by B Truly
He bends over laughing. “From the look on your face, you’d swear I’m serious.”
“I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you. I’m the one who plans on holding you hostage.”
“I wouldn’t mind.”
His comment stops me in my tracks. The way Justin’s staring at me makes me wonder if he’s joking. Justin hasn’t broken eye contact and I can’t seem to look away, either. Is it my imagination that he’s gazing at me lustfully?
We shouldn’t be ogling each other. A crackle of thunder rumbles through the air, breaking the spell.
“We better get home before we get drenched,” Justin advises.
Ever since Harvey, if it rains, my stomach roils. I’m betting the entire city feels this way. “At least it’s not another hurricane.”
“Thank the Lord for small favors.”
* * *
My darling sister has forced me to sit up front with Regan. She hopped into the backseat, not leaving me a choice. I thought it would be rude to jump in the back with her. Glancing at Tanya in the backseat, I give her the stink eye, and she smirks at me.
Regan is taking us to the bank to open bank accounts. For the life of me, I don’t understand the reason. I fidget in my seat, searching for small talk on the way there.
Regan clears his throat. “You girls are probably wondering why I’m opening you bank accounts.”
“The thought has crossed my mind.” I can’t look him in the eye when I say this.
Regan chuckles. “I like your honesty, Madison. Your mother has shared with me how she fell on hard times. She’s been unable to save up money toward college for either of you. I want to help out.”
“That’s mighty kind of you,” Tanya says.
I want to believe Regan is helping out of the kindness of his heart. I don’t know why I’m letting my suspicions get the best of me. Regan has only been kind to us since I met him.
As if reading my mind, Regan says, “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to buy your affection or replace your father. He can never be replaced. But one day, maybe you can look to me as a father figure.”
“You want to help us because of what we’ve been through?” I guess.
“I truly care about your mom. So why shouldn’t I help the woman who holds my heart and her children if I’m able.”
“Well, if that isn’t a declaration of love, then I don’t know what is,” Tanya coos. Regan bites his bottom lip.
“We appreciate it, Regan,” I chime in.
Regan seems genuine. I should cut him some slack. He’s proof there are still good people in this big bad world.
* * *
Tanya stops in the game room. “I’m going to a party with a friend. Do you wanna come?”
Is this an invasion of the body snatchers? “You really want me to go?”
She smirks. “Close your mouth. Yeah, I’m inviting you. So, is that a yes?”
“Sure, I’ll go.”
“If you’re hanging with me, then you gotta dress the part. Come on.”
I follow Tanya into her jazzy room, which is decked out in silver and maroon. She fumbles through her closet. Finally, she comes out with a golden-colored silky shirt.
“You should be able to fit into this.”
She tosses me her shirt, then I trail behind her as she waltzes to my bedroom closet, going through my clothes.
“These black jeans are dressy enough. Put them on with that shirt. I’ll be back in a sec.”
A few minutes later, Tanya strolls in with a pair of fancy calf-high boots with heels. “These go perfect.” She hands them to me.
These heeled boots are gorgeous and I’m sure expensive, cause they’re Mama’s. We wear the same size-eight shoe. Tanya would be in her shoes everyday if she could, but her feet are a size bigger. “Um, I probably shouldn’t wear Mama’s boots, especially without asking. Not to mention, I don’t know how to walk in heels.”
“She won’t mind. I’ll tell her you needed them for your outfit and it’s high time you learn how to strut in heels.” Tanya makes a shoo gesture with her hand. “Amber will be here in a bit, we’re riding with her, so get ready.”
“Huh? She’s picking us up here?”
Tanya rolls her eyes. “Relax. She thinks this is our house. It’s not like Amber’s ever been here before. Besides, she’s picking us up outside, since we’re keeping things on the down low. We’re going to do make-up and hair at her place.”
I’m still in shock Tanya invited me to hang out with her. I try not to read too much into it or get my hopes up that we can have a sisterly bond. I get ready fast. Tanya is great at matching up outfits. Her dress shirt goes great with my black skinny jeans and Mama’s high-end boots.
