Instead of going to the awards ceremony straight from fourth period, I decide to look for Jeremy in the parking lot.
“Jeremy!” I call out, seeing him get into his Mustang, ready to pull off. I got here just in time.
“Jayd, what are you doing here? You're going to miss the awards,” he says, turning down his music and putting the car into park.
“I know, but I had to say hi. I haven't seen you all day,” I say, leaning into the open car window to give him a kiss. “What's up?”
“Nothing, Jayd. All this homecoming shit makes me sick. I'm just not into the dances and all,” he says, repeating the same mantra I've heard for the past couple of weeks.
“It's not that bad, Jeremy,” I say, tired of his selfish behavior. “I can understand not liking Reid for what he and his brothers did in the past. But, baby, you've got to let this go,” I say, touching his forearm. “Besides, it's not about them. It's about us.”
“Well, then since it's about us, why don't you forget the dance and go out with me tomorrow night,” he says, challenging me. He knows I'm not about to give up homecoming to chill with him, no matter how sprung I am.
“Real funny,” I say. “I've already risked accepting my award for you. Isn't that enough?” I ask.
“How do you know you won?” he asks. And, he's right: I don't. But, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough. “And, whether or not it's enough is up to you.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” I ask, removing my hand from his arm and standing straight up.
“It means only you can decide whether or not you like me as I am. But, right now I'm going to grab something to eat before the bell rings. Go before you miss the entire ceremony,” Jeremy says, starting his engine. “I'll see you after school,” he says, pulling off, leaving me in a state of shock. What was that all about?
“
There are some soldiers in here, where they at
?”
Who's this texting me now?
“
We Won! Where r u?
”
Chance is right: Where am I? I feel like I'm in a relationship with a ghost. And, Jeremy's also right. I'll have to decide if this relationship is enough for me. But, not before the dance, because a sistah still needs a ride.
16
One Two Step
“Now that I've got myself together baby/ And I'm having a ball.”
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MARVIN GAYE
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D
ances are among my mom's favorite high school memories. She's so exited about me going to homecoming tonight that she got off work early to pick me up from Mama's after Jeremy dropped me off at our regular spot. I left my dress at her house last weekend and already packed my other necessities. So, when she gets here we can leave right away, giving me plenty of time to get ready for my big night. I'm still hot at Jeremy for not going with me and for missing our performance. But, I'm tired of arguing and of the silence like we had this afternoon on our way home.
I'm exausted from the long week I've had, mostly spent dealing with Nellie's crap. She's still not fully convinced she should listen to me about Tania or the stunt they're planning for tonight. I spent all day yesterday trying to convince her without telling her I know she's in for it because of a dream I had a few weeks ago. I know she'd freak out if I'd said that. I even resorted to getting backup from Misty since Chance, Mickey, Jeremy, and I weren't enough.
Misty turned out to be pretty helpful in swaying Nellie's opinion in our favor, even though her mission to get concrete proof wasn't as successful. Because it wasn't done during an athletic event, no athletes or cheerleaders know anything about it. However, I know what needs to be done to reveal our enemies.
“Jayd, remember to take your notebook with you. Your assignment is due on Sunday,” Mama says from her room, not letting me enjoy a moment free from worrying about more work. I actually almost did forget it, but she doesn't have to know that.
“No, Mama. I was just coming to get it,” I say, walking in from the living room to retrieve the book from the nightstand.
“Just for lying to me, I'm not giving you your surprise,” Mama says, displaying a small, green box with the letter
J
engraved on the top. It looks worn, like it's been around for a long time.
“What's this?” I say, excited Mama's sharing something special with me. I'm just happy she's in a good mood. I hate it when she's mad at me. Now I know better than to get on her bad side like that again.
“These bracelets have been in our family for generations,” Mama says, opening the box to reveal five brass and jade bracelets. “The name Jayd goes back to Maman's time, when she took on the title of Queen Jayd upon her initiation into the priesthood,” Mama says, taking the bracelets out of the box and motioning for me to sit next to her on the bed.
“Maman took on the name Jayd not only because we're known to have green eyes, but also because of the power the actual stone possesses.” Slipping the bangles onto my right arm one by one, she tells me all about the mystical properties of the green stone.
