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we can imagine,” Netta says, cryptically. “We need to stop them both before they kill each other and take more innocent lives along the way.”
    I can only imagine what kind of vengeful plans Esmeralda’s camp and G’s fellow gang members are concocting as we speak. Both sides are equally dangerous even if G doesn’t know what kind of power he’s dealing with. When he finds out that Esmeralda’s the one behind his latest charge all hell is going to break loose.
    “Sometimes we’re our own worst enemy,” Mama says, stepping outside and taking a deep breath. I spent most of the sunny day inside.
    “Yes, indeed,” Netta says, eyeing the dozens of people walking in and out of the courthouse.
    “When self-loathing becomes toxic, that hatred seeps into the surrounding air choking the life out of every living thing around it. And like all weeds, it must be destroyed so the plant can thrive,” Mama says, following her best friend down the steps as Daddy leads the way toward the parked cars. “Where there is fear there can be no love. Where there is life there can be no death. Do you understand, Jayd?”
    “Yes, ma’am. I do,” I say, kissing my grandparents and godmother good-bye.
    Mama’s right. Much like the veve charm hanging from the eleke around my neck, there are many roads to choose from. I’m pretty sure the path G’s chosen will lead to his ultimate demise if he’s not careful.

“You act like your shit don’t stink. And trust me, it does.”
    -Bryan
    Drama High, volume 14: So, So Hood
    * * *
    CHAPTER THREE: TOXIC
    Mama wanted me to spend the night again last night but I needed some time and space to myself. Lucky for me today is a customary short Tuesday for faculty meetings giving me a much-needed early day out of school. It’s also Mama and Netta’s day to close the shop and do each other’s hair, even if they’ve requested my presence.
    So far, I’ve managed to avoid engaging in the drama between Cameron and Jeremy all day, focusing instead on how to figure out what Misty and Emilio are up to. KJ was on her ass like white on rice today, but Misty didn’t even entertain him—that’s anything but normal.
    Finally reaching my locker in the middle of the vast hall, I quickly unlock it to switch out my books for tonight’s homework. Maybe if I can get to the shop early enough they’ll let me go in a couple of hours.
    “Jayd, wait up,” Nellie says, catching me off guard as she, Reid and Laura—the current president and first lady of the Associated Student Body—walk in through the opposite end of the hall where the entrance to the main office is located. Nellie giggles excitedly about something I know I don’t want to hear about, wraps up her conversation and heads my way. So much for me making a clean get away.
    “What’s up?” I ask, eyeing other students chatting it up.
    It’s the perfect day for clubs to catch up on recruiting new members, reminding me that I need to call an African Student Union meeting soon. It’ll be our first for the year. As president, I should be looking forward to it but I’m not. As with everything else in my life, I’m sure the meeting will bring more drama than necessary.
    “Jayd, can you drop me off at the salon? Mickey was supposed to give me a ride but she’s nowhere to be found,” Nellie says, flipping her long weave over her right shoulder and subsequently dropping her keys.
    Nellie bends forward to pick them up and I spot the new growth at the base of her neck. No wonder she’s in such a hurry to get to the beauty shop. Her roots are showing her true ancestry and I know Nellie isn’t feeling that. She won’t even come to one of our ASU meetings let alone go for wearing her hair natural.
    “Did you try calling her?” I ask, in no mood to be Nellie’s chauffeur. She needs to get a license and a car of her own. Being dependent isn’t a good look.
    “Of course I did,” Nellie says, irritated. “But I think she left campus at lunch. We