by Deja King
***
I woke up with Maya’s face consuming my mind. It was like every couple of years she would pop up to antagonize me but it seemed that her spirit lingered around me every day. If Maya made me feel this way I could only imagine the affect she had on my mother. While brushing my teeth and combing my hair before going downstairs I thought about the numerous times I heard Maya’s name mentioned in our household. The stories of mayhem she caused and how in the past it haunted me but as I got older instead it left me infuriated.
As I made my way downstairs to the kitchen, my mind must have been very deep in Maya land because I was shocked when I walked in on an intense conversation between my mother and grandfather.
“Good morning!” I said in a super chipper voice so neither could detect that for some reason I felt their conversation was about me and it made me nervous.
“It is a good morning now that I’ve seen my lovely granddaughter.”
“You just saw me last night,” I laughed affectionately.
“I can never see my granddaughter enough.”
“So is that why you’re over here this morning, ‘cause you wanted to see me again?”
“You know damn well that’s not why he is here.”
“Calm down, Precious.” My mother cut her eyes at my grandfather.
“Don’t tell me to calm down! Aaliyah is my daughter and she had no business out with those men.”
“What are you talking about? I only had dinner with some friends.”
“If this dinner was so innocent why didn’t you tell me that’s where you were going before you left here last night?”
“It was a last minute decision. At first I was only going out with Justina but D’Mario called me when I was on my way to pick her up and invited us to dinner. It was no big deal.”
“You’re so full of it, Aaliyah! Nothing with you is no big deal.”
“What is your deal? All we did was have dinner. Grandfather,” I said turning my attention in his direction. “Is this what you came over for? To get my mother worked up because I went out to dinner with some guys.”
“No. I’m here to protect you.”
“Protect me. From what, a date?”
“Do you know how old those men are?” My mother asked right when I could tell my grandfather was about to speak.
“Eighteen.”
“More like twenty-two.”
“No they’re not.”
“Yes they are! Your grandfather told me!”
“How would grandfather know?” My mother turned towards my grandfather waiting for him to speak up.
“I know who both of those men are and I can tell you as fact, that they haven’t seen eighteen in a few years.”
“I’m assuming since they lied about their ages they also didn’t tell you that they’re drug dealers,” my mother jumped in. I felt like I was being tagged team with a bunch of bullshit I knew absolutely nothing about. “Aaliyah, answer me!”
“Of course I didn’t know. I met him at the mall. I thought he had just graduated from high school. D’Mario being a drug dealer was the furthest thing from my mind.”
“So where did you think he got that Range Rover he was driving in?”
“I drive a Lamborghini, what’s your point. This is Beverly Hills. It’s not abnormal to see a young guy driving an expensive car.” It wasn’t until I saw the fire burning in my mother’s eyes that I remembered who I was talking to. “It was an honest mistake, mom. I apologize.” I lowered the tone of my voice trying to do damage control but my mother wasn’t having it.
“You can give me the keys to your car because you won’t be driving it anytime soon. Is that the point you needed if not I just gave it to you.”
“You can’t take away my car!”
“I can and I will.”
“Everybody relax,” my grandfather said reaching over the breakfast bar to take our hands. I took his hand but my mother ignored his gesture.
“I’m perfectly relaxed, Quentin, but I’m not going to let my daughter disrespect me.”
“Mommy, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disrespect you.”
“Oh, so now I’m mommy. You should’ve remembered that when you were running off at the mouth a minute ago.”
“I told you I was sorry. I mean I had a lot on my mind. Seeing Maya yesterday put me in a really bad mood.” I glanced over at my grandfather and I hated to throw him under the bus. But I couldn’t take being without my car and that was the only thing I could think to say to garner some sympathy from my mother.
“Where did you see Maya?”
“At the restaurant where I saw grandfather, she came into the bathroom. We exchanged words and it’s left me really shaken. That’s why I snapped at you because the Maya thing has me in a really bad way.” What I said wasn’t a complete lie but it wasn’t all true either.
“I’m assuming Maya was at the restaurant with you,” my mother said now turning her burning eyes at my grandfather.
“Yes, but I had no idea she had an encounter with Aaliyah. Maya didn’t even mention she saw her.”
“I wonder why.” My mother stated sarcastically. “You continue to keep that poison around you and then had her around my daughter. And you want to come to my house saying you’re trying to protect Aaliyah by keeping her away from some dope boys but the person she really needs protection from is like your best fuckin’ friend.”
“She’s not my best friend. She’s my daughter, just like you are. And you know I would never let any harm come to Aaliyah.”
“Then why couldn’t you protect Aaliyah yesterday when Maya harassed her in the bathroom? Oh I forgot, Maya is misunderstood, she would never harass Aaliyah or anybody else for that matter. We’re all crazy. She’s the only sane one.”
“Precious, please.”
“Please my ass. You tell that daughter of yours to stay the hell away from Aaliyah. Now would you please get out of my house because I no longer want to have a conversation with you,” my mother said before exiting the kitchen.
