by B Truly
“Well … I’m already seeing someone.” His arm drops from my shoulder, only to lean into me more.
“Who’s the lucky guy?” He lifts a piece of my hair. “This look on you is slamming. I really like your hair straight and the blonde highlights. I’d love to run my fingers through it all night.”
I feel my eyes grow wide, putting more distance between us. The alcohol on Corey’s breath is talking. I don’t want to give him the impression that I’d be down for rolling around in his bed.
“Madison?” a familiar voice calls my name filling me with warmth.
Justin is standing over to the side of us. When our eyes lock, his dilate for a second. I bet I mirror his intense expression. Justin looks good enough to eat.
“What’s up, Jenkins?” Corey says.
Justin slingshots his head in Corey’s direction, narrowing his eyes. Corey takes a step backward. Drawing nearer, Justin reaches out, wrapping his arms around my waist. I fall into him willingly.
“This is you?” Corey points between the two of us. Justin remains silent. It must be a slang code. “Sorry man.” Corey leaves, heading toward the family room. A homie hands him a beer, which he happily accepts.
Justin’s approach has created an audience. Standing in the limelight is a position, I am starting to get used to—not that I like it.
“What was that about?” I raise my eyebrow to Justin.
“Corey’s as drunk as a skunk.”
I figured as much. Justin bites his lip and a quiver runs down my spine.
“Who are you here with?”
“Tanya invited me to come with her and her friend, Amber.” His eyes widen. “Yeah, I can’t believe it myself.”
“It’s nice she included you.”
“Well, word has it, Jackson got on her case about being nicer to me. You guys run with the popular crowd, so she’ll do whatever it takes to stay in your good graces.”
“Jackson and I were talking about how you guys aren’t close. I didn’t know he mentioned it to her.”
“Amber accidently relayed why Tanya asked me to hang out with them.”
Justin’s forehead wrinkles. “You okay?”
“Peachy.” Definitely better now that you’re here. “Anyhow, I bet you’re surprised to see me?”
His lips curve into a lopsided grin. “It was a good call that I decided to come. I’d thought about going home to keep you company. I felt bad about you being home alone on a Friday night.”
“Ah, how sweet.”
“Imagine my shock finding you here. You look amazing by the way. I didn’t recognize you at first.” On cue, my cheeks flame crimson. “I’m going to have to stay close, or I might have to fight guys off you.”
“Seriously?”
“You have no idea how pretty you are, do you? It makes you even more appealing.”
The last part he says so low, I can barely hear him.
“I like the way you look, too.”
Fire ignites in his hazel eyes. Leaning down, he plants a kiss on my forehead. A surge of pleasure tingles through my body.
How can a forehead kiss bring out such a reaction in me?
My heart races. A forehead kiss can be as sweet as a mother kissing her little boy, but Justin’s felt intimate. Many people are engaged in our exchange—no surprise there.
He takes a step back. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
The dance posse in the other room, whoops—another jam. Jackson twirls Tanya on the dance floor, making her laugh. After that song, a group of chicks file into the kitchen. Tanya comes in, too.
As she passes by the newest group of girls, one chick seethes, “Stay away from Jackson.”
They stand neck-to-neck, both in three-inch heels. “Screw you, Kim!” Tanya glowers.
Oh, so that’s Kimberly. Tanya keeps walking, coming over to us. A girl grabs Kim’s arm, stopping her pursuit.
“Yo, Jenkins!” Tommy hollers, spotting Justin. He’s super excited. “You guys are on empty.” Tommy opens a cooler, pulling out beers. He gives Justin and me one, then returns, getting two more. One for himself, and he hands the other to Tanya. “Drink up, my peeps.” Tommy bops his head to the beat. “That’s my jam!” Chugging his Bud Light, he shuffles off.
Tanya pops the cap and takes a long pull of the beer. “Tanya, what are you doing?” I gasp.
“What does it look like?”
“You know you’re not supposed to drink,” I whisper.
Justin arches his eyebrow. Tanya rolls her eyes. “You’re not my mother, Madison. You are my little sister, so don’t try to tell me what to do.”
