by Sarah Asuquo
“When you like a guy, or whoever…”
“Yeah…”
“Please be normal.”
“I will, Breezy. I will. Promise.”
“Me too.”
Their mutual understanding of what was meant by ‘normal’ was crystal clear and they index swore to seal their agreement (because pinkie swearing is outdated and childish, clearly).
– 3 –
02.02.2017
The first birthday Breeze could remember was when she turned three. Most of the day was a blur, but she remembered wearing a bright green and black, polka dot dress with frills and shoulder pads embodying a fusion of the 80s. She was in her living room, standing on a small stall, surrounded by her cousins, aunts, and uncles as they sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her. Her mother knelt in front of her holding a cake whilst her father cradled her younger brother, JJ who was terrified by the candlelight. “Happy birthday, dear Breezy, happy birthday to you.”
“Go on, baby. Blow… blow… and make a wish,” her mother prompted.
Breeze was too young to understand the idea of making a wish, but she did understand that it was her special day and that her whole family were there just for her. She filled her cheeks with as much air as possible and blew ardently as they all clapped. Breeze remembered how loved she felt on that day.
As Breeze grew older, she became increasingly aware of the financial difficulties her parents had. She would attend the flamboyant birthday parties of her friends and family. The bouncy castles, face painting, clowns, excessive amounts of food, not to mention the endless presents, were juxtaposed to the birthdays in the Bassey household. When they hosted parties at her home, Breeze would overhear the comments made by the adult guests to her parents.
“This is intimate, innit?”
“Yeah, nice and cosy,” her mother would reply, masking her annoyance.
“You should have said things were tight, bro. I would’ve lent you some cash.”
“We’re all good, thanks,” said her father, “I don’t need no handouts. I can look after me and mine.”
Eventually, the invites to their extended family and friends diminished. However, every year, without fail, her parents made sure that they celebrated Breeze’s and JJ’s birthdays as a family. It was important to their parents that they always had a birthday cake, blew out their candles and made a wish. Breeze’s favourite cakes were the ones her mother made herself. She remembered how upset her mother was one year because she had spent hours looking for the perfect recipe and baking a cake for her, but briefly fell asleep whilst it was in the oven and it overcooked. Breeze didn’t mind though, in fact, she loved the extra crunch.
“It’s like a cookie, crumble cake, Mum! I love it.”
“Are you sure, baby? I can run to the shop and buy another one.”
“No Mum, it’s perfect!”
And with a little buttercream icing, the cake was a hit for the whole family too. Her parents also made sure that Breeze and her brother opened a gift on their birthdays, no matter how small it was. At times, although she didn’t express it, this was upsetting for Breeze. She saw how hard her parents worked and thought it was unfair that her family had less than others. Breeze didn’t ask for much and so she didn’t understand why her parents couldn’t just buy her the only present that she wanted on her one special day of the year. But with maturity, she began to appreciate the effort that her parents made, the time that they spent together as a family, the love that filled their home. And soon, she realised that this was the greatest gift of all.
***
“Happy birthday, dear Breezy, happy birthday to you. Make a wish, baby.”
“Thank you, Mama!” said Breeze, searching her bedroom for her gift.
“Make a wish first, baby,” her mother chuckled. “This year we’re going to choose your gift together,” she explained.
For the last two months, Breeze had requested one thing for her birthday: the new Jordan Air Swift trainers in burgundy. So, when she awoke to see mother holding a cake instead of a gift-wrapped shoebox, she couldn’t help but feel slightly deflated. Nevertheless, it was a delicious Victoria sponge cake with buttercream icing and the day wasn’t over yet so, in one smooth breath, Breeze blew out her candles, made a wish and bearhugged her mother.
“Happy birthday, big head,” said Breeze’s little brother. Little may be an unsuited adjective because JJ was much taller than Breeze and there was only one year, eleven months and two days between them, a fact Breeze often pointed out. “Got you a lil’ something, something,” he said, handing her a Tesco’s bag.
