Frenemies (11 page)

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Authors: L. Divine

BOOK: Frenemies
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“Shut up,” I say, again smacking him in the head before I continue braiding. My mom will be home in a few hours, and I want to make sure I take my time with his hair and get packed up before she gets back. She doesn't like me moving slow on Sundays or any other day she has to take me back to Compton. My mom stays there long enough to holler at my grandparents, Bryan and Jay, and then she's out. Lynn Mae's not one for staying on the east side any longer than necessary.
“What time's your mom getting back?” he asks, knowing my routine. It must be nice to have a single home, no matter how dysfunctional it may be.
“About five,” I say.
“Cool,” he says, pulling out a blunt and lighting it, in full chill mode. My mom smokes sometimes, too, so she won't notice the lingering scent after we burn some incense and air the joint out. I'm glad Rah doesn't pressure me to smoke. He knows it's not my thing. I'm going to miss this freedom once I return to Mama's. But I am looking forward to getting this week over. It's going to be busy at home with Mama's Halloween clients becoming more demanding as the unholy day approaches, and I want to get the Masquerade Ball over, too. I better enjoy my last few hours of chill time before the storm begins.
 
I walk into the gymnasium turned cemetery, my Afro wig in full effect as I strut across the floor in my high-heeled boots. I look around and can barely make out the bodies, due to the false fog generating through the large room, but I can feel Rah's presence and taste his chocolate-coated kisses on my lips. I feel like I need a drink of cool water to quench my parched throat, so I begin looking for the refreshment table on the other side of the gym.
There are spiderwebs and bloody mannequins hanging from the ceiling, which further obstruct my vision as I make my way through the crowd. In the center of the basketball court are three huge bubbling cauldrons where people are lined up to take their turns bobbing for apples; Tania, Nellie and Laura are in the middle row. I notice that Tania, who's naturally in front of her followers, has an apple hidden up her sleeve. When her turn comes, she refuses to put her blindfold on and bobs for her fruit with perfect aim. She then slips her hidden apple in the water, and Nellie follows her lead, just as Tania expected.
“Go for that one, Nellie,” Tania says, pointing to the planted target with a wicked grin. Her demeanor fits her costume perfectly: a sluttish witch. I feel like I'm in a twisted version of
Snow White
and I need to save Nellie from the jealous stepmother's poisonous plan, but I'm too late. By the time I run over to where they are, she's already bitten into the tainted fruit infected with worms, which quickly spread all over Nellie's face, freaking out her and everyone else around.
Remember, Jayd, true friends help each other in their time of need, even when they won't admit they need it,
my mom says, her thoughts again invading my space.
 
