Chapter 38

Thanksgiving, August

I was at the door, constantly openin' it and lettin' family in when the doorbell rang. I wanted ta chill wit Esined, but she was cookin' with my mama and her mama in the kitchen. They've been cookin' all day and I've barely got ta have an actual conversation wit her. My mama said I couldn't stay in the kitchen while they cooked because I was "distractin'" Esined.

Cousin after cousin showed up. Why did I have so many damn cousins? I loved 'em, but it was too many of 'em.

I was irritated until my favorite cousin showed up, Sneak.

"What's poppin'?" we shook hands.

"Nun much, mane. Ready ta go smoke dis shit," he laughed and so did I. "Where Mel?"

"Wit his girlfriend," I sucked my teeth.

"Oh yeah. Where's ya lil mystery girl dat you been tellin' me about?"

"She in there cookin'. I can't go in there,"

"Why not?"

"Mama said I was distractin' her,"

He started laughin'. "You prolly was,"

"I wasn't," I half lied.

"Lyin' ass. You smokin' dis wit me?"

"I can't, man. Her mama hea,"

"What dat got ta do wit anything?"

"Her and her mama don't know about dat," I said quietly.

"You ain't tell her dat you smoke?"

"No,"

"Now I know she don't know dat you be in dese streets,"

"And I'm keepin' it dat way,"

"Why? You'on think she would want you if she knew?"

"I know she wouldn't want me,"

He laughed. "I'm just bein' honest cuz, I think dis all gon' turn bad. You gotta tell her befo' shit get too serious between y'all,"

"I hea' you, man," I sighed. "I don't know how ta tell 'er,"

"She ain't question whea you work at?"

"She did,"

"Whatchu say?"

"I said I was a mechanic," I mumbled.

He busted out laughin', causin' people ta look at us.

"Man stop,"

"You stupid," he laughed. "A mechanic. Boy, you an illegal street pharmacist,"

"Keep yo voice down," I laughed.

"I can't even deal wit yo ass right now. I'm bouta go smoke dis. I'll see yo weed deprived ass lata,"

I shook my head as we did our handshake. "Insensitive ass,"

We both laughed and he went ta get Mel and two of our other cousins befo' leavin'. As much as I wanted ta go hit dat, I could do it. I ain't wanna act a fool in front of Esined and her mama.

I looked up and Esined had finally came out of the kitchen. She seemed overwhelmed wit how many people were hea. I stood up and walked ova ta her.

"Hey," I said.

She didn't say anything, she just kept on lookin' at everybody.

"Esined," I said.

She looked at me. "Huh?"

"You okay?"

She cleared her throat. "You have a lot of family,"

"I know. You wanna meet anybody?"

She shook her head no. "Not yet. Ms. Sheila said she was gonna introduce us at the table... I'm gonna go to my room,"

"Can I come wit you?"

She nodded and grabbed my hand.

We went up ta her room and chilled in there.

"What's wrong?" I asked, noticin' dat she wasn't smilin' much and looked sad. "You wanna talk about it?"

"I'm just overwhelmed and my anxiety is kicking in," she mumbled.

"Is there anything I can do ta help?"

"I want you to stay up here with me, but I don't want to keep you away from your family,"

"It's okay. I'll stay up hea,"

"The family of yours that I talked to are really nice. They said I was pretty," she messed with her hands.

"I meant ta tell you dat you look beautiful," I smiled.

"Thank you,"

I nodded.

I wasn't used ta Esined bein' so standoffish. It kinda bothered me, but I understood how she felt completely. I guess I just expected her ta be all unda me because we ain't spoke all day. Instead it was completely opposite.

She ain't look at me or nothin'. She kept her head down and talked in a low, quiet tone. It reminded me of when we first met and she didn't want to talk ta me in class.

"Is it somethin' deepa than anxiety?"

She nodded slowly.

"What is it?"

"I kinda don't want to talk about it,"

"You sure?"

"I'll tell you some other time. I just want you to be happy and with your family. I mean, it's Thanksgiving," she said, still messin' wit her fingers. "You should go downstairs and be with them,"

"Baybeh, it's somethin' dat you're not tellin' me and I don't like dat. Tell me what's goin' on,"

She shook her head.

"Esined. Can you look at me?"

She looked at me.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm scared,"

"Why?"

