9
Habeas Corpus
“Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got somethin’ to say/but nothin’ comes out when they move their lips; just a bunch of gibberish.”
—EMINEM
As I walk up the hill from my last bus stop for the morning, it’s oddly quiet. Twenty minutes earlier than my normal arrival time, my usual spectators aren’t out yet. The fresh salt air is rejuvenating and helps cool the sweat generating on my forehead from my uphill hike to school. Finally, a peaceful morning’s walk in the South Bay. Good, because I need to focus on the day’s looming drama. I already sent a text message to Nellie, asking her to meet me in the quad when she and Mickey arrive. I hope I can catch a few minutes alone to talk to Jeremy before they get there.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Jeremy all night. I wonder what happened when he got home. Does his mother yell at him like Mama and my mom do when I’ve disappointed them? What kind of punishment does he get? I’m sure it’s not a skillet upside the head or a shoe thrown from across the room, like the boys at Mama’s house get when they’re severely out of line.
I thought a lot about what Bryan said too. I should know better than to trust dudes with my feelings. These Negroes around here don’t respect me or Mama as women or cherish us the way a woman should be. So, why should I expect any different from KJ or any other dude, for that matter? Well, I like to believe everyone’s not raised the same and also that dudes can learn, change, and grow the hell up.
I got up a half hour earlier this morning to say a prayer for Jeremy. I can’t believe Misty snitched on him. If he doesn’t get out of this, I’ll have to say a special prayer of a different kind for her. When I get to the quad, Nellie and Mickey are already there waiting on me. I guess they decided to get here early too.
“Jayd, did you talk to your man last night?” Nellie asks, reminding me that I need to call him again. I’ve been trying to get through to his cell all morning, but to no avail. I’m sure his folks have got him on lockdown with their attorneys before the big hearing.
“No, I didn’t get a chance to last night. And his phone’s been off all morning,” I say as I push send again on my cell, readjusting my position on the cold quad bench.
“Leave a message, or not.” Jeremy’s message is so boring. I’m going to have to spice it up when we’re officially a couple. No need to leave another message. I’ve already left five.
“He’s still not answering.” I feel totally helpless.
“Maybe you should skip first period and hang around the office to see what’s going on for yourself,” Mickey suggests.
“Jayd, the boy isn’t worth you having an unexcused absence on your record, and you know that. This is what I’m saying, Mickey. Sometimes you’re a bad influence on Jayd’s impressionable, young mind,” Nellie says to Mickey, patting me on the head like a puppy.
“What the hell has gotten into everybody lately?” I say, slapping Nellie’s hand away from my head. “You seem to think you know more than me about life all of a sudden, Miss Nellie. And, the last I recall, you haven’t had a man in a long, long time.”
“Well, well, well. I see someone had her Red Bull this morning,” Mickey says, trying to add some comic relief to the situation. But, neither I nor Nellie is laughing.
“Damn, Jayd. I’m just watching your back, like a good friend is supposed to do. And, like a good friend, I’m going to walk away now and let you cool off,” she says, picking up her bag from the ground and leaving the quad area, going into the main hall.
“Look, Jayd,” Mickey begins, grabbing her bag and standing up, ready to follow Nellie. “Bottom line is, if Jeremy’s your man and you want to support him, do it. That’s the most important thing. Because, when the shit gets rough, all y’all really got is each other.” Spoken like a true ride-or-die chick. That’s what I like about Mickey; she’s loyal to the ones she loves. “I’ll check you later, and good luck to your man,” she says as she walks toward the main hall. She’s right. I do have to find a way to support Jeremy.
As the bell rings for first period and people start running to their lockers and exchanging vital beginning-of-the-day information, I remember my Spanish book is in my locker. But, instead of going to go get it now, I think I’ll wait until first period starts. I bet I can get a hall pass from Mr. Donald, avoiding an unexcused absence while still supporting my man.
Since I changed my outfit at the last minute this morning, I forgot to bring a jacket, and it’s still chilly from the morning mist. But I know it’s going to be at least ninety degrees by lunch. Even though my pink shirt is off the shoulders, it has long sleeves, so at least my arms will be warm because this miniskirt sure isn’t providing me with any coverage. As I walk away from the quad and toward class, I notice Chance coming my way.
