The Journal

Chapter 3 | Overprotective Best Friends

I hopped on the bus alone since all the boys were staying after school for some type of activity plus Re’nee lived in the opposite direction. With one glance at who was on the bus, I sat in the front directly behind the bus driver. Why be in the back? One point of the Civil Rights Movement was to be able to sit in the front; so that’s what I’m doing. I placed my book bag next to me and rested my head on the window.

When my eyes fluttered open I realized it was raining hard and the bus was at my stop. Before the bus driver could pull off I leaped up and ran through the half closed door.

How could the weather just go from sunny with a light breeze to a thunder-like storm? Mother Nature must have teamed up with superstitions and fate all in the same day; how lovely. I quickened my pace as I tucked my book bag under my coat. Once it was secured, I began running until I reached my house which, luckily, wasn’t too far away.

“I’m home!” I huffed until I noticed my mom.

“Wh- what are you doing home so early?” She attempted to fix her clothing. I looked astonished between her and some man in our living room. “It’s not what it looks like, Evie Beevie. The plumber was just fixing the sink.”

“Save your clichés mom.” I glared at her disapprovingly before rushing out of the house. I gotta get out of here was racing through my mind. How could she? She’s always the one preaching how you don’t need a man to complete you and crap like that. What a hypocrite! I mean, she could have at least charmed someone really hot, right?! The plumber was okay, but not okay for my mom.

My trip to Ray’s house was basically a blur; all I can remember is climbing up the huge sycamore tree next to his window and climbing in.

Rayon (Ray Ray):

While running up the drive way, I dug in my jean pocket for my keys. I noticed that no cars were parked. Ayeee, that means I get the house myself! My mom, little sister, and little brother must be out doing something kid-like. As I jammed my key into the dead bolt, I imagined all the things I could do: dance on the kitchen table in my boxers, drink milk out the jug, party rock type shuffling in every room … Today is going to be an awesome Monday!

 “When I walk on by

Girls be lookin’ like dang he’s fly

I pimp to the beat

Walking down the street in my new la freak

Yeahhhh

This is how I roll

Animal print pants outta control

t’s Ray Ray with the two long braids

And like Bruce Leroy I got the glow…”

I sang while walking upstairs to my room before my solo party began. I swung my door open to see a very sadden and drenched Evie lying on my bed staring at the white ceiling.

“What’s wrong??” I rushed to her and knelt down.

“Besides your singing of Sexy and I Know it?” She smirked.

I rolled my eyes, “No, seriously. You only climb up that tree and break into my house when something’s wrong. Plus you look a hot mess. What’d you do? Dance in the rain?”

She rolled her eyes playfully before sighing and fidgeting with her teddy bear chain.

“Stop stalling.” I stood up and sat on my bed.

It all came out in a rush, “My mom was having a heated make out session with our plumber when I walked in so I ran here.”

“And …?”