In Kenner

As I lay on the bed, I felt the tension and unresolved issues in the air surrounding my body. It seemed like sitting in silence only enhanced it. I let out a deep breath.

“It doesn't seem like being gone changed you at all,” she said suddenly.

I sat up. “What do you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I said. Words get around fast, you should know that,” she said.

We sat in silence for a few seconds, which felt like forever. As much as I knew what she was talking about I couldn’t fix my mouth to tell her. I knew saying anything would only raise the issue, and getting into an hostile conversation with her would never end. But at the same time, I knew I had no choice.

“I’m just tryna get a lil money and stay out of the way,” I said.

“How are you trying to stay out the way and your first night back you and your friend get shot!”

I sat in silence. Before I was able to say anything she began to cut me off.

“And then on top of that, why are you even hanging back with them knowing what you know.”

As much as I wanted her to stop talking, I knew that it was what I needed to hear. She always knew what was best for me, since we were young and she was always there. But I was hardheaded and always went against her.

For hours it felt like we didn't talk, we didn't make eye contact. The only thing you heard was the smoke alarm beep going off from time to time.

“Do you want something to eat?”

I just nodded, chuckled.

She smiled, getting up from the bed. Just from walking from her room to her car I probably did the most thinking about my life in a while. All of the ‘what if’s’ seemed to flood my mind. Going against what is right always seems to override my mind with guilt. I knew the only person that could change my ways is me.

“You need a haircut, dude.” She laughed, throwing my train of thought off. She turned the key, the engine roared as we pulled off.

We pulled into the plaza, going to get food from who dat wings. It’s been so long I couldn’t remember how it tasted. The way the prices went up, it made the moment kinda bitter sweet.

“Janyaa what you getting?” I said

She proceeded to order. After finishing she told me to go ahead. I responded to her in excitement “it’s on you?”

“Yes, boy it’s on me.” She said, laughing.

“Let me get a 10pc hot lemon pepper wing and fry combo, mozzarella sticks, a crawfish pie and…”

“Damn what you want the whole menu!” She said.

“Man, I 've been gone for almost 3 years.”

Sat down, waiting for the food. It felt great just to be out in the world again. I didn’t get to be a regular kid. I went from 23-hour lockdown to out and about.

Out of the blue my phone started to buzz. The name “Travis” appeared.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Wassam brother,” he yelled.

“I ain’t on nothing, grabbing something to eat, what the business is?”

“Say, when you get through doing what you are doing, spin through the “V”, everybody out here.”

“It’s good, Ima hit your phone when I’m on my way.”

I hung up. Eventually our order was called up. We grabbed our food and walked our way to the car.

“You want to go by the V?” I said.

“Yeah we can.”