Jayd's Legacy (9 page)

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Authors: L. Divine

BOOK: Jayd's Legacy
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Finally deciding on a grassy spot outside the drama room to hold our meeting, Alia, Leslie, Matt, and Seth sit opposite me, Jeremy, Nellie, and Chance. Alia tries to hide her feelings for Chance by not sitting next to him. But, everyone knows she's got it bad for him. Too bad Chance is only interested in Nellie at the moment. He's let all his White girls fall to the side for now, hoping he can when Nellie's favor by spending more time with her during the campaign.
Nellie's the only homecoming princess candidate out of our four at the meeting. All of the candidates were chosen by Seth with Matt's approval. And, quite naturally, he picked only divas, like Tania and Nellie, to be our nominees. Normally, none of the candidates would be here. But, because she's my friend, no one minds her being present. Our meetings are much more laid back than ASB or any other club, I'm sure.
“So, what's the good word, people?” Matt says, officially calling the meeting to order in his own way. He's our president and Leslie's the secretary. We don't have any other officers because we don't need them. Mrs. Sinclair, our teacher and sponsor, keeps all of our money so there's no need for a treasurer, and who cares about the vice president anyway? “We've got twenty minutes, so let's get going. Leslie, are you writing this down?” Leslie's too busy puffing on her Marlboro Light to write anything down.
“I'll keep minutes,” Alia says, pulling a composition notebook out of her backpack and turning to a fresh page.
“OK, good. So, who has a suggestion for our homecoming performance?” Matt asks, taking a hit from Leslie's cigarette.
“I think we should perform a spoof of the athletes and cheerleaders like we did last year. That guaranteed us popularity for the rest of the year.” Seth's right about that. No one ever forgot how entertaining the Drama Club was last year, especially not the athletes and cheerleaders.
“Nah, man. We need to do something original and unexpected,” Chance says, leaning back on the grass, allowing him a better view of Nellie's backside. Jeremy and I look at each other, sharing a giggle at Chance's expense.
“I don't understand how a performance is going to help me win,” Nellie says, expertly shifting the focus of the meeting to her crown. “What we need is a campaign like Laura's.”
“Would you please get off of Laura's jock for a minute and let us do our thang?” I say, tired of her wanting to be something she's not. “We get votes by getting the masses on our side. And we do that by performing, not just by passing out fliers and pamphlets about how great you or the other candidates are,” I say, making everyone in the group smile, except for Nellie.
“This is what we need, right here,” Chance says. Matt and Jeremy nod in agreement. “This is our skit.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I ask.
“This, right here. We need to put together a scene with you two clowning the ASB's campaign and then we follow it up by a song or some shit,” Matt says, rising from his spot on the grass and walking around our circle.
“Yeah, like the two of them talking about the posters and all the sweating her punk ass boyfriend Reid's doing on her behalf,” Chance says. “And then we can have a rap song to top it off. This is going to be hilarious,” he says, reassuring Nellie, who looks like her worst fears have just come true.
“It all sounds great, but I don't want to perform,” Nellie says. “That's your department, Jayd. I don't want people to see me on stage until I'm being crowned,” she says, reclaiming her position as the diva of the group.
“Whatever,” I say, tiring of her attitude.
“That's fine. We can get Chance to do it,” Matt says. “You two were going at it during my party a few weeks back. If you can bring that same spark to the stage, which we all know you can, we've got it made.” Jeremy, looking a little uncomfortable, gets up and starts to leave the meeting and me behind.
“I'll meet you at the car, Jayd. I have to make a call. Later,” Jeremy says to the rest of the group. I hope everything's OK.
“Later, dude,” Chance says. “Matt, I think you're on to something here. I've got the perfect song, too.” We all agree that Chance and I will perform the old-school cut,
Can I Get A ...
by Jay-Z for our campaign day next week and win some cool voting points for our clique. The topic of this song is just right to get me and Chance going. After all, it was our debate about guys exchanging cheddar for girls' cookies that inspired Matt's suggestion in the first place. Besides, the hook is contagious and will stay in people's minds long after the performance, which is just what we want.
