I grab my purse off the sink and draw the long strap across my torso before exiting the bathroom. I pause at my grandmother’s bedroom and press my ear to the door, hearing light snoring. She and Momma are still fast asleep. I’ll catch up with them after school.
A wonderful aroma hits my nostrils as I make my way downstairs.Breakfast.My pace quickens, following the smell to the expansive kitchen. There, my aunt and cousins sit at a small round table in the corner, sharing the morning meal. Time to put on a brave face.
“Good morning,” I chirp and slide into the empty chair next to my little cousin.
“Good morning, Zilphia,” Terrence returns my greeting, but the double dragons do not.
“Ew.” Deja snickers behind her hand. “That outfit is so juvenile.”
Self-doubt rears its ugly head. It took me nearly an hour to decide on what to wear. What exactly does she find juvenile about my attire? I glance down at myself. Floral print top, high-waisted yellow shorts, and chunky white sandals. Looks good to me.
I furtively examine my cousin’s skimpy ensemble. Low-cut blouse barely holding her huge boobs. A microscopic skirt leaves little to the imagination. It’s giving “desperate for attention.” Does Bentworth High School not have a dress code? I mean, come on. Her shirt was not made for huge boobs. One wrong move and free nipple show for anyone nearby. I’m loving her wedges, though.
My scrutiny moves upward, taking in her impeccable makeup, fake, extra-long eyelashes, exaggerated baby hairs, and wavy, butt-length wig. Future Instagram model in the making here.
“Sorry,” Sheila states insincerely, interrupting my assessment. “There isn’t any food left for you.”
Why am I not surprised?
“That’s okay,” I mumble. “I’ll just have some apple juice.”
Deja seizes the jug of apple juice and empties the last bit into her glass. “Oops, all gone.”
Bitch.
“I’ll share with you,” Terrence announces, pushing his plate and cup toward me. “My teacher said leaders share.”
He beams, and I feel myself melting a little inside. His kind gesture earns him disapproving glares from the double dragons, though.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m not hungry,” I lie.I’m freaking starving.
Yesterday’s meager dinner wasn’t enough to fill a toddler. I’ll eat breakfast at school, though. No biggie.
“You’re welcome,” he replies, showing his toothy smile.
“Eat,” Deja snaps at her brother. “We’re leaving in two minutes.”
“Okay,” he grumbles and scarfs down the rest of his food. “I’m finished!”
“See you later, Ma,” Deja says and prances out of the kitchen.
Rein it in, Miss Diva. You’re not walking the runway.
Terrence gives his mother a peck on the cheek before darting after his sister.
“Have a good day,” she calls out, then shifts her spiteful gaze to me. “Shouldn’t you be going too?”
“Yeah, umm… Is Keith home?”
“Why?” she asks, her eyes narrowing on me. “What do you want him for?”
Oh God, does she think I’m crushing on Keith?
“Just to see if he can give me a ride to school. That’s all,” I quickly answer before her wild imagination gets me into trouble.
Keith is old enough to be my father for crying out loud!
“He left for work,” she says sharply. “My husband’s not your personal driver. Walk or take the bus.”