“Hey, girl, you look a little cold,” Chance says, taking off his jacket and covering my body with it. “Worried about your boy, huh?” he asks.
“Yeah. I must be in another world if I forgot to wear sweats under my skirt and a sweater this morning,” I say, putting my arms through his oversized jacket. It smells so good, like leather and Polo for men. “Thank you.”
“No problem. Besides, now that you’re my boy’s girl, I got to protect his assets when he’s not around,” he says, pulling me close to him and hugging me tight like a brother protecting his little sis.
“Is that what he told you?” I ask, looking up at him for the truth. We’re in front of my classroom, and I know the bell’s going to ring any second.
“How was the beach yesterday?” he counters with a sly smile.
“What do you know?” I ask, pulling away to look him dead in the eye, but I’m smiling a little too.
“Let’s just say you’ve left a lasting impression on the boy. See you later, Jayd, and don’t worry about Jeremy. He always lands on his feet,” Chance says as he runs down the hallway to his own class. I wonder what he meant by that. I’ll just have to ask Jeremy myself when I do finally see him. Now, about that hall pass ...
It’s eerie being the only person in the main hall right after the bell rings. I left Chance’s coat in the room because the entire point of me wearing this little outfit was to give Jeremy some inspiration, if you know what I mean. And, if I do catch him, I want him to see me in all my glory.
As I approach the office, I see the clock says eight on the dot. It took Mr. Donald too long to call roll this morning. Knowing the administrators at this school, they probably started Jeremy’s hearing right on time, which means I’ve more than likely missed my opportunity to catch him and wish him good luck before it begins, but I hope not. Sometimes during hearings the students are left outside while the administrators and parents talk. I hope this is one of those times.
Approaching the end of the main hall, I straighten out my skirt, take a quick glance at my reflection in the window above the double doors, and head toward the back entrance of the main office. “What are you doing, Misty?” I whisper as I open the door to the office to see her standing by the principal’s door, snooping as usual. Where’s Mrs. Cole? She rarely ever leaves her desk.
“SHHH! Do you want to get us both busted?” she whispers loudly, shooing me away from the office and back into the main hall. “What are you doing out of class?” she asks, closing the office door like she’s got some authority because she’s an aide.
“Look, Misty, I don’t have time for this right now. I want to see if I can catch Jeremy before the hearing begins,” I say, pushing past her to step back into the office, but she blocks me again.
“Uhmm, hate to burst your bubble, but the hearings have already started, Foxy Brown,” she says. “And, your little White boy’s in for it too. I don’t care what kind of curse you put on that boy. You’re not gone be able to get him out of this one,” she says, twirling her extra-curly hair with her index finger and snapping her gum, like a true ghetto girl. “You better get out of here before Mrs. Cole gets back from the attendance office.”
“Misty, as usual, you don’t know shit. And, what the hell are you doing out of class anyway?” I ask, realizing she’s as much in the wrong right now as I am. That’s why she’s trying to get rid of me; she’s on an information mission. Well, she’s not gonna know anything about Jeremy before I do. Just as I prepare to force my way past this girl, Jeremy comes out of the principal’s office with a short White woman who’s wearing a business suit and glasses. She must be his attorney.
“Jeremy,” I shout, making sure he hears me. Misty turns around to shoot me a look of hatred and jealousy.
“Jayd. Hey, girl. How’d you get out of class?” he asks, walking toward me with his arms opened wide.
“I have my ways. Besides, you know I had to come and wish you good luck,” I say, giving him a big hug and kiss on the cheek. I’d love a repeat of yesterday, but there will be plenty of time for celebrating later, I pray. “What are you doing out here?”
“The principal and Special Needs counselor wanted a moment alone with my parents. Sorry I couldn’t call you back. My mom took my phone until after the hearing. She wanted me to be in the zone,” he says, holding me by the waist and looking down at me, totally relaxed. I wish I had his confidence.
“Jeremy, I’m going back into the office but don’t go anywhere,” his attorney says.
“Hate to break up your little love fest,” Misty says from her perch on top of Mrs. Cole’s desk where she can inspect the entire office. “But, Mrs. Cole’s coming, and you really shouldn’t be here.”
“We wouldn’t be here at all if it weren’t for your big mouth,” I say, tired of Misty’s meddling. But from the look on her face, I can tell she doesn’t want me to call her out in front of Jeremy, which makes me want to even more. “Baby, do you know how Stan and Dan knew to find you after lunch?” I ask, looking up at Jeremy.
