The Void Between Hearts ~~ongoing~~

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   10|ℐᏉᎯℕ

   New-York? Business school? September? She's kidding–

   I TURN AROUND. Her eyes are on mine for some time. I think she said something, but I don't remember what.

   "That's Chinny's house," she says, pointing at a nice black gate. I pull over to a stop. Mike, Deji and Ike have also stopped. I hope Boma doesn't notice. 

   Chinny walks out in skinny jeans and a white polo. Her natural hair is pulled into a well prepared puff, showing off her long brown face, speckled by pimples regardless of the makeup. Her eyes are round and brown like coconut, shielded behind thick glasses. I have heard everything about her but I'm seeing her for the first time and I must say, she's everything I imagined Chinny would be, a razor mouth.

   I unlock the door.

   "Buns, your eyes are really yellow today," she says.

   "I've taken my meds, no more talking about my eyes, please?" Boma says.

   I changed her mood.

   "See person that somebody is caring for," Chinny sighs. "Please, better person," she's looking at me through the rear mirror. 

   "What's up?" I wave. 

   "Nice ride," she smiles. 

   "Thank you," I nod, smiling. She looks at Boma.

   "The way you people are doing, I hope I didn't walk into some funny shillingidingins?"

   Before I can wrap my mind around it, shilling. . . what?

   Boma asks, "what does that mean?" 

   "Shillingidingins?" Chinny pops her made-up eyebrows.

   "Yes, I don't get it," Boma says

   "You're not supposed to," she replies. Boma shakes her head. 

   Chinny continues,  "Ivan dear, Filmhouse or Genesis?"

   "I was thinking of Filmhouse, then ice-cream and we could do some shopping in the mall too."

   "You don't have to spend money like that," Boma says. 

   "It's fine, it's not like we're buying the whole store." I say and start the car. They start laughing.

   "Ivan, things happen very quickly when I'm around. Don't trust me now," Chinny says. I smile.

   It takes about twenty-five minutes to get to the mall. Boma isn't speaking to me, she's talking, but to Chinny. 

   I get a parking spot. The girls get down, they're chatting outside. I turn on the coms.

   "Guys, I'll handle it from here, you don't need to come in with us."

   "Sorry, sir. It's protocol. We'll keep a safe distance."