I think I took my momma's third message too literally. She told me to never rush for anyone. And if there's one thing I have never done it was to hurry myself.

I wouldn't say I rushed into love because it's obvious Collins and I were meant for each other. It just kind of happened.

I don't think my momma knew anyone like Mimi when she wrote her third rule.

I have no problem with saying my Mimi is im-PATIENT. If I was getting ready, we'd leave when I said we'd leave. If she needed a shower she knew damn well to take one before I woke up. So she really brought any discomfort on herself.

When we were sixteen, Mimi and I had lived in our own apartment together for about six months, I'd guess. She finally found herself a boy who was in school. He had a good head on his shoulders. We called him Tonio, I don't know what it was short for but who cares, he was a good kid.

So Tonio invited Mimi to his school's semi-formal dance. Of course I made her accept the invite! She had argued that she could be working that night to get us more rent. But I wouldn't have that. Mimi was really sweet and I wanted her to live out her high school years.

I spent the whole day primping Mimi, fixing her hair, curling her eyelashes. I painted her nails and toes. The week before I had been her buying little things here and there. We had agreed on this pretty red tea dress. She looked like an absolute princess.

Tonio came to the door 20 minutes before the school started letting people in. Mimi and I were in the bathroom when he knocked.

"Angel, quick, go answer the friggin' door!" Mimi gasped. I rolled my eyes.

"I'll get there when I get there, Mimi. Now you just worry about getting yourself dolled up."

I would never run for any boy, puh-lease. I opened the door after Tonio had pounded his fist on the door… many, many, many times. "Took you long enough," he greeted me with a smile, "Is Mimi ready?"

"She's getting there."

"Well… could you tell her to hurry? We gotta be there soon." I raised an eyebrow.

"I'll go check on her…" I casually walked back to the bathroom. I didn't like this boy's attitude. No way.

I opened the bathroom door and peeked in to see Mimi fixing her hair, "He said to take your time, babe. The dance doesn't start for a while anyways."

Mimi smiled over at me, "Thanks so much for helping me all today. But I think I'm good to go now! I'll be back tonight." She kissed my cheek.

But when she slipped passed me a gently grabbed her arm, "Mimi… you don't have to rush yourself for any boy, you know. And if he tries anything… or wants you to go any further, you don't have to. Just remember that, baby," she rolled her eyes, "Have a good time, sugar." I added when she opened the door to leave with Tonio.

Mimi came home crying that night, "T-tonio just wanted to sleep with me… he… he said he was ready to… And, and when I said I wouldn't because I don't rush for nobody… he dumped me." I looked at her sympathetically and rubbed her back.

"Oh, baby. You deserve so much better. But good for you for not doing it."

She sniffled, "I hate men." I snickered and pulled her into a hug.

"I know, sweetie, I know."