Courtin' Jayd

by L. Divine

  “It is my business and I’m serious Bryan,” I say, starting the braid over, this time easing up on his scalp. “Have you heard from him?”

  “Yeah, okay. I ran into him yesterday on the courts by his grandmother’s house,” Bryan says, relaxing back in his chair again. “He asked about you. What’s up with y’all?” He seems to know more than I do. Why would Rah ask my uncle about me but not return my calls? It’s as if he doesn’t want to have contact with me and that’s not the vibe he gave me this past weekend. What’s really going on?

  “I wish I knew,” I say, somewhat relieved that he’s okay, but even more confused as to why he’s avoiding my calls.

  “Jayd, I don’t want to know the whole story, but I do know the nigga loves you and wants what’s best for you. Just trust him and let him come to you when he’s ready to talk.” Bryan may have a point. But I don’t care how much he tries to defend him, Rah is wrong for making me worry. He knows this is driving me crazy and he can only blame himself if he doesn’t like the way his little game plays out.

  4

  Foul Play

  “You don’t love me/ Yes I know now”

  —DAWN PENN

  After I finished braiding Bryan’s hair yesterday, I helped Mama make dinner and then retired to our room to study, with still no word from Rah. I started to send Nigel a text, but I knew he would either be at practice or studying like I was and it wasn’t that serious. He’s well aware of his boy’s disappearing acts and wouldn’t entertain my panic for a second. I am going to make it a point to catch up with Nigel today. Rah can’t ignore me forever.

  This morning’s unusually cool with no sun breaking through the gray clouds. I’m glad I packed my miniature umbrella and layered up today. Being caught in Compton without proper weather gear is one thing, but being by the beach where the air is cool and the sea breeze is already strong is a whole other experience. Jeremy sent me a text saying he was still good to pick me up in the mornings if I was okay with it. And truthfully, I wouldn’t mind the chauffeur service at all.

  “Watch the grass young lady,” our crabby old neighbor Mr. Gatlin says from his driveway. He would be the only other person out this early in the morning to disturb my illusion of solitude. “Can’t you tell by now when you’re getting too close? These kids today ain’t worth nothing.” If he weren’t my elder I would’ve cussed his ass out a long time ago. But I’ll leave that to Mama. She’s the only one who can get him to shut up when he gets way out of line.

  “Good morning to you too, sir,” I say, making sure to step on the sidewalk directly between the two sides of his grass. This dude makes the craziest person appear sane.

  “Never mind all that back talk, little missy. Just stay off of my lawn, you hear?” Shaking his rake in my direction as I continue to the bus stop, something catches Mr. Gatlin’s eye, making him forget all about me.

  “Good morning, Henry,” I hear Esmeralda say from across the street. Her voice is deep and sultry and she doesn’t sound like she’s hissing, which is what I usually get. What the hell?

  “Good, good, good morning, Esmeralda,” Mr. Gatlin stutters. I don’t know if he’s afraid of her or nervous because he’s digging her. But whatever it is, I know I don’t want to know anything about it. My imagination is already running wild at the thought of those two together. Yuck. I can’t resist asking Mama what she knows about this after school.

  “Jayd, how did you get here before me and don’t tell me your bus came early,” Mickey says, blocking my locker. As cold as it is outside, she’s wearing a jean miniskirt. At least she has on a North Face jacket with the chinchilla hood, but it doesn’t make much sense to leave her legs out like that. Maybe she wants to enjoy the short and tight pieces of her wardrobe before her belly’s too big to rock them if she’s pregnant, even if that means turning into an icicle.

  “I thought you weren’t talking to me,” I say, stopping in front of her as I wait to see if she’ll move out of my way before I have to move her myself. Jeremy dropped me off in front because there was no parking and he needed to holla at Chance before school starts. I wanted to get to my locker and to class early for once this year, and now that looks like it’s not going to happen.

  “Whatever. Look Jayd,” Mickey says, stepping to the side and letting me reach my combination. “I know you were right about my man hitting on you,” she says, surprisingly calm. “This isn’t the first time he’s flirted with one of my friends and it won’t be the last. I just thought he’d be more careful with you.” I unlock the door and put my heavy backpack down on the floor. I don’t have time to rationalize Mickey’s behavior.