“Rehearsals will start tomorrow during lunch and after school and continue everyday until we perform next week. Meeting adjourned.” As we all scramble away from the drama room, I can't help but worry about Jeremy's reaction to me performing with Chance. I wonder what that's all about?
9
A Slice of Beef
“Bring beef to your house Like a Chinese take out.”
—ALKAHOLIKS
 
 
E
ven with Nellie's objection to being on stage at Wednesday's meeting, we still think it would be a good idea. I asked Nellie again yesterday before our first rehearsal at lunch, but she adamantly refused, saying she has stage fright. I think it would be a good idea for her to be a part of the performance, if for no other reason than to give her more visibility. We spent all of our time yesterday rehearsing or passing out pamphlets and pins with Nellie's face plastered all over them. Seth also set up a page for Nellie's campaign on the Drama Club's Web site. Nellie definitely has full exposure now, giving ASB and the athletes and cheerleaders something to worry about.
All of her newfound fame is making me worry too. As homecoming week approaches, I can't help but to keep recalling my dream about her and Chance getting blasted with paint guns. The more I think about it, the more I know it's some kind of warning. But, how do I change the future if I'm not exactly sure of her enemy's identity? With the Misty and KJ drama, it was so simple because my enemies were all up in my face. I just didn't heed my dreams in time to avoid most of the drama. But, this time is different.
I'm just glad it's Friday and I can escape all of this week's BS. I'm also glad Jeremy invited me to have an early dinner with him at his favorite pizza spot. Chance and Nellie came with us to discuss more campaign strategies. And, I've decided to go the session tonight with Raheem and Nigel, if for no other reason than to let off some steam.
“So, tell the truth. Did Michael steal his wife from Reid's older brother?” I ask as I dig into the hot pizza on the table in front of us. Pizza by the Slice is the only authentic New York–style pizza parlor around here. Jeremy and his brothers should own half the business as much as he claims they eat here.
“Where'd you hear that?” Jeremy says, getting a very serious face all of a sudden. Nellie and Chance look at each other and then back at me, waiting for my response.
“I didn't hear it anywhere,” I say, putting the hot slice into my mouth and taking a bite before continuing. I actually didn't hear it anywhere. After talking to Ms. Toni about the whole family feud thing, I came up with my own reasoning, and, from his response, I don't think I'm too far off. “I'm just trying to figure out what could make y'all hate each other so much, since you won't give up all the family secrets,” I say, brushing my shoulder up against his. Our quaint booth is a couple's dream, if that couple's getting along.
“You're putting a lot on this, Jayd,” Jeremy says, looking slightly amused at my detective work. He takes a slice from the hot pie and folds it in half like a hot dog before biting into it. He's a pro at eating pizza.
“Christi and Ted used to date back in high school,” Jeremy says, casually dropping some juicy information. Now, that's the root of all this beef. It's always over a girl and some dude's fragile ego being broken.
“What he's not telling you, Jayd, is that Christi and Michael almost died in a car accident on prom night. They can't prove it, but everybody knows Ted had something to do with it,” Chance says, adding more sauce to the mix. Nellie looks even more interested in the full story than I am.
“So, what happened?” Nellie says, picking at her single slice of cheese pizza. Chance, Jeremy, and I are sharing a large pepperoni.
“What do you think happened?” Chance responds. “When Michael got out of the hospital, he promptly whipped Ted's ass. And, Justin and Jeremy got in a couple of kicks too,” Chance says, giving his boy dap. Jeremy looks like none of this affects him anymore. But, it obviously does or he'd be taking me to the dance.
“Now, will you get off my back about not going to the dance with you?” Jeremy says. “Besides, even if I wanted too, my mom would never forgive me,” he says.
“Why would your mom care?” I ask. “And, since when does your mom stop you from doing anything?”
