Street Soldiers

by L. Divine

  “Is everything okay, Jayd?” Mama asks as she and Netta pull up in front of the house causing Rousseau to retreat back inside their creepy menagerie.

  I often wonder where Misty and her mom sleep. I’ve been in Esmeralda’s house on a few unfortunate occasions and it’s smaller than ours with a literal zoo inside.

  “Yeah, just rushing off to school. I don’t want to start the week off late.” I want to tell Mama all about my morning but it’s not the right time. “I love you, Mama. I’ll call you later.”

  “You need to come back here after school, Jayd. We’ll need all the help we can get at the county jail. I also want to keep a close eye on you until we figure this out,” Mama says, glancing next door. I understand the urgency in her voice, but my gas tank is on empty and my pockets are hurting.

  “But Mama, I missed all of my clients in Inglewood this weekend and I have homework to do.”

  My grandmother looks from her best friend to me, completely unmoved by my pleading.

  “I’ll see you this afternoon, Jayd,” Mama says.

  Netta shrugs her shoulders in sympathy but she knows as well as I do that ultimately it’s Lynn Mae’s show. Well, damn. I guess that’s that. My stomach’s growling too loudly to continue stating my case. I guess I’ll see her back here after school.

  *

  I haven’t spoken to any of my friends—Keenan included—since our individually dramatic weekends. I know Mickey’s still beside herself about Nigel leaving her and Nickey at Rah’s house after he found out she was still in contact with her ex, but what can I say? I told her it wasn’t a good idea to accept gifts from him, even if it was a generous act. Nigel’s right: Mickey should feel the repercussions of her actions for once in her life. Maybe she’ll learn her lesson this time around.

  I also haven’t heard from Jeremy since our last date ended on a sour note. I know he thinks that I’m overreacting but he needs to chill on drinking and smoking every chance he gets. It’s not sexy at all and I worry about his safety. I feel guilty for kissing Keenan, but honestly he’s becoming the more attractive of the two. Keenan doesn’t drink and rarely smokes weed. And, as far as I know, there’s no crazy white girl looking to become his wife within the next year.

  “What’s up, chica?” Maggie asks as we make our way out of the busy main hall. “It feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”

  We stop and quickly hug before continuing our trek to first period. Now that I have Mrs. Bennett first thing in the morning there’s no being late—ever. She’ll never get the satisfaction of sending me to detention if I can help it.

  “What’s up, mami?” Maggie asks as we resume our stride. “How are things?”

  “Girl, dramatic as always,” I say, shaking my head at the thought of Pam’s bloody body in the driveway. “But I don’t want to talk about that. How are you doing? Where’s your boy?”

  “Girl, let me tell you,” Maggie says, in her thick, Spanish accent. “Papi and I are just fine, but all couples have their drama. Speaking in which, I heard about you and Jeremy and that puta, Cameron. I got something for that ass if you want, chica. You know you’re my girl,” Maggie says, looping her left arm through mine, making me smile.

  “Nah, I’m good,” I say, grateful for the backup. “Cameron’s just a distraction. Unfortunately, we’ve got bigger issues to deal with.” I hope Jeremy heeds my advice and chills. I don’t care what he says, his daily consumption habits can’t be good for anyone to maintain.

  “I feel you, girl,” Maggie says, waving to her boyfriend, Mario and the rest of their Latino crew, El Barrio. Her little brother, Juan, joined South Bay High this year and she’s very protective of him. Juan’s a cutie, just like Maggie. “I don’t want mi hermanito getting twisted with these brujas up here, especially witches like her,” Maggie says, pointing across the courtyard to Misty who’s walking to class with Emilio.

  I wonder how KJ feels about her newfound BFF?

  “Maggie, Juan’s a freshman. I’m sure he’s trying to stay in his lane and date girls his own age,” I say, laughing at Maggie’s reaction to Misty latest outfit.

  High heels and mini skirts have become a large part of Misty’s senior year trademark look, along with her short haircut and blue contact lenses, courtesy of her godmother. Misty looks like a completely different person, and under Esmeralda’s influence that’s exactly what she’s become.

