~ Jazmine ~
I took a deep breath as I sat at my vanity table, flat ironing my hair. When I finished, I looked at myself in the mirror.
I couldn't help but think of what Huey said yesterday.
He wants me to come over...
But what exactly did he mean by that?
Maybe he feels the same way about me after all?
Maybe Jazzy 2.0 is working?
"Are you serious!? Are you freaking serious, Tom!?"
"Don't walk away from me, Sarah!"
I groaned, hearing my parents arguing yet again.
Why so early in the morning?
I sighed, walking out of my room to see my mother stomp up the stairs furiously. I followed her as she walked into her room, pacing back and forth.
"Mom-" "Jazmine. Please not now."
"Mom, what's going on?" I took her arm, stopping her from pacing.
She huffed. "It's that... That man! Your father! Can you believe that bastard accused me of cheating?"
"What?" My eyes widened. "Exactly! Just because he's insecure, I'm a whore!?"
"I'm sure dad doesn't think-" "He called me a cheater, Jazmine!"
I looked down briefly before meeting eyes with her again.
"And you're not cheating on dad... Right?"
I could tell by the way she looked at me that she was offended.
"Are you kidding me, Jazmine!? No!"
"Okay, okay!" I rubbed her back reassuringly. "I'll talk to dad, okay?"
My mother only shook her head before walking into her bathroom, slamming the door.
I took a breath before walking downstairs.
I saw my dad who had his suitcase laid on couch, packing clothes into it.
I also noticed that he was sniffling.
I sighed, sitting on the couch in front of him. He continued to pack until I placed a hand on his.
"Daddy."
He looked up at me, wiping his tears. "H-Hey pumpkin." He forced a smile.
"Daddy, where are you going?"
"I'm just going away with Robert for the weekend, sweetie. I told you that." He reminded me as I felt my eyes get watery.
"And you're coming back... Right?"
At that moment, my father turned to me.
I tried not to get emotional but it's too hard.
It's all too much.
"Hey hey." My dad sat beside me, putting his hands on my face.
"I'm not leaving you. Don't ever think I'm leaving you. You're my pumpkin and I love you more than anything. I am coming back." He reassured me as a tear rolled down my cheek.
"But you're gonna leave mom... Aren't you?"
My dad sighed, looking down.
"I don't know."
I shook my head, taking his hand.
"I'm a big girl now, daddy. If you're getting a divorce, it's okay. I can handle it." I said calmly.
"...Mom wouldn't cheat on you." I said softly as he kept his head down.
"I know you guys have had it hard, but she wouldn't do that to you." I squeezed his hand, seeing his eyes water.
"I-I'm not so sure about that, pumpkin."
"Daddy-"
"You need to finish getting ready for school, and I have to pack." He stood up again, wiping the rest of his tears.
I stood up too, giving him a look.
"I'm okay. It's okay." He reassured me, kissing my cheek.
I sighed before I began walking back up the stairs.
Nothing is okay.
Nothing.
~ Cindy ~
"Let's f*ckin' move b*tch!" I reached from the backseat, honking the horn.
"Cindy, she's coming." Ebony chuckled from the drivers seat as I slouched backwards.
Jazmine came running out her house, opening the car door and sitting in the passenger seat.
"Hey." She said with a small smile.
"Hey Jazmine." Ebony smiled at her.
I looked at my homegirl's face.
Something ain't right.
"Jazzy. You good?"
"I'm fine, Cin. Please." Jazmine looked at me, putting on a smile.
I ain't gonna ask again. I know she gonna tell me when she ready.
"Ebony, you're not riding with Jacob today?" Jazmine asked.
"No. He and Riley are skipping school to prepare for the party tonight." She shook her head, smiling.
I scoffed, crossing my arms.
"What party?" Jazmine asked confused. "Oh, I forgot you weren't at lunch yesterday. Riley's throwing a party at our house today." Ebony told her.
"Of course." Jazmine giggled.
"...And what about Huey?"
"Who f*ckin' cares?" I looked at her confused, but she shrugged.
"Cindy." Ebony sighed. "I don't think he's coming to school either. Yesterday he left early, and wouldn't come out of his room for the night. It's weird."
"Oh." Jazmine looked down.
What's up with dis b*tch?
