The Shortest Boss in the Room

by Zanaiah Williams

  When I walked into class, I spotted Cassidy right away. She was wearing her favorite hot pink “Girls Have Superpowers” shirt and was already working on the journal assignment. I shook my head.

  “What’s up? Why weren’t you at the locker?”

  Cassidy only shrugged. I reached into my bag and pulled out my composition notebook.

  “I have some good news,” I said in a low voice.

  “Cool for you.” She refused to make eye contact with me.

  “Are you okay? You’re acting strange.”

  “That makes two of us.”

  Yep! She’s mad.

  “Are you mad about the tour?”

  Seconds later, Principal Edwards walked in with the librarian. He whispered something to Mrs. Scott, and her cheerful smile faded.

  “Good morning, class,” Mrs. Scott addressed us.

  Faint greetings circled the classroom. Everyone except for me was still upset about the tour cancellation. However, I knew what Piper planned to do, and it was only a matter of time before the tour was back in effect—I hoped.

  “I have some business to take care of in the office, so Ms. Jiles is going to sit with you until I return. Now would be a great time to finish your homework for your other classes if you haven’t done so. Or you can read a book.” She left, and Ms. Jiles sat in Mrs. Scott’s chair.

  I leaned over and lightly tapped Cassidy on her shoulder. “I bet I know what that’s about,” I said.

  “Cool for you.”

  “Really?” I said through clenched teeth.

  She shrugged her shoulders again. I know Cassidy, and she was as curious as the rest of the class.

  “It’s about Piper,” I whispered. I had Cassidy’s full attention now. No more “Cool for yous.” She sat all the way up in her chair and stared at me with questions bubbling in her eyes.

  “What’s going on?” she whispered all ears.

  “Piper is going to apologize and admit to stealing the paper. She and her mom are also going to ask if we can still go on the tour.”

  Cassidy’s mouth dropped open. “How do you know?”

  “Wellllll, I told my mom about the tour being canceled and Piper missing from school, and she called Mrs. Anderson. The four of us met up and had girl chat.”

  “Wow! Is she in trouble? Do you think the tour will be back on?”

  Cassidy sure had a lot of questions now for someone who didn’t want to talk to me.

  “Slow down.”

  Cassidy giggled.

  “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I do know that our friend is going to do the right thing.”

  “I sure hope so.”

  I began to sketch some ideas for iZight. I was so focused that I totally missed Ms. Jiles and Mrs. Scott swap places.

  “All right, class. I have some great news!” Mrs. Scott announced.

  I dropped my pencil and crossed my fingers. Please, let the tour be back on. Please, let the tour be back on.

  “The art paper has been returned, and I’m happy to report that the Acrylic Artistry Tour is back on.”

  The class cheered in excitement. I bounced extra hard but remembered to catch my glasses. I was still rocking the ones from kindergarten until my new pair was ready. The excitement lasted all period and carried into the hallway once the bell rang to switch classes.

  “Hey. Wait up!” Cassidy and I turned to Piper’s voice.

  “I didn’t think you were staying today,” I said.

  “Good thing Principal Edwards didn’t suspend me. He said if it happens again, he would. But we have nothing to worry about. Trust me. I love school, and I love you two!”

  Piper leaned in and hugged Cassidy and me tight. “I’m sorry about my attitude, guys. The separation of my parents really got to me. But it’s getting better. I hope you still want to be my friend, Cassidy.”

  “Of course, I do,” Cassidy said and gave Piper a fist bump. “And I’m sorry, Zaria. I know I was acting a little shady toward you for defending Piper so much and—”

  “Apology accepted! It’s all behind us now, Cass Cass!” I said. We each locked pinky fingers and started walking.

  “We’re going to have a blast on the tour!” Cassidy beamed.

  “Y’all are going to have a blast. I can’t go on the tour. That’s my punishment for taking the paper,” Piper said.

  “What?” I exclaimed.

  “It’s okay,” Piper said behind a smile. “It’s fair. They needed to punish me somehow. Instead of everyone missing the tour, it’ll only be me.”

  I blinked back a few tears. “I understand, I guess, but I still don’t like it. It will be so weird not having you with us.”

  Cassidy nodded.

  “Look, don’t feel bad for me. I did the crime, so I have to do the time. Anywayyyy, enough about me. Let’s talk about Miss Superstar over here.” Piper nudged me.

  “What are you talking about?” I literally had no clue.

  “Don’t pretend like you don’t know your FunnyBones video has been blowing up,” Cassidy added.

  “What!” I shrieked. “My parents took my tablet, but they’re supposed to be removing the video from the website.”

  “They can’t! It crashed the internet,” Piper informed me.

  My mouth hung open.

  Cassidy pulled out her phone and went straight to my video. “Over one million views, Zaria!”

  I tripped over my own feet, and this time, I bumped into Wes.

  “Watch it, Bevins!” Piper was back, and so was her look.

  “She bumped into me,” he said and continued down the hall.

  “OMG!” I held Cassidy’s phone and stared at the number of likes and shares. My video had really gone viral.

