Crazy In Love With A Thug: Bari and Seven (6 page)

Chapter 15

"I found a flight that leaves tomorrow morning at four. She'll be on it, I promise. And again, I'm sorry for your loss." Seven hung up the phone with Big Mama and turned to face me. I had spoken to Big Mama for less than ten seconds when I completely lost it and Seven took over. "She reminds me of my grandmother," he smiled. "She sounds like she loves you a lot." I nodded. "Bari, I don't know what you plan to do from here on out, but you got about two weeks to decide. Your return flight is in fourteen days. That's all the time you have. Maybe you should think about staying there with her." I shook my head. "Why not?"

"I can't."

I didn't tell him that Trish would turn me in as soon as she found out that I was with Big Mama. I knew they'd never let me stay with Big Mama. She was now eighty-six years old and had no job. We could live on my money, but would the courts let a sixteen year old be the primary caretaker in the home? I couldn't take that chance. And I would never do anything to get Big Mama in trouble.

"Can you help me get emancipated? Darshon said he would help me, but that got all messed up. I just figured since you were emancipated, you would be able to help me."

"Emancipated? I ain't ever been emancipated, but I know a little about it. I'll help you however I can. You need to talk to a lawyer. We'll call one tomorrow."

He saw the skepticism in my eyes. Trust just didn't exist in my world anymore.

"I'll find a lawyer while I'm in Arkansas,” I said.

"Yeah, we can find one while we're there, but California law is different, Bari. You can always talk to one of both, I guess, but if you're staying in California, then it's California law that matters."

"We?" I asked, a little confused.

"Yeah, we. You don't really think I'd send you alone do you? Damn, these mutha fuckas got your head fucked up," he said, shaking his head in disgust. "Besides, Big Mama invited me," he smiled.

Seven stood about six feet, four inches tall. He was the color of a Hershey's kiss, with the smooth skin of the Cover Girl models that I'd seen in the magazines. Unlike Darshon's nearly bald haircut, Seven wore his hair in dreadlocks that hung around his shoulders. They were small, neat and well kept. His body was very muscular, his chest bulging beneath the gray wife beater he wore.

"Thank you, Seven. I know you were probably upset after I jumped on Trish, but she had said...she said..."

"I know what she said. She had it coming."

"Is this really your house?"

"Yeah. I don't know what Darkie told you, but he doesn't live here. He lives with my parents. He stays with me sometimes because they can't really handle him. He's seventeen years old and thinks he can do what he wants to do. He took my mom's credit card when he left."

I thought about the shopping spree we had went on. Everything Darshon had purchased, except the food, was paid by credit card.

"I think I owe your mother a lot of money," I said.

"Why?" I told him about the day at the mall; the Calvin Klein, the Louis Vuitton, the Gucci, etc. "That dumb bastard. You don't owe her, he does. I feel real fucked up about what's happened to you and in my own house. I didn't know he was keeping you here. I thought you were here because you wanted to be, and I didn't question it because he always brings his friends here and then the thing with your grandfather. That's fucked up. Look, do you need to go to a doctor or something?"

"I don't think so. I think I'm okay."

"I can't believe this shit. All I can say is I'm sorry."

"I don't think you have anything to be sorry for," I said sadly. "I just always seem to put my trust in the wrong people."

"Trish told me about your father and your sister. I guess you're just getting it from all directions, huh?"

"Seems that way."

"Well, I guess you should get some rest. We have to get up early."

"To be honest, I don't think I could sleep no matter how hard I tried. If you don't mind, I'll sit down here for a while."

"I don't care. I'll sit with you."

We sat in silence for a while.

"How old are you?" I asked.

"Twenty-two."

"You live here by yourself?"

"Yeah. I like it like that," he smiled. "Bari, you don't have to be afraid of me. For real. I don't get down like that. And I promised your grandmother I would look out for you. I don't lie to grandmothers."

I didn't feel any better.

"You feel guilty."

"What?"

"I said you feel guilty. Now you feel obligated to look out for me, but you don't have to. All I need is someone to help me get emancipated and then I'm gone."

"Gone where?"

“I have my own house. I just can't live in it until I'm an adult, but if I can get emancipated, I'll be an adult in the eyes of the law."

"Sometimes the law's eyes go blind, Bari. You have to be ready to really live on your own, ‘cause once it's done, ain't no turning back."

"I know. I'm ready."

"Do you know where your mother is?"

My head snapped up.

"What? Where is she?" I asked in a panic.

"That's what I'm asking you."

"No. I don't. I don't talk to her."

He looked at me curiously but didn't ask why.

"We can talk about it if you want to."

