Two weeks later...
Ouch! If she hits me with that comb one more time, I’m gonna hurt her. I’ve been sitting on the floor for the last 45 minutes, and I think my butt is getting numb now. These braids better be looking real good when Melanie gets done. I don’t even know why I’m letting this girl do this to my head. It’s like she’s pulling the hair out of my damn scalp.
OUCH!
“Hold still.” She said quietly.
In a minute, she’s gonna be the one that needs to ‘hold still’ cause I’m gonna be all over her ass like white on rice.
No, not that way you pervert.
I’m not in the mood to mess around with Melanie- it’s 7’o clock on a Saturday morning, and we have to be at Calumet to get on the bus at eight. I got to Melanie’s house about an hour ago so she could do my hair. We, as in the basketball teams, and the girls have to board on the busses and go to some school on the other side of town. Since Calumet has a 7 game winning streak, we have to play in some tournament against some kids from the suburbs.
“Do you have to yank on my hair like that? This is good stuff…I don’t want half of it missing.” I said lowly.
“Justin…hush. Just sit there, be a good little boy and watch TV, while I do your hair.”
Melanie continued to twist and turn my hair, occasionally adding some gel. I don’t know who she thinks she is telling me to ‘hush’ and stuff. Just cause she’s fine doesn’t mean anything.
Melanie’s mom slowly walked through the living room now. “Hey mama.” We said at the same time. She lets me call her that now.
Mama grinned at us and said a quiet hello. Doesn’t look like she wants to be up either, but she volunteered to be a ‘team mom’. Ha…that sounds like something from Elementary School, but Calumet does it. Parents volunteered to help us out and stuff, ya know…organize stuff, all that good shiz-nitz.
“I can’t believe you’re letting Melanie mess up ya hair like that, J-man.” Mama said.
“Mama, you know what? You can hush too!” Melanie whined.
Somebody is a little grouchy this morning, and it’s not me.
“Girl, if you don’t calm ya ass down.” Mama warned, “I was just playin’. Ain’t no need to get all hostile.”
Melanie didn’t say anything until about 10 minutes later, when she finished my hair. I stood up, and looked in the mirror that was above the couch. It looked nice. Some braids made some designs, but most of them were straight back…I didn’t want anything fancy. Melanie handed me a du rag, but took it back immediately.
“Do you know how to wear this?” She asked.
I watch BET; I’m not dumb. “Yes, now give it.” I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but it can’t be that hard tying a knot can it? If Nelly can do it, I can do it…fa sho, dirrty. Let’s see…maybe it’s just like a bandana? No…I have extra string left! What am I supposed to do with this?
I sighed and glanced at Melanie’s reflection in the mirror. She’s gathering her hair stuff. Good, she hasn’t noticed yet…maybe I should start over.
“If you’re still fiddling, then you don’t know how to put it on, Justin,” She said.
Damn.
She walked over to me now, and tied it right. Hey, I was close. I wonder what her damn problem is? The only things she’s said to me all morning were, ‘Hush’, ‘Hey’, ‘Shut up’, ‘Slowhead’, and my favorite, ‘Hold Still’.
Mama declared that she was gonna go take a shower, and Melanie smacked her teeth. “I know you heard me say I was gonna get in the shower first.”
Her mom just continued down their hallway, not bothering with a smart comment. Maybe it’s her time of the month? Who knows?
“What’s wrong?” I sat down next to her on the couch and sipped on my orange juice.
She only sighed and laid across my lap. Something is really wrong with my shawty. Don’t ask I just call her that now…she doesn’t seem to mind.
“My life is falling apart, JayJay,” Melanie said quietly.
Oh no she didn’t just say that. I wouldn’t call getting two scholarships to performing art schools in California and New York bad. This girl has some issues. “How is your life falling apart, shawty?”
“I don’t know…I’m just not happy. I’m ready to give up, Justin. Working, school, dancing, and my social life is starting to wear on me. I have no clue what I wanna do with my life. I don’t know where I wanna go to college. I had to go save my brother from getting shot last night, and then save him from my mother. She would have shot him herself if she found out he spent the night.”
