by D. Camille
“Well, they made the kids.”
He laughed softly. “You’re right.”
“See, if you had a little pretty woman to go home to…”
“Aww…Miss Ella, don’t start that.”
She put up two gnarled hands. “I ain’t startin’ nothin’. I’m still talkin’ bout the same thing.’”
“How’s business?”
“Oh, you smart, huh?” she asked, putting her hands down.
He grinned. “I like to think so.”
Miss Ella gave him a look. “Don’t let your past, determine your future, Josiah.”
Reaching for her hand, he said, “I’m trying not to…I promise.”
“You do so much for everybody.” She gripped his hand in hers. “It’s okay for you to take care of yourself.”
“I will.”
She shimmied out of the booth and stood.
“I’mma make you an extra box to go.”
“Thank you.”
She walked away and Josiah watched her go. Miss Ella held a special place in his heart, one of very few. When his food arrived, he smiled as the plate was sat before him. Enjoying his meal, Josiah began to relax.
When he was done, Miss Ella came with another box to go and he pulled out his wallet.
“Now you know better than that…” She shook her head at him.
Josiah took out a large bill and placed it on the table.
“If I can’t pay for the food, then I’ll just leave a tip.” He got to his feet, and kissed her cheek. “The food was delicious as usual.”
“Don’t be a stranger.” She told him.
“Never.”
“Bring a nice woman next time.”
He chuckled. “You say that every time I see you.”
“And I’m still waiting…”
“All I’m going to say is…don’t hold your breath okay? I’d miss you too much.”
Miss Ella hit him on the arm. “Take your smart mouth on out of here…”
Josiah walked out to his car and climbed inside. Arriving home, he entered his house and looked around. Josiah was proud of his accomplishments, he owned his home and his car. His bank account was solid and he had no dependents.
Coming from his background, this was quite the feat for a boy from the 9th Ward. Removing his tie, he began unbuttoning his shirt. Kicking off his shoes, he settled on his sofa with his phone in his hand. Scrolling through his messages, he smiled when he saw one from Kenya.
******
Kenya ended her day, and drove straight home. After the day she’d had, she was ready to get out of her work clothes, and chill out. Dealing with parents was a part of her job, but Ms. Wilkins was one of those that she wished she didn’t have to…
Kenya understood Josiah’s point and was with him wholeheartedly about not breaking up families. She knew the importance of keeping children with their parents, if at all possible. Although Ms. Wilkins was probably doing her best, she still needed help.
Inside her apartment, she kicked off her shoes and settled on her sofa. Turning on the television, she let a program play to bring in some white noise. Accustomed to hearing the voices of the students, Kenya felt a sort of comfort in having the background clatter.
Reaching for her computer on the table, she opened it and began going over the instruction plan she’d started for Dameon, to give to Ms. Adams. Knowing that the boy had no learning issues, she had to figure out how to engage him, to enjoy both the school and his schoolwork.
Kenya sat and worked on a plan for over an hour, with no results. Frustrated, she got up and made her something to eat for dinner. Moving back to her sofa, she sat eating and looking over her work. When she was done, she knew she needed some assistance with this one.
Quickly, she sent Josiah an email, asking him for advice to some of her questions. Figuring he’d check his messages in the morning, Kenya closed her laptop and went to take a shower. She slipped into a nightgown and settled back on her sofa, to give one more crack at her plan, on her own.
Opening the computer, she saw that Josiah had replied. Inside the email were detailed responses to her questions. Kenya blinked and looked at the message again. Taking out her phone, she dialed the number that was stored in her contacts.
“Hello?” Josiah answered.
“Josiah, it’s Kenya.”
“Hey, I responded to your email. Did you get it?”
She smiled. “Yes, I just saw it. I hadn’t expected a response until sometime tomorrow, so thank you. Your suggestions are really going to help.”
“I’m glad to be of any assistance. Especially since I’ve dragged you into this situation.” He replied.
“It wasn’t entirely your fault.”
Josiah grinned. “I’m glad you see it that way.”
“We’re partners in crime now.” Kenya teased.
“Hmmm…”
Kenya looked suspicious. “What does that mean?”
“I’ll just say that I’ve never had a partner so beautiful in my former crimes…”
“So I don’t know which surprises me more, the fact that you called me beautiful or you confessing to former crimes?” Kenya said.
He laughed. “I don’t know why either surprises you.”
“You’re a bad boy in a suit?” She asked softly.
“Basically…”
She paused. “That’s good information to know.”
“You want to change our weekend plans now?”
“Not at all.” Kenya smiled. “I’m even more intrigued about Mr. Webber.”
Josiah sat back. “He’s complicated.”
“I teach math, so I’m used to solving complicated formulas.” She replied.
“Okay…” Josiah commented.
“Do I hear some doubt?” Kenya asked.
“Possibly.”
It was Kenya’s turn to laugh. “This is my slam dunk.”
“I’ve had a lot of practice to do that.” He told her.
“I’ve had a lot of practice with complicated men.”