“Grandfather, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“Don’t be sorry, it’s not your fault. I had no idea that you and Maya had words. But you have to know Maya would never hurt you or your mother.”
“Grandfather, I love you, I really do. And I wish I wouldn’t have brought Maya’s name up because your relationship with mom is already so fragile I hate making it worse. But you’re wrong about Maya. She does want to hurt us.”
“I know your mother has a lot of bad history with Maya and she’s shared most of it with you but that’s in the past. Maya has made a lot of mistakes but she only wants to be a part of this family.”
“That will never happen.”
“Because your mother doesn’t want to give her sister a chance and because of that you don’t want to give Maya an opportunity to have a relationship with you which is understandable.”
“You don’t understand. When I looked in Maya’s eyes last night I saw for myself how sick she is. I don’t understand how you don’t see it. I know she’s your daughter but can your love for Maya blind you from the truth? I’ve always respected how wise you are but you’re so wrong about Maya. She’s trouble, grandfather.”
“I hate you feel that way, my princess,” grandfather said kissing me on my forehead. “But I promise you I won’t let anybody hurt you or your mother and that includes Maya. I’ll talk to you later and be nice to your mother. I love you.”
“I will and I love you too.” Seeing my grandfather’s sprit broken as he walked out made me feel terrible. He always appeared so in control but now he seemed powerless. And he was when it came to the Maya situation. No matter how hard he tried to be the link to put them together my mother wanted nothing to do with her sister and I didn’t blame her one bit.
“Is Quentin gone?” I heard my mother ask as I was getting some orange juice out of the refrigerator.
“Yes, he just left.”
“I can’t believe he h
ad Maya around you last night.”
“Mom, it wasn’t like grandfather knew I was going to be at the restaurant and that Maya would approach me in the bathroom.”
“That’s not the point. If he would’ve cut her off the only place she would be walking around is a jail cell. And to think I was so appreciative he came over here to warn me about those men you were out with last night. I’ll never let myself have a real relationship with him as long as he is breaking bread with that psycho.”
“Mother, I totally agree with you that Maya is a psycho. When I looked in her eyes last night, I swear I saw the devil. But grandfather loves you so much. Maybe you could still try and have a real daughter/father relationship with him in spite of Maya. Maya probably feels like she’s winning right now because she’s hindering you all’s relationship.”
“I don’t give a damn if Maya feels like she’s winning. My concern is you and your safety because I know how to handle Maya.”
“I know you do and so does Maya.”
“Well if she needs a reminder I’ll be more than happy to give it to her. You and your brother mean everything to me. I won’t let Maya hurt either one of you.”
“What about dad?”
“Huh?”
“You said that Xavier and I mean everything to you but you didn’t mention dad.”
“Of course I love Supreme.”
“Then why didn’t you mention him?” my mother stayed silent as if she was at a loss for words which never happened. “I know you guys have been having problems for a long time.”
“Aaliyah, what are you talking about?”
“I’ve heard the arguments. Just because I don’t say anything doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s happening.”
“Your father and I have been married for years, disagreements happen. It’s called marriage and it ain’t always pretty. But we’re good.”
“Are you sure? Dad seems to be home less and less. Sometimes it feels like he doesn’t live here anymore.”
“Yes I’m sure. Your father and I have been through a lot but we always stay together and remain strong. Stop worrying, we’re fine. First Maya, now your dad, you have too much on your mind. You should call Justina and go do some shopping. It’s too beautiful outside for you to be in the house.”
“Does that mean I can take my car?”
“That’s right I did put you on punishment. But under the circumstances I’ll give you a reprieve.” My mother smiled and rubbed my cheek.
“You’re the best!”
“But, Aaliyah, you do have to be careful. I understand the allure of dealing with hustlers but you don’t have to do that. You don’t want for anything so there is no need for you to chase that life. I promise you it doesn’t lead to anything but problems.”
“Now I’m going to give you the same advice you gave me. Stop worrying,” I grinned. Honestly I didn’t know they were drug dealers and now that I do I’ll keep my distance.”
“Good. Now go have some fun.” I gave my mom a hug before running upstairs to my room. I wasn’t sure if I was super happy because I was able to get out of my punishment before it started or because I had been given the green light to do some damage on the credit card. But I figured it was a combination of both. Right when I was about to call Justina up to let her know today’s plan, I saw D’Mario’s name popping across my screen. I was tempted to ignore it but his dimples and pretty smile kept flashing in my head.
“Hello.”
“Hey beautiful, how are you this morning?”
“Good, what about you?”
“Amazing.”
“Amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that response before but I like it.”
“You should. I try to make every day amazing. So what are you getting into today?”
“About to get dressed then pick up Justina so we can do some Saturday afternoon shopping.”
“Let me come with you.”
“Only if you’re doing the buying.”
“Of course, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“You sure because I’m vicious when it comes to spending cash.”
“I already know.”
