I sat in silence.
"Hi, Nyella," I said, rolling my eyes. I could tell she was smiling.
"Hi, brother! Anyways, why the hell Mama talkin' bout she having this party? Like girl, ain't you 50? What kinda party you gon' have, a bingo party?"
I chuckled. She stupid as fuck, yo.
"Nyella, Mama prolly mean a cookout. You just a clown, bro," I said, shaking my head even though she couldn't see me.
"Okay, but are you coming?"
"Yeah, I'ma be there. When?"
"Like today, at four."
"Why the hell she plan this shit so late, like what the fuck."
I heard shuffling on her end.
"So I was stalking your account 'cause you got some fine-ass homeboys—"
"Nyella, don't get yo ass beat, nigga."
"Anyways! Let me finish my story, damn! So I'm stalking your page and why I see you follow Malai."
I went quiet and smacked my lips.
"Why is you worried about me?"
"Y'all back cool? That's good. I miss her. I was stalking her page and whew—she so sexy now. Got that holy glow to her. And she not in none of that drama no more. I ain't even know that was Malai for real."
"Yeah, she definitely look different," I mumbled.
"So when y'all getting back together? I miss my sister-in-law."
I scrunched up my face. She just be saying bullshit.
"Nyella, I'ma hang up on your ass."
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Anyways, bye. Love ya."
"Love yo ugly, big-headed ass too."
"I take it back. Get the fuck off my phone, ugly."
She hung up and I shook my head, laughing.
Shit, lemme put on some actual good-looking clothes. I was damn near still in my pajamas. I scratched my head walking into my room.
I hopped in the shower, cleaning myself off.
I grabbed some stacked gray jeans and an Essentials hoodie. Nothin' too slight—I'm just ready to eat my mama's food. I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
I sprayed on some cologne and put on my glasses. I ain't feel like wearing my contacts—they were burning my eyes in the studio today.
I scrolled through Instagram again and saw Malai's clothing brand pop up. I clicked on her lil' website. Okay, professional.
She had hoodies that said Shine Bright and Don't Let Nobody Ruin Your Shine. Some other inspirational shit. Lowkey, though? Her hoodies pressure.
They had lines on both sides going down the arms. A bunch of patched stars and big patch letters that said SHINE. On the hood part, it had a Bible scripture. And they came in different colors.
Oh yeah, this shit hard. I don't care.
I put in my order for the brown one—it was nice as hell. Entered my address and all that before paying.
She had accessories too—purses, glasses, necklaces, earrings, piercing stuff, bracelets. Okay, so she legit.
I put on my panda dunks—again—not caring. I'm only there for the food. I threw on a silver chain and grabbed my keys.
I pulled up to my mama's crib and saw a bunch of cars.
Ugh, I hate speaking to people I don't know. It's just not for me.
I was greeted by the smell of food and got even more excited. Ayy, perfect. I'm about to eat good.
I headed to the kitchen and saw my mom and her sister.
"Wassup, T.T.," I said, hugging her and my mom.
"Lemme taste them greens, Mama."
She smacked my hand away and I scrunched up my face.
"Go sit yo ass down, Harlem. Damn, you barely greet me and gon' come in here asking for food."
