“Mi good enuh, sis. Wah ‘bout you?” he smiles.
“I’m good… and I’m excited to meet the family,” I admit honestly, my nerves slowly fading.
“Yeah, man,” he replies. His girlfriend is standing at the door, and I wave to her. She doesn’t even look pregnant, just glowing.
“Hey, Zara,” she smiles sweetly. I notice a fresh scar on her hand and can’t help but wonder if Jordane is responsible.
When they leave the room, I tuck the babies in properly and take a deep breath. I still feel shy, but I start mingling anyway. I glance outside and spot Nickoi by the roadside, talking with Gutta and another guy I’ve never seen before. That’s when I hear Junior simply saying:
“Some a dem family yah me nuh waah see.”
I don’t read too much into it.
Instead, I ask where the bathroom is and excuse myself.
Once I’m done fixing myself, I check on the babies again. Then I walk back out.
“Ring Althea fimme,” Ms. Cherry says to Nicki.
“Hold on deh,” Nicki replies, her hands are full as she plates the food.
I reach for her pocket.
“Mi nuh see the phone,” I say, glancing around.
“Look inna the back room if mi lef it pan the bed, please?” she asks, and I nod, heading toward the room. The back door is open, and I spot Orion outside, talking on the phone.
As I push the door open, I find Janel… and her man, who happens to be Nickoi’s friend. The same one I said I didn’t know. Isn’t she like eighteen? He seems way older.Not my business.
She looks startled to see me, but she smiles quickly. “Zara don’t tell Nickoi about this… please,” she says, her voice shaky. I slowly wave, keeping my tone neutral.
“Nosah… mi a look fi yuh mommy phone,” I say, closing the door behind me. I’m also minding my business.
“You affi go leave now, Alex,” I hear her whisper as I walk off.
Alex…
Mind yuh business!
I do just that.
***
Dinner is progressing smoothly, filled with the gentle clinking of glasses and light conversation. The atmosphere is pleasant, except for Junior, who is unusually quiet.
“Skye, you in Harvard now?” Ms. Cherry inquires, and Skye nods. She’s stunning; I like her freckles.
“Yes, I’m actually in my second year at Harvard,” she replies, her Scottish accent so thick that I need a moment to catch up.
“That’s lovely,” Ms. Cherry beams.
“A weh you come from though? Like which country?” Jordane asks with curiosity.
This bwoy.
“Scotland,” she answers, and I nod just as Orion chimes in.
“Her mom is Scottish,” he clarifies.