"I don't know anyone and I feel paranoid. I don't have family and I haven't celebrated in years... I guess I feel kinda jealous too. You've got this huge, beautiful family and I don't have anyone, but my mama. I'm just emotional. I'm sorry,"

"You got me, Brooklyn, Mel, and my mama too," I took her hands into mine. "You can see us as family too, baybeh. No need ta be jealous, most of my family is warm and welcomin'. If you talk ta them, it'll feel like you known them fa years. Dats up ta you though. I ain't gon' force you ta interact wit 'em,"

"I want to, I really do, but I can't. I'm just socially awkward. I feel like I'll say the wrong thing and they won't like me,"

"They gon' love you. You've got amazin' manners and you're well spoken,"

She sighed, shakin' her leg.

"You gon' come down?"

She nodded and I smiled.

"C'mon," I stood up and so did she. I held her hand.

"August, wait,"

"What?"

She let my hand go and opened her arms.

I hugged her and kissed her forehead.

She hugged me tightly. "Thanks for the encouragement,"

"You know I gotchu,"

"May I have a kiss?" she looked up at me.

I leaned down, kissin' her lips.

"Anotha one,"

I busted out laughin' and so did she. I kissed her lips again. "You silly,"

"I found out who he was. He's funny. Ha, anotha one,"

I started laughin' again. "You sound so cute sayin' it, lil Whitley,"

"I'm getting tired of y'all calling me that," she tried ta get out of my grasp. "Let me go,"

"Nope," I laughed.

"I can't stand you,"

"You like me, hush up,"

"We aren't friends anymore,"

"Don't boost now," I chuckled. "Gimme a kiss,"

"No,"

"Why not?"

"You called me Whitley,"

"I'm sorry,"

"No, you aren't,"

"Yes I am,"

"Uh uh, because you're gonna call me that again. When you say sorry to someone or that you apologize, it means that you won't do it again,"

"Okay. I'll rephrase dat. My bad 'cause I know I'ma say it again,"

"August," she whined.

"You know I don't play dat whiny shit,"

She stopped and poked out her bottom lip.

"Stop it,"

She kept on poutin'.

"I look like I'm playin' ta you?"

She looked at me in shock when I said that. "August, you're supposed to be nice and sensitive to me. I'm your girlfriend,"

"I am nice and sensitive ta you,"

"You're mean,"

"How?"

She stayed quiet.

"Exactly,"

"Oh wait. I can list many ways with how mean you are,"

"But it's not ta you. I know I'm not the nicest, but I'm nice ta you,"

"You always tell me to fix my face like you're my mama. You ain't my mama,"

"Lil girl, who is you talkin' to?"

"You," she mumbled.

"No you aren't,"

"Yes I am,"

"You talkin' fightin' words wit me now?"

"How are those fighting words?" she laughed.

"It's disrespectful,"

"I'm sorry,"

"Don't let it happen again,"

We started laughin' and there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Esined said.

Ms. Eiram came in and then she smiled. "Sheila and the rest of the family thinks it would be nice if you two came downstairs now. We're ready to take our seats and pray,"

"Mama, did you walk up here?" Esined asked.

"Child, no. Took that elevator,"

We started laughin'.

"Well I just wanted y'all to know that we're waiting on y'all,"

"We'll be down in a minute. Thank you," I said.

She smiled and left the room.

"How do I look?" Esined asked. "Too revealing or no? You think they'll like it? August, I'm getting nervous again. This is not o-"

I kissed her so she would be quiet. I pulled away and looked at her. I had her face cupped in my hands.

She stared at me in a trance. Her eyes low and dreamy, starin' at my lips.

"You look beautiful, okay?" I assured her.

She nodded slowly.

"I know you wanna make a good impression, but don't think about it so much. Just be yourself, baybeh. They'll like you just as much as I do,"

"Okay,"

"Don't let them scare you off eitha. Some of them are a lil, ya know?"

"What do you mean by a lil, ya know?"

"They'll question you a lot. Just ta see if you really like me or not,"

"I do like you,"

"I know you like me, but they don't. A lot of my family thinks dat girls use me and don't like me. And it has been true on some occasions,"

"For what?"

"My money,"

"I would never use you. I'll tell you this now and I don't mean to offend you, but I don't need or want your money. All I need and want is your trust, honesty, and you,"

I smiled. "See, dis is why I like you. Keepin' it real wit ya boy,"

"And I want your kisses too because you're a great kisser, but we don't have to go there," she smiled befo' laughin'.

