Melanie and Chasity walked down the aisles of Wal-Mart. They talked animatedly, something they hadn’t done in a while. It was Friday, January the 31st. They got out of school early that day, and the first place the girls headed was to the mall. Their little outing was strictly for them, so that they could spend time together. Also, they were doing their last minute shopping for the Winter Ball being held that night.
“I think this is the purse I’m gonna get, Chasity. It matches my dress more than the other ones we saw,” Melanie said, as she eyed the white purse.
Chasity grinned. “Yeah…that hoochie-ass dress.”
Melanie’s jaw dropped. “My dress if fine the way it is, so shut up.”
Chasity followed her friend to the music section. “Whatever, man. That dress reminds me of Jessica Rabbit’s, from ‘Roger Rabbit’, dress. With that big ass slit up the leg.”
Melanie laughed with her friend and fingered a CD. “What am I gonna get Justin for his birthday?”
She was a little confused because she didn’t want to get him something that was too serious, as if they were best friends. They’d only been talking for about two months.
“What did he say he wanted?” Chasity asked, “You should get him what he wants.”
Melanie blushed, and wondered if she should tell her friend what Justin had said he wanted. They walked further into the store and to the clothing section.
“Get him a shirt,” Chasity added.
“Not from here right?” Melanie asked.
Chasity looked at Melanie suspiciously. “Why wouldn’t you get it from here? Might as well do it while we're in here,” She said nonchalantly.
“Justin doesn’t do Wal-Mart. We went shopping last week and I wanted to come in, but he was like ‘I’ll wait in the car.’”
“Why did he say that?” Chasity wondered.
“He says it would be embarrassing if he were spotted in a Wal-Mart. I was like, ‘Get over it. You don’t have to buy anything.’ He finally came in, but didn’t touch anything. He started getting on my nerves so we left,” Melanie told.
“What’s his problem?” Chasity said with disgust. “There’s nothing wrong with Wal-Mart. He needs to get an attitude check.”
“He’s been brainwashed, basically. Every time he goes into a store, he has to come out with something 8 out of 10 times. That’s just the way he is. He’s had so much money, that he’s had the freedom to do that. That same day, we went to the mall right?”
“Yeah.”
“His mom gave him 50 bucks to go buy something. So, he sees this nice beenie in the window, and immediately goes to buy it. It was a Stetson beenie so, it cost him 45 dollars. But, did he care? Nope. He spent all his money on one beenie. Then, I saw a replica of it for about twenty dollars, and he almost had a temper tantrum when I told him to take the other hat back. He’s like, ‘I’m not the type of person to return things because I can’t afford it,’” Melanie explained.
“Are you serious?” Chasity asked.
“Like a heart attack. He acted like the cheaper one had a disease because it was plain, and didn’t have a brand on it. I had to break him in, and teach him how to save money. So, we practically spent the WHOLE day at the mall last weekend,” Melanie rolled her eyes when she remembered their time together.
She had to admit, though. She did have fun.
“Wow…does he think that money grows on trees?” Chasity chuckled.
Melanie didn’t. “It did when he was in California,” She left Chasity with a pondering look and went back to the CD section. There, she picked up Floetry’s CD and walked with Chasity to the check out lines.
Chasity spoke as they stood in line. “Does he even listen to Floetry?”
Melanie laughed. “Yeah…every time their songs come on the radio he starts singing them, when he knows he don’t know the words.”
Chasity laughed. “So, what did he say he wanted? I still think that you should get him what he wanted.”
“I doesn’t matter what he wants. He can’t always get what he wants…he needs to learn that. Justin better be happy with what I give him.”
Justin and Melanie walked side by side, down the streets of Chicago. As they laughed, their breath was visible through the cold air. They were going to get something to eat, after their long day of shopping.
“I want McDonald’s,” Justin announced suddenly.
“Oh…someone as powerful as you would dare eat at a McDonald’s? I’m shocked,” She mocked.
Justin rolled his eyes at Melanie. “Anyone can eat at McDonald’s.”
Melanie arched her eyebrows and chuckled. Justin put his arm around her shoulders, and was a little surprised at first when she didn’t shrug away and check to see if anyone saw that. He shook her gently and looked down at her.
Melanie blinked her eyes and looked as if she’d seen something weird. “Why are you touching me?” she pretended she was mortified, “You have cooties.”
Justin laughed and shook her again so that her head laid on the edge of his chest. “They’re good for you…well mine are, since I’m so damn fine.”