I hadn't ever talked to anybody outside of my family about the mother. All I had told Darshon was that she was alive and mean, and I never wanted to see her again. I saw no reason to trust this person either. So what if he was getting me on a plane tomorrow? With my luck, he'd probably try to make me get off while we were flying over the ocean.

"I'm fine."

"Okay."

We sat staring at the T.V. It reminded me of my daddy, always having to have a T.V. that was nearly as tall as he was. It made me smile.

"I miss my father," I said, my voice choking up. "He was the best thing in this whole world that's ever happened to me, and I miss him so much."

That was all I got out before I buried my face in my hands and cried like I had never cried in my life.

"It's cool to cry. It makes you feel better," Seven said, hugging me to his chest.

All I wanted was to see Big Mama. I needed to see her face. I needed to hear her voice. She probably thought of me as a whore now with Trish telling her about me staying with Darshon, but I would straighten it all out when we were face to face. And what was she thinking inviting a stranger to stay in her home? I was a stranger to Seven, yet, he had invited me to stay in his home, but it was totally different.

"Sorry,” I apologized for losing all self-control.

"Tell me about him."

I started at the beginning and told him about Mama, Daddy, Niecy, Macy, Marcie, then Trish.

He listened patiently and never interrupted, not even on the parts that made me cry.

"And that's why I can't go live with Big Mama, as much as I want to. Or she can even come live in the big house with me."

He nodded thoughtfully.

"Was your grandfather sick for a long time?"

"No. At least if he was, they didn't tell me. He was fine six months ago when I saw him at the funeral."

"Damn. You've been through a lot. No wonder you're the way you are."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked. "The way I am."

"You're kind of naive, Bari."

"Actually, I'm not naive at all, not anymore. I just sometimes feel like I was put on this earth just for other people to torture."

"Do you go to school?" He asked. I nodded. "Do you get teased at school?"

"Not at all. Actually, everybody always tells me how pretty I am."

"And you don't believe that?"

"I'm too dark."

"You're dark. You're not 'too' dark. You have hair down to the middle of your back, and it's yours. You have big brown eyes, you have a pretty smile and I don't mean no disrespect to you, but your body is bangin'." I immediately blushed, then got uncomfortable. "What'chu squirmin' for?" He laughed. "I'm keepin' it real."

"Thank you," I said quickly.

"Bari, I'm letting you know that I'm telling my father what my brother did to you. If he did it to you, he'll do it to somebody else. Do you understand?"

I nodded.

"I understand."

"That was fucked up, and he ain't getting away with it."

"Just let it go, please."

He didn't say he would or wouldn't. He just changed the subject.

Chapter 16

"I hate rental cars," Seven complained. "You never know who has touched the steering wheel before you."

I started laughing. We had a good flight with no problems. I was glad about that. The stewardess flirted with Seven openly, but when the male steward flirted with him, he decided he had enough.

"Maybe you should have bought a pair of gloves at the gift shop."

"I guess so, huh?" He sulked. "Do you know the way to Big Mama's house?"

"Of course. I've only taken this trip my whole life."

We drove for about forty-five minutes, then started seeing signs of Big Mama's farm.

"I'm getting nervous," Seven said.

"Why? Big Mama is so cool."

"I'm not worried about Big Mama. That's my girl!" He smiled. "I'm trippin' off the one you called Meestake." I started laughing. "What's so funny about that?"

"Uncle Meestake won't give you any problems. He talks a lot, but he won't give you any problems. Oh, turn here!"

Tears came to my eyes as Big Mama's house came into view. It had been so very long.

"Are you okay, Bari?"

“I’m okay." We turned up the road leading to the farm. I looked out over the green pastures and the acres of land that my grandfather had tended for as long as I could remember. "I miss him so much."

"I know you do," he said quietly. "Just try to be strong, Bari. If you think you miss him, then how do you think Big Mama feels?"

He was right, and I had no response.

There she was, standing on the giant porch with a broom in her hand. I sat and watched her for a moment, unlike Seven, who got out of the car, slammed the door shut, went up to Big Mama and hugged her tightly. I slowly walked up to her. I was nervous. I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything. I didn't have to. She pulled me to her chest and held me close as we cried together. It seemed as if the dam that held everything I had ever been through in my life had suddenly burst and came pouring out in a torrent of tears.

"Well now, you sure have grown a lot since I last saw you," Big Mama said.

"It's only been six months, Big Mama," I laughed.

"It seems like ten years to me," she said seriously. "Now, y’all come on in here and get you some of this food. I know you hungry, and besides, those airplane people can't cook like Big Mama." Seven looked at me and smiled. "Funeral is tomorrow," she said calmly. "I guess I'll wear that new black dress that I got a few years ago for the Ashford and Simpson concert. I ain't never wore it."

