Smell The Roses

Hibiscus

© 2021 by Ireland Rea. All rights reserved.

   After the thirty-five-minute drive to Saniyah's place and the two trips bringing in the suitcases, I was exhausted. Terrence wasn't even home when we arrived which was… off-putting. I mean for me anyway. I don't know why, but the energy of it was just off.

   Saniyah seemed unbothered as she pulled ingredients out to make a huge salad. We were hungry but didn't have a taste for fast food or anything so we settled on this.

  I finally asked where he was to be met with a blank stare and a shrug.

"I think he said he was staying late at that dude Grady's place. They're going out to train for 6 weeks. His house is closer to the airport."

 Yeah, aight I'll let it go. Remembering the last time I pushed too much when it came to their relationship problems it became a problem. It all came from me telling Terrence I don't like how his mother treated Saniyah, and how he never stood up to her. Like damn, stop being a punk.

   You a grown-a*s man letting your mama dog you're girlfriend. 

  Originally she and I spoke about it, but she had never really had a conversation with him about it when they first started dating. So I decided after two glasses of champagne at Terrence's birthday that 

   I would say something myself. Let's just say Mrs. Dowry did not appreciate being called a b***h in front of her in-laws.

 So what I have a past with handling situations but still it's me. Like I'm out of the loop? Me?

  I have met Grady before though. Asshole.

Weird a*s name too. I don't know who the hell mama looks at their baby and names him Grady.

  Which is exactly what I said when we first met.

 It was just Saniyah and me at the fair one cool Saturday, then eventually Terence shows bringing along Grady which isn't surprising that n***o always popping up somewhere, honestly be getting on my nerves but that's another conversation. I was slightly irritated but I wasn't letting anybody get in between me and my funnel cake. So I sucked it up and focused on the bright side.

"Your acting like Adanni is a perfect name."

"No, but it makes sense for a name. Your name sounds like a cleaning supply."

  I snorted at his slight pissed-off expression. I can tell I got to him which I was kinda doing on purpose, but it was just more enjoyable to disagree with him.

 "Batman is not better than spiderman!" 

   Childishly covering his ears in he turned away from me. Waiting for his turn to shoot at the huge colorful balloons hanging on the wall. A sketchy old white worker guarded it. He had a long rugged beard and a black church hat that covered half his face, which creeped me out. Terrence and Saniyah went first.

 "I refuse to believe you're truly saying that."

"Well, Spiderman is broke with no real job, and Batman is loaded with plenty of resources so naturally he is the best candidate." I shrugged.

"Money isn't everything."

"Yeah well, it sure as hell helps."

"Yes, but these are heroes it's all about heart and loyalty."

  I pursed my lips. Honestly, Spiderman is my favorite superhero. I honestly will argue with anyone otherwise. But I feel I'm practicing my argument skills. And come on I couldn't agree with this dude his arrogant smugness wouldn't allow it.

   He was a light-skinned brother with a classic fade and dreads on the ends. He reminded me of the boys in high school you would have a crush on. Cute but completely useless in a real conversation.

"The definition of loyalty is every time The joker is gettin in some s**t, all they got to do is flash the batman's signal and he is right there. And no matter how many times The Joker escaped the asylum he still makes it his duty to put him back. If that's not heart I don't know what is." I nodded in affirmation mentally patting myself on the back cause this is a good a*s argument. My debate coach would be so proud.

"Yeah alright," he grunted, grabbing the free dart g*n.

   Saniyah handed me hers, grinning from ear to ear. We briefly decided I was gonna aim for the black large bunny sense Terrence won her the white one.

     It was pretty cute and I wouldn't have minded it on my shelf or something. So I kept my eye on the prize. And fired.

I.. tried.

   Two balloons down got me a string necklace with a white plastic shell dangling from it.

   Of course, Grady popped all five so he got to pick from the top shelf. And long and behold, what did he choose? The black bunny. I'm mentally rolling my eyes as I think about it cause that's all I have to say about the s**t.

   I had walked over to the funnel cake stand with Saniyah, I glanced over to see

the man giving it to him. Turning around he winked at me. I shot him the bird turning around telling the lady the flavor I wanted.

   Asshole.

   Trailing behind the love birds while I focused on my funnel, the sweet tang from the strawberry was easy to get lost in. I decided to focus on the flavor so I wouldn't slap the s**t out of this nig*a

"Why the f**k are you chewing so hard?"

"Dude, what the f**k do you mean how am I supposed to chew?"

"I'm just saying." He chuckles. "You just really enjoying that funnel cake right now."

   I looked at him stupidly for stating the obvious and ignored him, knowing he was to annoy me on purpose as well. I was working.

   It was a lot of back and forth throughout the evening. By the end of that night, he wasn't too fond of me especially after I called him gay because his pants were so low.

   He was a fuckboy sadly Terrence hung around a lot of thoughts which starts making you think about the company you keep and all that, but anyways that's none of my business.

   I agreed with Saniyah I wouldn't speak on that anymore respecting her boundaries and all that s**t so moving on. but to each is own.

   Telling each other everything has been something we kept loyal to even if it's something we felt judged for. We promised that when there's a serious moment that we need all attention for we would promise to stay open. We don't have a word like "Bible" or anything it's just when I seem to say "Just shut the f**k up and listen." It gets the point across clearly.

 "If you don't just hold the damn sheet!"

"I am! What the hell do you think I'm doing. You gave me the wrong end. Fuuu.-"

"Don't curse just help me fix it!"

   For the past 30 minutes, we have been struggling to do something that is known. I'm honestly really close to just sleeping on the bare bed. My blanket would save me.

   Finally, we were able to secure all ends. Checking the time it was 11:15. Throwing my pillows and my throw blanket on the bed I dived onto the mattress getting comfortable.

"Well thanks for the help, you ain't go to get out but-"

"Aight aight But I'll get the hell up out of here" she chuckled.

   She closed the door leaving me to deal with the thoughts I've been pushing off. This was a big change for me. Being on my own is something I always thought of but was never really ready for.

    My mom never helped me with the anxiety either so it's always been a topic I could never feel completely comfortable with.

    Giving myself positive affirmations I decided that this is something I must prove to myself. If I focus too much on my mom or anyone else I don't think I'd make it. I knew I had to stay level-headed to keep my sanity.

© 2021 by Ireland Rea. All rights reserved.