  “Why would I be any different?” I ask, switching my books and notebooks for my first two periods out of the overstuffed locker and into my backpack. It’s time to clean my locker in the worst way. With all the fliers and other crap that gets passed around this school, a girl’s locker can fill up pretty quickly.

  “Because y’all go to my school out of the hood. That’s usually not his type, but I guess you’re close enough to our hood for him,” she says, popping her Big Red gum before continuing. “Also, I don’t know if I should tell him about the baby just yet.”

  “Why not? Are you waiting for something to change?” I say, closing the metal door and heading out of the crowded hall toward the main quad. I wonder where Nellie is. Maybe Chance or her parents gave her a ride this morning. Mickey usually finds out the same morning if Nellie’s going to need a ride from her. It must be nice to have so many options.

  “I don’t want to be just another baby mama to him. Maybe Nigel would be a different kind of daddy and husband,” Mickey says, and I know where she’s going with this. I can’t let her take Nigel for a ride, especially if she’s not sure he’s the one.

  “Oh hell no Mickey,” I say, stopping in my tracks and looking up at her. “What would make you any better than Trecee if you played Nigel to be the daddy when you don’t know if it’s the truth?”

  “Well, for starters, Nigel really could be my baby-daddy. It’s no secret that my man’s not the only one I’m dealing with,” she says rubbing her flat stomach like she’s nine months pregnant. This girl is crazy if she thinks it’s going to be a big bowl of bliss being a teenage mother, no matter who the daddy turns out to be.

  “Yes, and it’s also no secret that your man’s very dangerous. Do you think he’s going to be happy that Nigel’s the one you’re claiming to want a family with? No Mickey, think about it. He’ll kill Nigel over this and we don’t even know if you’re pregnant yet.” I follow her out the double doors leading to the outside and push my way through the crowd of students rushing in. She stops at a tree to the side of the building and looks past me to make sure no one from our crew’s coming.

  “Yes we do,” she says, taking a small piece of paper from her Gucci bag and handing it to me. “I went to the clinic yesterday. They said I’m about five weeks pregnant.” Oh shit, now it’s really on. Neither Nigel nor her man will take this news lightly. Even more importantly, how’s she going to deal with the mess she’s made?

  “Okay, so what do you want to do?” I say, giving her back the positive test results and watching Nellie head our way. Nigel, Chance, and Jeremy aren’t far behind, but stop to sweat Reid about something. I wish I could say that rehearsing with him is horrible, but it’s not so bad. Reid’s actually a good actor and since I already hate him, playing his wife isn’t that difficult. It’s Laura who’s sending the hating vibes that make the days feel long. Every chance she gets she’s showing off in front of Mrs. Sinclair and hanging on to Reid like I want her man.

  “For right now, nothing. And please don’t tell anyone, especially not Nellie. I don’t want to hear her mouth about this yet,” Mickey says, stuffing the paper into her pocket. There’s barely enough room in that skirt for her behind, let alone anything else.

  “Okay, but you know she’s going to figure it out eventually and so will the boys.” As Nellie approaches, I notice Misty, KJ, and th
e rest of his crew walk out of the cafeteria on the other side of the main quad. Misty looks our way but mainly at Mickey and gives her a devious grin. Before I can warn Mickey that Misty might know her little secret, Nellie walks up glowing, like she’s the one with the bun in the oven.

  “So, did you take the test?” Nellie whispers as soon as she reaches us. She acts like we’re undercover spies on a mission. “Am I going to be an auntie?”

  “It’s too early in the morning for this conversation,” Mickey says, avoiding the question and Nellie’s eyes. Misty and KJ are staring at us in a way that lets me know they now both know about Mickey’s baby. I’ve got to tell Mickey before it’s too late.

  “What are you waiting for, Mickey? These types of things don’t simply disappear.” Nellie sounds like her preachy self, which means we could have this same conversation for the rest of the day if Mickey doesn’t tell her the truth, and soon.

