Aunt Tanya smiled. “We hugged it out. My niece is a wonderful young lady. This is her first time acting out like this, and I have nothing but love for her. If my children are anything like her and Keylisa, I’ll consider myself blessed with two sets of amazing kids.”
Uncle Corey placed a supportive hand on Aunt Tanya’s knee. She kissed him on the cheek.
“I’m excited to announce that my team is in the semi-finals and will be returning to defend our state championship this year. Which led to me being offered and accepting a full scholarship to play for our state’s program as a freshman. So I can come home and get my hair done by the best stylists in the world — in my opinion.” I felt Keylisa stand up and throw her arms around my neck. My arms circled her small waist. Her tears ran down the back of my neck as her happiness filled the entire room. “Being able to come home and spend time with my little sister played a big part in choosing to stay in Georgia while I attend college. Thank you to everyone who asked about my plans and prayed for me.”
Aunt Tanya joined in on the hug with Keylisa and kissed me on the cheek. “Your mom would be so pleased. She’s proud of you. Just like Corey and I.”
“Thank you, Aunt Tanya.” I turned around to face her as Keylisa sat back in her seat. “Another reason I decided to stay close to home is so I can continue to model your styles. If you’d like for me to do so. Keylisa and I have so much fun.”
Keylisa squealed next to me.
“I’d love for you to keep being my hairstyle guinea pig.” Aunt Tanya winked at me. Everyone laughed.
I turned back to the camera. “Let’s take some questions and read some comments before we move on to the next announcement.”
Everyone looked toward the television. “AnisaFox asks will Keylisa be doing any takeovers since this is JeShaun’s last video.”
“I think that’s a great idea, but that is something we should Ask Tanya B.” I wink at Aunt Tanya as I look toward her and Uncle Corey.
Aunt Tanya and Uncle Corey chuckle. “I see you’ve learned a thing or two. Good one. The answer is, we’ll see. Keylisa loves hair and several other longtime community members have expressed an interest in doing takeovers.”
“I’ll be great at takeovers.” Keylisa piped up with a smile. “When I’m a little older.”
Everyone laughs.
“You heard it from her, yes… Later.” Aunt Tanya smiles. “She’s wise for her age.”
I nod and give my little sister a quick squeeze. “Well, before we get to the reason, this whole thing started, I want to say one thing. I’m so thankful for all of you in the Ask Tanya B community, my family, and friends. I’d still be conflicted and frustrated about what to do with my hair when I get to college without you. Thank you so much.” I took in a deep breath. “The most important factor in this decision is learning that this decision is all about me, my hair, and I. Nothing wrong with wanting to look good but do it for you. This whole situation showed me, healthy hair does care.”
I grabbed my Calculus book. Behind the door of my locker I found a pair of deep dark brown eyes. “Hello.”
“Hi,” He smiled. “My name is Dante.”
Dante. The fine boy who moved to Macon from New Jersey last month. All the girls talked about him. “Hi, Dante. I’m JeShaun.”
“I know.” Dante smiled. “You’re on the volleyball team with my sister.”
I nodded. Black girls on the volleyball team stuck out. His little sister played well for a sophomore. “She’s good. Great spike. Very controlled.”
“Thanks.” Dante leaned against the locker. “So, you have a date for the dance?”
My heart stopped in my chest. You had to be kidding me. “No. You?”
“I will. If you say yes.” Dante cleared his throat.
I smiled. “I’ll give you an answer as soon as you ask.”
“JeShaun, will you go to the dance with me?”
I cleared my throat. “Yes.”
“Cool,” Dante puts his hand in his pocket.
The ninety second warning bell rang. “Shoot, my class is on the other side of the building. I’ll see you later.”
Dante nodded.
I ran down the hall to my class.
“Talk to me.” Breyonna giggled into the phone. “You home from school already?”
I laughed. “No, waiting for the bus. But I had to call and tell you what happened before math. Dante asked me to the Winter formal.”
“Fine, New Jersey?”
I laughed again. “Yes, that Dante. Girl, his breath smelled like spearmint. He stood that close to me by my locker when he asked.”
“Look at you out here cuffing the finest dude in the class.” Breyonna sighed. “Guess, I’ll tell Jacob yes. I didn’t want to go with a date if you didn’t have one.”
I gasped as the bus came down the road. “Jacob with the blue eyes?”
“Yep, he asked me last week.” Breyonna said.
I laughed. “We’re going to have words when I get home. Bus is here. I’ll call you back.”
“Don’t call me. I’ll be at your house when you get there.” Breyonna laughed as the call ended.
“I’ll see you later, JeShaun.” Breyonna gave a quick wave to someone behind me before walking away.
I turned around. “Hi, Dante.”
“Hi, JeShaun.” He held his phone in his hand. “You ran off to class before I got your number.”
I cleared my throat. “Can’t be late. Coach keeps a close eye on our attendance and grades. Not trying to get laps for being in trouble. Sets a bad example for the team.”
“True.” Dante pressed his thumb on the button. He handed me the phone. “Give me your number and I’ll text you tonight.”
I accepted the
