Pretty Girls in the Vip (9781617730283) by Daaimah S. Poole Page A

tables in the entire place. We had our own chef and waitstaff. And before that, he came to my school and surprised me. He had flowers and these men singing to me. Then, look—I have a new computer.” I opened my new laptop and showed it to her. “If the boys touch this one, I’m going to knock them out. But anyway . . . me and Jabril had such a great time. Oh, look at my bracelet, earrings, and necklace.”
    â€œAre they real? Wow, Zakiya, you can’t be walking around Philly in those big diamonds, girl. Everything sounds like it was beautiful. He is such a romantic guy.”
    â€œHe is,” I agreed. “I had such a good time, and he wants us to get back together and he wanted me to stay there again. I’m thinking about it.”
    â€œWhy wouldn’t you? What do you have to lose? He treats you so well.”
    â€œI don’t know, I feel like I have school and my own life now. Then I know you need me to help you out.”
    â€œZakiya, I love you, but I would never want to stop you from living your life. I have the boys enrolled in after-school day care, so don’t use us as an excuse.”
    â€œI’m not making any excuses.”
    â€œYou two went through a lot last time, but from what I know of him, he seems like a really good guy. All I’m saying is, don’t make up excuses not to be happy.”
    â€œI do want to be happy, Lisa. I’m just so confused. I want to be with him, but then I feel like I’ve come so far. Why would I turn back now?”
    â€œTurn back because you love Jabril and obviously he loves you. That’s enough right there. Love can make anything possible. Like me and Mikey . . . we’re going to make it work again. We’re getting married, and he’s moving back in.”
    â€œWhat! Are you serious, Lisa?” I said angrily. I knew something was up with those two.
    â€œWe’ve been going out on dates and seeing each other for months. He has changed, and he deserves another chance. And the boys need to have him around.”
    â€œLisa, when were you going to tell me? I can’t believe you are taking him back.”
    â€œYou were gone last week. So I’m telling you now. Everyone needs their own happiness, including you. Maybe it is time for you to live your life and stop worrying about us so much.”
    â€œSo, what are you saying, Lisa?”
    â€œI’m not saying you have to leave, but I don’t want to hear any negativity about Mikey.”
    I didn’t have anything to say. I just didn’t think I could watch when the bomb exploded again.
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    I walked out of the house and took a walk. I don’t know why I was so angry about the reunion of Mikey and Lisa. It wasn’t my relationship. But I know for sure that when Mikey is around, trouble was not far. I already know I’m not staying here with them. When they were together before, I had to referee their fights and arguments, and I wasn’t doing it again. Maybe I should just go back to Jabril and worry about myself, like Lisa said, because she doesn’t care how I feel. I walked a few blocks and then I called Adrienne. She was like my other big sister. I used to be her nanny and she’s the only person who would understand my dilemma with Jabril.
    â€œHey, Adrienne, I really need to talk to you. I need some advice.”
    â€œCan I call you back? I just came in with Asia and need to give her a bath.”
    â€œAw, give Asia a big kiss for me. Adrienne, it will be real quick. I have one question I need to ask you.”
    â€œOkay, go ahead.”
    â€œWell, it’s about Jabril. He came to Philly and surprised me for my birthday. We spent a week together and had so much fun. It was like old times, and he wants us to get back together. But I feel like I want to go to school and have my own life. You know what happened last time. So I’m scared that I’m going to lose myself again. And I