Page 22 of Dylan
Ciara
“Oh,look over there, there she is,” Daliah says excitedly.
I look in the direction she’s pointing and furrow my brows. I’m looking for another white girl, but what I see is a girl with deep chocolate-brown skin and a pretty face. Her hair is brushed back into a full curly puff, and she has neat baby hairs around her edges.
When she smiles, it lights up her pretty face. Daliah rushes over to her and the two huge men surrounding her and pulls her into a tight hug. I’m five two even, this chick has to be about five five. She’s taller than me for sure.
One of the first things I note is her sharp eyes and her build. She looks as much like a fighter as I do. It’s just something I know when I see it. Although there’s something else about her. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something else in her eyes.
“Ariel, this is my cousin Vega. Vega, this is Ariel and her brother Chris,” Daliah says.
“Nice to meet you guys,” Vega says with a thick New York accent.
She then nods at the two men for them to grab our bags. As they take our things to the SUV and load them, Daliah gushes and rambles on. Ciarán looks around with a twinkle in his eyes.
“You all right?” I say to him as I wrap my arm around his shoulders.
“Yeah, I’m excited, but I thought her cousin would be white,” he whispers. “I also thought we’d get to go back to our real names here.”
I give his shoulder a squeeze and give him a pointed look. I assumed the same thing about Vega, but this isn’t the time to express that. I purse my lips and turn my attention back to Daliah and Vega.
“I had time today. I decided to come get you guys myself. Come on, these cops be on one.
“They’ll try to give us a ticket in a heartbeat. Dimitri can be impatient. Let’s go.
“Climb in and we’ll get something to eat and talk about what you guys need. Welcome to my city. You’ll want for nothing here.”
“Yes, food,” Ciarán croons.
I laugh and shake my head. This kid is always ready to eat. We follow Vega and the other two men to climb into the SUV. I can feel the excitement coming off Ciarán as he stares out of the window as we ride through the city.
“You guys have a taste for anything in particular?’
“Yeah, I want to try a chop cheese,” Ciarán says before I can stop him.
Vega chuckles. “Sure, shortie. I got you. Harlem is the home of the real chop cheese. You’re in good hands with me.”
“Cool, are we in Harlem now?”
“Nah, we’re in midtown, but the good news is you guys will live right next to the original spot. I own the new developments around there.”
“Wow. This is so cool.”
“Thanks. I appreciate everything you’re doing for us,” I speak up.
“True story, you’re good. I’m happy I can help, especially with your situation.
“You’re with family now. Daliah has been one of the best things to come from my father’s marriage. If you’re a friend of hers, you’re a friend of mine,” Vega says.
I swallow hard as I realize Daliah has shared more about me than I thought. My heart races and I wonder once again if coming here was the right thing to do. Daliah reaches to squeeze my hand from the seat next to me in the third row.
I turn to her and give her a weak smile. She knows how much my little brother means to me. I know she wouldn’t tell anyone my truth, knowing I could lose him if we’re found.
I give her a nod and relax. We’re here, we’re in New York and I’m going to get on a team and win that tournament.
Breathe, Cee. Breathe.
I sit silently as Ciarán excitedly asks a million and one questions. Vega answers him good-naturedly. I tune in to the conversation when Ciarán begins to ask her about the gyms here.
