Page 48 of My Brother's Keeper
PEANUT
Zaria had our asses working, from putting up lighting to setting up tables and chairs. She had sent Chev off to the store like three times, and the nigga was walking around bitching. Zeus brought out a huge table and set it in the middle of the backyard. “Ok, Hercules, we see you. You know, the Gorillas are stronger than the average man,” Diamond joked. “Wait, who made the mac and cheese? I don’t want that vegan cashew ass cheese paste shit.”
Foe cackled as he walked by. “Zaria made it. Just act like you like it.”
Samara snapped, “No, I made it, I know how to cook, ask my dad,” she snickered.
“Amen!” Preach said.
Zaria smiled as she stood there with her hand on her hips. “I made the Collard Greens and Kale mixed,” Zaria squealed as she pointed toward the corner of the yard. “Babe, can you set that over there?”
Chev dropped his head. “Damn, Z, let’s just move the whole house around. These niggas don’t give a fuck.”
She interjected. “But I do, and Peanut, while you are sitting there staring, go in the house and grab the orange tablecloths.”
Monfua and Mison stared at Chev, “Who’s really the boss?” Mison laughed.
“Man, fuck!” he shouted, causing everyone to turn and look.
Preach went to walk over to him and tripped, sending his body flying into the grass. He tussled with the cords that were wrapped around his feet. “Man, all these cords and shit.Goddamn!Got me cussing. Lord, forgive me.”
Everyone laughed. I walked inside the house to see the ladies moving around the kitchen. The smell of turkey, sweet ham, and dinner rolls blessed my nose. “Shit!We need some more ice,” Sash said, looking around. “I will text Beans and tell him to grab some on his way. Make sure y’all check the cake in the oven. The box said—”
Yana’s head snapped up. “The box? Sasha, don’t piss me off. Girl, if you don’t know how to cook, then say that.”
Dio jumped up and down from the couch, playing the game, while Peace, Savior, and Love sat in baby chairs in front of him. He slammed his hand on his leg.“Fuck nigga!”he screamed into the controller.
“Dio, watch your mouth if Chevy hears you yelling, we will never hear the end of it,” Harvey jumped in.
“Man, fuck Chev, that nigga out there crying like a little girl anyway. I hope Z works his ass to death.”
I grabbed the tablecloths as Yana had gone to the front door, when I saw Alyse nervously walking in. She stepped further inside and smiled when she saw me. That’s when I noticed a little boy come from behind her. I walked over to her. “I didn’t know I was early.”
You’re good, we’re finishing up. Who’s that?
I could see the boy staring at me, surprised. I squatted down to match his height.
Sup kid.
Hello.
I looked at Alyse. “Talk to him. I wanted him to meet you.”
I glanced back down at him.You don’t have to be afraid. You and I are special. This.I said as I continued signing. It’s our special powers.
Can you hear?He asked.
I can, but I can’t talk very well. So, I use my superpowers. Never be afraid because this is our voice.
He smiled.You like my sister?
Very much. Don’t tell her, but she’s my girlfriend.I winked.
He snickered as he glanced up at his sister. I stood gazing at her. I wrapped one arm around her head, bringing her closer to me, planting kisses on her forehead.
Xavier’s voice boomed through the front door. “Nigga I made it!” he yelled.
I frowned as I watched him come through the door on crutches. I walked around Alyse toward him.
