Cold As Ice (20 page)

“Hey,” I say into the phone.

“Hey, Jayd. I want you to know I didn't forget your birthday,” he says. “Can you come by tonight and pick up your present?” What he's not saying is that he misses me, and I miss him, too. Maybe we can celebrate my good day together as friends, minus the drama.

“Yeah, and thanks in advance, Rah. I'll see you around nine.” We hang up, and I feel good about seeing one of my best friends tonight. But the reunion will have to come after some much deserved me time.

 

When I pull up to Rah's house, the lights are low, and there are candles lit all over the living room. I can see through the large window that someone's planning a romantic evening in. I guess his mom brings her men home these days. I can hear Sade playing in the background, but I see no one anywhere in sight.

I decide to wait in my car until Rah comes home, but before I can make my way back down the porch toward the driveway, Rah pulls up. Thank God, because the last thing I want to do is witness a love-making scene, especially not where his mom's one of the participants. I'd probably be scarred for life if that happened.

“Hey, girl. I was just about to call you,” he says, parking his car in its customary spot and turning off the engine. “Sorry we're late, but I had to pick up my daughter from day care.” Rahima waves at me from the backseat, making me smile. I just love that little girl, and I've missed her, too.

“Hey, you two,” I say, opening the passenger's door to move the seat up so I can get baby girl out of the back. She almost leaps into my arms as I pick her up and head toward the front door. “I think your mom has company,” I say, bending my head toward the romantic scene awaiting us, just in case he wants to go in through the back door.

“Nah, that can't be right. My mom's working a bachelor party in Palm Springs this weekend,” he says, stepping in front of us and opening the screen door. As Rah unlocks the front door to let us in, Sandy appears in the foyer wearing nothing but underwear and high heels—her customary work attire. I stay behind Rah and shield Rahima from the raunchy sight. This bitch is really tripping now.

“Sandy, what the hell is wrong with you? Go put on some clothes!” Rah yells as he walks to the couch, grabs a throw off the back of it, and tosses it at his slutty houseguest. Sandy looks past him and at me, foaming at the mouth like a pit bull infested with rabies. I guess I ruined her romantic evening. This girl is too much, and Rah needs to put her ass out sooner than later before she causes him any more trouble. If my dream about Sandy and Rahima in a near-fatal collision due to Sandy's negligence is any indication of what's to come in the future, Rah better get out while he still can.

“What is she doing here? Don't you ever go home?” Sandy asks, covering herself, but the miniature blanket is too small to cover all she's packing, and she knows it, too.

“Don't you?” I ask, returning the inquiry. She reaches for Rahima on my hip, who pulls away from her mother. At least Rahima's got good taste and sense, too. I smile at Sandy, who looks more pissed than hurt by her daughter's action. Following Rah's lead, I leave Sandy to clean up her mess and head to the back where the studio is housed. If it weren't for Rah's music, he'd have no escape from his ever-dramatic life.

“She's not your baby, and he's not your man!” Sandy yells after us. If it weren't for that damn ankle bracelet she's attached to, I'm sure Rah would have thrown her out for that little stunt. Now completely hot, Rah turns the music up loud and tries to block out Sandy's irrational behavior. I would say “I told you so” about letting Sandy serve out her house arrest here, but now's not the time. The girl's crazy, just like my mom said, and there's no saving the insane. Sandy has to want to change, and from the looks of her moves so far, it seems she doesn't care to for her or her daughter's sake.

“Daddy,” Rahima says, reaching her arms out toward her father, but he can't hear her through Marvin Gaye's sad voice blaring through the speakers. I know he wants to holler, just like the song says, but he can't. And as his friend, I want to scream for him.

“Give me the keys,” Sandy says, interrupting our healing session. “I'm taking my baby out of here.” Pushing me back, she snatches Rahima out of my arms and walks toward the back door that leads outside.

“You can't go anywhere, and even if you could, you know can't drive my car again, ever, or take my baby wherever you go.” Sandy stares at Rahima, who leaps into her daddy's arms as soon as she gets the chance. Rah's not the type to hit a woman, but I'd understand if he wanted to shake the shit out of Sandy. I would.

“You're an ass, you know that?” Sandy says, punching Rah in the arm hard. Even though she's slightly shorter than him, she's stacked and outweighs him by a good thirty or so pounds. I stand by the door leading into the kitchen and watch the tragic scene unfold. I would go rescue Rahima, but I'm not moving. And I know Rah won't let anything happen to his little girl. Too bad he has to protect her from her own mother. That's why I'm not the one to rush into sex, no matter how good they say it feels.

“Don't hit me again, Sandy. I'm not playing with you.” The tightness in Rah's already clenched jaw heightens as the tension in the room rises. Rahima lies against her father's chest, looking like she's ready for her bath and bedtime story. Rah glances at me, remembering there's a witness, and relaxes his stance, and I'm glad for it, although I do understand the temptation to knock her mean ass out, once and for all. I don't care how much Sandy weighs, Rah's a strong man and can take her with one blow, but I know he'd never bring himself to that place.

