“Not you too Sonia.” Pumpkin said disappointedly.
“And why the hell not? I’m sick and tired of trifling ass brotha’s dogging me out. Either I’m too dark skin, too independent, too opinionated, too that, too this! My grandmother used to say, man’s rejection is God’s protection. Maybe it’s time to heed her sapience and explore other options too! There’s this white guy Owen that owns a quaint little book store in my neighborhood and whenever I come in he drops what he’s doing and gives me his personal undivided attention, following me around making certain I got everything I need.
“Girl please, Owen’s just making sure your black ass don’t steal shit!” Pumpkin said making the room laugh.
“Sonia I’m not telling you how to lead your life, but to label all our black Kings as dogs is wrong. And please remember, a dog knows no color, he can be black, white, red, yellow or brown and he still ain’t shit.” Mecca said, “Now like I was saying, we have always been the backbone of Black Men. We’ve always understood that our men need our support and understanding because of how hard they have it. And we’ve always been there for them. That’s why it burns me up when we do everything we are supposed to and still get dogged-out.”
“I hear you girl and some of what you say does make sense, but I swear when my girls get older they’re not gonna repeat my mistakes. Number one college is a must! It may be too late for me but not them.” Pumpkin said adamantly.
“You still can go,” Mecca said encouragingly.
“No, in High School I wasted my time on sports. You know, the football team, the basketball team.” Pumpkin said sadly staring at the bottom of her glass. “But I want them to know that they do not have to be dependent on a man for anything! Cause I don’t want them caught up in the situation I’m in.” she paused and sighed wearily. “Before sex, you help each other get naked. After sex you dress yourself. Moral of the story, in life no one helps you once you’re fucked.” Pumpkin said and wiped a tear with her sleeve. Donnie threw an arm around her best friend. Pumpkin shook her head laughing at herself for getting drunk and emotional. “Look at me. I’m supposed to be cheering you up and you are the one who’s consoling me.” Pumpkin said through one big sob.
“Ok, time to lighten the mood,” Mecca said and pulled a cassette out of her Walkman then jumped up and went over to the stereo and put it in. As soon as Bobby Brown’s, ‘My Prerogative’ started to play tears were wiped away and the women danced and sang along. With the help of her neo Soul Sisters, Donnie was laughing and feeling a whole lot better and Tommy Strong was becoming a distant memory. Word up!
Havoc and Mayhem Page 38
