.

MOM: Five minutes. I just have to put away the dishes at the dinner table and I’ll be right out.

CHASITY: Do you need help? I can help.

MOM: No, it’s alright honey. Just wait outside.

CHASITY: Okie Dokie.

I slid off the stool and made sure to not leave any crumbs on the kitchen island. I walked towards Francis.

I opened my arms to hug him “I am heading out. Thank you so much, Francis!”

He hugged me back “Anytime petite fille.”

(Petite fille means little girl.)

Letting him go, I waved goodbye and headed out the back door. Then took a right turn around the house to head towards the front. I grabbed another cupcake out of the box and happily took a bite. Today was a great day. I got my homework done early, so I did not need to finish any at home. Now I’m eating my fresh dessert from Francis. I was about to take another bite but heard someone speaking. It was Joe’s voice. I stopped in my tracks.

“Do you think your grandma is going to take you out of school?” asked Joe.

“Sometimes I do. My nonna calls me every day and I always make sure to assure her, that I’m fine.” I heard Giovanni’s reply.

(Nonna means Grandma)

“My granny is pretty chill. The only thing she overdoes is her cooking. She makes a lot of food for me, even when I am not hungry.” Stated John.

Joe laughed “Come on, let’s go inside; I’m hungry.”

I heard the sound of the door opening and closing. I sighed in relief when I took a peek and did not see them. Slowly coming out from the side of the wall, I made sure to not make a noise and be quiet as I could. My mom said to wait in the front and I feel like I have waited for at least a minute now. So, I have at least four minutes left to go. I took another bite of my tasty cupcake and waited beside the front door; my attention trained on the front door, in case I need to make a run for it if Joe and his friends come out again.

“Are those mine?” asked a voice behind me.

I turned around, startled by the unexpected voice behind me. I debated whether to pretend I didn’t hear him and choose to walk away as an escape, but that would be dramatic to a huge degree. So, I did the best thing I could think of. I put the cupcake in my mouth and turned around to wave at the person behind me. I would recognize that voice anywhere. When I turned around, I almost wished I had run.

It was Joe Bandit.