“Got it,” I replied instantly. I think it was at that moment I knew there was a lot of growing I had to do. Scarlett was right. I needed to inspire the woman I loved. We shouldn’t take anything for granted.

I was silent most of the ride home and so was Scarlett. She drove up to the side of my house and reinforced her previous words. “Sure. What I said was harsh, Adrian. But you have to remember that you’re not the victim here. Be good to Mel. Make her feel like she belongs. Because she does.”

“She does matter,” I said softly. “Thanks, Scarlett.” I got out of the car and went straight inside.

When I got inside, I didn’t weigh myself, I didn’t take a shower (which I probably should have), and instead I went straight to my room, turned off the lights, and reflected on what Scarlett had said to me. She was right. I loved Mel. I had to do better. I had to be better.

The next morning when I woke up it was 8:15 a.m. Class started at nine. I rushed. I couldn’t find my water bottle, so I just ran for my bus because I couldn’t be late for gym class with Donny first thing. I didn’t even have time to weigh myself . . . or eat breakfast. I tried my hardest to make it on time but when I got off the bus it was already 9:12 a.m. So I ran into the school and straight to the gym. Donny was already there, leaning against one of the machines in the weight room as if he was too cool to be there.

“What’s up, AC?” He smiled. “You look wiped.”

“Yeah. I just ran here from the bus stop. I didn’t want to be late.”

“Well, you are. It’s no biggie though. I guess I can’t participate in gym today.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“I’m wearing jeans.” Donny pointed down. “I don’t have the correct attire to use any of the equipment in here.”

“Yeah. Like that wasn’t intentional.” I grinned. “What did Mr. Stephens have to say about that?”

“He just shook his head at me and walked away.”

We both laughed. I could picture that scene in my mind, and I would have loved to see Mr. Stephens’s stupid face while Donny gave him a smug look. I took a seat and we chatted for a bit.

“How’s kung fu going?” he asked.

“You mean kickboxing? It’s pretty great.”

“That’s not what you said a few days ago. Mel still going?”

“Yeah. She’s doing pretty well, actually. Her karate experience really kicks in.”

“Yeah, but is she still knocking your vibe? The other day you were saying how she made you jealous. Did you talk to her about it? Can she scrap, though?”

“Yeah, she kind of got the better of me last night. It was pretty embarrassing.”

“I’m sure it was. She shouldn’t be there,” he said, before getting distracted by something in the corner of his eye.