“Jade is known to some as a stone of fidelity, bringing realization to a person's true potential and purpose in life. It is also known as a dream stone, improving the ability to remember dreams as well as assisting in their interpretation. It can also be used to release suppressed emotions through the dream process.” That last meaning really hit home for me. Last night my dream of Raheem kissing me returned in full effect. Maybe I'm suppressing some emotions about him I need to deal with. Placing the last bracelet on my arm, Mama continues with the impromptu ceremony.
“This powerful stone also helps you to tune in to the needs of others and inspires wisdom when dealing with problems, like your current ones with Nellie. It also provides confidence. So, like I've told you before, Jayd. You have nothing to fear. The blood flowing through your veins is stronger than any enemy out there,” she says, gesturing to the outside world.
“Wear these bracelets with care, child, as they are also delicate. Your great grandmother wore them, I wore them and now you wear them,” Mama says, bringing my hands up to intercept her kiss. “Jade is also used to assist one in accessing the ancestor world. These bracelets are said to have brought Maman a gentle transition from the physical world to the spiritual world.”
“Mama, why are you giving me these to wear tonight? It's a dance, not a marriage,” I say, feeling like she's taking this way too seriously. Without thinking, I take my hands away from hers and play with the bangles, causing them to move out of the order Mama placed them in.
“Pay attention to the positioning of fragile things, child,” she says, reclaiming my arms and repositioning each bracelet. As she does this, I remember my brief hot flash yesterday. Mama knows more than she's letting on, as usual. But, I get the message nonetheless. I need to be more aware if I want to help Nellie make it through tonight.
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“Oh, Jayd, you look gorgeous in red,” my mom says, admiring my reflection in her mirror. She helped me put my hair up in a cascading ponytail and did my makeup. She loves playing dress-up.
“Thank you,” I say proudly. Even though I still think Jeremy's wrong for not taking me to the dance, he more than made up for it by buying me this dress. My mom still doesn't understand and hates me going alone. She's just glad Jeremy's going to be my ride for the evening.
“That boy is stupid,” my mom says, handing me my gold heels from the closet. “Why would he want to buy you the dress, take you, and pick you up but not actually go to the damn dance?”
“It's very personal to him,” I say, not wanting to give up the entire story right now. At least I'll be too preoccupied with saving Nellie's behind to worry about Jeremy's absence. I've left her several explicit messages on how we're going to handle the paintball situation. She's yet to call me back and confirm she received any of the messages, but I'm sure she did. And, I hope they sink in.
“There's you're silly little boyfriend now,” my mom says, responding to the doorbell and passing me by to open the door for Jeremy. I take one last look at myself in the mirror. I know I'm overdressed to play
The Bodyguard
tonight, but I'm dressed just right to have a good time. And, with Raheem, Nigel, and my homegirls there, I'm sure we'll have our fun, even amidst all the drama.
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As we approach the top of the football field a half hour into the game, Jeremy's still in silent mode and I look too good to care. When I step out of the car, he reaches down to give me a kiss before closing the door behind me.
“You look gorgeous, girl,” he says, half smiling. But, even with the comment breaking his silent treatment, there's something especially sad in his eyes tonight. “I'll see you after the dance.”
“Jeremy, wait,” I say, feeling like it's my first day at kindergarten and I don't want my mom to leave me. “Can't you at least stay for the game?” I say. Before he can answer, Mickey walks up behind me, surprising me.
“Damn, Jayd, is that you? You look hot, girl,” Mickey says, drawing attention from the other people hanging outside. I love that everyone dresses up for the football game and the dance right after. White folks do it their way, all day.
“Yeah, it's her,” Jeremy says, smiling brightly. “I told you that you looked good.”
“Hey, Jeremy. Are you staying for the game?” Mickey says, repeating my plea.
“No, I've got other plans. But, I'll be here to pick my queen up right after,” he says, kissing me before getting into his car and leaving. Sensing my disappointment, Mickey takes me by the hand, escorting me through the gates and down the crowded bleachers. Feeling the buzz, I start to get excited. Everyone's dressed in their best and sitting in the bleachers. It's a funny sight to see and I'm glad to be a part of it.
“Where's your man?” I ask.
“Oh, he couldn't make it. His parole officer called him in yesterday afternoon and put him under house arrest for the weekend until he clears his drug test,” she says. I don't know how she deals with all of her man's problems. Oh, yes I do: by occupying herself with other men.