Melanie widened her eyes and opened her mouth. Her contagious laugh came out. “Ooh, child no.”
“Whatever. You know you wanna hit this.”
“I’ll hit you alright,” She playfully mumbled her threat, “Upside the head.”
“What was that, Melanie?” he said loudly and playfully in her ear. She jumped at the sound, and hit him lightly on the stomach. “So, tell me what you’re gonna get me for my birthday. It is next weekend ya know?” he said.
The two came to the front door of the fast food restaurant and Justin held the door for Melanie.
“What do you want for your birthday?” Melanie asked, took off her gloves, and stood in line.
“I want a lap dance.”
A lady in front of them turned around and eyed Justin.
“From who?” Melanie obliviously said.
Justin quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and answered lowly in her ear. “From you.”
“You’re nasty, Justin.”
I can’t take it anymore. I’m about to knock that camera out of my mother’s hands if she doesn’t stop taking so many pictures. It’s gonna be hell at prom. This tux she picked out is REALLY uncomfortable. It’s making me itch in places that I can’t scratch.
“Justin, get closer to Victoria.” She motioned.
How much closer can I get? Arm’s length is enough. Ha. I sighed, I guess I could kinda get a little closer. I’m about to go blind.
“Mother, that’ll be all.” I say, still smiling. But, of course she doesn’t hear me. “Mom!”
She finally brought the camera down and smiled, “Sorry, kids. I guess I just got a little carried away.”
Little is an understatement. But, I love her nonetheless. I walked up to her and gave her a hug and a kiss. “Bye…see you later.”
“Be safe,” She said and I went over to Victoria.
I helped her into my truck, and got in myself. Victoria looks nice. Her dress isn’t as short as it was at Homecoming, so that’s good.
“Are you excited?” She turned to me.
“Well, it is my birthday and all…”
“No. I’m not talking about that. Are you hoping to get crowned?” She said.
Oh, well EXCUSE me! “I don’t care about getting crowned.” I don’t honestly. I could give a damn about the school and their expectations. I wanna get this dance over with and go to the after party at Mike’s house. It’s sort of like a birthday party for me…I’m gonna get my lap dance. Fa shizzle, dizzle.
“How can you not care?” Victoria said. “And what is this music we’re listening to?”
“Because I just don’t care. I have more important things on my mind. Don’t worry about what we’re listening to. I’m not going to change the station.”
“Justin, what the hell is up with this attitude you have all of a sudden? I don’t like the way you’ve been talking to me. You used to be so sweet and so nice.”
“No, I’m just not gonna let you treat me like your little punk-ass bitch.”
Yeah…who’s the bitch now? Look at her. She’s so surprised she doesn’t know what she’s gonna do. I’m tired of this shit. Today is a new day…it’s my birthday dammit.
“Well…I have no clue what you’re talking about.” She denied.
“Of course you don’t. You never do,” I said and pulled into the parking lot of the school. There is like no parking whatsoever! Hmm…should I go around the back?
“Justin, I don’t understand,” Victoria whined.
I sighed and found a parking space. “Victoria. Either you can roll deep with me, or you can keep pissing me off and make me ruin your reputation- your pick, sweetie. All I’m saying is I’m tired of you thinking you run me.” I’m a pimp. I regulate.
I got out the car now, and for some reason, she was still sitting in there. I walked over to her side, and knocked on the window. “Are you comin’?”
Victoria nodded her head, as she should, and stepped down. I held out my arm for her to take, and she did. This time, I led her into the building.
**
White and silver covered the whole gym, and the tables and backdrops made the gym look like some expensive restaurant. Catering services had delivered food, which was sitting on a long table in the back. There was a professional DJ, on the stage, playing music. Also on the stage, was a throne and on the chairs, sat crowns, while a large disco ball spun in circles, creating bright spots all over the place.
To Justin’s surprise, no one was on the dance floor and the dance had started about 45 minutes ago. Victoria pulled at his arm, showing him that their ‘people’ were calling them. Justin and Victoria walked over to the right side of the gym.
His friends told him happy birthday, girls gave him hugs, and others gave him gifts. He sat next to Victoria and looked over to the other side of gym. No one was over there. He assumed that it would be full.
Jamie, Victoria’s best friend and Trace’s date spoke “Where are all the black people at? I know they’re planning on coming…it’s a dance.”
