As tired as I am, sleep just won’t come. My room is dark, quiet, and yet sleep just won’t come. I jump out of bed, giving up on sleep, and turn on the television. Straight to BET—106 & Park is on. Rocsi and her fine self. She’s doing a little dance with the day’s guest: Wyclef.
Kenya’s cell phone rings for the millionth time. Someone’s really been blowing her up. She’s not even popular at the moment and her phone still rings off the hook. I’ve never even thought about having one myself. Who would call? Benny?
But maybe I should reconsider. I’m on the verge of having some long-term popularity. If Kenya doesn’t mess things up for me.
I can’t believe she hooked up with Fiasco without me. She wouldn’t even know him if I hadn’t made the introduction. I can’t believe he would meet with her behind my back, that he’d drive off without any consideration for me.
I walk over and pick up Kenya’s phone from my dresser, scroll through her “received” calls until I find the number I want. I dial it without hesitation.
She picks up right away.
I say, “Mya?”
“Baby boy?”
“Oh, I’m baby boy again?”
“I acted a fool, I’m sorry. I got caught up with some emotions. You wouldn’t understand.”
I say, “Yeah, you did.”
I hear the smile in her voice. “I heard you killed.”
I say, “Did you see it?”
“Not yet. Couldn’t even look at it. It’s on YouTube, right?”
“Yeah.”
She says, “I’ll check it out eventually.”
I ask, “You and Fiasco make up?”
“Haven’t talked to him. No.”
Should I tell her?
I don’t want to hurt her.
But I’d want to be told if the shoe were on the other foot.
I say, “Your boyfriend picked my sister up from school today.”
Mya doesn’t say anything.
I say, “You heard me?”
“I did.”
“You and Fiasco have a weird relationship.”
“My half brother.”
I say, “What?”
“Fiasco is my brother.”
I’m stunned.
I don’t know what to say.
Mya talks for me. “He’s stupid. How old is your sister?” I manage, “Seventeen.”
Mya tsks. “And he came to school and picked her up?” “Yup. Pulled up in a black Land Rover.” Mya says, “Range.”
I correct her. “Nah, it was a Land.”
Her tone changes. “You’re sure?” “Yeah. I saw it at the warehouse. It’s a Land.”
“Oh my God!”
I ask, “What’s wrong? You okay, Mya?” She says, “That’s not Fiasco. That’s Alonzo.” The Black Fonz.
My heart does pump fear.