“Girl, you missed it,” Mickey says, leading us down the bleachers at lightening speed. “Nigel already scored two touchdowns and it's not even half time yet.”
“I'm sure he's just getting started,” I say as we finally settle into a spot in the front row. I can't help but look around, expecting to see people in hoods come out from under the bleacher, ready to attack. “How's the other team doing?”
“Don't you see that big zero on the scoreboard?” Mickey says, pointing toward the end zone. Damn.
“Have you seen Nellie?” I ask, looking around the crowded field. I don't see Raheem. Chance is also nowhere in sight. But, I suspect wherever he is Nellie's not too far away.
“No, not yet. But, she left me a message saying she would be on the low until the coronation during the dance.” Well, I guess that's good. At least I don't have to worry about saving her until later.
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As predicted, we whipped our rival East Beach High's ass. The football games are anti-climactic, especially since we are the best out of all the beach-area schools, Westingle included. And, now that we have a Westingle brotha on our team, we're unstoppable.
Now basketball's another thing. I love the games because KJ and his boys hustle. And, the other teams hustle right back. But, football isn't as exciting. And with Nigel on the team, I know no other team can beat us. That's why the football players are especially cocky.
After the game, Mickey and I follow the crowd to the gym. Taking our time so she can wait for Nigel, we see the custodians begin setting up the field for the coronation. I wonder if my dream is off this time: Maybe nothing will go down. But, if history's taught me anything, it's that when I dream of drama it usually happens, one way or another. And, it's better to be safe than sorry.
“Hey, Nigel,” Mickey says, practically leaping from our post by the gate and into his arms. “You were so good tonight,” Mickey says, making my stomach curl.
“Good game,” I say, giving Nigel a hug after Mickey lets him go. He's still a bit wet from his quick shower and smells good, reminding me of Rah's scent.
“Thanks, boo. Have you seen Raheem? He was supposed to meet me here after the game,” Nigel says, looking around for him.
“No, I haven't,” I say, feeling like he just read my mind.
“I'm going to chill out in my car for a minute before going to the dance. Want to come?” Chilling in the car is code for smoking a blunt, and I don't want to go inside smelling like weed.
“I'll pass,” I say. “But, thanks for the thought.”
“I'll join you,” Mickey says, draping her arm around Nigel's waste. “See you in a little while, Jayd.”
“And, when my boy gets here, make sure you keep him company,” Nigel says as they head off toward the parking lot. Once Raheem sees me, I'm sure I'll have no choice.
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Walking into the dimly lit, crowded gym turned disco dance floor, I spot Misty and KJ dancing up close. If I weren't in need of her help, I'd have to say something about her trifling behavior. But, we're on a tight schedule. The names for the winners of this morning's vote are going to be announced any minute. And, Nellie's on stage, in position.
“Misty,” I say, breaking up the lusty couple. “I need your help.” KJ, looks up from their embrace and takes me in. He's obviously pleased with my appearance.
“Jayd,” he says. “You look fine, girl,” which isn't what Misty wants to hear. I hope KJ's comment doesn't make her change her mind.
“Jayd, how do you know anything's going to happen?” she says, reclaiming KJ's waist. “I told you I couldn't find anything to prove Tania's really behind the pictures,” she says, almost whispering so no one else hears our conversation. Other couples are on the dance floor, drifting along to Keisha Cole's slow vibe. I didn't need a dream to tell me Misty would chicken out. It's a pattern for her. And, now that she's got KJ the least bit interested in her, she isn't going anywhere.
“Misty, you know I need you to tell me when you see the two people in the crowd change into hooded shirts,” I say. I still don't know exactly who they are, but this is how it played out in my dream. If I have someone on the look out, I can text Nellie exactly when to exchange places with Laura. I don't think she actually knows about this little stunt. This is all Reid's doing. So, she won't be looking out for them, just caught in the unfortunate crossfire. But, the crowd is too large for me to hunt alone. I need help.
“Look, Lara Croft, this is not the time or the place to be pulling your little weird-ass stunts,” Misty says, falling back into step with an amused KJ, who hasn't stopped drooling over me since his comment.
“Fine, don't help. So much for being down with the cause,” I say, leaving the two of them to make fools of themselves with each other. I guess Jeremy was right. Sometimes it is solely a physical attraction with people.