It's a Curl Thing

by Jacquelin Thomas

  I don’t bother to hide my irritation. “Mimi, I don’t know, and the truth is that I really don’t care. None of that has to do with this. Just stop trying to find me a boyfriend. Work on your own love life.”

  “But I want us to be able to double date. We can’t do that, Rhyann, if you have no date.”

  “Then I can just stay home,” I say. “I’m fine with being alone. Besides, I don’t have jungle fever, so don’t be trying to set me up with some white boy.”

  I leave out the fact that I do want a boyfriend. I’m just not going to settle for someone who won’t treat me with respect. I see all the drama Roberto puts my sister through—I don’t need a boyfriend that bad.

  “Why are we arguing?” Mimi asks. “This is our prom and we look fierce. We should be out there having a great time.”

  I stand up and straighten my gown. “Then stop trying to find me a man.”

  We make a pit stop to the ladies’ room to check out our makeup before returning to our dates.

  “I thought we were going to have to send for the police,” Kyle says with a chuckle. I’m not into white boys, but this dude has some gorgeous blue eyes. He’s fine, I can’t deny that. He and my girl really look good together.

  I glance over at Traven and grin. “Did you miss me?”

  “You know I did.”

  My heart flutters in response to his smile.

  After the dance, we all pile into our cars and head to an oceanfront estate where the parent of one of my classmates is hosting a late-night breakfast for us.

  Traven whistles softly. “Man, they living large up in here.”

  “Who needs this much house?” I whisper. “And it’s sure got a lot of glass walls. I bet it’s hard to keep it cool in here during the summer months.”

  He’s looking all around, amazed. “What do her parents do?”

  “I think her father is an entertainment lawyer, and her mother used to be a soap opera actress. She writes children’s books now.”

  “Cool…”

  “We could put both of our houses in here,” I say, nudging him. “Actually, I think we could fit my whole block right here in the ballroom. Can you believe this, Traven? They have a ballroom.”

  “I just heard somebody say that they have their own movie theater downstairs. Plus an indoor tennis court.”

  “I believe it,” I respond. “Sugar’s on the tennis team and she’s really good.”

  Traven gives me a wry look. “Who names their child Sugar?”

  “Rich people.”

  We laugh.

  Sugar walks over to us. “Rhyann, I’m so glad you could come. I don’t see you much outside of school.”

  “Girl, that’s because we don’t travel in the same circles. See, I live in the hood with the real folks and well…you’re here amongst the beautiful people.”

  She laughs and runs her fingers through long blond hair. “Rhyann, you’re so funny. I know where you live and it’s not in the hood.”

  It’s real close to the hood, I want to say. “Anyway, thanks for inviting me. Sugar, your house is huge, girl.”

  She looks apologetic. “I know. I keep telling my parents that we should find something smaller. It’s just the three of us and the staff. I told Mother just yesterday that there are rooms I’ve never been in.”

  “For real?”

  She nods. “I’m sure there are. This house is over twenty-five thousand square feet. It’s a warehouse for antiques.”

  I can’t believe that Sugar doesn’t like her house. I do think it’s way too much house for me. I just want a fierce condo when I grow up. I don’t need all this.

  “She’s pretty cool,” Traven says when Sugar moves on to greet more of her guests.

  “Yeah, she is,” I respond.

  Traven and I get in line for the breakfast buffet.

  “Man, this is something,” he whispers. “Look at all this food. I’m not gonna be able to sleep after eating this stuff.”

  Sugar’s parents went all out. There are three types of scrambled eggs, huge fluffy Belgian waffles, pancakes, turkey sausages, beef sausages, bacon, cereal, fruit, and a chef to prepare omelets. Traven and I both decide to try a seafood omelet after Mimi orders one.

  “You’re going to love it,” she tells us.

