Free Holidaze by L. Divine

Mickey and her growing belly. Misty looks around the room and catches my eye. She smiles big, like she just got a present she’s been asking for forever.
    I would say I missed hanging out with her at school, but just like Nellie, Mickey’s unrecognizable now. What happened to my girls? This was the fist time in a long time I’d rather be at home and bored out of mind than at school hanging with my friends. Being at school’s going to be uncomfortable come Monday, unless I find a way to change the circumstances over the weekend. And with me sleepwalking and carrying on I doubt I’ll be able to help anyone else until I help myself.
    “I’m surprised you had the nerve to show up here,” Misty says, walking up to our table like she’s got some sort of authority. Mama has this thing about people standing over her head and I feel her. Misty’s so short she would be eye level with anyone sitting, but she seems to have grown a bit since I last saw her. I look down at her feet and see her three-inch black stilettos. She never used to wear high heels. A lot has changed about my nemesis in the past month or so, and it’s gone straight to her curly head.
    “I’m surprised you had the nerve to walk over here and face me. I know what you’re up to, Misty, and take my word for it, it isn’t working.” I look at her and focus in on her eyes. She’s wearing blue contacts similar to the ones Mickey likes to sport every once in a while. Misty may have changed up her entire stylo since hanging out with KJ, but her attitude still sucks.
    “Wow, Jayd, I haven’t seen bags like the ones you’re wearing since I went shopping at Macy’s last weekend. Sleeping much lately?” Misty smiles deviously and it’s taking all of my strength to stay seated and not slap that smirk off of her face.
    “Cool head, little girl. You know you can’t afford to lose any more of your ashe right now, Jayd. Ignore her. She’s air,” my mom says, mentally reminding me of one of Mama’s favorite lessons. I know she’s right, but it would feel so good to feel the heat of Misty’s cheek in the palm of my hand. Maybe kicking her ass is just what I need to get a good night’s rest.
    “No, it isn’t, but I will make you a tea when you get over here, and that should help. Say bye to your little friends and come on. It’s getting late and you should really get away from Misty before it gets dark. Your ashe is too vulnerable to be out at night, especially around your enemies.”
    Noticing the tense vibe, KJ walks over to stand behind Misty and to glare at Rah and me. Rah puts his fork down and stands up behind me, returning KJ’s move. If this were a chessboard I’d feel like a pawn. I’d better stand up and stop this before it goes any further.
    “Actually, no, I haven’t been sleeping well at all. But you wouldn’t know anything about that, now would you, Misty?” I look from her to KJ and lock onto his stare. I know he’s starting to feel as if there’s something Misty’s not telling him, but I know if she can influence my head then she’s working Esmeralda’s magic on him, too.
    “You’re just jealous because you don’t have any friends to boss around anymore,” Misty says, crossing her arms across her tight black sweater.
    My grandfather walks into the buzzing hall and catches my attention. Two women walk in behind him, both carrying more trays of food. One looks flushed in the cheeks and guilty of something. Daddy looks at me looking at her and his face carries the same look as the sistah behind him. I don’t even want to guess what’s going on between the two of them. Just the thought of them kissing or doing whatever in his office behind the sanctuary is enough to make my stomach turn.
    “It’s time to go,” I say to Rah, who’s right behind me. “It was lovely as always,” I say, passing Misty and KJ by as we head toward the exit to the parking lot. If necessary, Rah would have gladly kicked KJ’s ass. He’s been