Page 11 of On Everything

Ciara

The next day

The sun was tearing the back of my neck up as I carried assessment center tees to our table set up near the entrance to the cages.

We only got this prime location because my coworker Mindy suggested we meet up here at eleven, when the tournament doesn’t start until four.

The only positive side is we did get a spot with shade from the tree overhead.

That was going to cool us off in this hot ass weather.

I had a whole bottle of deodorant spray on deck because working in this heat guaranteed to have you Philly Cheesed under the arms without it.

The atmosphere was crazy already on the block with the event happening in just an hour now.

I knew it would be jumping even more by tonight when I got off.

It was something about the air today that was both hot, yet inviting.

The scent of barbecue was already in the air and every street vendor known to man was setting up in a two block radius.

I can’t wait to sneak off from this table and get an Icee from Rosie, who set up near the corner.

A strawberry bubble gum icee to be exact.

That’s been my go-to flavor since I was a kid.

“Hold on, Ciara. Don’t you think one of us should stay here and switch out going to the van? I don’t want anyone to take the shirts we have set up here already.”

“Mindy, I’m sure no one out here is checking for those shirts, but whatever floats your boat. I’m about to make my last trip before the crowd starts coming in an hour. I think we will have enough shirts out after these next two boxes I bring.”

“Okay.”

I walked away from Mindy and instantly got irritated when Honey, Kairo’s sister, caught my eye with a sidewalk sign under her arm and her homegirl behind her with a wagon of them dry ass cupcakes she sells.

I’ve had better from an Easy Bake Oven and I don’t see any of the hype.

Maybe that’s simply because I cannot stand her ass.

She loves her brother to death, but she’s hated me since we got together.

She was that kind of family member that you know you can’t trust from day one.

That bitch even had the nerve to tell Kairo he could do better than me.

The problem is I'm not an ass kisser and Honey survives off of validation and ass kissing from others.

Once me and Honey made eye contact, she rolled her eyes and continued about her business. Thank God she wasn’t on any bullshit today. Well, at least just yet. I'm sure she would soon blame me for Kairo getting locked up.

Last night was my first time sleeping in my apartment without Kairo and I was up all night, which explains the way my hair looks crazy today.

Every five minutes I was tossing and turning, thinking about someone bursting into my room or standing over me while I was attempting to sleep.

Diablo for sure isn’t the only victim to the shooting because my life was forever altered over that shit.

This morning, when I walked into my living room, I couldn’t help but smile seeing firsthand what real money could do.

I had so many questions on how he could get that new couch in there so fast and fix the hole in the wall within a day.

I’m sure it’s because people move quickly for a boss ass nigga like Hov.

He probably had access to money that I have never seen before in my life.

I for sure appreciated it and I just kept thanking God for the blessing.

One day I hope I'm able to pass on blessings like that too to someone in need.

Me and Mindy worked side by side getting the table, signs, and shirt displays set up. Time flew by like a train and before I knew it, the tournament was starting.

“Everybody, welcome to the 6 th annual Marlin Anthony basketball match at the historical Watson Park.”

I finally took a seat at one of the chairs sitting behind the table once we were complete. I plan on doing some serious people watching right on my ass and not move for a good minute.

“Hey, Ciara?”

“Yes, Mindy?”

“Ronda wanted us to try and push the shirts. Shouldn’t we be up talking to people?”

“Mindy, the people see these signs out here about the cost, the charity, and what we are trying to do. It is not in my job description to do anything other than sit here. Neither is yours.”

“O, okay, sorry.” She turned around and I knew I’d hurt her feelings.

I hated to be like that because Mindy wasn’t a bad person.

She just doesn’t understand how fragile my nerves is with no sleep after what happened this weekend.

Because I didn’t put my job in my business, they would never know what happened at my apartment two nights ago.

I will continue lifting my chin up and hoping this life gets easier as the days go on.

“First to the court, we have Team Q and Team All About That Doe.”

I looked towards the court to pay attention to the game about to start, but Pernelle got my attention, walking up in white denim shorts and a black bandanna print cropped shirt.