“Woi! Skittles, Tangtastic Haribo’s, Thai sweet chilli Sensations, Maltesers, pineapple KA and Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream! Ah man, I’m gonna get emosh. You got all my favourites. Thanks, bro!” she said, bearhugging JJ this time.
“It’s cool, sis,” he replied, gently trying to escape her grip.
“Your dad is on the phone, darling,” said Breeze’s mother.
“Thank God for that,” JJ exhaled.
“Happy birthday, my baby!” her father exclaimed.
“Thank you, Pops!”
“Now I know you had something very particular in mind for your gift, but Mum and I think you’ll like what we have chosen instead. However, if your mind is set on the Jordans, you can get them. All I ask is that you’re open to at least consider what we have selected.”
Breeze couldn’t tell if her parents were being serious or doing that thing where they pretend that they haven’t gotten her what she wanted and then shout, “ta-da!” whilst revealing her original request. Despite her confusion, she decided to play along.
“Ok Pops, I’ll be open minded,” she replied.
“That’s all we ask. Have a good day and I’ll see you this evening.”
“Later, Pops.”
“Go B squared, go B squared, go! 2-2-02’s our day, yo!” cheered Breeze and Bella through their phones.
“No mushy stuff, but you’re the bestest!” said Bella.
“You’re even Bella!” said Breeze. The car became silent. “That was bad wasn’t it?”
“Yes,” said Bella and Breeze’s mother in synchronisation.
“But just for today, I’ll allow you,” said Bella.
“Thanks for being so forgiving, Bell,” replied Breeze in her jestingly serious voice. “I deeply appreciate your understanding in this matter. Anyway, I’m in the car with Mum so I’ll see you later, ok.”
“Ok. Later, Breezy.”
“Really? Even Bella,” continued Breeze’s mother.
“I know, Mum… I know.”
They began to slow down and as her mother parked the car, Breeze searched the area, attempting to work out where they were.
“Almost there!” said Breeze’s mother as they walked down what was beginning to feel like the longest street in Hackney. Although Breeze wasn’t one to shy away from physical activity, this walk had become insufferable and just as Breeze was about to ask if they were there yet, for the third time, her mother exclaimed, “We’re here!”
They were standing outside AK (Alternative Kicks), a sports store in Dalston. AK was not the most popular choice for teenagers and Breeze found it difficult to hide her bemusement.
“Breeze, your father and I have always admired your confidence to be yourself rather than blindly following the latest trend,” explained Breeze’s mother. “Jordan’s are really cool right now, everyone is wearing them and if that’s what you want, you can have them too. But your dad and I just wanted you to have a look at what else was out there so that you can at least consider all of your options and be sure that those are the trainers you want.”
Breeze knew that she wanted her Js, but she understood her parents’ point and agreed to look around the store. Besides, there were no trainers that would even compare to the ones she wanted, right?
After 20 minutes in AK, Breeze had made up her mind. “These shoes are cool, Mum, but they ain’t the Jordan’s Air Swifts.”
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“Fair enough, Breeze, let’s go to Foot Locker and get them for you.”
However, just as they were leaving, Breeze noticed something glowing in the corner of the store. “What’s that?” she asked.
“What?” said her mother.
“Over there, can’t you see it? They’re glowing.”
“I can’t see it, my dear, must be my age!”
But it wasn’t her mother’s age. What Breeze didn’t know was that she was the only one in the store who could see that the trainers were glowing. As she picked them up for further inspection, Breeze was amazed. “These are cold!” she said, delicately turning them around.
“Cold is a good thing, right?” whispered her mother to the Sale’s Assistant, who gave a gentle nod and a wink of confirmation.
“Look, Mum, there’s a ‘B’ on one shoe and a ‘2’ on the other,” said Breeze as she wore them. “Rah! They fit perfectly and I love the burgundy! … I want these, Mum — I mean, can I have these ones, please?”
