Authors: L. Divine
Hustlin' (20 page)
Ahead of us, Nellie stops at the main entrance of the lavish home, turning around and facing us several feet behind her, well out of normal earshot. But she knows by our body language that something's up.
“And why do I care?” I take Chance's arm, turning him away from Nellie's gaze, just in case her eyes are anything like Esmeralda's piercing stares.
“All she has to do now is give up a secret about a former best friendâor two, in this case.”
“What secret, exactly, did she give up?” I ask. The look on Chance's face is all the answer I need. “She told them about Mickey ditching with Nigel and having me sign her note, didn't she?” So all this time I was right about Nellie selling us out. It's amazing how low a person will sink to be a part of whatever they consider to be the “in” crowd. And Nellie's standards just keep sinking lower and lower.
“Chance, I'm waiting,” Nellie says, impatiently crossing her arms over her flat chest and tapping her left foot.
I can't wait to put my foot up her ass, but this isn't the time or the place.
“You coming, Jayd?” Chance asks, not moving from where we're standing, but obviously knowing his limits with Nellie.
I look across the yard at Jeremy, who gives me a look like he's not feeling this party at all. And honestly, neither am I. I look around the property and neither Laura nor Reid's car is here, which means they haven't arrived yet, if they're coming at all. They're not part of the drama club and may not show, which means I'll have to wait until Monday to test out the spray on Laura anyway. Why not save the night and chill with Jeremy? I do have a driver's license to celebrate.
“Nah, I think me and Jeremy have other plans.” I don't know what they are yet, but anything beats being here and having to deal with Nellie's twisted ass for the remainder of a perfectly good evening.
“You can't leave yet. I've got a little something for you,” Chance says, pulling a small wrapped gift out of his jacket pocket. Jeremy, seeing the exchange, walks over to see what's in the package. Nellie looks shocked at Chance's surprise: I guess Chance isn't completely lost under her spell.
“Oh, Chance,” I say, unwrapping the pretty, antique brass picture frame with the original Macbeth flyer behind the glass. It's nice to see my name listed in the lead role again. “This is the most thoughtful gift I've ever received.”
“You'll always be a queen to me,” he says, hugging me and making Nellie steam with jealousy. Jeremy doesn't look too happy about the gift either, but he doesn't look as upset as Nellie does. Wait until Monday rolls around and I'm really back in the lead, not just on paper. I can mold my reality into anything I want it to be. Nellie and the rest of my haters will be there to witness who's got the real power to stop a show around here.
12
The Showstopper
“One night only/
There's nothing more to say.”
There's nothing more to say.”
âBEYONCÃ/
DREAMGIRLS
DREAMGIRLS
Â
Â
Â
A
fter all of Saturday's excitement, I opted for a quiet remainder of my weekend. I braided Rah's hair Sunday afternoon, as agreed. Afterwards he brought me back to Mama's house early so I could get some work done in the spirit room while Mama was at the shelter. Daddy spent all day at church, which isn't unusual, and I took the opportunity to take another quiet bath and get to bed early for a change.
fter all of Saturday's excitement, I opted for a quiet remainder of my weekend. I braided Rah's hair Sunday afternoon, as agreed. Afterwards he brought me back to Mama's house early so I could get some work done in the spirit room while Mama was at the shelter. Daddy spent all day at church, which isn't unusual, and I took the opportunity to take another quiet bath and get to bed early for a change.
Now, I can't wait until opening night tonight. Laura won't know what hit herâliterally. She thinks she's got my crown in the bag, but she's got another think coming. And I'll be right there tonight to make sure she gets everything she deserves.
“Bryan, out,” I whisper through the closed bathroom door. I don't want to risk missing my bus and this morning we're both running late.
“Patience, young blood,” he says through the door. “It sounds like someone's nervous about their opening night. Is this how all divas act?”
“Bryan, not today,” I plead. “I've got to get ready.” He opens the door slowly, tempting me to kick it in and push him out of my way. But I choose to wait. I'll have to exercise a lot of patience today, so I might as well start off on the right foot.
“What's the rush? The play isn't until later tonight.”
I'm surprised anyone in this household knows my extracurricular activity schedule. Not a single one of them has ever come to any of my events, especially not a play. It's just not my family's cup of tea.
“Yes, but I've got business to handle before then.”
