Page 51 of Quiet as Kept
“I don’t know, Nisha. Does Nay’Tron need anything specific? Maybe I’ll send a gift to your mom’s house. What school is he going to?” I mentally crossed my fingers and prayed she wouldn’t say Banneker University. That would be too close for comfort.
“Walker University in Indianapolis. He’ll be close enough to visit but far enough away to feel like he’s doing something.”
We both chuckled.
“He’s registered at a few places, but what he really needs is money.”
“Simpson!” The cashier called out over the din of the crowd.
“That’s me,” Nisha told us. “I hope to see both of y’all at the trunk party.”
On Saturday afternoon, Yahirah and I drove Mama Reese’s truck to my grandmother’s house.
Kept and I decided that we would both take Saturday to face down our family dysfunction. So, while I was at the trunk party that I didn’t want to attend, he would be at Gannon’s house. He would have the conversation that he didn’t want to have with his parents.
“Ugh,” I said to Yahirah as she parked the truck halfway down the block. Apparently, Nay’Tron was one of the more popular members of the Simpson family. There was a gang of vehicles on the block, and that was unusual.
“I already have a nasty feeling in my stomach. You know these people are gonna be talking shit.”
“Girl, fuck these people. If they start acting up, you can give baby boy the envelope, and we can leave. We can head straight toSweet Potato Souland get some more of that fried chicken and macaroni.”
Since I was hungry, I agreed. “Okay. We’ll give them thirty minutes, then we’re out.”
We knew the party was in the backyard, so instead of going through the house, I just led Yahirah through the back gate. I could tell right away that Auntie Bobbi had spent some money to make the party nice. There was a deejay in one corner. The backyard was dotted with decorations in blue and white, which I knew were the school colors, since both Yahirah and I had also graduated from Hyde Park Academy. There were tables piled high with what was obviously catered food, and there was a bar with a sign that invited the attendees to try a delicious signature mocktail.
“The Diplomatini. Peach for the Stars. Graduation Gateway. Sip to Success,” I read. “That is so cute.”
“It is,” she agreed.
My Aunt Bobbie spotted us. “Xari! Xari, baby. You’re here.”
Dragging Yahirah along, I headed toward my aunt. We wrapped each other in a hug when we were close enough to connect. She rubbed her hands over my fresh braids and then took my face in her hands.
“You are gorgeous,” were the first words she spoke.
Tears sprang to my eyes. My family was toxic. I couldn’t remember any of themevergiving me a compliment.
“Thank you.” I dabbed at my leaking eyes.
“Wherever you’ve been, whatever you’ve been doing, it agrees with you. There’s a light in your eyes I haven’t seen since you were a little bitty girl.”
“Thank you. This is my best friend, Yahirah.”
Aunt Bobbie gave her a smirk. “We’ve never officially met, but I remember you. Nehemiah used to have your little cute self in the back of the car when he would pick up Nisha sometimes.”
“Hi. It’s nice to see you again,” Yahirah said with a smile.
“How come I just found out yesterday that my cousin used to mess with your brother?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted.
Aunt Bobbie took my hand. “Come sit down. Tell me everything. Where are you living?”
She pulled me toward some empty chairs.
“Auntie, I can’t take you away from your guests. You have all of these people here.”
“Baby, I’m not the host. These are Nay’Tron’s friends. He’s the host.” She plopped down in an empty chair.