A/N: Hello my dearest followers. I just wanted to thank all of you that favored and reviewed. It means the world to me. Many things have happened in the past week. I am officially finished with high school, my commencement is on the 6th and I am very excited. Hopefully I'll have more time to update before College starts... I hope everyone has a wonderful summer.
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask in the review section, or PM me.
Huey
"Common? Really?" I exclaimed, trying not to show too much of my excitement.
"He's gonna be here on the 22nd of December! Ain't I the best manager or what!?"
"You're alright to me…" I replied with a smirk.
Mr. Farrakhan gave me a smack on the back with his newspaper. "Boy, you sure are quite the talker!" He sarcastically commented.
I shrugged my shoulders and began marking up the date on the system's calendar. I was genuinely happy that Common was preforming at The Nubian Queen. It's been a while since we've had someone talented preform here.
It was 8:14 on a Saturday night on the 25th of November. I, alongside Jazmine and Riley, were on Thanksgiving break. Personally, I hated this holiday. I hated almost every holiday our nation came up with. Thanksgiving is basically when white men tell their children that their ancestors "settled" here. When the truth is that they 'invaded' the Natives, murdered them, and raped them until they barely even existed… So yeah; Happy Thanksgiving y'all.
I am thankful for many things; I just don't chose to be thankful for them only on a certain day each year. People need to be thankful every day, but that's their problem.
Granddad usually held an annual thanksgiving dinner and invited the DuBois, Ed Wuncler and his grandson, Ed Wuncler the III, and Ed the III's good friend, Gin Rummy. Granddad usually ignores my meaningful and truthful speeches and lectures about the true meaning of thanksgiving, as he does every single holiday. So I just learned to deal with it.
Usually we'd all have dinner, say what we're thankful for, then, the adults would drink the night away. Riley would try to grab him a beer or two, I would regularly stop him from doing so, but he managed to get away with it a couple of times. He was rarely home anyways.
"Huey, I think you've done enough for the day, why don't you lock up and take the rest of the night off ah?"
"But Mr. Farrakhan, its only 11:30, the club is gonna be busy in half an hour with new performers. I don't think I—"
"Huey, how many times did I tell you to just call me Neil? And don't stress about it boy, you work hard enough. Have a little fun! Go out with that cute suga'momma of yours that always comes to see ya, what was her name again? Yazmine?"
"Jazmine." I corrected him.
"Jazmine! She's such a sweetheart if ya ask me, are ya'll goin steady or something?"
I shook my head and lowered it, why was Mr. Farrakhan asking me these irrational questions? We had other important things to do.
"Boy look at you, gettin' shy and all that! I say you should definitely ask her out!" He continued, as if he was mocking my inferiority whenever it came to this subject.
This wasn't the first time Mr. Farrakhan had brought up Jazmine. Oh no, he'd bring her up around me all the time. Considering the fact she visited daily, and usually sat quiet in the corner listening to the evening blues as she scribbled in her small notebook.
Only it had been different for the past two days, she hadn't shown up to the NQ. I have to admit I was quite inquisitive as to why she had skipped out that day. Turns out she had been spending the day with Caesar, showing him around the town and such.
Caesar wasn't that bad, we actually saw eye to eye on many issues. However, I despised it whenever he tried to speak to Jazmine. He clearly tries to flirt with her all the time; she is clueless to all of this since she's well…Jazmine. Nevertheless, I try to keep an eye out for anything shady that he might try to work on her.
Why does this bother me? Usually I'm an insensitive brick wall. I can't possibly have strong feelings for Jazmine…
I've known Jazmine since we were ten, I often ridiculed her and harshly berated her because of her naivety. She was so gullible and innocent back then. I felt like an ass sometimes, but I think what I did was quite necessary in order for her to become who she is today, which I do not mind at all. She's much smarter, stronger and less credulous now.
She's pretty too.
I mentally hissed at my conscience.
"Whatdya say boy?!" Mr. Farrakhan interrupted my train of thought.
I felt the atmosphere getting warmer and I was desperately hoping that he would change the subject. I for one am not quite contented to share my feelings towards Jazmine to my boss. I don't think anyone would want to have this conversation with their boss at all.
You just admitted you had feelings for her, Huey. My conscience snapped at me
I ignored the small voice in my head and simply shrugged in response, Mr. Farrakhan should know me to be like this by now.
