“That man was totally evil,” Divine cries. “I’m so glad he’s dead. I hope God gets him good for all the pain and heartache he caused.”
“He had the mixed-raced children and some of the grownups sterilized, saying he was preserving racial purity.” I shake my head sadly. “It’s bad enough that the black soldiers already had issues in the military, but if they were captured and taken to a concentration camp—Dee, they had it worse. They were treated less than the Jews.”
“That’s just dogged out.”
I am outraged by what I read. “Mrs. Goldberg’s mother was in one of the camps. She survived and came to America, where she met her husband and had a family.”
“I was wondering why you were so interested in this.”
“Girl, you know I have to stay up on my African American history,” I respond. “Auntie Mo always tells me that if we don’t search for our history, we won’t find a thing about it. My history teacher never once mentioned there being any blacks in the Holocaust. She mentioned the old people, the homosexuals and how they were treated, but she never said anything about black people. I can’t wait to go to school tomorrow, because I’m bringing it up.”
“Rhyann, you’re not gonna confront your teacher about black history, are you?”
“Not confront her like that, but I am going to ask her why it was never mentioned that blacks were sent to concentration camps. Girl, that’s deep. We need to know about our people. We didn’t just show up right before slavery and then disappear when it was all over.”
“I know that’s right,” Dee says. “I’m going online tonight to find out what I can about this.”
“That’s what I did. I’m ordering this book titled Valaida from Amazon. The author is Candace Allen. Valaida was a jazz musician and singer. She was arrested and sent to a concentration camp.”
“I’ll order one, too. Maybe we can read it together and discuss. I’ll see if Alyssa wants a copy. You should tell Mimi about it,” Divine suggests.
“Not,” I say. “You know she won’t be interested in nothing like this. If it’s not shopping or boys, she’s not interested.”
We laugh.
“So, how are things going between you and T. J.?” I ask.
“Good,” Divine responds. “We’re taking it one day at a time.”
“Aren’t you scared to give your heart to someone else after all that Madison put you through?” I ask.
“Yeah, in a way, but life is all about chances, Rhyann.”
I can’t agree with that. “I don’t like hurting.”
“That’s like saying you don’t like breathing,” Divine points out. “Rhyann, it’s going to happen, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Believe me, I know.”
“Life can be so hard at times,” I say barely above a whisper.
“But it can be fun, too,” Divine interjects. “Like when I get to Los Angeles. We are going to have so much fun…hey, hold on for a minute. I hear my aunt Phoebe calling me for something.”
I hum to the music playing on the radio in my room while waiting for Divine to come back on the line.
When she does, she is upset. “Jerome called earlier. Ava’s having some more problems. She has to stay in bed until she has the baby now.”
“Do they know what’s wrong?”
“My aunt says that she keeps going into labor and it’s too soon. If Ava has the baby now, she might not live.”
“Who?” I want to know. “Ava or the baby?”
“The baby,” Divine responds crossly.
“Are you okay?”
She catches herself, softens her tone. “Yeah. I’m going to pray for them when we get off the phone.”
“I’ll pray for them too,” I tell her. “Don’t worry, Dee. The baby is gonna be fine. You’ll see.”
“I hope so,” she murmurs.
I know that Divine isn’t crazy about Ava, but she is truly worried about her baby sister. She already loves that little girl.
“Kyle was so mean to me last night,” Mimi announces while we’re waiting for the first bell to ring.
“What did you do to make him mad at you?” I ask.
She shrugs. “That’s just it, Rhyann. I don’t know. All I did was call him to see if he was going to pick me up this morning for school. I was going to start riding with him.”
“Did he ask you to ride with him?”
“No, but I don’t see why we can’t,” Mimi responds. “He’s my boyfriend.”
I see the problem, and I push a little harder. “Did you ask him if you could ride to school with him?”
Mimi shakes her head no. “Why should I have to ask?”
