LITMIR.BIZ

      I posted and then shut off my phone.

      “Dang, I am starting to think that Viviana might have some serious mental issues,” said Keysha as she rubbed the tension from my shoulders.

      “She’s crazy, Keysha. That’s what I’ve been trying to explain to you,” I said as I combed my fingers through my hair.

      “I see what you’re saying,” Keysha said.

      “Keysha, I’m going to that party, and I want you to come with me,” I said.

      “Oh, no. I don’t want to run into Jerry,” Keysha said.

      “You probably won’t even see him. There should be tons of people there anyway,” I said.

      “Why do you want to go?” Keysha asked.

      “Because I want to confront Misalo,” I said.

      “You’ve already done that.”

      “I’m not done with him yet,” I said.

      “Then call him and meet him somewhere,” Keysha suggested.

      “No. I want to surprise him. I want to catch him completely off guard and force him to give me real answers.” Keysha and I looked at each other for a long moment without saying a word. She finally broke the silence.

      “How long do you think it will take?” she asked.

      “I don’t know. It shouldn’t take too long. Come on, Keysha, I really need your support,” I begged.

      “Fine! I’ll go,” Keysha reluctantly agreed.

      * * *

      The party at Jerry’s house was massive. Kids parked their cars in the middle of the street because there were no more parking spaces. Since the party was in the middle of a weekday and had begun at 1:00 p.m., none of Jerry’s neighbors were home to complain. Keysha and I followed the throngs of kids racing down the sidewalk toward the sound of loud music and squealing voices. Once we were inside, unfortunately the first person we ran into was Jerry, Keysha’s old boyfriend. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts. His eyes were bloodshot, and I was sure it was from drinking, smoking or something else.

      “Keysha.” He smiled and stepped toward her for a hug. Keysha moved out of his way.

      “Oh, it’s like that?” Jerry asked disappointed.

      “Yeah, it’s like that,” Keysha said.

      “Come on. Don’t tell me you’re still mad at me?” Jerry whined.

      “Jerry, what you did to me was awful.” Keysha raised her voice.

      “Give me a break. You’re overreacting, Keysha. Besides, that happened so long ago. You shouldn’t hold grudges. I haven’t held any against you.” Jerry smiled again.

      “I don’t have time for this. Maya, let’s find Misalo and then get out of here,” Keysha said, moving away from Jerry.

      “Hey, Keysha,” he called out to her as we continued on. Keysha and I turned back to look at him.

      “What?” Keysha asked, annoyed.

      “Get out of my house!” Jerry said.

      “What?” Keysha repeated, insulted.

      “You heard me. Get the hell out of my house. Remember, this is my party. Not yours. Now get out,” Jerry said more forcefully.

      “Jerry, give me a break, okay,” I said, stepping toward him. “Keysha didn’t want to come. I begged her to walk over with me. We’re just here to find Misalo, and then we’ll leave.”

      “You can stay, Maya. But Keysha. No way. She has to go.” Jerry stood his ground.

      “Jerry, you’re such an ass. I don’t know what I ever saw in you,” Keysha said as she walked back past Jerry. I followed her out onto the sidewalk.

      “Keysha, slow down,” I said.

      “Ooh! I’m so ticked off with him! Maya, I told you that I didn’t want to come to this stupid party,” Keysha griped as she marched down the street.

      “I know and I’m sorry. I had no idea Jerry would react like that,” I apologized.

      “I’m not going back in there,” she said.

      “You don’t have to. I’ll go and find Misalo myself.”

      “Fine,” Keysha said. She gave me a brief hug and then continued on. I turned around and headed back, determined to find Misalo.