“She’d never do that,” I replied. “Ground me, yes. Beat me up, no.”
Jonovan seemed like he was hesitating to say something.
“What is it?”
He zipped up his Wrangler jean jacket. It was getting cooler outside.
“Seriously, what is it?” I asked again.
“I was just thinking about something.”
I glanced at Grandma, who was standing there waiting.
“What were you thinking about?”
“I was thinking that you’re a nice girl and you shouldn’t feel bad about your scar.”
“Jonovan, you know I get bullied a lot. Not by our friends but the other kids.” I started kicking through the grass with my jelly shoes. “I’ve learned to accept it. It’s been five years since my mother did this to me.”
“Well, I think you’re pretty.”
We stared into each other’s eyes for a brief moment, and I was in shock.
“Caprice, get in here now!” Grandma’s patience was gone and, to top it off, we were disrespecting an elder by not obeying.
“I have to go. Thanks again, Jonovan.”
I went inside and dashed up to my bedroom so I could look out the window and see him ride off down the street. For a few seconds, I actually thought I could get a boyfriend. Jonovan was so cool.
That fantasy was short-lived. I called Cherie to tell her that I was back home and she burst my bubble quickly after I told her that Jonovan had told me that I was pretty.
“He told me the same thing. He tells every girl that she’s pretty. That’s what boys do.”
The last sentence was dripping with sarcasm.
I wished them a good night with their sleepover. Grandma locked up the house and then came upstairs, peeking her head into my room to make sure I hadn’t climbed out the window.
“I’m still here, Grandma.”
“Just checking. I know how kids can be once they hit puberty.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m a good girl. Cherie wanted me to stay over with her and the other girls, but I came home to be here with you.”
“I would’ve let you stay.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Maybe next time.”
“Thanks, Grandma, but I’d really rather be here with you at night.”
“I love you, Caprice.”
“Love you, too.”
She closed my door. I turned on my General Electric alarm clock on low. I set the dial to 96.7 and fell asleep to “Who’s Holding Donna Now” by DeBarge.
Chapter Fifteen