“That’s probably why he’s mad with you,” I say.
She nods quickly, seeing it, too. She takes a sip of the Star-bucks chai tea that she loves so much. “Rhyann, I’ve done everything I can think of to make that boy happy. I don’t know why I keep messing up.” Lowering her voice to a whisper, she adds, “The only time he seems happy with me is when we’re being romantic. He loves to kiss.”
I back away. “You could’ve kept that to yourself.”
“Don’t hate, Rhyann,” Mimi murmurs with a giggle. “I can’t help it if he loves my lips.”
I survey her face, and then my eyes travel down to her neck. “Looks like Kyle is a vampire.”
Her hand flies upward, trying to hide the purplish area with her collar. “Can you still see it?”
“Not as much,” I answer. “Did your mom see it?”
“No, thank goodness. She would’ve had a fit. I told Kyle he can’t be leaving hickeys on my neck like that.”
“I guess you two are getting hot and heavy.”
Mimi breaks into a grin. “We are.”
“Well, just remember our pledge. We’re members of the ‘V’ Club until we say our wedding vows.”
She is dismayed that I reminded her. “Rhyann, that’s really hard. I don’t know why we made that stupid pledge anyway. Kyle says that nobody is waiting until marriage to have sex.”
“I am,” I respond. “So are Divine and Alyssa. Kyle doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
“Okay, so that’s three people.”
“What about you, Mimi? Are you still a card-carrying member?”
The bell rings.
“I see Kyle. I need to talk to him,” Mimi says before rushing off.
I note that she never answered my question, but I’m not about to let it go. She and Kyle make a nice couple, but no way are they ready for sex.
No way.
But I can’t help but wonder if it’s already too late to have that talk with my girl.
Chapter 13
After school, I shift my backpack from one side to the other while I wait on Mimi. We need to finish our discussion from earlier. I’m not about to let her sweep this discussion under the rug.
“I had to stop by my locker after class,” she tells me.
I get right to the point. “You never did answer my question, Mimi. Are you and Kyle having sex?”
She blushes guiltily for a moment before responding, “No, we’re not.”
I’m not quite sure I believe her. She doesn’t seem to be able to look me directly in the eye. “You don’t have to lie to me, Mimi.”
“I’m not lying. I don’t have to lie to you.”
“Don’t get an attitude,” I say. “You made the vow just like I did. We’re supposed to ask these kinds of questions. It’s how we keep each other on track.”
Mimi sits down on a nearby bench. “I know.”
I hold up my hands. “If you want me out of your business, then just say so.”
She shakes her head. “It’s fine, Rhyann. I haven’t had sex with Kyle, but I’ll admit, he does want to. Kyle says he wants to get really close to me and that’s the only way.”
“He’s not your husband, so he doesn’t need to be any closer,” I tell her. “He might not be the man you end up marrying.”
“But then again, we might be tog
ether forever,” Mimi pleads. “It’s possible.”
“Yeah,” I say. “But I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Divine, Alyssa, Mimi, and I made a pact that we would hold each other accountable when it comes to the “V” Club. I don’t want Mimi getting so wrapped up in high school love that she gets caught up in something she’s not mature enough to handle.
I sound like Auntie Mo right now, but she’s right about this. I know I’m not ready for that.
My stomach is in knots.
Today after church, I have to audition for a spot on the Temple of Praise squad. I’ve been practicing my routine for the past two weeks, and I’m pretty sure I have a good chance of making it.
I see Kelly shortly after we arrive. I can’t believe this. She’s actually pretending that she doesn’t have a clue who I am.
I shake it off with a chuckle. I’m not gonna let her get to me.
Auntie Mo pulls me off to the side and asks, “What’s going on between you and Kelly?”
“She’s mad because I’m auditioning for the praise team.”
“That’s a shame,” she whispers. “Well, shrug it off and pray for her.”
“I will.”
We enter the sanctuary and take our seats for the morning service.