Jeremy looks from Misty to me, putting two and two together, and slowly answers, “No, actually I don’t. But, from past personal experience, it was probably another student. People are always jealous and ratting people out up here,” he says, taking the words right out of my mouth. All this time I thought Misty hated on me because of KJ. Now I realize she’s just one of those people who will always and forever be a hater, no matter who I’m dating.
“Whatever,” she says, ignoring Jeremy and returning to her original statement. “All I know is Mrs. Cole is coming, and you should be grateful I warned you,” Misty says.
“I have a hall pass, Misty, which means, as usual, your help is unwanted.” Feeling my heat, Misty goes back into the main hall. Why isn’t she in class?
“How do you do that?” I ask, looking up at Jeremy. He’s so cute.
“What?” he says, looking back toward his attorney, who’s now waiting for him at the door to the principal’s office, and then back down at me.
“Be chill at all times.”
“It’s a gift. Speaking of which, thank you for being here. It means a lot to me,” he says, kissing me on the nose, like the prelude to yesterday’s shower of kisses.
“Where else would I be?” I say, knowing my ass should be in class.
“Well, let me get back to my lawyer before she has a fit. She’s a real control freak,” he says, nodding his head toward her. “By the way, you look good, girl. Damn, you got body,” he says, eyeing me up and down with the sexiest smirk on his face. “What are you doing after school?” he asks in a tone suggesting he already knows the answer.
“Well, I was going to get my nails done, and then maybe go to the mall with my girls ...” I say, purposely giving him a hard time. He knows it’s Friday and I’m going to Inglewood. Unlike my girls, I don’t get my nails done. Like my mom, I do them myself. Speaking of which, she’s coming to get me after school today because she’s getting off work a little early, so I won’t have much time to kick it, but I’m sure we will make it work.
“Yeah, right. I’ll see you after school, all right? I’ll call you as soon as I get out of here and let you know the verdict,” he says. How can the same arrogance KJ exudes come across as sexy, cool confidence on this dude? I must be sprung. “And, what happened to the coat Chance gave you? He sent me a text warning me about your gear already,” he says, sounding a little possessive. I hate when guys do that crap. “You should put it back on. I’m sure it looks good on you.”
“Yes sir, Jeremy sir,” I say, saluting him like I’m in boot camp.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he says, looking hurt and a little embarrassed. He can be so sensitive sometimes.
“Jeremy, let’s go. We don’t have all day,” his attorney says. “Your parents have other things to do, and so do I.”
Misty has snaked her way back to the chairs outside the principal’s office, like she’s been sitting there all along—she’s good at what she does—watching us. Mrs. Cole returns to her desk, scoping the scene. I better wrap this up quick before I find myself on lockdown with Misty again.
“I’ll see you after school,” I say, stretching my lips up toward him as he meets my kiss halfway. “And good luck,” I say, walking back into the main hall and toward my locker to get my Spanish book before returning to class. No doubt this little rendezvous will be all over school by break, if Misty has anything to say about it.
As I walk back to class I notice Mrs. Bennett walking toward the office. She notices me too and gives me a sly smile. I can’t wait until this hearing is over so I can concentrate on fixing her ass next.
English class may as well have been German today, for all I know. It’s impossible to concentrate on Emily Dickinson when my man’s future hangs in the balance. I hope he didn’t crack under the pressure. These administrators up here could easily double for ATF interrogators. As I walk toward the quad to meet up with my girls they rush toward me, almost running.
“Girl, have you heard the news?” Nellie says, almost out of breath. Mickey, two steps behind Nellie and also out of breath, spills the beans.
“Misty just told everybody in South Central Jeremy’s been cleared.” I can’t believe it. My baby’s free. Now, that’s some serious work those cupcakes did. I can’t wait to tell Mama my first prescription worked. But first, I have to write it down or she won’t hear me at all, which means I won’t be telling her for a while. I have too much going on to think about bringing my journal up to date.
Let’s take a long walk ... And there’s my man now, calling to share the good news.
“Girl, let’s sit down. I’m tired,” Mickey says to Nellie as they claim an empty bench and leave me to talk to Jeremy in peace.
“Hey, baby. I heard. Congratulations,” I say loud into my cell like he just won the lotto.
