Page 42 of Search My Soul
“And I still called you and sent your presents, so technically, I didn’t miss it. I was there in spirit.”
“Okay, well, I don’t want your spirit here this time. I want the real thing, so don’t be late.”
“You’re bossy like your momma.” I huffed.
“I learned from the best. I gotta get off the phone, Uncle Soulie. I can’t be late for my nail appointment.” I was about to reply, but she had already hung up on me. My phone rang again, but this time it was my other spoiled brat. My little sister, Adore. Once I got back to my car, I tossed the bags in the back seat and then peeled off.
“What’s up, square head?” I connected my phone to the car’s Bluetooth.
“Boy, fuck you. Your head is shaped like a peanut.”
“Yeah, yeah. What do you need, AD? I already sent you money last week and I know damn well you haven’t blown through ten racks in a week.” All three of my sisters loved to spend money. More importantly, mine. Outside of Pure, I handled most of their financial needs. Even though they all worked jobs, we still provided for them.
“This isn’t about money. I need your advice about something.” My ears perked up because she never called me for personal advice. Pure and Patience were the mature siblings that everyone went to for wisdom and guidance.
“How can I be of assistance?”
“Umm, I think I want to have sex.” I almost swerved off the side of the road trying to process her words.
“Y-You want to do what?”
“Soul, please don’t overreact. I called you because Lovely is busy, and I figured you would be easier to talk to about this than Pure or Pay.” My trigger finger itched at the idea of some musty punk touching my baby. Adore Renee was the youngest of the Taylor siblings, and she was only a toddler when our parents were killed, so we all had a hand in raising her. In my eyes,she would always be a little baby, so I couldn’t fathom someone touching her.
“What made you decide this? When did you get a boyfriend, and why haven’t I met him? You know I need to run a background check on this cat before you can have approval to date him.” See, this was the exact reason I disagreed with her attending an out-of-state college. I wasn’t able to watch her the way I needed to. Although we programmed cameras at her off-campus apartment, I’m well aware of how sneaky young people can be.
“Slow down and breathe. I don’t have a boyfriend. Well, not yet anyways. I’m only asking because I think I’m ready to put myself out there. I’m the only junior in college without a dating history or even a semblance of one. I don’t want to graduate with no life experiences outside of my education,” she whined. I don’t know what she expected me to say to this. In a perfect world, Adore would remain a virgin until the good Lord took me out of here. However, she was an adult now and she needed to have those life experiences.
“I’m not feeling the idea of you fucking one of those broke ass jokers out there, but I understand where you’re coming from. All I ask is that you be careful about your choices. The boys your age aren’t looking for anything long-term. They are surrounded by options and opportunities, you know? Plus, you’re special?—”
“What are you trying to say? Do you think someone is going to take advantage of me because I have an ileostomy bag?” Adore shrieked. AD was very sensitive about her condition and the fact that she wore a shit bag. Personally, I never thought it was a big deal because it did nothing to take away from her beauty.
“Breathe, AD. What I’m trying to say is that you’re a special gem in our family, and if someone were to break your heart or take advantage of you, then your campus would be in greatmourning. I don’t mind killing niggas so I need you to pick your partner wisely so they can live a long and promising life.
“As far as your shit bag, I don’t see why that would be a hindrance to you. A real man will love you for who you are. You’re not broken or less than just because you have to live life differently. You’re pretty, smart, and rich as fuck. Those are the only things that should matter.” I was sweating bullets as I drove down the highway. None of my siblings ever came to me for advice because I was considered the family fuck up to some degree. I couldn’t afford to fuck this up.
“Thank you, Soulie.” She mimicked Romi’s nickname for me.
“Whatever, silly girl.”
“No, I’m serious. I really appreciate you. If I had gone to Patience, she would have given me a speech about birth control and the various sexually transmitted diseases out there, as if I don’t already know. I’m fully aware of how big a step this is. I guess I’m nervous about dating. Those high school relationships are nothing like the ones in college. I have a few friends who are already engaged and planning their futures.”
“I promise you one thing. If you bring your ass home with a ring on your finger, I’m chopping it off and sending it back to that boy. Don’t play with me. I’m cool with you dating, but marriage is taking it too far. Make sure whoever you pick is worthy of you. Most people regret the person they lost their virginity to. Take your time and enjoy the moment for what it is.” I couldn’t tell you who I lost mine to because I was living so recklessly back then.
“You’re right. Sometimes, I feel pressure because everyone else has already experienced these things. I will take your advice and enjoy the moment. I love you, brother.”
“I love you too. Now, when you actually do decide to pop that cat, call Patience because I can’t promise I won’t kidnap that nigga and put him in my trunk.”
“Soul, you are crazy.” Adore laughed, but I meant every word. When it came to my family, I’d take out anyone who got in their way.
“I’m serious, and make sure they get tested. They like to experiment a lot in college. You’ll mess around and end up with an itchy pussy from laying down with those nasty dogs.” Nobody would ever be good enough for my sisters and I stood on that.
“I hear you. I’m on my way to my English class. I’ll text you later.”
“Okay, I love you.”
“I love you too.” My heart swelled with pride because I felt like I’d actually made a difference. It meant more to me than I could express openly. I enjoyed the feeling of being needed by my family.
Once I reached the big house, I groaned at the sight of all the cars in the driveway. I loved my family, but when we all got together it could either go one or two ways. I guess I would have to see how things turned out.