Two hours later, I walk over to the administration building with Tameka for the audition. My sister has come for moral support. Auntie Mo has a meeting with the other women on the committee with her. They are coordinating the pastoral appreciation luncheon.
I’m not surprised to find Kelly already there. She rolls her eyes before turning away from me in her seat.
“Did you see that?” Tameka asks.
I flip my hand in nonchalance. “Let her trip.”
We sit down and wait for the auditions to begin. Four of us are trying out.
The first person is called to do her routine. She is so clumsy that Tameka puts her head down to keep from laughing out loud.
I send her a sharp glare. She’s so wrong.
The next person is up. I’m not trying to talk about anybody, but didn’t she at least try to learn the routine?
It’s Kelly’s turn. She does a pretty decent job, but I feel confident that I can still show her up.
I’m next. I say a quick prayer and then perform to CeCe Winans’s “Waging War.”
When I’m done, I walk back to my seat. Tameka leans over to whisper in my ear, “Sis, you were fierce. I know you got this.”
We won’t find out for a couple of days, because the leaders want to pray over their decision. At least that’s what they tell us. I don’t miss the way one of them keeps looking at Kelly and smiling when she thinks no one is looking.
I don’t want to be negative, but I have a feeling that Kelly will be the new Temple of Praise dancer. Sometimes life just isn’t fair.
Mimi calls me shortly after I return home. “How did the audition go?” she asks.
“I was pretty good,” I say. “But I think they’re going to give it to another girl.”
“The one you told me about?”
“Yeah.” I sit down on the edge of my bed. “I’ll be okay with it if she’s not the one who gets the spot. I’m tired of her winning everything.”
“Maybe you’re wrong. You might get it, Rhyann.”
“I hope so,” I murmur.
“Rhyann, I need you to do me a big favor.”
I pick up my remote control and turn the TV on. “What?”
“Kyle wants to introduce you to one of his boys. He wants us to double-date.”
I shake my head vigorously. “Not interested.”
“Please, Rhyann,” Mimi pleads. “It’s just dinner on a Thursday night. We won’t be out late or anything. Just meet his friend. If you don’t like him, then you’ll never have to see him again.”
I keep shaking my head even though she can’t see me. “Mimi, I’m not into blind dates.”
“Just do this for me. Kyle is really excited about this. I love when he’s like this, Rhyann. He’s not acting so moody. He even went out and bought me a new Gucci watch.”
“He did what?” I ask, an octave higher than normal.
“He gave me a Gucci watch. I’ve been waiting for you to notice it. I’ll show it to you tomorrow.”
I’m in shock. What is this chick thinking?
“I can’t believe you took such an expensive gift from Kyle. Mimi, that’s a lot of money.”
“He likes spending money on me.”
I can’t help but ask, “Are your parents okay with this?”
“I haven’t told them,” she admits. “Rhyann, he’s my boyfriend. I don’t see where it’s such a big deal.”
“And what do you think he’s gonna want in return, Mimi?”
“Duuh…he wants me.”
“In bed,” I say.
Her voice goes all light and airy. “Rhyann, I know you’re bitter, but don’t try to push all that on me. I’m not afraid to have a relationship. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll just find another boyfriend. I got it like that.”
“Whatever…”
“Anyway, don’t think you’re changing the subject on me. I really need you to be the B.F.F. you’re supposed to be and go on that double date with me. Besides, if you’re so worried that Kyle is out for my goodies, you can be there to block.”
I sigh in resignation. “You just had to pull the B.F.F. card. Fine, Mimi, I’ll go on this date with you, but it won’t be on Thursday. I need to finish my history research paper and my final science project.”
“Rhyann, I love you, girl.”
“No, you owe me big time,” I counter. “I plan on collecting, too.”
I put Mimi off for two weeks.
After turning in my assignments, she brings up the promise I made. I reluctantly agree to go out with them on Saturday night.
