Darius & Chayla - I'm With You

In this excerpt, Darius realizes he doesn’t want to treat Chayla like all the other girls he’s been with.

“Oh my god,” Chayla whispered to me. “I am so sorry about my mother.” 

“It’s alright,” I reassured her. 

Although I had never met a girl’s parents, I knew how I came across to the parents of the girls I . . . associated with. I had never had a girlfriend, or a friend who happened to be a girl. I only ever chilled with a girl long enough to sleep with her and then I moved on. Sometimes we stayed in touch, but only to hook up again. 

But Chayla was different. One, I wasn’t trying to hook up with her. I mean, a part of me wouldn’t say no if the opportunity presented itself. Yet the other part of me was sure she’d never present the opportunity. And if her mother had any say, she’d put a chastity belt on her daughter. But I didn’t want to treat Chayla like all the other girls. I wanted more with her. I wanted her to really like me. 

“Listen.” I grabbed her hand in mind. “Your parents have every right to be worried. I’d be worried if a playboy like me showed up with my daughter. However, I want you to know that I’d never do anything to disrespect you or them.” 

“Oh Darius.” She placed her hand on mine. “I know that. And I’m sure my parents will learn to know that too.” 

“Uh hm.” We both jumped apart as if we were on fire. “Are we interrupting something?” Mrs. James spoke. 

“No,” Chayla responded, suddenly finding the floor interesting. 

“Uh, no ma’am,” I managed.