“My girl!” She sat down on my lap in my chair. I could smell that she had been drinking already and tequila at that. I admit I am kind of jealous because I could use a strong ass drink right now. With lots of fucking ice in it.

“Hey, bestfriend.”

She hugged around my neck.

“Hey, I need to be on your level.”

“And you can be.”

She pulled a bedazzled silver flask out of her purse.

“Nah, I’m good. I am on the clock for the next four hours.”

“Four hours? Ain’t working in this heat without a fireman suit against Osha rules or some shit? It’s hot as hell out here,” she complained like she wasn’t sitting out here in this same heat. At least I’m not doing it for free.

“It's easy money P. Plus, I have help.” I pointed to Mindy, who was currently getting cursed out by a girl walking into the tournament with four kids. I don’t know what she was saying, but her mannerisms read that she was telling Mindy to get her white ass up out of her face. I tried to tell her.

“I bet you $20 your coworker is going to get slapped by the end of your shift.” Pernelle took a swig from her flask.

“No bitch, I bet you $30 she will. I'm not losing my fuckin money.”

Her and I started to laugh before she smacked her lips seeing her little brother roll up on his silver bike.

“What’s up, Big X the Head? What’s up, Ciara?”

“Hey, Princeton.”

I reached out to shake his hand, pulling him in for a hug. Being friends with Pernelle for years, I’d watch Princeton grow up from a baby to almost a teenager. Princeton may be hard to handle now, but I remember when we used to change his diapers and watch him when their mama wanted to go out.

“Why do you ride that bike everywhere you go, little boy. Have you walked in years?”

“Shut up, big head. Have you had dick in years that wasn’t made in a factory?”

“Get away from me you little jack ass.”

Pernelle hit him upside his head playfully and he rode off on his bike laughing.

“What are you going to do with his ass?”

“The question is what is my mama going to do with him. She told me the other day that he stayed out until 2:00 in the morning. He’s been coming up with money out of nowhere, keeping new shoes on his feet, and tricking out that bike and shit.

I think he rides around selling drugs on that fucking bike.

I've been telling my mama that shit, but she still gives him freedom. Just dumb.”

“Yeah, I’m sure the money isn’t coming out of nowhere. He’s definitely doing something illegal for it.”

I tapped on Pernelle to stand up from my lap.

“But, let me get up and at least act like I’m working.”

Pernelle smacked her lips.

“Uhh, I hope your work time flies by so that we can kick it. How long do you have to be at this table again?”

“Until eight, then I’m all yours, friend.”

“Okay I guess, bye.”

Pernelle left the tent and got lost in the crowds of people forming around us.

I for sure can’t lose my job with Kairo being locked up, so I need to get up and take this shit seriously. Selling ugly shirt is better than being homeless.

“And in three minutes, we will have the last team heading into tomorrow’s finals. Who will it be, Team Q or Team Ice!”

A few hours had went by, and we’d only sold ten shirts and gotten about $150 worth of donations.

Mindy was sitting in the chair next to me with her arms folded, still flabbergasted that people weren’t out here to help.

She didn’t understand that people in the hood will look out for each other directly instead of through an organization.

They don’t trust government-funded business, just like they barely trust the government.

There was a basketball game going on right now that had everybody’s attention.

Two of New York’s best high school players were going head to head on different teams. I’m not really into sports, but it was exciting to watch.

Every time someone did something fancy, the entire block was electric.

New York and basketball go together real bad.

“Ciara, maybe we should start to packing up this stuff. By the time it’s in the van, it should be 8:00.”

“I’m with you when you're right. Let’s do it.” I stood up from the chair and stretched because I hadn’t moved in the last hour.

I scooped up one of the boxes from the ground and started to the van while Mindy started taking the signs down.

Since the sun was setting, it wasn’t as hot as earlier, but now with the area being so crowded, it was hard to navigate my way to the car with the large boxes.

Not only was this shit wearing me out, but these shorts I had on were riding up my ass.

Being sexy is just not as comfortable as being covered up.

“Princeton.”

I saw Pernelle’s little brother on his bike in this tight space, not pedaling but walking his feet on the concrete.

He stopped and turned his head towards my voice.

“What up, Ci?”

“Where is your sister?”