Me: Mama and Daddy came by the academy today.
DJ: With food?
Me: Of course.
DJ: Did she pack enough to feed a small country?
Me: Is a pig’s pussy pork?
Three dots pop up.
DJ: How’d the lunch date go? What y’all talk about? You finally told em when you feeling good you down to the shake shack throwing ass in a rhombus?
I hesitate.
Then I let out the loudest laugh ever.
Me: DJ?
DJ: Hmm?
Me: Fuck ya! Word to Jahquel J.
DJ and I both loved to read Black Romance and its sub genres so I knew he would get the reference.
DJ: You only text me at 6:42 PM on a Monday if something is wrong or you need money.
I snort.
Me: I have never asked you for money.
DJ: That’s because I’m your younger brother and you have pride issues.
He’s not wrong. I stare at the screen again, thumbs hovering.
The banter is easy. Safe. Comfortable.
But I can’t hide behind it forever.
Me: I told Mama and Daddy about Zaria.
Pause.
DJ: Oh, you finally did it?
DJ: And?
Me: They already knew.
A second later?—
DJ: Of course they did. Y’all was never subtle.
I laugh again.
Me: Apparently we “vibrate” when we’re in the same room.
DJ: That is disgusting and I don’t even know what it means. But I still don't want to picture it.
