Curves and All (On Hold)

Chapter 3

Tiana Smith

"Dad, how are you?" I hold my breath so he won’t hear some of my uneven breathing.

"Stop holding your breath tater tot. I’m doing just fine so quite all that crying. What happened to hot headed, strong minded, feelings of shield Tiana? Where she at?" I breathe and laugh as a few tears roll down my face.

"I’m right here dad. Always have and always will be. When can you possibly come home?" I brace for his answer.

"I really don't know baby. This cancer really trying to kick my ass, but I be damned if I let it win." I laugh at my father’s gleeful talk.

"Okay dad. Well we love you and we stay praying for you. Bye!"

"Bye babies! I love you Devante, Alexis, Tiana, and my beautiful wife. Bye!" We all say bye and he hangs up. I sit the phone down and sigh. We all feel this pain right now. It isn't the same not having my dad around.

On the job one day, as a construction worker, my dad complained about a massive headache. They sent him home, thinking it was just a migraine. He complained for weeks and passed out one of the days. We went to the doctor and they just gave him some pills.

A week later my dad was back in worse condition. They took a cat scan and some other medical stuff. He had a tumor the size of a peanut in his brain. This may seem small but it’s horrible. They took more tests, telling us not to panic and to not worry. Three days later, they confirmed that he had cancer.

We were so down. So distraught. But the biggest factor was that we were all scared. Any day I could lose my father to the beast named cancer. The most horrible part is that he left to go to a cancer treatment place during the middle of our school year. Seventh grade for me. I was happy that none of us became depressed like other families. It instead brought us closer.

He has missed a lot but he is always there for our birthdays. Hooked up to the portable machines, smiling and grinning. Since he can't make it to Devante's games, we try to go as a family. Mother, Alexis and me cheering him on. We do the same for Alexis also. Our family is solid and I’m happy to say that.

I get up and start smiling. Frowns cause premature crease lines and frown lines. Lol! Black may not crack but it will wither!

I walk into my room and grab my goodwill hat and goodwill uniform. I work at the goodwill part time. Most teenagers my age would rather work at a fast food place then the goodwill. The goodwill helps me appreciate the life I have while helping others.

I hop in and out the shower, lotioning up, pulling my hair back, and slipping on my uniform. I grab my backpack, phone, house keys, and make my way out the house. I walk two blocks and then I turn right on another block. Here I am. Time to get to work.

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After sorting through clothes, putting them on the racks, and helping customers it was finally time for my break. I grab my stuff and head to the Starbucks to blocks down. I walk in and order a smoothie and club sandwich. I get my order and sit down, opening up my science book. Important test tomorrow. I sip my juice and flip the page.

"Tiana." I look up to hear my name being called. I see who is sitting in front of me and I groan.

"Yes Chris?" It’s been a week knowing this kid and I have been avoiding him. He just don't get it!

"What you doing, Ma?"

"I’m on break, brah." I keep looking at my science book trying to focus.

"You work here?" I roll my eyes and keep studying.

"No." He smacks his lips and grabs my chin gently again, making me look at him.

"Why you keep giving ya nigga these short ass answers?" He tilts his head confusingly.

"The same reason you keep probing with these questions." I snap. I sigh and shake my head from his hands. It’s only him that makes me want to go in on him and anybody around us.

He leans back and smiles."Why don't you talk to the people at school like that? Snapped at me off the bat and I’m Chris Blackwell." Dang! I be forgetting who he is! I smack my lips then look at the time. Back to work.

"I uhh have to get back work soo-" He starts gathering my stuff and takes my bag and puts one strap over his shoulder.

"I’m walking you there." I look at him with astonishment and laugh. Ok.

I grab my sandwich and smoothie and we walk out. We start walking and he begins talking.

"Why don't you curse?" Weird question. I shrug my shoulders.

"I only curse when I really want to or feel the need to. It’s just not a habit I picked up." I sip my drink as then it is snatched out of my hand. Him and this dang snatching man!!

"Man Chris! I don't know where your mouth been! I don't even want it back!" I cross my arms and shake my head as he starts laughing.

"That’s what friends do though. Share my nigga!" He keeps grinning as I roll my eyes.

"Thing is, we aren't friends Chris. You got your relations all confused." He steps in front of me and slowly makes me press against the wall.

"Naw I’m pretty sure. Tiana, you my friend. We gone be there for each other. Sometimes it’s nice to have a male friend on ya team. Plus I’m slowly breaking you down." My breath hitches but I keep my cool. I really don't need an extra in my circle.

"So I’m a project? Besides, my circle is good without one more. I’m telling you. You are only messing up the process. Just keep to your lane and I can say I have always been in mine." He shakes his head and laugh.

"Trust me Ma. I know you want to be my friend and be that chick that I see. I’m gone let you get to work before you late. I actually got to handle some stuff to. You better text me tonight to or be prepared for something to happen tomorrow." He licks his lips and bites down. I can help my eyes being drawn to them. My eyes then look into his and I just turn my head. I go to walk off but he grabs my arm.

"No hug?" I shake my head laughing as I walk back over to him and wrap my arms around his waist. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me close. Probably one of the best hugs I have ever had.

I smack his hands away as he starts laughing. He almost touched my ass!

"Really Chris? You are so lucky I didn't shank yo- calm down Tiana. Calm down." See what I mean? He steps up and kisses me on the cheek. He moves his mouth to my ear.

"I just wanted a little squeeze of yo big fat juicy-" I push him away as he starts laughing harder and I blush.

"STOP! I’m going back to work. Bye Chris." I take my bag and hurriedly walk in. Once I'm from his eye distance, I start fanning myself.