by Nikki Carter
“He’s a cutie too!” Candy declares.
I riffle through a rack of white dresses and I don’t see one that I like. I don’t want something formfitting, but that’s what they mostly have on the racks.
“Gia! I’ve found the dress for you. It’s perfect!” my mother squeals from the next rack over.
She’s holding up a soft-white lace gown. It reminds me of something a Spanish princess would’ve worn during the 1800s. It’s slightly off the shoulder and then it cinches in at the waist and flows out in a few layers of ruffles on the bottom. I’ve got to admit—it’s breathtaking.
“Okay, Mom. Me likee.”
For some reason, completely out of nowhere, my mom bursts into tears. I don’t know how picking out a cotillion dress can trigger tears, but clearly it has.
“What’s wrong, Mom?” I ask.
“I never got to do stuff like this when I was your age. I’m just so happy that you’re a good girl, Gia. You just don’t know.”
“I’m happy too, Mom. I just want to make you proud.”
My mother hugs me tightly, nearly crushing the dress. “You do make me proud, Gia. Every day.”
Candy and Hope rush over and join in the hug. Every hug around those two turns into a group hug. They’re just mushy like that.
“Is someone having a mother-daughter moment?” Aunt Elena asks.
“Yep, we sure are,” my mom replies.
We are having a moment! And for the first time in a long list of moments, I don’t mind at all!
The next day at school, I’m avoiding Kevin, so I take the long way to my first-period class. It’s too early in the morning for me to deal with his hysteria. I can’t wait for tomorrow so that he can log on to the test site and check his scores. It will be a lot easier for us all once he finds out.
I never go this way, and it’s a nice change because the scenery is different. Even the lockers are a different color. They’re red on this floor; on the first floor they’re army green.
I turn down the hall leading to the tunnel that will take me across to my class, and guess who I see hugged up on the lockers. It’s Chase and some girl who’s absolutely not Sascha. He’s so involved in his lip lock that I’m surprised the girl isn’t choking on his tongue. E www!!
Chase has got to be the most disrespectful boy, ever. He’s kissing on that girl all out in the open, not even caring if someone tells his girlfriend. That’s foul.
I know that I shall not be the person to tell her. As a matter of fact, I’m gonna just act like I didn’t see that. I’ve had more than my share of secrets this year, and I’m broken. I don’t think that I could successfully carry another secret without spontaneously combusting.
“Chase!”
Looks like I won’t have to keep a secret, because that was Sascha’s voice screaming down the hall. Why aren’t my feet moving? I can just go on to my class and not be concerned with this.
“Hey, Sascha. Have you met Tanya?”
My jaw drops open. No, he did not just introduce his kissing buddy to Sascha. I don’t turn around, but I haven’t taken any more steps toward my class.
“Chase, it’s over,” Sascha says. “I’m not dealing with this anymore.”
A loud noise makes me turn around, and I see that Chase has Sascha pinned against the lockers. “It’s over when I say it’s over,” he says.
“Let her GO!” I shout.
Chase looks back at me. “Gia, you better step if you know what’s good for you.”
“Or what? You’re gonna put your hands on me? I wish you would.”
Chase snarls. “Don’t tempt me.” He lets Sascha’s hair go, and she stumbles away from the locker toward me. “You know what?” he asks. “I’m done too. You’re just a little girl anyway.”
Chase and Tanya walk down the hall in the opposite direction. Girls like Tanya get on my nerves. Why does she think that Chase won’t do the same thing to her when he gets mad?
“You okay, Sascha?”
“Yeah, I’m done with that loser.”
“You might be done, but he sure left you with a gift to remember him by,” I say while peering at her rapidly swelling eye.
“I feel my eye puffing up.”
Not only is that eye puffed, it’s going to be black too. I know my mom is going to ask her about it at the next PGP meeting.
“Do you think you should go to the nurse’s office?”