Wobbling, I practice walking around in them. Regan took Mama out to eat, and they’re supposed to be staying the night at a fancy hotel. I’ll have these boots back in her closet before the night is up. Worst case scenario, if Tanya tells her she picked them out, she’ll be okay with it. Mama allows Tanya to borrow her clothes, since they are the same size.
An hour goes by, and then her friend Amber honks. Tanya rocks a killer black halter dress with silver stilettos. She’s carrying a huge tote bag filled with make-up as we head outside.
“Hi, you look on fleek,” Amber compliments Tanya as we get in her car.
“Thanks, girl. This is my sister, Madison,” Tanya introduces.
“What’s up, Madison?”
“Hi, Amber,” I reply, climbing in back.
I’m relieved Amber doesn’t have any suspicions. She thought it was our house. She hasn’t even asked what house the twins live at. Amber doesn’t stay far. Once we arrive, Tanya does Amber’s make-up.
“I gotta do my hair and put on my face,” Tanya relays to us. “Help Madison put some make-up on. She looks too plain.”
“I’m not that good with make-up. I am good with hair, though,” Amber tells me. “I just bought a great flat iron. Your hair has gorgeous curls, but I’m betting it would be beautiful if it were straightened.”
“My hair is hard to tame. Will you have enough time?”
“Tanya has to spruce up her hair and do her make-up. That’s at least forty minutes, so we have time. The party doesn’t start until nine anyway.”
I follow her into a bathroom where she heats up her iron. She does my make-up first. The gold eyeshadow she puts on me is a nice contrast to my cinnamon-brown eyes. It’s getting easier to look at my reflection. I’m a spitting image of my father, down to his unusual reddish-brown eye color. Depending on the lighting, sometimes the reddish hue stands out more—other times, the brown does. Amber applies mascara, blush, and then finds a shade of lipstick that goes well with my beige complexion.
Starting on my hair, she uses a product and begins flat ironing it. Before long, half my hair is silky and straight. I smile at myself in the mirror.
“It looks great, huh?” Amber coos.
“It’s coming along well.” With spirals, my hair hangs to my shoulder blades. Wearing it straight, extends it at least four inches longer.
“You have lovely hair, Madison. I like the natural two-toned color of dark brown with blondish highlights.”
“You’re great at styling hair.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I want to be a beautician.” Amber’s lips curl upward at her handy work. “No one’s going to recognize you. How long will your hair stay straight?”
“If I don’t wash it, maybe a few days.” She pulls another section of my hair, catching it with the iron.
“You and Tanya seem like night and day.”
“I was kinda thinking the same thing about the two of you.”
Amber laughs. “Tanya and I have two classes together and we happen to like a lot of the same things.”
“Well, we’re definitely complete opposites. I’m still surprised she asked me to come with you guys. She never invites me with her friends.”
“Maybe because Jackson got on her case this week.”
/> “What do you mean?”
“I overheard him telling her she should be nicer to you.”
“Really?” It’s shocking Jackson would give her that advice. I’m hurt by the fact someone had to suggest it. Heaven forbid, Tanya asked me to hang out with her just because we’re sisters. My face falls.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“Nah, I was just thinking.”
“Well, I’m glad you came. You’re a doll.” I offer her a small smile. She’s nice. “Well, I’m sure the Jenkins brothers will be at this party. Jackson is the one who told us about it and if he’s there, then his other half will be.”
My stomach flip-flops. Justin had mentioned he and his homies were probably going to stop by a party later. He even asked me if I wanted to go. I declined. There was no way I was going to intrude, tagging along with him and his posse. I’m sure he’s going to be shocked seeing me there.
Amber wears a sly expression. “It’s obvious Justin has a crush on you.”
I feel my eyes growing wide. “What?”
“Come on, Madison. You can’t be that blind. I’ve noticed the ways he stares at you.”
Justin can’t like me in that way, I want to say. Plus, he only views me in a stepsister sorta way. I can’t share those details, and I refuse to admit that I like him in more than a brotherly way. “We’re just friends.”