“Thanks, baby. It was tough. They grilled me like I damn near committed a murder or something, but my lawyer was intense,” he says, sounding relieved, but not surprised.
“I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to hug you after school,” I say, feeling tingly just thinking about his touch.
“Ah, baby. My family’s taking the law firm out to dinner tonight, and I have to go and tie up some last minute legal shit with my dad. So, I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it back by the time school’s out,” he says, sounding regretful. I admit, I’m disappointed, but it’s cool. I want to be ready when my mom gets here. It’s rare for her to pick me up after school, and I don’t want to keep her waiting.
“It’s okay, Jeremy. I understand,” I say, trying not to sound too upset.
“But,” he says sweetly, sensing my hurt, “what are you doing tomorrow night? My parents are having a family dinner to celebrate, and I would love it if you could be there.” Oh, snap. It’s time to meet the parents already? I don’t know if I’m ready for all that yet.
“I’m sure your family just wants to celebrate with the actual family, Jeremy. It’s kind of a personal victory, you know,” I say, trying to get out of it. I don’t really want to meet his parents, not yet, anyway. It’s just too soon. I get attached to families and hate when it doesn’t work out. Like KJ’s parents. I love them and wish we could keep in touch, but I’ll probably never talk to them again.
“Look, if you don’t want to meet my folks, just say so,” he says, sounding as hurt as I did a moment ago.
“No, baby, it’s not that. It’s just that we’re not officially a couple yet, and I don’t want to give your family the wrong impression.”
“What impression is that?” Jeremy says, sounding defensive. My girls are looking at me, waiting for me to get off the phone so we can talk about the news.
“The impression that we are something that we’re not yet,” I say, restating the obvious. Why can’t he understand my apprehension? I’m sure he’s not ready to meet Mama yet, no matter what he says.
“Look, Jayd. It’s just dinner. Please come. Besides, I have you to thank for my victory too. The cupcakes and the kiss gave me all the good luck I needed to win.” If he only knew how true that statement really is.
“Well, it’s just dinner. And, I am a little curious to see if your mom can cook as well as my mama,” I say, surrendering. Mama’s always telling me to be sweeter, so here goes one of those times when I try with compromise.
“Thank you, Miss Difficult,” he says, laughing. “I thought I was going to have to kidnap you from your mom’s house,” he says, remembering it’s Friday and therefore my night to go to Inglewood. “Speaking of which, do you have a ride? I can ask Chance to give you one,” he offers, forgetting Chance is my friend too.
“I can ask Chance myself, but no thank you. My mom’s coming to get me after she gets off work.”
“All right, Ms. J. Call me tonight after you’re done with your hair,” he says.
“Sure thing, baby. And I’m looking forward to tomorrow, no matter how hard of a time I just gave you.”
“So am I. And don’t worry. It’ll be fun. My family will love you,” he says, and I’m reassured. Truth be told, I’m really looking forward to seeing where this dude lives. I know it’s a fly-ass crib if it’s in the Palos Verdes Estates. It’s basically Bel Air by the beach. What am I going to wear?
“I’ll talk to you later and see you tomorrow, Mr. Weiner,” I say, now a little nervous about my gear. I’m sure I’ll find something to wear by tomorrow evening.
Before I can fully squeeze in next to Nellie on the bench, she’s already on my case. “Hey, was that your lucky man?” she says sarcastically. She’s been throwing salt since yesterday, and it’s getting on my nerves.
“What’s your problem, Nellie? You were all for me and Jeremy getting together before. What’s all this hatin’ I’m feeling?” I say, dusting the dirt off my shoulders like I’m Jay Z.
“That was before I knew the fool was Scarface,” Nellie retorts, as melodramatically as ever.
“Nellie, you need to calm your ass down,” Mickey says. “Her man ain’t done nothing that my man don’t do on a daily basis. Do you all of a sudden have a problem with my man too?” she asks.
“You both need to readjust the company you keep, with men, that is,” she says, turning her head away from us, like she’s our moral superior.
“Screw that, Nellie,” I say, feeling myself get hot. I didn’t mean to start no shit, but enough’s enough. “You can’t stand up here and judge us because of what our men do. And, it’s not your place to tell us about the company we keep, either.”