Sascha shakes her head. “Then they’ll ask me how it happened, and they’ll make me file a police report on Chase. I’ve tried to report this before, but I didn’t want Chase getting in any real trouble.”
“You’re kidding me, right? He’s not your boyfriend anymore, so now we don’t care how much trouble he’s in.”
“You don’t understand, Gia. He doesn’t mean to be like this. His dad hits him all the time.”
“That doesn’t mean he gets to use you as a punching bag.”
Sascha replies, “Just go to class and let me handle this, Gia.”
“You are breaking up with him, right?”
She nods sadly. “Yes, Gia. I’m breaking up with him.”
“Okay. Well, let me walk you to wherever you’re going in case he comes back.”
“But you’ll be late for class.”
“I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that my teacher will understand.”
After school, I come straight home. The past few months have been exhausting, and I think I just need to rest. No crew, no Ricky, no nothing. Just chillaxin’ in my bed with my boy Tweety.
Unfortunately, my mom has other plans.
“Gia, did you know that Sascha’s boyfriend gave her a black eye at school today?”
I nod. “Ex-boyfriend. She was breaking up with him, that’s why she got a black eye.”
“So you were there while they fought?” she asks.
“They weren’t exactly fighting. It happened so fast. One second he was kissing another girl, and then the next second, he was slamming Sascha into the lockers. I couldn’t have done anything even if I wanted to.”
“She’s out of the program. I just got finished talking to her mother. I should’ve gone with my first mind on this.”
“But why is she out again? Because she got a black eye?”
“No, because she stayed with that abusive boy.”
“But he gave her the black eye when she broke up with him. Mom, you’re not being fair. You’re punishing Sascha for things that Chase has done and he doesn’t have any consequences at all.”
My mother replies, “Who says he doesn’t have any consequences? I’m reporting his cowardly behind to the authorities.”
“But you’re kicking Sascha out. Again.”
“Yes. I should’ve never let her back in the first time.”
I shake my head to show my disagreement. “It’s not fair, and I don’t agree.”
Gwen smiles. “Oh well, too bad you don’t have to agree!”
I wonder how she’d feel if we all disagreed?
28
I type in my password on the SAT test results site. I haven’t told my mother that I can check them today, because I didn’t want her to hound me about getting my score. I’ve already got Kevin hounding me and that’s bad enough.
He and Ricky checked their scores earlier and they both did well. Kevin scored a 1512 and Ricky got a 1435. My friends are totally smart!
I don’t know why it’s taken me all day to check mine, but right now is the moment of truth. I take the mouse and click the Log In button, and close my eyes.
Just when I’m about to open them wide, Candy screams over my shoulder, “You got a 1548!”
“W-what? I did?” I ask.
Then I look at the screen and see the numbers right there in my face for me to look at. I got a 1548. Higher than Kevin and probably anyone else in my school. This is beyond awesome.
“That’s so good, Gia. You’ll probably be able to go to any school you want!” Candy gushes.
“I want to go to Spe
lman, I think.”
“Ooh, that will be hot, and I can come visit you on campus and go to frat parties. I cannot wait. Will you please hurry up and graduate!”
“I’ve got a year and a half left, Candy, so you can wipe the drool off your face.”
My mom comes into the living room from her bedroom. “What is all the noise about?”
“Gia got a 1548 on her SAT!”
Can I share my own news? Dang!
“Congratulations! Have you called Ricky and Kevin yet?”
“No, and Hope doesn’t take hers until the spring.”
“I’m sure she’ll do well too.”
I’m sure my mother can feel the arctic breeze that I’m sending her way. If it wasn’t for the test results, we wouldn’t even be having a conversation right now. I’m still salty about her kicking Sascha out the program for a second time, but I have launched a counterattack.
Every girl in PGP says that they think Sascha should be a part of our cotillion. She’s earned it and I think she should be rewarded for not giving that jerk her virginity.
We’ve all decided that we will be presented together or not at all. My mom and Aunt Elena will trip if all the girls decide to boycott the cotillion. Especially my aunt, because she’s invited half of the pastors and their wives from all over the city.