I can’t believe I let Mimi talk me into going on a blind date with a friend of Kyle’s. Also, my aunt has no idea that Mimi and I are meeting boys at a restaurant. She likes to meet the boy and his parents before I go anywhere with him.
Since it’s a blind date, I didn’t want to go through all that drama, so I just said Mimi and I were going out to dinner. It’s what I would call a half-truth.
Auntie Mo would call it a straight-up lie.
I send up a silent prayer that she won’t ever find out about this. The last thing I want is to be grounded so close to summer break. Auntie Mo will find a way to make my life miserable.
Mimi picks me up at seven thirty.
“Don’t stay out too late, Rhyann,” Auntie Mo says.
“I won’t,” I promise her.
Once we’re in Mimi’s BMW, she tells me, “You’re really going to like Gage. His father owns Tenez Records. I didn’t know he was friends with Kyle until Kyle told me right before I left the house.” She flashes me a big grin. “Rhyann, he’s so cute.”
“So why would I like him exactly?” I ask while playing with my necklace. “I already can’t stand his name. Who names their child Gage? Nobody I know.”
“Rhyann, don’t start,” Mimi says. “I need you to be nice tonight. Gage really wants to meet you because he’s heard all this wonderful stuff from Kyle.”
“Is he black?” I ask. “Maybe you don’t mind jumping across the color lines, but I love my black brothers.”
“Yes, Gage is African American. Does that make you feel better, Rhyann?” A hurt tone creeps into her voice. “I thought you liked Kyle.”
“I do like him,” I respond. “I think he’s really nice. For you. All that blond hair would just work my nerves. Although he’s got the prettiest blue eyes I’ve seen.”
Mimi flashes that big smile of hers. “I really like him.”
I chuckle. “Mimi, I know that.” I shift in the seat, watching the cars out the window. “Look, I don’t care who you date as long as he treats you right. He could be green or purple for all I care. Then again, that would be a little strange if you start dating a green or purple person. I love me some pu
rple but not in my men.”
She laughs. “You’re stupid.”
She parks the car across the street from the restaurant. “Rhyann, leave all of your negative vibes out here, okay? Let’s have a good time.”
“What are you trying to say, Mimi?” I demand. “I’m not a negative person—just a realist.”
She flings her Gucci purse across her shoulder and heads toward the restaurant. “Call it whatever you want, just don’t bring it into the restaurant. I totally want to enjoy our evening with Kyle and Gage.”
Whatever. I’m not gonna be a fake person. If he gets on my nerves, I’ll call my cousin to pick me up in a flash.
We’re escorted to our table as soon as we walk inside.
Gage isn’t bad-looking at all. I even find myself warming up to him until I realize just how much he adores talking about himself.
The waitress comes to take our drink orders.
I could hug her, I’m so glad to have this break from hearing more about Gage. The truth is that I stopped listening to him a while back. Even though Traven is a playa, I think I’d rather be with him right now.
After the waitress comes back with our drinks, I give her my food selection, then push away from the table saying, “Excuse me. I need to go to the girls’ room.” I rise to my feet.
Mimi gets up, too. “I’ll go with you.”
As soon as we step inside the bathroom, she confronts me. “Can you, like, stop looking so doggone bored, Rhyann?”
I give Mimi a hard look. “Maybe if I wasn’t bored—”
“You’re ruining things for me and Kyle. Just try and be nice to Gage, please.”
“I am being nice, Mimi. I’m sorry, but all he wants to do is talk about himself. I know who his father is. I know that he thinks being the prince of the Tenez Records empire is a big deal, but I’m not impressed.”
“Please, Rhyann…,” Mimi pleads. “Be nice.”
I’m quickly losing my temper. “I didn’t want to come on this date in the first place. I’m not going to be rude, but you better find a way to shut him up. I don’t want to hear another word from Gage about who he is or what he has.”
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