Page 9 of My Brother's Keeper
Her head tilted slightly to the side, “You left something?” she asked.
I tucked both hands in my pockets. “Uh, I lost my phone. I was wondering if I can use yours so I can call a ride?”
“Oh, sure, or I can drop you off,” she offered.
Now a part of me felt like a fucked-up nigga. How was I standing before someone I was trying to impress, and she was the one helping me out? I couldn’t do it, as badly as I wanted the ride or to use her phone. I did not want to seem like a nigga who needs a rescue. I pulled one of my hands from my pocket as I tapped the door frame. “You know what. I’m good. Thanks, though, sorry to waste your time,” I finished as I had gone to walk off.
“I don’t mind!” she yelled.
I glanced at her over my shoulder and gave her a weak smile. “I’m good, Symph.”
I walked down the hall and into the elevator, disappearing. I laughed as I went down, thinking about how she probably struggled to get me up here into her crib and how she was so eager to help a nigga out. Then, I thought about that night. I knew trying to step to her would only lead to that night coming back around and backfiring in my face.
When I exited the elevator, I went to the front desk to ask if I could use their phone. The condo security snarled as they handed it to me, as if they were the ones who paid the damn bill. My brothers should have been the first people I called, but I knew I was going to have to face the dragon himself, so I did just that as I dialed up the only nigga’s number that I dreaded.
ALYSE
“Girl, who was that?” Morgan asked as we headed out of the mall.
I smiled. “Someone who was at a party I went to,” I told her.
She pulled at my arm. “Girl, he is fine. He goes to TSU?”
I shook my head. “If he does, I haven’t seen him there, but his brother does.”
“Well, hook your girl up!” she squealed.
That has always been one of my deal breakers. I never wanted to date or talk to guys who had friends or family, who were seeing friends with my friends or family. It was as if one couple were on good terms, the other was on bad terms, or vice versa. It was an ongoing venting session that I didn’t have the energy for, so I lied. “I think he has a girlfriend.”
She shrugged. “Too bad. Oh, so listen, there is an audition coming up for an urban redo of the Nutcracker. It pays ok, and it’s a local Toussaint tour. I didn’t know if you were interested, but I still wanted to share it with you. Auditions are in a month. I can get you one if you’re interested.”
The idea of it sounds amazing. Me, on stage mixing urban dance with ballet, was ideal, but I knew between school, the Blue Reign dance team, and my parents, I couldn’t squeeze it in. However, not even considering it would eat away at me. I knew if I were somehow able to get the audition and snag a role, this would not only show my parents how good I really was, but also the dance team. I guess they figured that because I was the quietest one on the team, I didn’t stand for much. I only think they allowed me on the team because of my parents’ social status. Everything was like a fucking competition. Whocan dance the best, who could dress the best, who had the better car, weave, jewelry, and even fucking grades. It was all becoming so draining.
When we reached our cars, which were parked side by side, I stopped and looked at Morgan. “I will think about it. You know how my parents feel about stuff like that.”
Morgan rolled her eyes. “Whose life is it. Yours or theirs? I get it, they're paying for school, but when will you speak up for yourself, Alyse? You do have a voice, you know? This is your dream. We’ve been talking about this for years. Look, I will still put in a word for you, and it will be up to you to show up. Drive safe back to school and call me when you get there.”
I knew Morgan was right. I wanted to tell my parents I did, but what everyone thought was so easy turned out to be extremely hard for me. I had always been the girl who had everything, but everything did not include the genuine love I felt I was supposed to get from my parents.
When I got in the car, I sat there for a minute to prepare myself for the long drive back to TSU. My phone dinged. When I glanced at it and saw what the text said, I smiled. Jalen wanted to link up tonight. As badly as I wanted to say yes, I knew I needed to get back to campus.
My fingers circled the screen, then another message popped up, and I smiled.
I sent my response, started my car, and took off.
PEANUT
We pulled up to the Seven To Da Cove lounge. I didn’t know what this nigga was on, but having fucking lunch was the last thing I was trying to do. Dio stepped out of his ride while Samara waited in the car.
“Why are we here?” Xavier asked Dio.
“Nigga you said you wanted me to ask Keith, so let’s do it. The corny ass nigga works here. Now come on because time is money and this nigga ain’t worth my time or money.”
Zay shook his head as we followed behind him. When Dio entered the building and moved beyond the walls, he got loud as hell, “One, two, Keith, where the fuck are you?” he shouted.
People’s heads swung our way. He smiled as he began walking through the lounge like he owned it. “Three, four, I want to pound your shit in some more. Five, six, you would never bag my bitch. Seven, eight, your brother should have stayed the fuck out of the way. Nine, ten, nigga why are you hide-ing?”
Zay ran after Dio and grabbed his arm. “Nigga is you crazy? Fuck wrong with you?” he gritted.