I place my unopened drink on the counter. Keeping my voice low, I say, “Those weren’t my intentions, but remember what happened before?” In the past, Tanya had been taken to a hospital because of alcohol consumption. I don’t have all the details. Mama kept it hush-hush. I don’t want her doing something that may cause her harm.
Ignoring me, Tanya drinks another big swig, finishing the entire bottle. “Don’t worry your pretty head. I got this.” She tosses the empty bottle into a trash can. A moment later, Tanya’s hands begin to shake. Kimberly is scowling at her and Tanya returns her murderous glare, then she shouts, “Cocksucker!”
Suddenly, the noise is sucked from the air. So quiet, you could hear a pin drop. I’m not sure what just happened. From the looks of it, no one else does, either. Tanya’s outburst came out of nowhere.
Kimberly’s mouth drops. “Yeah, cunt! I’m talking to you,” Tanya tells Kim, making it clear.
Justin moves closer, sensing the situation is about to hit the fan.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Kim seethes.
“I’m tired of your filthy stares. You ain’t better than me.”
Kim is sitting at the bar on the other side of the granite island. Her back stiffens. “You must not know who I am. You’re messing with the wrong person.”
Tanya’s hands tremble more. Her eyes turn into narrow slits, and then she bursts out laughing. “Look at her!” Tanya holds her palm out like Kim is on display.
A throng of folks gravitate closer. I may need to take these boots off. I doubt I can scrabble in heels. Kim’s group of friends hover nearby, ready to pounce. The fact that my sister only invited me to appease Jackson doesn’t matter. She is blood, so I have her back. I will jump in if things get out of hand.
“Everyone take a peek at this whore in front of me!” Tanya yells. “Kimberly thinks she’s God’s gift to man.” Tanya laughs. “One thing’s for sure, I’m not afraid of you!”
If looks could kill, my sister would be dead. Tanya giggles louder. Truth be told, she’s acting like a savage lioness. I’ve never seen her so enraged. Her eyes are dilated and have a glassy appearance.
Tanya can’t be drunk from one beer, can she?
Before Kim can make a comeback, Tanya screams at the top of her lungs. She charges forward quickly. In a swift movement, Tanya clambers over the countertop—dress, stilettos, and all, even though it would’ve been much easier to go around. Tanya lunges at Kim, who’s still sitting on a bar stool. The force of Tanya’s assault causes Kimberly to fall backward. Stuck in her seat, Kim crashes onto the floor hard.
15
Public Intoxication
By this time, the majority of people dancing have stopped, running into the kitchen to see what the showdown is about. Tanya is on top of Kim. She yanks a fistful of her hair, and then slams her head into the ground.
“Ah, damn!” a dude shouts.
Kim retaliates, or tries to. She manages to throw a left hook, and then grabs Tanya’s hair. This eggs Tanya on. She only laughs more. “You hit like a girl.” Tanya easily removes Kim’s hands from her hair, then she slams her head again. Kim squeals. Tanya rears her arm back, punching Kim hard in the cheek.
Justin and I round the counter. Kim is getting throttled. One of her friends hurries forward. I position myself in front of her. She tries to push me outta her way. I shove her back, forcibly
. “Don’t even try it, or I will lay you out.” I’ve never had a fight before, but I’m ready to back up my words. Tanya is out of control, but I’m not about to let this chick double-team my sister. The chick’s nostrils flare. She ends up not challenging me, stepping away.
At this point, Tanya appears stone crazy. She keeps hollering and giggling simultaneously while her entire body trembles. Blood gushes from Kimberly’s nose. Tanya is about to smash her head another time until Justin rushes in, yanking her off Kim. Tanya’s legs kick madly as Justin hauls her away.
Amber and Jackson scurry into the kitchen. “What the hell’s going on?” Jackson’s brow is furrowed.
“We need to leave.” Justin doesn’t wait. He rushes out of there with a screaming Tanya tossed over his shoulder.
Tanya continues to beat her fists on Justin’s back. “Let me at her!”
Justin moves swiftly, not stopping until we are further down the street by his Aviator. He places Tanya on her feet. It doesn’t seem like she’s going to simmer down, still on a rampage.
