Free Lying to Live by Darrien Lee

Denim’s car,” she answered.
    â€œThere has to be at least ten thousand dollars in there. We can’t accept this.”
    â€œIf my suspicions are correct, you’re probably losing time from work by staying at home with Denim. I’m sure Denim’s losing time from school and maybe a job herself. It would make me feel better if you would let me do this for you,” R.J. explained.
    Mrs. Mitchell took the envelope out of Denim’s hand and said, “I’m not concerned about losing time from work, but we appreciate you offering to pay for her car. If there’s anything left over, we’ll make sure it’s returned to you.”
    R.J. reached for his crutches. “No need. Put it in Denim’s college fund or something.”
    Denim helped R.J. up from his seat and said, “It was really nice of you to come all the way over here to see me.”
    He put the crutches under his armpits and said, “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope you’re feeling better soon.”
    â€œYou too,” Denim replied as she and her mother walked him to the door.
    When Mrs. Mitchell opened the door, they were met by Dré and Julius on the porch.
    â€œHey, guys,” Denim greeted happily.
    Julius couldn’t speak. He was in shock, and so was Dré.
    â€œThis is R.J. He came by to see how I was doing,” Denim explained. “R.J., this is my boyfriend, Dré, and my friend Julius.”
    R.J. held his hand out to the boys, and when he shook Julius’s hand, he asked, “What’s up, li’l man? I know you, don’t I?”
    Julius shrugged his shoulders and stuttered, “I—I don’t know. I mean, maybe.”
    â€œI’ve seen you around the neighborhood and playing ball in the park. Yeah, I know you,” R.J. said. “You’re a good kid. Make sure you stay in school and away from all the craziness in the street.”
    â€œGreat advice,” Denim answered.
    R.J. shook Dré’s hand and said, “Everybody knows you, man. You’re a hell of a ballplayer, and you made me a lot of money last year. I can’t wait until the season starts this year.”
    â€œThanks,” was all Dré could say as he walked past R.J. Then he mumbled something under his breath.
    Julius nervously followed him into the house, with his head hanging. Denim looked at them curiously and wondered why they were acting so strangely. She decided to discuss it with them once R.J. was gone.
    â€œYou don’t have to walk me to my car, Denim. I got it. Go back inside with your guests.”
    â€œGood-bye, R.J., and drive safely.”
    â€œI will,” he replied, then walked to his car, threw his crutches in, and climbed inside.
    Denim reentered the house and found Dré and Julius talking to her mother in the family room.
    â€œWhat the hell was that?” she asked them as she joined them in the family room. “I know you two have manners. Why did you treat R.J. like that?”
    Mrs. Mitchell exited the room and said, “Watch your language, young lady.”
    Once her mother was out of the room, Denim folded her arms and said, “I’m waiting.”
    Dré walked over to her and asked, “Why was that man in your house?”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” she asked. “That’s R.J. He was the passenger in the car that hit me, and he came to thank me for getting him out of the burning car and to see how I was doing. Oh, and he also gave me some money to fix my car.”
    Dré shook his head in disbelief. He turned to Julius and said, “You know who he is, right?”
    Julius nodded in silence because Denim and Dré didn’t know the half of what he knew.
    â€œDenim, you might know him as R.J., but that’s Viper!” Dré revealed. “He’s bad news, and he’s dangerous. Stay away from him.”
    â€œHe doesn’t seem dangerous to me. Actually,