Courtin' Jayd (8 page)

“You should have seen him a few hours ago. I think he may have broken a tooth and he doesn't have any insurance or money to get it fixed. At first I thought he broke his nose but the paramedics said it's okay.”

“The paramedics?” Maybe Jay was right about the blood on the carpet. It wouldn't be the first time. We really should have hardwood floors, especially in the den, where they all sleep. It's so disgusting back there I never go in there unless Mama sends me to get something, like the iron. I'm glad everyone has cell phones now because it used to be a regular trip to go back there to get the phone. Now I don't know what it looks or smells like in the den and it's much better for me if it stays that way.

“Yes, child. Your Daddy had to call 911 to get those boys to stop fighting and by the time he did, Junior was already bleeding all over the place. Even if I'm not the one they hit, I feel like I'm the one being beaten and I'm tired of it.” Mama places the spinach into an oversize wooden bowl and begins to peel the eggs from their shells. I feel sorry for whoever's on her bad side right now because Mama's hotter than usual.

“I'm sorry, Mama.” I never know what to say in these situations to make her feel better. I wish I could take her out of our house and move her into a space of her own. She deserves to be at peace and free from the negativity surrounding this house.

“Jayd, it's not your fault. And running from the problem won't do any good.” How did she know what I was thinking? Mama looks up at me and winks, forcing both of us to smile. “You forget I brought you into this world in more ways than one. I may not be able to read your thoughts like your mother can, but I can still read you, little girl.”

“Yes, ma'am,” I say, grating the last of the cinnamon while Mama places the eggs around a brilliant brass and white porcelain serving plate before generously coating them with honey. She then takes the spinach, shrimp, scallops, and fish and places them in the center of the dish and sprinkles everything with the fresh cinnamon and more honey. This dish must be for our spiritual mother, Oshune.

“So what else is going in your world besides you and Rah fighting?” she says, cleaning up the mess we've made and directing me to do the same. I'm not sure where to begin. There's so much going on between my friends and as always I feel caught in the middle.

“Well, Mickey's pregnant,” I say, only slightly shocking Mama. She knows Mickey and Nigel have been seeing each other for a while and that Mickey has a boyfriend. “To top it off, she doesn't know who the daddy is and has decided by default that it will be Nigel.” Mama looks at me and then down at her loyal German shepherd Lexi who's up and ready to follow us out of the door.

“Jayd, I've heard enough. You and your friends are always in some mess. I thought y'all were smarter than that and I know you are because I raised you better than that,” she says, putting her hands on her hips and pointing her long fingernail at me like I'm the one bringing home the baby.

“Why are you mad at me? I didn't do anything,” I say, tossing the last of the eggshells into the trash can. Mama cleans the table with a wet rag and Pine Sol while I get the broom and sweep the floor. The strong smell of the seafood and egg platter only slightly permeates the thick, fragrant air. It's about nine o'clock, which means I only have another two hours to get my homework done and my outfit picked out for tomorrow if I want to get to bed on time.

“Exactly my point. You didn't do anything at all to help your friends but went out of your way to help your enemy,” she says, referring to Misty as she rinses the worn dishrag in the sink. I look at Lexi, who's eyeing me as if to say, “Don't look at me. You know she's telling the truth.” A sistah can't get any love around here.

“Mama, that was different. Misty and her mother were about to be put out of their home. I was just trying to help.” I should've known better than to make a gris-gris for Misty and after the way she called me out at school, I've learned my lesson.

“Well, maybe if you had put more energy into helping two of your best friends it would have worked out for everyone.” Mama can be a cold sistah when she wants to. “Learn your lesson this time around, Jayd. We don't want to have to go here again.”

“She's right, Jayd. You can't save the world, but you can help the people closest to you,”
my mom intervenes. I still can't believe I'm getting lectured for my friend's pregnancy. What the hell?

“Oh Jayd, there's always something going on in your world, my little fire child,” Mama says, placing the heavy dish in the center of the table and eyeing her magnificent creation. It is a pretty offering. “Ask for protection from other people's problems when we present the sacrifice to the shrine. You're going to need it now more than ever before.” She then takes the machete and palm oil sitting behind the door and leads me out of the spirit room. “It's time to go back inside. I'm sure everything's calmed down and the cops are gone.” Mama doesn't deal with cops any more than she has to. “Please cover the plate with a paper towel and bring in Oshune's offering.”

As we walk across the backyard toward the main house, I notice Esmeralda's profile in the window across the yard. Just the thought of her being in close proximity to us gives me chills.

