Hi, Mother,” I said as I opened the door to my house. I kissed the judge’s cheek.
“Hi, Mrs. Winters,” India added.
“India, how are you?” My mother hugged her. “You ladies just finishing up with rehearsal?”
“Uh-huh. The four of us got together to practice our steps,” I said.
“Yeah, I’m a little slow, and they were tutoring me,” India said. “I guess I’m slower because I’m so tall.”
“You’re not slow.” I hated it when India put herself down like that. “You’re as good as the rest of us. We all needed to practice.”
“I’m sure you’re fine, India,” my mother said. “I’m sure all the divas are fine. We can’t wait to see you ladies perform.”
“Mother, can I hang out with India? We’re gonna go to the mall, and then I wanted to spend the night at her house.” For good measure, I added, “Vee and Aaliyah are going to spend the night there, too.”
The way India’s eyes got big made me want to scream. She was going to blow my cover if she wasn’t careful.
“So, the Divine Divas want to hang, huh?” My mother laughed.
I hated when the judge tried to sound hip. It never worked; she only sounded old to me.
“India, is this all right with your mother?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I thought India was laying it on too thick with that “ma’am” stuff, but I forgot all about that when my mother agreed to let me stay at India’s.
“Thanks, Mother. I’m going to pack a couple of things.”
I dashed up the stairs, and India followed. Inside my bedroom, I told India that she was the best friend a girl could have.
“I’m only doing this because you’re my best friend,” India said. “But I don’t want to get in trouble.”
“Remember I did this with Vee and we were fine. You won’t get in trouble, I promise.” I grabbed the overnight bag that I had packed last night. “It’s not like my mother’s going to call your mom or go over to your house. You won’t have to do anything else. The judge just has to see me leaving with you.”
“I didn’t know you were going to say that Aaliyah and Vee were going to be there, too.”
“Don’t worry about that.” I rushed into my bathroom to get my toothbrush. “I’ve got this all under control.”
As I stuffed my toothbrush and toiletries into my bag, I couldn’t believe how smart I was. I had planned this whole thing, and I was about to get away with it. Survivor didn’t have a thing on me—I could outwit, outplay, outlast the best of them. Even my parents! With the way this was going, Jax and I could do this every weekend.
The only thing that made me a little sad was that I couldn’t share this with Veronique or Aaliyah. But at least I had India. She was cool; she didn’t judge me the way the rest of my crew did. And now that Jax would be my boyfriend for real, Veronique and Aaliyah would have to admit that they were wrong. They’d have to lighten up, and they’d probably even start liking Jax now.
India asked, “Are you scared?”
“To spend the night with Jax? Nah.”
“Not just that … you know, the other part. Are you sure about this?”
I hoped India wasn’t going to start lecturing me like everyone else.
“I’m really sure, India. Jax has been so sweet. I know he’ll take care of me. And he’s never had sex before, either.”
“He hasn’t?” she asked like she couldn’t believe it.
“No, so that’s why I’m not too scared, because we’ll be doing this for the first time together.”
I didn’t want to tell India the truth—that inside, I was terrified. But, I was also excited and was trying to stay focused on that.
“Jax said he’s going to make tonight really special. He got us a room at the Hilton and we’re going to spend the whole night together.”
“That does sound pretty romantic.”
“He told me that he’s going to love making love to me.” When India didn’t say anything, I asked her what was wrong.
“I dunno. I like Jax and I’m really glad he’s your boyfriend, but … we just seem kind of young for this.”
“I’m a really mature fifteen-year-old. And anyway, I’m going to be sixteen in a couple of months. In today’s times, sixteen is like being twenty. So we don’t have to wait for sex anymore. Especially if you’re really in love.”
I could tell by the way India sucked on her lip that she had more to say. But the good thing about India was that she kept her opinions to herself—unlike Veronique and Aaliyah, who always took away my happy by telling me every single thought they had.
“Okay, I think I’m ready.” I lifted my overnight bag.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Definitely.” Before I stepped into the hallway, I looked back into my bedroom. The next time I came in here, I would be a different person. I would be a woman.
Downstairs, I kissed my mother good-bye.
“You girls have a good time tonight.”
“We will,” I said. Once we were around the corner, I told India, “Don’t forget. You can’t say a word to anyone. Not even Vee or Aaliyah.” Then I hugged her.
“I won’t. And you be careful. Hit me if you need anything. I’ll keep my cell on all night.”
I waved to India, then walked down the hill toward Starbucks, where Jax was waiting for me. I was still scared, but I was a lot more excited. And happy. Jax wanted to be with me. And that was all I needed to know. That thought alone made me feel safe, made this feel all right.