Sounds like a good plan, right?
Anyway, with my SAT score nailed on the first try, I can relax somewhat when it comes to picking my school. Spelman is my number one choice, but I’m open to other places as long as they have a dance squad and give me scholarship money. My mom likes Spelman because it’s all girls. Right. She would.
My phone buzzes on the desk. The text says I know you told, Gia. Thanks. Valerie.
I don’t respond, because I don’t think a response is required. I’m not going to confirm or deny her suspicions that it was me who opened my mouth, but I am glad she appreciates me for being the goody-goody that I am.
Candy looks out the living room window. “Ricky and Kevin are here.”
My mom looks at me suspiciously. “Are you all going out?”
“Not that I know of,” I answer—which is readily apparent by the raggedy sweats and slippers that I’m wearing.
Candy opens the door and they storm in. “Hey, Sister Gwen. We’re kidnapping Gia today.”
It’s Saturday morning, so a kidnapping is not out of the question. But what, pray tell, are they kidnapping me for? I’m not in the mood for any foolishness or shenanigans. Hahaha. Just had to laugh at my random use of shenanigans. I’ve been hanging around Kevin and his tomfoolery for too long.
Kevin says, “We’re forcing her to learn how to drive, Sister Gwen. She’s beyond ready.”
My mom laughs. “I happen to agree. She’s all yours. I need someone to start running my errands, going to the grocery store, and dropping Candy off at rehearsals.”
What?!?! Gwen wants me to be her personal slave and that’s why she’s on board with my driving lessons! I’m totally slayed by this revelation.
Candy hands me a pair of tennis shoes. “Get out!”
“Can I at least comb my hair and brush my teeth? Or do you all want to be treated to dragon-breath Gia?”
“Please do,” Ricky replies. “And do something about those funky looking sweats too.”
“Shut all the way up, boy!” I throw a jab at Ricky’s gut. “By the way, in case anyone was wondering, I got a 1548 on my SAT.”
“What a geek!” Kevin says. Coming from him, I know it’s all in love.
“I can’t believe you scored higher than Kevin,” Ricky says.
Kevin smiles. “I was stressed about that thing. I’m glad it’s over.”
I take about twenty minutes to get presentable—not exactly fly—because that takes more than twenty minutes. I’m rocking jeans and my powder blue Tweety sweatshirt. If I’m going to learn to drive today, Tweety most definitely needs to be in the mix.
“Let’s do this,” I say.
Today is another good day for driving. It’s February, so it’s not like it’s warm, but there’s no snow anywhere to be seen.
Ricky starts the car and says, “To the park, right?”
“What? You think I’m driving down the street? Boy, quit playing.”
Kevin laughs out loud. “We thought you were gonna nail this today, Gia. You’ve been pretending to learn for months.”
“Whatever, dude.”
Ricky says, “I have an announcement to make.”
“What?” I ask.
“I’m calling a cease and desist on Valentine’s Day. It’s too much pressure. I just had to find a birthday gift and a Christmas gift for you, Gia. Please, can I get away with a card?”
Kevin and I stare at him. What kind of foolishness is this? You can’t just call a moratorium on a holiday. Especially a holiday that is tailor-made for crushes. Who does he think he is?
“I don’t think that’s allowed,” Kevin finally says. “Am I right, Gia?”
“Ricky doesn’t have to do anything he doesn’t want to do. If he has a valentine, then he should most probably get her a gift. That would be the right thing to do.”
Ricky chuckles quietly. I don’t know why he would think that I would let him off the hook for Valentine’s Day. Out of all the years that I’ve been valentine-less, there’s no way I’m going to have a crush and still look like a lonely girl on that day.
Kev asks, “So are y’all together now? Because nobody is sure about that.”
I clear my throat and wait for Ricky to answer. He says, “Gia and I are in like mode right now, Kev. Not together, but I don’t want her talking to anyone else, so if you’ve got any plans for her ...”
