096

Tamara led me by the hand up the stairs. It was so pleasant to hear the noisy sounds of the crowd outside starting to fade away into peaceful quiet. She took me all the way down the hall, opening the door into her bedroom. I was already swirling with ideas as to where this was headed, but I knew Tamara was too upset. I could only hope that Darrell and the others figure I left and would settle down.

"We'll be safe from those goons in here," she quietly said, partially closing the door. She then turned to face me. She still had a sorrow in her eyes, almost as if it was her fault that all of this happened. I couldn't let her think that way.

"Tamara, I'm really sorry," I responded.

"No," she quickly spoke. "I'm the one who's sorry. I should've ... maybe I could've had two different parties, you know? And you and I could've just hung out together by ourselves for a while. I didn't think Latisha would be this bitter ..."

Her lip trembled, visibly on the verge of tears. I tried desperately t