Pieces of Me by Pua Ramona (small books to read txt) 📕

Mona rolls her eyes and says, “Alright babe, when June-Bug makes a call that ass better listen.”

Daniel looks at her and says, “I always listen Babe.”

We all roll our eyes at his bullshit and say “Yeah right” all at the same time. And the guys start laughing because they know we’re right.

June-Bug steps in the center and says, “Who’s up first?”

I stand there pulling my hair up in a ponytail when I hear Eli say, “We’ll go first.” I look over at him and the guys are already celebrating as if they’ve won already.

I roll my eyes again and say, “I don’t know why you guys are acting like they won. They have to play in order for them to win, which they won’t.”

Micah says, “Oh shit, shits about to get serious guys.” The boys start laughing and I give them both of my middle fingers.

Megan steps closer to me and says, “How about you play with Mona, that way she can distract D and you can totally beat Eli’s ass.” I look at her and she says, “He’s giving you the cocky I’ll beat you look Sis.” I move to turn but she stops me, “Don’t look, he's looking right now.”

“Okay trade teams and thanks for stepping out because I didn’t want to lose,” I say with a laugh..

Megan arches an eyebrow, looks at me and says “Don’t be a bitch.” I smile and wink at her.

“Mona trade me, I don’t want to be Sina’s partner” Megan says. Mona looks at her and I see my sister wink. Leila giggles and Mona walks and stops in her spot.

We look at each other and she says, “Like old times?”

I give her a shit eating grin and say, “Hell yeah.”

June-Bug breaks our huddle and says “Alright, no cheating fellas. Ladies, no scratching eyes out.” The guys chuckle and June-Bug let’s go of the ball and it bounces off the pole. Yup!! When it came to playing tether ball, we take it seriously. Well, more like us girls do. We grew up playing this game, and I mentally make a note in my head to buy one for Emma. “GO!” June-Bug yells and just as I go to hit the ball, I swing too hard and miss. I feel my knuckles hit something hard and I’m not sure what because I’m too busy nursing my damn hand. I hear everyone laughing and when I look up to see why, I realize that I’ve punched Eli in his nose and it’s now pouring with blood. Whoops.I can’t help it but laugh along with everyone else.

Luka looks at me and says “Wow, you hate losing that much, you punched him in the face?” I can’t stop laughing. I look over and the girls are laughing harder than I am. I see Mama walking over to Eli with a towel with an ice-pack.

“Let me see'' she tells him. He takes the towel and wipes off his face. “Here put this on your face so it won’t swell up” Mama says.

Mrs. Hunter walks and stands next to Mama and says “Well, if I were Sina I would have punched you too.” She looks at Mama and they both start laughing.

Eli looks at me and mouths ‘You're going to get yours’ and he walks off with the guys.

Micah looks at us and says, “Damn bullies.” And we laugh all over again.

It’s getting dark and everyone’s excited for the bonfire. Mama, Mrs. Hunter, Grandpa Tali, Auntie Claire and the rest of the older folks are sitting on the other side of the fire talking stories. I feel a little sad in my heart because Daddy is missing. Some of the older folks left because they said it was too cold and some of my cousins left too because they had newborn babies and needed to get them home and into bed. I’m surprised to see that Eli and his mother have stayed back and are sitting around the fire with everyone else. I’m happy that Mama and Mrs. Hunter have each other, because I’m sure they’re both lonely.

The rest of us are all scattered around, lost in different stories and gossip. I look over to where the guys are and see that Emma has passed out on Micah’s lap. He looks over at me and gives me a sad smile. I’m bothered that he isn’t telling me whatever it is that’s making him sad. I see him pull out his phone and his face doesn't look too happy. He says something to the guys and lays Emma’s head on his shoulder and walks over to where I’m sitting.

“Hey Sis, I’m going to head home, I’m not feeling too good. Do you want me to take Emma with me?” he asks.

I know this isn’t the right time to ask so I give him a tight hug and say, “Thank you.”

He kisses the top of my head and says, “I’m fine.”

I give him a sad look and say, “No you’re not.” I hug him one more time, and give Emma a quick kiss as she snores.

Micah chuckles and says, “She’s just like you Sis.”

I smile at him and say, “I love you.”

He leaves with Emma and I sigh. I close my eyes and when I open them Eli is looking at me. I smile at him and give him a little wave and he waves back with a smile of his own.

I take a deep breath and hear Leila ask, “Are you okay sweetie?”

I look at her and give her a hug, “Thank you for coming.”

She smiles at me and says, “Thank you for inviting us.” I know she’s sad because I’m leaving and she’s been quiet lately because of it. I don’t call her out on it because I’m feeling the same way. I wish we could stay, but we can’t. New York is now my home, and I need space from everything that’s going on right now. I lean my head on her