22
Niya
“You can’t hide out in the house forever,” Jazzy said, swatting at a mosquito. She’d nagged me into accompanying her to Mr. Henderson’s, saying she had a craving for Funyuns. After five minutes of her pleadings, I had caved.
“I don’t get why we’re going to Mr. Henderson’s. Ms. Mabel has Funyuns. You know I don’t like coming here. You don’t either, so I don’t understand the sudden urge to go here.” I avoided a crack in the sidewalk and held onto Jazzy’s arm so I wouldn’t lose my footing. “I don’t know why you couldn’t have waited until I changed my sandals.”
Jazzy playfully pulled on my curls. It had grown a couple inches since my impulsive pixie cut and color.
“I couldn’t have you changing your mind,” she said. “I barely see you anymore and this is the first day I can leave the house since Big’s aide started today.” Jazzy had fought for Medicare to provide home health care so she could get much needed assistance caring for their grandmother. “You’re so busy with school and homework, you don’t have time for anything or anyone else.”
Seeing the hurt in her eyes, I strove to explain. “Starting school after all these years is intense. I had to complete refresher courses in English and Math and then they had me taking chemistry and science courses. Those classes were kicking my butt big time so I had to study twice as hard. It’s tough playing catch up.”
Jazzy nodded, “I get it and I’m happy that you’re going after something you want.” My chest puffed at the pride in her tone. “Just don’t forget about me.”
“Oh, Jazzy,” I said, taking her hand. “I told you to enroll with me. We could go together. And, I’ll always have time for you.”
“And, who would take care of Big?” she asked, giving me a pointed look. “If I wasn’t there, Big wouldn’t be alive.”
“Don’t you think I feel guilty that you’re doing so much?” I asked. “Now that I’m on break, I’ll be able to help more when I can and when I become a nurse I’ll be of more help.”
Jazzy nodded. “I know… I’m sorry for beefing at you, but I miss you. Big will have round the clock care and I don’t quite know what to do with myself.”
“You could write since you love to read so much.”
Hope flared into her eyes. Then Jazzy shook her head. “I’m good.” She gave my elbow a playful jab. “You do it for the both of us.”
We stopped at the light across the street from Mr. Henderson’s store. The walk sign came on. I froze and grabbed Jazzy by the shoulder. “I don’t want to go there.”
“Come on,” Jazzy said, tugging me across the street.
Once we were in front of the store, I paused. “This was Jhavon’s store. Every time I go in there Mr. Henderson brings him up.” I shook my head. “I just can’t. Especially knowing what I know now.”
“That’s exactly why we’re going in there,” Jazzy said with stubborn determination.
I dug my heels in. “I should’ve known this wasn’t about no Funyuns. You’re going in there for information. I told you going after Flip and ’em is a big mistake. Ain’t nobody going to ever bring those dudes down.”
She jutted her jaw. “I can and I will.”
A couple of boys came out of the store eating fruit chews and gum. Jazzy and I cut off the conversation. Flip’s ears reached far in the neighborhood. They greeted us with nods and went on their way.
I waited until they were a little distance away before continuing. “Jazzy, stop this crazy plan of yours. I’m not trying to lose you, too.” My lips quivered.
“You won’t lose me. We are going to live way beyond seventy years old. Now let’s go get my Funyuns.” She took my hand and led me into the store.
“I don’t know why we had to come here, though,” I mumbled under my breath. “Don’t see why Ms. Mabel’s wasn’t good enough.”
I headed toward the chip aisle but Jazzy kept strutting until she was at the counter. I frowned. What was she up to?
“Hey, Mr. Henderson,” she greeted, batting her lashes.
I cocked my head and glared. Jazzy reached for a pack of gum and opened it. She took her sweet time, undoing the wrapper and popping a Bubble Yum into her mouth. I realized she was nervous and trying to cover it.
Mr. Henderson raised a brow. “You gon’ pay for that?”
“Of course. I got more than enough to pay for it… and more,” Jazzy said. A look passed between them. I wrinkled my nose. It was like they were having a whole other conversation.
Jazzy flipped her hair and reached into her short-shorts rear pocket. It’s a good thing Big had been asleep when we left. Big would’ve carried on something fierce at the crop top and shorts even though she had a coverall.