Man, I thought I had it bad. “Melanie, you’re a beautiful person inside and out. You have the strength to live your life to the fullest. It would be a complete waste if you were to give it all up. Don’t worry…at the end it will all be worth it- you’ll see.”
Without saying a word, she got off the couch and disappeared into the back somewhere. Now I have nobody to talk to! How rude.
Something is really wrong with Melanie, though. It’s past grouchiness. She can’t be mad at me can she? I mean we’ve been hooking up on the down-low just about everyday, not including weekends cause she has to work. We even went to the House of Blues to see Brian McKnight perform songs off of his latest album. I try to stay distant from her at school, but it’s kinda hard when all the guys keep calling me over to their table.
Damien and I try to stay as far away from each other as possible also. I don’t want to get suspended from school for kicking his ass and I’d get suspended from a basketball game too, knowing Coach.
I know you’re wondering…how come I haven’t asked Melanie out seriously? Duh. She has a boyfriend, whom she swears there’s more to then what everyone sees on a regular basis.
Right, and my dad’s black.
I’m beginning to think I’m being used, but there’s nothing Melanie would use me for because she’s not scandalous like that. I mean, she gets sex, she’s popular all by herself…she doesn’t need me for anything else. Obviously, she knows how I feel about her cause I don’t make out with random people on a regular basis. Since we make out, does that mean she feels the same way I feel about her, or am I just there?
A normal, 18-year-old male wouldn’t be this confused. It’s a shame what the world is coming to these days. Why does God put beautiful women on this Earth just so that they can toy with our emotions? I don’t want to have to regulate with Melanie like I did with Victoria.
Speaking of Victoria, she finally gave me back my damn letterman’s jacket. Believe me, I washed that thing more that once. That girl has issues. I found out that she told her friends that I was some kind of sex fiend and that we had sex every time we got the chance. Ha! Here I am, as virginal as can be, looking at Trace like he was crazy when he told me this. Of course I didn’t tell him that I was a virgin. Let’s just say that I told him Victoria liked taking advantage of me. So now, that’s the new rumor buzzing through the halls of Calumet.
Come on people, how long does it take to get dressed in the morning? I remember when I had people who practically dressed me in the mornings. I’ve decided that I’m still going to go to school in California and that I’m gonna live with my friends if things don’t pan out with my parents by the end of the school year. There’s no way I’m staying over here. So, after graduation, I’ll be saying goodbye to everyone for good.
Even Melanie…oh well- life’s not perfect.
Speaking of California, I’m going over there for Spring Break! I don’t know where I’m staying at yet, but all I care about is getting there. March couldn’t take any longer to get here. February only has 28 days, but it’s taking forever to get done with.
Valentine’s Day is on Monday and I just realized that I have no Valentine…for the first time in my life. I’ve always had a Valentine and I always bought people nice stuff, especially Kelice. I miss her…a little bit…actually, I could care less about her now. When she changes her attitude, we can talk. ‘Long distance relationships are too much work, Justin.’
Whatever!
*
Fifty students and about two handfulls of parents gathered and bunched together in front of the school. Harsh and cold winds past over the crowds and howled as it did so. At eight o’ clock in the winter morning, slight water misted through the air. People shivered and cursed at the buses, which just so happened to be late. Massive, gray clouds lurked over them, closing out any sunlight that had tried to become known.
Justin, riding along in Melanie and her mom’s car, sat quietly in the back. He wondered how they were going to pull off getting out of the car. A lot of people were standing outside, and it looked like they were the last group to show up because when ‘Mama’ rolled through the parking lot, everyone looked. Melanie looked out the window and realized that it was extremely cold out, by the way everyone was huddled together. Thankfully, all three of them in the SUV, heard the loud rumble of buses coming up the street.
“How are y’all gon’ play in this kind of weather, Justin? It’s so cold, y’all won’t be able to grip the ball.” Mama said.