  “I don’t know, mija. Misty seems to have a thing for Chicano blood lately. Maybe she’s finally reclaiming her other half,” Maggie says, referring to Misty’s Puerto Rican ancestry on her mother’s side.

  They rarely claim their roots, with Misty’s mother passing for white unless she’s in Compton, and Misty only acknowledging her black side no matter where she is. Maggie’s right: Misty and Emilio have been nearly inseparable lately. I know that they were initiated together on the same night of my own spiritual rite of passage, but I had no idea it would affect Misty like it has.

  “Uh oh, “Maggie says, acknowledging KJ and friends enter the crowded yard.

  We all need to get a move on before the warning bell rings. I personally prefer to be seated in my first period class before the final bell rings, leaving me a few moments to mentally prepare for the wrath of Mrs. Bennett. But I don’t want to miss this confrontation, either.

  “Misty, what the hell are you doing with this bitch-ass fool?” KJ asks, taking Misty by the arm like a pimp mad at his main chick.

  “KJ, I’m warning you. Let go,” Misty says, glaring at her boyfriend.

  This little scene between Misty and KJ is surprising to all of us, mostly KJ. He’s used to having Misty under his thumb and her loving it, but not anymore. Misty’s transformation from being the cute, around the way girl with a bit of Latin flavor to the dark, near-Goth chick she’s become is proving to be a bit much for the most popular basketball player at South Bay. I only dated KJ briefly, but I never thought he was capable of physical abuse.

  “What the hell’s going on over there?” Mickey asks, walking over to Maggie and I with Nellie by her side.

  I want to ask Mickey if she got my messages last night about her ex being arrested for murder, but I already know that she did. I’ll drill her about why she’s avoiding the topic later.

  I notice Nigel and Chase enter the campus through the parking gate barely on time, as usual. Nigel’s temporarily staying with Chase and they’re becoming more like brothers every day. Mickey glances in Nigel’s direction hoping for some sort of acknowledgement he’s softening from their argument at her and Nellie’s birthday celebration this past weekend, but it doesn’t look like he’s in a very forgiving mood.

  “KJ’s having a moment,” Maggie says. “Hasta luego, chica. And don’t forget I need my braids hooked up. Mario loves it when I wear my hair like yours,” Maggie says, touching my cornrows.

  “I got you.” I hug Maggie and decide it’s time for me to get to class as well, even if I don’t want to miss the drama. Lucky for me there’s always more right around the corner.

  “Or else what, Misty?” KJ says, tightening his grip. “Your little boy toy here’s going to kick my ass?” KJ says, causing his main homie, Money, and a newcomer to their athletic clique, Brandon, to laugh.

  “I don’t need Emilio to fight my battles for me, although he can,” Misty says, placing her free hand on her hip while popping her gum.

  Oh, no she didn’t. KJ looks like he’s about to blow a gasket he’s so pissed. It’s one thing to flirt with another dude in front of your man, but to shame him in the presence of the other dude and a crowd is crossing the line.

  “Misty, if you don’t stop hanging out with this square ass punk we’re over.” KJ tightens his grip on Misty who smiles wickedly at her man.

  I don’t know if the spell Misty put on KJ last year after he broke up with me and his ex crazy side chick, Trecee, is taking a turn for the worse, or if making him have a Chris Brown moment was all a part of the plan, but this isn’t a good look. Not that I car
e all that much about my ex, but it’s our senior year and KJ can’t afford any blemishes to his otherwise pristine school record. College recruiters look at the total package and he needs his to stay intact if he wants a full ride.

  “Damn, she looks like she’s about to get her ass beat,” Nellie says, as other students began to clear out in an effort to beat the late bell.

  I’m torn between intervening in what I know is none of my business and dealing with the wrath of Mrs. Bennett’s mouth if I’m late.

  “Good,” Mickey says, unsympathetically. “Some bitches need a good beat down to act right.” Mickey looks pleased at the demise of Misty’s relationship. We’re all surprised it lasted this long, but I don’t want anyone to get hurt over the shit.

  “Y’all are so wrong,” I say, shocked at my girls’ lack of compassion for another female. I don’t care what Misty’s done, there’s never a good excuse for a man to put his hands on a woman.

