Page 13 of A Boy Is a Gun: Part II
I pause, mid-wipe.“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying,” Hayley leans in, quiet and firm, “you’re out here trying to be Switzerland while the two most dangerous men in your life declare war on each other.And baby,that’s not sustainable.”
The bell above the door chimes.I glance up instinctively.It’s Mia’s daycare teacher, early for pickup.She gives me a wave and a warm smile.I wave back, but my chest tightens.
Because the war Hayley’s talking about?It’s already here.And I’m smack in the middle.
Six
Cameron
“Damn, I chose the worsttime to be faithful,” Que looks around the University of Georgia campus.We’re out looking for a particular person and decided to get to the campus early to just people-watch.“These college co-eds, man.”He whistles as a group of young beauties walk past, and a couple take a look back at us.“And my dumb-ass chose to be motherfucking faithful.”
This is way different from when I went to college.
Going to an Ivy League school is about as exciting as everyone thinks it is: it’s not.Trust fund babies, wealthy heirs, and lucky people who just happened to get a full ride go there.Everyone is playing a constant game of ass-kissing and seeing who can make better connections for the future.
It all works—the judges, lawyers, doctors, and those in real power constantly give each other passes.They’ll remember the time one of them had one too many beers and had to hold the other up.They’ll remember when they didn’t study for the exam the night before, and someone gave them cheat notes so they could pass.
And if it’s a heinous crime?They’ll remember when someone’s daddy got them off and expunged their record without a trace.They’ll remember when the other’s kid is accused of the same crime.
It’s why my parents still have a tight-knit group.It’s not because they like those people; I lost count of how often I heard my mother talk mad shit about those pecking hens she hangs out with.It’s because she knows there is something to gain by being friends with the Beckys, Karens, Susans, and Gertrudes and it’spower.Its currency is more potent than any amount of money.
The moment I realized that at a young age, I never looked back and used it to my advantage every chance I could—just like I’m doing right now.
Everyone is an influencer/content creator.I lost count of how many people held up a phone to their faces as they made a video.A few people did numerous re-takes and hi-fived each other upon the last result.
That works for me.I already know what will make a certain somebody go viral, and it won’t be anything she would want to be remembered for.
“There she goes,” I nod to the blonde a short distance from me, and Que becomes laser-focused.She’s a blonde beauty with a fit body and a bubbly personality.She’s perfect, like a Barbie.“I’m about to head to class now.”I glance down at my watch and stand up to gather my backpack.“It’s time for me to sit in on Feminist Theory class.”
“Man, good luck with that bullshit,” Que shakes his head, “I’m going to girl watch and try to remember my woman will cut my dick off if I even try anything.”
“Hay’s a good woman,” I concur.
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