“Are you sure? What about your Jordans?”
“Nah, I want these instead, Mum. They’re perfect, proper comfortable and the grip is certi!” Her mother looked over to the Sale’s Assistant who confirmed that certi was also a good thing with a discreet thumbs up. “These will be sick for running!” And just like that, the Jordan Air Swifts were a desire of the past. “Thank you, Mum! Thanks for helping make the best decision for me.”
“You’re welcome, baby. We knew you would.”
Later that evening, Breeze and her family made their way to Bella’s family home. Each year, on their birthdays, they would take it in turns to go to each other’s houses and celebrate their special day together. It was tradition, and this year it was Bella’s turn to host. The evening consisted of dinner, cake, chocolate, and ice cream. Alongside charades, karaoke, dancing and The Adventures of Star Girl, B Squared’s favourite movie series. The events of the night must have taken its toll on everyone as they were all asleep in the living room. Everyone except Breeze and Bella. They crept upstairs to Bella’s bedroom and jumped on her bed.
“We’re fifteen, Bell! That’s crazy,” said Breeze.
“I know, right? We’ve grown up so quickly,” replied Bella, pretending to cry.
“Stop that! You sound like my mum,” Breeze snapped, throwing a pillow at her. “Anyhoo, have you had a good day, Bell? What did your parents get you?”
“Yeah, man. Today’s been the best birthday yet! I got the most beautiful earrings, look.” Bella pulled her hair back behind her ears, revealing letter B studs with Swarovski Crystals.
“Wow, those are lovely.”
“Thanks, Breeze. How about you? Did you get the Jordans?”
“No. I could have, but my parents wanted me to check out some other kicks first and I chose these bad boys instead,” Breeze explained, clicking her heels like Dorothy.
“They’re cold!”
“That’s what I said!”
Breeze stood up and did the ‘Shuffle Dance’, demonstrating how skilfully she could move in her new trainers. Suddenly, she lost her balance and fell over. Bella chuckled as she helped her up, but Breeze instantly fell to the floor again.
“That’s weird,” said Bella. “They’re glowing.”
“You see it too?”
“Well it’s hard to miss!”
“That’s what I thought, but my family couldn’t see it when I tried to show them earlier,” said Breeze as she fought to take a step.
“You look like Bambi!” said Bella, holding in her laughter because she saw that Breeze was genuinely struggling to walk.
Abruptly, the trainers stopped glowing and Breeze regained her balance. The girls stared at each other, trying to understand what had just happened.
“Breeze, Bella, come down, please. It’s getting late,” called Breeze’s father.
“Coming!” cried Breeze. “We need to speak about this… don’t tell anyone.”
“Promise,” said Bella as they index swore and ran downstairs.
– 4 –
The Announcement
‘Unforeseen circumstances… what does that even mean?’ said Breeze.
As the Principal addressed the school, Breeze felt as though she was in a trance. Mrs Banjo’s words were muffled as they arduously travelled through the continuous murmuring of the ‘slayed girls’ and the suffocating abundance of the Lynx Africa deodorant in the air from the basketball team.
“Whilst I appreciate your disappointment,” explained Mrs Banjo, void of expression, “the situation is beyond my control. Without disclosing too much information and breaching the contractual terms, our founders have decided that they will no longer fund our sporting incentives and believe that our school should move towards developing a more… traditional based specialism. Therefore, we will no longer be a sporting specialist academy and our arena will be closed at the end of this academic year. We will, however, go ahead with our upcoming Regional Athletic Heats and annual Federation Sports’ Day, which, as per tradition, will involve all Aspire Academies in East London and will be held here, in our training grounds for the last time. Let’s make these final events as successful and memorable as possible.”
The assembly hall erupted in a succession of astonishment, fury, and gloom.
“Nah, you can’t be serious! What do you mean, Miss?” questioned Jayden.
“That’s really sad… No more bicep appreciation days, boy,” said Chanel as her friends shook their heads in disapproval. “What? It’s true.”
