“Aunt Tanya, there is nothing I can do to take back what I said, or how much it must’ve hurt you. You, Uncle Corey, and my mother raised me better. What I posted on your Instagram did not belong on social media.” Tears began rolling down cheeks. “You turned your life upside down to take care of me and Keylisa. I’m so sorry for disrespecting you. I was selfish, immature, and bratty.”
Breyonna came and placed her arm around my shoulder. “Breyonna helped me see how blessed I am to have all of you. Not only have you not tried to be my mom, you make sure to show me and Keylisa videos, pictures, and tell us about her all the time. My cousins are gonna be so loved. You’re a great Aunt and mother. Please forgive me.”
Tears streamed down Aunt Tanya’s face as Uncle Corey pulled her into his arms. The tension in the room disappeared. I patted Breyonna’s arm and took a step toward my Aunt and Uncle. My feet felt heavy as I took slow steps toward my Aunt.
Uncle Corey stopped rubbing Aunt Tanya’s back. I saw the unshed tears in his eyes. How many nights since I hurt her had he consoled her? They deserved so much better than I’d done. “I know things can’t just go back to the way they were, but I hope one day you realize how much I appreciate and love you. Next time I’m hurting about missing my mom, I’ll remember to ask how you’re doing too. I apologize.”
Aunt Tanya turned around. I expected to see sadness, disappointment, and anger. For a moment I saw my mother’s face, smiling at me in Aunt Tanya’s eyes. No anger. No disappointment. Just love. Her arms surrounded me and I fell into her embrace. We stood and cried for what felt like hours.
“Hate to break all this up, but someone has to make you presentable for your last takeover.” Brielle said.
Keylisa chuckled. “Makeup can only do so much. I may need to get my magic wand.”
Everyone laughed as Aunt Tanya and I pulled away from each other. “I love you, JeShaun. All is forgiven.”
“Awesome, now get your butt in this chair. Tanya’s mascara isn’t even messed up, but I have no idea how I’m gonna get your puffiness gone.” Brielle’s hands paused for a moment on her hips.
Breyonna gave me a hug as I sat down in Brielle’s chair.
“Well, are you gonna tell us what you decided to do with your hair?” Ebonee said. She sat in the chairs where clients waited before an appointment.
I let my legs dangle over the bar at the bottom of the seat. “Yep, you’ll find out where I’m going to school on the takeover. But I’ll give you the scoop on my hair now.”
“Spill it.” Brielle placed a bowl on her station.
Breyonna sat next to her mom. Aunt Tanya and Uncle Corey leaned on the wall outside of the recording area. Keylisa sat in Breyonna’s lap.
“Nothing. No relaxer. No protein treatment. No locs. Brielle and Aunt Tanya offered to teach me how to do it before I leave for school, so I’m going to learn how to do my hair.” I cleared my throat. “Like I should’ve asked to learn years ago. If I hadn’t been so busy crushing on this boy who liked straight hair, we’d all be doing something better today.”
Uncle Corey chuckled.
Aunt Tanya giggled.
Ebonee shook her head.
“Wait,” Keylisa stood up. “This is all over some stupid boy?”
I nodded. “Not all of it but me wanting to change my hair, so the length showed… Yes.”
“I’m never changing my hair for anyone. Like it or leave me alone.” Keylisa gave Breyonna a high five before sitting back in her lap.
Breyonna stuck her tongue out at me. “Preach Keylisa!”
“Anyway,” I ignored my best friend. “I have too many games, too much studying, and more important things to do than worry about my hair. Truth is, I wanted to change it to get a boy to notice me. Uncle Corey and Ms. Ebonee helped me see things clearer which erased the problem. I like my hair healthy the way it grows from my scalp.”
Brielle snapped her fingers in the air. “Well said, god daughter.”
“Plus, trying all these hairstyles is exhausting. Give me a cute flat twist and let me sweat. I’m all tried out.”
Uncle Corey sat on the outside of Aunt Tanya. I sat next to Aunt Tanya. Keylisa sat next to me beside Breyonna. Ebonee stood next to the computer ready to press record the way we showed her, so we’d be able to stay in the shot.
“Everyone ready?” Ebonee said.
Aunt Tanya nodded.
“So ready,” I sighed. “I won’t miss this spotlight.”
Uncle Corey and Ebonee laughed.
“I’m gonna do a test post from the comments to make sure you can see it. Breyonna give me a sign you see it okay?” Ebonee said.
Breyonna nodded.
“Thank you, Ebonee.” Aunt Tanya said.
I cleared my throat. “Alright. I’ll start with my college announcement, then I’ll do another shorter non tear filled apology before telling everyone my hair decision last.”
Aunt Tanya and Uncle Corey nodded.
“I’m so proud of you,” Breyonna smiled.
Keylisa patted me on the leg. “Me too.”
“Live in five,” Ebonee said as the 5 second countdown displayed on the television on the wall where the comments would show up.
Breyonna and I gave Ebonee a thumbs up.
“Hey, Ask Tanya B fam. Thanks for tuning in for my last takeover. Before we get started, I want to make sure I apologize for expressing myself in a disrespectful way when I posted that I didn’t want to do the photoshoot. Things have worked out for the best for my family, but I didn’t have to be so disrespectful. I apologized to my Aunt in private but wanted to do it in public too. She
