Chapter 2 #2
Devon leaned back against the cushions in frustration. “I’m so tired of people saying that. Just because she started it doesn’t mean she gets to control everything.”
“Why not?”
Devon wondered why everyone kept agreeing with Zoey and not him. “Because my idea and reasons are better.”
“If a friend buys a car, you don’t get to declare ownership just because you think you can drive it better, or get it repainted to a color you like better. This is her car, son. Not yours.”
“But what about what I want? Shouldn’t that count for something?”
“When you have your own car, yes. Now? All you can do is suggest.”
“So unfair.”
“Maybe, but in reality, nine times out of ten, the idea we think is so much better really isn’t.”
Devon didn’t want to hear that either. “Growing up is hard, Dad.”
“I know, but at least you’re in a place where you’re supported and loved. You have a nice home. Food in the fridge. Great friends and family. Some kids don’t have those things.”
“I guess.” He knew he was lucky in many ways, but still . . . “Will you and Mom talk to Ms. Roni and Doc Reg about making Zoey let me be in the band again?”
“No.”
He turned to view his dad’s face. “Why not?”
“Because parents don’t do their kids a favor by cushioning them against the angst of growing up.
It would be different if this band thing was life-threatening or dangerous, but it isn’t.
Life isn’t always going to be how we want, Dev, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we learn how to negotiate the valleys when it gets hard, and what really matters. ”
Devon sighed. Why didn’t anybody care about how he felt? His grandmother always took his side. Were she alive, she’d fix it so he’d be back in the band and make Zoey change the name. At least, that’s what he told himself.
Amari entered the room. “Hey, Dad.”
He didn’t acknowledge Devon.
“Hey, son. Are you just going to ignore your brother?”
“Yes. He prefers it that way, right, Dev?”
Sheepishness crept over Devon from his Nikes to his wig.
“Explain that, please.”
Amari shared the encounter in the cafeteria, before adding, “And Zoey texted me a few minutes ago to let me know James Brown’s mini-me here demanded she either change the name or he’d quit. Guess what happened?”
“You said Zoey kicked you out?”
“Lying to Dad. Such a dumb move, Dev.” Amari said, “I’m going to my room. Back for snacks in a few.”
As Amari exited, Devon shot daggers his way. Amari ignored him.
In the silence following Amari’s exit, Devon warily took in his dad’s unhappy features.
“Devon, sometimes when things get tough, we lie to save face, especially when we screw up. I get that. Everybody does it, so I’m not going to yell at you for that.”
Devon relaxed a bit.
“But in the cafeteria your brother was trying to help you navigate that valley we just talked about.”
“I know. I should probably apologize.”
“That’s up to you. I never had a brother, and neither did my dad. I grew up with great friends and teammates like Mr. Clark, but I wanted a brother. I thought back then and even now that having one was pretty special, even when you’re on the outs. Like you two now.”
“He’s going to laugh at me if I do.”
“And if he does, you’ll at least have the satisfaction of knowing you took the high road. But the apology has to be sincere. You don’t apologize just to make yourself feel better.”
Devon let that sink in.
“And as for the band. You and Zoey have butted heads before, but you’re also good friends. I’m sure you’ll figure things out.”
Devon wasn’t so sure but kept that to himself. He stood. “Thanks, Dad. I’m going to go apologize to Amari.”
“Sounds like a plan. And, Dev?”
“Yes?”
“Your mom and I love you very much. We’re always here for you. Okay?”
He nodded.
Upstairs, Devon knocked lightly on his brother’s open bedroom door. Amari was at his desk with his laptop and turned around. Upon seeing Devon, Amari met his eyes but sat silently.
“Came to say, I’m sorry for dissing you at school.”
“Appreciate that.”
Silence.
Devon pushed past his discomfort. “Dad said he never had a brother but always wanted one because he thought it would be special.”
“I never had a brother either until he and Lily Mom married and I got you out of the deal.”
“Do you hate me?”
“No, Dev. I don’t hate you. You’re my brother. I think you’re a dumbass sometimes, but so am I, sometimes.”
Dev showed a small smile, and Amari responded with one of his own.
“I really am sorry, Amari.”
“It’s okay. You might want to apologize to your girl, Zoey, too.”
Devon stiffened.
“No?” Amari asked.
Chin raised, Devon didn’t reply.
“Okay. Keep doing you. Good luck.”
When Amari turned back to his laptop, Devon knew their talk was done.
Wallowing in self-pity and lost in the mess he’d made, Devon went to his room and plopped down on the edge of his bed. When the tears rolled down his cheeks, he let them fall.
Heaven
“Poor Devon,” Daisy said sadly.
“Poor Devon, my foot!” Lucretia countered. “That boy didn’t listen to a word Trent said. At least Zoey isn’t putting up with his foolishness. Amari was correct. Devon is delulu.”
“Amari’s such a good big brother, even if Devon doesn’t seem to appreciate it,” Rachel noted.
“Because for Devon, it’s all about Devon,” Lucretia huffed.
“Show him some grace, Cretia,” Daisy advised.
“I’d rather Zoey show him a solid right cross. She’s good at making him come to Jesus that way.”
“He needs understanding, not violence.”
“He needs a brain, just like Zoey said.”
Rachel glanced between her bickering friends. “Let’s get some supper so you two can calm down. We can return after.”
Glaring at each other, Lucretia and Daisy grudgingly agreed.