Keylisa laughed as she made her Luigi jump on top of Mario’s head. Uncle Corey and Tanya told stories about watching their older cousins torture each other, playing Mario Brothers as children. Now they tease each other and laugh as we have fun with the rowdy pair.
“Well,” Aunt Tanya sashayed into the room wearing a faint smile and glowing skin. “Let’s talk about continuing this craziness with my company brand.”
My heart dropped as she perched on the sofa next to Keylisa. Her hands found a way to make adjustments to Keylisa’s flawless hair. Ever the spoiled baby, Keylisa ate the attention up like a slice of pound cake.
“Maybe you need another run.” Uncle Corey left the papers he’d been studying on the table. He sat on the brown leather ottoman between the couch and pillows under the flat screen television mounted to the wall.
Aunt Tanya inhaled a long, dragging breath. She stopped playing in Keylisa’s hair, placing her hands in her lap. “I’m listening.”
“Do I need to go to my room?” Keylisa said.
Aunt Tanya shook her head.
“You’re America’s top natural child hair care model. You’re the most important piece to the puzzle. We just have to clean this mess off the other two parts.” Uncle Corey thumbed toward Aunt Tanya and me.
Keylisa giggled. She made a serious face as she paused the game.
“JeShaun, first, thank you for participating in the pre product launch teaser shoot.” Uncle Corey looked between Aunt Tanya and I as he spoke. “Tanya and I know you’re having a challenging time preparing for college next year. We want you to know we appreciate you continuing to contribute to the brand.”
I nodded. “Of course. Ms. Brielle and I have been talking about this since the last time we discussed things and with everything else going on… We’re family, the photoshoot is the least I can do.”
“Oh, now we’re family.” Aunt Tanya mumbled under her breath.
Uncle Corey leaned forward and stared at his wife. “Yes. Even when we do or say things to hurt each other by chance or on purpose. We forgive, learn how to love each other better, and move on. Right, honey?”
“Huh?” Embarrassment covered Aunt Tanya’s face. She sighed. “Yes. Your uncle is right, girls. Perfect people don’t exist. We can love each other through anything. Whether we live in this house or the poorhouse. The poor house we’re headed to if things continue to disrupt the brand.”
Uncle Corey sat up straight. “Tanya, no one is going to ruin the family brand. Keylisa is going to make sure we don’t mess up her inheritance. She tells me as much once a week. JeShaun has sparked a natural hair community wide conversation that will go on with or without us. Either we take the opportunity to steer the direction and discussion or someone else will. We’ve raised a smart, intelligent young lady. Give her a chance.”
“I don’t want someone else profiting from our family drama. Lord knows some of the YouTube videos popping up means everyone will try.” Keylisa gave Aunt Tanya a toothy grin and thumbs up sign. “Well, the boss seems happy with the suggestion, so I’m on board. With a huge caveat. Do. Not. Disrespect. Me. Online. EVER. Again.”
My blood boiled. I felt large bubbles of lava popping in my veins. Someone else had to see them percolating under my skin. If they did, they pretended not to notice. “I am and always have been happy to help. With all the things Brielle is teaching me about taking care of my hair, I’m excited to discuss things while making my decision about my hair.”
“Brielle?” Aunt Tanya fumed. “This is the disrespect I’m talking about, Corey. She has lived in the house with a beautician almost her entire life but pretends she doesn’t know how to take care of her hair.”
Uncle Corey closed his eyes. He pulled his hand down his face as if to wipe the frustration away.
“Living with you hasn’t taught me how to take care of my hair. Being around something all the time doesn’t make you an expert. I’m not a criminals rights advocate like Uncle Corey. Learning about different products and natural hairstyles has been easy living here, yes. You never taught ME how to do my own hair.” My voice shook with the anger coursing through me. Fighting to get out.
Uncle Corey dropped his head for a moment.
Aunt Tanya opened her mouth, then clamped it closed.
Keylisa pushed her body to the back of the couch so her feet dangled over the front.
“She’s right.” Uncle Corey tapped on Aunt Tanya’s knee. “You have always done her hair. Even before she lived with us.”
Aunt Tanya crossed her arms. “Excuse me for ruining your life by doting on you.”
“Just tell me what and when you want me to say whatever, Uncle Corey, I’ll be there. Being respectful. Be nice to get the same treatment in return.” A massive headache started from the bottom of the back of my head, radiating in waves to the tip of my hairline. “I’m going to take an aspirin and lie down. I have a headache.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Today went great. Breyonna waved. I made our hand motions for ‘text you later’. All felt right with the world as I climbed onto the school bus. Buzz. Buzz.
[Come to my office when you get home.]
Well, that ended sooner than I like. Summoned to the court by the queen. I rolled my eyes and turned on my favorite K-Pop playlist from YouTube.
The smell of vanilla and some other sweetness from Aunt Tanya’s product mix filled the air as I made my way through the backdoor of the shop. Her apprentice students’ welcome basket items were sitting on the table next to the station where she’d teach her how to care for natural hair. Guilt filled the pit of my stomach as
