Innocence

11.Trail of Gasoline

🌹M•O•A•N•I🌹

I yawned and stretched at the bottom of the stairs. I eyeballed the living room and saw everyone gathered in front of the TV.

I walked over and rubbed my eyes, "What's this?" I asked.

My mom looked away from the TV, "Nene why're you still in pajamas?"

I examined my clothing, "Is it school today? Do I need to get dressed?"

"There is no school today we got Friday off, it's just weird you're still in pajamas at 4 o'clock in the afternoon..." Jessica clarified.

I shrugged, "I mean I—"

Hakeem cleared his throat, "She musta pulled an all nighter... She was locked in her room all yesterday..."

I glared at Hakeem, shut up! I mouthed.

He shook his head. I strolled into the kitchen and pulled the fridge open. I closed it and jumped, seeing Hakeem. He stood with his arms folded and a smirk on his face.

I sighed and walked towards the cabinet, "Wha...What're you doing?"

"Where were you last night? I called and texted yo phone a good 3 times?"

I rolled my eyes, "Hakeem, you know I was at Dynasty's house..." I opened the cabinet door and peered inside.

"Wow Moani you just gon lie to yo own brother like that. I ain't stupid, you and Dynasty ain't been talkin since Chris party. So, wassup?"

"I was out Hakeem, being—"

"Fast." He leaned on the island counter.

I squint my eyes, "Why would you say something like that?"

"Shid that's what people gon say when they find out what you was doing wit Chris cousin. Yeah, I know you was wit that boy last night. People talk..."

I bit my cheek, "Okay Hakeem, what do you want to say to me?"

"You already know wassup, don't be fuckin stupid. Keep yo legs closed, because if I hear something yo feelings getting hurt and that nigga you fucking wit getting hurt too."

"You be out there having sex with every female you see. Why is it such an issue if I'm doing it? It's my body."

He chuckled, "I ain't even doing shit like that no more." He pointed to me. "And you right it's yo body, but I swear on my life that nigga will get fucked up." He nodded and walked off.

Perks of having a defensive older brother, I guess. I grabbed an orange and juggled it. I wonder how Hakeem found out about last night. The only person I could suspect that told him was Chris, but how did he know?

"Moani!" My mom yelled. "Come here, we're having a meeting."

I groaned and stomped into the living room, "Whyy?" I asked, plopping on the couch next to Jessica.

Hakeem mocked me and continued to look at our mom.

She stood up and clasped her hands, "So, I got some great news it's about another addition into the family."

"You pregnant!" Hakeem and I yelled at the same time.

She sat down laughing, "No, hell no." She waved her hands. "But she's a girl—"

Hakeem cackled, "Another girl, no. Send 'er back. That's gon be 3 females in this house I ain't cool wit all that. You know how long I gotta wait for Moani to get out the shower?" He dramatically fell back.

My mom rolled her eyes, "Thank you Jessica for listening and not being like these two." She pointed between Hakeem and me.

I mugged her, "Jessica is not quiet I don't know why she be actin' like this." I nudged her shoulder and she giggled.

My mom rolled her eyes, "Anyway, ya'll will love her and you two cried when she left." Hakeem sat up to protest, and she put her hand up. "Yes, Hakeem, you cried."

I sighed, "Okay ma who is it?" I was becoming impatient. I loved her, but I was ready to eat this orange. Plus, Hakeem kept giving me the stank eye.

"Nene you of all people should know who I'm talking about because she was your favorite. It's Zelda!"

"Hell naw. Like I said, send her back..." Hakeem got up to leave.

"Where you think you going?" My mom asked.

"Upstairs..."

"Hakeem, you better sit yo ass back down." He put his head back and sat down.

"Tell em again mama."

"We don't have a choice, I don't know what happened. My sister didn't tell me much which was odd of her but all I know is that she needed a place to stay... So, Jessica what do you say to a roommate?"

Jessica put her hands up, "It's fine with me. I don't mind at all..."

I smirked, "That's her way of saying put her in Moani's room."

My mom shook her head, "Moani you barely have space in there for yourself, can't nobody fit in there." She nagged.

"Yah that room dirty. Ion kno who would want to stay in there."

Jessica snickered, "It's only funny cause it's true!" She rolled on her side.

I poked my bottom lip out, "Y'all are very disrespectful. Where is she gonna go to school?"

"The same school y'all attend, duh. I already enrolled her..."

*^*^*

Meanwhile...

🌪Z•E•L•D•A🌪

My mother and I sat before Mrs.Berkles red oak table in two plush office chairs.

Ms.Breckle covered her mouth and cleared her throat, "Ms.Curtis, Zelda was the best student I've had in years. A's and B's in every class.." She pushed a file towards my mom. "But her grades have dropped to D's in all her classes. Even Health, which is the easiest class to pass."

Okay, she didn't have to say all that. Teacher's just don't know when to stop talking. I knew my mama was already planning to send me off somewhere. This was the 6th parent-teacher conference we had to attend because of my 'bad' behavior.

My mom sighed, pretending to inspect the papers that laid in front of her while I slumped in my seat, "Mrs.Berckle, in all honesty, Zelda has been having some issues at home. Which, I'm guessing, is distracting her from school."

Oh honey, there is no guessing with this one. It was a detrimental distraction. I kept having nightmares, and it was only feeling me with rage because my mother wouldn't give me what I needed for the nightmares to stop.

I dramatically sighed causing my mom to kick my ankle, "Ouch!" Ms.Berckle glanced at me and back at my mother.

She nodded her head, "In all fairness, I have been seeing her upset lately."

"Yes, I assure you that..." I rolled my eyes, drowning out the whole conversation. I focused on the left of the classroom, staring at a bookcase I read the title "Moby Dick" it was a typical book to find but why in Geometry class.

I sat up and grunted causing both of them to snap their necks in my direction, " Anything you would like to add Ms.Curtis?" Ms.Berckle asked with sarcasm.

I stared into her eyes before licking my chapped lips, " How about we just call it a day? Let's just say I'll fix it." I put my elbows on her desk and leaned forward. "After my mother gets me a therapist or... lets me live with my father." I could feel the glare my mother was giving me. It was like two lasers at the back of my head.

Hey, she asked me a question so out of respect; I answered.