(Maisha) Boys

“I can’t believe he did this to me!” Jessica wailed. Sana and I sat consoling her in the corner of a hallway. I had a calculus and biology test I desperately needed to study for but apparently sisterhood, if that even applies here, comes first.

Jessica was currently going through the entire 5 stages of grief. We were at denial 2 seconds ago, now we’ve hit anger. She sure moves fast.

“Hey it’s okay, don’t worry about it. You’ll get through this!” Sana placed a hand on Jessica’s shoulder to comfort her.

Jess was going through a “breakup” with her “boyfriend.” Now, I use those terms lightly because I don’t think what they had even qualifies as a relationship. He was just some scumbag who played with her feelings, and many many others for that matter.

“This is so unfair. Like, he literally just told me he likes someone else. What the hell! We talked every night for a whole freaking month!” She said between sobs. I handed her a tissue to wipe her face.

“Also the girl he likes is literally dating some guy at Norm Alperson University who’s wayyyyy out of his league. Why would you chase what you can’t have, that’s so stupid and delusional. Screw this!” she shouted.

The people passing by in the halls glanced our way to see what was going on, and looked away as soon as they saw that it was Jessica crouched on the ground.

“AND HIS MICRO **** IS ONLY 10 MILLIMETRES.”

The crowd stopped. One of them wrote something down in their notebook.

AAAAAAAAGHHHHH.

What did she do that for?! I’m leaving, I can’t do this anymore. I’m cutting off Jessica Lemoteur today.

I shot Sana a look and she gestured for me to play it cool. She always seemed to know what to do in these situations. She offered her hand to Jess and helped her up from the floor.

“Jessica. 10 millimeters is 1 centimeter,” Sana stated.

Why are we still on this topic? Can I go home?

“I know,” Jessica nodded. She dramatically wiped her tears. “Maybe I’m not good enough for anyone. This keeps happening.” she sulked.

I guess we skipped bargaining and moved straight to depression. Honestly, same.

“I bet you guys hate me too” her mascara painted the bottom half of her face, “I hate me too. I hate that I’m always the one with baggage. I’m too much for anyone, I should be alone.” Jessica started sobbing AGAIN.

Ok now I feel bad.

“No, don’t say that about yourself. We’re still here right?” Sana said, giving her a comforting side hug.

I handed her a tissue and she blotted at her puffy eyes.

Now can I go home?

“You guys can’t leave me alone today, like I need you guys. Please let’s go somewhere. I’m so over everything right now.” Jessica paused to look at Sana then me, “Can I come over?”

Nononono. No you can’t.

“Sorry my dad invited his work colleagues over today,” Sana said checking her phone.

Oh, fantastic, just my luck. They both looked at me expectantly. “Oh um, yea same, can’t do my place either” I shrugged.

“Your parents have guests over too?” Jess said, suspicious.

“Uhhh yea...” I looked to the side. We had guests, a lot of them. They’re called tenants and they pay rent.

Jessica is nice and all, she’s a good friend. But she was a little…. How do I say this?

She was rich.

Like as in loaded. She came from a family of uber successful lawyers. Her mom threw evening soirées in their uptown mansion, and they owned properties in all the most expensive parts of the city (probably the poor ones too, for building new projects, but that’s a whole other conversation). So there was no way in hell I was gonna let her see where I lived.

“Aww c'mon guys! We’ve been friends for all four years of highschool and I’ve never even been to your houses once!” Alright, well, not everyone lives in a house. I needed to think fast, she wasn’t about to let this go.

“Hey! How about we go to Café Eris.?” I pointed at the general direction it was in, “That spot downtown where the talent contest was last month, it’s super chill.”

I would've never taken them to Café Eris pre-renovation, but ever since Tristan’s redesign. it was proper enough. Ms. Park was mildly horrified by the makeover for some reason, but everyone else seemed to more or less appreciate the new decor. All the things that made Café Eris were still there, mainly the frogs... and the people too I guess.

“Oooo fun! Café study sesh with the three of us!” Jess squealed excitedly. Sana nodded in agreement, “Yeah, I’m down for that.”

Great, another terrible situation has been avoided.

