Jayd's Legacy (11 page)

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Authors: L. Divine

BOOK: Jayd's Legacy
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“Got what?” I say, already knowing the answer to my question. I've had to hear the story of my unusual birth all of my life. And, I've also had to hear about how my caul, or my veil of sight, wasn't properly cared-for according to Mama, which set my destiny off on a difficult path. And, how my eyes aren't green like Mama's, my Mom's and Maman Marie's, leading Mama to doubt if I actually inherited the Williams women sight.
“Girl, don't play silly with me. Mama told me about your dreams, Jayd. And, interpreting dreams is a big part of having the sight,” she says. “I didn't take any of my visions or my spirit work seriously. And now, the sight doesn't come to me anymore,” she says, sounding sad again.
“I know it's a lot of work, Jayd,” my mom says, taking a seat at the dining table. I love her tacos and I sit ready to throw down too. “But I honestly think you're up to the task,” she says, digging into the taco meat and condiments. Instead of folding our tacos, we break the shells into small pieces and scoop up the filling, Ethiopian style. I don't know why we eat our tacos like this, but we always have.
“I tried to explain to her I'm going through a lot at school right now and it's taking up most of my time,” I say. I didn't realize how tired and sore I was, but now that I've worked a full day today after being out all night, I feel it. After rehearsing Thursday and Friday and running around like a mad woman publicizing Nellie, I'm really whipped.
“That's what I meant by following my path. I never wanted to be different. I just wanted to chill with my girls, live a good life and have some peace. Living with Mama was never peaceful,” my mom says, picking up her Coke and taking a sip while looking like she's about to drop some knowledge. “I just never wanted to know like you do, Jayd.”
“But, that's just it, Mom. I don't know if I want to know right now,” I say, scooping up the last of the taco mix on my plate, ready for more. “It's a lot to deal with and try to have a normal teenage life.”
“Look, Jayd, if it's one thing I learned from being one of Mama's daughters it's that your life will never settle down,” she says, also going for seconds. “And, had I taken advantage of Mama's spiritual legacy, I would know how to deal with this bull out here in the real world.”
“So, what you're saying is I should choose to study my spirit work so I can better handle high school, but at the same time sacrifice my social life? That doesn't seem fair,” I say, not meaning to sound like a baby. But, damn, I want the best of both worlds.
“It's time to grow up, Jayd. You're going to have to make a decision about which path you want to walk, and soon. This is all leading up to the first leg of your initiation into womanhood, Jayd. And, Mama ain't gone wait for long to test you. You think all your little quizzes and assignments are something. Wait until Mama really tests you. Then you'll know for sure whether or not you're the one.”
“Which one?” I say. I feel like I'm in the ghetto version of
The Matrix
or something.
“The one to break the cycle of screwed up relationships that divert us from our true legacy of fierce warrior womanhood,” she says, clearing the table. “One of Mama's favorite heroes is Queen Califia, Queen of California, a.k.a. ‘the land where Black women live,'” my mom says, without as much as a blink. Is she serious? “Queen Califia is the namesake for our Golden State. Have you gotten that far in your history lessons yet?” she asks, referring to Mama's secret recipe book.
“No, I haven't and I've never heard of California having a queen,” I say.
“Yeah, there's a picture of her in the book. The point is she has a legacy just like we all do. Read about your ancestors and other heroes and consciously choose who you want to emulate,” my mom says, returning to her spot on the couch, ready for another nap. I now have less than two hours before my date and I feel heavier than ever, another trait in my blood. Well, I wonder if Jeremy can handle all the woman I apparently am going to be.
11
Visible Evidence
“If you must dance, Dance for me.”
—ME'SHELL NDEGEOCELLO
 