“I don’t know. It’s going to be quite interesting.” Justin said and sighed, “Do you want me to get out first?” he asked Melanie.
“Yeah…you can.” She said quietly.
“What? No! I will not tolerate any of this bullshit in my car.” Mama announced.
“Mama, calm down.” Melanie rolled her eyes.
“No, don’t tell me to calm down. We’re all getting out of this car together- whether y’all like it or not.” Mama said sternly.
With that, all three of them opened the doors simultaneously and stepped out of the black Expedition. Melanie and Justin grabbed their duffel bags, and Mama grabbed her purse. She then, walked between the two Seniors and put her arms over their shoulders before kissing them both on the cheek and grinning. The two avoided the glances they knew they were getting and joined the large crowd. Melanie stood next to her teammates, and Justin stood next to his.
Johnny Butler, Calumet’s, Athletic Director, walked in front of the sides of the busses and faced the crowd of students. “Okay, young people listen up. We’re all going to the same place today, and the drive is going to be about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. The freshman basketball team will be playing first and they will be sharing a bus with the Junior Varsity basketball team. I need the Varsity Team and the Step Squad on that last bus please. We’re already running late, so let’s get this show on the road.” Mr. Butler, along with Coach Walker, walked onto the freshman’s bus and disappeared.
**
Melanie walked slowly onto the large bus, and sat down next to Damien. He happily put his arm over her shoulders and nibbled on her ear lobe.
“Where have you been?” He asked quietly, secluding them from all the noise in the bus.
“What do you mean, ‘where have I been?’?” Melanie looked at him.
“I never see you anymore after school, or on the weekends either. You’re scaring me. I’m trying so hard to ignore the rumors and to not-”
Melanie touched his hand, “What rumors?”
“That you and Justin…are ya know.” Damien tampered with the subject.
“No, I don’t know.”
“Look Melanie, I’m being really gracious right now. I haven’t even brought up Justin-I try so hard to stay away from that asshole. I just don’t like him moving in on my territory. You know what that makes me look like?” Damien said.
Melanie stared at her boyfriend with a disbelieving trance. It baffled her as to how he could be so arrogant and selfish. “It makes you look like a low down, dirty bastard…oh wait. You’ve been that way for the last-I don’t know? Two years of our relationship!”
She rose from the large, leather seat and wadded her way down the aisle of the moving bus. Everyone looked at her and noticed her distressed look, some even shooting her looks of sympathy. A perplexed sigh came from her lips as she plopped down next to Rita, a sophomore on the step squad.
“Hey girl.” Rita said softly, “You don’t look so happy-what’s wrong?”
“A lot of stuff, too much to talk about actually. Do you guys think I’m a bad captain?” Melanie looked at her teammate expectantly.
“I don’t think you’re a bad captain, and I don’t think the rest of the girls do either. You’ve opened up so many doors for us, Mel. I’m gonna be sad to see you go, ya know? I mean, who’s gonna take over?” Rita asked.
“Well, there’s Joya…she’s a Junior.”
Rita scoffed, “Everyone one knows Joya isn’t even responsible enough to take care of her own dog.”
Melanie chuckled and nodded her head. “Have you been hearing things about me?”
Rita lowered her head. “Kind of. But, I don’t think a lot of people believe that you and Justin actually have a little thing going on. I mean…it’s Justin.” She scoffed, “He’s one of the best high school ball players that I’ve seen, but-“
“But what?” she asked.
Rita sighed, “Everyone knows that since you’re with Damien, you wouldn’t even think about sneaking around on him. Besides, Justin may be cool with all of us, but he’s still white. I don’t think that too many people would appreciate it if you too were to get together. Plus, everyone knows how Damien is…he’d kill Justin and probably make your life a living hell.” Rita shook her head, “You’re too smart to put yourself in that position. Get this…rumor has it that Justin’s some rich kid from LA…Beverly Hills to be exact.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Melanie stared.