"Big Mama, are you okay? Do you need me to do anything?" I asked.

"Child, I'm fine. I'm at peace, finally at peace. Bari, your Paw-Paw been sick for a long time, baby. And I don't think I've ever been happier in my life to see somebody go. I prayed for this, and the Lord answered."

I was confused. She had prayed for God to take Paw-Paw?

"But he seemed fine when he came for Daddy's funeral," I said, my voice cracking.

"Baby, your Paw-Paw was sick then, too. It just wasn't as bad. It seems like overnight the cancer just ate him alive. But Paw-Paw ain't feeling no pain, no discomfort and no worries. Oh, don't get me wrong now, Bari, I miss your Paw-Paw like I'd miss my right hand, but it would be selfish to wish him still alive. Do you understand, baby?" She asked, wiping tears from my face. "Now, eat them yams. You look like a rake handle. So skinny I can see your kidneys."

"Big Mama!"

"Well, I can!" She laughed, and Seven laughed with her. Actually, Seven was cracking up. "And you Mister," she turned her attention towards him, cutting his laugh short. "You better eat them greens, and I mean all of them. Keep you regular."

Now it was my turn to laugh.

It seemed like the whole family started showing up at once; Aunts and Uncles from Texas, Great Aunts from Memphis, Great Uncles from St. Louis, cousins from New Orleans, and ...it can't be. I held my fork in mid-air. Big Mama burst into tears.

"Bari, you alright?" Seven asked. "Are you choking?"

I couldn't answer.

"Boudine! Niecy! Y’all better come here and give Big Mama some love! I can't believe this!

Bari! Bari!” Big Mama hollered.

I got up from the table but couldn't move. Mama came over to me.

"Bari?" I nodded stupidly. "Baby, is that you? You look so beautiful. Look at my baby!" She cried, I mean literally cried.

"Hi, Mama," I said, skeptically.

She grabbed me into a tight hug.

"Bari! What's up, girl? That outfit is the shit though!" Niecy said, excitedly. "You rockin' them jeans." I looked down at the Yves St. Laurent jean outfit that Darshon had picked out. "That shit is tight," she said, pulling me into a hug.

"Hi, Niecy," I said, and held my breath and waited for the jokes to begin.

They never came though, not a single joke through the whole meal. Seven looked at me and winked.

"So Bari, where are you living?" I looked up at Seven, and Mama caught it. "I know you ain't livin' with no man," she snapped, looking in Seven's direction.

"She can live where she wants to. You ain't paying the rent," Big Mama said.

"She's only sixteen,” Mama argued.

"I wouldn't care if she was nine. Who are you to come back into this child's life giving orders, Boudine? Leave her alone."

"I guess you're right, Big Mama," Mama admitted. "Is this your boyfriend?" Mama asked.

"No, he's just my friend," I said.

"But he gon' be, and you ain't got shit to say about it," Big Mama said. "You done pissed me off. I knew it was comin'. Done spoiled my appetite. I can't even enjoy my macaroni now."

Everybody glared at Mama, including Seven.

"Don't be upset, Big Mama, please. I apologize," Mama said.

"Don't be upset about what?" Uncle Meestake asked, storming into the dining room. He had just arrived and caught the tail end of the conversation. "What's wrong, Mama?"

"Nothing's wrong," Mama said.

"Boudine done pissed me off. Always talking and ain't saying shit," Big Mama grumbled.

Mama started laughing. Big Mama didn't though and neither did Uncle Meestake.

"Don't make me put you out of my Mama's house, Boudine. Now ain't the time for nonsense," he said seriously. "I'm burying my father tomorrow." His voice faltered as he spoke. "And in case you didn't know, Boudine, that's my mama's husband. I ain't for no bullshit today."

"Now, calm down, Meestake," Big Mama said, getting up from the table. "Don't go getting upset, baby. We got it taken care of."

He sat heavily in a chair and stared down at the table. It seemed as if he suddenly remembered something after trying all day to recall what it was.

"Bari, girl, if you don't get up from there and come give yo' Uncle Meestake a hug I'll kill you!" He hollered happily.

What a choice of words. I jumped up from the table and bounded into his arms.

"Hi, Uncle Meestake!"

"Look at you, girl! Just beautiful. I guess it's true what they say, the blacker the berry ..." In my mind, I finished his statement and smiled. "You grew up just as fine, girl!"

"Thank you, Uncle Meestake. I've missed you so much."

“I know you stayin' here."

"Yeah, we're staying right here with Big Mama for the whole two weeks."

"No, I mean for good."

