I really do need sense.
And maybe a chiropractor.
By the time Mummy clangs around her kitchen, I’ve sunk so far into her couch I might merge with it. Another message:
Jankro Jabari : can u talk to me pls? I just wanna make sure u r ok.
My fingers hoverover the reply button. I should be mature about it and let him know I'm fine but am in no mood to talk right now. Instead, I lock my phone.
Finally, she returns with two steaming mugs, pouring from one to the next to cool it. She hands it to me without ceremony.
“Drink.”
I peer into it suspiciously. “What’s in this?”
“Don’t ask mi nuttin. Just sip slow.”
I take a tentative sip and immediately choke.
This tastes like punishment and a part of me thinks she did it on purpose.
“So what yuh and di boy gon do now? Is only a matter of time for Za find out. Though I cyan understand why she don’t realize uno a bun.”
I stare at her. “Younot even surprised I slept with him?”
She gives me a look. “Surprised? Francine… please. I know yuh like Jabari from grade school. All when yuh was twelve, I see yuh watching him when him come over with Za mother. Eyes big and grinning like eediat. And when yuh was fourteen? Fifteen? Anytime that boy step inna di yaad, yuh act like somebody fry ya brain.”
I cover my face with both hands. “I was a child.”
“Yes. But yuh was a child that couldn’t keep ya eyes to yaself. Now yous big woman who cyan keep her fronts to herself.”
“Okay, now I’m starting to get offended. And the big part was unnecessary.”
She lifts the tea to my lips so I could drink it. “Relax. So yuh and him take the long route to reach where ya been heading since primary school. Not surprising nun at all.”
I drop my hands. “So… you’re not disappointed?”
“Francine, liking him from school days is one thing.” She leans forward, lowering her voice. “But sleeping with him now? In secret? Behind Za back?” She shakes her head slowly.
“I know…” I whisper.
“So yuh must be careful.”
I try to protest, but she silences me with a finger.
“Don’t lie to me. I know when yuh spirit tie up. I can see it on yuh.”
I swallow.
She continues, firmer now. “If you going continue whatever this is—” she circles her hand in the air “—yuh better guard yaself. Because that a storm waiting to happen.”
I stare into my tea like it has an answer for me.
I know this.
I know Jabari is a bad idea.
I know being involved with him is trouble.
