Street Metals

“And I blame you for that shit, Jay”

Magnolia said as she decided to go out into the garage and check in the freezer for something that resembled seafood. “Just like I’m blaming you for the fact that t’aint no seafood in Mama’s house.”

Jasmine looked in the review mirror to check the whites of her eyes. She then stuck her tongue out at her reflection as she replied to her sister’s chiding.

“You talk shit bout me and the weed, but I swear you sound like a dumb bitch high off them damn opiates right now! How in the hell am I to blame for Meela movin to New Jersey?”

“Member that time you came home talkin bout the rooftop infinity pool?” Makin Camilla drool and shit and ya boy didn’t help at the time.”

Jasmine frowned before putting eye drops in her eyes, “Who Samuel?”

Magnolia giggled, “It kills me that you just nonchalantly call him by his government.”

“He used to hate that shit too.” Jasmine giggled along until an uncomfortable lull of silence filled Jasmine’s truck. Then as if it was never said, she sharply continued, “Yeah we ain’t got to worry bout that no mo. But what chu mean, Mama ain’t got no seafood? You know good and damn well that ain’t got shit to do with my ass. Just like I ain’t entice Meela outta New Orleans. Meela ain’t need a reason. Truth be told, Katrina fucked her up. She lost a couple of friends on the Twin Span and not for nothin didn’t like leaving her room after that. When Sti…Samuel & I took her to see a concert in Atlantic City, I ain’t expect her to seek out colleges let alone employment. I figure she’d go to Tulane like we did.” Jasmine shrugged and then asked her sister, “So I take it you gonna call in an order and I’m gonna make groceries as I’m comin through the door?” She asked as she titled her sunglasses so they teetered on the tip of her nose so she could read the sign on the restaurant across the street from where she parked.

Cuz as much as I don’t like chain pancakes, I’m about to pop into iHop right quick. Maybe I won’t get pancakes at all. I kinda got a hankering for a veggie omelette nah anyway.

“See this why I be sayin you gotta be careful what chu do around Meela. Like you she be eatin veggies fuh breakfast, and I never could understand that shit.”

Jasmine laughed before securing her medicine in the locked bag she kept stored in the glove compartment.

“You kill me! As a doctor you think you’d be the first person who would support us gettin all of the recommended vitamins and minerals from the most important food group.”

“Ugh, Jazzy! Just order a fruit plate! I don’t understand why you mix chicken abortions with vegetables to eat in the morning!”

That description made Jasmine’s face wrinkle up, “Well tomatoes are fruit,asshole!” Then she couldn’t help but giggle at her sister’s annoying chiding. She knew deep down, Magnolia was only picking on her to get her riled up so she would stay awake for the second part of her drive back home.

But get off my phone and go relax and eat. Shit, go to a park for a spell.”

“Plan to Mags. If I can’t convince your sister to come back home, I gotta figure out a way to explain to Mama and em why the only thing I’m walkin up in they house with is bushels of seafood.