Blindside

Traffic Jam

Here I am, stuck in traffic with a disgruntled giant for a brother, and hungry. First I slept in, next Cairo scared the crap out of me and left me to scramble to get ready. After my quick shower, I slathered some moisturizer to my face, applied my favourite body butter and deodorant, brushed my teeth, and managed to get my mass of curls into two dutch braids. To complete my look, I applied a bit of mascara and some nude lip gloss. Looking in the mirror, I was satisfied with my appearance. I was fortunate with my complexion; soft chocolate coloured skin that didn’t need all that fancy make-up or me to sit and watch endless make-up tutorials on what was the best way to apply a highlighter. Bless my parents and their genetics, 1 point for Cleo.  Despite my short stature, as my aunt likes to remind me; I am a force to be reckoned with. Growing up, my parents had a firm belief in structure, putting both Cairo and I in some form of extracurricular as soon as possible. We tried endless avenues until a few stuck with us, activities ranging from little league soccer to martial arts, even gymnastics and art. Eventually, I got hooked on art, jiu jitsu, and volleyball. Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but realistically I found a need to be independent as well as work with a team. Training and sparring allowed me to work through my problems, appreciate discipline, and learn respect. As for volleyball I loved the game and I loved the camaraderie even more, I’m just hoping that I can find my place this year.

We still had 10 minutes, if only people would pull their heads out of their asses and get moving. 

“Green means go and the gas is on the right people” I murmured under my breath. As if the world heard me, traffic finally started to move. What a morning, I was going to have to make sure this didn’t become a regular occurrence. Already behind from the get go, after getting ready in the bathroom, I walked back into my room to find the outfit I had set out along with my comforter were covered in mud from my ever so happy dogs muddy paws. It didn’t stop there, it was one thing after another before getting out the door. Our Cane Corso Hades had nosed through the garbage again, I couldn’t find my keys, Cairo couldn’t find his football helmet, and my phone blessed me with a disappearing act. It was a miracle we made it out the door at all.  

Finally pulling into the parking lot of Graham Bell Secondary, Cairo was buzzing with energy.

“Hey energizer, eyes on the prize. Pick your jaw back up, quit staring at the girls, and help me look for a spot” I shot at my brother.

“ Huh? What? Oh s**t, sorry Cleo” Cairo replied as his cheeks got the smallest hint of pink. Caught red handed bud.

“Yeah, yeah, all is forgiven. Now please keep your eyes peeled” I replied, Cairo nodded back.

“OH! Drop-off departure at 12 o’clock!” Cairo announced.

Sure enough, straight ahead someone was pulling out of a spot. Speeding up just a tad, I snuck into the spot and put the car in park.

“Like a glove” Cairo said in his best Jim Carrey imitation. 

“Cairo, you better be careful lugging your big ass out of my car. If you put a scratch or dent on my door, I’m taking it out of your hide. That’s your only warning Goliath” I warned.

“Yes ma’am! Calm down little firecracker and quit looking at me like that. I promise to be careful, I do NOT need to be on the receiving end of another right hook or having you take it out on my savings account. Plus, I mean, I can’t go damaging your baby if I want a ride to school” He replied. Cairo was right on that, he absolutely could not hurt my baby if he ever wanted to have a peaceful sleep again. I worked my ass off to buy this beaut; my all black 2012 Nissan Juke. She may be mid-sized, but boy could she fly when I switched her over to sport mode. 

I gave him one final look to make sure he got the point, and I had every right considering the fact that he has to cram into the car. Satisfied, I popped the trunk so we could grab our bags. 

“Okay then. Do you have your time table?” I asked

“Yep! Before you ask, yes I know my homeroom and how to get there. I remember from my student tour last week, and I just got a message from Mya telling me to meet her at the front doors. We have the same homeroom” Cairo said, showing me the message from our cousin.

“Alright then. Have a good day ya big lug. We’re in a different school with new opportunities, and this is your first taste of high school. People will mistake your size, so don’t try to be a tough guy, stay out of trouble, and I’ll touch base with you at lunch” I told him.

“Yes mom. Okay, I have to go, and so do you, class is about to start! Thanks Cleo, see ya!” Cairo said as he gave me a giant bear hug and took off to find Mya. Thankfully both our cousins attended this school; Mya a freshman with Cairo, and her brother Corbin a senior like me. 

“Okay bye!” I yelled after him as he headed toward the school. Checking the time, I noticed again that I was still behind. I was definitely going to be late. 

“Damn it, I did not sign up for this today” I whined.