Josiah groaned. “I’m not elementary arithmetic…I’m Matroid Theory.”
Kenya paused. “What do you know about some Matroid Theory?”
“I told you…I’m complicated.”
“Okay, Mr. Complicated.”
“I’m just warning you…” Josiah said quietly.
She smiled. “On that note, I’m going to finish my plan to present to Ms. Adams, and I will see you this weekend, if not before.”
“Do you know where you want to go?” Josiah asked.
“I have an idea.”
“Do I need to empty my bank account?” he joked.
“No, but don’t come with small bills.”
Josiah chuckled. “Thanks for making it plain.”
“I’m just warning you…” she repeated his words.
“Sounds good. I’ll see you this weekend.” Josiah told her. “Let me know if you need anything else regarding Dameon.”
“I will. Goodnight Josiah.”
“Goodnight Kenya.”
******
On Saturday evening, Kenya entered the restaurant and saw Josiah sitting at a booth. They’d finished the week without any more issues with Dameon and his mother, for which they both were thankful. Kenya smiled at the woman who greeted her.
“Welcome to Mr. Jay’s. Do you want a table?”
“Actually, I’m meeting someone.” She pointed to where Josiah sat speaking with another man. “He’s right there.”
The woman looked over to where she pointed, as the other man walked away from the table. “Josiah?”
“Yes, Josiah.”
The old woman smiled. “Right this way.”
Kenya followed her over, as Josiah looked up and saw her. Getting to his feet, he smiled as she approached.
“Kenya…”
She looked at him. “It looks like you already know this place?”
“Best barbecue in LA.” He told her.
“It really is.”
The old woman looked at Josiah. “Do you want your usual?”
“I’ll order after Kenya. Thank you Miss Ella.”
“You’re welcome. I didn’t know I’d see you again so soon.”
He grinned. “I didn’t either. Kenya selected this place.”
Miss Ella looked at Kenya. “Smart woman. Good taste too…”
“Thank you.” Kenya told the woman.
“I’ll be back with your drinks.” Miss Ella announced and left the couple.
Josiah motioned toward the booth. “Would you like to have a seat?” he asked Kenya.
“Yes, thanks.” She slid inside, then Josiah took the other side.
“So, I see you’re known over here?” Kenya commented.
He smiled. “Before I answer, let me say that you look amazing.”
“Thank you. So do you…”
Kenya looked at his gray suit and white shirt. He’d gone without a tie tonight and he did look amazing.
“Now to answer your question, I come over here frequently.”
“I love this place, but I don’t get to eat here as much as I like. I’ll usually drop in to get some carryout when I’m in this area.” She explained.
“It is a little out of the way.” He agreed. “But, when it was opening, this was the best location that the owner could afford.”
Kenya looked around the crowded room.
“Looks like it’s a popular spot now.”
“I think it’s turned out to be a good investment for them.”
Kenya looked up as two glasses of lemonade were placed in front of them.
“Thank you.” Josiah told the waitress.
“Miss Ella told me not to bring any menus, because she’s making something special for you two.” She announced.
Kenya looked surprised. “Something special?”
“Please tell Miss Ella thank you.” Josiah told her, and she smiled before leaving the table.
“What’s going on Josiah?” Kenya questioned.
He smiled across the table. “We’re about to get our grub on. Whenever Miss Ella steps into the kitchen, it’s Old Black Woman Magic.”
“She must really like you.”
“What’s not to like?” He stared at her.
Kenya reached for her napkin. “I didn’t know cocky was being served tonight.”
Josiah laughed. “I take it, that it’s not your favorite?”
“It’s palatable only in small portions,” Kenya spread her napkin on her lap, then reached for her drink.
He also reached for his lemonade. “Got it.”
Over the rim of her glass, Kenya’s eyes connected with his.
“So tell me what’s going on with Ms. Wilkins on your end,” she requested.
“Dameon’s been at school every day, and I’ve met with him once. Ms. Adams has scheduled for me to meet with him once a week, just to do an observation of where he’s at.” Josiah answered.
“I went over my instruction plan with her and I’ve been giving him special attention on his assignments.” Kenya shared.
“Hopefully, the added assistance will make a difference.” Josiah said, sipping from his glass.
“How will we know?”
He paused. “Well, studies have shown a better attitude about school, a more positive outlook, better grades…just to name a few.”
Fingering her glass on the table, Kenya looked at him. “What about the other son?”
“I’m proceeding cautiously.” Josiah replied. “I’ve put together some options for Ms. Wilkins and plan to call her next week to discuss them.”
“As official school business?”
He shook his head. “No, as a concerned professional.”
“Good luck. She might call the police on you.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
The first round of food came out and Kenya’s eyes widened. “Whoa!”
The waitress placed several baskets of food in front of them. “There’s more coming.”
“More?” Kenya asked, looking at Josiah.
“Just enjoy it. She loves to cook.”
Kenya was more than happy to sample all the dishes, so she and Josiah shared the food over more conversation.
“Now, tell me about this Fourth Grade Failure Syndrome…” she urged.