He opens the door to see me standing in the hallway, holding all of my morning essentials and looking desperate, which is exactly how I feel. Sensing that I'm talking about more than catching my bus, he gathers his things without subjecting me to any more torture.
“You'll be alright, little Jayd,” Bryan says, removing a wet towel from his head and leaving the bathroom. “You've got that hustler in you. Trust me, when it comes down to the moment of truth, you'll know what to do and how to do it. That's a real hustler, baby, and it's in your blood. Now go on and get before you're late for school. Don't have me get my belt out.”
I love Bryan. He always knows what to say and when to say it. Mama says that one of his deities is also Legba and I can tell. He's always got my back and clears the road for me whenever I need it.
“Thank you,” I say, entering the steamy bathroom. I should've put my shower cap on before coming in here. I don't want to mess up my hair before my big night. All the spray in the world can't straighten my hair out once the frizz gets to it.
“Anytime.”
Now I can get ready for my day. Before I can even get to drama class, I have to deal with turning in my paper in government class and with the rest of my school day. I just hope it goes by smoothly and that I get to be in the same room with Laura before we go on stage. All I need is one moment and I'll have my crown back in no time.
When I arrive on campus, the air is thick with excitement on various levels. It's the last week of school before the long break and opening night for the festival. The athletes and cheerleaders are gearing up for their performance in the festival, as well as the other side acts. But the main attraction is always the play. This is one of the few times the drama club gets to shine. We will perform for three nights in a row, with tonight being the biggest performance of all, and it's mine for the taking. All I have to do is get through this day, and it starts by making it through third period.
“Good morning, class,” Mr. Adewale says, walking in and making my day instantly brighten. Jeremy's not here yet and, with the bell ringing as Mr. A speaks, I don't think he's going to show. “Mrs. Peterson will be out until after the holiday. Your papers will be due when she returns.”
Now, that's the kind of luck I'm talking about. Mr. A smiles at me. He knows he's given me the best gift I could've received around here.
“You are the man,” I say, walking up to the teacher's desk to flirt a little before we start our day.
“I didn't do anything. She's got a cold.” He looks up from his usual pile of work momentarily, giving me a slight wink.
“Well, thank you for being here. Your presence is always helpful.” Mr. A looks so cute with his dreads hanging over his shoulders instead of pulled back in his usual ponytail.
“I'm glad I could help. By the way, did you get that situation straightened out you were dealing with last week?”
“Not yet, but it's all good. Let's just say I have a little something up my sleeve.”
“I have no doubt that you do,” he says.
Mr. A's tone gives me the same chill I got on Tuesday when he gave me the advice to hold my ground. What's up with Mr. Adewale's vibe towards me?
“Now get back to your seat and polish up that paper. I know it could use a little more work.” He passes me the papers I assume he intended to give me the other day. I'll check this information out and do more research on the man himself during the two-week break. But right now, he's right. I have other things to focus on. Tonight's drama is at the top of my list.
Â
It's after school and everyone in the drama room is so excited about the play that the noise level makes it difficult for anyone to hear a word that Mrs. Sinclair's yelling over our heads. We're all running around like chickens with our heads cut off and Laura's nowhere in sight. But, like all chickens, she'll have to show her neck sometime.
“Okay kids, listen up. I need all of the boys on stage for a final costume fitting. Girls, get your hair and makeup done. You're on in five.” Because my costumes had to be altered again, I still get to wear my original nightgown intended for Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene. It's a plain, beige floor-length dress and it looks better than the gown they gave Laura to wear.
“Poor Jayd,” Laura says, occupying the seat next to mine at the long dressing vanity. I'm glad she's finally decided to show. “Always a bridesmaid and never the bride,” she says, primping in the mirror.
Now's the perfect time to spray my “Hustler's Luck” potion and rid myself of her evil energy once and for all.
“Not everyone's trying to get hitched,” I say, taking the small bottle out of my purse and placing it on the vanity. I eye the simple, plastic bottle before picking it up and lightly spraying the floral scent over my head and then over the rest of my body.
“That smells nice,” Alia says.
I almost didn't recognize her because her witch's costume is perfect. She, China, and the new girl, Shawn, make the best witches ever. Laura was also supposed to play a witch until she took my part. Luckily, China volunteered because I wasn't going to take up that broom. I'm nobody's witch, not even in a play.