“Did you know there are people who are jealous of babies born with cauls? They get hated on for no reason, as you would put it,” Mama says, carefully holding the huge knife as she walks past the garage, headed for the backdoor. “They would do anything for the blessing you and others like you were born with.” Others like me? She's never put it quite like that before. I know there are stories of other gifted people born with the veil at birth but I've never met another one that I knew of. We should have a support group or something for all the drama we have to put up with on a regular basis.

“How do I protect myself from the haters? Can you make me a permanent charm or gris-gris or something?” I ask, making Mama laugh. Her mood always improves when she gives offerings to the shrine.

“All protection starts by feeding your Orisha and asking Legba to cool the road for your success. That's why we're feeding Ogun and Oshune tonight. We want their blessings and protection in this crazy house and from our crazy neighbor. You can start working on your own charm after we're done.” Damn, I asked for more work so I really can't say anything about this one. But something must've gone down that I don't know about to make her give me an assignment like that.

“Did something else happen?” Mama looks at me and the plate of food in my hands. It looks like she doesn't want to tell me but has no choice now that I've asked. Mama's excellent at evading the truth when necessary, but she's a horrible liar.

“Misty's mother was over there today and I saw Misty go in a little while before you came in. They're up to something and I'm pretty sure it has to do with you.”

“What are we going to do?” I know Misty isn't happy about me interfering with her problems and that she will retaliate but I don't know how. Whatever she's up to must be serious to have Mama worried about it.

“We'll act when the time is right. But for now we will just watch and see. Keep your eyes and ears wide open, Jayd.” Mama climbs the three steps up the back porch, finally reaching the door. Before entering the kitchen, she peeks in through the window to make sure the coast is clear. Everything appears to be quiet inside for the time being.

“But the longer I wait the more time she'll have to implement her revenge,” I say, following Mama into the house. As we walk through the living room I notice the red speckles across the faded blue carpet. I look up and focus on the back of Mama's head where her cornrows are intact, taking my mind off the bloodshed in here just a few hours ago. Mama opens her bedroom door and the candlelight guides us to the altar, where we are ready to let go of our problems.

“Sometimes the ones on the outside looking in have a greater advantage than those right in the middle of the madness.” Mama's right. I have to look at the entire view and not just do what I want to, especially in this situation with Misty and Esmeralda. Whatever Misty's planning must be good if she hasn't let it slip at school. For the next few days I'll take Mama's advice and get to work on protecting myself from the guaranteed ricochet of Misty's actions. I don't want to accidentally get hit by her fire.

A
fter Mama and I finished our ritual last night, I did my homework and went straight to bed. I ran late this morning because I didn't pick out my clothes before I went to bed last night like I usually do. When my morning doesn't start out right, my whole day's messed up and today is no exception to the rule.

Rah and I didn't have a chance to finish our talk about Sandy and Trish or more importantly, about us. He texted me late last night saying he would pick me up from school today and give me a ride to my mom's house, like nothing's happened at all this week, but I can't let this one slide. If we're going to have an honest friendship, he's going to have to treat me with the same respect he does Nigel. Otherwise we're wasting our time pretending to rebuild something we never had to begin with.

 

“Jayd, what's up with you? You've been off all day,” Jeremy whispers in the dark rehearsal room, grabbing my hand and pulling me into his arms like we're still together. Oh no, he didn't go there with me. I'm glad one of my friends is interested enough in my acting to come to some of the rehearsals, but claiming me is not part of the production. He feels so good I let him hold me a moment too long before I put him in check.

“What are you doing?” I say, pushing away from him. His eyes look surprised at my reaction but his smile says he was half expecting it. No matter how distasteful it may be in his opinion, he likes to see me hot.

“You looked like you could use a hug. I was trying to be a good friend.” Jeremy looks slightly wounded but he'll have to get over it. I'm tired of being there for dudes when they're ready to be intimate, but won't share important aspects of their lives with me. Coming from opposite sides of the track, Rah and Jeremy have a lot in common.

“A good friend keeps his hands to himself at all times,” I say, trying to keep my voice down as Reid and Chance perform their scene. I know Chance is acting but I'm sure the vehemence in his voice is real.

“You don't mind it when Chance and Nigel hug you, or even Rah,” he says, getting to his point. He wants to know how close Rah and I are and I'm not telling him a thing. I can't talk to Jeremy about my relationship with Rah or any other dude. We're not that friendly.

“Jayd, you're up next,” Matt whispers from the side seats where he and Mrs. Sinclair are seated. Seth is backstage controlling the lighting and sound. Between the three of them, our in-house plays are always well done. Reid and Chance are the best enemies I've seen on stage in a long time. It's as if all of the pent up animosity they have toward each other comes out in the scenes they're in together. Overall I think we're going to have good reviews for our performances.

