Diva Rules by Amir Abrams Page B

sneak out. I walk out through the front door, then walk right back in the same way. I’m not climbing outta windows or tiptoein’ out the door ’n’ duckin’ down in trees to get in or out.”
    â€œWell, I don’t want you sneaking no damn boys in or outta here either. It’s not right.”
    â€œThat was one time,” I say nonchalantly. Like get over it. No big deal. But what I really wanna say is, Why you care? Maybe you should try gettin’ you some.
    â€œAnd who was that boy you had leaving up outta here the other night?”
    I frown. “A friend.”
    She twists her lips. “Uh-huh. Well, it’s still downright disrespectful.”
    I take a deep breath. “Okay, whatever you say.”
    â€œYeah. I know it’s whatever I say. All this trampin’ you doin’ needs to stop.”
    I give her a blank stare. “Not to be rude. But, um, can I help you? I’m tryna study.”
    She plants both of her hands up on her hips. Her jaw set tight. Her nose flares. I can tell she’s counting in her head. I ease up just in case she’s thinking about jumping on me.
    â€œFiona. No boys in this house, you understand? And I want those dishes done. I shouldn’t have to keep tellin’ you the same thing over ’n’ over again.”
    Then stop doing it! Now get the heck outta my room!
    I huff. “Okay, dang. I heard you. No boys. Do the dishes. Bye.”
    She lunges at me ’n’ swings an arm. But I’m too quick for the big girl. I jump up off the bed outta her reach.
    â€œI’m sick of you, girl! I can’t wait to toss ya slick-mouth azz outta here the minute you turn eighteen. You not gonna keep disrespectin’ me like you do, girl.”
    â€œGood day, ma’am,” I say, flicking a dismissive wave at her. “Please ’n’ thank you.” She keeps talking all sideways ’n’ crazy ’bout how she’s gonna end up knocking my teeth down my throat. But I’m not really hearing her. I keep saying, “Good day, ma’am. Please ’n’ thank you. Good day, ma’am. Please ’n’ thank you.”
    I know y’all think I’m disrespectful to her. But I don’t care! You have no idea what she’s put me through over the years. So what you see is the best I can do. I don’t wanna relive the past, so I’m not tryna go there ’n’ bring it up.
    She stares me down.
    I stare right back at her. Tilt my head.
    But I know today’s stare-down won’t be long ’cause she has to leave for work, like now.
    â€œDid you cook?” I ask, knowing the answer already. No.
    She narrows her gaze. “No, I didn’t cook. What I look like, slavin’ over a damn stove for some disrespecting girl who already thinks she’s grown? You know how to cook. You wanna eat, then get in there ’n’ cook it ya damn self.”
    I fold my arms. “I need money to order something.”
    She smirks. “Oh, really? Ha! Like ya fresh mouth always tells me: Girl, bye. Miss me with that. You better eat what’s down in that refrigerator or you just don’t eat.”
    With that said, she’s out the door, her hips ’n’ big booty angrily bouncin’ ’n’ shakin’ with each step. My door slams shut.
    I suck my teeth, fishing through my handbag. Lady, boom! I didn’t need ya lil change anyway. I stay with my own coins, boo. Boom! I just wanted to see what you were gonna say.
    I snatch up my cell ’n’ call Travis’s big-head self. He picks up on the third ring. “Yo, waddup?”
    â€œBring me something to eat, boo-daddy.”
    He laughs. “Oh, word? Now a nucca ya boo-daddy , huh?”
    â€œOh, boy, stop. You know you always gonna be my lil boo-daddy.”
    Lies!
    â€œYeah, a’ight. That’s what ya mouth says. But I couldn’t get no love the other day,