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  PRAISE FOR THE DRAMA HIGH SERIES

  “The teen drama is center-court Compton, with enough plots and sub-plots to fill a few episodes of any reality show.”

  —Ebony magazine on Drama High: Courtin’ Jayd

  “Abundant, juicy drama.”

  —Kirkus Reviews on Drama High: Holidaze

  “You’ll definitely feel for Jayd Jackson, the bold sixteen-year-old Compton, California, junior at the center of the keep-it-real Drama High stories.”

  —Essence magazine on Drama High: Jayd’s Legacy

  “Edged with comedy and a provoking street-savvy plot line, Compton native and Drama High author L. Divine writes a fascinating story capturing the voice of young black America.”

  —The Cincinnati Herald on the Drama High series

  “Filled with all the elements that make for a good book—young love, non-stop drama and a taste of the supernatural, it is sure to please.”

  —THE RAWSISTAZ REVIEWERS on Drama High: The Fight

  “If you grew up on a steady diet of saccharine–Sweet Valley novels and think there aren’t enough books specifically for African-American teens, you’re in luck.”

  —The Prince George’s Sentinel on Drama High: The Fight

  “Through a healthy mix of book smarts, life experiences, and down-to-earth flavor, L. Divine has crafted a well-nuanced coming-of-age tale for African-American youth.”

  —The Atlanta Voice on Drama High: The Fight

  Also by L. Divine

  THE FIGHT

  SECOND CHANCE

  JAYD’S LEGACY

  FRENEMIES

  LADY J

  COURTIN’ JAYD

  HUSTLIN’

  KEEP IT MOVIN’

  HOLIDAZE

  CULTURE CLASH

  COLD AS ICE

  PUSHIN’

  THE MELTDOWN

  Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

  Drama High, Vol. 14

  SO, SO HOOD

  L. DIVINE

  Dafina KTeen Books

  KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

  www.kensingtonbooks.com/KTeen

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  Table of Contents

  PRAISE FOR THE DRAMA HIGH SERIES

  Also by L. Divine

  Title Page

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  THE CREW

  Jayd’s Journal

  Prologue

  1 - Come Again?

  2 - Sittin’ on Chrome

  3 - Golden Child

  4 - My Two ’Hoods

  5 - Social Promotion

  6 - Ghetto Snob

  7 - Bag Lady

  8 - Unfriend

  9 - Single Black Female

  10 - Crapshoot

  11 - Hot Combs

  12 - 90220

  Epilogue

  A Reading Group Guide

  Jaydism #6

  START YOUR OWN BOOK CLUB

  Copyright Page

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thank you to my mom, Dorothy Lynette, for my flyy, nearly illegible handwriting, which has become a large part of my brand.

  To my favorite AME church folks: Pastor Jewell Holloway, Pastor Benjamin Thomas, Pastor Clyde Odem, my grandmother, Dorothy Jean Harvey, and to the black church in general. I feel blessed to have come through such a revolutionary spiritual organization that has paved the road for the woman I am today. Thank you very much for providing a forum for me and my predecessors to thrive.

  To everyone at Dafina/Kensington books for publishing my series. To Liz Jote for your consistent support.

  To the Dojang for positively changing me and my children’s lives forever. And to Kamay Franklin for always.

  And to everyone who believed in both L. Divine and Drama High from its inception: It’s been a long, challenging road and we’ve only just begun. Thank you for sharing in this faithful journey.

  THE CREW

  Jayd

  A sassy seventeen-year-old from Compton, California, who comes from a long line of Louisiana conjure women. She is the only one in her lineage born with brown eyes and a caul. Her grandmother appropriately named her “Jayd,” which is also the name her grandmother took on in her days as a voodoo queen in New Orleans. Jayd now lives in her mother’s apartment in Inglewood. She visits her grandmother on the weekends in Compton, her former home. Jayd is in all AP classes. She has a tense relationship with her father, whom she sees occasionally, and has never-ending drama in her life, whether at school or home.

