Page 10 of Bern and Isley
I bit my tongue as I finished straightening up the living room. I was trying so hard not to call Scrap out because I didn’t want to upset my aunt. But somebody needed to check his ass. It wasn’t enough that she was paying the car note and insurance on his brand-new Chevrolet Traverse. Oh yeah and she gave him gas money weekly. He knew she was on a fixed income, but that didn’t stop him from having his stubby hands out. But when she needed a ride to her doctor’s appointments and running errands for him, he didn’t have time for her.
“Isley baby, can you come here for a second?” Aunt Fee called out. I hated that she was exerting so much energy going back and forth with her raggedy son.
I sighed heavily then put on the friendliest face I could muster. I already knew what was coming next. It was always the same song and dance.I slowly peeked into my aunt’s bedroom. She was lying on the bed while her new favorite soap opera “Beyond the Gates” played on the TV.
Scrap saton a chair next to her bed with a smug smile. His brown, wide face was littered with acne and dark spots. He wore a dingy white Nike shirt with a black swoosh and oversized dark washed jeans. On his feet were the latest Jordans Aunt Fee had bought of course.
“Yes, Aunt Fee?”
“Baby, you think you can loan me two hundred dollars until my check hits on the fifteenth?”
I shot daggers with my eyes at Scrap. He winked in response. I knew that was the reason she called me in there. This was routine and had been for years. I loved my aunt deeply but the way she spoiled and coddled her son made me sick to my stomach.
“Aunt Fee, you know the utilities are due on the tenth. I was planning to pay that today so it wouldn’t get past due.”
“That’s okay, I’ll call and get an extension.”
Again, that was her usual response. Even though she could get an extension, I preferred to pay the bills on time. Even early when possible. I wanted to tell her no. But I didn’t. She’d done so much for me over the years. I could never repay her for the sacrifices she made by taking me in at the age of twelve.
I didn’t know why Scrap was begging for money but I was sure it was for some bullshit reason.
I went into my pocket and grudgingly counted out two hundred dollars and handed it to my aunt.
“Thank you, Isley B.” She smiled.
“Mmhmm,” I mumbled in return.
I exited her room without a second glance at my cousin out of fear that I’d be tempted to slap fire from his ass.Frustrated, I went to the closet and grabbed my fanny pack and keys. I needed to step outside for some air before I blew a fuse.I didn’t know who had pissed me off more, Marshall or Scrap.
I sat on a picnic table near the playground area. Surprisingly there were no kids around at the time. The rays from the sun were burning my skin and I was beginning to sweat a little. But I refused to return to the apartment. Not yet. I needed a mental break from my current living situation.
I really wished I had my own spot. I appreciated everything my aunt had done for me over the years, but I felt stuck and stagnant. It was nearly impossible to save any substantial amount of money while living with her and Scrap. But every time I thought about moving out, there would be a drastic change in her health. And guilt wouldn’t allow me to move forward and live for me. I couldn’t turn my back on my aunt. Especially knowing her son wouldn’t be there to pick up where I left off. He was useless.
My phone vibrated. I pulled it from my fanny pack and glanced at the screen.
Bern: What you cooking for dinner?
Me: Not a damn thing.
Bern: So what you gon’ eat?
Me: I don’t know. Cereal?
Bern: Hell nah. I’m picking you up for dinner. Can you be ready by seven?
Me: Sure.
Bern: Bet.
I didn’t really need to spend any money eating out, but I knew hanging out with Bern would help lift my pissy mood. He always knew what to say to make me feel better whenever I was down. I could confidently say, outside of my best friend Snow, nobody knew me better than Bern.
When I returned to the apartment thirty minutes later, I took a nice, long shower then got dressed. He didn’t tell me where we were going to eat, so I just threw on a black graphic tee and biker shorts. Since my toes were in dire need of a pedicure, I decided to wear New Balance sneakers with slouchy socks.
Marshall called me a couple times as I was getting ready. But I declined each one, sending him straight to voicemail. I still felt a way about earlier. His attitude toward me seemed to be really shitty since the news of Bern’s release. Now that he was out, it had gotten worse. I truly hoped Marshall could get his shit together. If not, I didn’t see a future with him.
By the time I was finished throwing my faux locs in a half-up, half-down style, Bern texted me that he was downstairs. I checked in with Aunt Fee to be sure she didn’t need anything before I left for dinner, but she had already turned in for the evening. Relieved that she was resting peacefully, I locked up the apartment and headed out to kick it with my favorite.
Chapter 4