“Keep telling yourself that, but Justin’s got it bad for you.” Amber giggles. “I’ve seen you two in passing. There’s something there.”
“Maybe you should get your eyes checked if you think Justin’s into me.” Justin is lovely to look at and has a kind heart. He’s outta my league though, even without other circumstances.
“No, you’re the one who needs an eye exam. Denial with a capital D.”
I really like Amber. She seems genuine—one of few girls who has not held a grudge because I know the twins or asked me to hook them up with them. “It’s nice you aren’t giving me death glares or asking me to fix you up with them.”
Amber laughs loudly. “Females at Taylor are shameless.”
“What are you two laughing about?” Tanya comes in as Amber is finishing up the last section.
“Ta-da!” Amber announces. “Isn’t her hair beautiful? I out did myself this time.”
“Yeah, great work, Amber,” Tanya says, though her forehead wrinkles. “You know my hair is naturally silky like that and I don’t need a flat-iron.”
Amber replies, “You should wear your real hair, then.”
Tanya places her hand on her hip. “Maybe I will.”
I turn up my nose, deciding not to comment. I won’t let my sister’s competition get to me. Glancing in the mirror, I can’t believe my reflection. “I love it, Amber. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. With your hair straight, you remind me of one of my favorite old-school singers, Aaliyah.”
“Oh, I sorta do.” Just hearing the comparison makes me grin wider.
“Hold on a sec. Let me grab my phone. You have to let me take pictures to post my latest hair-do on my website and Facebook page.”
“Sure thing.”
After snapping several photos Amber is happy with, we’re on our way to the party.
“I bet Kimberly’s gonna be there,” Tanya complains to Amber.
“Yeah, probably.”
“What’s her problem?”
“She’s jealous of you and Jackson.”
“That chick is insecure. Jackson and I are only friends,” Tanya explains. “I thought females in Baton Rouge were bad. They don’t hold a candle to these Houston hos.”
“Is Kimberly Jackson’s ex?” I ask from the backseat.
“Yep. They went out last year, and she’s still in love with him,” Amber answers.
“She’s like a dog in heat,” Tanya sneers. “I’ve had it with her vicious glares.”
“Well, Kimberly thinks you’re after Jackson,” Ambers says.
“It seems like Houston gals assume if you’re friendly with a guy, then you wanna screw him.” Tanya shakes her head. “She confronted me once, talking smack about invading her territory. Amber, I swear, if she says one word to me, I’m going to lose it.”
Tanya has a point. I’ve been experiencing the same scenarios since school began. Thank the Lord, no one has confronted me. “Maybe she won’t be there,” I offer. I’ve gotten all spruced up and want to try to have a good time. I hope we don’t have to deal with petty drama.
14
Party Hardy
Amber drives up to a two-story home located in a cul-de-sac. A ton of cars line both sides of the street. “Who’s throwing this party?” I ask.
“A boy from the football team named Corey.” Amber parks, then turns off the engine. “Okay, ladies, let’s go in.”
A crowd lingers out front as we file into the house. Heads turn as we enter. Amber doesn’t seem to mind the attention. Tanya adds more sway to her hips as she struts, eating it up. My stomach somersaults. The people are packed in like sardines, fifty to sixty deep—too many to count. Music is blasting from speakers. I’m guessing that Corey’s parents have gone out like ours did. I recognize a couple of faces from Taylor.
We continue through the living room. Several guys rake me in with hungry eyes. One boy bites his lip, another winks, and a third licks his lips. All their eyes are dilated, making me feel like I’m parading around in my birthday suit.
Getting to the kitchen seems to take forever. A slew of folks are congregating in here.
“Ladies! Thanks for coming to my party,” a tall, stocky-build dude, who must be Corey, exclaims. “You’re the three loveliest here.”
Tanya’s lips curve up wide. He throws his arm around Amber in a playful manner.
“Hey, Corey,” Amber greets.
