Free Crazy In Love With A Thug: Bari and Seven by LaDonna Robinson

had picked out. "That shit is tight," she said, pulling me into a hug.
    "Hi, Niecy," I said, and held my breath and waited for the jokes to begin.
    They never came though, not a single joke through the whole meal. Seven looked at me and winked.
    "So Bari, where are you living?" I looked up at Seven, and Mama caught it. "I know you ain't livin' with no man," she snapped, looking in Seven's direction.
    "She can live where she wants to. You ain't paying the rent," Big Mama said.
    "She's only sixteen,” Mama argued.
    "I wouldn't care if she was nine. Who are you to come back into this child's life giving orders, Boudine? Leave her alone."
    "I guess you're right, Big Mama," Mama admitted. "Is this your boyfriend?" Mama asked.
    "No, he's just my friend," I said.
    "But he gon' be, and you ain't got shit to say about it," Big Mama said. "You done pissed me off. I knew it was comin'. Done spoiled my appetite. I can't even enjoy my macaroni now."
    Everybody glared at Mama, including Seven.
    "Don't be upset, Big Mama, please. I apologize," Mama said.
    "Don't be upset about what?" Uncle Meestake asked, storming into the dining room. He had just arrived and caught the tail end of the conversation. "What's wrong, Mama?"
    "Nothing's wrong," Mama said.
    "Boudine done pissed me off. Always talking and ain't saying shit," Big Mama grumbled.
    Mama started laughing. Big Mama didn't though and neither did Uncle Meestake.
    "Don't make me put you out of my Mama's house, Boudine. Now ain't the time for nonsense," he said seriously. "I'm burying my father tomorrow." His voice faltered as he spoke. "And in case you didn't know, Boudine, that's my mama's husband. I ain't for no bullshit today."
    "Now, calm down, Meestake," Big Mama said, getting up from the table. "Don't go getting upset, baby. We got it taken care of."
    He sat heavily in a chair and stared down at the table. It seemed as if he suddenly remembered something after trying all day to recall what it was.
    "Bari, girl, if you don't get up from there and come give yo' Uncle Meestake a hug I'll kill you!" He hollered happily.
    What a choice of words. I jumped up from the table and bounded into his arms.
    "Hi, Uncle Meestake!"
    "Look at you, girl! Just beautiful. I guess it's true what they say, the blacker the berry ..." In my mind, I finished his statement and smiled. "You grew up just as fine, girl!"
    "Thank you, Uncle Meestake. I've missed you so much."
    “I know you stayin' here."
    "Yeah, we're staying right here with Big Mama for the whole two weeks."
    "No, I mean for good."
    Everyone got quiet.
    "Now is not the time, Meestake. Besides, Bari has her own life," Big Mama said.
    "She's sixteen! She ain't got no damn life!" Uncle Meestake countered.
    He definitely had Paw-Paw's way of silencing a room. You could hear a pin drop as he slammed his fist on the table to emphasize what he was saying. "She should be at home dammit! Not in no whole 'nother state by herself!"
    "Who in the hell do you think you talkin' to!" Big Mama yelled.
    Everybody scooted away from the table, sliding back their chairs. Big Mama was known for throwing things, heavy things.
    "Sorry Mama," Uncle Meestake said, looking down into his plate.
    "Boy, you done got besides yo'self. Now, I'd advise you to shut yo’ mouth and dig into that damn potato salad before you be wearing it!" She said. "And y’all quit acting scary and scoot y’all asses right back up to this damn table! I ain't playin'. I'll make all y’all look like you just came back from a food fight!"
    I smiled to myself. It was just like old times, when Paw-Paw was here. I caught Big Mama's eye and shared my smile with her. She knew what I was thinking and smiled back. Then we started laughing uncontrollably. Soon, we were crying. Everybody was looking at us like we were crazy.
    "Y’all alright, Mama?" Uncle Meestake asked.
    "Boy, just shut up sometimes and relax. Just ‘cause folks laugh don't make them crazy in the head," Big Mama joked.
    "I know,