23 Why am I so Busy

"Arell." Kenny bounded over. "We were just talkin' about you. You been holed up in there all day."

Arell chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Just putting some work in, that's all."

"Sounds productive," Devon chimed in, wiping Dorito dust off his fingers. "We were just debating whether aliens exist. Malik here thinks they're hiding out on an island."

Malik, sprawled out on the couch with a bored expression, rolled his eyes. "Just saying, you never know what the government is hiding."

Kenny, interjected with a laugh. "Nah man, aliens are way too cliche. Besides, I was busy dominating the court today. Picked up game, three pointers raining like threesixfive."

Arell couldn't help but grin at Kenny's usual braggadocio. "Three pointers, huh? You sure you weren't airballing all day?"

"Hey, I have my moments," Kenny countered with a playful nudge. Malik snorted. "Yeah, right. More like airball city, population Kenny."

The playful banter continued for a moment, "Alright, alright," Devon interrupted, "Enough about Kenny's questionable basketball skills. So, Malik, how much are they charging to get in?"

Malik, a mischievous glint in his eyes, leaned back on the couch. "Ah, Havana. Now that's a place to see and be seen."

Arell's eyebrows shot up. Havana. Now that was a name he recognized. It wasn't exactly his usual scene, but the idea of a lively night with good music held some appeal.

"Havana Club, huh?" he mused, a hint of skepticism creeping into his voice. "Isn't that place known for being a bit… expensive, well… all clubs in general?"

Malik chuckled. "Yeah, it ain't exactly cheap. Cover charge is usually around seventy-five dollars on a Friday night, and drinks on top of that? Your wallet better be prepared."

"Seventy-five dollars, huh?" Arell repeated, his voice laced with disbelief. "Where are you guys planning on pulling out that kind of cash for a night at the club?"

A chorus of explanations filled the room. Devon, ever the resourceful one, chimed in first.

"Hey, freelancing gigs have been keeping me afloat lately. Video editing and coding jobs add up, you know."

Malik smirked. "Yeah, and unlike some people here," he shot a playful jab at Kenny, "I actually hold down a part-time job at the sneaker store. Discounts on fresh kicks are a perk, but the paycheck helps too."

Kenny shrugged and offered a wide grin. "Look, I might not have a steady job like you guys, but I hustle. Basketball tournaments pay out sometimes, and you never know when a lucky bet might come through." He winked at Arell, "So, why am I just now finding out about all these hustles?" Arell asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Seems like I've been a bit out of the loop lately."

Kenny chuckled. "Well, you are always holed up in that studio, man. Between working on your music and strategizing with Geoffrey, it's like you're in your own world sometimes."

Malik added, leaning back on the couch. "Yeah, remember back in the day when you were glued to a book all the time? Haven't seen you crack one open since we left prison."

Arell winced slightly. It was true. Music had taken over his life in recent months. He'd let go of some of the things he used to enjoy, like reading and spending more time with his friends.

"Yeah, I guess I have been a bit out of touch lately," he admitted, his voice low. He glanced down at his hands, a knot of shame tightening in his stomach.

Kenny then spoke again, "Remember Aisha? When was the last time you even spoke to her?"

Arell's breath hitched in his throat. Aisha's name, a name he hadn't consciously thought of in weeks, sent a jolt of guilt through him. The last time they spoke… it had to have been when they had gotten robbed.

He hadn't even bothered to check in with her afterwards. Shame washed over him in waves, hot and prickly. How could he have been so insensitive?

"The night we got robbed," he finally admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I dropped her off at her place and that was it. I haven't even… called to see if she's alright."

The air in the room hung heavy. Malik and Devon exchanged a look, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in their eyes. Kenny, remained silent, a thoughtful frown etched on his face.

"Damn, Arell," he said finally, his voice softer than usual. "That wasn't cool, man. You should have at least checked in on her."

He forced himself to take a deep breath. "I'll stop by her job, apologize properly, see how she's doing."

The suggestion hung in the air for a moment.

Kenny nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's a good idea. Just be prepared for her to give you a little earful, though." A playful glint returning to his eyes.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Arell's lips. He wouldn't mind a little earful. In fact, he deserved it.

"Thanks, guys," he said, determination settling in his voice. "I'll be back in a bit."

(Scene Break)

Arell emerged from his apartment building, the afternoon sun a warm counterpoint to the knot of tension in his stomach.

Sliding behind the wheel of his dented Subaru, he pulled out of the parking lot, navigating to the well-worn route to Lenox Mall. Traffic crawled along, giving him ample time to rehearse what he'd say. An apology, of course, was at the top of the list.

The Atlanta skyline gradually gave way to the familiar sprawl of shopping centers and strip malls. Finally, Lenox Mall rose on the horizon, its glass and steel facade gleaming in the afternoon sun.

He snagged a parking spot in the crowded lot, a stroke of luck considering the usual frenzy. With a deep breath, he stepped out of the car and into the stifling heat. The cool blast of air that greeted him as he entered the mall was almost a physical relief.

The usual mall sounds washed over him – the murmur of conversation, the piped-in music, the rhythmic clicking of heels. He consulted the directory, quickly locating Aisha's workplace: Threads.

Pushing open the glass doors, the tinkling of a bell announced his arrival. The store was abuzz with activity, several customers browsing the racks of clothes that lined the walls. His gaze immediately found Aisha. She was helping a customer, a middle-aged woman with a critical eye, select a dress. Aisha was smiling patiently, offering suggestions and answering questions.

