Page 3 of A Boy Is a Gun: Part II
“Good.”I nod.“Let’s get this show on the road.”
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THE WEDDING WENT OFFwithout a hitch.Under the perfect sky and surrounded by 300 people, including Congress members, Atlanta P.D., and even a few select influencers, Jamie and Ethan got married.
After the ceremony, we all gathered for various photos.In the family photo that will be plastered all over social media and hanging above my parents’ mantle, everyone is included.I’m standing with Taylor and Mia, while Ethan’s family is also included.
The photographer does a variety of family photos with us, and Jamie and I are alone in one.We plaster the biggest, fake smiles for the camera, despite everything.We never addressed what happened on the day Mia was born and what better time than the present to hash everything out.
“You’re on your best behavior today, Cam,” Jamie compliments me as I stand with her and our brother, Bobby.“I’m very proud of you.”
“After the money I’ve spent on this wedding, why wouldn’t I behave?”I smile brightly for the photos.“It’s a beautiful wedding.”
“Still,” Jamie continues to look straight at the camera, “you didn’t have to come at all.”
“No, I insist,” I reply, “I wouldn’t miss this day for the world.My baby sister is getting married?Come on, now.Even if I had a valid reason, I would never hear the end of it from mom and Dad.”
Jamie turns to me and tries to read my face.She’s studying my eyes and little details to get a good read.I ain’t giving her shit.“You’re up to something.”
“Oh, that’s a great one!Smile at each other!”The photographer directs us.
“I’m up to absolutely nothing.”My smile is wide, but my voice is flatter than a marble table.
Jamie follows our lead.Bobby leaves to rejoin his family while Jamie and I continue with the photos.No matter how much Jamie loves to spiel she can’t stand our parents’ political beliefs, being around politicians our entire lives has clearly rubbed off on her.“Listen, I don’t know what you and Ethan have going on between you, but you’d better stop before someone gets hurt.”
“Now, did he also get the same advice from you, or am I just the lucky one?”I ask.
“I mean it, Cameron,” Jamie’s voice has a bite of anger, “this has gone on too long and too far.People have died.Property has been destroyed.Enough is enough.”
“Okay, not turn around with your backs together and arms folded!”The photographer instructs before she takes a few pictures.“Yes, just like that!Perfect!”
“In case you forgot, your husband isn’t just targeting me but also Dad?”I reply, and Jamie sighs.I touched a nerve she’s been ignoring.Our father had already told Ethan to shut up and eat his food.Ethan goes after me, and it’ll be our father he’ll have to deal with.“And where would that leave Mom?Oh, maybe you don’t care about Mom like that if you think an outsider should rule what goes on in this family?I guess it was a problem when Jacqueline did it.But with Ethan, it’s not?”
“Don’t give me that bullshit!”Jamie harshly replies in a whisper and turns around for another pose.“You damn well know the difference between the two!”
“And so do you,” I reply.“You scream Black Lives Matter until the cows come home, quote Stokely Carmichael to infinity, but the first man you marry is the epitome of Blue Lives Matter.”
“Oh, I know you’re not calling me racist when your whole group of friends are Black men who report to you.They always seem to get caught, and you always seem to evade any charges.But I’m not surprised.Why would you, Mr.White Man, do any dirty work when you get a Black man to do it for you?”Jamie retorts.
“You want to talk about my bodies; how manydeadBlack bodies does your husband have?”I stare down at her.“Racism got your tongue?”
Jamie stares at me with a fire burning in her eyes.“I’m warning you, Cameron, leave it alone.”
“And I’m telling you, Jamie, I’ll leave it alone when he does.”I stare back at her.“Your new husband purposely ruined the best day of my life and never apologized for it,” I speak lowly, “why would either of you think I was going to let that slide?”
“You hurt him, and I’ll never forgive you.”She warns.
I smile at her.“I’m willing to live with that.”