  “What’s the rush in finding out? I’m still going to be pregnant whenever we find out.” Mickey sounds naïve about this entire situation. It’s almost as if some distorted version of her Cinderella story has come true. I know she thinks having a dude’s baby will guarantee her financial security for life, but it won’t. And hiding it won’t help her either.

  “Yes, but are you acting like it? You haven’t even been to the doctor yet and that’s not very responsible if you’re going to keep it.” Nellie steps up to Mickey and rubs her belly just like Mickey did a few moments ago. They’re both acting crazy as far as I’m concerned.

  “Of course I’m going to keep it,” Mickey says, pushing Nellie’s hand away and staring her down. Jeremy, Chance, and Nigel walk up to us and notice the tension between Nellie and Mickey.

  “Keep what?” Chance says, putting his arms around Nellie’s slender waist. He bends down and rests his chin in the nape of her neck, making me miss Rah even more. Nigel pulls Mickey into him and kisses her hard on the lips, causing Jeremy and me to feel uncomfortable. The bell for first period rings and the students in the quad begin to dissipate. KJ and the rest of South Central linger behind and Misty continues her stare-down at Mickey. My Spanish class is across the walkway and I can run from here to there while the bell rings if need be and still make it on time, because I’ve got to talk to my girl.

  “This new shirt I bought,” Mickey says, looking down at her tight red shirt between kisses. “You like it? At first I thought it made me look fat but I think it’s growing on me now.” And that’s not the only thing.

  “Looks good to me,” Nigel says, opening her jacket and eyeing her sparkly Apple Bottoms top. The V-neck cut is low, allowing Nigel a good view of her goods from his position, which he’s enjoying. There’s no shame in their game.

  “Okay you two, that’s enough. You’re causing a scene,” Nellie says, noticing Misty and company still staring at us from across the quad. I wonder how Chance deals with her tight ass sometimes. I guess he’s glad to be dealing with any part of Nellie at all.

  “I think they were staring before we came over,” Nigel says. But Nellie’s not amused. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was more jealous over Nigel than being overprotective of Mickey’s virtue.

  “Way to knock ’em up, man,” KJ yells at Nigel, stopping the kissing marathon and looking past Mickey at his newly proclaimed enemy.

  “Mickey, I need to holler at you for a minute,” I say, trying to distract their attention before the secret’s out. Maybe if she tells Nigel first it won’t be so hard on him. But Nigel looks vexed enough to fly right about now.

  “Yeah, go talk to your girls for a minute while I straighten KJ out,” Nigel says, signaling his boys to follow him over to where KJ is sitting. Doesn’t anyone have to go to class?

  “Nigel, we’re going to be late for first period. We can deal with him at lunch,” I say, but he’s not deterred from his goal. He looks back at me and smiles.

  “Jayd, what’s up with you? Are you really that worried about being tardy?” Chance and Jeremy look at me and then back to Nigel. “I’ll walk you to class and tell Mr. Donald it’s my fault you’re late or you can just go. We got this,” Nigel says as he walks across the grass with Chance and Jeremy by his side.

  “Yeah, what’s up with you, Jayd?” Nellie says and I know Mickey’s going to be pissed at me, but it’s better than Misty bursting her bubble.

  “Mickey, I think Misty overheard us talking in the bathroom,” I blurt out, trying to save precious time and my girl’s secret at the same time.

  “What? Are you sure?” Mickey says, charging after Nigel before I can answer her. I look back at Nellie, who’s totally confused.

  “So, what’s the big deal?” Nellie says, still out of the loop. “It’s not like Misty knows anything. We don’t even know if Mickey’s pregnant yet.” I want to tell her so bad but it’s not my place, it’s Mickey’s. Noticing my quiet response, Nellie runs after me as I take off after Mickey. “What is it, Jayd? What aren’t you telling me?” I ignore her shouting, trying to reach Mickey before it’s too late.

  “Nigel, let’s go,” Mickey yells, but not before he reaches South Central. The final bell rings above our heads, yet we all stay put. It must be nice being able to stroll into class anytime you want to because you’re an athlete.

