God must be punishing me for missing church.
twelve
what is this feeling?
Jabari.
“More senior than God!”
Mum criesthrough my car speakers. “That is what you think you are now, eh?”
“Mummy,” I say, easing the car into the lot outside the shops, “I was busy.”
“Busy!” she scoffs. “Too busy for church. Too busy for your mother. Too busy forGod. Listen, my friend. When Judgment Day comes, I hope God is too busy for you?—”
I tune her out because I’ve heard every possible version of this speech since I was twelve.
My focus drifts instead to last night.
To Frankie.
A warmth spreads through my chest before I even realize I’m smiling.
“Mummy,” I cut in gently when she pauses to breathe, “I hear you. I will call Pastor. I will apologize. Yes, ma. I love you too.”
She mutters something and ends the call.
Finally silence.
I sit for a second with both hands on the wheel.
My heart is surprisingly light, and my mind is clear.
Because I’m excited.
I’m actually excited to see her.
She panicked this morning, sure, but that’s expected. Especially after reality sets in and all the naughty things we did come with it.
She probably feels guilty for betraying Zaza, but it’s a minor issue.
All we gotta do is keep both our mouths shut.
Once I clear everything up with her and let her know I’m not trying to ruin her life, we’ll be fine.
Better than fine.
We’ll figure out… whatever this is.
Quietly.
Just us.
Her and me.
No one else needs to know.
I step out of the car, straighten my jacket, and glance at the storefronts ahead.
