Eighty Two

SHELLY

“Get your fucking hands off Fallon.” I screamed at Aaliyah, the same age as I was, who was playing with Fallon’s fur.

“Moon, Shelly! Language. You're way too aggressive for a fourteen-year-old.” My mama who was surprised at my outburst, spilled.

"Plus it's just some sick cat.” Little Aaliyah defended herself, getting more on my nerves

"We all know the sick one here." I moved furiously in her direction, my cheeks all swollen and it was minutes away from exploding like a balloon with excess pressure.

“She is your best friend, Shelly. Be nice.”

"She is not." I rebuked and when I got to where she sat with Fallon on her lap, I shoved her hands aside.

"Shelly, but she is your papa’s best friend's daughter, Aaliyah.”

"Those are two different things.” I finally carried Fallon in my arms, pressed him onto my face to smell him, and reassure him I was there to protect him.

"Moon knows I will slit that cat’s throat if you get grumpy and scary. What are you becoming? Nike, Nicholas! What