  “Nah, not until we settle this once and for all.” Nigel steps up to KJ, Del, and C Money, who rise to meet Nigel, Chance, and Jeremy’s stance. They are all tall dudes, making me feel like a Lilliputian. Nellie and Mickey are taller than me but I know they feel small in comparison too.

  “Want a rematch? You name the time and place and I’ll be there,” KJ says, his boys laughing behind him as they walk off to class, leaving my boys behind.

  “Westingle, next Sunday afternoon. Don’t be late,” Nigel yells after them. Chance and Jeremy look at each other and then back at Nigel. They have no idea what they’re getting themselves into. Playing ball in Redondo Beach is one thing. But playing ball on the Black side of town is going to blow them away.

  “Your loss, man. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” KJ may be cocky, but Rah and Nigel have been playing on their home turf forever and have total confidence when they’re there. I’m sure Jeremy’s going to get the boot as the third person now that it’s a game on familiar ground, which is unfortunate because between the two white boys, Jeremy’s got the most game, on and off the court.

  “Hey Mickey, when’s the baby due?” Misty says, giving Shae and Tony a good chuckle. Without any warning, Mickey lunges at Misty, causing Misty to run away—or get into a physical fight with Mickey, and I know she doesn’t want that.

  “Come back here and say that shit to my face,” Mickey says as Nigel holds her back from running after her prey. “Tricks are for kids, Misty. When are you going to grow the hell up?”

  “Temper, temper,” KJ shouts as the rest of his crew slowly disperse to class. I hope my boys kick his ass.

  “I gotta roll,” Jeremy says, hitting Chance in the shoulder while indicating he should get to class too. They have English with Mrs. Bennett first period and even if she is cool with them, she’s never completely chill about the school’s rules. After all, she is the chair of the AP department and has to set an example of perfect bitchiness for the rest of the teachers.

  “Yeah, we’d better get going. You want me to walk you to class?” Chance says to Nellie, who’s still shocked at Mickey’s reaction toward Misty. I guess since Mickey might be pregnant, in her view she should also act like it. Wait until Nellie finds out Mickey really is pregnant; then the judgment will go into overtime. I can already tell Nellie’s going to be the auntie from hell in Mickey’s eyes.

  “Yes, thank you, baby. See y’all at break,” she says, turning her attention toward Mickey and me. I look at Mickey, who has managed to wrestle free from Nigel’s grip, but not for long.

  “Mickey, can I talk to you for a minute?” Nigel says, obviously not letting Misty’s comment go. He can feel something’s up by the way Mickey went after Misty.
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  “I have to get to class. I’ll see y’all at break,” I say, escaping before I get dragged into this mess any further. “I’ll tell Mr. Donald you’ve got my back for this one.” It’s bad enough Mickey told me she’s not only with child but that her plan is to con my homeboy into turning the maybe-baby into his; she swore me to secrecy on top of that. What the hell?

  Since we had such bad luck with a nosy-ass Misty overhearing us in the restroom, we opted for our next favorite quiet hangout by the library. I finally got my English paper back. Mrs. Malone wasn’t as vicious with her red pen this time around, but I still only got a B-minus—my lowest grade in her class to date. I just can’t get into what I’m not feeling, and sometimes that means taking the lower grade.

  “I told Nigel about the baby,” Mickey blurts out before I can open my pack of peanut M & Ms. I’m craving nachos but the student store was out of them so I opted for chocolate instead. Today I’m craving my favorite foods, like I’m the one expecting.

  “Why would you do that when you don’t even know if there is a baby yet?” Nellie says between sips of her sparkling water. “Or if he’s the daddy.” I look at Mickey sitting next to Nellie and Nellie looks at me for validation that she’s right. I look at Mickey and hope she tells our girl the truth before I crack under the pressure.

  “There is a baby and Nigel is the father,” Mickey says biting the head off her Drumstick ice cream cone like it’s the best dessert she’s ever tasted. From where I’m standing, Mickey already looks like she’s eating for two. I don’t know how long I’ll allow Mickey to live in her fantasy world where she was a virgin until she met Nigel, but I’ll play along for now. At least she told Nellie half the truth.