While Marcy rushes to gets the door for me and Abby I glance at the shoes on display in the picture windows of Zapatas and spot a couple of pairs I’d love to try on. As we step onto the busy sales floor, it’s bustling with business. People try on shoes and peruse the displays. On seeing us Penelope’s daughter rushes from behind the register and approaches us. The dark–haired honey colored woman is spitting image of her mother.
“Welcome to Zapatas Sisters. Is this The Pledge I’ve heard so much about?” She asks.
“Yeah, that’s me. I’m Colleen.” I say extending my hand.
“I’m Persephone.” Persephone replies shaking it “I’ve heard a lot about you from Mom.”
“I hope it’s all good.” I say.
“I hear you spend big.” Persephone replies. “I hope you are as generous shopping here as you are at Madame Panache.”
“Oh, I plan on being very generous.” I tell Persephone.
“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for?”
“Some comfortable shoes for next semester.”
Persephone walks us over to a selection of shoes on the left wall. “These are the new fall arrivals. Have a look around and let me know when you’re ready.”
We peruse the displays. I see a few possibilities for running around the NYU campus. But I’m looking for something unique. Something that’ll be stylish to say something about who I am now but will be durable enough for everyday wear.
I’m about to pick up a pair of oxfords when Abby walks up to me with a tall black lug–soled motorcycle boot off a display in the middle of the room. “Check these out Col.” Abby says showing the boot to me.
“I could probably stomp a mudhole in someone with these.” I laugh as I examine the boot.
“Don’t you think they’re crazy?”
Not very elegant looking but they do have some personality to them. “Now those are some bad mama jammas.” Marcy says approaching us carrying a blue and white spectator pump.
The sole is pretty thick, but they’re pretty light. They wouldn’t slow me down on the way to class. “Looks like you’ve found something you like?”
“Yeah. I’m gonna try these on. I have a pinstripe suit they’d go great with.”
“Aren’t we supposed to be buying shoes for school?”
“I like to dress for class.” Marcy jokes.
“You’re a regular Nikki Desmond.” I retort.
“Hey, what woks for Nikki works for me. I’ve got a 3.99 GPA for two years straight wearing suits to class.”
I snicker as I take another look at the boot then put it next to my foot. They’d be good for those cold late fall days when there’s a chill in the air. I’m going to try them on.
I catch Persephone’s eye to let her know I’m ready to try on some boots. She rushes up to me “Saw something you like Colleen.”
“Yes. Do you have these in a size seven?”
Persephone examines the boots. “Gonna make a statement on campus?”
If they fit. “I just want to try them on.”
Abby smiles at me as she takes the boot from me. “You’re daring.”
“Well, those clothes I bought are kind of plain. They need the right shoes to stand out with them. And These have a lot of personality.”
“And they’ll definitely help you keep your formal stance.”
“What are you getting?”
Abby hurries over to the new fall display and grabs a pair of short boots, a pair of dress trainers, and a pair of heels off the shelf. “These have all been calling me. Do you have them in a size six and a half?”
Persephone smiles at us. “And you still wear a size seven Marcy?”
“Yeah.” Marcy replies.
“I’ll be back with all your shoes in a moment. Why don’t you guys have a seat.”
While Persephone heads to the back, we take seats on a nearby leather sofa. “I can’t believe you’re actually gonna try on those stompers.” Abby says.
“You suggested them.” I retort taking off my sandals.
In a few minutes, Persephone returns from the back carrying a stack of shoe boxes. She smiles at us as she places the stack of shoe boxes on the floor. Before she opens them to show us the merchandise, she rushes over to the counter to get a pair of socks for me. “Oh, you’re going to need these if you’re going to try shoes on Colleen.”
Nuts. I knew I forgot something. Well, she can just add them to the bill. “Thanks. I reply.
As I put on my new silk socks, Persephone opens up the shoe boxes to reveal the new footwear. After she takes all the paper and cardboard out of the boots I ease my feet into them. The wide footbed and cushioning are comfortable, but boots are funny. I’m going to have to walk around in them to get a sense of what they’ll be really like during everyday wear.
I hop out of my seat. No pinching in the instep. That’s a great sign.
“I don’t think those shoes go with your outfit.” Abby jokes.
But they just might go with my new fall one. “Yeah, this skirt doesn’t go with these shoes.” I joke back.
“How do they feel?” Persephone inquires.
“They feel great. Let me walk around in them.”
“There’s a mirror near the door.”
I spot the mirror and stroll over to it. My first steps in the new boots are strong. The lightweight soles feel like I’m walking on air. I get a look at my feet in the reflection and love the way the boots look on my feet. These are a definite buy. Now I’m eager to find out what they have in a casual flat.
I’m looking at some ballet flats I saw in the window when the three females who gave me a hard time at Hanna’s storm into the store. The woman with the corn rows gives me a cold stare as her two friends surround me. “Well, well, well, if it ain’t BougieTan Uppity Barbie from the restaurant.” She barks.
“Damn, look at that skirt. Look like the bougie princess bought herself some new Barbie fashions.” Her second plump friend teases.
