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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 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.”

  —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’

  Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

  Drama High, Vol. 13

  Super Edition

  THE

  MELTDOWN

  L. Divine

  All copyrighted material within is

  Attributor Protected.

  DAFINA BOOKS are published by

  Kensington Publishing Corp.

  119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

  Copyright © 2011 by L. Divine

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  All Kensington titles, imprints, and distributed lines are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchases for sales promotion, premiums, fund-raising, educational, or institutional use.

  Special book excerpts or customized printings can also be created to fit specific needs. For details, write or phone the office of the Kensington Special Sales Manager: Kensington Publishing Corp., 119 West 40th Street, New York, NY 10018. Attn. Special Sales Department. Phone: 1-800-221-2647.

  Dafina and the Dafina logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

  eISBN-13: 978-0-7582-6838-9

  eISBN-10: 0-7582-6838-6

  First Kensington Trade Paperback Printing: February 2011

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Printed in the United States of America

  This volume is dedicated to my readers. Every time I visit a new city or have a signing at home I am amazed by how much Jayd’s drama reaches you all. Thank you for sharing the journey with my characters and me.

  I would also like to say a special thank you to my dear friend and fellow writer Tina McElroy Ansa, who has on countless occasions reassured me that I’m on the right path. Thank you, sis, for reminding me to respect my process and follow my spirit.

  And, as always, thank you to my publisher, Dafina / Kensington, for allowing my pen to flow freely.

  Contents

  PRAISE FOR THE DRAMA HIGH SERIE

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  THE CREW

  Jayd’s Journal

  Prologue

  1 Nicety

  2 Mi Vida Loca

  3 Crazy Is

  4 Birds of a Feather

  5 K.I.T.

  6 If I Was Your Girlfriend

  7 Too Hot to Trot

  8 Daddy’s Day

  9 Insaniac

  10 Closer

  11 Crazy, Sexy, Cool

  12 All Hail the Queen

  13 A Midsummer’s Nightmare

  Epilogue

  A Reading Group Guide

  DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  Jaydism #5

  Jayd’s Journal

  Prologue

  1 Come Again?

  START YOUR OWN BOOK CLUB

  Odu Ogbe Ogunda 31:1

  An uncontrolled temper does not create

  anything for anyone.

  Patience is the father of good character.

  A person who is patient will become the

  master of all things.

  She will reach a ripe old age.

  He will live a healthy life.

  And she will enjoy life thoroughly

  Like a person tasting honey.

  —As interpreted by Maulana Karenga

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  When I read about several of the Haitian earthquake survivors building shelters on top of their dilapidated homes and bartering whatever resources they had to survive, I was struck by the urge to live and to keep moving forward no matter the conditions. They are a spiritual inspiration, indeed.

  I would also like to acknowledge all of the hardworking folks out there who never give up and who always choose the positive side of life no matter what your current circumstances may be. One of my favorite quotes from the HBO show The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is, “Don’t worry about me: I’m made from strong stuff.” I can relate to Jill Scott’s character because I’m made from that same “stuff” and so are most of the people I know.

  With this being my thirteenth novel in five years, writing each manuscript is more challenging than the next. As with all rewards, there’s plenty of hard work and tears that go into each page. I can’t tell you how many times I thought I wasn’t going to make it to the end; how many times I would get two-thirds of the way through a novel and want to scream from physical pain and mental exhaustion. But it is also at that point that I see the other side of the mountain I’ve been climbing, and my spirit feels good. The tears turn into smiles, and I can see the last page in the horizon. Truly I’ve had many, many meltdowns, and each and every single time my mama, my children, and my faith bring me through. Thank you to the Creator for not only providing me with internal strength but also for surrounding me with people who love and support me through the entire journey.

  ~Ashe~

  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 thirty-something 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, Mickey’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 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 dumped his ex-girlfriend at Westingle (Tasha) to be with 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

  My mom always keeps an ink pen and pad in her glove compartment in case she needs to write something down while in the car. Now that I’m the main driver for her aging Mazda Protegé, I use the tools to write about anything significant that may have happened in my day before I forget, no matter where I am, which in this case is in the parking lot of Ralphs grocery store in the Ladera Center. We’re not too far from Rah’s house, which is also the scene of my latest chick fight with Rah’s ex girlfriend, Sandy. I can’t believe she let me inside of her mind—after she manhandled me—and that I got her to give up their daughter, Rahima, and finally move out of Rah’s house. He owes me big-time for handling his baby mama drama for him.

