Ciara Wright
We been at my mom's for two days straight, and Maria still ain't say nothing about fighting. Just running her mouth online, but quiet in real life.
I walked out of the living room where everybody was
into the kitchen, the smell of food smacking me in the face.
"Mami, what you cooking?" I asked, peeking over her shoulder.
The counter was packed. Pastelón, arroz con jueyes, some other dishes I ain't even know the names of.
She was showing out like this was some special occasion.
"Girl, just help me llevar la comida to the table," she said, barely looking at me.
I rolled my eyes but grabbed a plate. "Okay."
As I started setting the table, my mom called out,
"Naiyah! Come help your sister!"
Naiyah groaned like her life depended on staying there. "Ain't Brianna here too?"
"Girl, just come on before Mom start snapping," I said.
She dragged her feet into the kitchen, and I could tell she was already over it. But I was focused on something else-why my mom was acting so extra.
The table was lined up perfect, candles lit, everything like we hosting Beyonce or something.
"Aye, why we doing all this?" I asked, side-eyeing her. "Who coming?"
She smiled like she was enjoying this too much. "Maria and her family."
My stomach dropped.
Kamari, who had just walked in, frowned. "Ma, why you bringing them over?"
Before she could answer, DD, Ddot, and Notti walked in too,
"Maria who?" I asked, even though I already knew.
My mom smiled again. "Your bestie."
I froze. "Mami, no. We don't talk no more."
"Why not?" she asked, being clueless
"'Cause she was being fake, sleeping with Tyler when I moved back to New York," I snapped.
She sucked her teeth and waved me off like I was talking nonsense. "Ciara, you mad about that?"
DD, standing near the fridge, mugged her real quick before looking away, trying to stay respectful.
I dropped the serving spoon on the counter, staring at her like she lost her mind.
"YES, I'm still mad. What you mean? She was supposed to be my best friend you would too if dad did that with your best friend And you inviting her over like we cool?"
She rolled her eyes and went back to stirring the pot. "Maria like a daughter to me, and she's coming whether you like it or not."
I coulda flipped the whole table. Naiya looked at me from the side, already knowing I was about to lose it.
"Oh, she coming?" I let out a sharp laugh, stepping back. "Bet. Then I hope she ready to fight soon as she walk in that door, just like she was talking on live."
Mom slammed her spoon down. "Ciara, you not about to act a fool in my house."
I folded my arms. "Then don't bring fools into your house."
Naiya and Zaza snorted, trying to hold in their laughs. But I wasn't joking. If Maria had the nerve to show up, she was gonna see me first.
Then my dad walked in, rubbing his face. "What's all this yelling fo'?"
I turned to him, crossing my arms. "Pa, tell me why Mami invited Maria?"
His face "Maria?" He looked straight at my mom. "Lina, tell me you ain't serious."
