by Sarah Asuquo
“Is it? Like that, yeah? Cool. Say no more. All good. No problem. Say less.”
“Calm down, G! I’m joking. I hear what you’re saying, though. Girls are different; they can be hella confusing.”
“Trust me. Speaking of which, here comes your ting.”
“I’ve got tissue!” Breeze announced as she re-entered the room and wiped the spillage. Unexpectedly, ‘Hustle Hard’ by YC stopped playing and was replaced with MC Hammer’s ‘U Can’t Touch This’. “No way!” said Breeze. She couldn’t contain her excitement and began to do the Running Man dance. “Come on, Jayden!”
“What is she doing, bro?” said Ade.
“Jayden! You love this song!” she yelled, for all to hear.
“Is it, Jayden? Is this your tune, yeah?” Ade teased.
“Nah, never! But you know how it is with girls – you’ve gotta act like you like the same things they do sometimes. Keep them sweet. You get me?” Jayden winked and muttered, so that Breeze couldn’t hear him.
“Yeah, yeah. I hear you,” said Ade as he slapped Jayden’s hand in admiration. “You’re a G, you know!”
“Breezy, stop, everyone’s staring at you. Breeze!” Jayden pleaded. But Breeze was in her own world.
“Mum!” shrieked Chanel, full of fury. “Turn that off! I said no old people music. Stop embarrassing me!”
And just like a slapstick comedy, the DJ stopped the track, Breeze slipped on the remnants of punch and hit the ground like an infant learning to walk (legs in the air and everything… ouch). There was an intense pause of silence followed by an explosion of laughter. Thankfully, Breeze found it just as amusing and began laughing too.
“Are you all right, Breeze?” asked Jayden, helping her up from the floor.
“Yeah! I’m fine.”
“I love how you don’t take yourself too seriously, B,” said Jayden as their eyes met yet again and they smiled at one another, oblivious of their surroundings.
“Um, I should go and get some more tissue to clean that up.”
“Yeah, yeah. Um, you should, actually. That’s a good idea, yeah. Cool,” said Jayden. His eyes followed her across the room until they were met with Ade’s creepy stare. “Ah, move, man!”
“Aww. You two are bare cute, you know,” Ade goaded.
“Shut up, man. Your mum’s cute.”
“Allow it, bro. You can’t be complimenting man’s marge like that. Lucky it’s you, you know. Anyone else and that could never ever run. Trust me. It would be-”
“Yeah, whatever. Shh, man.”
Meanwhile, Armani was in secret agent mode; she immediately noticed when Breeze had left the room. Her target (Jayden) was accessible and her mission (‘get Chanel a bae’) was activated. “Chan, She’s in the toilet; Jayden’s alone. Make your move, now!” Armani commanded. “I’ll keep her in there for a bit.”
“Thanks, babe. You’re a real one.”
Chanel tapped Jayden’s left shoulder and then moved quickly to his right. “Hey J, you having a good time, boo?”
“Boo?” he said under his breath. “Yeah, it’s a vibe, man. Good food, good music, couldn’t ask for much more.”
“That’s what you think,” Chanel whispered, with a look of mischief on her face.
“What?”
“Nothing… It’s hard to talk properly in here, J. I can’t really hear you.”
“I can hear you just fine, Chanel.”
Chanel began to mouth her words inaudibly.
“What are you doing?” said Jayden.
“See, you can’t hear me, let’s go somewhere quieter to talk.”
“I’m waiting for Breeze.”
“Come on, Jayden. It’s my birthday! You can’t speak to me for five minutes? I’m sure Breeze will be ok. Or does she need you to babysit her all night?”
“Three minutes,” said Jayden. He reluctantly followed her to the passageway and sat on the staircase, unaware that Breeze was in the toilet underneath them. Armani obstructed the toilet door, locking Breeze inside.
“Hello!” called Breeze, struggling with the door. “Hello, I’m stuck in here! Can anyone hear me?”
Armani acted as though she was concerned. “Hi, are you ok in there?”
“I can’t open the door. I can’t get out!”
