CHAPTER 6
PENELOPE
Today was a drag as I had several assignments due that I was barely able to complete. Not to mention, I had two hours to be downtown for an interview with the local station. Also on my plate was a sports drink company wanting to sign me to their brand. I had to meet with Dame later this evening to discuss that deal.
Although exhausted, I couldn’t complain. My life was good. I was an entire champion in these streets, and at some point in the future, I’d be adding doctor to that list. Zoo was a godsend,helping me where he could. Most nights, he stayed up to help me study.
Speaking of my man, he came swerving into the university’s parking lot on two wheels. Nose turned up, I stomped to the passenger side door as he swooped around to open it. He had the meanest grill on his face, prompting me to fix my attitude.
“Hey, Baby,” I spoke as he met me halfway for a sweet kiss. After I slid into the seat, he closed the door behind me.
He slid into the car, still grilling.
“You good, Zeus?” That snapped his attention to me.
“You think I’m crazy, Baby?”
“Well—”
“Not the ha-ha funny crazy, but the ‘Here’s your prescription, Sir’ crazy.”
I busted out laughing only because Zoo changed his voice to sound all proper and shit.
“First of all, let’s get something straight. Stop using that word ‘crazy’. There’s nothing wrong with people who need a little help controlling their emotions. Secondly… Everyone has a little ‘crazy’ in them. If we didn’t, this world wouldn’t be so fucked-up.”
Silently, Zoo drove, in his head. Remembering that he accompanied Brooklyn to the doctor today, I sighed.
“What happened?”
“That mantis-shaped body, bison big ass head lookin’ muhfucka gon’ give me an appointment card.” He pointed to the square card resting in the cup holder. I picked it up and read it, inwardly laughing at the description he gave of the doctor.
“Why would he give you an appointment card—”
“Exactly!”
It seemed like the angrier Zoo got, the faster he drove. The speed limit was forty-five, and he was pushing sixty on this crowded ass road.
“Babe—”
“Nigga needs his fuckin’ license revoked,” he mumbled.
“Babe—”
“And I wish the fuck I would go sit on that damn couch and let him tell me I’m crazy.”
“Babe—”
“Bitch ass—”
“Zeus!” My voice escalated. “Damn, calm down! You’re gonna crash the car speeding!”
Immediately, Zoo slowed down. It was in good time, too, as he drove right past a waiting police car.
“Now, stop ranting like no one has ever told you that you have issues. There’snothingwrong with needing help. Hell, if our niggas would take their asses to counseling, then maybe our relationships would be healthier. I’m not even above going to therapy, so if you want, I’ll go with you.”
He started to protest, however, I cut him off.
“Aht, aht! If you go to the first appointment and you completely hate it, then I won’t push you to do another one. Obviously, the doctor thinks you need to speak with him.”