"Well you know what else is weird..." Jazmine trailed off. "He kinda invited me over yesterday."
Ebony looked at her surprised. "Really?" "Yeah... Yesterday when we were studying in the library, he-"
"Wait, you guys were studying together?" Ebony smiled as Jazmine giggled. "Ebony."
"Wait! He's probably inviting you to the party." She beamed as I rolled my eyes.
"He wants you there." Ebony smiled.
I saw Jazmine blush before looking down. "You think so?"
"Jazzy, this is a turning point."
"Nah Jazzy, dis is a f*ckin' red flag."
They both looked at me as I scoffed.
"Cin-" "Jazzy, is you f*ckin' serious? After what his punk ass did to you?"
"I don't know... Maybe this is his way of telling me-" "You gotta be f*ckin' kidding me." I rolled my eyes.
"Cindy-"
"Jazzy, he's a b*tch!"
"Come on, Cindy." Ebony sighed.
"Nah look, I know he's yo' brother an' everything but it's true! He's a b*tch ass, they both are!" I crossed my arms angrily.
Ebony looked at me confused.
"Are you and Riley still fighting?"
I paused for a second.
"All I'm sayin' is f*ck McHater." I ignored her.
"If you gon' go to da party, pull up with a new nigga and show dat punk ass you don't f*ckin' need him. Matter fact, I'm bringin' somebody and I bet ya ass he gotta cute friend." I nudged Jazmine.
Fuck Reezy.
If he can have b*tches, I can have niggas.
I saw Jazmine look down. "I don't know, Cindy... Maybe I should give Huey a chance? Give us a chance to talk?"
I frowned while shaking my head.
"What da hell happened to Jazzy 2.0?"
"Why are you so hellbent on this?" She huffed, looking back at me. What is this about?"
I frowned, looking out the window.
"Nothin'..."
Jazmine turned back around sighing as I did also.
"C'mon guys... Cheer up." Ebony tried to lighten the mood, slightly smiling.
"Jaz, we have tryouts today. Let's be happy about that." She smiled before pulling out onto the road.
"Yeah..." Jazmine smiled too.
I only sighed.
F*ck Reezy...
~ Riley ~
I sucked my teeth as I walked down the sidewalk with Jacob, bouncing my basketball.
Cindy still ain't talking to me and I don't know what to f*cking do.
But she really tripping if she think she pulling up to my party with another nigga.
"Nigga, this ain't the way to the liquor store." Jacob said confusedly.
I shook my head. "F*ck that, nigga. We goin' to my nigga Ed's house. He'll hook us up."
"Aight."
I kept walking until I noticed Jacob was starting at me.
"Whatchu want, nigga?"
"Nigga, you actin' like I don't know when somethin' wrong witchu." He sucked his teeth as I rolled my eyes.
"C'mon nigga, what's up?"
"Aight, aight." I sighed.
"...So I was talkin' to dis girl, but I ain't think we was official or nothin', so I slept with another b*tch. But now she pissed. That make me a cheater?"
Jacob thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Hell naw. That b*tch trippin'."
"She ain't a b*tch." I frowned. "I just... Ion know. She pissed as hell and ain't talkin' to me no more."
"If I was you, I wouldn't give a f*ck." He shrugged.
"What if it was Ebbzy?" I asked.
"Ebbzy's my girl, nigga. I got dat sh*t on lock." Jacob smirked. "I ain't sleepin' with no other b*tch."
I groaned.
This ain't f*ckin' helping.
"Was she yo' girl?" Jacob then asked.
"No. I mean yeah- Sh*t, ion know! I ain't think we was official."
"Then y'all niggas ain't official. It ain't cheatin'. Forget about it, man." Jacob patted me on the back as I sighed.
"Yeah..."
Should I just forget about Murph?
~ Huey ~
I can't stop pacing.
As I circle my bedroom, I can't stop thinking about the information I learned yesterday.
I can't shut my brain off.
Ever since I found out the truth about my father, I've been unable sit down, unable to sleep, unable to eat.
I couldn't even bring myself to go to school.
I've never skipped, but I don't think it'll be an issue. I've had perfect attendance otherwise, and I could care less about my studies now.
I want answers.
I've wanted to speak with Granddad since last night, but he never came home. I called him several times. Of course, he didn't answer. He probably spent the night with some woman.