I chuckled. "I done got you hooked,"

"Can I get one more before we go down?"

I lowered my head and kissed her lips. She kissed back, givin' me extra kisses as we pulled away.

"C'mon befo' they get mad," I chuckled.

She held my hand and we went downstairs. She took a seat next ta her mama and I took the seat across from her. She was sittin' next ta my favorite auntie, Pooka, and dat was a good thing.

She was the nicest one and besides dat, she was rich. I guess you could say Auntie Pooka was the auntie who barely showed up at family events, but when she did she stunted on everyone. She definitely was stuntin' right now. She had on a mink coat wit the matchin' boots, hat, and gloves. She had on some designer shades and gold accessories. The diamonds were literally dancing in her earrings, necklace, and watch.

She didn't even have ta stunt like that.

Everyone was starin' at Esined like she was a foreigner.

"Everybody hold hands and now your heads. Grandpa is sayin' grace," Mama said.

We all held hands and bowed our heads. Grandpa Will was sayin' grace and I was upset about it. He talked really slow and his prayers were always extra long. We were three minutes deep into the prayer and I just got tired of it. I opened one eye and looked up, tryin' ta see who else was ova this overdue prayer.

Sneak was starin' at Granpa Will wit this if this man don't hurry up face and I almost busted out laughin'. Sneak looked at me and shook his head.

"Dis nigga need ta hurr'up," he mouthed.

I busted out laughin' and I tried ta fake like it was a sneeze.

Grandpa Will stopped the prayer and everybody looked at me.

"Sorry. I sneezed,"

"Bless you," they all said.

"I done forgot where I was," Grandpa Will said.

"We 'bout ta be prayin' longa than we eat," Auntie Pooka mumbled.

I chuckled and Esined tucked in her lips, tryin' not ta laugh.

"Grandpa Will, you were concludin' ya prayer," Mel said.

Mel lied, but nobody at the table corrected him because we were ready ta eat.

"Oh oh. I sure was. Thank you, Melly," he said. He cleared his throat and began ta finish up the prayer. "Father God, we would like to thank you for bringing our family together on this holiday. Including the new faces who we aren't so familiar with," he added. "We thank you for this delicious food prepared by the beautiful women in which we are about to receive," he paused.

"Doin' da most," Sneak mumbled.

"In your son, Jesus Christ, name amen," my grandma quickly finished his prayer fa him and we all started laughin'. "Takin' ten years ta say a prayer. These babies gotta eat, Will,"

"You can't rush a prayer to God," he said.

"You can't take up other people's time on his line eitha. Learn how ta hang it up. He knows your heart,"

"Well excuse me for loving my conversations with God,"

Everyone at the table was crackin' up. There was neva a dull moment wit these two. They always were crackin' jokes on each otha or arguin'.

"We all love our conversations wit God, but you just do too much," she said.

"Oh, hush it, woman. God loves when I talk to him,"

I laughed, shakin' my head as I stood up along with everyone else to make my plate.

Esined came ova ta me and looked at her mama. "This?" she asked.

Her mama nodded and she scooped some greens onto her plate.

"Dats sweet of you," I smiled.

"What?" she looked up at me.

"Makin' ya mamas plate,"

"Oh," she laughed. "I know her feet hurt, so I offered," she shrugged.

"Dats material,"

"Huh?"

"Dat girlfriend material," I chuckled.

"Oh, thank you," she laughed befo' goin' off ta finish makin' her mama plate.

She took it ova ta her mama and placed it in front of her.

"Thank you, Essy,"

"You're welcome, mama," she smiled and started ta make her own plate.

"Dats her, huh?" Sneak asked.

"Yeah,"

He grinned. "Okay, okay. I see you,"

I laughed as patted my shoulders. "You silly, cous'," I said.

I noticed dat Auntie Pooka was talkin' ta Esined. They seemed to be gettin' along well.

"What's your name again?" Auntie Pooka asked Esined.

"Esined,"

"Oh," she smiled, revealing her bottom grills. "You're that little pretty girl on my nephew page, huh?"

"Thank you. That's me," Esined giggled.

"Well, I'm Auntie Pooka. Yung's favorite auntie. He ain't never tell you about me?"

"He has," she said.

I took a seat next ta my auntie and she looked at me.

"Your girlfriend is cute," she told me.

"I know," I chuckled.

"How old are you?" she asked Esined.

