The Art of Falling | Szn 1, Episode Eleven

Brothers ‘n Shit | Shameek

“Yo,” Hendric brought a fist to his mouth as he finished listening to the track Shameek played him. “This is fire. I didn’t know you could spit like this.”

“’Cause you a hater,” Shameek chuckled, nodding along with the beat. His eyes darted to Gabriella, who was also present yet buried deeply in her phone. As loud as she normally was, she hadn’t said a word since Hendric joined them in the studio.

“What you think, Sis?” he asked, attempting to pull her into the conversation.

She momentarily looked up from her phone, the corners of her lips curving. “You already know I think you’re dope,” she said before lifting her phone. “On three, say something for the people. I’m going live for a few minutes. Also, start the song over so it’s playing in the background, just turn the volume down.”

“Bet.”

Doing as she instructed, Shameek restarted the song and adjusted his skull cap before turning back to the camera. “What’s up, y’all? It’s ya boy Meek, and you already know what time it is. Make sure you follow me, and support your boy by copping tickets to the Melting Pot showcase on February 14th. Trust me, it’s something you won’t want to miss.”

Saluting the camera, he spun his chair to face the soundboard and vibe until Gabby spoke again.

“A’ight, that’s wrapped. I’m saving it to my phone, and I’ll send it to you in a minute.”

“Oh, so your mouth does work?” Hendric tilted his head as he addressed her. “I thought you lost your voice for a minute.”

“I’m working, Hendric,” she rolled her eyes.

“Let me find out you—”

“Meek,” Gabriella spoke over him. “How’s everything going with Kiy?”

Shameek’s eyes pinged between the two as he wondered why there was suddenly so much tension between them.

“Kiy?” Hendric looked at Meek. “Who’s Kiy?”

“My neighbor.”

“Why don’t I know anything about her?”

“Nigga, I don’t have to tell you everything that happens in my life,” Shameek chuckled. “But, speaking of women, I didn’t tell y’all that Amber hit me up a couple of weeks ago.”

“What the fuck does he bird ass want?” Hendric snorted

“I don’t know, and I don’t care. I blocked her simple ass.”

“I don’t blame you.”

“I hate to be the voice of opposition here, but why don’t you just hear her out?” Gabriella asked. “Hopefully, it’ll kill all her extra-ass antics.”

“I don’t agree that you should hear her out, but honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t take her back,” Hendric said, sitting back in his chair.

Shameek whipped his head around so swiftly he thought it might break. “Why the hell would you think I’d take her back?”

“Because you’ve been a sucker for her shady ass since you met her.”

“He ain’t lying about that,” Gabriella clucked her tongue, holding her phone up to her face.

“Nah, I’m cool on that whole situation. I could never trust her again after how she disappeared.”

“Yeah, that shit was weird,” Hendric hummed. “For a second, I thought she was the one who’d gotten you arrested, but she popped back out around five months before you were released.”

“Amber’s a lot of things, but suicidal isn’t one of them. She knows damn well that’s something I would never let slide.”

“If life hasn’t taught me anything else, it’s to never put your trust in a woman, bruh.”

“A’ight, a’ight. That’s enough about Amber,” Gabriella interjected. “And back to more positive things. How was the date night?”

“It was chill. Kiy’s cool, and I like her vibe. We’ve kicked it a few times since then, but kept it light.” his eyebrows knitted as Gabriella squealed. “Calm down. We’re just feeling each other out. It’s not that deep.”

“Mmm, I don’t know,” she sang. “From the looks of things, I’d say—”

“Every connection isn’t a Hallmark movie moment,” Hendric laughed. “If he said it’s not that deep, then it’s not that deep.”

“Interrupting me is rude as fuck,” her eyes narrowed as she frowned.

“Cursing at me is rude as fuck, too, Ella,” Hendric murmured, licking his lips.

“I told you not to call me that.”

“And I told you, I’ma do what I want.”

As he observed the exchange, Shameek was more convinced than ever that something was brewing between them.

“Uh, you two have something you want to share with the class?”

“No,” they chorused simultaneously, Hendric avoiding any form of eye contact and Gabriella's face flushing a deep shade of red.

“I hope God strikes you both down for lying in my face. Y’all ain’t shit.”

“Ain’t nothing to tell, Meek,” Hendric shrugged.  “Me and Ella are cool.”

“Gabby,” she growled, correcting him.

“Ella,” Hendric challenged her without sparing her a look.

Grimacing, she stood and collected her things. In her haste, Gabriella angrily swung her purse wide, accidentally hitting Meek upside the head.

“Damn, Gabby!”

“Call me later, Shameek,” she threw over her shoulder, stalking out the door.

Rubbing the side of his head, he glared at Hendric.

“What?” Hendric demanded after seconds of Shameek staring him down.

“Keep it a buck with me. What’s going on between you and Gabby?”

“Nothing. I told you we’re cool. Ella’s just in her feelings because, for the first time, she’s up against something she has no control over.”

“And what’s that?”

“Me.”

Though he’d been expecting it, the answer still caught Shameek off guard, and he swiftly found himself shifting into protective mode. He knew Hendric’s habits. Well. And if he planned to pursue Gabriella with the same energy he’d had with other women, Shameek wasn’t having it.

“You know you’re my brother, but Gabriella’s also my sister. If you don’t have good intentions toward her, leave her alone.”

“I got this, Meek.”

“A’ight.”

As far as Shameek was concerned, no further words needed to be exchanged. They had a mutual understanding. And if the time ever came when they didn’t, then he’d handle it accordingly.