He flaunted his hands at me in a 'screw you' kind of way. "You think you're emotionless but you'll see one day, whether it is Jazmine or not, you'll definitely find that special someone that makes you feel warm and sweet over that cold, bitter exterior!"
"Ouch Mr. Fa—I mean Neil." I replied in a monotone voice.
"Hush boy, now go home and have fun, will ya?"
"That sounds like a lot of work."
"Boy, don't make me whoop yo ass now!"
Mr. Farrakhan reminded me so much of granddad. He was the exact replica of him; well, except Mr. Farrakhan actually listened to me and valued my beliefs. He is also very active in his personal life, he is willing to bring about change in our nation and fight any inequality the oppressed has to endure. However, Mr. Farrakhan was getting quite old, like granddad. I remember one time how he was talking about death. He knows it's coming, we all do.
"You know, I haven't seen my grandson in 30 years. But you remind me of him, strong, wise and passionate about protecting the ones you love."
"Mr. Farrakhan, what are you sayin-"
"Listen boy, I don't know how else to say this, but my time is eventually gonn' come to an end, and I want you to always keep something in mind."
"What is it?"
He took a glimpse outside the window for a second then he turned towards me and placed his hands firmly on my shoulders.
"Never let them win. Never let them control you. They'll try to make you obedient and conform to their standards. They'll try to prevent your natural capacities from developing."
"Mr. Farrakhan, I don't think I unders—"
He interrupted my pleas by handing me a golden key that was hanging loose from a black chain.
"Huey, you will someday. I want you to hold on to this, one day everything will make sense because of it."
I obeyed and took the chain and placed it around my neck. It was long, reaching my mid abdomen. I was still quite confused on what was happening. Who's 'them'?
I never forgot about that. I still have that chain till this day; usually I tuck it into my shirt. I didn't tell Jazmine about it, because I was still confused myself. It has been a year since that incident occurred; and so far, things have been pretty normal. Well, Woodcrest normal.
I grabbed my belongings, which consisted of my black coat and my umbrella and headed outside. I started my car—which I bought recently by the way—and drove back to my house.
Parking the car in the garage next to Granddad's pimped-out Dorothy, I stepped outside and headed towards the main entrance.
"Where you been at?" I was greeted with a 6'0" tall, fifteen-year-old brother sitting on the couch in a slouched manner. Not taking his eyes off the television screen, he seemed to be watching the channel I despised most—BET.
"Work" I replied.
"Yeah, well Granddad is out wit' another hoe, and we ain't got nothin' to eat in this bitch."
"Then order yourself a pizza or somethin'" I suggested aloofly
"I ain't got no money, can you lend a nigga some dough?"
I rolled my eyes. Sometimes I wished Riley would be more responsible. He's been fired from three jobs already, even at the age of 15. The first one was working at McWuncler's, where he kept on eating their fries till it eventually lead him to get caught by the manager himself. The second job he had was at a hotdog stand. Not knowing that he had to wear a 'wiener' hat in public, Riley set it on fire the day it was given to him. I recall him saying: "I ain't wearin' no gay shit! Hell naw, young Reezy don't roll like dat."
The final and most recent job he had was at Wuncler's Amusement park. Honestly, I have no idea how he got this one. But I'm guessing it was because Granddad and Wuncler were good friends. Anyways, Riley was placed in a stall, where he only had to watch the kids throw rings on glass bottles in exchange for a prize of their choice. This didn't last long…
His old childhood bully, Butch Magnus, came one day and purposely chucked the rings at Riley's face; causing a huge fight to break out. Riley managed to beat Magnus's ass, however, this got him fired the next day. I don't think he really cared though; he was more satisfied with beating his enemy till he turned black and blue.
Riley grew over the years; he had been hitting the gym and recently joined the basketball team with our childhood companion and his best friend Cindy McPhearson. He was quite strong; however he couldn't win in a fight against me. His attention span didn't do him justice in flight or fight reactions. His carelessness got to the best of him, and not to mention that he's lazy and obnoxious. He would do almost anything for 'them paper stacks', despite it being legal or illegal; it didn't matter to him.
I sighed as I reached into my pocket and handed him some pizza money.
"You owe me."
He smirked as he grabbed it from my hand.
"Yeah yeah whateva' nigga."
I headed on upstairs into my room and lied down on my bed. I hadn't done much at work, Mr. Farrakhan seemed adamant on making me enjoy my free time, which is why he'd sent me home.
I heard a knock on the door, followed by the sound of someone opening it.
