“You had every right to be mad.”
“It didn’t excuse talking to you like that.”
“Za, come on. For once just accept that you were wronged without handling it with grace. You don’t have to be the bigger person about this.”
She thinks about it.
“You know, while I was away, I realized that the way I handle things isn’t some character flaw that needs fixing. I don’t have to be upset and lash out whenever things don’t go my way. It only makes me feel yucky on the inside anyway. I prefer keeping my head up and moving forward. I could yell at you or my brother or my mum ’til I’m blue in the face, but at the end of the day I can’t control you lot. I can only control myself. You may not get it, but it works for me.”
Huh.
All this time I’ve been trying to get Za to grow a backbone and stand up for herself. And it just isn’ther.
“I see,” I nod.
“What now?”
“Nothing, I just… I’m happy you're happier. I’m happy you found yourself.”
“I’m happy for you too,” she says with sincerity. “You and Jabari care about each other and that part is obvious. If he really makes you happy and you love him then I’m satisfied with that.”
“I still love you more,” I tease.
“Tuh! Yeah right.”
“I’m serious.”
“Girl, I walked in on his fingers in you. I’m surprised you didn’t turn up pregnant.”
From the living room, Sol’s voice cuts through immediately. “WAIT—WHO’S PREGNANT?”
“No one!” I snap.
Jabari’s voice follows, “What’s going on in there?”
Za and I yell back, “Stay out of it!”
“Seriously though,” Sol appears anyway, because he has no sense. “Why you lot ain’t had kids yet? I wanna be an uncle.”
“Tuh!” Jabari exclaims before he sucks his teeth.
“Because it’s too much hassle,” I explain. “Maybe we’ll just adopt.”
Jabari calls behind him. “And let my good genes go to waste?”
Za rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. It feels easier now.
Not fixed. But easier.
“Anyway, I came over to say, Novis is out of relegation!” Sol announces. “Let’s take shots! Come! Come!”
“We don't have anything to shot, Solace.”
“Bollocks. Jabari said you had Wray and Nephew.”
Oh my days!
“Jabari!”