“What are you going to do about it, punk? You'd never hit a girl,” she taunts, slapping him hard on the cheek. The loud sound of the hit shocks both me and Rah, who loosens his grasp on Rahima at the impact. Sandy snatches Rahima away from Rah, who looks mad enough to hit the wall. Rahima starts to cry again as we all wait for the next move.

“Tomorrow morning you need to be out of my house, Sandy. Go call your parole officer and pack your shit.”

“I'd better go,” I say, voluntarily excusing myself from the situation. Mama already told me about fighting my friends' battles, and this is definitely not what I had in mind tonight. I guess I'll be celebrating by myself after all.

“But your gift,” Rah says, torn between arguing with Sandy and walking me out.

“I'll get it next time, really.” I open the front door and leave Rah's home for the evening, maybe for good. My friends seem addicted to drama, and I let that go when Mama gave me my last bout of sweet herbs to heal me. Because of her magic I can't stomach the bull anymore. I hope Rah's not a casualty of my newfound attitude, but if he is, that's a price I'm willing to pay to save myself.

I
t's a typical quiet Sunday afternoon at Mama's house. I'm glad she was in the mood to cook today because I can use a home-cooked meal. My mom's paying for some of my groceries, but nothing compares to what my grandmother can whip up. Mama covers the pot of greens and lowers the fire underneath to let them simmer. The house stinks something good, as my mom would say. Even if greens don't give off the best scent, their smell still makes my mouth water.

“Jayd, go ahead and start the cornbread for me, please.” I take the carton of eggs and milk out of the refrigerator before retrieving the rest of the ingredients from the cupboard. You can't eat greens without a sweet batch of Mama's buttermilk cornbread. It's just not natural. I came over after work so Mama could see for herself that I'm doing just fine, even after last night's encounter with Rah and Sandy. Like Mickey, that girl is hell-bent on disaster.

“Do you want me to season the chicken when I'm done?” I ask, taking out the poultry spices, too.

“You can.” Mama's been in a good mood lately. I guess the sweet-words spell is still in full effect. She and my mom have even started laughing more when they're on the phone. I'm happy it all worked out for the best, even if it was a difficult journey. They were also excited about me feeling like I did well on my exams. I think Mama was more excited about me being able to return to my normal work hours at the shop and possibly come back home, but I'm not ready for that. I like living at my mom's, and not just because Jeremy has practically moved in. I also like having the freedom to relax and the peace and quiet to do it right. Last night I stayed in the bathtub for over an hour. My skin was wrinkled, and the water heater ran out of hot water because I refilled the tub so many times, but no one was rushing me. This type of freedom is priceless, and, like my mother's sight, I'm not giving it up anytime soon. I feel stronger than ever before, and I have a good feeling that it's only going to get nicer from here. I may have to fight to maintain my independence, but it's nothing I can't handle.

A Reading Group Guide

 

Drama High, Volume 11:

 

COLD AS ICE

 

L. Divine

 

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

 

The following questions are intended to
enhance your group's reading of
DRAMA HIGH: COLD AS ICE
by L. Divine.

1. Do you think Jayd is working too hard in school and doing hair? Should she give up on being a straight-A student, working after school, or a little of both?
   
2. Mrs. Bennett seems to always have it out for Jayd. How would you recommend Jayd go about having a teacher reprimanded for her personal vendetta against a student?
   
3. Do you think Jayd should take care of Misty, once and for all, if possible? How so?
   
4. Do you know of homemade remedies for healing a cold? If so, what are they, and do they work?
   
5. Does Jeremy spoil Jayd too much? Do you think Jayd is taking advantage of being with a rich white boy? Explain.
   
6. Do you think Nigel's mom should be nicer to Mickey or continue to give her the cold shoulder? Why or why not?
   
7. Do you get nervous speaking in front of crowds? How do you handle it?
   
8. Do you think Jayd should be honest and tell Mama about her newfound powers? Do you think she should tell her mom? Why or why not?
   
9. Now that Jayd has found a new study group to chill with, should she give up on Nellie and Mickey for good?
   
10. Is it realistic for Jayd to remain a virgin in a relationship that is as close as her and Jeremy's? Why or why not?
    
11. Have you ever taken revenge on someone who did you wrong? If so, how? How did it make you feel afterward?
    
12. Do you think Jayd made the right decision by leaving Mama's house and moving into her mom's apartment? Explain.
    
13. Do you enjoy challenging classes? Why or why not?
    
14. Should Jayd finally tell Chance that he's adopted, especially now that his mother found out that Jayd knows the truth?
    

Steam baths work wonders for the body, skin, and soul. Soak in a hot tub (not too hot!) for at least twenty minutes, allowing the steam to work its magic. You'll feel clean and refreshed afterward.

Stay tuned for the next book in
the DRAMA HIGH series,
PUSHIN'

 

Until then, satisfy your DRAMA HIGH craving
with the following excerpt from the next
exciting installment

 

ENJOY!