  Mama/Lynn Mae

  When Jayd gets in over her head, her grandmother, Mama, is always there to help her. A full-time conjure woman with magical green eyes and a long list of both clients and haters, Mama also serves as Jayd’s teacher, confidante, and protector.

  Mom/Lynn Marie

  At thirtysomething years old, Lynn Marie would never be mistaken for a mother of a teenager. Jayd’s mom is definitely all that and with her green eyes, she keeps the men guessing. Able to talk to Jayd telepathically, Lynn Marie is always there when Jayd needs her.

  Netta

  The owner of Netta’s Never Nappy Beauty Shop, Netta is Mama’s best friend, business partner, and godsister in their religion. She also serves as a godmother to Jayd, who works part-time at Netta’s Shop.

  Esmeralda

  Mama’s nemesis and Jayd’s nightmare, this next-door neighbor is anything but friendly. She relocated to Compton from Louisiana around the same time Mama did and has been a thorn in Mama’s side ever since. She continuously causes trouble for Mama and Jayd. Esmeralda’s cold blue eyes have powers of their own, although not nearly as powerful as Mama’s.

  Rah

  Rah is Jayd’s first love from junior high school, who has come back into her life when a mutual friend, Nigel, transfers from Rah’s high school (Westingle) to South Bay. He knows everything about her and is her spiritual confidant. Rah lives in Los Angeles but grew up with his grandparents in Compton like Jayd. He loves Jayd fiercely but has a baby mama who refuses to go away. Rah is a hustler by necessity and a music producer by talent. He takes care of his younger brother, Kamal, and holds the house down while his dad is locked up and his mother strips at a local club.

  Misty

  The word “frenemies” was coined for this former best friend of Jayd’s. Misty has made it her mission to sabotage Jayd any way she can. Living around the corner from Jayd, she has the unique advantage of being an original hater from the neighborhood and at school.

  KJ

  He’s the most popular basketball player on campus, Jayd’s ex-boyfriend, and Misty’s current boyfriend. Ever since he and Jayd broke up, he’s made it his personal mission to persecute her.

  Nellie

  One of Jayd’s best friends, Nellie is the prissy princess of the crew. She is also dating Chance, even though it’s Nigel she’s really feeling. Nellie made history at South Bay by becoming the first black Homecoming princess and has let the crown go to her head.

  Mickey

  The gangster girl of Jayd’s small crew, she and Nellie are best friends but often at odds with each other, mostly because Nellie secretly wishes she could be more like Mickey. A true hood girl, she loves being from Compton, and her ex-man with no name is a true gangster. Mickey and Nigel have quickly become South Bay High’s newest couple.

  Jeremy

  A first for Jayd, Jeremy is her white on again/off again boyfriend who also happens to be the most popular cat at South Bay. Rich, tall, and extremely handsome, Jeremy’s witty personality and good conversation keep Jayd on her toes and give Rah a run for his money—literally.

  Mickey’s Man

  Never using his name, Mickey’s original boyfriend is a troublemaker and always hot on Mickey’s trail. Always in and out of jail, M
ickey’s man is notorious in her hood for being a coldhearted gangster, and loves to be in control. He also has a thing for Jayd, but Jayd can’t stand to be anywhere near him.

  Nigel

  The new quarterback on the block, Nigel is a friend of Jayd’s from junior high and also Rah’s best friend, making Jayd’s world even smaller at South Bay High. Nigel is the star football player and dumped his ex-girlfriend at Westingle (Tasha) to be with his new baby-mama-to-be, Mickey. Jayd is caught up in the mix as a friend to them both, but her loyalty lies with Nigel because she’s known him longer and he’s always had her back.