I'm so incredibly pissed at him right now.
To think about it, he was always passive when talking about my dad. He never went into detail about his death, and refused to tell me stories about him.
My whole life, he's hidden my father away from me. The one person who literally explains who I am.
I heard my phone rang, instantly answering it, expecting Granddad's callback. "Hello?"
"Hey." I heard Jazmine's voice, causing me to sigh. "Jazmine?"
"Yeah, hey." I could hear her smile over the phone, but now just isn't the time. "Is something wrong?" I asked, impatiently.
"No! Not at all! It's just um... You didn't come to school today-"
"Yeah, I'm busy."
"Oh... Are you helping Riley set up for the party then?" Jazmine asked, confusing me. "What?"
"Ebony told me about it." She giggled, slightly. "Of course he's throwing a party."
"Jazmine, I don't know-" "And yesterday... I didn't
know that you were inviting me. But thank you. It means a lot."
I let out a sigh of frustration. "Jazmine, I didn't invite you to anything."
"Yesterday, remember-" "Jazmine. I don't know what the hell you're talking about, or anything about a damn party. And now's really not the time." I snapped.
I took a few deep breaths as I noticed it was silent for a moment.
I paused, realizing how I just snapped at her.
"I'm so stupid." I heard her say softly.
I sighed. "No, Jazmine-"
"I'm so damn stupid." She said again. "Forget I said anything. Forget I called you. Just... Forget it all."
The line then disconnected.
I grunted, throwing my phone on the ground stressfully.
Damnit!
~ Ebony ~
"And that's tryouts ladies!"
It's after school, and Jazmine and I just finished our cheerleading tryouts in the gym.
The whole group stopped cheering and began walking towards the bleachers.
I turned to Jazmine who was breathing heavily.
I giggled. "You okay, Jaz?"
"S-So... Thirsty..." She panted before rushing over to her water bottle.
I chuckled, following behind her. After Jazmine took a few big swigs of water, she smiled at me.
"Okay, I'm good!" She beamed. "That was so fun! I love cheer so much! It always makes me feel better."
I nodded with a smile before looking at her, slightly confused. "Feel better? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine! Because we're gonna get in! Again!" Jazmine squealed.
"Well, I know you for sure will." I nudged her.
"Okay ladies, your captain will now go around and tell you who made it and who didn't." Coach Bennett said as we all nodded.
"Oh no..." Jazmine mumbled. We looked to see Trisha walking around to the other girls.
"I'm not gonna get in because of Trisha." She pouted.
"Remember Jazzy, Trisha's not in charge. The coach has the final say. Plus, if it's between the two of us, I'm the one who won't make the team." I chuckled.
"But that's not fair either. We're in this together-"
"Well isn't it the hoe ass b*tches."
We both turned to see Trisha standing there with her hands on her hips.
Oh boy...
"Hey Trisha." I smiled slightly. "Please tell me we made the team!" Jazmine squeaked, crossing her fingers.
Trisha rolled her eyes. "Well, you did." She looked at Jazmine who squealed. "Yes!"
"But ain't no way I'm putting this b*tch on my team." She frowned at me.
Jazmine pouted. "What? No! She didn't make it?"
I shrugged while smiling. "It's okay, Jazmine. At least you made it."
"Hold it there ladies." Coach Bennett walked over.
She looked at Trisha, crossing her arms. "Now Captain, I know you know that both Ebony and Jazmine made the team."
"But coach-" "No buts."
"So I did make it, coach?" I asked.
She smiled at me. "Of course you made it. You two girls show promise each year. You're one of our best."
I smiled as Jazmine squealed again. "Yay! We made it! Again!"
Trisha crosssd her arms as Coach Bennett turned to her. "Well? Congratulate them, captain."
I looked to see Trisha mentally groan before looking at me.
"...Congratulations." She muttered.
I smiled. "Why thank you, captain." I giggled.
Trisha rolled her eyes as the coach walked away. Jazmine and I turned to walk out the gym, before I tripped, falling on my face.
I yelped as Jazmine rushed down to me.
"Ebony! Are you okay?"
I looked up to see that Trisha had her leg stuck out.
"You might be on my f*ckin' team, but you trippin' if you think that changes sh*t." She spat at me.
"Stay outta my way." Trisha growled before walking off.