  “So, like I said, Miss Superstar, you’ve been holding out on us,” Cassidy said as I passed the phone back to her.

  “Oh no. Trust me. I was only kidding around when I made that,” I explained. “Zion accidentally uploaded it, and my parents were livid.”

  “Well, after they see how much people like it, they won’t be mad anymore,” Piper said.

  “Uuuhhhh, it doesn’t quite work like that in my house,” I said, wondering what planet Piper thought we were suddenly on.

  Cassidy ran ahead of us and blocked the entrance to Mr. Jean’s class. “I have one question. Can we take a selfie to remember the day we made up?”

  Piper and I jumped on her sides and locked arms.

  “The Three Wayz for Life!” we said in unison.

  SNAP!

  Chapter 14

  “Zaria, you busy?” Mama peeked her head into my room.

  “No, ma’am. Not really. Just thinking.”

  She walked in and sat on my bed. “About?”

  Zaddy and I both sat up. My television was on, but I wasn’t paying it any mind. “I don’t only want to be a student anymore.”

  “I thought things were better at school. Your grades are good, and you’ve made up with your friends, right?”

  “School is going great. The Three Wayz is stronger than ever, but I want more in life,” I acknowledged.

  She chuckled. “And exactly what more are you wanting out of life, baby girl?”

  “Glad you asked!” I smiled. “I know that my education is my number one priority, but I feel like I should be doing more with my time.”

  “That’s a very mature statement. What more is it that you want to do?”

  I propped my elbows up on a pillow. “Everything, Mama. Just like you!” I fell back and laughed when Zaddy licked my cheek.

  “Can you be more specific?” Mama asked.

  “I know I broke a couple of rules with my video. But, Mama, it went viral! And now, I’m more inspired than ever to finish what I started. Just like Gran-Gran would always say. I want to foll
ow my dream of creating my iZight product.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with following your dreams, Zaria. There’s also nothing wrong with creating and marketing your brand. But you have to be a responsible businessperson. That means consulting with Dad and me on everything, proper research, an action plan, strong work ethic, and most importantly, leadership!”

  I listened really hard to everything Mama was telling me.

  “I’m ready, Mama!” I said finally. “I know I have what it takes to make iZight a success. And besides, I need to strike while the iron is hot!”

  Mama buckled over in laughter. Tears rolled from the corners of her eyes. I didn’t know what was so funny but seeing her this happy made me laugh along with her.

  “Strike while the iron is hot, Zaria? I guess my mama was right. You really are an old soul.” She laughed a little more.

  “Gran-Gran wrote it in the special book she gave me. I’ve been writing in it daily. It’s like Gran-Gran is near me, cheering me on.”

  “Your Gran-Gran always had a way of making everyone feel like they could move mountains if they believed they could. She empowered you like she did me. And that power, baby girl, is your true magic.”

  I nodded in belief. “I’ll show you what I’ve been working on.” I pushed the pillows aside and retrieved the journal from my desk. “See,” I said as I flipped the book open to the front cover and handed it to Mama.

  Mama’s fingers rested on Gran-Gran’s words. She kept them there for a few minutes longer before finally turning the page.

  “You’re serious about iZight, huh?”

  “Yes, Mama. It makes me feel good knowing that I can make life a little easier for the young and the old. Even those with old-timers, like what Gran-Gran had, so it won’t be so bad when they misplace things.”

  Mama chuckled again. “It’s Alzheimer’s, Zaria. And I definitely think you’re on to something with iZight.” Mama continued to study the pages. “These sketches are excellent.” She flipped page after page and had positive input.

  “I’ll tell you what. I have a very special client that I’m doing an event for. You can assist me because you must learn how to follow like a boss before you can lead like a boss! So you can shadow me, and I’ll give you some pointers.”

  “I’d love to!” Mama had owned her event-planning company since I can remember, and this is the first time she had ever asked me to help her plan an event. “How much does it pay?” I hadn’t done a lot of research yet, but if I didn’t have an investor on board, I would have to raise the money somehow. And since Mama and Daddy had their own companies already, I could work for them.

  “Pro bono,” Mama said.

  I got super excited and rubbed my hands together. That sounded like a fancy word for a whole lot of money.

  “How much money is that?” I asked.

  “Look it up,” she said. “Meanwhile, let’s address the purple elephant in the room. I’m going to reinstate your tablet and internet privileges, but it is only to conduct research for now. No videos.”

  “Yes, ma’am. And what type of event is it?”

  “It’s a party for a girl your age. The first thing I want you to do is research the type of snacks and music your age group likes. I’ll have a list of other responsibilities for you later today.”

  “I won’t let you down, boss! I’ll get started right after I research ‘pro bono.’”

  Mama stood from my bed and laughed herself out of my room.

  Chapter 15

  Lately, everyone needed my help, including my uncle, Hawatha. The doorbell sounded, and although I wasn’t allowed to answer the door, I bolted out of my room, rushed down the stairs, and slid across the foyer in my emoji socks. I waited off to the side for Mama to open the door. I was excited to see my uncle and his goodie bag of surprises. He always brought Zion and me the best gifts. Zaddy even benefited from Uncle Hawatha’s visits.

