Getting Played by Celeste O. Norfleet Page A

beat is pulsating and perfect for dancing and running. I turn the last corner heading back, and I see Li’l T across the street. He waves and says something. I can’t hear him. I drop one of my earbuds to listen to what he’s saying. “Hey, Kenisha, what’s up, what you doing out this early?”
    I nod and wave. He’s with his boys already. “I’m running,” I say, stating the obvious.
    â€œFrom who?” he jokes.
    Not funny. “What are you doing up? You just getting in from hanging out all night?” I ask him.
    He smiles, loving it, like he really was out all night. “You know that’s right,” he says. His boys are dutifully impressed. “You going to VA today?”
    â€œYeah, later.”
    â€œTell my girls I said call me.”
    There’s no way I can answer that with a straight face. So I just wave and keep running. I smile, thinking about a few weeks ago when I punched him in the eye. Of course, it was an accident. I didn’t know it was him. I was so mad. I was punching anyone around me. He just happened to be in the way. I get back to my grandmother’s house and head up the front steps.
    My body is weak and drained. My legs feel like rubber, but it’s a good feeling and I’m energized. It’s really starting to rain now. I hurry up the steps to the porch. Then as soon as I walk in the front door I head to the kitchen for some water. My grandmother’s there. She’s sitting at the table going through her bills. “Good morning, Grandmom.”
    â€œGood morning,” she says, as she quickly glances over her shoulder. “How was your run this morning?”
    â€œIt was good. It started drizzling, so I cut it short.” I grab a glass and get some water, then plop down in the chair across from her. I watch as she begins gathering her bills together. There are a lot, more than I expected to see. I notice there are several from a Health Institute. “What’s all this?” I ask.
    â€œThey’re bills.”
    â€œNo, these—Northern Virginia Health Institute—what are they?”
    â€œNow didn’t you just answer your own question? They’re hospital bills.”
    â€œI know that, but why do you have them? Have you been in this hospital?”
    â€œI guess I’ve been in and out of just about every hospital in the area.”
    I know she didn’t answer my question. Sometimes she does that and sometimes I just drop it, but not today, not now. I want to know what’s up. “I mean are you sick?” I ask. The suddenness of having asked the question caught me off guard. Now I don’t know if I’m ready to hear the answer.
    â€œI guess I’m about as sick as the next person, I suppose.”
    â€œThat’s still not an answer, Grandmom,” I say seriously. It’s obvious she is avoiding the question. “Are you sick?”
    â€œDon’t worry about me, sweetie. Now, what time are you headed to your father’s house today?” she asks, as she continues putting the bills away into a large envelope.
    â€œUm, later this morning,” I say.
    â€œAll right, I’m heading out in about an hour. I can drop you off if you want. Why don’t you go up and get ready?”
    I nod, then get up and leave. I’m no fool. I know she still didn’t answer my question. I turn around and look back at her. She stands up and goes to the kitchen window. She’s looking out. I’m not sure what kind of expression she has, but I get the feeling something’s up. I go upstairs, take a quick shower and then change. Fifty-five minutes later, I headback downstairs and look around. If we’re going out, my grandmother is always on time and ready. But she’s not.
    I go back in the kitchen and see her still standing at the window looking out. “Grandmom, are you okay?”
    â€œYes, I’m fine, just thinking.” She turns