Page 8 of Not My Type
4. RA-TA-TAT
Zara
I get out of the taxi and walk towards my veranda and spot two pairs of familiar Yeezy slides. Gavin and Sash! Lawdddd!
They’re my favorite cousins and I love them dearly, but I’m not in the mood to talk and that’s what they’re here for. A low sigh left my lips as I push my hand through the narrow space and fumble with the grill. I’m yet to see the day where this process goes smoothly, and me is a very cyaa-bother-ful person. I hiss, leaning my body and it flicks up— clanking painfully loud. Immediately, Sash’s voice rings from inside.
“The dolly deh yer!” I’m not in the mood.
“Good evening,” I greet and walk into the living room. Mama is asleep with the remote in her hand, Gavin is sitting on the couch— Sash on the other hand, sprawls off on the tiles.
“Zara, wah do yuh?” Gavin asks, sounding concerned.
“I’m okay, why unuh over here?” annoyance dripping from my words. I reach for my room doorknob.
“We a go out!” Sash’s voice no different from a town crier behind me. Without a second thought, I shake my head and push my door open.
“I can’t,” I exhale then an earsplitting voice follows.
“No! A who you a deal with so gyal?” Of course it’s Gavin. I turn to see him glaring at me from head to toe. His brows knit as he expresses
his strong disapproval. I can’t help it but laugh.
“Mi just have a bad day,” I sigh, my eyes fixed on them. “Forget that. We ago have fun tonight, put on some nice clothes!” Sash claps enthusiastically.
“And bathe enuh,” Gavin jokes. I roll my eyes with a tight-lipped smile and turn away. Their breaths slapping my neck.
“Chro! Unuh come out,” I push them out and close the door behind me.
“We a wait enuh gyal so don’t bother take forever!” Gavin shouts from the other side, Sash still laughing.
I pick out a pair of denim jeans to go with my white bodysuit. Listen! Every girl should own at least one of these, you can never go wrong with a good one. My feet slips into my Fashion Nova heels with ease. I reach for my Chanel bag. Another must have for your wardrobe. Once I’ve tested out the look, I lay them on my bed and head to the bathroom to shower.
The cold water caresses my body. It feels... too good. Like drinking cold water right after having a halls sweetie. I was hoping that somehow it could wash my problems away for good. I have almost everything figured out— almost— not in every aspect of my life; but for a young girl I would say it is.
I’m in my final year of college and I can’t thank my mother and grandmother enough. It wouldn’t be possible without them. I’m not struggling financially because my mother makes sure I have enough money for whatever I need. Sadly, they are my only support system because my sperm donor of a father, is a waste if I’m being honest. That man drinks like his life depends on it and curses people out every now and then.
“Zara!” Gavin shouts. I cut the water off and wrap a towel around my body.
“Mi done now!” I yell back. Fifteen minutes later, I’m dressed and my hair is perfectly straightened. I smile at myself before I walk towards the door.
“I’m ready,” I announce.
“Watch the dolly!” Sash grins, I swear that’s her favorite word. ‘Dolly’ My eyes scan her. She’s wearing a black bodycon dress, her relaxed hair is swept into a sleek, high ponytail. Cute likkle brownin’.
“Thanks, and you look nice too,” I smile, then we turn to Gavin— grinning like Cheshire cats as he compliments us both.
We thank him. “You look nice too,” I beam, then Mama clears her throat. My eyes find her, she’s smiling from ear to ear. One thing with her, she’s going to assess me when I dress up. Sometimes she likes it, sometimes she says that it’s too revealing. But me young, mi nah old up miself. Period!
“ What a way you pretty ina this,” her eyes still roaming me, seemingly pleased.
“Thanks Mama.”
“Look how the girl shapey, and watch how me straight,” Sash says spinning around causing everyone to laugh, including Mama.
“She get aunty shape,” Gavin laughs.
“Yes, she shape just like Michelle,” Mama’s eyes light up. How many times have I heard this? Countless times actually. It’s true though— it’s the only thing I’ve got from her according to our family... I was sometimes called my father’s ‘twin’.