“What the hell is he doing in the middle-class part of Chicago?” Rita said with exclamation.
Melanie nodded her head, and was silent. She had no clue what to say because she was still trying to take everything in. It was then that she decided to get up from her seat once again and move. This time, she found her seat next to Chasity, who moved over for her. It was funny because she felt like the kid that nobody liked and wanted to sit next to.
“I need to talk to you about some things.” Melanie announced.
“Yeah…we have a lot to catch up on.” Chasity said gloomily.
“Look. Whatever you heard about me isn’t true, so I think we should just put that behind us and move on to important things.”
“How do I know? You never talk to me anymore. You’re never home on the weekends-“
“I have a job.”
“I know! But, when did you start working late at night?” Chasity challenged. When Melanie said nothing, she continued to talk, “That’s what I thought. You know I’ll support you for whatever reason, but I thought we were best friends.”
“We are, girl!” Melanie pleaded.
“Then why don’t you tell me anything anymore?” Chasity looked at her best friend and saw the confused look taking over her features.
“Umm…we need to figure out how we’re gonna split the girls up for the game.” Melanie changed the subject.
**
Valentines Day
I guess the principal got struck in the ass by good ‘ol Cupid cause R&B is playing through the speakers and I know I’m loving it. Chasity and I are back on a regular talking basis now…thank God. She and I have been friends since third grade, as long as Damien and me. I love that girl, so I decided to tell her everything about Justin and I and what we’d been up to. Well, I didn’t tell her everything, but…you know. I told her that we’d been hooking up a lot, and that he had to have been the best kisser I had ever kissed. Of course, I didn’t tell her that Justin still has his halo and all…that would be rude. He was so embarrassed…I still remember the look on his face! He looked like he had done something bad and didn’t want anyone to know.
He’s so cute.
Clashing with ‘In Those Jeans’, which was playing through the hallway’s speakers, was the pulsating reggae beat of Sean Paul. What’s so romantic about ‘Like Glue’? I turned the corner, and past another set of lockers, before seeing my ghetto-ass group of friends dancing to the song that played through their small stereo.
Joya turned and looked at me, “Come on, girl! Get in the circle and dance!”
You’ve got to be kidding me. It’s Valentines Day! Everything is supposed to be laid back and sensual and these niggas is blastin’ Sean Paul. “Nah, I’ll pass…I need to go to my locker. Y’all have fun.” I said and slowly began to walk away.
My mom dropped me off at school today, which I’m thankful for cause I’m tired of driving. I never thought I would say such a thing when I first started driving, but when lame ass people that don’t know how to drive are on the streets…the shit gets annoying. I had to work all weekend, so I’m already tired and in no condition to drive.
I sniffed, do I smell Victoria coming? I turned around and looked. Yep, that’s her alright wearing her cheap perfume. She and her nymphs pushed past me and in the direction of my locker. Slowly, I followed behind them and noticed that they past mine and looked like they were on their way to Justin’s locker.
I have to see this.
I walked a little bit faster now, in order to see what she was going to do to him. In case something happens, maybe I should play Superwoman? Justin was there, looking good as usual and not paying attention-as usual, digging through his locker. He was probably looking for his homework again…I don’t see how he can get as good of grades as he does when the guy never knows where his homework is!
I walked within hearing distance, “Hello, Justin” I heard Victoria sing.
Justin tensed up immediately at the sound of her voice…I would too-the shit is annoying okay? Cautiously, he turned around and faced her friends. Poor guy. He can just tell they’re not going to do anything relevant. They’re not like that.
“Do you have a Valentine?” Victoria laughed, “I didn't think you did…I know you’re still grieving over us. It’s sad actually that someone as good looking as you can’t just find someone to screw around with.”
Justin shook his head and looked at her like she was crazy.
“I mean, after all…It does run in your family.”
Oh no she didn’t! He’s just letting her walk away! He looks like he’s going to cry though. Justin lowered his head and twiddled with his fingers.