Justin slightly rolled his eyes. “Does anyone wanna dance? Cause I’m starting to get bored.” He said honestly.
“You just got here.” Mark said. “Why would we dance?”
Justin made a face, “Uh…maybe because it’s a dance?” he said sarcastically. “Why wouldn’t you dance?” he threw back at Mark.
“We don’t want to get our clothes messed up. We’re not dressed to dance, Justin.” He said with attitude. “The girls are in gowns and how can you really ‘get down’ in those?” Mark used quotation marks for emphasis.
Victoria put a hand on Justin’s shoulder as he scowled at Mark, who was sitting across for him. “Don’t start anything,” She warned quietly.
All of a sudden the large double doors burst open and the chaperones and other students turned their heads quickly.
Jerome stood triumphantly, “The party is here!” he announced.
Justin grinned and watched as their whole ‘crew’ walked into the gym. They danced to the music and messed around before figuring out where they were going to sit. Justin’s grin turned into a look of shock and adoration when Melanie walked in next to Damien.
It was as if she had an array of light surrounding her, and all eyes were on her. Her dress accentuated and flattered every curve of her body, and the large slit that went past mid-thigh showed her sleek legs. The white, thin straps of her shoes crisscrossed up her ankles and stopped at the middle of her shin. Melanie’s hair was down, and curled plentifully and when she brushed it off her shoulder, it looked as if she’d done it in slow motion. Her somewhat angelic form turned around and she looked in his direction, but didn’t look directly at Justin. He realized that Melanie was gazing at the decorations, and not him. For that, he was somewhat thankful-he didn’t want her to catch him staring.
Justin noticed the cleavage she let show. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make a man wonder. She turned back around now, and Justin’s eyes moved down her body. He focused on the curve of her back that formed into the plump shape of her butt. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
He shouldn’t be looking at her like that. She’s his friend.
Justin snapped out of his daydream when Trace shook his shoulder. “What are you looking at? You’re always spacing out.”
“Nothin, man. Don’t worry about it,” Justin said, distracted. He turned back around and ate one of the mints that were on the table.
*
Justin had been sitting in his same spot for the last fifteen minutes. Part of him was mad, another part infatuated, and another angry. One minute, he was ready to get up, and have a fun birthday but in the next, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. One person, who had one of the biggest impacts on him, had paralyzed his emotions.
The music cut out now, and the sound of someone coming to the microphone echoed through the gym. Justin turned around and saw Mike standing on stage, and Jerome followed him not too long after.
“Hey, pimpin’ why you gon’ do us like that?” Mike said, and his friends laughed.
Justin’s eyes widened-he knew who he was referring to.
“Yeah,” Jerome joined “We supposed to be homies, and you actin’ like you don’t know none of us. Get over here, birthday boy!”
Justin blushed and lowered his head for a moment and stood from his chair. He slowly made his way over to where everyone was, past everyone staring at him on the dance floor, and did the hand/slap combination with Jerome and Mike.
Mike took the mic, “Hey, yo DJ. Drop the track.”
50 Cent’s “In Da Club” blasted through the speakers and Justin laughed. Mike and Jerome stepped down from the stage and led Justin over to their table. Their table was bigger than anyone else’s and Justin could see why. All of the members of the Varsity basketball team and their dates were going to sit at that table.
Justin looked to his left, and saw an empty chair. One chair over, was Damien and Justin realized who he’d be sitting next to. Chills ran up and down his spine as he anticipated her presence being that close to him, looking the way she did. Pretty soon, he saw Melanie, Chasity, Nicole, Joya, and two other girls he didn’t know the name of, come over to the table.
The boys got up and pulled the chairs out for their dates, and Justin watched Melanie sit down next to him. Mentally, he made a note not to stare too much. He looked up at Damien, who was pushing Melanie’s chair in and Damien gave him a ‘don’t touch her’ look. Justin winced slightly from insecurity, but like always, Jerome was there to cheer him up.
Jerome was busy walking around the table snapping the elastic string of cardboard party hats upon peoples chin.
Melanie turned and hit him, when he snapped hers harder than everyone else. She then turned and looked at Justin, who was still disbelieving at their little stunt. He had the biggest party hat on, and Melanie fought the urge not to laugh at how his hair surrounded the hat. It looked as if the hat were coming out from his head.
“Happy Birthday, Justin,” She said comically when Jerome had sat down.