I sighed as Jazmine helped me up. "Are you okay, Ebony?"
I slightly smiled. "I'm fine, Jazzy. Don't worry about it."
"This isn't okay. She can't treat you like this. Maybe we should tell coach-"
"Jazmine." I put my hand on her shoulder. "I promise you, I'm okay. She tripped me. No big deal."
Jazmine slightly smiled as we walked out of the gym.
"Wassup wassup, cheerleaders!" Caesar smiled, standing outside of the gym doorway.
"Caez." I smiled, somewhat surprised. "Hey Caesar." Jazmine smiled also.
"So? How did it go?" "We made it!" Jazmine jumped up happily.
"Of course y'all did." He chuckled as I turned to him. "You were waiting for us?"
"Of course I did, Ebbz. I know how much this means to you." He smiled warmly at me.
I smiled back, feeling my cheeks get warm.
I saw his cheeks turn a hint of red before he coughed.
"...I mean, both of you."
...Is he blushing?
"You guys are perfect for each other."
Both Caesar and I then turned to Jazmine with slightly wide eyes.
"W-What?" I said, flustered. Caesar scratched the back of his head, nervously. "Jazzy... We, we ain't-"
"You guys are best friends." Jazmine then said, as Caesar and I looked at each other, nervously chuckling.
"Oh." I said, smiling. "Well yeah."
"You guys are there for each other. Care for each other. Even after all this time... You guys are still side by side." I saw Jazmine look down.
"Jazzy?" Caesar asked in confusion.
I saw a single tear roll down her face.
"Hey, hey." I walked towards her with a sad expression.
"I just miss my best friend." Jazmine said softly, tears in her eyes.
Before we could say anything, she ran off.
"I hate that it's like this." I sighed as Caesar did too. "Man, how long are these two gonna keep this up?"
I only shrugged.
I then saw Caesar smile.
"They're best friends. Just like us." He said. "They'll always find a way back to each other."
"You think so?" I asked him.
I mean yeah. I came back to you, didn't I?"
I felt my face feel warm again before stuttering. "...Y-You came back for me?"
I saw Caesar freeze before clearing his throat. "I-I mean not for you, w-well I mean..." He chuckled, before scratching the back of his head again.
"S-So how was your night with Jacob?" He changed the subject, causing me to pause.
"W-What?" "He had some surprise for you, right?" Caesar asked as I nodded my head, not really wanting to go into detail. "Um, yeah."
"You have a good time?" "Yeah, I did." I smiled as he did also.
"So where's he at today?" He then asked.
"Oh, um he's with Riley. They're out getting stuff ready for the party." I told him as I saw his expression change.
"Look Ebbz... About this party-" "Hold on." I said, hearing my phone ring.
I saw that it was Huey calling, and answered it.
"Hey Huey-" "Ebony, get home now." He said sternly.
I was confused. "Is everything okay?" "Get home." He repeated himself before hanging up.
I don't understand but it sounds pretty urgent.
"Sorry Caez, that was Huey. I gotta go." I told him.
"Is everything okay-" "I don't know, but I'll see you at the party! I waved before running off.
~ Huey ~
"Why the hell didn't any one of you tell me you were throwing a party tonight?"
Both Ebony and Riley stood in front of me silently, glancing at each other.
"Well?" I repeated myself sternly.
"It's all Ebbzy's fault!" "What?!" Ebony shoved Riley.
"OW!"
"This is your party. You were supposed to tell him."
"Shut up. Both of you." I groaned.
"Wait, this was the emergency?" Ebony asked, slightly confused.
"McHater, what's da f*ckin' big deal? Granddad goin' outta town with Tom anyway."
"The deal is I have enough I'm dealing with right now and you two put this damn party on top of it." I glared at him.
I then looked at Ebony, annoyingly. "And why would you let him do this?"
"What?" Ebony froze. "Huey, you know nothing can stop Riley. He does stuff like this all the time."
"You didn't tell me." I raised my voice. "And now Jazmine-"
I cut myself off, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"You didn't tell me."
"Huey, I was going to. But then you left school early, and didn't come out of your room last night-"
"Yeah, and where were you last night, Ebony?" I asked her, scowling. "Because I didn't hear you come home until late."
Ebony paused as Riley snickered.