 
W
hen Jeremy gets here, he finally comes in to meet my mom. Wearing some simple blue Levis, a Cal Berkeley T-shirt and his usual sandals, he looks adorable. His Irish Spring fresh scent precedes him into the apartment. I've also chosen a comfy pair of Levis and an orange V-neck T-shirt to wear with my gold sandals from our first shopping trip for tonight's date. My hair is still in a bun with the big earrings and gold bangle to match. I have to admit, we look pretty good from the outside. But, it's the core of our relationship I'm concerned with.
“This must be Jeremy,” my mom says, greeting him at the door. “I was starting to think you didn't exist,” she says, ushering him inside and winking at me over her shoulder.
“Well, I do,” he says, seemingly flattered by my mother's flirting. “And, I see where Jayd gets her good looks from,” he says, making my mother smile as she takes a seat next to him on the couch. I close the front door and walk over to the dining room to grab a seat for myself and watch my mom work her magic.
“So, where are you two lovebirds off to?” she asks, slightly embarrassing me.
“We're just going to hang with some friends by the beach,” Jeremy says, referring to Matt's house. They're throwing a party for all of the homecoming nominees. I haven't talked to Nellie since yesterday's salty episode. But, I know she's going to be there. “Speaking of which, Jayd,” he says. “Chance told me he convinced Nellie to go to the dance with him.” First Misty's wishes come true, now Chance's. The miracles just keep on coming, don't they?
“Well, I guess there goes another backup date for me,” I say, making light of the fact that I still don't have a date to the dance. I'm afraid to ask Nigel because of what Nellie may think. As stupid as she can act sometimes, she's still my girl and I don't want her to feel like I'm keeping her from getting to know Nigel.
“Why would you need a backup when you have all this man sitting right here to take you?” my mom says, putting us both on the spot. I forgot to mention Jeremy's not taking me to homecoming or any other dance for that matter. I know she won't get it at all. She was a queen, princess, or runner-up for every dance at Compton High back in her day. And, like most royalty, she considers it an honor to be an escort.
“She needs a date because unfortunately, I can't take her,” Jeremy says, breaking the news to my mom, whose face expresses her full shock and disappointment. She loves the whole scene: getting dressed, taking pictures, all of it. I knew she would have a problem with me not having a date. For her, a girl going stag to a dance isn't even a consideration.
“Oh, do you have to work or something?” my mom asks, totally confused. “What kind of boss won't give you the day off for your homecoming?” she asks, looking from me to him in disbelief.
“The kind that gives birth to you,” he says, referring to his mother.
“You can't take my daughter to homecoming because your mother won't let you?” my mom says, getting up like she's been personally insulted. “Does she have a problem with you going to the dance with Jayd because she's Black?” my mom asks, taking our conversation to a whole other level.
“No, no. Not at all,” Jeremy says, getting up to both defend himself and reassure my mother, who's not hearing a word of what he's saying. “My mom loves Jayd.” Well, I don't know about all that. But, judging by her sons' preferences in women, I think she's over the whole interracial dating thing.
“Mom, it's not about me. It's about his brother and a whole bunch of other stuff we can't get into right now. But, it's not about me being Black. I promise,” I say, calming her down. She looks like she's about to get out her afro pick and whip Jeremy's ass with it.
“OK, whatever,” my mom says, ready to settle in for the night and watch reruns of
Charmed
, one of our favorite shows. “I guess Jayd will fill me in later, although I still won't understand why you, as my daughter's boyfriend, can't take her to the first dance of the year,” she says, looking at me like I've been holding out on her about Jeremy, which I have. “And, I'm sorry about jumping on you,” she says.
“It's all good. Jayd's like that sometimes too,” he says before giving my mother a hug and walking toward the door.
“Shut up, Jeremy,” I say, getting up from my seat and kissing my mother good night before following Jeremy out.
“It was nice meeting you, Ms. Jackson,” he says, assuming my mother and I have the same last name. But, she promptly went back to her maiden name after she and my father divorced and is always quick to correct the mistake.
“It's James. But, you can call me Lynn,” she says. She hates when my friends call her Ms. James. She says it makes her feel like an old woman, which by anyone's standards, my mom is definitely not.
“All right, Lynn. I'll have your daughter home at a decent time,” he says, smiling. He seems pleasantly surprised with his first encounter with my mom.
“Have fun chillaxing,” I say. “And, don't open the door without asking who it is first,” I add, only half joking. My mom's had trouble with dudes before, but she's a little more worried than usual about Ras Joe.
“Be careful with my baby. She's got a lot of work to do,” my mom says, reminding me of my duties. Can a sistah get a break?
“I will,” Jeremy says, taking my hand as we step down the stairs and walk toward his Mustang parked at the end of the driveway. Seeing his clean, classic car still gives me goose bumps.
“Your mom seems more like your sister,” he says, opening the door for me. “She doesn't look like she's had any kids at all.” My mom works extra hard to keep her petite body in shape. She hits the gym every day after work and walks on the weekend.
“Haven't you heard, baby?” I say as he gets in the driver's seat, choosing tonight's theme music. Depeche Mode. Now, that's old-school alternative. Bryan and Tarek both play some of this on their shows. Otherwise, I wouldn't be hip.
“Heard what?” he says, backing out and heading toward Redondo Beach. It's a cool night and the air feels good on my face. Finally, winter is coming. Well, as much of a winter as we get in LA.
“Black don't crack,” I say, making him chuckle a little. I'm glad he met my mom and they liked each other. Well, except when she thought his mother was the Grand Wizard of the KKK.
“Yeah, but apparently, it doesn't get fat, either. If that's how you'll look after having a baby, sign me up to be the daddy,” he says, tickling my stomach. What's gotten in to him tonight? He's in an unusually playful mood.
“Watch the road, man. Watch the road,” I say, returning his hand to the steering wheel. I hope he's still playful when I ask him where our relationship is headed. I need to know just how serious Jeremy is about me before I tell him about Raheem.
 