E
ver since I left Rah's house Friday evening, he's been blowing my cell up, and I just don't have the energy to deal with his bull. Mama and I have been cooking all afternoon, providing me with the perfect distraction. After eating a slamming dinner of chicken, rice, greens, and cornbread, a sistah is stuffed. All I really want to do is pass out on my mom's couch and watch television for the rest of the night, but I doubt Mama's letting me go any time soon. Since moving out a few weeks ago, Mama's made it her personal mission to keep me here as long as she possibly can on my now regular Sunday visits. And as long as I can get a good meal out of it, I won't protest too much, even if the itis is setting in.

“Jayd, hand me that white fabric on the table, please,” Mama says from where she's seated on the floor across from the kitchen table. I stack the last of the clean dishes on the rack, dry my hands off on one of the yellow kitchen towels hanging from the cabinet above the sink, and hand her the stack of folded cloth.

“Thank you,” Mama says, taking the cotton fabric and placing it in one of several large bags sitting on the bamboo mat around her. Mama's in full initiation mode, and with the weather officially warming up, it's just the beginning of her busy season as the head priestess in charge. All the spiritual houses in Los Angeles County call on Mama's expertise, and I get to tag along as her assistant, even when I don't especially feel like it. I sit down in one of the chairs at the table and fan my face with my hand. It's a warm evening, and with the way we threw down, the spirit room is still hot from the stove being on all day.

“Well, I guess I'd better get ready for the bembé,” I say, looking up at the clock on the wall. We've been back here for hours, eating, talking, laughing. The sweet spell I put on Mama and my mom at Daddy's church on Easter a few weeks ago has worked its magic, and I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I missed the last spiritual party celebrating the end of an initiation because of Misty's trifling ass. I'm not initiated yet, and can't participate in all the ins and outs of the rituals, but, as Mama's apprentice, I help in every other way. I was secretly hoping I'd start my cycle so I wouldn't have to help tonight, but no such luck. Any other time I'd be bleeding all over the place, but it's late this month. I wanted to take the time to catch up on my spirit work, focusing on my latest acquisition. Possessing my mom's gift of sight is a trip, and I want to learn more about controlling it. Keeping my newfound powers a secret has been no easy task, but so far, so good.

“I think your ashe is still too vulnerable to attend any spiritual festivities tonight, but there will be another bembé soon,” Mama says, unknowingly granting my silent wish. She opens the spirit book sitting next to her and directs me to sit across from her on the mat. “Read that section and take a honey bath when you get…home,” she says, stuttering on her last word. Tears cloud Mama's jade eyes and fall to the page, permanently smudging the ancient black ink.

“Oh, Mama,” I say, reaching across the mat to hug my grandmother. I hate it when she cries. “I miss you, too.” And I do. I also miss Daddy, Jay, and my crazy uncle Bryan. It's the rest of the fools up in the house I'm glad to be rid of.

“Why do I lose all my girls?” Mama asks, holding me tightly. The faint scent of garlic and rosemary drifts upward from her apron, tickling my nose. Both of her daughters moved out the first chance they got, and so did I. I can't speak for Jay's mama or mine, but Mama has to realize how hard it is being the only young woman in a house full of men.

“It's not you. But living with all these dudes is a bit much,” I say, holding on to Mama for one more second before letting go. Mama looks into my eyes and I into hers, trying to use my mom's cooling gifts on her mind, but it's still no use. Mama's too powerful for my tricks.

“I'd better get dressed before Netta gets here,” Mama says, rising from the floor and making her way to the door. It's hard for Mama to understand why everyone can't be as strong as she is, just like I can't understand for the life of me why she chooses to stay with a husband who cheats on her and with trifling sons who don't respect her house.

“Maybe you and I can get a place of our own,” I say. Mama smiles and kisses me on the cheek.

“You are so sweet. And so young,” she says, taking three of the bags and directing me to claim the other three from the mat. I follow her out of the spirit room and into the main house. It's still too early in the evening for my uncles to come home, and Daddy's probably having dinner at the church. Bryan and Jay are watching television in the living room and look less than enthusiastic to see us walk through the kitchen door. We set the bags down on the dining room table, checking to make sure we've got everything.

“Have fun, Mama, and tell Netta I said hi,” I say, kissing her on the cheek. Jay and Bryan look up at me and wave before returning their attention to the
Bernie Mac
rerun on the screen.

“Will do, baby, and see you tomorrow afternoon at work,” Mama says, quickly hugging me before heading to her room to get dressed for the party. I'm sure she'll look brilliant in her all-white clothing, as always. “And don't forget your spirit work, Jayd!” Mama yells from her room. Little does she know, that's all I can think about. I'm looking forward to looking through the spirit book for more information on my mom's powers and clues as to how I can keep them. I have to be careful not to tip Mama or my mom off, or my new sight will be gone before I can master it, and I'm not ready for that yet. I want to be as dope as Mama is with her shit and as bad as my mom was when she had complete control of her mind-altering powers. And to get that flyy, I've got a lot of work to do, starting right now.