  Chance

  The rich, white hip-hop kid of the crew, Chance is Jayd’s drama homie and Nellie’s boyfriend, if you let him tell it. He used to have a crush on Jayd and now has turned his attention to Nellie for the time being. Chance’s dreams of being black come true when he discovers he was adopted. His biological mother is half black, and his birth name is Chase.

  Bryan

  The youngest of Mama’s children and Jayd’s favorite uncle, Bryan is a dj by night and works at the local grocery store during the day. He’s also an acquaintance of both Rah and KJ from playing ball around the hood. Bryan often gives Jayd helpful advice about her problems with boys and hating girls alike. Out of all of Jayd’s uncles, Bryan gives her grandparents the least amount of trouble.

  Jay

  Jay is more like an older brother to Jayd than her cousin. He lives with Mama, but his mother (Mama’s youngest daughter, Anne) left him when he was a baby and never returned. He doesn’t know his father and attends Compton High. He and Jayd often cook together and help Mama around the house.

  Jayd’s Journal

  As strange as it may sound, my initiation two weeks ago was my marriage to my spiritual mother, Oshune. Mama says there’s nothing like being an iyawo—a wife to my head orisha. Mama explains it as the most important relationship I’ll ever have. Now, my head as well as my heart belongs to Oshune, and because her love and devotion knows no boundaries she also belongs to me. According to Mama, as my days as a newborn were short and sweet so is my time as iyawo—not only because everyone dotes on me, but also because it’s the most sensitive I’ll ever be—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Maybe that’s why my emotions are running wild over seeing a picture of Jeremy kissing Cameron. I can’t think or dream about anything else since seeing the texted photo yesterday.

  The beautiful, handmade journal Mama and Netta presented me with to keep a record of my first year as a priestess is supposed to be filled with my spiritual transformation, not the same old shit regarding trifling dudes and the females they roll with. Instead of writing about my latest dream or other surreal experience while dressed in white from head to toe, I’m writing about my man’s indiscretions. I wonder if all newlyweds worry about their cheating boyfriends during the honeymoon phase of their blossoming love?

  Jeremy’s already left several messages to let me know he’s on his way home and wants to visit as soon as possible, but I’m not sure if he wants to see me like this. So much has changed this summer and it’s more than my attire. I don’t know if anything will ever go back to the way it was before, but what I do know is that the truth is coming out sooner than later—the good, the bad, and the hood.

  Prologue

  After my shopping excursion with my crew abruptly ended yesterday afternoon with me plotting ways to kill Jeremy and Cameron once their plane lands on American soil, I went back to Mama’s house and took a long, cool bath. It’s more dangerous now than ever for my head to get too hot. If I have a dream about Queen Califia, Maman or another one of my powerful ancestors breaking someone down with their gift of sight, I’m liable to bring it back with me when I wake up. I might not be able to control myself when I look into Jeremy’s eyes and he denies anything’s going on with his side trick when I have the physical evidence to prove otherwise. Jeremy’s crippled mind is the last thing I need on my conscience right now.

  My initiation has made my dreams more intense and my sight off the chain, but it’s still in the beginning stages. But so far seeing my dreams come to fruition is the most natural feeling ever—just like breathing. I’ve decided to tell Rah about my dream of his baby mama Sandy’s untimely insemination by another dude and not him. She can try and lie if she wants to, but I know the real story and she needs to come correct here and now. Rah couldn’t join us at the mall yesterday so we all decided to meet up at his place since his crazy baby mama Sandy is MIA for the afternoon. Knowing Sandy, she won’t be missing for long, so we’d better enjoy the peace while it lasts because when she gets back I’m going straight for the jugular.

  “Your mama’s a total bitch,” Mickey says, throwing the cloth diaper with remnants of baby formula down on the table in front of the futon. So much for a chill session vibing to Rah and Nigel’s latest beats. I remember when the garage-turned-studio was the most serene place we could all hang together. Now it’s yet another firing post for our collective drama.