“Thank you. I like it, too. What do you think, Laura?”
Ready to make a smart-ass remark, Laura tries to speak, but nothing comes out of her mouth. Laura looks panic-stricken at her silent reflection in the mirror.
You,
she mouths at me as I smile victoriously at her reflection.
she mouths at me as I smile victoriously at her reflection.
What's she going to do? Run and tell on me? Not today she's not, and this is the only moment that matters. As we say in the theater, the show must go on. It stops for no one, Laura included.
“Laura, what's wrong?” Alia walks over to Laura, noticing her falling tears. “I'll go get Mrs. Sinclair.”
Just then our teacher walks in, accompanied by Ms. Toni and Mrs. Bennett, who look equally concerned.
“What's going on here?” Mrs. Sinclair walks up to Laura, who is now completely beside herself.
I stay in my seat, eyeing my reflection and watching the tragic scene unfold. Laura tries to speak, pointing at me and mimicking me spraying myself and then losing her voice. She's actually improving in her acting skills. I'm glad her being my understudy paid off in some way other than Laura taking my role. Damn, Mama's good with her shit.
“I don't know what she said, but this isn't good,” Ms. Toni says, looking from me to Laura, not believing what she's witnessing. I know she's heard about my powers, too. And after tonight's unlikely event, I know Ms. Toni's got about a thousand questions for me.
“I just thank God Jayd knows the part through and through. We don't have time to figure this out right now. We have a show to put on in an hour. Matt, Seth, where's Jayd's original costume? Cast change!” Mrs. Sinclair yells. Her curly red hair is bushier than usual, which means she's really at her wits' end with this production. Working with Mrs. Bennett can stress anyone out. But it's showtime and Mrs. Sinclair's in charge now.
“You won't get away with this,” Mrs. Bennett mouths at my reflection in the mirror.
I would respond, but I know my power and I don't need to prove a thing to her. Mrs. Sinclair takes the beautiful, red velvet gown out of the plastic cover it's been trapped in all week. Now, that's royalty.
“Here's your crown, Jayd,” Seth says, handing the small tiara to me.
Before I can properly secure it to my head, Laura reaches up, snatching it from my head just as my dream predicted.
“Get off me, trick,” I yell, fighting Laura for what is rightfully mine in the first place.
“Stop it, you two. We don't have time for this! We have a show to put on,” Mrs. Sinclair yells. Ms. Toni separates us while Mrs. Bennett looks on in disbelief. I bet she didn't see this one coming, but I did and I'm glad for it.
“Amateur,” Seth says exasperatedly toward Laura as she's escorted from the room, kicking and not screaming. He has no patience for people who don't take his theater seriously.
“What happened?” Chance asks. But seeing me heading toward the dressing room with my costume in hand, he already knows. “I don't know how you did it, but I knew you could,” he says, hugging me before returning to the stage.
I'm ready to wear my crown and own my part. Let Laura come at me again and I'll show her who's really boss. But for now, I'll be happy playing my role.
The past two nights have been unbelievable. We received standing ovations at each of the sold-out shows and tonight will be no exception.
“Hello, Laura. Still speechless, I see,” I say to a mute Laura as I pass her by, entering the main hall.
It's the last day of school and I want to make sure I have all of my books before Rah comes to pick me up this afternoon. We're going to have an early dinner before my final performance tonight. He's been to every show and so has Jeremy, who was absent from school again today. I don't know how many times he can get his mom to sign sick notes, but I guess the rules are different for students like him and students like Mickey and Nigel.
“I'll get you for this,” Laura mouths at me, shooting daggers at me with her brown eyes.
Other books
Miss Foxworth's Fate by Kelly, Sahara
Nothing Can Rescue Me by Elizabeth Daly
Innocence Taken by Janet Durbin
A Spy for the Redeemer by Candace Robb
Beckoned (The Brazil Werewolf Series) by Amanda K. Dudley-Penn
Love Inspired August 2014 – Bundle 1 of 2 by Ruth Logan Herne, Allie Pleiter and Jessica Keller
Kerrigan in Copenhagen by Thomas E. Kennedy
Attack of the Cupids by John Dickinson
Double Cross in Cairo by Nigel West
Blue's Revenge by Deborah Abela
