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Chapter Two: Going in Different Directions

Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. - February 1987

KAKUYA POV

"Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real good time, I feel alive........and the worllllllllllllllllllllllllld, is turning inside out."

It was 5:15 A.M. and Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" was blaring from my alarm clock. I rubbed my eyes, leapt out of bed and took off my clothes. I grabbed my robe and looked next door. I closed the blinds and smirked to myself. Donald has been itching for a glimpse at me naked, but it ain't happening. We're still best friends, but we are in two different places: I'm a bookworm, and Donald's a social butterfly who barely scrapes by in class. He'd rather listen to/make music or flirt with local hoochies in the neighborhood. I'm always caught in the middle of his shenanigans too!!! Like the time two years ago, he begged me to drive with him to Mineappolis so he could audition with Prince's band. He didn't make it, and when we got back home our parents were furious! His dad beat him so badly he had to wear a pillow on his ass for a week before he could sit down again. As for me, I lost my car, phone, mall, and music privledges for two weeks.  Even after I was off punishment, I was so mad at Donald, I punched him in the face and broke his nose. But I believe that Donald will change the face of music someday,  I know it.

After a 35 minute shower, I lotioned down, put on some blue jeans, a green tank top and a matching blue jean jacket. I took a quick glance in the mirror and my long curly hair was in full view. I put on my black beanie, my Mars Blackmon glasses and gave a nervous metallic smile (I had braces). I slipped into my jet black Doc Martens and was heading downstairs when my phone rang. I picked it up.

Me: Hello?

Donald: Hey beautiful girl, have you eaten breakfast?

Me: Um....no.

Donald: Good, come to Wally's, I'm buying us breakfast.

Me: Okay.

Donald: I shouldn't buy you nothing since the curtain was closed.

Me: Oh my goodness, you gotta get up early for that. I keep tellin ya.

We laughed and I hung up. I went down the hall and saw Theo and Kaiz sleeping in their bunk bed, Rhonda was sleeping pretty on the bed, trying not to mess up her curled, relaxed hair. Anita was sleeping on the couch, recovering from a hangover. I walked downstairs, grabbed my bookbag, keys, and headed out the door and into my Dad's 1974 Ford Pinto.

I got out the car went into Wally's Diner. Donald was sitting at the table eating hash browns, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy. He gestured to the white box on the other side of the table. I sat down, opened it, and there were three pancakes, egg whites, strawberries and mandarin oranges.

Me: Thank you.

Donald: Guess what?

Me: What?

Donald: I got a B on my chemistry exam.

I smiled. He's smart, but just is too cool to apply himself!

Me: I knew you could do it!

Donald: Do you know where you're going for college?

Me: I'm thinking maybe Temple or Columbia University.

Donald: Mmm, you think Joey would go for that?

I groaned. I hate it when Donald talks about my boyfriend, Joey Crusel. I know why this is, because Joey's white and makes hurtful jokes about our relationship when Joey is nothing but cordial to him. I don't hate on Donald's relationship with Monica Mancini. He's dating a girl who is easy like Sunday morning and he doesn't even like her like that.

Me: Why you gotta go there?

Donald: Why do you go for these bottom shelf dudes?

Me: You do this with every guy I talk to!

Donald: Because I'm your best friend and I know what's best for you. He's no good for you! That dude has two DUIs, and twin daughters at seventeen years old, K.O. If you pick the right dude, I'd be off your back.

Me: Oh! Like your relationship with Monica? I use that term loosely. You spend more time with me than with her!

Donald: We don't need to put on a show like you do. We know what it is.

Me: You just can't stand to see me happy.

Donald: Don't be ridiculous. I want the best for you. And an alcoholic single teenaged dad ain't for you! He's a clown. Leave him in the dust.

I groaned loudly and rolled my eyes. I got up, grabbed my food and left.

Me: I'll see you at school. I'm done with this wack ass conversation.

I'm not the brightest when it comes to relationships, but Donald is the last person to judge me with his part-time loving. Hell, the way he carries on with Monica, he may end up gettng her pregnant.