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talked about going after school but I told her I wasn’t sure of my plans.”
    That’s a typical Nellie move, always expecting folks to wait around for her. That’s also one of the reasons Chase eventually bounced on her high-maintenance ass.
    “Have you ever considered taking the bus?” I ask, charging through the courtyard toward the front parking lot. “If you take the Metro it’ll drop you off on Rosecrans, practically right in front of the shop.”
    “That would take forever,” Nellie says to the back of my head. She can keep talking but I have no intentions of diverting my plans for anyone. “Besides, I’m wearing my new Gucci boots. They’re not made for walking or sitting on a city bus.”
    “Nellie, I’m on my way to work. Ever heard of it?” I’d offer to do her hair but I know she’d decline, as always. She and Mickey are unimpressed with my skills.
    Several seagulls fly above our heads, briefly dimming the bright sunlight. It’s a warm, breezy day and the majority of the students leaving campus are on their way to the beach, including Cameron’s crew at the other end of the lot. No doubt Jeremy’s already in the water. I wish I could chill like them, but as always duty calls for this awkward black girl.
    “Jayd, please. I can’t miss my appointment. I have bible study tonight and I can’t go looking like this,” Nellie says, gesturing towards her hair.
    Truth be told, Nellie’s a beautiful girl. Her mocha complexion and high cheekbones are striking. She doesn’t need a weave, heavy make up or expensive clothing to make her standout. Unfortunately, she’s the only one who doesn’t know how inherently beautiful she really is.
    “You look fine, Nellie,” I say, trying not to let Cameron’s cheery attitude ignite the hater in me. “I’m already running behind schedule as it is.”
    “I’ll give you twenty dollars for gas.” Now she’s talking my language.
    “Okay, Nellie. But don’t make this a habit. And for God’s sake, girl; learn how to drive.”
    Nellie rolls her eyes at me but she knows I’m right.
    I unlock the car doors and we settle in. It’s out of my way but at least it’ll give me a chance to really see what’s up with Mickey. She’s been avoiding me like the plague and I want to know what that’s all about. I left her a message last night stating that G pleaded not guilty and wasn’t allowed bail because of his recent release from the LA County jail. I don’t agree with her still being in contact with her ex, but since she is she should also be there to support him. G seems to have no family, which explains a lot about his behavior. If Mickey’s the only friend G’s got other than his gang homies, then she needs to be there for him like he’s been there for her all of these years.
    *
    When we step inside the shop I instantly gag from the chemical fumes sucking all of the oxygen out of the air. In the back of the shop is the nail spa, and in the front is the regular press and curl, barber and braid section. How do these ladies breathe up in here? I’m surprised more of them don’t have brain damage or lung disease with the various toxins present in the small space.
    One of the stylists is doing a Brazilian Blowout on her client, which Mama says they were doing back in the day when she used to frequent Carnival every year. The straightening method was hazardous then and still is in her opinion. Mickey and Nellie have been coming to CoCo’s Cosmetology on Compton Boulevard for years and wouldn’t leave for anything in the world, no matter how dangerous the products may be. Affectionately referred to as CoCo’s, men and women alike wait for hours to get their hair done here.
    “Hey, everyone,” Nellie says, waving to the staff and clients alike. “Sorry I’m late. This is my girl, Jayd.”
    “Hi Nellie and co.,” CoCo says, directing us to the waiting area. She’s working on tightening a weave and her client looks like she wants to cry.
    The shop