Chapter 36

I called when I got there.

Dr. Richards lived in a large yellow and white house. Her house looked out of place amongst the smaller houses.

I parked in the drive way and got out of my car holding my purse in the crook of my arm just like the white girls. I walked to the front door which was opened and Dr. Richards had taken up residence like a worried parent.

I stepped into the large living room. All the lights in the house seem to be on and bright as hell.

“Wha—” Dr. Richards stopped in her tracks after closing the door and turning to look at me. “Shi?” I smiled at her. “You look…beautiful, what is all this?”

“You like?”

She gave me a big hug with an even bigger smile. “I was so worried about you and look at you girl.”

“I know, I had a makeover. It’s the new me, I’ve been reborn.”

I thought I saw tears in her eyes as she said, “you’re so grown now.”

“Ah come on mom,” I joked and we shared a laugh.

She led me to a sofa and I felt so good seeing her; I could not stop smiling.

“Who did yo’ hair? And you got nails…” She was so amazed. “Those tracks?” I smiled. “They look so real.”

“Sew in, Shake ‘N’ Go.”

“Damn Shi.” We just smiled at one another. “Simply Shi’s?” she asked.

I laughed, “You got me, I’ma pimp.” She laughed as I said, “Well actually a Madame.”

“Girl you too much.”

“I been through a lot in the past year but Dr. Richards…I’m here, and I’m happy, and I’m going to become somebody-”

“You already are somebody baby,” Dr. Richards said, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Before a tear could even think to come to my eyes I pushed on, “I’m going to go to school for cosmetology, it’s a thirteen week course, and I’ll probably own my own shop.’

I sat there for hours owing and awing Dr. Richards; not necessarily lying but not telling the truth.

Dr. Richards insisted that I don’t drive back when we got done talking at four. But I told her I needed to be back by two p.m.

She said she wanted me to meet the family. For some reason I didn’t feel worthy and that made me a little jumpy and really want to get back on the road. But I stayed.

She led me to a guest room where I got comfortable and knocked out.

When I woke up at twelve I’d missed breakfast but not lunch. I found my way to the bathroom and when I came out a little black boy who looked dead on Dr. Richards was waiting. He looked at me up and down and then his eyes grew wide. “Ma! She up!” he screamed scaring the hell out of me.

Over lunch I met Erik who looked the same as his pictures, I met E.J. the oldest boy, Sammy the middle child and the youngest George also known as Lil’ Tate for some strange reason. He was the one who I met outside of the bathroom.

The entire family was kind and warm. And E.J. was infatuated with me, and it was so cute. None of them wanted to leave my side, they were all so nice and loving and welcoming. They were just like Dr. Richards.

They had heard so much about me as I them. We felt like we already knew one another, like we was…family.

I forgot all about having to be back in the bay by two. I had to leave, well…I wanted to leave I guess. Or did I?

When I spoke to Vicky, King and later on Diamond my mind changed so many times.

First I told Vicky I’d be leaving in a minute. Then I told King I’ll be gone by four and Diamond was told I was just staying for dinner.

I just couldn’t say no. I didn’t say no.

I was with a family, and I felt a part of that family. It had been so long since I felt a part of something and had that feeling I was getting with the Richards’. So not only didn’t I: I couldn’t I say no. For the life of me I wouldn’t say no.