Free Growing Pains by Dwayne S. Joseph Page B

he’s Brian’s teacher. I don’t want Brian to be uncomfortable with this.”
    â€œDeahnna,” Heather said, giving her a scolding look, “Brian is seventeen years old, and I’m sure he has more important things on his mind than worrying about you talking to his teacher. He has a life, unlike you.”
    Deahnna sighed. “I know what you’re saying is right, but it’s easier said than done. Especially when you’re sitting in the chair I’m sitting in.”
    â€œD. I know it’s not easy, but you’re going to have to start living. Your sanity depends on it, and so does your coochie, because you ain’t had none in a while.”
    Rico said, “Ooh.”
    Deahnna and everyone else laughed.
    â€œWhatever,” Deahnna said, playfully shoving her friend’s arm.
    Heather waved her hand in front of her nose. “I can smell you from here, girl. It’s stale.”
    More laughter and “ooh’s.”
    â€œYou know what?” Deahnna said. “I can find another boutique.”
    â€œSure you can. But I’m sure they won’t be styling you for free.” Heather raised her eyebrows.
    Deahnna smiled. “OK, you do have me there.” She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Heather had hooked her up with a Mary J. Blige shoulder-length cut with blond highlights. Heather had never been the brightest student in school, but if there was one thing she could always do, and do well, it was hair, and the proof showed. “My hair looks good, girl.”
    â€œOf course it does. I only do good work. Now let me walk you out of here.”
    Deahnna rose from the chair, slipped on her jacket, kissed Rico good-bye on his cheek, and followed Heather out of the shop as she zipped up her jacket.
    â€œDamn, it’s freezing out here,” Deahnna said, shivering.
    â€œMm-hmm,” Heather agreed. “That’s why you need to get to that school and snag that man so that you have someone to keep you warm at night.”
    â€œYou act like I’m desperate.”
    â€œNot desperate, girl. You’re just in need of some tune-ups. Why do you think I look so good? Because I hit the gym every damn day? Hell to the no! I look this good because I get my oil and battery checked every couple of days, that’s why.”
    Laughing, Deahnna asked, “So how are you and Ivan doing?”
    â€œLovely,” Heather answered. “My Ivan is a man and a sweetheart.”
    â€œYou are lucky, girl.”
    Heather put up her hand and flashed her diamond engagement ring. “Don’t I know it,” she said, smiling and lighting up a cigarette.
    â€œI thought you quit.”
    â€œQuitting’s for losers. And I ain’t no loser.”
    â€œYou need to quit.”
    â€œYou quit your part-time job yet?” Heather asked, looking at her intensely.
    Deahnna frowned. “Not yet. I want to, but can’t afford to do that yet.”
    Heather raised her eyebrows and shook her head disapprovingly. “Well, when you do, I’ll give up the Newports.” She dropped the barely smoked butt to the ground. “Girl, I need to get back inside because I’m freezing my little ass off. Besides, you know I can’t leave my clients alone with Rico for too long.”
    â€œDon’t worry. Everyone knows not to pay him any mind.”
    â€œYeah, I know. But his motor mouth can get on your nerves sometimes.”
    â€œAnd you love him regardless.”
    â€œYes, I do love my manly brother. Anyway, call me after you get your date planned with your teacher. And stop by C-Town and pick up an apple before you go see him. Get some bonus points.”
    â€œWhatever.”
    Heather laughed, and then kissed Deahnna on her cheek and rushed back inside.
    Deahnna smiled, and then wrapped her arms around herself and headed down Jamaica Avenue. As she did, she thought about when she was going to get up the nerve to