“Oh no!” she performed, rolling her eyes. “I’ll get help right away! Just hold on.”
“Ok, thank you.”
Chanel had positioned herself next to Jayden on the stairs. “I’ve missed you, J. It feels like I hardly see you anymore these days.”
“I’ve been about.”
“Yeah, with Breeze.”
“Yeah, she’s cool.”
“Since when!” Chanel huffed in exasperation. “Just because she won that race! Gosh! Now she’s a ‘bad gal’! Please. I’ve been bad from day… we both have. We’re a perfect match.”
Jayden began to stand up. “Um, I should go and look for Breeze, check she’s ok.”
“Oh, Breeze! Breeze! Breeze!” Chanel seethed. “I’ve had enough!” She grabbed Jayden’s face, pulling him towards her and kissed him. Jayden pulled away, but it was too late. Armani had released Breeze from the toilet, seconds prior, just in time to see their lips unite. Instantly, Breeze was transported back in time, standing in the playground, watching Fai kiss Josie and the shield over her heart hardened again. Jayden noticed Breeze and leaped up hastily.
“I didn’t kiss her, Breeze! She kissed me, I swear.”
“You don’t need to explain yourself to me, Jayden, it’s cool. You’re single, right?” said Breeze, failing to hide her disappointment.
“Exactly,” Chanel interjected. “You ok, Track Girl?”
“It’s Breeze.”
“Yeah, whatever. That was quite a fall! It’s my mum’s fault for playing that dead music. I told her to save that for her old people friends,” she continued, laughing insincerely. “Innit, Jayden?”
“Yeah, I — I guess so,” he stuttered.
“Anyway, I think it’s time to cut my four-tier cake. Red velvet, vanilla, lemon, and fruit cake. Fit for a princess!” Chanel couldn’t supress her satisfaction. Linking arms with Armani, she walked away and whispered, “We did it, girl.”
“Why do you do that, Jayden?” asked Breeze.
“What?”
“Pretend to be someone you’re not.”
“It’s not like that, Breeze.”
“It is! You love MC Hammer, yet you stood there and let Chanel cuss his music.”
“Yeah, I know but…” he exhaled, “look, Breeze. I’m Jayden you know. The junior national champ for long jump. People respect me. They look up to me.”
“And? The national champ for long jump can’t listen to MC Hammer?”
“Exactly. Now you get it. I’ve got a reputation to keep. Only special people get to see that side of me. Like you. You know the real me,” he said and held her hand.
“Wow. I appreciate that you feel comfortable to be the real you around me, but I can’t be around someone who wants to fit in with the crowd so badly that he can’t be true to himself… I should go.” Breeze began to walk towards the door.
“Breeze, wait.”
“You know… you and Chanel actually suit. You make a good couple. Take care, Jayden.”
Breeze closed the door behind her. She immediately thought about Bella: their promise to spend this day together; her promise to be ‘normal’ when she liked a guy and tears flowed down her cheeks as she sent a text to her father and asked him to pick her up.
– 10 –
Sorry
From a very young age, Breeze did all she could to avoid conflict. She couldn’t bear the feeling of being upset with anyone or when she knew that she had made someone else unhappy. She also disliked witnessing other people argue and couldn’t help but intervene. Although her parents rarely argued, Breeze vividly remembers every time she overheard them when they did. They would often wait until Breeze and JJ were asleep, (or when they thought they were sleeping) and would
play music to mask their voices. But Breeze quickly realised her parents’ strategy. Once, Breeze heard a glass break and ran downstairs in tears into her mother’s arms.
“Breeze, what’s wrong? Why are you awake?”
“Why are you fighting, Mummy?”
Her parents looked at each other, disappointed that they had allowed themselves to be heard.
“We’re not fighting, baby,” said her father, “we just disagree about something and we’re trying to understand each other.”
“That doesn’t mean you have to shout. You should speak nicely and use your inside voices.”
“I know, you’re right, baby.” He picked Breeze up and placed her in his lap. “Daddy made a decision about something very important and didn’t ask Mummy first.”