"Sixteen,"

"You model? I saw pictures of you on August's page,"

"That was my first photo shoot. I have plans to model in the future,"

"That's good," she sipped her wine. "I think you'd look good as a model for my salon, I mean, that's if you're up for it,"

Esined smiled. "I'd love to model for your salon,"

"Good. I'm not staying here long, but I'll need your number so we can set up some things,"

Esined looked at me.

"She doesn't have a phone. You gotta contact through me until she gets hers," I said.

"Baby girl gotta get a phone so she can get serious with her modeling," she said. "I guess I'll go through yo big head boyfriend until you get a phone,"

"Okay," Esined smiled before turnin' ta talk to her mama.

"Don't talk about my head size," I mumbled.

"Hush," Auntie Pooka laughed.

"I like ya grill, Auntie," I said.

She smiled. "Thank you,"

"When you get it?"

"A few days ago,"

"Dats what's poppin'. Can we talk outside fa a second?"

"Yeah,"

She stood up and we went outside. "Wassup?"

"I'm tryna get on yo level," I admitted.

"You can get there, Neph. How you and Mel doing out there in them streets?"

I looked down. "We still makin' moves, not like you tho,"

"Don't talk down on yourself. If you want it, get it. I know you can get it because you're a natural born hustler, just like me. You know how I started off," she said. "If I can do it, you can too,"

What I loved most about my Auntie Pooka was that she still hustled like she was broke and stayed humble.

"I hea' you," I said.

"You know I can make a phone call and get your shit poppin' for you, Neph. Just give me the word,"

"You know I ain't lookin' fa a handout, Auntie,"

"Pooka don't give out handouts, baby. She helps. I'm not giving you anything for free. You're still gonna grind for it. I'm just tryna bring you in some more loyal customers who like to buy a lot,"

"Aiight. You can make dat call,"

"Good," she smiled. "I almost forgot. I got you something,"

"Is it nice?"

"When do I ever get you something that isn't nice?"

"Never," I chuckled.

"Come on," she stood up.

We went through the house and she started saying her goodbyes to everyone.

"Esined, can you come outside for a second?" Auntie Pooka asked her.

"I'll be back, Mama," Esined stood up.

Esined followed us outside. We went out to Auntie Pooka's car, which was definitely an upgrade from her last car. It was a Maserati.

My jaw dropped. "Auntie, damn. You gotta stunt on the whole family like this? My goodness,"

"I just like to reward myself sometimes. I worked hard for it and I may have received help in buying it," she laughed.

"Dis is disrespectful," I chuckled. "When you gon' let me whip it?"

"Boy, over my dead body. Sorry, boo, but this one is only moving with my hands on the wheel,"

"It was worth a try,"

She laughed, unlockin' the doors. She opened the door and grabbed a bag. She handed it ta me.

"This better not be somethin' crazy expensive," I said.

"It's not," she laughed.

I gave her a look before openin' the bag. I moved the wrapping and I noticed immediately dat it was a watch. It wasn't just any watch though. She done bought me a Rolex.

"Auntie, I can't accept dis," I said, closin' the box.

"August," she frowned.

"Nope. Not this time,"

"Come on. Please?"

"Why you buy me dis?"

"I heard you got good grades. PJ told me,"

"You need to teach her ta keep her mouth shut,"

"Don't talk about my baby," she laughed.

"Wait. You're PJ's mom?" Esined asked her.

She nodded proudly. "Yeah, that's my baby,"

"Your daughter is very smart. I enjoy working with her in class,"

Auntie Pooka smiled. "Thank you,"

"You're welcome,"

"Where is PJ big mouthed self anyway?" I asked.

"She's with her daddy,"

"I see that rock on ya hand,"

She blushed. "He upgraded it,"

"That's beautiful," Esined said, looking at it.

"Thank you,"

"So he's actin' right?" I asked.

"August," Auntie Pooka sighed.

"Princess," I mumbled.

"Don't try me little boy," she glared.

"Yeah yeah. He actin' right?"

"Yes,"

"Good. Don't wanna have ta make anotha house trip,"

"He isn't even like that anymore. And he's not scared of you?"

"You sure about that? I sho' did press him at the cookout last year,"

"Let's not talk about that," she smiled. "Anyway, Esined,"

"Yes?"

They started talking about the modelin' thing my auntie wanted her ta do, but I didn't listen. I got distracted by my Rolex. As much as I denied my Auntie of it, I really wanted it. I knew she was gonna buy it fa me one day, but I thought she was gonna get it fa my graduation, birthday, or somethin'.

