“Girl, ain’t no way.”
“I’m serious!” Maylee said, trying not to smile herself. “She ran out of the bathroom, and her friends followed!”
I shook my head while pressing my lips together. I was trying to stay serious, but I was failing.
“You were really about to beat that girl with a belt?”
“Tahari said put belt to behind. Did I do something wrong?” Maylee questioned.
“It’s a figure of speech, girl,” I corrected quickly.
“Well, he shouldn’t have said it if he ain’t mean it,” she mumbled.
That made me laugh again, but I quickly pulled it together. I reached for her hand and then gently squeezed it.
“You can’t just be out here pulling belts on people, Maylee. That will get you in trouble.”
“But she ain’t mess with me after that,” she shrugged.
I paused because if her little stunt did the trick, then she had a point. Still, I gave her a look.
“We just can’t make that a habit, okay?”
“Okay,” she said, but the little grin on her face told me she felt victorious.
I was proud of her for standing up to her bully. I shook my head, laid back down on my bed, and stared up at the ceiling. Again, my mind found its way to Tahari’s doorstep. I bit my lip slightly as a small smile started to creep back. Only he would say something like that, and at dinner in front of both my parents, at that. And my little sister would take it seriously.
“Don’t tell Mama,” Maylee added suddenly.
“Oh, I’m definitely telling,” I said with a snort.
“Maliah!” she whined while flopping onto me.
I just laughed and started pushing her off when our mother’s voice halted our little playing session.
“Tell Mama what?”
Both of us froze. Slowly, we both turned toward the door. Mom stood there, leaning against the frame like she’d been there longer than we thought. Her arms were folded, and a knowing smirk was placed on her face. My eyes widened.
“Ma… how long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough,” she said while stepping into the room, “to hear something about a belt… and somebody running.”
Maylee sat up straight so fast that it was almost comical.
“It’s not what it sounds like,” she quickly said.
Mom raised a brow.
“Oh, I’m sure it’s not.”
She walked further in, looking between both of us before her gaze landed on Maylee.
“Maylee, your new name is Belt Buckle Billie,” she said while shaking her head.
I burst out laughing.
“MA!” Maylee groaned while covering her face, “That is not funny!”