“Who’s your friend?” He stares dead at me with a lazy grin on his face.
“That’s Madison, Tanya’s baby sis.”
His mouth forms the shape of an O. “The one with pretty curls and the big butt?”
“That would be me.” I am beginning to feel self-conscious. Especially the comment about my butt. I’m well aware it’s bigger than most girls’ and has always gotten me attention.
“Damn, you clean up well. Hey, Tommy, come here a sec.”
Tommy hustles over. Another senior from the football team. I remember seeing him in school.
“Well, hello,” Tommy says to us.
“Guess who that one is?” Corey indicates to me.
“She looks familiar.” Tommy scratches his chin, checking me out from head to toe.
“The new girl, Madison, from school,” Corey relays.
Tommy’s eyes bulge. “Christ! I didn’t realize you were so fine.”
My cheeks flame scarlet. I’m starting to feel like a trophy featured in a display case. Tanya’s brow knits. More people flock into the kitchen, breaking attention away from me, thank goodness. Tanya and Amber chat with them, allowing me to fall into the background. A territory I am more comfortable with.
A beat later, the party has really gotten lit. The majority of folks have a beer or a spiked cup of punch in their hand. Jackson has entered the premises. I tag along with Tanya and Amber. We’re in the living room where people are grooving on the ready-made dance floor. Justin hasn’t shown up yet. Yep, I’m scouting him out. Tanya is on the dance floor, shaking her stuff. Amber’s next to me near a wall while vulture after vulture approaches us. Amber doesn’t seem to mind, knowing most of the dudes. Being shy doesn’t help, but many of these guys are wasted. I feel out of my league.
A jam comes on, lighting up the crowd on the dance floor. “Hey, I’m gonna head to the kitchen for a drink,” Amber yells over the music.
I follow her lead. Ransacking through a cooler, the only nonalcoholic beverage is bottled water. Works for me, it’s hot. “Want a water?” I ask Amber, grabbing a bottle for myself.
“Yeah, I better. I already drank three spiked cups of punch. I need to get some water in me, so I�
��ll be able to drive home.”
“Tanya can drive. She doesn’t drink. Well, she’s not supposed to.”
“Really. Why?”
Well, technically none of us should be. I bite my bottom lip, deciding to share. “I’m not entirely sure. If she consumes alcohol, it gives her a violent reaction. I wasn’t with her when it happened before, so I don’t know all the facts.”
“That’s strange.”
“Please don’t tell her I said anything…. It’s just nice having a girlfriend to talk to.”
“You were only answering my question. No worries. I’m not going to say a peep. I just hope she doesn’t drink if it makes her sick.”
“Hey, Madison.”
Corey throws his arm around my shoulder—the touchy type. I don’t want to offend him by knocking it off, so I move over a smidgen. I’m still in his space, just not as close.
“Are y’all enjoying my party?”
“Yeah, I am,” Amber replies.
Corey beams at me. “I’m having fun, also.” I actually am. The music is hip, and everyone is in good spirits.
You’d be having a blast if a certain someone shows up, my subconscious veers her ugly head.
Nope—not going there.
“Hi, Amber,” another guy comes toward us, giving her a heated look.
Amber’s eyes light up. Whoever he is, she’s into him, too. I’m not sure of his nationality—maybe Hispanic and African American.
“Hey, Santiago.”
“Wanna dance?” asks Santiago.
“Sure.” Her eyes dart up to Corey’s. “Um, will you be okay, Madison?”
“Hey, I don’t bite,” Corey teases.
“I’ll be fine. Go.” Leaning closer, I whisper in Amber’s ear. “Santiago is really attractive.”
“Right!” she squeals.
“It’s nice to formally meet you,” Corey tells me. “Tanya’s mentioned she had a sister who went to Taylor and Jackson pointed you out once. What grade are you in?”
His breath reeks of alcohol. “I’m a junior.”
“How old are you?”
“Sixteen.”
“Well, I just turned eighteen. Some folks might think that’s robbing the cradle. I’m okay with it if you are.”