"She was prolly gettin' freaky with Jake."
"Shut up, Riley." We both said simultaneously.
"Yes, I was at Jacob's." Ebony said as I scoffed. "Of course you were."
She slightly frowned. "Huey-"
"The party is cancelled. Period."
"Wut?! Hell nah!" Riley frowned. "Nigga, you know how much niggas I invited?!"
"I don't care." I said sternly.
"What da hell is wrong witchu? Yo' ass been a b*tch ass since yesterday."
I turned to see Ebony texting on her phone.
"Ebony." I called her as she looked up. "Hm?"
"Can you stop talking to your boyfriend for one goddamn minute?"
She was taken aback before she frowned. "Huey, I don't know what's going on with you but you keep making snaps about me and Jacob. What is your issue with him?"
I rolled my eyes as Ebony folded her arms.
"He told me about the conversation you had with him by the way." She frowned as I rolled my eyes.
"I can't ride his motorcycle? Charming."
"He got the picture." I said plainly.
"Look Huey, I appreciate you but my sex life is none of your business." Ebony said seriously as I quirked my eyebrow.
"So you're sleeping with him?"
"H-Huey!" She exclaimed, flustered. "That's none of your business!"
"You've barely started dating him." I pointed out as she sighed. "Huey, you're not my father, okay?"
"Yeah well I don't beat you half to death, do I?"
It was silent for a moment as I noticed Ebony was speechless. After a few seconds, I saw her eyes get teary.
I groaned.
Damnit.
"...I'm going to Jacob's." She said softly, walking towards the door and leaving.
"Dude!" Riley shoved me as I stormed into the living room.
"Why would yo' b*tch ass say dat to her man? What's wrong witchu?"
"Granddad is what's wrong with me!" I snapped, throwing the coffee table over.
"Ion know what yo' crazy ass is talkin' about-"
"Now what in the hell is all that noise?" We turned to see Granddad walk through the door.
Finally.
He looked to see the coffee table thrown over, and glanced at us.
"You boys better clean that sh*t up."
"Where have you been?" I asked sternly. "Boy, where the hell you think I been. With my cutie pies. Shoo. You think just 'cause I'm an old man, I gotta stay cramped up in the house with y'all lil nigglets all the damn time?"
"Granddad look-" "Where is your sister?"
"She went to Jacob's, but Granddad-" "Well tell her I say bye. Because I gotta get to the airport soon to meet with Tom." He said, starting to walk up the stairs.
"Granddad. Granddad! I need to talk to you!" I called him, following him up the stairs.
"Aye!" Riley ran to the bottom of the stairs. "No snitchin' about the party!"
I ignored him, following Granddad into his room to see him packing his suitcase.
"Granddad-"
"Tom is really ruining my life. Shoo. Wants to do another 'do it big trip' just cause his marriage with Sarah is sh*t. I could still be cuddled up with another cutie pie right about now."
"Granddad." I said seriously, shutting the door.
He turned to me, confused.
"Boy, what is wrong with you?"
"You." I said bluntly.
He looked slightly surprised, but frowned. "Boy, do you know who you talkin' to? Don't make me grab my belt."
"You have been lying to me my entire life."
Granddad gave another confused look as I quirked my eyebrow. "Care for me to elaborate?"
"Huey. What the hell are you-"
"Tell me about my father."
My grandfather froze, and for seconds, said nothing.
"Tell me about my father." I repeated myself.
"You know about your father, boy." He said unsteadily. "I told you everything. He was a good man. Loved your mother. Loved you boys. But they-"
"They died in a car accident." I finished for him. "That's what you told me, right?"
Granddad looked guilty.
"Boy-"
"So the words 'Freeman Fighters' mean nothing to you?"
I immediately saw my Granddad's eyes widen. I know and he knows he's guilty.
"How do you know-" "You lied to me."
"Now boy-" "No. My father wasn't just a man who married your daughter. My father wasn't just a man who died in a car accident. My father was a fighter. My father was a revolutionary. Same as me. And you kept the truth about him away from me."
My grandfather sighed. "Huey-" "Why the hell would you keep this from me, Granddad!?"
"Watch your damn tone!"
"All these years of you alienating me for wanting to make a difference. Refusing to listen to me when I spoke to you. Not ever believing a damn word I said to you." I shook my head in anger.
