Piece Of Shit Boyfriend

“What's that supposed to mean?” Drew stood up, glaring at Ava.

Nathaniel walked out of the kitchen into the living room.

"Oh, the piece of shit boyfriend wants to play pretend,” Ava shuddered mockingly.

“Ava, let's talk outside.” Jamila shot a quick glance at Malakai, grabbing Ava's arm.

“I think I would like to hear what she has to say.” Malakai said calmly, lifting his weight from the chair.

"Well, your son is a liability. A big one! He's irresponsible and immature, always making shitty investments and squandering my friend's hard-earned money, making her life harder than it already is. He's the reason they were evicted from their apartment, so he had no other choice than to run to Daddy,” Ava mocked, and continued talking.

“He blew their entire rent money like it was nothing—the one that came solely from Jamila. He didn't contribute shit. I wouldn't be so shocked if he lied to her and gambled away the—”

"Avaaa,” Drew snarled, jaw clenched.

“If you dare say my name one more time, I swear I'd give you a dirty slap.” Ava declared fearlessly.

“Yeah, dude deserves to be slapped.” Danica agreed with crossed arms.

“All I know is that you don't deserve her. She's too good for you, and I hate that she doesn't see it.” Ava looked at Jamila, who had a resigned expression on her face.

Jamila knew her friends; they wouldn't let this one slide, especially Ava.

“Andrew? Let's talk outside, by the pool.” Malakai said and walked out, with Drew following behind him.

“We came to study with you.” Danica announced as soon as they left. 

“Oh, you did?” Jamila scoffed.

“Can I get you girls anything?” Nathaniel voiced out, and the girls turned to him.

“And who are you?” Ava scrutinized.

“The chef.” Nathaniel shook his head, clearly entertained, his gaze focused solely on Ava.

“Thank you, Nathan. But they won't be getting anything after the scene they just created.” Jamila spoke.

“Water would do. Thanks, chef.” Danica winked.

~

“Where did I go wrong, Andrew?” Malakai started.

“You went off the rails. I wanted to help you, but you refused. Can't you see you're ruining your life? Dropping out of school? No job? Nothing?”

“Oh, so you're saying I'm nothing?” Drew chuckled humorlessly.

“You're missing the point. And what is this I hear about you squandering the rent money? Making bad investments all the time? What investments, Andrew?” Malakai's jaw ticked.

“Just drop it, okay? I came here because we needed help, so if you really don't want to help us, just say so!”

“Of course I want to help you. You're my son.”

“Thank you.”

“Go back to college, Andrew,” Malakai insisted.

“There you go trying to control my life again. School is not for me. You and I both know that I hardly got through high school.”

“So what do you want to do with your life then?”

“I'm still thinking about it.” Drew mumbled.

“You really need to step up, son. No girl wants a guy that's not able to provide—”

“And I heard you. The fuck?” Drew hissed.

Malakia remained quiet, staring at him.

“I'm going out with friends. I’ll be back in the morning.” Drew said simply and walked out.

~~~~~

[MALAKAI'S LIBRARY]

“I don't want to talk about it.” Jamila declared as she entered the library with the girls.

“You know we're going to talk about it, Jams! And are you sure we're allowed in here?” Danica inquired, admiring the floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked with books.

“Malakai doesn't mind.” Jamila perched down in front of her laptop and books on the round table.

“You could have called us to help you. We always tell you to come live with either of us, but you always decline. What do you even see in him?” Ava complained, taking her seat opposite Jamila.

“What you guys don't.”

“Obviously.” Danica snickered, her fingertips skimming down the rows of books.

“His dad is this fucking rich, and Drew has been out there living like he has no one?” Ava shook her head, squinting at her surroundings.

"Look, guys, do you want to study or not?” Jamila raised her brows.

“Ugh, fine!” Ava groaned. “I fucking hate Prof Lahey’s gut. He's the biggest piece of shit to ever walk this earth.” 

“Tell me about it.” Danica mumbled, dropping her bag beside the table.

“We literally just got the message about his test this morning, like what the fuck?” Jamila exclaimed.

“God, I love when we rant and insult him together.” Ava replied, and the girls laughed.

“Okay, so back to business. Literally.” Jamila sighed, flipping through her textbook.

Ava and Danica opened their laptops.

“Jams, you have to teach us financial ratios. I can't seem to grasp them.” Ava shook her head, pulling up her notes app.

“Especially the difference between current ratio and quick ratio.” Danica added.

“Girls, w

hat's so hard about it?” Jamila glanced up from her book.

“Literally only you would say that.” Ava scoffed