  I was a bit curious to know why Uncle Hawatha needed help from a nine-year-old brain. He’s an engineer, which, I assume, is the reason why he’s as intelligent as he is. He knows a little something about everything.

  “Yo yo yo,” Uncle Hawatha said, and he leaned over to hug Mama.

  “How’s it going, big little brother?” Mama asked. She always called him “big” because he was so tall and “little” because he was younger than her by a few months. Technically, he wasn’t her biological brother as Zion was mine. Mama and Uncle Hawatha became pals in elementary school and, from there, built a lasting bond . . . just like Piper, Cassidy, and me.

  “There she is,” Uncle Hawatha said and pulled a T-shirt from behind his back. “This is for you, Li’l Bit.” He’s called me that since I can remember. He said it’s because I’m so short next to him. That was until he met Cassidy. Now, every time he sees her, he calls her Tiny Bit.

  I unrolled the shirt and read it. “Boss in Training.” I chuckled. “I love it! My favorite color too. Thank you.”

  “Where’s Big L and Young Z?” he asked, referring to my dad and brother.

  I’ve never heard him call any of us by our actual names, except for my mom. That included Piper. He nicknamed her Other Bit.

  “Leo is out taking care of business. He took Zion with him. It’s only us girls.” Mama hopped to the side right in time. Uncle Hawatha almost ran over her toes with the tote on wheels he rolled in.

  I eyed the tote and wondered what was in it. I hoped for more gifts, but I didn’t want to seem greedy or ungrateful. I was happy with my motivating T-shirt and couldn’t wait to wear it.

  “What’s all this?” Curiosity wouldn’t allow my lips to stay connected.

  “You’ll see,” Uncle Hawatha said before asking Mama where he could set up.

  “I already cleared a working space off at the dining room table,” she replied.

  Uncle Hawatha headed in that direction, and I followed.

  I propped my body up against the wall and watched him bunch his neatly twisted hanging dreads together and wrap them with a hair tie. Then he transferred the contents from the tote onto the dining room table.

  “That’s a lot of tiny pieces,” I said.

  “Yep. This is why I need help.”

  My eyes swelled with fear.

  I inched closer to the table. “I don’t know anything about this stuff.”

  “It’s a cakewalk,” he said and tucked one of his falling dreads back into the place from where it escaped.

  “It doesn’t look like a cakewalk.”

  Uncle Hawatha laughed and then handed me a pack of index cards and a marker. “There are six components. We are going to organize them into six separate piles. The index cards will serve as the labels.”

  “Got it,” I said and started counting. “One, two, three, four, five, six.” I tapped the cards against the table to line them up evenly. “I have six.”

  Uncle Hawatha gave me two thumbs-up. “Cool. Let’s go ahead and label the cards. You write.”

  “What will they say,” I asked.

  “I’ll call it out and spell it as I pass one of each piece to you. You organize, and I’ll build.” He gave me a mean side-eye. “How’s your handwriting? I hope it isn’t chicken scratch.”

  I laughed. “No, Uncle Hawatha. I have nice handwriting.”

  “Cool. Make sure you put each piece in the correct pile.”

  “Got it.”

  “It’s important that you don’t mix up the pieces.”

  “You can trust me. I got it.”

  “I hope I can trust your handwriting.”

  “How about I give you a sample?”

  “Cool. Let’s do it. If it’s bad, you’re fired.”

  “You can’t fire me if I’m not getting paid.”

  “I am paying you.”

  I gasped with excitement. “Really?”

  �
�Yep! Queen said you like to be paid pro bono.” He smacked his hand on the table multiple times like he was making a beat to go along with his laughter.

  I stomped my foot on the rug. “Uncle Hawatha, that is not funny.”

  Several of his dreads wiggled free when he buckled over with laughter. “I’m sorry, Li’l Bit. I had to. Forgive me.” He held his fist out for a bump.

  He was too cool and fun for me to hold a grudge. “Forgiven,” I said and tapped my fist against his.

  “All right. All these pieces spread across the table are called hardware. Each hardware has its own name. Take the Three Wayz, for example. Three Wayz is the group name, but it’s made up of Li’l Bit, Tiny Bit, and Other Bit.”

  I nodded my understanding and wrote the foreign names as he called them out to me. We spent about an hour separating the pieces into piles. Mama even helped a little before she started dinner. Once finished, the piles looked like stacked up trash in a landfill.

  “What are we making?” I finally asked.

  “GPS chips for a freelance client,” Uncle Hawatha said as he switched from holding tweezers to typing on his laptop to test what he had built.

  “Wow! This is exactly what I need for my invention.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yep. Do you want to hear about it?”

  “Your mom filled me in on some of it.” He got quiet when he picked up a magnifying glass and studied his work.

  I filled him in on every detail for every plan I had. He still had the magnifying glass to his eye when he looked at me. The frustration of these trackers not being for me disappeared because I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “You look like a minion.”

  “Cool. That’s the look I was going for.”

  I sighed.