Page 40 of Dionysus
I laughed again. “Nigga trying to spit a little game and you think I’m joking.”
She smacked her lips. “Whatever, I can smell that weed over here.”
“What, you trying to smoke?”
Inhale, then exhale.
A yawn came through the phone as she grew even more comfortable. “No weed today, but I like this.”
I smiled. “We can do this as often as you want,” I paused.
I wanted to tell her I loved her. I wanted her to know she was one of my reasons to fight for my life, but I wasn’t sure how she would take it, so I held off. Moments like these made me never want to let go. Mars and I talked all night until we both dozed off. When I woke up, Chevy was picking her up from the balcony as if she were truly his daughter and gently put her in bed. Mars needed a family, and I was happy that they could give it to her.
I was about to get up and go back inside when Chevy came onto the balcony and sat in the chair watching me. He picked up the phone and placed it to his ear, “What’s this?”
“It’s what you see, Chev. Why do you care?”
I could hear him suck his teeth. I knew he had gained a love for Mars. One that he didn’t want to admit, but his actions were always louder than his words. He then leaned forward, still not taking his eyes off me. So, I reciprocated his energy by doing the same. “I heard what you said, Chevy. I heard every word. I find it funny you can jump down my throat about some shit, but this is the same nigga that has demons chasing him. The same nigga who was fighting for his is life just like I was. The same nigga who went running out of the house for Z. So, you tell me, who are you to judge me, Chev?”
“Hmph.” He nodded.
“Right, hmph. Now, no disrespect to you because I look up to you, but I am the Zoo. All those niggas made mistakes and somehow were worthy of forgiveness yet I’m not? Chev, I’m a leader. I made some stupid choices, but if you died today, who would you choose to lead the Zoo? It would be me. You know that, and so do I. I love you, Chev. I need you to treat me like I’m worth something.”
I could see him nod slowly. “That’s the type of shit I’m talking about little nigga. You’ve got some heart. I love you, too.” He finished and hung up.
I knew how Chevy was, and being silent about how I felt wouldn’t work. The only way to gain his respect was by being on his level. I knew he had become protective over Mars, but so was I.
SAMARA
I arrived at Black Magic hair salon. There were quite a few cars in the parking lot, but I had already made an appointment, so there was no need to back out now. As soon as I stepped inside, I felt like all eyes were on me.
To my surprise, this place was super nice and elegant. The light pink accent to the floor and walls gave the entire place a girly feel. I walked over to the receptionist’s desk. “Hi, welcome to Black Magic. Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes,” I said nervously. “Yes, I do.”
“Name?”
“Samara.” I smiled.
She glanced down at the screen, then at me, “Got you checked in,” she paused. “Sage, your twelve o’clock appointment is here,” she said in her earpiece.
This is some fancy shit Zaria found. I thought to myself.
I walked over to the waiting area and sat until a woman not too much taller than myself, a slayed ass bob and a red lipstick that was bright enough to light up in the dark came up to me. She smiled, showing all thirty-two teeth. “Hi, I’ll take you over here,” she said as she led the way. “I’m Sage and you are?”
“Samara.”
“Nice to meet you, sit.” She instructed.
I had only been in a salon once in my life, and that was my fifth birthday when my mother took me to the Dominicans to get a blowout. It was one of the best days I've had. My mother was so attentive. I felt loved and beautiful. Sadly, those days are longgone. When I got in the chair, she spun me toward the mirror as she took out my ponytail. “What are you looking to get done?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Something different. I’m turning twenty.”
She smiled. “I remember those days. I have an idea. Do you trust me?”
Shit what choice did I have.I prayed she didn’t mess up my hair, but anything was better than this. I eyed her in the mirror, giving her a hesitant nod. She began working on my hair, from combing it out to the shampoo bowl and then to the dryer. While I waited for her to come and get me from the dryer, an older lady came into the salon. Her two-piece peach-colored suit made her look like she was dressed for Easter Sunday.
As Sage came to get me from the dryer, the lady impatiently stood next to her station. I was hoping she didn’t cause any trouble because there was no way I was going to reschedule, nor walk out of here looking like a fucking chia pet. I sat in the chair as Sage began to part my hair in sections.