“But that’s not fair, Daddy. When I ask Mummy for a treat after dinner, she tells me to ask you too.”
“That’s true. You’re right, Breeze,” he replied, placing his hand on his wife’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry, honey. I love you.”
“I love you too, babe.”
As they kissed, Breeze realised what she had done and enjoyed the feeling of being a peacemaker. “I did a good thing, didn’t I? Can I have a treat, Daddy?”
“Yes, you did, but it’s late, baby. But… ask your mum,” he replied and grinned.
“Can I, Mummy?”
“Hmm. You can have a tiny treat; one spoon of ice cream,” said her mother.
This day taught Breeze that sometimes people who love each other will argue, but they can always resolve their issues if they realise why they are wrong and apologise. From that day forward in the Bassey household, the rule was to never go to sleep without resolving an argument. A rule they hadn’t broken since.
As she sat waiting for her dad, Breeze thought about this rule and was disappointed in herself for allowing so much time pass without making amends with Bella. They had never had an argument and Breeze missed her best friend.
***
Breeze’s father arrived in 6 minutes and 37 seconds (Breeze was counting) and came out of the car, ready to erupt.
“What’s wrong, Breeze? Why are you sitting out here alone? Have you been crying? … Jayden! I knew it! Where is he? I’m gonna–”
“Dad, please. Let’s just go. I just want to leave.”
“Ok, sweetheart. Come on.”
Breeze didn’t speak for the entire car ride home and once they were parked outside of their house, her father asked her what had happened.
“It’s all a mess, Dad!” she sobbed, struggling to get her words out. “I’ve been a bad friend. I cheated in the regionals; that’s why I won. I’ve never cheated before, I just panicked. Then everyone was my friend out of nowhere. And I’m not gonna lie, it felt kinda nice. But then I called Bella jealous, but she’s not jealous. She’s my biggest fan, and I’m her biggest fan, and now she hates me, and I’ve been at a stupid party, with stupid punch and people I don’t even know, and Jayden just cares about fitting in with everyone, and — and — MY LEG HURTS!” she wept into her father’s chest.
“Oh, baby. Slow down, calm down… breathe,” he replied, kissing her forehead. “It sounds like you’ve made some mistakes recently, but the good thing is that you’re aware of where you went wrong. That’s a great sign of maturity, Breeze. We all make mistakes, but what’s most important is what you’ve learned from them and how you make it right moving forward.” Breeze started to calm down and think about what her father was saying. “I’ve seen the friendship you have with Bella – that’s special, that’s rare and I’m pretty sure that if you’re hurting right now, she’s hurting too.”
“So, what do I do, Dad?”
“That’s your best friend. You know what to do.”
She wiped her tears and pulled an expression of determination. “I know what to do!”
“That’s my girl.”
“Dad, can I stay at Bella’s house tonight?”
“Hmm.”
“Please, Dad. I need to make things right. I’ve got a plan.”
“Ok, darling.”
“Thanks, Dad!”
He reversed the car and headed towards Bella’s house.
“Oh, Dad. One more thing…”
“Yes, Breeze.”
“Can we make one stop, please?”
“Where?”
“Dominos.”
Breeze’s father smiled and asked, “Why do I feel like this plan of yours is going to cost me money?”
Breeze’s father held the pizza, drinks, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream as Breeze rang the doorbell.
“I’m nervous, Pops. What if she doesn’t want to see me? This was a bad idea – let’s go home.”
“Go where? I didn’t spend this money and drive you all the way here for fun. Stop overthinking, Breeze. Just speak from your heart.”
“Hey, Mr Balivo,” said Breeze as Bella’s father opened the door.
“Hi, this is a late visit. Come on in.”
“You all right, mate. I think the girls need to have a chat,” said Breeze’s father as they entered the living room.
“I see. Bella! Bella, darling. Come downstairs, please. Someone’s here to see you.”
Bella hesitantly came down the stairs and was shocked to see Breeze and Mr Bassey.
“Hey, Mr Bassey… Hey, Breeze.”
“Hi, Bella. Sorry to turn up unannounced. Breeze really wanted to speak to you.”