"I'm not doing this with you boy." Granddad mumbled, quickly finishing his packing.
"No, you owe me an explanation!" I yelled angrily.
"I don't owe your black ass a damn thing!" He snapped.
"I did what I f*cking had to do! And I don't owe your ungrateful ass a damn thing!"
I glared at him, clenching my fists.
"What else are you hiding from me, Granddad?" I asked. "Not only me, but Riley too. Hell, you're probably lying to Ebony as well. I bet you know what happened to Christina-"
"Boy!" Granddad yelled angrily.
He frowned at me before I scoffed.
"F*ck this."
I then left his room, fuming in anger. I walked into my room, slamming the door shut.
After a few moments, I heard Granddad leave his room, and leave the house to go to the airport.
I let out a groan of irritation before punching the wall, creating a hole.
I slammed myself down in my computer chair, running my hands through my afro.
I can't believe him.
I looked to see the book I took from the library on my desk.
I looked away, placing my face in my palms.
This is all too much.
In times like this, I used to always have a sounding board. I used to always have someone provide a sense of comfort and understanding.
I used to always have...
Jazmine.
My closest friend. My best friend.
I sighed deeply, putting my head down.
I miss her.
~ Jazmine ~
I wiped my teary eyes, walking down my street.
I hate Huey.
I told myself I wouldn't do this. I told myself I wouldn't spend one more minute crying over that jerk.
The minute I start to open my heart to him again, he just breaks it. He continues to break it.
I really thought he might've changed his mind. Or maybe I could've gotten my best friend back.
I'm so stupid.
I suck at Jazzy 2.0.
All of it combined with my parents fighting this morning is too much. I hate it. I hate it all.
There's no way I'm going to the party.
All I want to do now is lay in my bed, and spend the next few hours crying.
Finally I got to my porch, noticing my dad's car is gone, but a different one is parked in the driveway. A big truck.
I gave a confused look, never seeing that vehicle before in my life.
I opened my front door, calling out. "Mom? Mom, did dad leave for the airport yet?"
I walked in, not getting an answer. Although, I heard giggling coming from the kitchen.
"Mom!" I called again, walking towards her voice. "Did daddy leave? Who's car is that outside-"
I stopped in my tracks, my eyes open wide.
There my mother was, naked, and on top of the kitchen table with a tall dark man on top of her.
"Oh, yes!" She squealed, giggling.
I looked away in utter horror.
"MOM!" I screamed, causing them both to jump. "Jazmine!?" My mother pushed him off her, standing up.
They both picked up their clothes, trying to cover themselves.
"I-I thought you had cheer practice... I th-thought..." She panted, out of breath.
I can't believe this.
I cannot believe this.
I tried to avoid eye contact with them, still in shock.
"H-Honey... It's not what it looks like. Just please-"
"What the hell are you doing..." I mumbled softly.
"P-Pumpkin-"
"Don't call me pumpkin!" I snapped at her, tears in my eyes. "What the hell are you doing, mom!?"
"Hey! Jazmine!"
"S-So daddy was right!? This whole time, d-daddy was right!? You're cheating on him!" I yelled, trying to wrap my head around the situation.
I kept looking between her and the man. He scratched the back of his head, looking uncomfortable. My mom looked guilty and embarrassed.
"...H-How long has this been going on?" I mumbled as my mother sighed. "S-Sweetie, please-"
"How long!?" I yelled at her. She looked down, unable to answer me.
I shook my head in disgust, beginning to walk back towards the front door.
"Jazmine, w-wait!"
"No mom! You're a WHORE!" I screeched, walking out of the house and slamming the door.
I leaned against the outside of it, beginning to hyperventilate. I placed my hand on my chest, feeling tears stream down my cheeks rapidly.
I tried giving my mom the benefit of the doubt earlier. I advocated for her today to my dad when I should've believed him.
I should've believed him.
I sobbed softly, unable to hold it together.
My mom's horrible.
Huey's horrible.
I'm horrible.
My life is horrible.
It's all too much.
After a few moments, I started to gather myself, wiping my tears away. I shook my head, trying to prevent my tear ducts from filling again.
I cleared my throat, pulling out my phone, dialing a number.
"Wassup?" Cindy answered.
"Pick me up. We're going to that party."