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Two hours passed before Dre arrived at Jean-Mary’s. Jean- Mary and Kareem sat out on the porch as he walked up the street. He was carrying a duffle bag and did not look like he was attending a basketball game. When Dre stepped on the porch, Kareem stood and shook his hands. It was a respectable thing to do for Kareem.
“So, how’s the King High schooler?” Jean-Mary asked and gave Dre a hug.
“He’s fine. Glad the year is ending. Next year, my mom plans to move to the ‘burbs and I’ll be going to Kareem’s school.”
“That’ll be a good look. You can see the celebrity ya little bro is.”
“Ah man, kill that. I’m in the hood running things,” Dre replied. You ain’t fancy, ‘cause you’re driving dad’s car. Speakin ‘of that, Mama, you’re letting this boy drive to a club?”
Oh shit, Kareem thought, and the phone rang. Dre had foiled his plan. Jean-Mary had a grin plastered on her face. Why hadn’t Kareem asked her before Dre had arrived there? Better yet, why did he solicit Dre’s help to get the car anyway? It was too late to back track. The caller ID indicated that the brothers dad was on the line. Saved by the jail, Kareem thought.
Kareem excused his self and retreated into the living room to talk to his dad in privacy. Considering the time of the call, he skipped the small talk and got right down to business. He asked if he could drive the Lexis, after all, it was his car.
“Dad, I am mature and older now. Mama let me drive to Cheltenham Mall today by myself. But I need some help for her to let me drive to a Sixers game. Remember you used to always take me and Dre to the games? He’s here ready to go too.”
“Son, I see what God has in store for you, and I like how you’ve been making your moves so far. You’ll be sixteen soon, and I think...”
Kareem cut him off, “Dad, I drive good and careful. I even used my seat belt. I don’t have to wait the three months.”
“Let me finish. You’re smart, no, very smart. I have no fear of you getting into any bullshit. All I ask is that you never compromise your freedom for anything and leave my mom out there, son. You’re all she has right now.”
“Don’t worry dad, I won’t, man. I got this under control at fifthteen, believe that!”
“Ok, put ya grandmom on.”
“Aiight, but don’t forget Dre is here. You know how sensitive he is, so be sure to talk to him.”
Kareem paraded happily to the porch and handed the phone to Jean-Mary. After a five minute conversation full of yeses and nos, she ended the call.
“He was asking me to put you on Dre, but time ran out,” she said to Dre, and then turned to Kareem. She gave him a stern look, and then said, “I do not know how you do it to me and my son, but he says to let you drive. He went on to say, whenever you need to and I allow it.”
“Even to the game tonight?” Kareem asked quickly.
“Yup,” she responded and thought that just yesterday, he was a little boy.
“So, I guess, I can drive, too?” Dre said and smiled.
“We will see about that,” Jean-Mary said.
“That’s better than, no.”
Kareem was in a daze. Things really looked up. Next year most of his classmates would have cars and it made sense for him to drive to school, as well. He knew that the evil spirits would grab hold of him sooner or later, but he planned to ride the good wave until it calmed.