Page 13 of Tangled Hearts
“Nah, history of greatness,” Cash corrected, dead serious. “Y’all gon’ see. I’m up next.” He rubbed his hands together, already feeling it.
“Boy, you next up to clean that kitchen when the grease pop on the walls,” Noir waved him off, everyone laughing, including Cash.
“I believe in you, Cash.” Knycole assured him, pulling another soggy piece of fish out the pan.
Hov leaned back on the couch, watching Knycole move around. His voice was lower when he spoke, like he wasn’t trying to be heard. “She got a good heart. Always trying.”
Rock heard him anyway and glanced over. “Yea, she do. But she can’t fry worth a damn.”
Knycole threw the towel at him, hitting his shoulder. “Shut up.”
The room filled with noise only close friends could make. Noir filming pieces of it, Cash rapping over the TV that wasn’teven on, Rock sketching like he was half-present but still locked in, and Hov watching Knycole like she was the only reason he’d showed up.
When the fish finally came out halfway decent, Knycole set plates on the table. “Y’all better eat it whether it’s good or not.”
Cash made his plate first, biting into it exaggeratedly. “Five stars. Chef Knyc with the win.”
Rock shook his head. “Lying ass, nigga.”
Hov chuckled. He broke a piece with his fingers and tasted it. He chewed it slowly, his eyes on her again. “It’s good enough,” he said.
Knycole smiled without meaning to.
Hov’s opinion always held so much weight with her—like if he said the sky was falling, she knew to take cover because he’d never lie to her.
The night carried on with them eating and clowning each other. Cash kept freestyling in between bites, Noir caught angles on her phone she swore would blow up online, and Rock and Hov went back and forth like brothers.
Knycole loved her worn apartment when her friends found themselves there.
CHAPTER 4
Knycole rummaged through the cabinets,looking for her favorite spaghetti pot. School had been daunting, but regardless of the type of day she had, she still had to come home to cook and clean, or it’d never get done. All day, her stomached cramped, which was a tale, tale sign that her monthly cycle was about to rear its ugly head. Picking up her phone, she dialed her best friend.
“Hello?” Noir’s pained voice came through the phone.
Knycole removed the pack of ground beef from the fridge and placed it in the pot. “Hey, boo. How are you feeling over there?” she asked.
“I just popped another pill, but other than that, I’m good. Thanks for dropping my school work off for me. I know it was a lot since I know how you get when your period is about to start,” Noir said.
“I’m over here dying.” Knycole grabbed her stomach. “I was about to ask you if I can get some pads until I get some money from my daddy, but now that I think about it, I don’t even feel like walking to your house. It’s easier for me to just go to the corner store.”
“You sure? ‘Cause I just bought a new box.”
“Yea, girl. As a matter of fact, let me go ask him for a few dollars since it is the first, and I know he got it. You ate today?” Knycole inquired.
“Junk, yes. What you cooking?” Noir knew without a doubt her best friend was at home throwing down.
“Something light… just a pot of spaghetti. I might get some garlic bread to go with it if Nick gives me enough money.” Having to fend for herself for years, Knycole had learned her way around the kitchen and could throw down on the basics.
“I might come over to get a plate, but these pills are kicking in, so I’ll talk to you later.” Noir said her goodbyes and hung up.
Once the pot was turned down low, Knycole went to use the restroom. As soon as she pulled her leggings down, she noticed the spotting. “Damn.” She grunted.
She thought she had a few more days, but mother nature had other plans. Rummaging under the sink, she searched for a pad but came up empty handed. Knowing all too well about the struggle, she wrapped a heap of toilet tissue around her hand and placed it in her panties.
She needed to go find her daddy quickly because not only was the tissue uncomfortable, she wanted to shower as well. When her monthly cycle was on, she bathed at least two times a day, regardless of the hot water working or not. Knycole slipped her feet into her slides and headed out the door, in hopes of Nick being close since her meat was still cooking. She was well aware of the dangers of leaving food on the stove and was willing to take the risk.
After walking outside for a few minutes, she spotted her father sitting up under the chill tree. The chill tree was a hangout spot for drunks and druggies alike. Knycole had a strong feeling that she would find him there, especially with it being the first of the month.