“Tanya, calm down,” I say. Her body starts to shake so rapidly, I’m beginning to worry. Her eyes look right through me, like I’m not in front of her. Jackson and Amber catch up to us. Jackson walks over to her. Tanya’s head falls onto his chest. She’s unable to stand straight.
“Hey, hey. Tell me what’s wrong?” Concern lines Jackson’s features.
“Is she gonna be okay?” Amber changes her footing.
“I’m not sure. This might be due to the beer she drank.”
“What do you mean?” Jackson asks.
“I don’t know all the facts, but something like this has happened before.”
Tanya’s teeth begin chattering. “I don’t feel so well,” she whispers, her eyes rolling in her head.
“This isn’t good.” Jackson holds her to his chest as she slumps more.
Justin starts up his SUV, opening the door. “Put her in the back seat. Let’s get her to a hospital.”
Jackson scoops Tanya up in his arms like a baby, then he places her in the back seat of Justin’s truck. I jump in with her.
“I’ll follow,” Jackson relays, running toward the house where his Tahoe is parked.
“I’m coming, too,” Amber says, taking off.
Justin whips out of Corey’s neighborhood. Tanya trembles violently. Her eyes are closed.
“How’s she doing?” Justin asks.
“Still out of it.”
Tanya is mumbling, though I can only make out. “I showed her … nothing but the devil’s spawn.” Her teeth chatter.
“What’s she saying?”
“Incoherent nonsense. I think she’s saying that Kim’s evil.”
“This has happened in the past?”
“I wasn’t there, but I overheard Mama and Tanya talking about it. Alcohol doesn’t mix well with her system. That’s all I know.”
“Did she have more than one beer?”
“Not that I’m aware of. She’s not supposed to drink … ever.”
I gently rub the side of her head, not knowing if she is in pain. Tanya trembles like a seizure victim. “Don’t worry, Tanya. We’ll get you help.”
“This feels nice.” She smiles up at me, and then a moment later, Tanya shouts, making me jump at her whiplash of emotions. “The devil’s daughter!” Her teeth chatter again. “I’m cold.”
Justin drives faster.
An ER crew wheels Tanya back. I give them the info I know, relaying that we were at home when this happened. I’m fairly certain they aren’t buying it. A nurse instructs me to call my parents. The hotel they’re staying at isn’t too far.
Not long after I call them, a pissed off Mama and Regan arrive. Wrinkles line Regan’s forehead and Mama is pacing. We’re still waiting to go back to see Tanya. The twins and Amber sit close by.
“What happened?” Mama seethes.
“Tanya invited me to go to a friend’s party with her. She only had one beer. I remembered she wasn’t supposed to drink and tried to warn her. Tanya wouldn’t listen.” Justin shifts in his seat. I know he’s listening. “Not long after she drank it, she began shaking.”
“You brought her here once that started?”
I bite my lip. “Well, she lost it first. There was a girl who’d been harassing her. Tanya retaliated, yelling at her, and then she attacked the girl—beating her up.”
Mama gasps, covering her mouth with her hand. “People witnessed her assault?”
Regan comes over. “Is the girl, all right?”
“As far as I could tell, but I’m sure she’ll have bruises.”
Justin and Jackson walk up to us. “I got her off the girl, Ms. Charlotte,” Justin speaks up. “It just happened so fast.”
“Don’t worry, Charlotte,” Regan soothes her. “I’ll look into it. Make sure this stays quiet.”
Mama beams up at Regan, like he is her knight in shining armor. Regan speaks with Jackson, asking him where the party was and who’s house.
“Are those my boots, missy?”
“Um … yes. Tanya said it would be okay if I wore them.”
“Those are Sergio Rossi. Do you have any idea how much they cost?”
“I’m sorry, Mama.”
“Don’t ever go into my stuff again without asking.”
I swallow the huge lump in my throat. Justin frowns, eyeing my mom unhappily. Thankfully, a nurse comes out, breaking the tension.
“Are you relatives of Tanya Thibodeaux?” she asks.
“I’m her mother.”