Josiah paused eating and looked at her. “The main causes can be identified as white teachers not understanding black male culture. In the studies, the teachers became less encouraging academically and more inclined to push black boys disproportionately toward sports. That’s also reinforced by the media and lack of positive images of black men.”
“But why does it occur specifically around fourth grade?” Kenya asked.
“Second through fifth grade is a crucial time for children, as I’m sure you’re aware. It appears that around fourth grade, black boys are pressured to find success outside of education, with some starting to believe that being smart, is ‘acting white’.”
She nodded. “That’s why, at the Bantu Academy, we stress the importance of pride in oneself.”
“By the time, young black boys reach the intermediate stages, they’ve absorbed a lot of negative self-images and their ideas of success have been construed. The fact that black boys enter the school system on par with their peers shows that it’s the situations that create the risk factors.” Josiah explained.
She nodded. “So if we can control the situation, we can reduce the risks…”
“That’s exactly right.” Josiah agreed. “But, the situations have gotten worse, with a disproportionate number of black boys and girls receiving disciplinary actions at school, a higher percentage of black children being diagnosed and placed on medications, and a higher number of juveniles in the criminal justice system.”
Kenya rested her chin on her hand. “This sounds so depressing.”
“It can be,”
“So what can we do?”
Josiah shrugged. “I take it one student at a time. It’s impossible for me to help them all, but it’s irresponsible of me not to help the ones I can.”
She smiled at him. “I might steal that line.”
“Feel free. I come up with them all the time.” He teased.
More food arrived and Kenya groaned.
“She’s trying to kill us.”
Laughing, Josiah said, “Don’t be shy, eat that food.”
“That’s what I’ve been doing. Haven’t you seen me stuffing my face?”
“Nah, I just saw you enjoying your dinner.” He said softly.
She looked into his eyes. “I am. Very much so…nothing like good food and good company.”
“I agree.”
“Tell me about Josiah Webber and how he has such good handles.”
He looked down at his food. “You want the good, the bad, or the ugly?”
“Hmmm…let’s start with the bad.”
Josiah looked up. “You like danger.”
“I’ve had my fair share.”
“Okay, let’s see the bad…I’ve sold drugs.”
Kenya didn’t flinch.
“Maybe I should have started with the ugly?” she told him.
“That doesn’t bother you?”
She frowned. “What? That you’ve sold drugs in the past?”
He nodded.
“So have I…next.” Kenya told him.
“Wait…what?”
Kenya sighed. “My mother was a single parent, trying to raise two girls. Money wasn’t tight, it was practically non-existent. So, it was either be a mule or give up my ass. I chose to be a mule.”
Josiah blinked. “Damn.”
“You’re not the only one with a little good, bad and ugly.” Kenya said, going back to her food. “What’s your drug dealing story.”
“I was on the streets and needed to survive.” He replied.
“Why were you on the streets?”
Josiah looked at her. “Because I wasn’t going to another foster home or residential facility…”
<
br /> “Foster care huh?”
“Yeah…”
Kenya sighed and looked at him. “That’s either a great story or a terrible one. There’s rarely any in between.”
“Terrible was mine.”
“Is that the ugly?” Kenya asked softly.
He shook his head. “Nah…”
“I’m ready.”
“My parents were both drug addicts who left me at the hospital.” He said plainly.
She looked at him. “Damn, that is ugly.”
“What’s your ugly?” He asked.
“I was involved with Andre West.”
Josiah looked at her. “Oh hell, nah. You’ve got to come better than that.”
Kenya smiled. “You don’t think that’s ugly? Do you know him?”
“Yeah, I know Mr. West, but you’re not getting off that easily. Come on…give it up.”
She looked away. “If I tell you the ugly now, what do have to look forward to?”
“Woman, stop stalling…”
Her eyes returned to his handsome face. “Okay, I always choose the wrong men, and I’ve ended up with my heartbroken every time. Sadly, I may end up all alone…”
“Damn, that is ugly.” He said quietly. “Now we have nothing left but good…”
She lifted her glass in the air.
“Nothing but good…”
Josiah touched his glass to hers as more food arrived.
“Please end this,” Kenya pleaded with him.
He looked at the waitress. “Can you tell Miss Ella this is more than enough?”
She smiled. “Yeah, I’ll tell her.”
When she was gone, Kenya looked at him. “Thank you.”
“She would continue to send food all night.”
“She must really like you.”
Josiah shrugged. “I try my best to be likable, to people that I want to like me.”
“One last question.” Kenya said, eating the last of her food.
“What’s that?”
“Where’d you play ball?”
“Grambling State University. Where Everybody is Somebody.”
She looked impressed. “HBCU.”
He nodded. “Yep, I’m a Tiger.”
“You played point guard?”
“Sure did. Best at the school…”
“I can see that.”
Josiah stared at her. “You like basketball?”
“I do, and I’ve dated my share of players.” She answered. “But, I’ve found that I like a man with more going for him, than how well he handles his balls.”