Sana and Jess were chatting excitedly about the café, when I felt my phone vibrate.

Someone was calling me. Goddammit, it’s that rat- I mean, it’s Rahim. I stared at the phone contemplating my options. I had already ignored him seven times today, eight would probably be pushing it. Ugh, I guess I have to pick up.

“H-”

“Hey. So I’ve been having some trouble contacting you. When are we having another tutor session? I need a little help with chapter 8 before the test this friday. Questions 1 to 38.”

That was the whole damn chapter.

Just hearing his monotone voice drained the life out of me. I got roped into tutoring this kid by the principal himself so I couldn’t exactly say no. His parents also came to meet me.

I sighed audibly. I hope he hears how tired I am of him and his constant need for help. “Not right now. I’m busy.”

“But-”

I hung up. Maybe I should block his number. Although, I’d probably get in trouble with the administration for that.

“Ok guys, ready to go?” I clapped my hands, turning towards Jessica and Sana.

They both gave me a thumbs up.

----------------------------------------------

“Never been here before. I really like the orange sofas,” Sana said, looking around.

Oh, if only you guys had seen it before Tristan redesigned it. The brown sofa was a little nostalgic, but still terribly ugly. It was a good thing that it was gone.

I noticed Rika Park and Lucky Auntie chatting in my usual reading spot, but I didn’t really mind their company. Ok, maybe I did mind, but it was a busy afternoon and every other spot was occupied. We set our stuff down on the other side of the table and waited while Sana got us food and drinks to share.

Ms. Park's son was playing some board game with Kulsum at the frog table, while Ahmed Uncle chatted with the owner.

“It’s extra crowded today. How are we supposed to study in this noise?” I said irritatedly.

Jessica took her hot chocolate from Sana and stirred it, “Whatever, it’s fine. Let’s talk about how Mr. White literally has the police after him.”

Sana set down her textbook, “We don’t know the details so let’s not assume anything”

“Oh please, I know the details,” Jessica retorted. “My brother’s his lawyer, and I read through the case file. Oh. My. Gosh. He’s done. His career? Over. His reputation? Over.” She made a face, “I feel bad for his family.”

“What did he even do?” I asked, curious.

“Illegal sale of goods, some cases of fraud but like, it was weird. Something about a raccoon being his accomplice and like, multiple cases of theft too... Anyways, at least we don't have to do presentation essays for the rest of the year. Ms. Whitfield’s a lot nicer.”

She was right about that.

“My ex was in that class and he actually loved it. I’m not surprised. You know, he wasn’t even that cute to begin with,” Jessica said with a disgusted look on her face, “I don’t know what the heck I was thinking.”

“Hm, I disagree. He’s not bad looking...but he IS ugly. You get what I mean?” said Sana.

“Huh?”

“Like his personality,” she clarified.

“Oh for sure,” I agreed.

“But you know who’s actually kinda cute?” Jess leaned in with a mischievous look.

“Who? Jimothy?” I smirked.

Sana let out a laugh, “Oh God, please no! He’s everything wrong with guys our age.”

“Ew, hell no! That creep won’t leave me alone!” Jess looked revolted, as she should.

“I’m so glad he goes to Elohssa High instead of Nerva Srec. He apparently shows up on school property to harass people for pranks even though he literally dropped out.”

“Gross,” we all said in unison.

Ms. Park and Lucky Auntie looked mildly amused by our ranting and chimed in. “OH IS IT THAT IDIOTIC BOY WHO DID THE “COMEDY” SKIT AND THEN RAN OUT IN A TEMPER TANTRUM?” Ms. Park let out a boisterous laugh that actually kind of startled me. “HIM LEAVING WAS BY FAR THE FUNNIEST PART.”

We all laughed. Ms. Park slandering Jimothy was definitely the highlight of my day.

“Oh, thank god I didn’t let Kulsum go to the event. She wanted to see her friend’s performance. Apparently he ended up winning.” Lucky Auntie took out a plastic container of grapes and slid it across the table towards us.

“Yeah, I didn’t stay the whole time because of Jimothy, but Maisha told me Maruto was definitely the star of the night,” Jess said.

