2

Jamal B. BROWN

I was supposed to go out with some friends tonight but I don't really feel up to it. These days I'm not too fishing. To this end, I should remember to call the guys to let them know I'm not coming anymore to avoid their usual gibberish.

Right now, I'm all the time pissed off. I feel lost. I think I have to get laid, maybe it'll change my mind. But not tonight. My sister has just arrived, there is no way to leave this house. I risk triggering World War III with Mom if I set foot outside. It's his little princess who just arrived, his favorite I would say. So it's super family time.

With my sister we have always been very close, until she became pregnant by who knows who. The worst thing for me was the fact that she never wanted to tell us who the father was. I had a feeling of deja vu. When I found out about her pregnancy, I flew into a rage. I would have hit her if I could. But mom would have killed me afterwards.

She was my doll, my treasure, my darling sister. I told everywhere and to everyone that she was a serious and diligent girl. I could kill for her. I still love her but so far the pill hasn't dropped yet. We talk to each other on occasion, but it's not the same between us. I miss all this complicity, I confess. Unfortunately she disappointed me too much.

I pick up the phone to call Alain, so they know I won't be able to be at "The Mayan" tonight. This is our HQ over there. Monsieur picks up on the first ring.

Me (mockingly): Hello! Did you expect this, or what?

Alain: but not asshole. So, what does it say poto?

Me: we deal with each other. And your way?

Alain: bah always the same galleys. We've been at the club ever since, you still haven't shown up. We are waiting for you bro.

Me (scratching the back of my neck): I won't be able to be here tonight. I have something last minute. Please tell others.

Alain: always playing the bastards. This tower was planned a long time ago, man. What is this thing again?

Me (sighing): bah my sister.

Alain: what's wrong with your sister?

Me: She came home today. You know mom, she's gonna want us to spend some family time. And...

Alain (amused): Here's some news that will do someone good.

Me (furious): Above all, don't look for me, Alain.

Alain (laughing): Anything! I haven't said anything yet.

Me (inflated):...

Alain: in any case, you miss your life broh. There are the little ones from the other time. They'll give me a ride, a ride. But don't worry, I'll take a ride for you. If you bite your tongue, it's because I mentioned your name.

Me (looking at the others at the shows): hmmm hmmmm! You are too dumb. Well I'm leaving. We catch each other after broh.

Alain: yeah! I pass the news on to others.

At 29, my worries should be quite different except to fixate on a few parts of legs in the air with the first plouque I come across. Pathetic ! I'm going to the salon for the great reunion. In any case, it promises.

Being from afar I hear my parents discussing with my sister their great project for my box. What did I just say? This evening promises. I take a seat on the sofa next to Jay. I try to mingle in their conversations so as not to seem too heavy.

Dad: so Lucia, how is it with this master?

Lucia: it's already in dad's pocket. Quiet.

Dad: fine. You will therefore be able to do your internship in your brother's company without worry in this case.

Me (shocked): Sorry!

This one, I didn't see it coming. Why doesn't he take her with her? Or at least he can always find something for her somewhere else. Why MY box? I just opened, I have to surround myself with pros, no beginners anyway. Even if it's my sister. Without trying to diminish it professionally speaking. Besides, I'm sure we're going to kill each other there.

Mom: what part of what my husband said that you didn't hear young man?

Me: Of course, mum. But why doesn't dad find him an internship elsewhere? I'm sure one of his friends would be willing to help him out.

Jamel: it could just as well start with you. I do not see the problem. Do you think you'll be able to pay everyone from the start? I think it's better to start with the family, no. People who will be willing to suffer for you.

Mom (staring at me hard): Are you calling your sister a "problem bag" Jamal?

Me: I didn't say that... I never said such a thing (to mom). As for you Jay, don't get involved. You can hire him when you have set up YOUR own box (in Jamel).

Dad (regally giving a damn about my intervention): I would say that we understood each other then. Or maybe you forgot that I invested in your business Jamal. We're talking about your sister, not a stranger. Finally pull yourself together.

Me: anyway whether I want to work with her or not doesn't matter to you. You have already made your decision. I have no say on the subject.

Dad: you understood everything my son. You see you can be smart anytime you want.

Mum (turning to Lù): Does that suit you sweetie?

Lucia: yes, yes. I could do with it. Well, if his majesty Jamal wants it.

Me (looking at her):...

After this conversation my parents returned to their rooms leaving us alone with my brothers.

Jamel (a glass of wine in hand): what are you doing at home on a weekend evening? That's weird JB. Do you have any bars for the tour tonight?

Me: guess what, I already had something planned. But I had to cancel.

Lucy: why?

Jamel: Oh yeah! Why JB?

Me: you really wanted to be the only one to have this face you? Would you have liked mom to send me to the afterlife?

My brother loses himself in a giggle. Then add.

Jamel: and me who thought that you had stayed for Lu? (Laughing like crazy)...

Lucia (rolling her eyes): for that he would have had to be able to jump me Jay. But I am his sister. He can not.

Me (angry): you manage to do it all by yourself...

Jamel (cutting me off): Stop Jamal, stop. Your behavior is childish. It's only gone on too long. You act like she's just your own sister. It's mine too. Except that I am not like you. I don't know what happened. So I'm not going to insult him every time. It's been almost 7 years since. I do the best I can to support him. You should do the same.

Lucia: Some people don't know what it means to help Jay. They only know how to do one thing "judge" and then that's it. As if they themselves were saints. Chuips!

Me (furax): Oh yes! And what haven't you been given, huh? What wouldn't we have done for you? You had to fetch a kid from I don't know where. What the hell were you missing? And after that we talk about compassion.

I think I hit a sensitive point. She was going to answer me but Xander came back at that moment cutting off the conversation. On leaving she throws me a "this discussion is not over JB".