  My mouth waters as I watch the chef gently push the cooked portions of egg white mixture toward the center. When the eggs are set, but moist, he sprinkles cheese and spoons chunks of lump crabmeat and shrimp over half of the omelet. Truly focused on what he’s doing, he cooks two at a time. When the omelets are ready, he folds them in half and slides them onto warm plates.

  Traven has more of an open mind, because he’s asked the chef to add mushrooms and chopped green onions to his omelet. I’m just sticking to the seafood for now. I want to see how this works out first.

  We dive into our food as if we haven’t eaten in days. Dancing can give you an appetite.

  “Where’s Traven?” Mimi asks after a while, taking a seat beside me.

  I steal a quick peek over my shoulder. “He’s ordering another seafood omelet. I think you started something, Mimi.”

  She breaks into a grin. “I told you it was delicious.”

  It’s a different taste to me, but it’s not bad. I can’t say, though, that I’ll be ordering another one anytime soon.

  When Traven and I finish eating, I check my watch, noting the time. We need to be heading home pretty soon in order for me to make my curfew. Auntie Mo extended it because it was prom night, so I want to be home on time. This way I can make a case to have her extend it permanently.

  “Rhyann, I really wish you were coming back to the hotel with us,” Mimi says when I walk over to her to say good-bye. “Why don’t you and Traven come by for a little while? We’re just going to listen to music and dance.”

  I shake my head. “No, I’m going home. I don’t want to get to the hotel and then have to leave a few minutes later.”

  She gives an understanding nod. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow then.”

  We hug. “Have fun and stay out of trouble,” I say.

  “I will.”

  “How come you’re not going to that fancy hotel with your friends?” Traven questions as we walk out to the waiting limo.

  “My aunt wouldn’t let me.”

  When he doesn’t respond, I say, “Why? Did you want to go by there?”

  Traven shrugs nonchalantly. “I just wanna spend time with you. Besides, we can do the same thing in the limo that we’d do in a hotel room.”

  I can feel my back stiffen. I can’t believe that Traven just said that to me. Nothing is jumping off in this limo. I shouldn’t be surprised, though. I knew all along that he was nothing more than a playa.

  I take a deep breath and release it slowly.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Traven inquires.

  I nod. “Just getting tired.”

  What I’m really tired of is boys that are constantly trying to get over on me. Or should I say, get on top of me. That’s not at all what I’m looking for in a relationship.

  “I thought maybe we could just ride around for a little while,” Traven offers. “We could—”

  I cut him off. “No, I want to go straight home.”

  Traven peers at my face. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You look like you’re upset about something.”

  “I’m really tired,” I respond.

  He attempts to start a conversation with me, but right now I don’t really have any words for Traven. I’m still dealing with the fact that he really tried to play me tonight.

  “Hey, I got my acceptance letter to North Carolina State University today.”

  I glance over at him. “Congratulations,” I say flatly. “I’m happy for you.”

  I’m really excited for him, but I’m disappointed and upset that he actually thought I would have sex with him—and in a car, of all places.

  He places his arm around me
. “You know, just because I’m going to N.C. State doesn’t mean we can’t be together.”

  I can feel my body stiffening. “That’s all the more reason why we’re not getting together. I don’t like long-distance relationships.”

  “Have you ever been in one?”

  I give him a fish eye. “I’m finishing up my tenth-grade year. We just left the sophomore prom, remember?”

  “I keep forgetting how young you are. I guess it’s because you always act so much older.”

  “I prefer ‘mature’ to ‘older,’” I respond. “And you’re only two years older than me, okay?”

  “Oh, excuse me,” he corrects himself. “‘Mature’ is what I meant to say. I’m not complaining, though. I like that about you.”

  “I thought you liked the fact that I taught you how to ride your bike but I had your friends thinking you were teaching me.”

  He laughs at this old memory. “Girl, they would’ve ragged on me for days. I had this brand-new bike but was afraid to ride it. I don’t know why my dad just assumed I knew how to ride. I guess most boys in our neighborhood did, so he thought I did, too. My mama never learned how to ride, so she couldn’t teach me. Todd was real sick back then.”

