Chapter Two: A Sudden Change
One day after school; Omari and I were walking home with one of our homeboys by the name of Trey. He’s a very good friend of ours; and he goes with my little sister Natalia. She’s fifteen years old and they’ve been dating for about two months now. We met Trey in Middle School and we’ve all been cool ever since. We were discussing the party that Trey had planned next week for Valentine’s Day at his house.
Every year; he throws the biggest parties and it’s a must that we all attend. They’re always on and popping; and besides -- cute boys are always around. I swear; Trey has the most cutest friends. So; you know I had to be there. Usually; I would get a lecture from my Mom before I attend one of his unsupervised parties. But; I had a great feeling that this time -- she had no choice but to let me go. In Algebra; I scored a B+ on my test. Now that’s major for me; because I hate Algebra.
As we slowly approached my house; I noticed my Mother’s car parked up in our driveway. Here I am thinking to myself -- “Why is Mama home so early? She doesn‘t get off until seven.” I waved good-bye to the fellas and told them that I would meet up with them later at O’s crib. I quickly rushed into the house and into the living; where my Mother was sitting with her cell phone plastered to her ear. I didn’t want to interrupt; so I quietly found a seat and sat down and waited for her call to end.
I couldn’t hear what was being said on the other end of the line -- but; by my Mother’s responses -- I could tell that something was going down. I didn’t know if it was good or bad; but it was definitely something. As she wrapped up her conversation with a smile and a final “Mmm Hmm. Okay. Thank you sir. I’ll see you next week. Buh bye.” I sat there and wondered to myself -- “What in the world could all of this possibly mean?”
She hung the phone up and gave me a warm smile. “How was your day sweetheart?” she asked. I responded cheerfully. “It was great. I got my Algebra test back today and I scored a B+.” My Mother smiled at me. “That’s wonderful. See; studying does pay off after all” she said jokingly. I let out a little chuckle. My Mom knew that I hated Algebra and studying. That B+ was definitely a good look for me. Now I would be able to go to Trey’s Valentine’s Day party with no lecture prior to.
“I have good news” my Mom said with a huge smile on her face. My face lit up. “Really? What is it Ma?” I asked anxiously. “Well -- as you know; I’ve been working at the bank for over ten years now…” I nodded my head in agreement as she continued the good news. “And they finally decided to give me a promotion as head manager of the company…” My eyes widened as I jumped for joy. I grabbed my Mom and hugged her tightly without even letting her finish her sentence. Do you understand how long we’ve been waiting for this day to come? A long ass time; that’s how long.
We’ve had some rough times since my Mom lost her job ten years ago as a Stock Broker. She was forced to work at a bank and become a Teller. Ever since then; we’ve been struggling to make it back to where we used to be. I mean; we weren’t filthy rich or no shit like that; but we had way more money than we do now. This promotion means a lot to my family. Maybe we can finally move out of The Wood and into The Valley somewhere. [pause] Okay; maybe not The Valley but -- you know.
As my mind drifted off into another world; my thoughts were awakened by my Mother’s voice. “Yani; I’m not finished” she said as she chuckled at the way I reacted. What more could she have to say to me? I mean; everything was perfect. Promotion equals more money. That’s the only thing I needed to hear. You mean to tell me that there’s more to add onto the good news? Life was damn good! At least that’s what I thought.
My Mama continued with the news. “They want me to start next week so…” I’m sorry; but I had to cut her off once again. This was just too good. “Next week? Why next week Ma? Shoot; you should’ve told them you’ll start tomorrow!” I said in an eager tone. My Mother then interjected. “If you would let me finish; I will tell you Speedy Gonzalez” she said while chuckling. “The job is in Florida…”
My jaw dropped. What did she just say? F-Florida? I hope that’s a city in California that I don’t know about. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My eyes began to tear up as I questioned my Mother’s decision to move us out of Cali. She attempted to explain; but I couldn’t take it any more. So I got up and ran out of the house and headed straight to O’s place. We only stayed a few blocks away; so I got there in no time. My hands were shaking as I knocked aggressively on his bedroom window. Startled by my angered actions; Omari quickly got up and opened up the window. “Yani; what the hell’s wrong with you??“ Omari questioned with a confused look on his face. My eyes were filled with tears and not one word escaped from my lips.
He opened the window a little wider so that I can crawl through it. This was nothing new. Whenever I had a problem; O was right there for me -- ready to listen and comfort me. I didn’t know where to begin. I had so much running through my mind. Not only was I going to a state where I didn’t know anyone; but I was leaving my best friend in the world behind. What the hell are we gonna do in Florida? No family. No friends. No nothing.
Back when I was a child; I would’ve dreamed of moving to “Mickey Mouse’s House” as I used to call it. But; that was before I met Omari. That was before I felt like I had a purpose in Inglewood. The only comfort I would have in Florida is Disney World. And honestly; at this point and time -- I could care less about a gotdamn Mickey Mouse.
As I broke the news to Omari; we both sat on his bed and cried as he held me close and rocked me from side to side. I felt like I was in a horrible dream that I was trapped in -- with no way out. All of my family, friends, and my whole life was in California. I can’t see myself in any other state. To kind of get my mind off of things; Omari put on some music. Music was my outlet to happiness. Whenever I was depressed or down; music always lifted me up and put a smile on my face. That’s exactly how Omari felt about music as well. He adored it with a passion.
He put on one of my all-time favorite songs. It couldn’t have been a much better moment than now -- to play this song. It was “Always & Forever” by Luther Vandross. Damn; that was my shit. As I listened to the words and looked into Omari’s eyes -- I felt something that I’ve never felt before. I dunno what it was. I can’t quite figure it out. But; whatever it was -- it felt weird but good at the same time.
As I stared into his eyes; all of the memories that we shared together became so clear to me. [sighs] Man; I surely am gonna miss this place. But most importantly; I’m gonna miss Omari the most. We’ve been through so much. And now that things were supposed to be getting better; it got worst. I declared February 6th as the worst day of my life.
I tried not to think about the situation; because the more I thought it up -- the faster next week would come. I had no way of escaping this shit. Time was passing by and so much had to be done before I left Cali. My little sister; Natalia -- was actually happy to get out of The Wood. She said that it was too dangerous; and she would feel a lot safer in another environment. Talia is two years younger than me; and we’re really close.
I asked her what will happen between her and Trey when we moved. She’s not worried at all. They talked everything out and they will remain friends. She said that when she makes it big as a famous actress; she’ll move back to Cali -- and her and Trey will continue where they left off. Tsk; yeah right. She wishes it was that easy.
••CHAPTER THREE