“My mom believes my brothers and I should be loyal to one another,” he says. A sense of pride has just claimed his head like a crown. “We do a lot of stupid shit together and separately. But, one thing remains. No matter what, we stand by one another. And, that includes not going to any more school functions as long as a Connelly is in charge.”
“Hey, you and Chance should go together,” Nellie offers, trying to bring a little lightness to the serious mood. But, the look on Jeremy's face doesn't agree.
“I don't mind taking my girl,” Chance says, not aware of Jeremy's emotion. “What color are you wearing?” he asks.
“I don't have a dress yet,” I answer. “But, I may already have a date,” I say, trying to get out of this without much protest. I don't know why Jeremy looks the way he does. But, I know showing up with Chance isn't the right thing to do.
“Really?” Nellie asks. “Who?” she persists, trying to blow my cover.
“I'm not saying anything until it's solid,” I say. I'll ask Nigel to be my homecoming escort tonight when he picks me up, since he doesn't seem interested in asking Nellie. And, I'm sure he's not bringing his steady girlfriend. Being the true player that he is, he knows better than to mix up his dual school identities. He'll keep his Westingle connection through her—whoever she is—and keep whatever profile he creates for himself at South Bay on the low.
“Whatever, Jayd. You know you ain't gotta date,” Chance says, snatching up his third slice. “And what about you, Nellie? Who's the lucky dude?” Chance asks, rubbing up against Nellie's side with his arm.
“I don't have an escort yet,” Nellie says, giving me the evil eye. I know she wants me to get Nigel to ask her. But, I ain't doing that to my girl. Knowing Nigel, he would happily oblige, taking advantage of Nellie and putting me in an impossible situation between two of my closest friends. I make it a habit of never willingly hooking my girls up with dogs, no matter how charming and cute they are.
“I think you two should go together,” I say, gesturing to Chance and Nellie. “It makes sense,” I say, not mentioning the fact Chance can offer Nellie the much needed protection my dream predicts she'll need.
“You're joking, right?” Nellie says. “I thought you said you were hooking me up with a friend of yours,” she persists, about to intentionally blow my cover if I don't give in to her silent demand.
“I was, but he turned out to be taken,” I say, not wanting to give up all my info. She needs to shut up about Nigel and now.
“Really? Because it didn't sound like that the other day,” she continues, as relentless as a pit bull. Why can't she take a hint? “As a matter of fact, I could've sworn he was very interested,” she says, getting hella salty. Maybe I should hook her up with Nigel and let him check her oversize ego. I can testify to the manipulative skills of Nigel and his friends.
“Nellie, can we talk about this later?” I say, feeling uncomfortable. Chance and Jeremy smile at each other while shaking their heads. I know what their thinking.
“Girls,” Jeremy says admonishingly, while picking up the empty pizza tray and returning it to the counter, where the cashier promptly removes it. The few other customers in the spot are hella young and playing video games, not interested in our conversation at all.
“Ladies, please,” Chance says, getting up to join Jeremy who's made his way to the door, indicating he's ready to leave. Chance pulls out a pack of cigarettes and his Zippo lighter, ready for a smoke break. Nellie and I are still seated in the booth and looking hard at each other.
“Nellie, what the hell is your problem?” I ask, shocked that, after all I've sacrificed for her this week she's acting like a little brat. Or better yet, a spoiled princess.
“My problem is you can't have everything you want, Jayd. You have to make some choices and give the rest of us a chance,” she says, seriously tripping. If she thinks I want Nigel to myself, she's got another thing coming. Why do all girls have to possess a little broad in them?
“Nellie, what the hell are you talking about?” I ask, ready to check her in front of everyone.
“Yeah, Nellie, what, or rather, who are you talking about?” Chance asks, looking from her to Jeremy, who, judging by the look on his face was just thinking the same thing. I can see why they're such good friends.
