BROKEN By: RONNEA STILES

James

James 18

Sylvia and her mother were over for dinner again. June is almost over and I still haven't heard from Queen in almost two weeks. I kept thinking was I terrible? Was my stroke game not good enough? It was my first time but by the way she moaned my name I could tell she liked it unless she was putting on an act. Maybe the people from the church were right. I don't know what's wrong with the her or what she has going on, I had to stop thinking about her.
"James hunny . . . what are you thinking about?"
My mother asked.
It was us five at the table. Sylvia, her mom, my mom and dad, then me.
"Oh nothing I was just . . . "
"He was probably thinking about that nasty girl Queen".
Everybody's heads looked up at Sylvia. She had a snobby look on her face.
"Really Sylvia are you that jealous!?"
She stood up.
"It's not about me being jealous it's about you choosing that girl over me! I've known you for ten years and you literally just met this dirty girl and you're already head over heels for her always thinking about her!"
I stood up too now.
"I do not! There's plenty of other stuff I have to think about so don't think you know everything and just because I'm not thinking about you twenty-four seven doesn't mean I'm thinking about Queen . . . and don't call her that she's not dirty!"
"Calm down both of you!"
Both of our mothers shouted.
"No mom no Mrs. Parker I have something to say. It seems like everyone has something against this girl and knows literally nothing about her! She needs help and I'm going to help her all that I can, isn't that what church people are supposed to do isn't that what we were told and taught to do!?"
"Oh really James Church people! you can't be serious you're only thinking about being with her I'm not stupid!"
I didn't say anything I just walked over to Sylvia and got into her face.
"Geez ya know what Sylvia you're right you're absolutely right! I'm in love with that girl who you call dirty and nasty! And I don't love you and I never will!"
She smacked me in the face as hard as she could, I balled my fist up ready to hit her back but as I was about to let my anger out on her my dad beat his fist hard on the table.
"That's enough you two! This was supposed to be a nice family dinner!"
Mrs. Parker stood up as Sylvia began to cry leaving the table.
"We're going to go. . . this situation seems to be deeply intense and heated right now".
She followed behind and grabbed Sylvia and they walked out. We all watched them leave, I was heated I couldn't believe Sylvia would say something like that. I grabbed my keys off the table as my dad started to speak.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm leaving".
"No you're not, sit back down son!"
My dad stood up sternly with an intense look on his face so I knew he was extremely serious so I sat back down at the table.
"Hunny dear please calm down".
"No baby we need to talk about James and this girl. Son ever since this girl has come into your life I've barley seen you pick up a football or ever write your skits".
"Dad I honestly don't care about stupid football or skits! I've never cared you did and have always expected above and beyond out of me it's always been what you wanted!"
"Son you better calm your behind down! You don't know what your talking about, it's never been just what I wanted it's been about this family and staying together. Which this girl is jeopardizing. She's trouble and she's going to bring you down!"
"Really dad what happened to always treating people nice and the way you want to be treated huh? Or did that just fly right out the window of you guys' heads!?"
"James dear your dad and I just want the best for you . . . you've gotten a scholarship son why would you mess that up?"
"Because mother I've never wanted this shit!"
My mother and father both looked shocked.
"The day you think you can cuss your mother out like that is the day I'd kill you! Now you listen to me and listen well before I hurt you!"
My mother was now crying and I felt horrible because I'm the reason why.
"If you see or even speak to that girl and I find out you are out of this family! Do you hear me? That girl is dangerous and she's not a child of God she will bring hell in your life which will bring you down!"
My chest felt like it was going to cave in. I didn't understand why everyone else saw Queen as this big fuck up. I thought everyone was a child of God. I really started rethinking my dad's faith in God. When I'd seen that he was finished I rushed to get my keys and walked out of the house. I just couldn't deal with this shit anymore.