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had the feeling that he knew me before we met and I’m not second-guessing my intuition. I’ll have to ask Mama about getting information out of my new teacher when I get home this afternoon. Until then, I’ll enjoy the back-and-forth we’ve got going on and the rest of my day. Besides, why would I argue with him when what he says is true? I am a different kind of bird and I’m ready to spread my wings and let everyone see my true colors—Mr. Adewale included.
    â€œHow do you know anything about how I fly?” I ask. Mr. A sits up straight in his seat, tapping his red pen against a stack of exams.
    â€œI don’t know, but you could say I have a sixth sense about these things.”
    Just like Laura, Mr. A’s got something else on his agenda and it has to do with me. I don’t want to be caught off-guard by either one of them. A hustler’s always got to be one step ahead of the competition, and my advantage in this game is Mama’s wisdom. We’ll see how deep his so-called sixth sense matches up against Mama’s powers when I get home.
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    Instead of dealing with the impending drama between Mickey and Nellie, and apparently between me and Nellie too, I studied in the drama room at break, and my lunch was saved by our mandatory rehearsal. Laura worked my nerves to no end this afternoon. She keeps hinting that I’m going to be sorry, and soon. Usually I wouldn’t take her threats too seriously, but something about her confident tone has me on edge today. If anything can calm my nerves it’s Mama’s cooking.
    The scent of Mama’s snickerdoodles carries me up the quiet block toward home. Mama’s been stressed out with other people’s issues at home and the homeless shelter alike. Baking always calms her nerves, and her sweet treats have the same effect on everyone who eats them. I can’t wait to get my hands on a cookie.
    â€œHow was your day, baby?” Mama asks, as I enter the crowded kitchen, filled with Christmas decorations and specialty baking pans among other holiday crap Jay and I are responsible for handling. Every year we have to unpack all of the Christmas decorations and then put them up. It used to be fun being the youngest ones around here, but both of us have outgrown these duties. If my uncles acted right with their baby-mamas and stopped trying to be mac daddys, some of our younger cousins would be around to pick up the holiday slack.
    Mama’s dog, Lexi, shifts her slumbering body from one side to the other, allowing me space to sit at the kitchen table.
    â€œIt was cool. Other than the usual haters making my morning eventful, the rest of the day was smooth.”
    Mama stops kneading the cookie dough long enough to take a good look at me. Her green eyes look slightly red this evening, and I know immediately that she hasn’t rested well or been taking her herbs. I’m too exhausted for an inquisition right now. Mama’s lock is tight on me while she reads my face as I take my backpack off and put it on the floor next to Lexi. It must be nice being a dog and lying around all day.
    â€œHow was your day?”
    Sensing my fatigue, Mama stops probing my mind for the time being and returns her energy to her baking. “Oh girl, you know the holidays are my busiest times and this year is no exception. Netta’s going to help me out and I know you’re still on board as one of my best helpers, right?”
    I look at Mama and simply shake my head. Normally I’d sigh my disapproval, but tonight all I want to do is eat some cookies and go to bed.
    â€œRight, Jayd?” Mama repeats her question, waiting for my answer. Now she knows something’s up with me. “Okay, what’s wrong? Did Rah, Jeremy, or both get on your nerves today?”
    â€œActually, it was Mr. Adewale and Nellie. They are both tripping hard and messing up my chi,” I say, sounding more like a yogi than a descendant