“Jeremy, you and I agreed to be friends and that's what we're doing. So, no more close embraces or questions about my other friends. And for your information, I'm doing fine. I just have a lot on my mind,” I say, leaving him posted up on the back wall while I tiptoe backstage to wait for my cue. These boys are too confusing. It's enough that I have to deal with Rah in a couple of hours, but Jeremy's flirtatious behavior is enough to drive me over the edge.

“Fine then, don't tell me. But I'm only a phone call away if you need to talk,” he says heading toward the side door, ready to beat the bell for fifth period. It was nice of him to keep me company but I don't want anyone getting any more mixed signals from me. If I'm going to figure out this thing with Rah, I've got to stay focused and keep my emotions from bouncing around like a basketball.

And speaking of rebounds, Rah and I have to get it straight once and for all what his true intentions are with me. He's not the only one in this relationship and he needs to start acting like it right now.

 

My dance workout today was much more vigorous than usual and it was just what I needed. We're doing a section on South American dances and I'm loving the Brazilian music our teacher brought in for us to rehearse to. It really got my blood flowing and now I feel like I can take anything that's coming my way, including a battle with Rah. I took my time walking to the main hall from sixth period in the hopes I would get some quiet time before Rah picks me up, but not today.

“Jayd, we hardly saw you at all today. What's up?” Nellie says as she and Chance meet me at my locker. Nigel and Mickey are at the other end of the hall getting her stuff out of her locker before we all head out of Redondo Beach for the weekend. I don't like being near the water when it's cold like today. It'll be a good ten degrees warmer by the time we reach Inglewood. My mom has another weekend full of activities planned with her man so it's just me and my spirit and schoolwork since I have no job to go to. As long as that last paycheck from Simply Wholesome is at my mom's house when I get there, it's all good. They can act funny-style and force me to quit all they want to as long as they don't mess with my money.

“Nothing much. You know how Fridays are for me: quizzes and turning in assignments,” I say, reminding them both of how easy they've got it. “What did I miss?”

“Oh, just the usual bitchy bickering,” Chance says, eyeing the crowded hall as students get ready for the weekend. The marching band passes through, ready for the football game tonight. I switch out my books for the weekend and shut my locker door. It's a disgrace. I have papers from the first day of school crammed into the overstuffed space, making it look messier than need be. Usually I'm pretty good about keeping it clean but I've been so distracted by all the other priorities in my life that I've forgotten to keep my own messes straight.

“Yeah, Mickey and Misty went off on each other at break. You should've been there,” Nellie says, all too excited. She and Mickey aren't speaking right now and Nellie is back on her hating path. Mickey and Nigel eye us from down the hall. I assume they're deciding on whether or not to join us. Even if I do agree with her, I still think Nellie shouldn't hate on our homegirl. We just have to figure out a way to get her to tell the truth to Nigel without destroying our friendships.

“Yeah, and who were you rooting for?” I say as I turn around to walk toward the office. As I approach the other end of the hall, Rah walks through the double doors, looking good in his silver Phat Farm sweat suit and baseball cap to match. How can I stay mad at him when he always looks so flyy?

“Myself, as always,” Nellie answers, walking behind me hand in hand with Chance. Rah stops to greet Nigel and Mickey, who are still at her locker as we walk up, creating more tension where there should be peace.

“What's up, y'all?” Nigel says, unaware of the battle going on between us girls. I wonder if he knows Nellie's still feeling him. Probably not, and if he does he couldn't care less. Mickey's got him sprung and vice versa. All would be cool with that if they weren't involved with other people.

“Hey Nellie, Chance, Jayd,” Rah says, looking at me intently as Jeremy walks up behind him, making this scene even more awkward. “You ready to roll?” Before I can answer Chance greets his boy, causing Rah to look over his shoulder at my ex. They stand about the same height and I look up at them both, not sure what to say. I know Jeremy wants to talk but Rah is now my steady ride to Inglewood on the weekends and I don't want to mess that up.

“What's going on?” Jeremy says, giving the eye to Nigel and Chance and nodding “what's up” to Rah. He and Rah are cordial, but ever since Jeremy and I broke up, Rah hasn't had anything nice to say to or about him. “Are we ready to kick KJ's ass on the court next weekend?”

“Fo' sho', man. He's not winning shit on my home court,” Nigel says as cocky as ever. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but KJ's skills are not confined to a particular space. He's hot no matter where he balls and he knows it. If he wins at Westingle a week from Sunday, Nigel, Jeremy, and Chance will never be able to live it down.

“What are y'all talking about?” Rah says, out of the loop. Sometimes I forget he doesn't attend South Bay, as often as he's up here.