"Big head," Auntie Pooka pushed my head, makin' me come back ta reality.

I glared at her. "Chill,"

"Wipe that look off your fast. I'm leaving,"

I instantly pouted. "You always leave early,"

"'Cause you know how they are," she shook her head. "I can't be around them for long,"

"Auntie, stay fa just a lil bit longa,"

"No. I done said my goodbyes and I'm not going back inside. Gimme my hug so I can go,"

I hugged her and she hugged me back.

"I love you, Yung,"

"I love you too," I sighed and she kissed my forehead before huggin' Esined.

"It was lovely meeting you, gorgeous,"

"Same to you," Esined smiled.

"Hopefully, I'll be seeing you soon. I can't wait to work with you,"

"I can't wait to work with you either,"

Auntie Pooka got in her car and waved befo' drivin' off.

"Awe, cheer up," Esined touched my jaw wit her finger tips. "You'll see her soon,"

"I know," I mumbled.

"Come on," she reached fa my hand and I held hers.

We went back in the house and rejoined the rest of the family.

I got out of my lil funk and decided ta have fun wit the rest of my family dat was still hea.

I ended up gettin' irritated because I noticed my older cousin, Derrick, tryin' ta flirt wit Esined. I was workin' on not bein' jealous or upset wit her talkin' to guys, but it was really gettin' ta me. It wasn't even her talkin' ta him, it was him flirtin'.

I watched them interact intently, tryin' ta decide if I would step in or not. I decided ta let it go, knowin' that Esined would try ta end the conversation if things got too out of hand.

"Do you have a numba I can reach you by or anything?" Derrick smiled at her.

"No," she gave him back a fake smile. "Besides, I told you that I'm not single," she sipped her drink from her straw.

I smiled ta myself. I liked seein' dis side of her. Seems like she's neva rude and her sarcasm was a turn on.

"Where yo man at?" he asked her, laughin'.

"I'm not sure, but I know he wouldn't appreciate you flirting with me," she said, lookin' everywhere but at him.

"Wassup wit you, ma? Why you so uptight?"

"Why are you so disrespectful? I told you several times that I had a boyfriend and you're still standing her,"

"I'm persistent,"

"Cool. I'm gonna walk away now," she turned and he grabbed her arm.

I stood up and walked ova.

He looked at me befo' lettin' her go. "Wassup, Lil Aug?" he chuckled.

I stared at him. "Don't eva grab my girl like dat again,"

"Oh snap," he laughed nervously. "Dats all you?"

"I heard her tell you dat. Why you actin' new?"

He stayed quiet.

"Now you can't hea'?" I asked. "I'on know what's wrong wit niggas like you, but you betta watch yo hands and eyes,"

"You don't know who you talkin' to. Slow ya roll, Lil Aug,"

"Lil? I'm grown up now. I ain't dat Lil Aug you used ta put in a chokehold. I handle mine now,"

"Same ole Lil Aug. Always tryna start fights dat he can't finish,"

"Don't test me, man. It's Thanksgiving and I'm not tryna embarrass you in front of everybody,"

"I mean, you got mouth, so why you tryna punk down now? Ain't tryna get flipped in front of yo lady?"

"Nah. I ain't tryna upset grandma and grandpa by droppin' yo ass right hea," I laughed.

"August," Esined looked up at me. "Come on,"

I started walkin' away wit her, but then Derrick kept on talkin' shit unda his breath.

"Yeah, Lil Aug. Listen ta yo lil girlfriend," he laughed.

Esined gripped my arm tighta when she noticed I was about to turn around.

I tried ta keep calm, so I continued ta walk away with Esined. I didn't want to get too out of element in front of her. Normal August would have turned around and showed him what my hands were about, but Boyfriend August didn't want to scare her off and make her mama disapprove of me.

I was glad dat she was hea because I could have really got out of control.

I put my arm around her and we went to the den.

-August was about to turn up on Derrick lol.

I haven't been checking comments or any messages lately.

I was sick, once again. At least I found out what was wrong with me lol.

But anyway. How have y'all been?

Are y'all excited for TTCL? Y'all better be buying it, I am. It's gonna be amazing. Dreamer has already snatched my edges tbh.

Until next time. Excuse typos please.

Bomments & Votes are appreciated.

Much love, Shia. Xoxo