121 lb.
“You’ve gained six pounds!” she screeches and slaps me hard across the face. “Why are you trying to embarrass me?”
“I’m not, Momma, I swear,” I say, tears staining my cheeks.
“You don’t deserve to be a majorette!” She slaps me again. “You’re disgusting and bring shame to the uniform!”
I didn’t even want to try out for the team. Momma was a majorette and forced me to follow in her footsteps.
“No fried foods, starches, or sugar until I say otherwise.”
With the taste of blood in my mouth, I choke back a sob and whisper, “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m happy we’re friends.”
I kick a rock and watch it flit across the deteriorating concrete. My emotions are in an uproar. Friendship isn’t enough for me. Zilphia earned a special place in my heart on that rainy night five years ago. Since then, my love for her has grown to immeasurable heights.
We belong together. Fuck the status quo, and fuck what anyone has to say. They can all kiss my ass. None of them could ever comprehend the unbreakable bond between us. I’d crawl through broken glass for her. Doesn’t she realize that? I’m willing to spill blood, every last drop of it, for her… always anything for my Zilphia.
I’m nothing without her.
My eyes touch on my threadbare blue jeans and scuffed sneakers. I can’t buy her fancy things, but she’s never been a materialistic girl. And money can’t buy what we share. It’s priceless.
I’m going to take a risk and lay it all on the table. Explain mytrue feelings to her. She fears her mother, but that vile woman won’t be able to control her forever. I’ll protect her.
I know she feels something for me. The way we hold hands, comfort one another, cuddle, laugh, and joke goes far beyond friendship. Zilphia thinks she can pretend there’s nothing between us, but I won’t let her.
I wipe my sweaty forehead and follow the street that leads toward home. It’s already a scorcher outside. Southern Texas weather ain’t for the weak.
As I near the trailer, shouting spills out to meet me.
It’s too early for this bullshit.
The front door flies open. “Can’t a man have peace in his own house?”
“Come back here!”
“I’ve had enough of your constant nagging!” Emmett shouts, bounding toward his truck.
“Where were you last night?” my mother asks, trailing his footsteps with only a towel covering her slim figure.
“Working!” Emmett calls out. “I had to work a double.”
“Why weren’t you answering your phone then, huh?”
They put on a show for the neighbors nearly every damn day. An audience is already gathering to watch my mother and her boyfriend make spectacles of themselves yet again. Frankly, I’ve seen this rerun way too many times. On the plus side, at least this is the longest relationship my mother ever had. A year and two and a half months to be exact. I guess that’s cause for celebration.
“Because I left it in my locker, you crazy bitch.”
“You must think I’m an idiot!” she rages, beating on his back. “You were out fooling around with Birdie again!”
Emmett whirls around and seizes her wrists. “You need a psych evaluation.”
“I’m tired of you cheating on me!” she wails. “I have gonorrhea because of you!”
“Oh shit! Kitty’s got the clap, y’all,” someone chortles, and the crowd roars with laughter.
“Stop telling our business to these fucking gossipmongers,” Emmett growls, shoving her to the ground.
