Chapter Two
They all turned around on the bench they were sitting on. He stood there, a confident smile on his face. His cross necklace caught the sunlight, glinting with each subtle movement. Dalila glanced up and their eyes met for a brief moment, a flicker of curiosity passing between them, before she looked down.
“No, not everything is about you,” Lumi quipped, breaking his pride.
“You scared me, I was about to pull my knife on you for a second! Well, guys, meet my friendKenrio !” Hollis introduced him to the group.
His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Juno’s sulky mood. Everyone said hi in unison, except for Juno, who mumbled a dark hello without looking up from his phone. Kenrio sat down in the only open seat on the two benches. Hollis, Dalila, and Juno sat on the opposite bench. Lumi’s bag occupied a seat between her and Kenrio, forcing Kenrio to sit right across from Juno.
“So, Kenrio, this is Lumi, Juno, and Dalila,” Hollis said, introducing the group. Dalila was certain Hollis stretched out her name as long as she could on purpose to get Kenrios attention. Lumi smiled as Kenrio briefly skimmed over her face. She observed Kenrios hesitant reaction to leaving her eyes, wondering what was going through his mind.
An awkward silence settled in, and Dalila hoped it wouldn’t linger for too long. She wanted to create a comfortable space for everyone. Hollis broke the silence, asking Kenrio about his plans to stay in Sacramento, California.
He casually replied, “Uh, probably like three months, I’m pretty sure,” while taking out his phone.
Juno quickly added, “Oh, so you’re staying here just for a time being? Yeah, that’s very cool. Where do you originally live?”
“Haha, yeah, don’t worry, I won’t steal the friend group. I’m around Michigan and all that,” Kenrio replied with a grin.
“So, do you know anyone from here or just Hollis? What’s your reason for coming here?” Lumi asked, her interest clearly piqued.
“Uh, yeah, I’m just going around for scholarships for soccer. I do a little of that, you know, but anyway, enough about me. Please let me know what I’m getting myself into,” Kenrio said, deflecting the attention back to the group.
Hollis jazzed her hands theatrically. “Well, you already know me, so moving on, quick explainer on every soul here. Dalila became friends with Lumi because they are neighbors. Lumi and Juno are family friends, and they all went to Dalila’s school. Dalila met me in church! And we all became one, but it was definitely a tough bridge to walk, still is at times.”
Dalila took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill her lungs. She glanced at Juno, who was now tapping away on his phone, a slight frown creasing his forehead. Hollis’s animated descriptions brought a smile to her face despite the underlying tensions.
The conversations divided with dalila and Juno talking, and the rest within themselves.
“You okay?” dalila asked with her hand holding side of her face
“I’m good? Is you good, sorry?” he swiped on his phone
After some chatting and getting to know each other better, the atmosphere became more relaxed. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the park and the group. The golden light bathed their faces, making the moment feel almost magical.
Lumi noticed everyone engrossed in their phones and commented, “Um, guys, what are you all doing on your phones? This is supposed to be a group chat before we all get super busy with work or before I leave for Hawaii! And you know I won’t be on my phone during my vacation by the ocean.” She checked her nails with a feigned nonchalance.
“Right…” Dalila acknowledged, side-eyeing Juno and sharing a small smirk with him before returning her gaze to Lumi.
Hollis suggested making plans, and Dalila felt a sense of anticipation about the upcoming activities. Hollis proposed the idea of a stargazing show, and she looked around to gauge everyone’s reactions, wondering if Kenrio would be interested in joining their plans. Her heart raced with excitement as she waited for their responses.
“Uh, laying on the ground? No thanks,” Lumi chimed in, waving her arms around.
“I kinda agree, mosquitoes ain’t my thing,” Dalila added, scrunching her nose.
Juno quickly agreed. “I agree with Dalila.”
“Same. If it’s alright with you guys, can we go to the amusement park they’re opening this week?” Kenrio asked the group, his eyes lighting up at the idea.
Dramatic Danna 