“Two of you can come for now. The doctor is still evaluating her.”
Mama and I follow the nurse to one of the ER rooms. As I glance in, Tanya is lying on a stretcher in the same shape. Her body shakes non-stop and her eyes keep rolling backward. Another nurse is administering a shot.
A doctor with a clipboard says, “Has this happened before?”
Mama shifts her weight. “A similar incident occurred in Louisiana a while ago. Tanya’s a senior. She’s responsible and knows this can happen. I thought I could trust her.”
“Well, it’s not surprising that teenagers think they’re invincible and try to push the limits. But she needs to understand the importance of her syndrome.”
“Tanya only drank one beer,” I chime in.
“This will occur with even the smallest amount of alcohol.”
“What’s wrong with my sister?” Tanya’s still trembling, mumbling jibber-jabber.
“It’s a rare condition called pathological intoxication. Alcohol has a horrible effect on anyone with this syndrome. It makes them act violently and irrationally—could even be a danger to themselves.”
That explains a lot.
“Is there a way to prevent it?” asks Mama.
“Not to my knowledge,” the doctor replies.
“Is there a treatment, so my daughter doesn’t have to worry about this in the future?”
“I’m afraid not. There’s only one way to prevent this episode from happening again. Absolutely no alcohol.”
Tanya finally simmers down. They keep her for a few hours before releasing her. Regan reassures Mama there will be no repercussions from the party or underage drinking. None of us ask any questions. Amber and I exchange cell numbers. I tell her I’ll be sure to give her an update on Tanya tomorrow. By the time we get home, it’s the middle of the night. Tanya is knocked out cold.
* * *
Saturday morning, Tanya finds me in my bedroom and doesn’t remember anything that occurred after her drinking the beer. Pathological intoxication syndrome is serious business.
“Hey, where is everyone?” Tanya wonders.
“Regan’s at work. Mama is in the office studying for her exam, and I’m not sure where the twins went.” When we first moved in, Mama had been looking for a hobby. Regan convinced her to get a real estate license. In Texas, it can be obtained in as little as eight weeks. Mama seemed to fancy the idea of working with Regan. With his help, she started online class
es immediately. All she needs to do is pass the state exam, which shouldn’t be difficult with Regan mentoring her.
Tanya’s brow knits. “What happened at the party last night? I must’ve blacked out or something.”
“Are you serious?” She nods. “The doctor said you might not remember much.”
“Whoa, wait. What doctor?”
“Tanya, after you drank that beer, you began shaking. Kimberly was giving you evil glares, so you went crazy on her. Literally! You climbed over the counter in your heels.”
Her honey-brown irises grow large. “You’re kidding me? I remember drinking a beer and being sick and tired of Kim. Everything afterward is fuzzy.” She rubs her forehead. “Did I kick her butt?”
“Justin had to get you off her. Kim could barely get a lick in.”
A huge grin spreads across her face. “Well, good. She needed a beat down with the way she’s been messing with me.” Tanya’s eyes squint. “If I whipped her, then why did I need to go to the hospital?”
Sighing, I reply, “You were shaking like you were having a seizure and your eyes were rolling to the back of your head. You said you didn’t feel well, and your teeth wouldn’t stop chattering. You seemed to be getting worse. We had no choice except, taking you to the hospital.”
Tanya cringes. “I’m guessing that Mama knows?” I nod, and she narrows her eyes at me. “Ugh!”
“Sorry, Tanya. We were worried and didn’t know what else to do. Jackson and Amber were there, too. You have a condition where alcohol makes you act violent. Hasn’t this happened before?”
Not meeting my eyes, she answers, “Yeah…. But nothing like you’re describing. I thought the last doc misdiagnosed me.”
“Well, this doctor said under no circumstances are you to consume alcohol.” Her eyes reach the heavens. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“Was it that bad?”
“Um, yep. I’m sure Mama is going to give you an earful.”
“Great.”
Mama only ends up giving Tanya a tap on the hand. After the showdown and having no memory of it, maybe Tanya has learned her lesson.
* * *
Justin knocks at my door a while later. My nose is stuck in a book. “Come in.”
