"Girl you don't even know this boy", Yanna says as I put on my lashes.
"Girl we're only hanging out because he asked. It's not even a date. Momma already knows about him."
"It's better if you just stay off the street-
"And who told you this? Jayvion?"
"Girl he didn't have to. I'm telling you myself."
"I'm telling you I'm fine. Nothing is gonna happen to me.... I'll see you later." I grab my purse and walk into my mom's room, letting her know where I'm going and when I'll be back, before dashing out the door.
*************
"Why are we at a park? I thought you said we were going to the movies", I say walking through the park with Seyven right by my side.
"I changed my mind." We continue to walk until I stop and look at the picnic set before me. The beautiful array of the candles catch my attention before anything else does. We walk over and I sit down as I watch Seyven prepare me a plate.
"What chu looking at me like that for?"
"Nothing.... this is cute."
"Glad you think it is because me and my brother spent a lot of time doing this shit."
I quickly think of Sehkani and the business I'm doing with him. Seyven still doesn't know and I don't want him to. Ain't no telling what he would do if he found out. "You good?"
"..... yeah I'm ok... just hungry."
"Here. It's some jerk chicken and rice that my momma made."
I nod and bite down into the jerk chicken, which instantly melts in my mouth. I take another bite and then another; soon realizing that I'm swallowing the food and not even chewing.
"Damn is it good?"
I mug him and nod. "You want another plate."
"Yesssss."
"Ole fat ass", he says causing me to mug him as I wait for my 2nd plate.
***********
"Mchmt never did yo ass do that shit to that lil girl", Seyven says laughing.
"I did. She was talking all that mess and then took my fruit snacks. I stabbed her with my pencil and I didn't give a fuck. You know how I feel about my fruit snacks anyway."
"Nigga you were just in kindergarten. What chu doing stabbing lil kids?"
"She tried me so I did what I did. My momma was so mad, but my dad was laughing the whole time. I was suspended for like 5 days since my 'anger was spiraling out of control.'
"You was tough and now you all cool and boujee. What happened to you?"
"My dad died. I was always the fighter because I got it from him, but ever since then, I don't fight or do anything anymore. I just stay calm", I shrug.
"What happened to your dad?"
"Heart attack. We were at the playground. Me, him, and my mom. He went to sit down and then the next thing I know, he was sitting there with his eyes closed. Wasn't moving or breathing. He was just sitting there lifeless. My momma tried calling the paramedics, but it was too late."