Arell waited, his heart pounding against his ribs. He watched as Aisha expertly guided the customer towards a flattering dress, her smile genuine and warm. Even from a distance, he could see the flicker of recognition in her eyes as their gazes met briefly across the crowded store.

The customer finally settled on a dress, and Aisha expertly rang her up at the cash register. Arell took a deep breath, willing his trepidation down. As the customer left the store, Aisha turned, her smile faltering slightly as she saw him. For a moment, there was just a flicker of surprise, then a mixture of emotions clouded her features – hurt, disappointment, a flicker of something that might have been anger.

"Arell?" she said, her voice barely a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

Arell shuffled his feet, the polished tile floor suddenly far too interesting. He hadn't anticipated the knot of anxiety twisting in his gut as he watched Aisha. Now, faced with her questioning gaze, his carefully rehearsed words scattered like frightened birds.

"Hey, Aisha," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't the confident greeting he'd envisioned, but it would have to do. He forced a smile, hoping it wouldn't appear too sheepish.

"Hey?" Aisha echoed, her voice laced with a cool indifference that sent a fresh wave of guilt crashing over him. "That's all you have to say?"

Aisha's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger replacing the cool indifference. her voice tight. "Its been two weeks and in all that time, not a single call, not a single text to see if I was even okay after that robbery?" Her voice trembled slightly. "Did you even consider that maybe I was scared, or shaken up?"

Arell's heart sank at Aisha's words, her hurt palpable in the air between them. He swallowed hard, the lump in his throat making it difficult to find the right words.

"I… I'm sorry, Aisha," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I messed up. I should have reached out to you sooner. It wasn't right of me to just disappear like that after what happened."

He searched her face, hoping to find some trace of forgiveness in her expression. Instead, he was met with a steely gaze, her eyes hardened with hurt and disappointment.

"You're sorry?" Aisha's voice was edged with bitterness. But even as the words left her lips, there was a flicker of something else in her eyes – a flicker of hesitation, maybe even a sliver of hope. Perhaps a part of her still craved reconciliation.

She wasn't ready to forgive him completely, not yet. But the fire in her gaze simmered down a touch. With a sigh that spoke volumes, she pushed a hand – maybe a little more forcefully than necessary – against his chest.

"You have a lot of making up to do, Arell. A lot."

Aisha's hand, still firm against his chest, seemed less accusatory and more… expectant. A sly smile played on her lips.

"That apology is a good start, Arell," she said, her voice playful yet laced with a hint of challenge. "But you know what would make it even better?"

"How about you take me out tonight?" Aisha continued, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're paying for everything, of course, to make up for disappearing for two weeks."

A surprised laugh escaped Arell's lips. "Taking you out? You mean, like a date?"

Aisha's smile widened. "Well, duh. What else would it be?" She placed her hand under his chin rubbing it playfully. "And while we're at it, how about some retail therapy? You seem to have plenty of making up to do, and a new outfit wouldn't hurt, would it?"

Relief and a flicker of excitement washed over Arell. This wasn't quite the scolding he'd envisioned.

"A date and shopping?" he repeated, Arell chuckled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Fair enough," he said, his smile genuine. "Consider it a date then."

Aisha's grin widened, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Good. And don't forget about the shopping," she added, her tone teasing. "I expect nothing but the best, Arell."

With a playful roll of his eyes, Arell nodded. "Got it. Nothing but the best."

As they continued to banter, Arell's phone buzzed in his pocket, interrupting their conversation. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen to see Geoffrey's name flashing across it.

"Sorry, I have to take this," he said, apologetic. Aisha waved him off with a smile. "Go ahead, I'll be here."

Stepping away from the bustling store, Arell answered the call, bringing the phone to his ear. "Hey, Geoffrey. What's up?"

"Hey, Arell," Geoffrey's voice greeted him through the phone. "I just wanted to give you an update. We're wrapping up the final edits on the music video, and it's looking great. I think it's about time we release it."

Relief flooded through Arell at the news. "That's fantastic to hear, Geoffrey. I can't wait to see the final product."

"Yeah, its turning out well." Geoffrey replied, his voice tinged with satisfaction. "We've put in a lot of hard work."

Arell couldn't help but smile, excitement bubbling up inside him. "I believe in it too, Geoffrey. Thanks for all your hard work on this. Give Darius and Noah my thanks as well."

"No problem, Arell." Geoffrey said warmly. "But listen, there's something else we need to discuss. Some business decisions we'll need to make moving forward."

Arell's brow furrowed in curiosity. "What kind of decisions?"

"Well, with the music video about to drop, we need to start thinking about promotion and distribution," Geoffrey explained. "We'll also need to consider things like tour planning, merchandise, your image, labels, we also need to begin business ventures, music can't be your only source of income."

Arell nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Got it. When do you want to talk about this?"

"How about tomorrow?" Geoffrey suggested. "We can meet up at the apartment and go over everything in detail. Sound good?"

"Sounds perfect," Arell agreed. "I'll be there."

"Great," Geoffrey said, his tone decisive. "Looking forward to it. In the meantime, celebrate the completion of the music video. You deserve it."

"Thanks, Geoffrey," Arell replied sincerely. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Ending the call, Arell turned his attention back to Aisha, a sense of anticipation coursing through him.