A stillness filled the living room as their parents pryingly watched them.
“Um, perhaps we should give them some space,” said Bella’s mother.
Their parents left the room and stood in the hallway, pressing their ears against the door. Overcome with nerves, Breeze’s began to fidget with her fingers and Bella subconsciously mirrored her this time.
“I’m so sorry, Bella. I should have never called you jealous.”
“Did you really think I could ever be jealous of you, Breeze?”
“No, never! I don’t know why I said it. I shouldn’t have said it. I shouldn’t have cheated either. I was so focussed on maintaining my title that I lost sight of what’s important: being true to myself and to the people who mean the most to me.”
“To be honest, it was hard for me to see you spend so much time with Jayden, but I should have never called you a joke. I’m sorry too, Breeze.”
“I’ve missed you so much, Bella! I’ve spent a lot of time with people in our year group who I’ve never even spoken to before and it’s been… different. Some of them are cool, but some of them are just so… so not cool, even though they think they’re the coolest thing since hard dough bread. If that makes sense.”
“Yeah, I get you.”
“But none of them are you, Bell.”
“I’ve missed you too, Breezy.”
“Really? I thought you were done with me. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you were.”
“No, just because we had a bad moment, that doesn’t take away the years of good friendship.”
They were emancipated from the weight of their discord, and Breeze was ready to share her good news. “I got us pizza!” she said optimistically. “Well, my dad did … you know what I mean.”
“What flavour?”
“Chicken and sweetcorn.”
“Jalapenos?”
“Of course. And I got ice cream.”
“Ben & Jerry’s?”
“Obviously!”
“Cookie dough?”
“Come on, Bell. Rate me, please.”
“Yeah, that was a silly question, really.”
Their smiles of relief soon became amusement and Breeze bearhugged Bella.
“You know our parents are listening, right?” uttered Bella through Breeze’s tight grip.
“Course they are! You can come in, guys.”
“Aww, you two!” said Mrs Balivo, hugging them both.
“I knew you would figure it out!” said Mr Bassey.
‘Thanks, Dad!”
“Ye
ah, thanks for the pizza, Mr B!”
“Group hug!” said Breeze as they huddled in a circle and squeezed for dear life.
“Ok, ok, can we eat now, please?” asked Bella. She grabbed the food and ran up to her bedroom. Breeze ran after her with the drinks and ice cream.
“Guess we’re not all eating together, then?” said Mr Balivo woefully.
“Guess not, mate,” Breeze’s father replied. “Thanks for letting Breeze stay over tonight.”
“No problem. I’m sure they’ve got lots of catching up to do.”
“Yeah, I bet. I’m just glad they’ve worked things out. I’ll pick her up in the morning, around 10. Is that all right?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Goodnight, mate.”
“Goodnight.”
“I’m stuffed, Breezy. Look at my belly!” said Bella, cradling her stomach.
“Stop that,” Breeze chuckled. “Ah, it feels so good to be back, Bell.”
“You sure? You wouldn’t rather be with your boyfriend?” Bella teased.
“Jayden and I were just friends, Bell. He wasn’t my boyfriend… it’s a shame because there’s more to him than the vain, popular athlete. He’s really cool and has a good heart, but I can’t chill with someone who can’t keep it real, you know?”
“Yeah, I hear ya. I’m just messing with you, Breezy. I knew you would come back… You were like a lion, roaring to a village, but I wasn’t scared because I know who you really are.”
“What? O — k. I don’t get it.”
“I didn’t at first either!” Bella giggled.
“Anyway, you must be tired because you’re waffling. Night, night, Bell.”
“Night, night, Breezy,” she replied. As Breeze put on her silk bonnet and began to pull at the covers, Bella grinned and softly said, “You were right, Oga D. She came back.”
– 11 –
Fit for Purpose
When Breeze completed preschool and was ready for ‘big school’, she felt nervous and excited at the same time. She was also unhappy because she could no longer spend the day with her brother at Rise and Shine Playgroup. On her first day, as she sat on the bus 15 with her father, Breeze rested her head on his arm, silenced by worry.