“Jayd, get up,” Bryan says, reminding me it's Monday morning and I need to wake up. The buses around here wait for no one, no matter how cute I may be. Damn, I knew something was going to go down at the ball. I've got to get through to Nellie before Saturday or she may never recover from this one. There's no limit to Tania's evil, and I intend to expose her for the vixen she truly is.
11
Yuck Mouth
“Smile for me, Daddy/
Let me see your grill.”
—NELLIE
A
fter my dream last night about Nellie's unfortunate snack, I felt a little nauseated this morning and made some raspberry tea for breakfast. My monthly visitor should be gone by Wednesday, but until then Mama's herbal capsules will help me deal with the inconvenience. No drugs they sell in the store will ever beat Mama's herbs.
The bus rides to school this morning were unusually annoying, with my cramps still in full effect. It's break, and I really just want to lie down on a bench and soak up some of the sun's warmth; it always relaxes me. I just need to switch off my books before I chill. But to my surprise, Nellie's waiting at my locker. This can't be good.
“Hey, Jayd,” Nellie says, acting like we've been cool for the past few weeks. Something must've happened over the weekend to make this broad come up to me and chat. Maybe she had the same dream last night. If so, I can't blame her for looking for help.
“Nellie,” I say, giving her the cold shoulder. I really don't want to make this easy for her. She needs to learn that real friends are not disposable, and I'm going to be just the one to teach her that lesson.
“I know I've been kind of unavailable lately,” she says, twisting her straightened hair around her finger like a five-year-old who's been caught wearing her mama's favorite shoes. “But I just wanted to see if we could catch up.”
“Now?” I say, looking at the clock on the wall by the main entrance. There are only ten minutes left until third period, and I really want to grab a quick snack and chill out by myself. Jeremy didn't have too much to say to me on the short ride from the bus stop this morning, so if I'm going to talk with anyone, it would be him. I'm in no mood for an intense conversation with Nellie right now.
“Yes, if you have time,” Nellie says. I take my books out of my backpack and place the ones I don't need back into my locker before closing it shut. “I really just want to see how you and Mickey are doing,” she adds nervously. What's really going on with her? I don't feel like this is an innocent mission to rekindle our friendship.
“What's really up with you, Nellie?” I say, speed walking down the busy corridor toward the back exit. I can see that the line for the nutrition stand across the way is still long. Damn. I need to get something in my stomach before class. Mrs. Peterson never lets us finish our food in her room, and I can't afford to be late. “I don't have much time before the bell rings, so spit it out,” I say, taking my place in line behind the other hungry students.
“Has Mickey said anything to you about me?” she asks, again with the nervous twitch.
“Anything like what?” I ask. Oh, hell, no, Nellie didn't start some more shit with Mickey. “After barely missing getting knocked out the other day, I'd think you would leave her be.” I move one more spot closer to the front.
“That was totally uncalled for,” Nellie says, tossing her hair over her shoulders and looking down at everyone around us, even if she's shorter than them. “She can be so ghetto, don't you agree?” This girl is worse than ever before, and I'm starting to lose any interest I have in helping her. Maybe it's just the hormones talking, but I kinda wish Mickey would come over here now and finish what she started the other day. This time Chance won't be here to save her.
“Did you at least apologize to Chance?” I say. He's still a little pissed at me, but I'm sure it'll pass. Chance really means well and has a sweet heart. Besides, I need all the true friends I can find, even if their weaknesses work my nerves sometimes.
“Yes, I did, and he forgave me.” Nellie grins. I don't like this feeling I'm getting from her. She's hiding something, and if it has to do with Mickey, I won't be able to save her this time. I might even have to jump in on Mickey's side, depending on what it is. “But if Mickey mentions anything about me, will you please let me know?” she says, forgetting that we're no longer friends.
“I don't have any loyalty toward you anymore, Nellie,” I say, almost reaching my goal. The popcorn behind the counter smells so good I think I'll take a small bag. It'll be easy to down while walking to government. “Or have you forgotten the ice chips falling from your shoulder?”
“Look, Jayd, that's just a part of the job,” she says, again taking her crown too seriously.
“Nellie, give it up!” I yell. “You don't have a job. As a matter of fact, you've never worked a day in your princess-ass life. Now, I've had it with you and your sometimey ass. Whatever you did to Mickey, you're on your own. I can't believe you'd use me like this.” I'm more pissed and hungry than ever.
“I know a little something about Jeremy and Tania, if you're interested,” she says, diverting my attention away from the lady behind the counter who's now ready to take my order. I must admit, I'm curious to know who the devil told Nellie. But gossip ain't my style. If I'm going to find out anything, it'll have to be straight from the source.
“Excuse me, miss,” the lady says, irritated that we're holding up the line. “What'll it be?”
“A small popcorn, please,” I say, ignoring Nellie and pulling out my petite purse from the side of my backpack. I still haven't used my new bag, and I don't know that I ever will. “Thank you.” I take the warm treat and walk toward my third period, Nellie still hot on my trail.
“Jayd, I think you'll want to hear what I have to say,” she says, making a desperate attempt to engage me in her madness.
“Nellie, I don't read about nor do I want to be a
Gossip Girl
,” I say, alluding to her favorite books. I never did get into them, but now I can see why Nellie's so intrigued.
“Fine, suit yourself,” she says angrily. “But you'll be sorry when you do get wind of the truth.” She stops in front of the Main Hall as I pass it by and continue walking toward my class. The warning bell should be ringing any minute, and students are starting to wrap up their conversations and make-out sessions.
“I have a feeling you'll be sorrier than I will when Mickey finds out whatever it is you're hiding,” I say as I look back at her. Whatever she did must be really bad because my last comment just made her flawless dark skin turn gray. What the hell did she do, and what does she know about Jeremy and Tania that I need to know? I guess I'll just have to wait and see like everyone else.
 
