Communication| b.x.b. X/CB

Confrontation #1

F.
-

February 18, 1968

It felt good to be back in Jacksonville again. Even with the given circumstances of my grandmother being sick, I'm still overjoyed that we had to move back. I was literally only in New York for about five months, but on my first day there, I realized very soon that I was a nobody there. There was a thousand people just like me there; smart, good looking, charming, and athletic. Here in Jacksonville, I'm one of a kind.

Right now I was posted up against the lockers with Frank and Sam.

"Feels good to be back?" Sam asks. I nod and shove my hands in my jacket pockets.

"Hell Yeah! I hated New York the first time I saw the house! I just knew I wasn't staying in that raggedy ass place long." I say making the boys laugh.

"Them joints in NY run down then a mother! When my uncle went to stay there for a business trip he left immediately. He said he wasn't fuckin with no roaches and rats bigger than his dog!" Frank adds making us laugh once more. The laughter dies down and Frank speaks once more.

"I know you probably noticed that Johnny ain't with us no more. "Frank said.

Sam scoffs. "We ain't 'bout to be associating with no sissy!"

I furrow my brows and play as if I didn't already know what they were talking about. "What y'all mean?"

"He call himself dating that weird kid you hang with. He don't even care that people know. That stuff just gives me a sick stomach. "Frank says lowly. Sam agrees.

"Yeah man, Johnny be kissing and hugging on that boy in public too. You don't need everybody to know yo' business man!" Sam co-signs.

I didn't let it show to the boys, but my blood was boiling. That's what makes Johnny so special?

Frank cringes. "I just don't see how he can do that man. "

As if on cue, Johnny walks in hand-in-hand with Jahseh. If it were possible for me to be any more upset than before, I would be.

"See!" Sam says as he covers his eyes. I spectate how they interacted with each other. Johnny was looking at Jah like he was the only person in the room. Jahseh was giggling and blushing like and idiot.

"Let's solve this problem, fellas. "I voice as we all walk towards Jah and Johnny. Jah saw me and looked like he was going to shit himself. Johnny held strong with a stern look.

"Happy to be back?" Johnny questions with a smug grin. I nod and return that same look.

"As always. Now look, this right here," I say pointing to him and Jahseh, "is an eyesore and is making everybody sick. So you can break it up right now and save everybody a doctors visit, or I can do it for you. "

Jen rushes over to Jahseh'a side and stands firmly beside him also. Typical Jen, always running to fight his battles.

"Whatever is wrong with you this morning, or whatever new attitude you got while in New York needs to leave. You of all people should be having anything to say right now. "Jen butts in. I roll my eyes as people start to look at us. Showtime.

"Stay out of it Jennifer. Before you get your feelings hurt. " Sam says taking a step towards her and getting in her face.

"And if I don't? What do you have to say that's gone hurt my feelings?"

"You'll find out if you don't leave this alone. It ain't your business!" Sam declares.

Jen crosses her arms and remains in her same spot. I smirk as I feel the need to get under her skin.

"You didn't even say hey to me, Jennifer. I thought you'd be happy to see me. "I tease. She rolls her eyes  

"I could care less about seeing your poor, highlighter ass. "

"It's okay, you're little sister will be more than glad I'm back. You should ask her about the going away present she gave me. It was so nice of her to give me something that she can never get back. " I laugh. Jen's deep ebony skin slightly tints red. I must've pushed the right button. However she remained composed.

"Whoop his ass. I wanna see him bleed, Johnny. " Jen says Johnny. I laugh.

What was Johnny supposed to do to me?

"You're laughing like the 'happy' man you are." Johnny smiles putting an emphasis on happy. "Having a gay time, aren't you?"

I couldn't believe this fool would even dare to say anything like that. He must like Jahseh so much that he doesn't care if he gets beat up by his ex. My parents ain't raise no punk, so I stepped right into his face and looked him in the eye. My voice deepens.

"You trying to say something?" I spat. Johnny stood there with that smug, satisfied grin on his face. Jahseh attempted to pull Johnny away, but he wasn't budging. I shove Jah away.

"Mind your business! Can't you see we're having a disagreement here?" I yell at him.

That must've sent Johnny boy here over the edge because he hit me so incredibly hard in the jaw that I almost lost my balance. My hand flies up to my face upon impact. I look at Johnny and he's fuming.

"Don't touch him again. Ever. "He threatens through gritted teeth. Peers and onlookers begin to 'oooh' and some shout 'you gonna let that sissy do you like that?' I regain my self and charge at Johnny. I hit him one good time in the face before he gets the best of me and slams me into the lockers.

Frank and Sam shout at me to 'beat his ass', but as of right it wasn't possible. Johnny came prepared for me today. I was hitting him and they were good licks too, but I wasn't a match for him right now. Mr. Taylor and Coach Sonny break up the fight.

"Who started this mess?" Coach yells angrily at us all. We all point to Johnny as if it wasn't my fault either.

"Let's go, son. "Coach says as he pulls Johnny towards the principals office.

Jah glares at me as he follows Johnny to the office. I smirk back at him as Mr. Taylor orders everyone to class. All I could think of in my mind next was to get back Jahseh by any means necessary because Johnny won't be coming to school for a few days. Hopefully Jah isn't too invested in their relationship already. I've missed my baby boy.

-
🤸🏽‍♂️