“Man, that punk-ass nigga got us in a game of three-on-three with his boys Monday, but it's cool. We got next,” Nigel says, wrapping his arm protectively around Mickey's waist while rubbing her belly. How long is she going to play this game with him? “We're going to clean the court with his face when he comes to our side of town.”

“Yeah, that's right. We can take him,” Chance says, trying to make Nigel's move on Nellie but she's not having it. She abruptly moves his arms from around her waist to her shoulders. Nellie's too prude to display a lot of public affection with Chance. Something tells me if it were Nigel she might feel differently.

“The hell you can,” Rah says, laughing at their team spirit. “If you want to win against black men you have to play with black men,” he says, pretending to shoot a basketball in the air while walking toward me. Rah puts his arms around my waist and kisses my neck, taking me and everyone else by surprise. It feels good but he's way out of line and I don't want Jeremy to think we're together when we're not.

“Why are you all over me?” I say, pushing away from Rah and smacking him in the arm. He gives me a wicked smile and gets back to the conversation. I notice Jeremy's tight jaw loosen slightly and he breathes a deep sigh of relief witnessing my reaction.

“Damn man, it's like that,” Chance says, feigning hurt. He knows how it is when it comes to sports and black dudes' ego. They feel superior and most of the time rightfully so. But this time Rah's in for a surprise.

“Hell yeah, it's like that. I don't have to see it to believe that KJ and his boys whipped your asses. I've seen them play. They were probably being nice.” Rah can be a real jerk sometimes and—unfortunately for me—it's part of his appeal. “You know white boys can't jump. Ain't that right, Nigel?” Nigel looks at Chance and back at Rah, who's waiting for his brotha to back him up, but not this time.

“Man, normally, I'd agree with you. But Chance and Jeremy can ball, real talk,” Nigel says. Mickey smacks her chewing gum loudly, annoying Nellie, who doesn't need any more aggravation from her. Nellie stares at Mickey and then at Nigel. I feel like she's going to spill the beans any moment. But before she has another opportunity to blow Mickey's façade, Mrs. Bennett walks into the hallway from the side entrance, ruining our impromptu school session. Now it's really time for us to go.

“Oh look, students who love school so much they're here fifteen minutes after the bell has rung on a Friday afternoon. What are the odds?” she says, breezing by us in the now near-empty hall on her way to the office. Rah laughs at her comment and everyone but Jeremy and I follow suit. Mrs. Bennett's not in their lives like she is in ours.

“We're just chilling, Mrs. B,” Jeremy says, taking some of the heat off me. Stopping in her tracks, Mrs. Bennett spins around like a ballerina, looks over her thin-framed glasses, and smiles at him.

“Jeremy, I've known you and your brothers for years and I'm always surprised by the company the three of you choose to keep.” The insult rolls off her tongue like water and lands on my head, setting me off.

“Why do you bother being nice to this woman?” I ask Jeremy, and he looks at me as if to say “shut up.” This is why we broke up in the first place. He'll never be cool with me speaking my mind when he doesn't agree with what I have to say or how I choose to deliver it.

“This woman,” Mrs. Bennett says, placing one of her hands on her thin hips, tilting her short frame heavily to her right side. Her blue eyes shimmer in the fading sunlight, appearing as a blue-green color, almost mirroring Esmeralda's eyes. “I deserve more respect than that, young lady.”

“Whatever,” I mumble under my breath. I don't want to start another war with Mrs. Bennett but she makes it so easy to hate her. My friends look in silence, waiting for the next move.

“Jayd, why do you possess so much animosity toward me?” she asks, taking a step closer to me. “Maybe you need to spend more time getting to know me before you're so quick to judge me as your enemy.” Something in Mrs. Bennett's cold eyes is more familiar to me than usual. I feel like she knows more than she's saying but I don't know what about. “Have a nice weekend, everyone, and do be careful,” she says, turning around and walking off toward her original destination.

“She's a piece of work, isn't she? I'm glad she's not my teacher,” Nigel says, hugging Mickey tightly before they walk off. “See y'all later.”

“Yeah, we'd better be out too. There's a sale at Nordstroms and I don't want to miss it,” Nellie says, pulling Chance in the opposite direction. I wonder if Chance knows he's being used. I'm sure Nellie likes him, but not as much as she's apparently still feeling Nigel.

“Later,” I say. Now it's just me, Jeremy, and Rah, who's waiting for Jeremy to walk away but he doesn't. He stands across from us looking at me like he has something to say but can't find the words. I hope he stays on mute because now is not the time to make a scene.

“I hope you didn't take my comment about white boys ballin' too seriously, man. It's nothing personal,” Rah says, crossing his arms over his chest. I switch my backpack from one arm to the other, ready to go.