“I'm talking about Nigel,” Nellie says, leaving no holds barred. This girl's on one for real. It's a trip what jealousy will do to a person. But, I don't need any more beef in my life right now. So, I need to diffuse this situation and quick. Jeremy's looking real interested and I don't want him to get any more ideas.
“Nellie, like I said. I already asked him for you and he said he's got a girlfriend,” I say. But, she still doesn't look sympathetic.
“So he can go with you, but not with me,” she says, seeing straight into my thoughts. “What's that all about?” Nellie asks, shocking me, Chance, and most of all Jeremy. He looks like he's just been betrayed and I could kill Nellie for stirring up more shit.
“We're friends from way back in the day,” I say, trying to make it sound insignificant. “If we were to go, which we haven't even discussed yet, it wouldn't be a date, which it would be if you two went together.” Looking a little less defensive, Nellie gets up and stands next to Chance, who's waiting for her next move.
“So, you know Nigel,” Jeremy asks, walking over to give me a hand out of the booth. “Why am I just now finding out about this?” he asks.
“No reason. I just haven't had a chance to tell you about it, with all the homecoming stuff going on,” I say, not wanting to lie about my association with Nigel any longer. But, I'm still not ready to tell him all about Raheem.
“So, how do you know Nigel?” Chance asks, diverting some of Jeremy's heat from me and leading the way out the restaurant and toward the parking lot.
“We went to junior high together,” I say, holding on tight to Jeremy's hand. “I haven't seen or talked to him in years.”
“Well, why you didn't just say that in the beginning? Never mind. I'm sure it's some chick thing and I don't want to know,” Chance says, completely calming the situation and opening the passenger door for Nellie to get in. “Need a ride home, miss junior class homecoming princess to be?” he says, making Nellie smile and lighten up a bit. She can be so damn volatile sometimes.
“Yes, I do. And Jayd, I'm sorry I got so upset,” Nellie says, making me question her sanity. She can switch up so fast. This homecoming shit has gone straight to her head and is leaving no room for straight thinking.
“No problem,” I say, not wanting to chew her out in front of Jeremy and Chance. Some things are best left for private. But, she will get told for airing my laundry, especially over a dude she barely knows.
“Get her home safely,” Jeremy says to Chance as he gets in his car and speeds off, leaving Jeremy and me to deal with our own issues.
 
“What was that look you gave about Chance taking me to the dance?” I ask as we head up Pacific Coast Highway toward Inglewood, our now customary Friday route to my mom's.
“It was nothing,” he says, not even denying it. So, it must be something good.
“Enough with the secrets,” I declare, tired of his tendency to avoid uncomfortable conversations. “If we're going to make it as a couple, you have to tell me the truth,” I say, feeling the contradiction of my own words. Here I am sweating the clock because I have to get ready for the session tonight and I haven't even told him about the first one last weekend. I tell myself I'm just waiting for the right time. But truthfully, I'm afraid of Jeremy's reaction.
“Fine, Jayd,” he says, finally giving in to me. “Chance used to have a crush on you,” he says, not telling me anything new.
“So?” I say. “I used to have a crush on him too. It's no big deal,” I say, making light of it. Our crushes didn't last long and we've been friends ever since.
“Well, then you can see why I might be a little concerned with the two of you going to a dance together,” he says. I never realized how jealous Jeremy really is. Ms. Toni was right. These Weiner boys can be possessive when they feel threatened.
“Now I know you're not worried about me and Chance,” I say, taking my hand from its customary position on his thigh and crossing my arms over my chest. “Before you, I wasn't really into White guys, Chance included,” I say, trying to reassure him of how special our relationship is. “You apparently are used to interracial dating. This is a first for me and I don't take it lightly. Chance knows this about us and, because he's my friend, would never do anything to jeopardize our relationship,” I say, hoping my words are sinking in.
“Yeah, I know Chance is a good guy. But, you hide shit too, Jayd. Like this whole Nigel thing. What's up with that?” he asks, speeding into the twist and turns of the highway, ignoring the congested traffic. His music is blaring, making it difficult to communicate.

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