Hood Ornaments

Dell didn’t know the name of the emotion he was living. There were several times during the evening he lingered in the midst of relief and disappointment. The first time was when he got back to Tori’s house and noticed Trudy wasn’t home. He was initially relieved because he knew she knew more than she let on. On the other hand, Dell knew she was his strongest ally and would defend him if needed. She would also dote upon him once he told her about his plans to go to college and become a teacher. He was pleased that she would be proud of him.

The second time Dell was caught up in his feelings was because of the blossoming relationship between Tony and Tori. Did this bamma really need to come back to the house with them and rub the shit in his face? But on second thought, no one really knew how he felt. They didn’t talk about shit like that. Tony was a decent enough “buffer” between him and Tori when the conversation got stagnant or uncomfortable.

So Dell lingered in this state of flux while Tony and Tori ate their sandwiches in Ms. Trudy’s small kitchen.

Tony wasn’t comfortable himself. He actually kinda resented Dell just showing up and stealing his shine. He was the one who helped paint Trudy’s basement and kept Tori from being worried about Dell’s whereabouts and well-being. But no, the minute Dell decides to come home, Tori jumps up and goes to talk to him. Leaving Tony, figuratively and literally, holding the bag. Right then and there, Tony decided he was going to eat and then go home. He was beat from painting anyway.

Tori was so exhausted she wasn’t even embarrassed that she was yawning after each swallow of food. That painting really wore her out. All of the emotions fluttering around inside her wore her out too. She really liked Tony. That much she knew. What she didn’t quite understand was this feeling that she was betraying Dell.

Now Dell was back full of elaborate adventures and exciting plans. She yawned again. And as if that was a cue, Tony got up and began gathering his garbage.

“You leaving so soon?” Tori asked while looking up at him eyes glazed from exhaustion. Tony nodded and tossed his garbage away, washed his hands, wrapped up Tori’s leftovers and put them in the fridge. He then kissed her on the forehead.

“Yeah girl, I’m beat.”

Tori’s nod mimicked Tony’s “Call me when you get in?”

Tony smirked, “If the phone is still on.”

Tori’s mouth let out a small, “Oh.”

Dell walked Tony to the door and the pair exchanged dap, “I’ma be leaving in a minute too, but Malik and I are gonna come through in the morning, so we can handle some business.”

Tony’s eyebrow raised, “Word?”

Dell sucked his teeth, “Not like that man, but we’ll be by around eleven or so. I ain’t paint or nothing, but I’m exhausted too.

“Yeah well, you ain’t getting out of doin that shit again. Apparently, Trudy has landscaping ideas for us.”

The pair shook hands then Tony left to head home. Tori had wandered into the small living room and flopped on the loveseat. Dell came in, sat down next to her and put his hand on her knee.

“You aiight girl? “Tori fought back a yawn and nodded,

“Yeah Dell, I’m good. You aiight?”

“I am if you are. Is Tone treatin you aiight? He respect you and all?”

Tori shrugged, “Too soon to tell.”

“You like him?”

Tori nodded.

“Okay, before I go, I need you to promise me something.”

Tori sighed and frowned up her face, “Oh Lord what?”

“If he or any other dude hurts you, ever, you tell me okay?”

There was a long uncomfortable lull of silence while the two stared at each other. Tori was the first to break the silence as tears escaped her dark eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Dell wiped them away softly.

“Even if it’s you?” The question got caught in her throat. She wiped at her face with her wrists then sighed heavily. Dell put his arm around her and let her rest her head on his chest.

“Especially, if it’s me.”

“Okay,” Tori whispered. Dell kissed her forehead and got up to leave. The soft, demure, half asleep Tori popped up and grabbed his arm, “Oh hell no!” She yelled.

“You’re gonna sit your ass right back down here on this loveseat, let me lay on your chest, and tell your sister what these big plans of yours are.”

Dell chuckled and resumed the position, “Well first of all Sis, its lie on your chest not lay. But that right there is the perfect segue into telling you my plans. You know how I always sucked at math but writing comes naturally to me? And you know how you always wanted to know what I was writing in that composition notebook?”

There was nothing but the rhythm of her steady breathing and the ticking of the kitchen clock answering Dell, “Tori?”

He looked down at his chest and she was sound asleep looking as if she was smiling. It was the most beautiful picture he had ever seen. Out the window, the twinkling stars that filled the sky were definitely the color of lavender.

There was Hope after all.

But it was still gonna be one long ass summer.