“What's up for lunch?” Jeremy says as we walk toward his car, with Chance and Matt not far behind. “Mexican or Italian? Lady's choice.” That popcorn didn't do anything but tease me at break, and I've been waiting for the last two hours to get to this point.
“A chimichanga sounds really good right now.” I can actually make chimichangas pretty well. Maggie gave me the recipe last year after she brought some to school for our annual cultural festival in March. I've been sprung on them ever since.
“Mexican it is,” he says, swooping out of the parking lot toward the beach. I know he wishes he was surfing right now, because even I want to dip my body in the sapphire waves. The gentle breeze cools my face from the hot classroom I just came out of. My math class smells like a dirty shoe, and I feel like I'm still inside it.
Chance and Matt are right behind us, bumping Mims's “This is Why I'm Hot.” I love the remix. Jeremy turns his music up and drowns out Chance's car.
“Hey, I'm listening to that,” I say, reaching for the dial and turning down the Smiths. I love
Charmed
just as much as the next person, but there's a difference between hearing the song on television and bumping it in the car. As I get back into my groove, Jeremy turns his radio back up, again interrupting my vibe.
“The driver gets to pick the music, remember?” He smiles, but I'm not amused. I know he likes some hip-hop, but his true love is alternative. And that makes for a strenuous ride sometimes. I like to bump down the block, like when Rah, Nigel or Mickey and I roll. Alternative just don't get me in that chill mood all the time.
“I know, baby, but can we just finish listening to this song? It's almost over,” I say, trying to sweet-talk my man. There's a lot of give-and-take in this relationship, mostly from me, it seems.
“Jayd, why would you rather listen to Chance's radio six feet back than to mine right here? Our sound systems are similar.” Yeah, but the tunes are different.
“Never mind,” I say, giving in. I just want to eat and chill out for a minute before going back to school. It's been a long Monday, and I'm ready to go home and call it a day.
“You want to go in?” he asks, pulling up to Alonzo's, the best fast-food Mexican restaurant in the South Bay.
“Drive-through,” I say, shifting my weight in the leather seats. As Jeremy orders our food, I feel a little wet and notice a spot has surfaced on my gray sweats. I'll be damned if I didn't bleed through my pad. What the hell? Thank goodness I have a sweater in my backpack to wrap around my waist. But I can't guarantee it will save me for the rest of the day. I'm going to have to call Mama to get a pass home. When it comes to my cycle, Mama never questions me wanting to be in my own bed. I simultaneously grab my phone and sweater from my bag as Jeremy places our order.
“Hello?” Mama says, sounding like she's been interrupted.
All My Children's
on, so I know she's not in the mood to talk.
“Mama, it's me. I need to come home,” I say, trying to be as discreet as possible. I'm not comfortable enough to tell Jeremy about this. It'll be like farting in front of him, and we're just not there yet.
“Haven't I told you to carry an extra set of clothes when you're on your cycle?” she says, instinctively knowing why I'm calling. “I'll call the office and get your uncle Bryan to come and pick you up. He just got in from Miracle Market, so I'll send him on over there.”
“Thank you,” I say, hanging up my cell and reaching for my backpack. I'm glad to have the rest of the day off. And with tomorrow being a short day for teacher meetings, the end of the week will come quickly. But I'm sure there'll be enough drama throughout for it to seem as long as it usually is.
“Here you go, Jayd,” Jeremy says, handing me the cold drinks before reaching for the hot food. I can't wait to get started on my fried burrito.
“Thank you,” I say, pulling a tortilla chip out of the bag while we pull up and wait for our friends. When we get back to campus I'll go straight to the attendance office, get my pass and wait outside for Bryan. Knowing him, he'll probably demand I give him gas money or something. I don't blame him; his old Chevy van uses up a grip of gas, and Redondo Beach ain't around the corner from home.
 
When we get back to campus, Mickey and Nigel are in his car kicking it. We pull up right beside them, but they hardly notice. I'm almost finished with my food, and my Coca-Cola is next on the list. I can take my time since I'll be waiting for another half hour, at least. But everyone else has to get back to class. Speaking of which, KJ, Del and C Money pull up on the other side of Nigel, creating an awkward sandwich. Everyone exits their cars almost at the same time as the warning bell rings.
“What up, Jayd?” KJ says, showing off his new grill. I notice that his homies each have one of their own. Oh, no, they didn't waste their money on some foul shit like that.
“What the hell is that in your mouth?” I say, closing the car door. Jeremy and Chance are getting a kick out of me roasting KJ. Why is it different now than when it's about Tania?
“What do you think it is?” KJ slurs, being a smart-ass.
“The girls love it, Jayd, ain't that right, Mickey?” Del says, making her laugh. She and Del have known each other since elementary school and have been homies ever since.
“I think they make your breath stink,” Mickey says, following Nigel out of his Impala and up the steps leading into the main office.
“Girl, you don't know what you're talking about,” C Money says as he exits the backseat of KJ's hoopty. “Girl's love it when Daddy smiles the bling at them.” C Money can be such an ass sometimes.
“Whatever. All I know is that it looks cheap and Mickey's right—it does make your breath stink,” I say as Jeremy grabs my backpack and wraps his free arm around my waist while I finish the last of my lunch. KJ and his crew walk up the side steps and through the front gate, entering the main quad. Chance and Matt are still in his car having a smoke before heading down to drama class, and Jeremy and I lean up against the steps. Jeremy's hand moves down my back, making me feel self-conscious.
“Not too low, baby,” I say, feeling my sweater begin to slip down my waist. I'm going to have to toss the rest of my drink so I can hold on to my little secret until I get home. All I need is for KJ and his crew to see me blemished; I'll have a new nickname all around campus before Bryan gets here.

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