  Traven’s dad worked two jobs from the time I met them until a couple of years ago. I’d heard it was because he was paying off Todd’s hospital bills. Traven’s brother almost died after he got blood poisoning. Auntie Mo always said that it was the power of prayer that kept him alive.

  Traven’s dad only works one job now, but even when he’s off, he won’t sit still too long. He’s always keeping himself busy. He spends a lot of time with Traven and his brother, Todd. Trying to make up for all the lost time, I’m thinking.

  I recall a funny part. “I felt so bad for you, so I took you to Auntie Mo’s backyard and taught you how to ride. I don’t think my aunt appreciated you trashing her flower garden, though.”

  “I bought her some more flowers, remember? Me and my mom brought them over to the house.”

  “Oh, yeah…that’s right.”

  Traven’s eyes travel to my face. “Rhyann, I had a great time with you tonight. Thanks for taking me to your prom.” In a surprise move, Traven leans forward and kisses me. “Next time ask me if I want your lips on me.”

  “I can’t believe you just did that,” I say, my lips still warm and moist from his kiss.

  “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time, and this seemed like the perfect time. Hey, we are on a date.” Seeing I’m not pleased, Traven’s smile disappears. “I hope I didn’t offend you.”

  The air is filled with expectancy.

  I clear my throat loudly in my sudden nervousness. It’s not my first kiss or anything. I wouldn’t have minded so much, but knowing that Traven had planned on trying to get with me kind of spoiled this kiss. He’s just trying to add another fool to his conquest list.

  “Why are you so quiet?” Traven asks, gathering me into his arms.

  “I’m thinking,” I respond, pushing away from him. It’s the truth, so why try and cover it up?

  “About?” he prompts.

  “Everything you’ve said to me, Traven. It’s a lot to think about.”

  Traven looks at me tenderly. “I really like you, Rhyann.”

  Yeah, right.

  “You don’ have anything to say?” Traven asks.

  “I need time to really sort this out.”

  He nods. “Okay.”

  “Just like that?” I expected him to fight me on this. At least that’s what the other boys have done in the past. They tell you exactly what you want to hear and then WHAM! You’re in love and doing everything you can for your man while he’s laughing about you with his friends.

  “What do you want me to say?” Traven asks. “I care about you and I’m not going anywhere.”

  The limo slows down to a stop in front of my aunt’s house.

  “Bye, Traven,” I say, reaching for the door handle.

  “My job isn’t done yet. I still have to walk you to the door.”

  The driver gets out and opens the door for me.

  “Thank you,” I say to him.

  Traven gets out behind me. “My mama raised me right.”

  He escorts me up the steps.

  We say our good-byes before I turn to unlock the front door. Traven stands near the stairs, making sure I get inside safely. His mama definitely raised him right.

  I glance back over my shoulder and give him a wave before closing up. Confused, I close the door as quietly as I can. What is up with this dude?

  “I hope you had a wonderful time at the prom,” Auntie Mo says from the chair in the darkened living room.

  “I knew you were still up,” I tell her. “Are you planning on staying up until Brady comes home, too?”

  She yawns. “He’d better be coming through those doors in another twenty minutes. You have fun?”

  “I did. Everything was so nice. I’ll tell you about it in the morning.”

  Auntie Mo stretches and yawns a second time. “Okay, baby. Good night.”

  “Good night, Auntie Mo.”

  I don’t get undressed after slipping into my room. Instead, I sit down on the edge of the bed trying to figure out Traven. This dude has skills. He almost had me convinced that he really cared for me. But it’s just a game to him. He showed his hand when he assumed we would be getting it on in the limo.

  A tiny smile tugs at my lips. I played him. Traven thinks I’m falling for his game, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

  No way that’s happening.

  Chapter 6

  Morning comes excessively early for me. I didn’t get home until 1:30 a.m. and I’m still sleepy, but I know Auntie Mo’s not gonna let me miss church just because of prom.