“Yeah, right,” Kevin replies with a chuckle. “The crew is just nosy.”
“Wait a minute!” I say. “How are you trying to keep me from talking to anybody else, but you’re not trying to make me your official girl?”
Ricky looks surprised. “Do you want to talk to somebody else?”
“No, but if I did, I wouldn’t feel bad, because I don’t have a boyfriend. I have a good friend who buys me stuff.”
Real talk. Ricky’s fear of being called the “boyfriend” is excessive and unnecessary. We’ve already established that our world won’t change if we take that step, and it’s not like I’m gonna pressure him to do anything he doesn’t want to do.
As a matter of fact, it’s got me pretty heated right now. When Ricky stops the car and parks, I get behind the wheel. Maybe it’s the adrenaline from being mad, but I’m not afraid at all.
“You ready?” Ricky asks.
I narrow my eyes, click the seat belt closed, and slam the car into drive.
“Hold up! Easy on the ride!” Ricky says.
I peel out across the parking lot and do a sharp turn at the end like I’ve been driving my whole life. Then I slow down, put the car in reverse, and back into one of the parking spots. I’ve always been afraid to go in reverse, but not today.
“Very good, Gia!” Kevin exclaims.
“I think I’m ready to drive on the road,” I say.
“You do have your temporary permit, so go ahead,” Ricky says.
Can someone explain to me why he’s grinning so hard? I don’t see anything funny, cute, or grin-worthy. I want to wipe that silly smile right off his face.
I pull out of the parking lot and drive down the winding road that leads away from the park. I feel my heartbeat start to race a little bit when I see the oncoming traffic. That’s always been the biggest thing for me. Those other cars. What if they don’t stop when they’re supposed to?
“Put on your right turn signal and get ready to turn,” Ricky instructs.
“I know.”
Ricky laughs like he’s unconcerned with my attitude. “Well, do it then.”
I flick on the turn signal and look out at the two-lane street. The traffic is very light because who comes to the park in Ohio in February?
I take a deep breath and then ease onto
the street. I take us up to the speed limit and cruise there. In the immediate distance, I see a red light.
“Okay, Gia. You see the red light up ahead, so just ease on the brake and start to slow down.”
I follow Ricky’s instructions now, because I’ve never gone this far before! I’m driving! I’m at a red light and I’m on the street with other cars! Sweet!
“Take us back to your house,” Ricky says.
“You sure?”
“Yeah. You got this.”
I totally do have this. And even though I’m still mad at Ricky for his indecisiveness, I’m glad he pulled that out of the box today. Because I’m driving now! Look out, pedestrians!
29
“What did you get Ricky for Valentine’s Day?”
Hope whispers in our super boring government class.
“The same thing he got me. Nothing. He wants to skip Valentine’s Day this year.”
“Hmmm ... that’s not what I heard.”
“What do you mean, that’s not what you heard?”
“You know I’m on the sweethearts committee this year, and we’re delivering carnations all day today.”
“Ricky got me a carnation?”
“Well, I can’t say for certain, but if I was you, I’d get him one too. They’re still selling them in the hallway.”
Hope wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t the absolute truth. She plays games sometimes, but not on something like this.
“When are the flowers being delivered?” I ask.
“Starting fifth period. They’re a dollar apiece.”
I raise my hand and ask for a bathroom pass. It’s not an untruth! I will go to the bathroom while I’m out there.
I walk up to the rally girls’ “Sweethearts” table with my dollar out. One dollar seems like an awfully cheap valentine, so I pull out another one. I’ll get him two.
“Who is this for?” rally girl Chloe asks. “Ricky Freeman, right?”
I nod. “Do I get to put a note with it?”
“Yep. What do you want to say?” Chloe asks as she takes out her glitter-pink marker to write.
May I object to the pen being glittery and pink? I would prefer blue ballpoint for the note I’m sending.
