Maya's Choice by Earl Sewell

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    â€œIt’s fine, just a little achy, but not bad. Since I’ve beenback on my feet I’ve had to reestablish my position as the oldest child.” I laughed.
    â€œOh, I know that laugh. You’ve done something,” Keysha teased.
    â€œI only did what every older sister in the world has done to her little sister at one point or another.” I laughed sinisterly once again.
    â€œWhat did you do to Anna?” Keysha giggled a little as she leaned in closer to hear what I had to say.
    â€œI beat her down,” I answered with great pride.
    â€œWhat for? What did she do this time?”
    â€œI beat her down for old and new. The entire time my leg was in the cast she purposely did stuff to annoy me.”
    â€œI do remember you telling me that you guys were fighting more than usual.”
    â€œIt doesn’t take much for Anna and I to get into it. We still fight over who has the right to control the television,” I said as we walked through the doors of Old Navy.
    â€œI know how that is because my brother, Mike, and I go at it all of the time. I swear, if that boy leaves the toilet seat up one more time, I’m going to drown him in toilet water.”
    â€œEww!” I said.
    â€œI’m serious. I think he does stuff like that on purpose,” Keysha complained.
    â€œAnna is the same way. The girl knows that I don’t like her in my bedroom, yet I keep catching her in my things. Like the other day. I really got ticked off when I noticed that she had a pair of my earrings on. I hate it when she goes on a scavenger hunt through my jewelry.”
    â€œI’m glad I don’t have a little sister, but I’m not sure having a pea-brained brother is any better,” Keysha said as we made our way over to a clearance rack.
    â€œIt’s not, but thankfully my little brother doesn’t annoy me the way Anna does. Speaking of brothers, is Mike still dating Sabrina?” I asked.
    â€œYeah. I keep telling her that she can do so much better than Mike, but for some odd reason the girl worships the ground that fool walks on. The other day he told me, ‘Don’t hate the player, hate the game.’ I was like, Fool, you don’t have any game.”
    I cracked up laughing as I pulled a cute button-down top off the rack. “Do you think Misalo would like me in something like this?” I held it up for Keysha to see.
    â€œThat’s cute but I don’t think Misalo would notice,” she said.
    â€œOf course he would. Misalo is not like other guys, Keysha. He is so into me and notices everything about me,” I stated firmly.
    â€œWell, I’m glad one of us has found true romance because Lord knows that I’m no good at it. What’s your secret, Maya? How do you keep Misalo happy?” Keysha’s question caused me to pause and think.
    â€œI believe that Misalo and I were just made for each other. I think fate brought us together and our love, respect and trust will never be broken.”
    â€œThat is so sweet,” Keysha said, smiling at me. “Do you want that top?”
    I looked at the article of clothing again and shook my head no before replacing the top on the rack. “Don’t worry, Keysha, I’m sure your Prince Charming will come along.”
    â€œAs long as he doesn’t come with an alcohol problem, an overinflated ego or a baby mama, I’ll welcome him with open arms,” Keysha said, making fun of all of her past relationships that had gone bad.
    â€œI wish Misalo had a twin brother who could fall in love with you and treat you right,” I said.
    â€œI’m cool, girl. Right now I don’t have a lot of drama in my life and I’m fine with that.” Keysha picked up a blue jean skirt from the same rack as where I’d picked up my top.
    â€œCan I ask a personal question?”
    â€œYou know you can ask me anything, Maya.” Keysha assured me.
    â€œYou ever hear