  After a quick shower, I jump into a pair of black pants and a fuchsia-colored top and head to the dining room, where Auntie Mo has already laid out a spread.

  “Good morning,” I say, taking one of the empty chairs at the table. My brothers are still in their room. Those boys are always the last ones to get ready.

  “Did you have a good time?” Chester asks while pouring himself a cup of coffee.

  “I did,” I confirm with a smile. “Traven and I stayed on the dance floor. The band wasn’t all that, but our DJ was off the hook.” I pick up my plate and begin loading it down with scrambled eggs, bacon, and a piece of toast.

  “Like I was saying,” Chester says to my aunt, “Brady has to choose the right college, one that will put his education first and not his athletic ability.”

  I guess I walked into the middle of their conversation concerning my brother. Brady could already have a full ride, but Chester and Auntie Mo are advising him to take time to research each school thoroughly. He’s really waiting to hear back from the University of Southern California, home of the Trojans. That’s his first pick, but if it doesn’t happen, they are looking at a couple of other schools.

  The funny thing is that Chester hasn’t spent day one in a college, but he’s determined to have me, Brady, and Phillip go. He was upset that Tameka didn’t want to attend college. He finally stopped nagging her after she decided on cosmetology school.

  I’m almost done eating by the time my brothers join us.

  While we eat, Brady brags about what a great time he and Shaquan had at their prom.

  As if anybody here cares.

  “I can’t wait to see your prom pictures,” Auntie Mo tells me. “I know they’re beautiful.”

  “I hope so,” I say. “My hair wasn’t the way I wanted it, but it still looked good, I guess.”

  After breakfast, we clean up and prepare to leave for church. I rush back to my room to make sure every strand is in place and that my outfit is totally together. I have to represent even in the house of the Lord.

  Tameka’s already there by the time we arrive at Faith Christian Church. I’m still upset with her, so I’m not in the mood for sisterly chatter.

  “Your hair looks
real cute, Rhyann,” she tells me—her attempt to make conversation. “I’m so sorry about everything.”

  I don’t respond.

  “I hope you had a good time at your prom. I feel bad for messing it up for you.”

  I meet her gaze straight on. “You didn’t mess up my prom, Tameka—just my hair.”

  Her eyes fill and she looks like she’s about to cry, so I say, “I know you didn’t do it on purpose, Tameka.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “We’re cool,” I tell her, wrapping my arms around her. “But just so you know, until I’m sure that you know what you’re doing, you’re not putting your hands back in my head.”

  Tameka gives a slight nod. “I guess I deserve that.”

  I almost feel bad for saying that, but when I think about what she did to me, I’m not feeling that sympathetic. I excuse myself and leave the sanctuary to join some of my friends in the administration building.

  I find them sitting in one of the empty classrooms talking about a girl that recently left the praise team.

  “How was your prom?” one of the girls asks.

  “Great,” I respond. “I had a good time.” I take a seat in an empty chair and ask, “Do you know when they’re going to replace Ashley?” There is only one slot available, and four of us want to be on the team.

  “I heard that there’s going to be tryouts in a couple of weeks,” another girl answers. “Are you going to audition?”

  “I’m thinking about it.” My only hesitancy is that one of the persons interested is Kelly, a friend of mine. She and I are not as close as me and Mimi or me and Divine, but we’re close. I know she wants to be on the praise team as much as I do.

  I’m not trying to lose friends over this.

  I hang out with the girls until I see the choir members start to line up for their entrance into the sanctuary.

  Standing up, I say, “I’d better head inside before my aunt comes hunting me down.”

  Inside the sanctuary, I sit down between Auntie Mo and Tameka in our usual spot, the fourth row. My aunt wants to make sure we don’t ever miss a word of Pastor Scott’s sermons.

  When service ends, we slowly exit the church, stopping here and there to talk with other members and friends.