“Ok wait, so who’s this guy that you like?” I asked Jess.

“Oh! You guys know him, he’s in our biology class. Maisha you’ve talked to hi-”

Before she could finish, a familiar voice said “Hey! Fancy seeing you guys here!”

Akaash Roy was standing slightly above eye level from Jess. To be fair, these new chairs were quite tall, and Akaash was not.

“Hey... I didn’t know you came here?” I smiled awkwardly. I'd never seen him in Café Eris the past four years that it had been my study spot.

“I’m just here to pick up some food. My little sister comes here sometimes with her friends.”

He smiled and pointed to the question I was working on, “The answer is 827.36 cm.”

“Oh, thanks…” I glanced over at my paper, but didn’t write down the answer.

“Omg Kash!” Jess exclaimed. “You’re sooo smart. But Maisha doesn’t need your help, she's gonna ace that test no problem. But you should help ME through calculus this year. It’s actually killing me, like, I don’t get it at all...” she batted her eyelashes.

“Oh, uh, sure. And do you need some water? Your face is a little red,” he said, handing her an unopened water bottle. “Do Wednesday’s at lunch work for you?” He pulled out his phone to check his calendar.

“Of course! Let me give you my Binstagram so we can talk,”she snatched the phone out of his hand.

Oh. I caught on to what was happening, and shot Sana a look. She shot one back. Oh cmon, she can’t be serious. Akaash Roy of all people? I mean he was nice and all. Yeah. He was nice.

Jess glanced at the worksheet I was filling out. “Ok, so like I know we’re technically here to study, but you should relax a little!”

I sighed, “There’s no guarantee I’ll ace it, so I might as well increase my chances by knowing the material.”

“Oh my gosh, you’ve reviewed this chapter three times already, like take it easy. Have a little fun!” She kept glancing at Akaash to see his reaction. He was busy counting his croissants.

At this point I was regretting bringing her here.

“Ok well I gotta go, maybe I’ll see you guys around here some other time,” Akaash smiled and waved as he left.

Lucky Auntie sighed, “Maisha, dear, I know good grades are important but the café is so noisy right now. You can take a break,” she looked like she felt bad for me. “There’s more to life than CALCULUS.” she clenched her fist like the thought of the subject enraged her.

“Yeah exactly, like boys.” chirped Jess.

Ms. Park was clearly unimpressed by Jessica’s response. “NO. IT’S ABOUT MONEY AND CONNECTIONS.”

“Girls, don’t get ahead of yourselves. High School’s not a good time to try and find love, whatever that might mean to you,” Lucky Auntie chimed in.

Jess rolled her eyes, “No offense, but aren’t you and your husband like getting divorced or something?”

I spat out my drink.

Sana’s eyes widened as she became increasingly interested in the latté in front of her.

I was mortified. Remind me to never tell Jessica anything ever again.

Lucky Auntie shifted her round glasses and sipped her tea unbothered by Jess’ remarks. Ms. Park looked far more offended, “CHILD, LET ME GIVE YOU A PIECE OF ADVICE.” she pointed at us.

“NEVER LET A MAN, MUCH LESS A BOY, BECOME YOUR ENTIRE LIFE.” I presumed she meant in terms of a lover specifically. I didn’t point out how much she was obsessed with her son.

Lucky Auntie nodded, “Absolutely. They’re just a hassle, dears. Spend your time on something that is worth your time,” she took another sip of her tea.

“YES, AND IF THEY BECOME TOO MUCH, JUST DISPOSE OF THEM.”

Preac- wait wait wait. What did she mean by dispo-

Jessica suddenly stood up. “I’m out of here for today, my brother said he’s nearby so he’s picking me up. Bye guys!” she blew a kiss our way and skipped out the door.

“I should get going too, to help with cleaning the house and stuff. Also I gotta prepare for the student council meeting tomorrow,” said Sana apologetically.

“Oh no worries, see you tomorrow.” I waved goodbye.

She waved back and ran to catch the bus.

Now it was just me, Lucky Auntie, Ms Park, and this tub of grapes.

Too many things happened today. I’m exhausted.