  I’ve been using my mom’s powers like crazy, learning how to master them but still not able to control my dreams, which is where my true power lies. It’s crazy, I know, but not crazier than Mama going off on the boys earlier this afternoon. Now, that was some serious drama. She and Netta left to cool Mama’s head and on Mother’s Day, too. It’s bad enough she has to live with my trifling uncles every day of the week, but the one day of the year they should be grateful to her, one of them screwed it up instead.

  Rah had to run inside the market for diapers on our way to pick up Nigel and he took Rahima with him. Nigel’s going to spend the night at the hospital with Mickey, and his dad will pick him up in the morning. And since Rah’s car is already there, I really just have to drop him and his daughter off, say hi to Mickey and my goddaughter, and call it a night. This has been one of the longest days of my life and as such calls for a good night’s sleep. Even with school in the morning, it’s the last month before summer and I couldn’t be happier. We all need a break from the madness that is Drama High before I snap.

  Prologue

  When we finally arrive at Nigel’s house, Mrs. Esop is enjoying the sunset from her garden view on the front porch. Great. Another tough broad to deal with, but I actually respect this one, even if I don’t feel like socializing today. I just want to bless my godchild one more time and go home.

  “Jayd, it’s lovely to see you, my dear,” Mrs. Esop says, rising from the patio chair to hug me. “And look at this little princess. Rahima looks more and more like you every day, Raheem.” And she’s right. Rah couldn’t deny his namesake if he tried, not that he ever would. After all the hell he’s been through, first trying to find his daughter the first time Sandy ran off and then again after he did find her. Rah loves his daughter with all he’s got and then some.

  Mrs. Esop squeezes Rahima’s cheeks gently, making the little girl smile and hide behind her daddy. She can play that shy role all she wants, but I know Rahima’s a natural-born ham and deserves all the attention she can get.

  “Thank you and happy Mother’s Day,” Rah says, handing Mrs. Esop a box of Godiva chocolates he just purchased on our pit stop. From the look on her face, she’s very pleased. What girl doesn’t love chocolates?

  “Oh, baby, you didn’t have to do that, but I’m so glad you did,” Mrs. Esop says, taking the gold box and hugging her play-son. Since Rah’s mom isn’t around—even on her own holiday—Mrs. Esop’s always here for him. “Rah, there are some fresh cookies on the counter. Why don’t you give Rahima one while you wake up my son, who’s asleep on the living room couch,” Mrs. Esop says, reclaiming her seat. “Jayd, how are you enjoying this lovely Sunday?” She expertly excuses Rah from our conversation.

  I’m too tired for this, but it doesn’t look like I have much of a say in the matter.

  “I’ll be back in a minute, Jayd,” Rah says, taking the not-so-subtle hint and head
ing through the front door hand in hand with his toddler.

  “Jayd, aren’t you glad that wasn’t you in labor this morning?” Mrs. Esop asks, sipping her ice tea and gesturing for me to sit in the chair across from hers. It must be nice to pass the time in luxury. If she only knew I shared some of the pain with Mickey, she’d eat her words.

  “Yes, ma’am. But Mickey handled it like a pro.” I don’t know why I just lied. But I feel obligated to stand up for my girl, because I know where this conversation is going. It can head in only one direction if Mrs. Esop’s talking about her son’s girlfriend.

  “You look a little troubled, Jayd. Everything okay?”

  I had checked myself in the visor mirror when I got in the car but haven’t had a chance to fully recoup from my run-in at Rah’s. I hate it when a trick pulls my hair. It messes up the entire flow of my usually smooth ponytail.

  “Sandy moved back to her grandparents’ house. I helped her pack,” I say, still unable to process the thought. Is Sandy really gone for good? I know Mrs. Esop knows I’m lying about helping Sandy. Everyone knows we aren’t friends, but I’m not going to tell Mrs. Esop I was in another fight. She thinks I’m growing into a nice young lady and I’m trying. But bitches are everywhere, and sometimes they have to be dealt with properly.

  “Ah,” Mrs. Esop says, taking one of the freshly cut pink roses from the clear vase on the table, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. “Girls like Sandy are never gone for good, Jayd. Mark my words—that girl will be back.” Mrs. Esop looks at me, her brown eyes narrowing at the truth in her words. I know she’s not fully aware of my powers, but she knows Mama and our lineage, so I know she knows more than she’s saying.

  “Nigel will be out in a second,” Rah says, stepping back onto the front porch with Rahima, who’s happily munching on a cookie. “Jayd, you ready to roll?”