  “And so are you, always trying to save stray dogs. You need to let a bitch be, Jayd. Misty brought this on herself.” Mickey’s right—sort of—but I can’t stand here and watch this insanity continue.

  “KJ, let go of her arm,” I say, walking over to the scene of the near-crime. Emilio and Misty look pleased at my intervention. I hope I didn’t just walk into one of their evil traps.

  “Mind your business, Jayd,” KJ says, not taking his eyes or hand off of his girlfriend. “This doesn’t concern you.”

  Money and Brandon stand on the sidelines, as usual, watching their boy dig a hole for himself. What kind of friends are they?

  “I don’t need your help, Osunlade. But thanks for your concern,” Misty says, slurring my spirit name. How does she even know it? Mama, Netta, my mom and Mr. Adewale were the only ones present when it was given to me. “I’ve got just as much power as you do now, or don’t you remember?” Misty smiles, revealing her shiny, sharp incisors for my personal view even though there are others around.

  How is it that I’m the only one who notices Emilio and Misty are the latest shape-shifting couple at South Bay High?

  “This is your doing, isn’t it, Jayd?” KJ asks, finally releasing Misty’s arm and turning his heat toward me. “What, did you put some sort of voodoo curse on Misty to make me break up with her because you want me back?”

  “As if, fool,” I say, disgusted by KJ’s accusation on so many levels. “I don’t need to cast spells on dudes to make them like me. You need to take a closer look at the latest vampire you’ve been laid up with.”

  Misty and Emilio exchange a knowing look, satisfied at this morning’s events.

  “Jayd, whatever,” Money says, butting in just to hear himself talk. “We all know you still got it bad for our boy.”

  Usually Del adds the last two cents for comic relief, but he hasn’t been hanging with his boys so far this year. Dudes have fallouts just like us girls: Drama’s an equal opportunity employer.

  “Yeah, okay. I’ve got to get to English and read some real fiction, not the unnecessary bull y’all have going on here,” I say, taking off to class.

  The late bell begins to ring as soon as I start my sprint toward the Language Hall across the courtyard. Lucky for me the classroom door is open. I make it to my seat completely out of breath but before the bells stops ringing, much to Mrs. Bennett’s displeasure.

  “Thank you for joining us this morning, Miss Jackson,” Mrs. Bennett says, closing her roll book. “Your morning expository assignments are on the board. Please be prepared to share your essays from last night’s homework.”

  If she weren’t so evil, I’d actually enjoy this class. It’s not as free-thinking as my junior AP English teacher, Mrs. Malone’s class was, but the literature is just as interesting if not more. Mrs. Bennett’s a smart lady, no doubt. I had her sophomore year and she was just as mean and equally brilliant as she is this year.

  When I was a child, Mama and I used to watch the cartoon Kirikou and the Sorceress almost every day. In it, the Sorceress was a beautiful, cunning and wealthy woman who seemed like she was made of pure evil. It took a very special newborn to pluck the thorn out of her back, relieving her suffering and as a result, the suffering of everyone around her. Kirikou also revealed he was a grown ass man at the end, making the Sorceress even happier. Maybe that’s what Mrs. Bennett needs: a tall, dark and handsome man to ease her pain and mine as well.

  My estranged man, Jeremy, and his wannabe wifey, Cameron, step inside the full room and each hand the teacher excused tardy slips. It must be nice existing in the good graces of the attendance office like Misty, whose mom also works there.

  “It’s so nice to see the two of you together,” Mrs. Bennett says with a wide smile spread across her chalky face. She’s a little too involved in student business for my taste, even if she is a friend of Jeremy’s mom.

  Jeremy looks at me sadly and I feel his pain. On cue, Cameron steps in front of my ex and smiles victoriously at her handiwork. If she only knew how much I despise her existence she’d back the hell off. But like Mickey said, it takes some broads getting completely beat down to learn their lesson. I hope it doesn’t come to blows with Cameron, but if it does I’m not holding back. Whether she knows it or not, Cameron’s playing with poison and I’ve had just about all I can take of her madness. Unfortunately, Jeremy’s addictions are what got us into this mess and it’s going to take a strong antidote to get us out.