“Cool, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” When I got off the phone with D’Mario I immediately called Justina.
“What’s up girl, I was just on the phone with Amir.”
“What was he talking about?”
“Wanting to know when we were coming his way.”
“It’s almost that time of year again so soon.”
“Yeah, that’s what I told him. I can’t wait for Amir to see my new look. He told me to take a pic with my phone and send it. As soon as I get myself dolled up I’m going to. He is going to have a fit.”
“I’m sure he will. And some new outfits to go with your new look can’t hurt either.”
“But I have a ton of clothes in my closet I haven’t even worn yet.”
“True, but they were all picked out by your mother. Aren’t you ready to pick out your own hot shit?”
“Yeah! That’s exactly what I need to do.”
“Glad you think so because I’ll be over to scoop you up in an hour.”
“Great. Let me go catch my mom before she leaves… can’t go shopping without any money. See you soon.” When I hung up with Justina I laid on my bed for a second before getting in the shower. I started thinking about my conversation with D’Mario. There was no reason for me to let him come with us shopping. It wasn’t like I needed his money but I guess I just wanted to see if he would do it. I decided to call him back and dead it. I mean he was a drug dealer and I told my mom I would leave him alone, but he was so cute and sexy. I decided one more date wouldn’t hurt anything and I tossed my phone down. Yeah it was time I started living a little bit. I needed to stop worrying about my parent’s problems and create some fun ones of my own.
Amir
Proposition
“I need one more chance.” I shook my head as I remembered Aaliyah saying those words to me last night. Now I would give anything to turn back time and have that conversation with her again. Things would’ve gone so differently and this hell we were now in wouldn’t exist. But the conversation did happen and now here I was waiting in my car thinking back wishing I could see Aaliyah again.
***
“Open up,” I heard Aaliyah yelling as she pounded on the door. As hard as her fist was banging I would’ve thought there was a 6’5” man trying to get in instead of a 5’5” girl.
“Chill the fuck out, Aa…” I immediately stopped myself when I opened the door. “I apologize, Mrs. Mills, I didn’t realize you were with Aaliyah.”
“Don’t worry, Amir. I know my fair share of curse words.”
“Why didn’t you tell me your mother was with you,” I whispered in Aaliyah’s ear as they came in. She just gave me a frown like leave her the fuck alone.
“So where’s your dad? Oh never mind, here he is now. Genesis, hello.”
“It’s good to see you,” my dad smiled giving Precious a hug. “This is my good friend Lorenzo. Lorenzo, this is Precious Mills and her daughter Aaliyah.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“Thank you,” both mother and daughter said in unison.
“Genesis, Aaliyah told me that you’re taking them to the K97 Summer Jam concert. Is that true?” My dad gave me a peculiar stare and I put my head down. Now I understood why Aaliyah’s mom came through, she was on parental control.
“Actually I’m not taking them but one of my trusted workers will escort them to the concert.” Aaliyah and I gave each other a look of relief when my dad came through for us because I hadn’t even discussed us going to the concert with him.
“I see. So they will be supervised?”
“Of course.” I think my dad could tell Aaliyah’s mom wasn’t completely convinced so he switched the subject which I figured was an attempt to get her mind off that topic. “So, Precious, how long are you going to be in New York?”
“For a week or so.”
“Did Supreme come with you?”
“No he actually took Xavier on vacation for a little father/son time.”
“That’s good. I’m sure they’re enjoying themselves.”
“Yeah, I’m sure they are. I know Nico won’t be back for a couple days so I brought Aaliyah early hoping we could have some mother/daughter time before she spent the rest of her break with Nico. But her calendar seems to already be filled up.”
“Mom, I told you Amir already had the tickets and it wouldn’t be fair to cancel on him at the last minute. You’re the one who didn’t believe me.”
“You’re right but Genesis has confirmed what you said so I apologize. You all go to the concert and have a good time. I’ll see you at home later on tonight. Goodnight everybody.”
“Precious,” my dad called out as I was walking her to the door. “If you’re not doing anything, why don’t you have dinner with Lorenzo and Me? He just got back in town and I was going to take him to my favorite spot for dinner. I have to wrap up some business first but it won’t take that long.”
“That’s ok, I don’t want to intrude.”
“Trust me you’re not intruding. We’ll enjoy your company. Isn’t that right Lorenzo?” Lorenzo simply nodded his head.
“Ok. Dinner at a nice restaurant with two handsome men might be what I need,” she laughed.
“I think so too, mom. Maybe then you’ll lighten up on me a little.”
“Never that.”
“So, Aaliyah, you just about ready to head out?”
“Sure, but let me use your bathroom for a second.”
“Precious, you can go have a seat in the living room. It won’t take me long to finish up what I have to do. Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, I’m good. Let me know when you’re ready.”
“I will,” my dad said before turning to me. “Amir, can I see you in my office for a minute.” I followed behind my dad already knowing what he was about to say. “Close the door.”