Her soft voice echoed through the house, but she wasn't alone. Another sturdy, deep voice accompanied her cheerfully. I went downstairs and recognized the two faces as Jazmine and Caesar.
"Huey!" she greeted cheerfully
"Hey man, what's good?" asked Caesar
"Who da fuck is you?" asked Riley obnoxiously.
"My name's Michael. Michael Caesar, I moved in about two weeks ago. I live a couple of blocks down."
"Riley Freeman aka Young Reezy. I'm hail from these streets so don't be messin' around or nuthin'"
"Don't worry. I am earnestly terrified of your presence. Young Reezy." He replied with a smirk
Jazmine giggled. Which caused Riley to glare at her.
"What you laughin' at Mariah?!"
"Don't call me that!" her giggling faded and her smile was replaced with a frown.
"Yea yeah, just go on and do yo' business with McHater over there. I'm headed out."
"Where you goin'?" I asked
"Out nigga damn. Can't I get my own space?"
"Considering that its almost 12, and you don't drive. I am questionable."
"Well you don't gotta worry 'bout me nigga. No body fucks wit me around here." He uttered as he left through the front door.
"I can tell you guys get along pretty well…" Remarked Caesar sarcastically
"Eh, he's been worse." I shrugged
"I thought we could all do something today, since well you're not working late today-" stated Jazmine
"Wait, how did you know that I wasn't gonna be workin' late?"
"Well, I saw your car…"
"Oh."
Suddenly, Caesar's phone buzzed. He quickly took it out of his pocket and checked the screen. Slightly frowning, he let out a sigh and said: "Guys I can't chill with ya'll today, I gotta go help my mom out with some stuff for thanksgiving."
"Aight man. We'll hang tomorrow, plus that reminds me. Granddad usually holds an annual dinner, you should come." I offered
"I thought you hated thanksgiving."
"Yeah. Which is why I could use the extra company to keep my mind off giving another rant about it."
"Sure, can I bring my ma and cuz?"
I nodded.
"Okay. See ya man… Bye Jazmine!" he waved his goodbye to me but gave a wink to Jazmine. She giggled and closed the door behind him.
I leaned against the wall with my arms crossed
"What's the deal with you and Caesar?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't give me that. He's obviously flirting with you."
"Hm. Call me oblivious, but I don't really see it."
I snorted.
"What?" she questioned in annoyance.
"Just surprised that you don't believe he's constantly trying to make a move on you."
"Well, even if he was. I don't see him like that."
I felt my muscles relax for some reason.
"You don't?"
She shook her head.
"Nope. Why do you ask?"
I swallowed. I suddenly regretted bringing this issue up. Damn it why did I have to open my mouth.
"I don't know, I thought you two had a thing." I said, trying my hardest to keep a stern face
"We don't."
"I can see that now"
She looked down and chuckled.
"What? What's so funny?" I asked
"You! I think you're jealous!" she giggled
My cheeks turned red all of a sudden. This was crazy. I wasn't jealous of Caesar. Why would I be?
Maybe cause he's always flirting with your girl.
Okay now's not the time for my conscience to talk.
I could hear echoes of Mr. Farrakhan's voice in my mind.
'I say you should definitely ask her out!'
"I'm not jealous." I responded firmly
"Whatever you saaay." she sang
My scowl hardened as I disliked the fact I was being mocked in my own house.
"It's getting late, Jazmine." I hissed.
Her face brightened up "Hm, I have an idea."
She suddenly grabbed my hand and led me to the front door.
"Where do you want to go?"
"The hill."
I shrugged and followed her; it wasn't a bad idea, as it was my favorite place to go to at night and early mornings.
We both walked up and sat underneath the tree. It was dark, but the sky was illuminated by multiple stars. That was one good think about Woodcrest; it was a small suburban neighborhood, the stars were always out.
"Any particular reason why we're here?" I asked
"Well. Not really, I just like it up here too. You're not the only one." She smiled.
I nodded and we both just sat there in silence, we've done this before. However because of my busy schedule with work and all, it has been a while since we've both came to the hill.
I noticed Jazmine was trying to cover up the fact that she was shivering, typical.
I sighed as I took my jacket off and handed it to her.
"What makes you think I want that?" she asked
"Well, the fact that you're shivering pretty much gave it away."
She took my jacket in defeat and wrapped it around herself.
"Huey…"
"Hm?"