Justin slowly turned his head and looked at her. She grinned because she had recognized that look. It was the same look he’d given her when she put his nickname on blast in Spanish class. He pulled his lip in so that only a line showed, and it looked like he was biting his bottom lip. He looked at her with slight accusation before addressing her.
“This was your idea wasn’t it,” He predicted in a monotone voice.
Melanie giggled and feigned pondering, “Yeah…pretty much,” She smiled.
Justin’s eyebrows rose, and his lips were still showing annoyance. He nodded his head slowly and slightly, before sharply turning to her again. “I’m going to kill you.”
Melanie laughed at his short comment and shoved his shoulder. “Shut up. It’s your birthday.”
Justin finally cracked a smile and the rest of the group laughed.
“Look at what I got you,” Melanie said and handed him the wrapped CD.
Immediately, Justin started singing Floetry’s ‘Say Yes’ and missed the words, as predicted. Justin thanked Melanie and everyone chatted and joked around with each other. Justin was have the best time he'd had in a while, and Samuel informed him that it was just beginning.
“Hey, milk. You’re coming to the after party right? Cause you know your birthday is our excuse to get loud.” Sam said.
“Of course I’m comin’, man. Honestly, I’m ready to bounce right now,” Justin said.
“Okay! That’s what I’m talkin’ about.” Joya agreed. “I’m ready to get out of this dress.”
Damien interrupted, “I’m thirsty.” He looked at Melanie. “Do you want me to brink you back something to drink?”
Melanie smiled at him. “Yeah…thank you.” When Damien left the table, Melanie turned to Justin again. “I should keep you around more often. Seems Damien only acts proper when he’s trying to show he’s better than you.”
Justin shook his head, “Being polite and a gentleman, doesn’t make him better than me. It makes him seem like less of a jackass.”
Melanie laughed. “That’s true.”
*
“May I please have all of the members of the court come to the stage?” The student body president announced.
Melanie, Damien, Justin, Chasity, Jerome, Trace, Victoria, and Jamie stood from their spots and made their way to the stage.
Victoria snatched Justin’s hand, and held on tight.
“Relax. I’m not going anywhere.”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “How do I know?”
Everyone walked onto the stage and sat on the chairs that were line up. Two girls came around and gave everyone a bouquet of flowers. Victoria moved in her seat a couple times and took a deep breath.
Justin leaned closer to her. “Will you calm down? Damn…this isn’t prom.”
The principal came to the podium now, “And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. It’s my pleasure to announce the king and queen of Calumet High’s Winter Ball.”
A girl walked across the stage and handed him the envelope. The principal opened it quickly and announced, “Please give a warm round of applause for your King, Damien Ford, and your Queen, Melanie Thomas.”
Victoria shook her head slowly and rolled her eyes. Justin looked at her and grinned as he stretched his legs.
Damien got up happily and gave a hand signal to all of his boys that were cheering for him. Melanie sighed and stood up. She walked over, was crowned at sat upon the thrown, while somebody on the yearbook committee took their picture.
~
Samuel walked to the throne, where Melanie was seated. “Your majesty, I and the rest of thine royal niggas would like to have your blessing to proceed to the feast. I would do us a great deal of justice.”
Melanie grinned, “Let’s bounce, my nig!” She happily rose from her seat and made her way to the table she was sitting at, to retrieve her things.
Damien grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Were the hell do you think you’re going?”
Melanie snatched her arm away from him and scoffed, “Don’t you ever put your hands on me like that again, boy. I’m going to the party, you don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but I am.”
“Like hell you are! I’m not letting you go to that white boy's party.” He grabbed her arm again.
“You’re making a scene, Damien. You don’t want the student body to see you like this do you?” Melanie said quietly.
Damien let go of her arm slowly, and his facial features softened. “Your right,” He said lowly.
Melanie grinned when he stroked her cheek lovingly. “It’s okay, baby. You’re just stressed, I know.”
“Yeah…I just need to stay cool is all.” He sighed.
Melanie clinched her jaw and emptied her cup full of punch on his face and chest. “Maybe that will help.” She said and threw the cup at him, hitting his forehead.
She then grabbed her dress so she wouldn’t step on it, and ran out of the gym. In the distance, she saw Justin getting into his truck. He looked like he was the last one left and she ran in his direction.
Justin looked through his rear view mirror and shook his head. He opened his door and stuck his head out, “Get your fine ass in the car, girl. The party wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Melanie grinned when she heard him turn up his music, “Wait. Did he just call me fine?”
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