“Bitch got on so much yellow on she look like a banana.” The third of her rotund friend jokes.
I don’t want trouble. But I do want these shoes. “Excuse me–” I say moving past them with the shoe in my hand.
“Excuse me? No, excuse you!” The woman with cornrows barks as she grabs my arm.
I feel the eyes of everyone in the store on me as I’m shoved back into the circle of women. Across the room Marcy and Abby jump out of their seats ready to back me up. I give them a look to let them know I can take care of things.
I put the shoe back on the display and meet her cold brown eyes with mine. “What is your problem?” I inquire.
“You gonna walk by me like I’m not here?” She snarls.
“If you’re going to insult me then yes, I am going to walk away from you.” I say.
The women look at me and snicker. “Damn, listen to this bougie bitch. You ain’t White.”
“And you’re so Black?” I retort.
“I’m blacker than you–”
“So which one of us is the one acting ghetto right now?”
“Ghetto? You think you’re better than me–”
More like she’s insecure about being confronted by a Black woman who lives a different lifestyle than hers. And because she doesn’t understand me she wants to hurt me. Only I don’t break so easily.
“I think I’m better than you?” I huff. “You don’t even know me–”
“I know you ain’t real–”
“And you’re keeping it real. Real ignorant. You want to have your nigger moment, go right ahead. Just don’t involve me in it–”
In the moment I take to walk away from her, I feel wind swoosh across my cheek. The lady becomes a tigress as I catch her fist before it strikes me. I twist her arm behind her back and kick her legs out from under her. The hefty woman crashes face down into the carpet with a whimper on the takedown.
As I dig a knee into the small of her back her friends are about to charge towards me. My ice
cold glare makes them back away. “Don’t even think about it!” I bark.
I peer out of the glass door and notice a police cruiser pulling up. The fat woman’s two friends see the officers coming out of their cruiser and scramble for the door. Before they can get to the street, the officers grab them. As they escort them back inside, Marcy and Abby jump out of their seats and rush over to me.
“Col, are you okay?” Abby asks.
“I’m good.” I reply.
The officers smile at me. “We’ll take it from here ma’am.”
I let go of the woman in cornrows and get off her. The officers yank her up off the floor and put her against the wall next to her two friends. Once they catch the cold glare of his brown eyes the ladies don’t dare make a move.
“What seems to be the problem Miss?” The first officer inquires as he makes eye contact with me.
“I was shopping and these three women came into the store and surrounded me. They shoved me–”
“Man, I ain’t do nothing!” She screams.
I remain calm. “Really, there’s a store full of witnesses that saw you assault me–”
“She did throw a punch at Colleen as she was walking away.” Marcy says. “Colleen caught her hand and forced her down into the position she was in until you arrived.”
“And I’d be willing to make a statement to that effect.” Persephone replies.
So you all witnessed it the incident?” The second officer asks.
“Yes. Persephone continues. And we have a video camera in the store that taped the entire incident. I’d be willing to provide you with that tape if you need it.”
One of the officers peer down at the woman. “Well, we’ve had a lot of complaints about these three. But nothing substantial until now.”
“So they’ve been causing trouble for a while now?”
“Yeah, they’ve been coming into businesses yelling, threatening customers and disturbing the peace.” The first officer replies. “We never had enough to stick because no one would ever make a statement or file a report.”
I’d love to press charges. But I don’t even know where I am. I just hope this little incident doesn’t put my pledgship at risk. “Well, I’m not going to be here long. I’m from the city–”
The second officer looks at the platinum pin on Persephone’s shirt and smiles at us. “It’s not an issue Ma’am.” He says “Your statement and the video should be enough to make a misdemeanor assault charge stick to them. We probably won’t even need you to testify.”
The first officer hurries out to his cruiser and gets out a pad. As he finishes jotting down my statement he hands me a pen. “I just need you to sign here miss.”
After I sign the police report, a second cruiser drives up. The officers take the three women out of the store and handcuffs them.
As the officers take care of their business Persephone gets back to hers. “I take it the boots are a good fit.” She asks.
I look down at the creases across the instep of the boots and smile. I forgot I even had them on. “They’re perfect. I’ll take them.”
Chapter 63
Persephone takes my new boots, a pair of heels and my new ballet flats up to the counter and places them next to Marcy and Abby’s six pairs of shoes. While she rings me up, Abby gives me a curious look. Something’s on her mind.
“Man that was one amazing takedown!” Abby blurts “Where’d you learn how to do it?”
“Judo class in fifth grade.” I reply. “Just used a little leverage to use her own weight against her.”
“Sounds like you’re an expert.” Persephone says as she hands me my bag and receipt.
“I don’t know about being an expert, but I worked my way up to a brown belt. I was going for my black belt when my high school wanted me to play point guard.”
“Swimming, judo, computers, dancing, you’re a Joan of all trades Col.” Marcy says.
“Daddy had me in a lot of afterschool stuff when I was little.”
“You were probably a little butt kicker back then.” Abby jokes.
I did beat up my share of boys. But I have too much class to do that now. “A lady doesn’t fight.” I say. “But she has to know how to defend herself.”