“Furthermore, I will be stepping down as your Principal this summer and would now like to introduce my replacement, Dr Maximus,” Mrs Banjo explained, struggling to contain her emotions. She scurried off the stage and Dr Maximus approached the pulpit.
“Why is my man wearing a robe, though? He’s doing the most right now,” said Ade.
“Good afternoon, all. Usually, I expect my students to stand when I enter a room and be seated upon my request. However, I will train you all accordingly upon my official arrival in September. I look forward to working with you all.”
“Train? Are we dogs?” Armani snarled.
“Maximus… he must mean Maximum! Why’s he being so extra?” Ade grumbled.
“I can’t believe Mrs B is just giving up on us like this. That didn’t even sound like her, she sounded like she’s been brainwashed,” said Bella. Breeze did not respond; she was overcome with heartache. “Breezy? … Breeze?”
“I just can’t right now, Bell… I can’t.”
Bella held Breeze’s hand, comforting them both. A solemn stillness suffused the assembly hall. Although sport was not a talent that every student possessed, it unified Aspire Academy. Everyone looked forward to the school’s sporting events. Whether a competitor, a performer or a spectator, sport brought the school together. There were no ‘groups’ or ‘squads’; Aspire were a united team. As it dawned upon the students that this historical aspect of their schooling experience was soon coming to an end, the grief was communal. No words were required and for the first time, without instruction from the staff, the students of Aspire Academy remained silent.
– 5 –
Magic
Two weeks had passed since the news of the arena closure and although the morale of staff and students was low, there was a united agreement to honour the sporting history of Aspire Academy and make the final two events greater than ever before. The art group were on banner duty, the creatives were preparing dance routines and the music team were planning to get a steel pan band to perform. Even the canteen staff were involved and promised to provide a plethora of food including the student’s favourites: patties, jerk chicken and jollof rice! B Squared vowed to do their part and trained relentlessly to prepare for the days. Breeze had been running in her new trainers and had mastered how to maintain her balance in them. As B Squared jogged around the stadium to warm up, Breeze’s trainers began to illuminate.
“These kicks are so comfy, Bell. I feel like I’m runn
ing on clouds when I wear them.”
“Oh yeah? Bet I’ll still beat you to the finish line!” Bella jested as she brusquely ran into Breeze, causing her to stumble, and raced towards the finish line.
“This girl never learns!” Breeze chuckled, leaping to her feet in Bella’s pursuit.
“Can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread girl!” yelled Bella.
Breeze pelted towards Bella, and the distance between them rapidly decreased. As she overtook Bella and crossed the finish line, her speed intensified.
“All right, show-off. You’re doing too much now. Chill,” Bella groaned as Breeze began another lap around the arena. “Breeze… It’s ok, you can stop now.”
“No, I can’t!” she cried.
Breeze’s feet mirrored those of a Looney Tunes character; from a distance, her legs became a tornado.
“Stop, Breeze!” The concern grew increasingly apparent on Bella’s face.
“I’m trying to! I can’t! Help me!”
After two laps of the track, Breeze came to a sudden halt.
“What was that?” asked Bella.
“I have no idea! I ran after you and it felt normal and then… then… I don’t know. It’s like my feet just took over.”
“You’re not even out of breath. That’s crazy.”
“I know. It’s like I was running, but I wasn’t running… you get me?”
“Yeah, I get you. I think.”
“That’s mad. I — I. Nah, don’t worry.”
“Nah, say it, Breeze. You…?”
“It’s just… these kicks. They… I’m starting to think that they’re… like you know…” Breeze was hesitant to utter the word, “magical.”
B Squared were dazed by the possibility that magic existed. Although they didn’t speak, their trail of thought was identical. Once they processed what Breeze had said, they realised how absurd their thoughts were and roared with laughter.
“Ahh, man. You’re a joker! Magic, you know. There’s no such thing, Breezy!”