When we arrive at Matt's house, the party's in full effect with people hangin' outside, in the entryway and generally all over the house. Everyone affiliated with the Drama Club is here and having a ball from the sound of it. That's when I notice Tania and her rich girls' clique hangin' out on the front porch, looking hella faded. We can't help but pass them as we enter through the front.
“Oh, look, isn't it South Bay's newest couple,” Tania says, slurring a little. I've never seen her at a social function. So, I don't know how she really gets down. But, by the smell of it, I'd say straight tequila.
“What's up, Tania,” Jeremy says, leading me past the sad scene and through the foyer to the kitchen. I saw Chance's Nova parked in the driveway, so I assume Nellie's here with him. I guess she got over her fear of being seen in an old car around her hood.
“Jeremy, what did you ever see in her?” I ask, not really caring about his answer. I just want him to know how lucky he is to be with me and that I know it.
“Sex,” he says, stepping through the back kitchen door and down the flight of stairs leading into the basement. As usual, the lights are very dim and the smoke, thick. When my eyes adjust to the light, I see familiar faces playing pool, drinking, and lounging around the shiny cars on display.
“For real?” I say, not knowing how to respond to his candor. He really caught me off guard with that one. Now, every time I see Tania's face, I'll think of them doing it, even if he's just joking.
“Yes, for real. Sometimes it's just physical, Jayd. You mean to tell me you've never had a solely physical relationship with a guy?” he asks, sitting down on the same plush couch we sat on last time we were here, minus Nellie and Chance. Where are they, I wonder?
“Jeremy, I haven't had a physical relationship with anyone,” I say, sitting next to him on the couch and looking around for Nellie. Maybe she's outside by the pool.
“OK, Lady J. You can play the innocent act all you want. But, I know you've had a sexual relationship with someone,” he says, not knowing anything at all about my sex life, or lack there of.
“Jeremy, I'm a virgin,” I say. For the first time I think I've fully shocked him. Although Raheem and I have tested the limits of what virginity actually is and, KJ to some extent also, I've never gone all the way.
“You mean to tell me you've never had sex, ever?” he says, the most interested I've seen him in me all night. Just as it's getting good, Chance and Nellie come in from outside.
“What's up with ya,” Chance says, reaching down to give Jeremy dap and me a hug. Nellie, right behind him, takes a seat in one of the two chairs across from us before saying her hellos.
“So, how's your night going so far?” Nellie says, making small talk. I can tell she's still a little irritated with me from yesterday. But, she needs to get over herself.
“Just fine,” I answer, wishing she'd stop being so catty. “I hear you and Chance are going to the dance together,” I say, a tad bitter. She could have told me herself instead of letting me hear it through the grapevine.
“Yeah, I think it's a good idea to show up with a member of my sponsoring group,” she says, sounding all official about it. But, Chance couldn't care less. He looks like he's on cloud nine.
“Yeah, but you know what they say. Your date for homecoming will be your date for the prom,” Chance says, remaining ever hopeful and setting up our topic of discussion for this evening. But, before we can get started, Matt comes over and offers us all drinks.
“Well if it isn't the debating thespians,” he says, mocking our tendency to have serious conversations.
“Some people enjoy a healthy debate,” I say, ready for who ever wants a piece of me tonight. I've had it with dudes and their wants and desires. Sometimes it has to be about what girls need too.
“And some people want to relax and enjoy the view,” Jeremy says, ready for round one. “That's what's wrong with society. We put too much pressure on every situation, making it more than it's meant to be,” he says, accepting one of the Guinnesses Matt offers us.
“I agree,” Nellie adds. “Take, for example, this dance. It doesn't matter who you end up going with. It doesn't have to predict who you'll end up with by the end of the year,” she says, glancing in Chance's direction. I hope he's smart enough to understand she's just using him.
“Yeah, but it's still a very important social event,” Matt says, leaning up against Nellie's chair. “Who you go with says a lot about what you want people to think of your relationship with the other person,” he says, pleading my case to Jeremy without me saying a word. I can feel Jeremy tense up next to me, dreading where this conversation's headed. Right on cue, Misty, KJ, Shae, and Tony walk in, drawing our attention away from the topic at hand. What the hell are they doing here?
“What's up, KJ?” Matt says in KJ's direction as he leads his entourage straight for us. Matt's a huge basketball fan. I'm sure he'd never thought he'd see the day KJ was at his house. “What are you drinking?” Matt says, pointing to the full bar with a bar attendant ready to serve.
“Nothing right now, man. But thanks,” KJ says, smiling at me.
“Hey, Jayd. Now I can see why you sold out to be around these White folks. They got it going on out here,” Shae says, giving her crew a chuckle at my expense.
“Whatever. What are y'all doing here?” I ask impatiently.
“We came to support South Bay High's first Black princess nominee,” Misty says, sounding patriotic. When did she become a cheerleader for Nellie? And, more importantly, when did KJ start hanging out with Misty at night? What the hell?
“What's up with y'all?” Nellie asks, basically inviting them to sit with us. Has she lost her damned mind? Has she forgotten these are my enemies? And, most of all that Jeremy and KJ tried to kill each other the last time they were together? She's really on a trip with this whole princess shit and it's getting on my nerves.

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