Suddenly, Victoria stopped in the middle of her stride and turned to face him once more, “Oh and…nice hair. I knew you’d do just about anything to be accepted by the black people.” All the hyenas cackled more and continued to walk.
Justin’s shoulders rose and fell drastically and he turned to the inside of his locker again. It’s sad, cause just by the side of his face, I could tell that he was hurt by what she had said. He needs to slap that wench.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing on this side of the hallway?” I heard Mike say, “Justin don’t want your raggedy ass anymore…slut.”
That’s what I’m talking about. Justin looked at them with amusement.
Jerome stepped up, “I think you need to flounce on over to the other side, trick.”
Samuel nodded, “That’s right. Get to steppin’!” Samuel waved his hand, “All ‘a y’all.”
Victoria cocked her head back now, and looked at the boys with amazement and disgust. I love them. “Excuse me, but who the hell do you think you are?” Victoria pointed a finger as she spoke. “How are you going to make me leave?”
Leroy, towering over Mike, Samuel, and Jerome, peered down at her. “Don’t worry about what we gon’ do, lil’ girl. Just get the hell on.” He nodded his head, “Then there won’t be no altercations…bet you don’t even know what the hell that means.”
Victoria rolled her eyes and walked past them, her following not too far behind. “Whatever.”
I can’t believe that just happened. Somebody should’ve taped that shit.
Jerome turned around, and yelled at her retreating form, “Yeah, boy! Pimps up, hoes down!”
The boys all laughed out loud and turned to face a flattered, and grinning, Justin. They all gasped, bending backwards, and yelled “What up, pimpin’?” simultaneously.
They each slapped hands with Justin and patted him on the back. Well, I guess I didn’t have to step in…looks like his boys already did.
*
After the little scene in the hallway, there was only about 10 minutes left before the first bell that was supposed to ring. So, Melanie turned around and walked a few feet to her locker. Intertwined with the metal of the lock that kept the locker closed, was a single red rose. Melanie gasped and untied the wire that kept the rose in place.
Excitedly, she opened the little card and read the note.
I care about you more than you think.
-Damien
P.S.: Turn around.
Melanie grinned broadly again and did as the card instructed her to. There, stood Damien, grinning boyishly at her. Melanie squealed, wrapped her arms around her boyfriend’s neck. Over his shoulder, she noticed the piercing blue eyes that timidly stared at the unfolding scene. Melanie pulled away slowly and her eyes widened immediately when Damien pulled out a Ziploc bag filled with red and pink Starburst and a small teddy bear.
“I hand-picked them myself.” Damien said proudly.
“Oh my gosh…the bag is going to burst, baby!”
Damien grabbed both of her hands in his and looked her dead in the eyes. “Baby, I just want to tell you that I’m sorry for the way I’ve been treating you lately…it was wrong. This is our Senior year, and I just want us to be closer than ever. I promise you I’m going to try my hardest to change, baby. I’ll be more nicer to people too…anything, or anyone you think I disrespect, I’ll change my attitude…just for you.” He sighed, “My cousin was talking to me last night, and he told me that you can have the most success in the world, but without a girl standing by you…it ain’t shit. You always stand by me, so I’m gonna start standing by you.”
Melanie stared at the gentleman in front of her, tears coming to her eyes. Slowly, she swallowed the lump of guilt that had been stuck in her throat and grew with every compassionate thing out of his mouth. Love for the being in front of her washed down the guilt, and forced her to hug him graciously. They stood that way for the full three minutes that was left before the bell had rang.
For the last three minutes, Justin stood there, along with the small crowd, astonished. Valentines Day was always one of his favorite holidays because he was a romantic. But, never had he heard in a romantic story of the ungrateful and rude boyfriend, changing his ways…before the knight in shining armor got to suit up. Crushed, he slammed his locker shut and walked briskly down the hallway. He ran away, and made sure he was the first person sitting in his classroom…not bothering to look at the gushing, re-born couple that walked by the door.
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