"Remember when we were ten, and you came back from Chicago with a busted nose."
"Yeah, and you wouldn't leave me alone about it."
She smiled and said: "I have to admit, it was pretty funny watching the aftermath of Huey getting punched in the nose."
"I don't think it was."
She shrugged, smiling at the memory.
"What's your plan?" she asked
"Huh?"
"I mean we are graduating soon."
"College. Moving out. Getting a job.. The usual."
She fell silent for a moment. Till she opened her mouth and asked me something I didn't know the answer to.
"Are you leaving Maryland?"
I let out a long sigh and thought for a moment. Ever since I came to Woodcrest, I've hated everything about it. Jazmine was merely a vexation on my ten year old self. However, slowly she started to outgrow from her naïve little self, and overtime, we became good friends. Of all times I've berated her and chucked the harsh truth in her face, I didn't want to do it this time.
"I don't know." I replied, truthfully.
She sat with her knees up, and placed her arms around them.
"Well, I would like to leave Maryland."
"Where to?" I asked
"Anywhere, I want to travel more, and help people."
"In what way?"
"Any way, ever since I was a kid, I noticed that I loved helping animals, and I've decided to help people now as much as I can. I thought of joining the Peace Corps. But I wasn't quite sure if it would be enough. My parents were never satisfied with what I wanted to do and I just wan—"
Jazmine
"Jazmine, you're overthinking."
I saw Huey's eyes genuinely soften as I rambled on.
"Don't you remember when we were ten? I asked you if you could do anything you wanted to do when you grew up, what would it be? Do you remember your answer?"
He remained silent and looked straightforward.
"I do. You said, 'it would be to dedicate myself totally—"
"—to the liberation of the oppressed people around the globe" He cut me off.
"Exactly, you remember?"
"Of course I do. I just never thought you listened to me."
"Huey, I've always listened, you've just never noticed."
"I'm not sure what will happen in the next couple of years, so far it's peaceful. Just look ahead of you." He nudged his head to the entire view of the quiet city of Woodcrest. "No planes, no missiles, the place is intact… I'm not so sure it'll stay like this forever though."
"What do you mean?"
"The people will revolt someday, and it won't be for a stupid reason. It will be for something even we couldn't think of at the moment. Times are changing, new things are unraveling. Each year it's a different crisis. I'm sure people will forget about Boko Haram just like they forgot about MH370. It will be replaced by something extreme. Just imagine, we could be living in a complete dystopia in 5 years." His scowl deepened as he went into abysmal thought.
"And what will you do?"
"Hm?"
"When the world goes into complete darkness, what will you do?"
"Exactly what I told you seven years ago."
I managed to put a weak smile on.
"I just hope I know what to do by then."
I looked at him with my bright jade eyes as I felt a few tears coming up, so I looked away abruptly.
Why was I about to cry? Could I really be that overwhelmed?
I tried to hide my face; the last thing I wanted Huey to see was a crying Jazmine. I'm not the same person I was before. I'm no crybaby. I am stronger now, and I shouldn't be crying.
I felt a gentle hand lifting my chin up; emerald met wine.
"Jazmine, you're only 17. You still have plenty of time to decide on what you want to do, don't sweat it. You'll figure it out."
I felt a wet tear falling slowly onto my cheek, before I could get the chance; he wiped it away with his thumb.
Why is he being so… caring? He never used to treat me like this before.
I don't mind it at all.
"I hope so." I sniffled
He did something that made my heart flutter, he smiled at me. Those were so rare, he'd usually smirk but that was normal. This time he smiled a real genuine smile. I haven't seen him smile ever since we were thirteen and he got the chance to see Public Enemy in concert.
"Don't let anyone put you down. No matter what anyone tells you, you'll always be the kindest and strongest girl I know."
"Thank you" I whispered.
He wiped away the remaining stray tears from my face. It was moments later that I found the two of us leaning in, and we locked lips.
I don't recall how long it lasted, because it felt so short.
I stopped shivering and the warmth of his arms was engulfed around me. His lips were so sweet and gentle; I felt safe and benign, as if no one in the world could hurt me at this moment.
All our troubles and worries were left behind for a moment. Simply, by an act of affection. A kiss. Those come in the strangest ways sometimes, but when they do happen. Be sure to cherish it with the person you love.
I know I will.
A/N: Sorry if it felt too cliche to anyone.. ha. I'm not the best at romantic scenes, but I'm trying to get there.
Peace
سلام