Diana (Urban Fiction)

VIII.

February 12, 2019
Dear Diary,

Well this weekend was... eventful to say the least. I'm no longer a virgin, I got a chance to see my brother, and I met Tyrell's mom. She's very headstrong, but I really do like her. I hope this means Tyrell is going to take me seriously. We haven't really talked about titles and honestly it's too soon to tell. But today is Monday, and I'm going right back to my normal schedule.

"Knock knock, need a teachers aide?" Semère popped her head in.

"You're gonna get fired. Where is your class?"

"They badasses are being taught by the principal today, I could've really stayed home. I have great classroom management, they just have zero tolerance for reinforcement. Now If Santiago can't set them straight, then it's off to alternative school for at least 12 of them."

"...Mére that's half your class."

"I know, I can't wait!"

"Grand rising, Ms. Jones!" One of my students, Noah greeted.

"Grand rising, Noah! How was your weekend?"

"This weekend I went to the hiking range with my daddy."

"That's good! Lani how was your weekend?"

"My mommy and I watched Octonauts."

"Sounds like fun!"

"DeNali how was your weekend?" Lani asked.

"I had a sleepover with Ms. Jones!"

Semére choked in a laugh.

"You had a sleepover with the teacher? How is that fun? She's a teacher." One of the students asked.

"I'll have you know my daddy and I had so much fun with Ms. Jones!" DeNali stuck her tongue out at them.

"How much fun?" Semére joked.

"Okay that's enough for right now. Today is the 12th day of Black history month, and the 12th letter of the alphabet is?"

"L!" The class shouted.

"And L is for Langston Hughes. He was a Black poet during the Harlem Renaissance era."

"Your kids are smarter than mine and they're supposed to be on times tables." Semére whispered in my ear, causing me to chuckle.

Lani raised her hand. "What is the Harlem Renaissance?"

"Oh that's my favorite era!" Semére exclaimed. "See, that was when Black art, music, and literature was at its finest."

"Ms. Farhan, we're you born in the Harlem Renaissance?"

"No Lani, the Harlem Renaissance took over the 1920s-30s."

"But everyone born in the 1900s is old-"

"And you sure do know a lot about old people." Another student chimed in.

"And I oop." I held back a laugh.

So after Semére had to plead her case with my whole kindergarten class, we decided to go to the auditorium and let them practice for their segment in the Black History Program next week. Mére and I sat back in the cushioned seats while the kiddies screamed the lyrics to Lauryn Hill and Nas "If I Ruled The World"

"So, what's your plans for Valentine's Day? Will you be going out with Jordan, Tommy, Timothy, or Aaron?" I joked.

"None of them. Well, Jordan may stop by my house around 10. I'm a really spending the holiday with this guy I met at the club. His name is Reggie, and he's fine as hell. Dinner and drinks at Ruth Chris. You wanna bring Mr. Birthwaite? Or can I call him Tyrell?"

Reggie, sounds familiar.

"Girl, he probably wants to spend it with his mama and daughter. You know I'm not big on Valentine's Day."

"Bitch you're not a Jehovah Witness, I advise you to come out to eat with us."

"Girl, nothing between us is official."

"Girl, nothing between me and my men are official and guess what? A bitch still going to Nigeria for her birthday. Use that pussy for power!"

"Girl I won't be able to use my kitty for much of anything. I told you he met Derek the other day right?"

"Shit, how'd that go?"

"It wasn't the best introduction offered."

"Well you're grown and he'll get over it. Besides, he's getting married soon anyway. And I want my invitation."

"Girl hush!"

The rest of the day was spent talking shit with Semére and letting my kids manage themselves. When school finally let out, DeNali waited for her father with me.

"Ms. Jones, where did you sleep at my daddy's house?"

"Um, on the couch." I lied.

"Why? My daddy has a big bed, I sleep in it sometimes when I get scared of the dark. Do you get scared of the dark?"

"Not really."

"Well when you do, you can have my spot." She smiled.

"Thanks DeNali, I'll remember that for next time."

It's the innocence for me.

Tyrell pulled up not too long after our conversation. He got out of the car to greet his daughter with his normal hug and kiss.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Jones."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Birthwaite. DeNali had her assignments in her backpack already."

"Cool, we'll work on them immediately."

"Great! You guys have a great evening."

"You do the same, but before I go, do you have any plans for Valentine's Day?"

"Um, not really. It's not a holiday I celebrate unless it's for my class actually." I chuckled.

"Well, I wanted to take you out to dinner, if that's alright with you. My brother wanted to spend time with our mom and DeNali's with her mom that weekend. Just a thought."

And out of thin air, here comes Semére.

"That is a great idea! You know she needs something to do, ain't that right bestie?"

I took a good moment of silence to look at here crazy, but I responded, "Yes, that would be a great idea."

"Perfect, Valentine's Day at 8?"

"I'll save the date! Not get my star student home so she can do her homework." I smiled.

"Alright it's a date!" Semére clapped her hands together.

"See you then." Tyrell lead DeNali to the car, and they drove off.

"Now what did I tell you about putting words in my mouth?"

"What? Somebody's gotta do it? You know you're not."

"I hate you, you know that?"

"Hey, you need me and I need you. We balance each other out. We're soulmates if anything."

"Yeah, I guess you're my person."

"Oh fasho, now, let's hit up the mall. You need a new and sexy dress girl! If I get laid, we all get laid."