16.

Layla

I hollered at them and hastened across the front yard.

“What are you doing, Aunt Layla?” Sofia's eyes widened in surprise.

“Hey, Charlene!” I slightly waved at the girl.

“Hey. Did Sofia forget something?” She asked, her eyes prying at me.

“No, I just want to talk to you before I leave. Are you rushing to do something?”

Charlene's boyfriend was staring vaguely at me. Now that I took a closer look at him, I could see his sunken pale blue eyes, prominent cheekbones, sharp jawline, and dropping mouth. His build was quite okay for a teenager.

“Yeah…" She responded, glancing at the boy.

“Give me five minutes of your time.”

“Okay. Go on, Adrian.” She gestured at him. He gave a firm nod.

“Sofia, will you excuse us?”

Sofia made a face and walked inside the house.

“Thank you.”

Charlene crossed her arms, leaning against a wall.

“I know about you and Sofia,” I began. “The state in which your relationship currently stands. I'm aware you have decided to be with Adrian, but I must inform you