  “Life is a gamble… Whether or not you play the game is up to you.”

  -Lynn Marie

  Drama High, volume 14: So, So Hood

  * * *

  CHAPTER TWO: NOT GUILTY

  Compared to the early morning episode between Misty and KJ the rest of the school day was uneventful. Even Cameron’s over-the-top flirting with Jeremy was no match for KJ groveling after an unconcerned Misty during both break and lunch. Mickey and Nellie got a kick out of it, but I was truly disturbed. Whatever Misty’s got going on is proving to be both powerful and dangerous. If she can get the school’s biggest player to turn in his pimp card, she’s definitely got bigger and better things planned for the future.

  During break I attempted to divert Mickey’s attention long enough to talk about her ex-man’s arraignment in a few minutes but she wouldn’t hear me. And Nellie dominated the lunch conversation talking about her boyfriend, David and their day at church yesterday. Nellie’s really on one with this cat but there’s something about him I don’t trust.

  I asked both of my girls if they’d show up to the courthouse for support but they each had something else to do. I can’t imagine what since neither of them have jobs nor believe in studying. Mickey’s daughter, Nickey Shantae, is at daycare until six and Nellie has nothing to do other than try to fit in where she doesn’t belong.

  When I pull up to the Compton courthouse members of the Gunlock Block Club are in front of the white building chanting in unison. Mama and Netta made various picket signs and thousands of fliers to pass out to anyone who’ll take them. I park at one of the metered spaces up the street ready to lend my support. I’d rather be making money but we all can’t have the leisurely choices my girls apparently do.

  “Jayd,” one of Mama’s more friendly neighbors, Mrs. Gray says to me. She’s also one of Daddy’s most loyal church members. “Your grandparents are inside. They’re about to start the proceedings soon.”

  Making my way through the lively familiar faces, I step inside the building and stand in line for the security screening. Once through the metal detectors, Mama greets me and leads me to where her, Daddy, Netta and the defendant are awaiting their turn in front of the judge.

  “Hey, baby,” Mama says, hugging me tightly. She looks more tired than usual. I return the love and take her right hand, falling into step with her quick pace. “The court-appointed attorney has just arrived.”

  Mama opens the door to a waiting area for defendants and their attorneys. Usually family members would be here for extra support, but since Mickey’s ex seems to be missing hi
s we’re here to stand in their place. Other than us, the attorney and a police officer are present in the small cubical. There about twenty identical makeshift spaces in the open area, all filled with other prisoners and their associates.

  Mickey’s ex smiles when I enter the space. I hate the way he looks at me.

  “We’re here to support this young man,” Daddy says, pointing toward Mickey’s ex boyfriend who looks as if he couldn’t care less that my grandparents and several other neighbors are present to proclaim his innocence. The others more so out of fear than faith, but Mama and Daddy know it wasn’t him that did this to Pam. It was our diabolic neighbor, Esmeralda and her manimal who are responsible for this. We don’t know how yet, but the truth will be revealed if Mama has anything to say about it. And much to the officer’s offense, she’s got plenty to share this afternoon.

  “There’s no way in hell, heaven or the afterlife that this young man committed such a gruesome killing and you know it,” Mama vehemently says.

  Netta nods her head in agreement.

  “I even called one of my clients who works for the local news. She’ll be down here soon to report on this injustice.” Netta’s on fire today. I’m sure this is the last thing the courthouse expected in this case.

  “Ma’am, I don’t know any such thing. I’ve been on these streets for twenty-two years and have seen much worse done by more unassuming characters than him,” the officer says, pointing at the defendant with disgust. I can see he’s already made up his mind, damn the trial. “You never know someone’s a heathen until it’s too late.”

  “I ain’t no heathen, fool,” Mickey’s ex says. Part of his hair’s half braided and the rest is sticking straight up—not the best look for an appearance before the judge. He scratches his scalp, revealing his shackled wrist. “And I just got out the joint. Why would I waste more time going back in over a crackhead? Shit, I didn’t want that strawberry dead. She was one of the best friends a nigga like me could have, if you know what I mean,” he says, basically admitting he’s a drug dealer without saying the incriminating words verbatim.