Everyone got quiet.

"Now is not the time, Meestake. Besides, Bari has her own life," Big Mama said.

"She's sixteen! She ain't got no damn life!" Uncle Meestake countered.

He definitely had Paw-Paw's way of silencing a room. You could hear a pin drop as he slammed his fist on the table to emphasize what he was saying. "She should be at home dammit! Not in no whole 'nother state by herself!"

"Who in the hell do you think you talkin' to!" Big Mama yelled.

Everybody scooted away from the table, sliding back their chairs. Big Mama was known for throwing things, heavy things.

"Sorry Mama," Uncle Meestake said, looking down into his plate.

"Boy, you done got besides yo'self. Now, I'd advise you to shut yo’ mouth and dig into that damn potato salad before you be wearing it!" She said. "And y’all quit acting scary and scoot y’all asses right back up to this damn table! I ain't playin'. I'll make all y’all look like you just came back from a food fight!"

I smiled to myself. It was just like old times, when Paw-Paw was here. I caught Big Mama's eye and shared my smile with her. She knew what I was thinking and smiled back. Then we started laughing uncontrollably. Soon, we were crying. Everybody was looking at us like we were crazy.

"Y’all alright, Mama?" Uncle Meestake asked.

"Boy, just shut up sometimes and relax. Just ‘cause folks laugh don't make them crazy in the head," Big Mama joked.

"I know, Mama. And sorry, Bari. You do what you think is best for you," he said.

"I will, Uncle Meestake. But I do hope you'll come see me for the two weeks that I know we'll be here. If I decide to stay, then I can see you all the time."

He looked confused.

"Who is we?" he asked.

"Uncle Meestake, this is Seven. Seven, Uncle Meestake."

"Who the hell is this?" Uncle Meestake asked. "He look like he a grown ass man." I was so embarrassed. "You know Bari only sixteen?" Seven nodded. "Well, what the hell are you doing, man?”

"Damn you, Meestake, and that's just what the hell you are! Ain't nobody got to be answering to you!" Big Mama raved. "And Seven, don't you answer a damn thing this fool got to say! He ain't no detective! Didn't even finish school!"

"This is just my friend, Uncle Meestake," I tried to explain.

"This is my damn house!" Big Mama yelled. "And if Bari wanna bring her man here to stay for two weeks, then damn it, she can! He a damn stranger, and he showing more concern for PawPaw than any of you damn heathens! I ought'a put all your asses out my house! Rude son-of-abit…”

"Big Mama!" I interrupted. "Please, it's okay." I don't know why she threatened to put everybody else out. They hadn't even said anything. "Just calm down."

"Seven is my damn guest in my damn house," she mumbled.

"I know, Big Mama." I said. "And you can have in your house whoever you want to have, and it ain't nobody's business."

I looked around at everyone for them to catch on. I had to calm her down. Niecy caught my eye. I winked at her.

"Yeah, Big Mama. Somebody always got something to say about somebody else's business," Niecy chimed in.

Uncle Meestake glared at her. She winked at him.

"Yeah, they do," Big Mama agreed.

"I'm sorry, Mama," Uncle Meestake said. "And it's very nice to meet you, Seven."

Big Mama smiled in my direction.

"I've heard a lot about you," Seven said. "I feel like I've known you a long time."

Uncle Meestake was all teeth as he smiled at me.

"So Seven, how old are you?" Niecy asked.

"I'm twenty-two."

"Oh, and how long have you and Bari been, um ...friends?"

"Now, here the fuck you go," Big Mama said. I was starting to think that maybe Big Mama had taken a couple of sips of the beer that Paw-Paw kept in the refrigerator. "If one of you mutha fuckas ask this boy one more question I'ma throw these hot greens on yo' ass. Try me."

"Big Mama, do you want to lay down for a while?” I asked.

She looked at me lovingly.

"I am a little tired, Bari. You're the only one in this Adam's Family that act like they got some damn sense. I can't stand the rest of y’all asses. Oh, and you, too, Seven. I really like you. You's a good man."

"Big Mama," I began, as I led her by the elbow to her room. "Did the doctor give you something for your nerves?"

"Yeah, baby, some Valium. And I had a couple of beers to toast to your Paw-Paw passing. That's all. Big Mama just tired. You gon' watch my house? I don't want these bastards tearing up my house."

''I'll watch the house, Big Mama, just get some rest," I said. "I'll clean up everything for you."

"You're such a good girl, Bari. I really wish you would think about ..." she was snoring before she finished the sentence; drunk and high.

Big Mama probably had tolerance so low she could get high off a Tylenol. I smiled at my joke as I pulled the comforter up around her neck.