Page 15 of Blake University: HBCU Chronicles: Brynleigh & A.Z.

Rhia no doubt called her mother playing victim, and her mother in turn called my mother and started running her mouth.

Our mothers had been friends for about ten years.

That was how Rhia and I met, so it was safe to say that even though our breakup was Rhia’s fault, my mother didn’t care.

She had mentioned a few times that she wished we could work it out.

And I ignored her each and every time. That wasn’t ever happening.

If Rhia hadn’t slept with the nigga, she still cheated by having him in her bed and being wrapped up in his arms. He was the perfect man to vent to but when she got dropped, she didn’t run to his perfect ass.

My day was off to a rocky start. I could go to the park, play a game of basketball, and blow off some steam, or I could have a few drinks.

I was kind of liking taking a few days or a few weeks off from drinking, so I chose to go to the park to play basketball.

Whoever told Rhia that Brynleigh sold pills was an ignorant hoe.

Her mother had no clue who Brynleigh was.

Throwing in the part about her selling drugs was some hating shit to do.

I left my phone in the car and when I got back inside, I saw that I had two missed calls from Brynleigh.

Immediately, I felt something might be wrong because she wasn’t the type to call a man first let alone multiple times unless maybe she was pissed.

Maybe she saw the video floating around of her fighting and had something to say about it.

When I answered the silence I was met with made me aware that something was going on. “What’s up, Bryn?”

“I’m here with your sister waiting on an ambulance to come. She’s real bad this time, and I wasn’t comfortable leaving her like this. I hear sirens. Depending on how close you are, you might be able to beat us to the hospital”

My heart fell into my ass. “Do you know what hospital they might take her to?”

“I’ll ask when the paramedics arrive.”

“What is she doing? You said it was bad?”

“Her eyes are rolling in the back of her head. Her body is trembling, and her breathing is very slow and shallow.”

“Fuck!” I hit the steering wheel.

“Hold on. The paramedics just walked in.”

I could hear Brynleigh talking to them, and I truly appreciated her being there for my sister.

I heard her say she was riding with my sister because she didn’t want her to be alone.

When it was confirmed what hospital they were taking her to, I reluctantly, ended the call and dialed my father’s number.

He could relay the message to my mother.

He tended to be more level-headed and less dramatic than her, so he’d be easier to talk to.

Even with those attributes, I was still hesitant to tell him the entire truth.

I just told him that something was up with Tyra, and she had to be rushed to the hospital.

Of course, I was going to get there before my parents since they were an hour away.

I arrived at the hospital about five minutes after Tyra, so I had to wait.

Brynleigh walked into the waiting room with a somber look on her face.

She sat down beside me, and I looked over at her.

“How did you end up with Tyra? I thought you were on a date.”

“I was. We just grabbed a bite to eat because he had to get back to Diamond Cove. I was with him for less than two hours. Before heading home, I decided to go to Hillman Hall, so my homegirl, Stasia, could put some French braids in my hair. Tyra’s door was cracked, and I heard gurgling sounds.

I went to check on her, and she was asleep, flat on her back, throwing up. She could have choked on her vomit.”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I covered my face with my hands.

My parents were going to know soon that Tyra had a drinking problem.

Maybe they could get through to her because I hadn’t been able to.

Brynleigh began rubbing my back and though I was worried about my sister, it felt nice to have her there with me.

When Tyra was sober and realized that she had to be taken out of the dorm on a gurney, she was sure to be embarrassed.

Maybe between that and our parents, it would convince her to stop drinking.

“Azra,” I heard my mother’s frantic voice and removed my hands from my face. Brynleigh stopped rubbing my back and snatched her hand away like we’d been caught doing something wrong. My parents were rushing toward me.

“How did you get here so fast?” I stood up.

“We weren’t far. Your father and I had brunch at the country club which is closer to you all than the house is. What’s wrong with Tyra? Why is she here?”

I pushed out a deep breath. “Tyra got a little too drunk. Brynleigh went into her dorm and found her basically choking on her own vomit, and she called for help.”

“Too drunk?” my mother gasped as she drew back. “Since when does Tyra drink let alone get too drunk?” my mother’s shock changed to disgust. “And what was Brynleigh doing in her room? Is this the same Brynleigh that attacked Rhia?” my mother looked down her nose at Brynleigh, and my nostrils flared.

“Wait a minute, ma. Brynleigh heard Tyra throwing up, and she went in to help her. She more than likely saved her life. Don’t stand here and disrespect her like that.”

“Who are you talking to?” my mother frowned. “I am your mother, and I don’t want you or Tyra around the likes of her.”

Brynleigh clicked her tongue and chuckled lightly as she stood. “I’m going to leave.”

“Yes, maybe you should,” my mother responded snidely.

Brynleigh pulled her lips into her mouth, and I knew it was taking everything in her not to curse my mother out, and I appreciated her being respectful.

However, had she cursed my mother out, she just may have deserved it.

I didn’t want her to leave, but I didn’t want her to be uncomfortable either.

“Brynleigh, I’m sorry,” I pleaded with my eyes for her to understand and not take my mother’s words personal.

“Ummhmm.” She walked off, and I stared after her.

“That girl is trash!” my mother hissed. “All those tattoos. Sitting there looking like she’s in a gang or something. Why would she mark her body up like that?”

“Your daughter is in the emergency room with alcohol poisoning, and you’re worried about someone else’s tattoos. You really are a piece of work, and I don’t see how I’ve been able to stomach you for twenty-two years.”

My mother’s mouth hung open as her eyes widened. I didn’t even stick around for her answer. Prayerfully Tyra would be okay. She’d probably be out of it for a while, so I’d talk to her later. I couldn’t stand to be around my mother for another minute.