  “Mickey, the baby,” Nigel says, caressing Nickey’s soft hair. She’s the only one who can get any rest in here. That girl can fall asleep anywhere. Staying asleep seems to be her main problem.

  “Nickey knows her mama’s telling the truth about that evil woman,” Mickey says, sitting in the chair next to the table. She looks better and she’s back to her old self. As soon as I put some color on I’m checking Misty’s ass for giving Mickey the unhealthy vitamins Mama’s nemesis, Esmeralda, prescribed to make Mickey lose weight and her mind. For now I’ll have to settle for Dr. Whitmore expertly switching the tainted pills with his healing combination in time enough to save my vain friend. The last thing our crew needs is Mickey wigging out under Esmeralda’s influence. The girl’s already a handful and then some.

  “She’s still my mom,” Nigel says, reading the sports section of the newspaper at the work desk he and Rah share. Rah’s busy counting his cash. He’s been hustling harder than ever since his mom stopped chipping in for the rent and bills. But from the frustrated look across Rah’s brow, I’d say he’s still coming up short.

  “She ain’t right, Nigel,” Mickey sourly reiterates.

  I wouldn’t call Mrs. Esop a bitch, but she’s not the nicest woman in the world. I’ve yet to face her after ducking out early from the debutante ball and I know she’s waiting patiently for an explanation. But what can I say? I never wanted to do it anyway. It’s ironic how the universe has a way of working out no matter how much we try and plan otherwise.

  “What happened now?” I ask, leaning across the futon and touching my goddaughter’s toes. If she’s dreaming I want her to feel my presence and know that I’ve got her back, consciously and subconsciously. Rah’s daughter, Rahima, looks up at me from her spot on the carpet where she’s surrounded by toys and smiles knowing I’ve got her, too.

  “Since I’ve been staying at Rah’s house for the past couple of weeks she’s convinced my dad to cut off my allowance, saying I’m not earning it because I’m not home to do my chores.”

  “That’s a cold move right there,” I say, ever surprised at the depth of Mrs. Esop’s swag. She knows she’s a lot of woman to deal with and uses it to her advantage all day long.

  “A bitch, Jayd. There’s no other way around that shit.” Mickey keeps it real all the time, damn the audience. “We’re supposed to be saving up for our own place, but now we ain’t got a damned thing to save.” Nigel and Mickey aren’t even married yet and Mickey’s already claiming his money. We all know Mickey’s not making any cheddar of her own.

  “For real, Mickey—in front of my daughter, too?” Rah asks, looking up from his stacks of tens and twenties at Rahima stacking her blocks like they’re money. He’d better be careful of the example he sets for baby girl, too. “Unlike your newborn, Rahima’s talking and can repeat what she hears.”

  Like her mama’s any better. If Rahima wanted to curse by now she’d be a professional with the example she’s got in Sandy. But I’m with Rah—not swearing a
round the little ones is best.

  “I don’t want to have to up my game, but our hustle’s all I’ve got now.” Nigel looks at his boy and Rah recognizes the hunger in his eyes. They go way back to elementary school before Rah’s dad went to prison. Nigel and his family were there for Rah when he had no parents at home or food in the fridge and now it’s Rah’s turn to return the love.

  “Y’all can move in with me,” Rah says, throwing the last bill on the pile and leaning back in his seat. “Kamal’s spending more time at my grandparents’ house and me and Rahima can chill in the den while you, Mickey, and the baby take my room.”

  “For real, Rah?” Mickey asks in disbelief.

  It’s not exactly what they had in mind, but it’ll have to do. Living with Rah is much better than sharing a room with her little sister and a bathroom with everyone else in her crowded household. There are two and a half bathrooms in this house—a good ratio for six people. That’s the thing I miss most about being at my mom’s apartment, but I can’t go back there until my time in whites is over. Luckily it ends right before school starts, allowing me privacy to create my first day back look. I want to start my senior year off as flyy as possible.