Speaking of defenses, I have to wonder if I’ll be in trouble with The Thetas after today’s little scuffle. I hope I haven’t violated any of their by–laws by getting into a fight.
“I’m just hoping this doesn’t interfere with my Pledgeship.” I say. “I wouldn’t want to put it in jeopardy–”
“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Persephone says.
“Yeah, but you called the police. Wouldn’t they want to know the location of the Theta House in their investigation?”
Persephone smiles at me. “Grand Mother Flowers has friends in the department. They’ll make this go away.”
I should have known something was up when the officers said all they needed was my statement. The Thetas must have a lot of pull in this little town.
I’m sure to be in some kind of trouble when I get back to the house–”
“You didn’t throw the first punch.” Persephone continues. “Now if that were the case we’d be sending you home.”
“I know. A lady never fights.”
“And because you didn’t fight, we’ll fight for you. I’ll let Grand Mother Flowers know what happened today.”
Chapter 64
I know Persephone said I’m not in any trouble, but I’m anticipating some kind of punishment when I get back to the house. I’m just hoping it doesn’t involve old hickory.
The car comes to a stop at the top of the hill. Marcy takes off my blindfold and step out of the car. As we approach the house, Grand Mother Flowers opens the door to greet us. From the grimace on her face it looks like Persephone told her what happened.
“You girls go upstairs. I want to talk to Colleen alone.”
Marcy and Abby head upstairs. Grand Mother Flowers puts her arm around my shoulder and leads me over to the sofa. I catch the serious look in her eyes as we sit down. Here’s where she lays down the law.
“About today…I’m prepared to take any punishment you prepare to give me-”
Grand Mother Flowers gives me a look. “Punishment? Why would I punish you?”
“Wouldn’t fighting be a violation of the Theta rules?”
“Only if you started the fight. Then you’d be packing your bags.”
Looks like there’s some truth to what Persephone said. “So I’m not in any trouble?”
“Not for defending yourself.”
“So I guess this is taken care of?”
“You have nothing to worry about. Our contacts in the police department will make this incident go away. You just focus on the next four weeks.”
I give her a look. “We have that much pull?”
Grand Mother Flowers smiles at me. “We look out for them and they look out for us. But that wasn’t what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I wanted to know if I could borrow that skirt tomorrow.”
I let out a sigh of relief. She can have anything in my wardrobe. “Sure. I’ll bring it to your room tonight.”
Chapter 65
I hurry upstairs back up to the suite. As I enter the bedroom and drop my shopping bags I find Marcy and Abby trying on their new shoes. “So what did Grand Mother Flowers want Col?” Marcy asks.
“She wanted to borrow my skirt.” I say taking a seat at the foot of my bed.
“That skirt would look better on her than you.” Marcy replies.
“I just don’t think you’re mature enough to appreciate its style Marcy.” I tease as I take off my sandals.
“When old people like your clothes it’s safe to say they’re lame.” Marcy retorts.
Lame? I saw her eyeing this skirt before we got in the Rolls. “Yeah right. You’re probably gonna want to borrow it next
week-”
Marcy gives me a look. “Abby was going to ask you first.”
Abby smirks at me. “I’ve got a blouse that goes with it.”
“I really want to thank you guys for having my back at the store.” I say.
“Hey, we’re friends.” Abby replies. “And friends look out for each other.”
“I’m a Pledge.” I retort.
“You’re still our friend.” Marcy says. “Anything you’ need we’ve got you.”
“Why’d you have us back off?”Abby asks.
I know they were ready to fight for me but I was the weak link last time. I needed to prove to myself that I could stand on my own two feet like they did. “I didn’t want to escalate the situation. If we all engaged them, it’ would have turned into the brawl they wanted to have.”
“You were looking out for your sisters.” Marcy continues.
“I had to. If I’m going to lead Daddy’s company and look out for all your investments I have to learn to focus on the bigger picture. I continue. “If we had that big fight we’d all get kicked out of The Thetas.”
“Which wouldn’t benefit any of us.” Abby says.
Looks like you learned something about teamwork Col.” Marcy says.
This whole trip is becoming a learning experience for me. Just like I learned to trust their leadership, I have to learn how to be confident enough to trust myself when leading others. “I had faith that you guys would support me in my decision.”
“That was a pretty smart call.” Abby replies. “Seems like you’ve got some leadership ability going on there–”
“I wouldn’t know about that–”
“No, you probably would be a good manager on the job.” Marcy says. “I mean, the way you looked out for us showed a lot of thought.”
“Maybe we need to work on a project together”. Abby continues.
“Here’s an idea…Why don’t you take the lead of whatever goes on in the gym? Marcy proposes.
Sounds like a plan. “I hope you guys know what you’re getting into.” I say.
Chapter 66
High heel shoes and gym shorts. I wonder what crazy challenge we have in front of us this morning.
I’ve got us all wearing salmon T–shirts, green shorts, and pink high heels. I figure if we dress the same it’ll be a show of solidarity. A way to boost team morale. I hope we can work together on whatever we’re in store for in the gym.