“Hell, yeah, Nellie. You’re tripping, girl, and it ain’t even cool. You sound like you need to be in the office, sulking with the principal,” Mickey says, getting up from her seat on the quad bench to go to the vending machines. I need a snack too.
“Mickey, I’ll come with you. I need something to shake off this negativity,” I say, rolling my eyes at Nellie. “You want something?” I ask Nellie because I just can’t help it. Even when she pisses me off, she’s still my girl. I know she means well, but sometimes you’d think she doesn’t live in the same city we all do. Compton ain’t that big, but man, is she sheltered.
“Nah, I’m cool. And I’m not trying to discourage your relationships. I’m just saying, be careful,” Nellie says, sounding a bit remorseful, but still judgmental.
“Nellie, everybody’s got skeletons,” I say, trying to cool the vibe. I don’t want to fight with my girl, especially not now. I want to celebrate Jeremy’s victory, not feel bad about it. But speaking of skeletons, KJ and his crew walk up right on cue.
“Well, well, well, the White boy wins again,” KJ says, drawing laughter from his crew and mine too. Misty, Tony, and Shae have come along to taunt me as well. I turn and give KJ the evil eye.
“I didn’t know it was a competition,” I say, stepping toward the vending machines.
“It’s always a competition, baby. Or didn’t you know?” KJ says, stroking the tip of my chin just like a pimp.
“Whatever, KJ. I’ve got to get something to eat before the bell rings,” I say, realizing I’ve wasted the entire break dealing with bull.
“You know, Jayd, you don’t have to do this. You’ve made your point. You can get another man. But, a drug dealer? Really, Jayd? You’d rather be with him than me?” KJ asks, rubbing his chest like he’s the man, with his crew smiling and nodding their heads, cheering on his supersized ego.
“KJ, I’d rather him over you any day. And, in case you missed Misty’s announcement,” I say, glaring at Misty, who’s also rolling her eyes at me, “he was found not guilty. So, stop hatin’,” I say, pushing him aside as I head for the vending machines, then on to third period. “I’ll see y’all later,” I call to Nellie and Mickey as they make themselves comfortable to flirt with KJ, Del, and C Money before the bell rings. I guess Mickey forgot about her munchies. As I walk away, KJ continues his tirade.
“Whenever you’re ready to come back to Black, baby, I’m right here for you,” KJ shouts. What is it with him? Has he completely lost his humility? “And, you’re working that skirt, girl. But the jacket’s covering up the most important assets,” KJ adds as I finally leave the quad area. I look back to make an ugly face at KJ, and Misty again rolls her eyes at me, obviously irritated by KJ’s last comment and my man’s freedom. Oh, well. Like Mama says, it never pays to be evil, especially not to a Williams woman.
I hope I run into Chance before the bell for third period rings. It’s starting to heat up, so this jacket is becoming a bit annoying. And, I just need a hug from someone who’s happy about Jeremy too. I can’t wait until tomorrow night, now that I’m all excited. I was going to ask Nellie if I could borrow something of hers to wear, but never mind now. She’ll probably sabotage the outfit on purpose. And Mickey would be no help, since she wears a size one. So, me as myself with my own clothes will have to do for the Weiner family dinner.
When my mom and I arrive at her apartment, it’s still early evening, which leaves me plenty of time to do both my hair and nails tonight. I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow. I hardly ever wear any polish other than clear on my fingernails because my hands are in water or food all day at work and during the week at Mama’s house. So, there’s no point in painting my nails when they’ll be chipped by the end of the first day. But I try to keep my toes polished at all times. Noticing my preoccupation with my hands and feet, my mom walks over from where she’s seated in the dining room to where I’m sitting on the couch.
“Jayd, you want me to do your nails tonight after I finish with mine? Boys like pretty hands and feet,” she says, taking my hands into hers and examining my long fingers and nails, which are identical to hers and Mama’s. She’s never offered to do my nails before.
“Honey,” she says, making herself comfortable on the couch next to me. “Something tells me Jeremy’s special to you. Am I right?” Feeling like I’ve just been read, I nod my head in agreement. “Well, if that’s the case, I want to help you be at your best. From what you told me about your last date he seems like a keeper, especially if he treats you like a queen. So, I’ll help you pamper yourself tonight, and I’ll pick you up and help you get ready tomorrow after work.” She’s never offered to do that either.