Truth be Told

You ain’t the first he’s done this to. He did it to his family. What makes you so special? You need to put words into action”. “I want him to change for me and for the sake of our relationship”. The stylist is doing the finishing touches to London’s hair. “Why would he change for you when he’s getting everything he wants out of this relationship? He needs action coming from you to prompt that change. You hold the power”. “Yeah but I still don’t get how to make him do what I want”. London sighs with a hint of exhaustion and frustration. “Stop acting thick in the head girl”, an older woman yells out. “You want to invoke change. Take those kids and drop them off to their mommas because you know he got more than one. Or take them to social services”, says another woman. All the women laugh. “Box up brother man’s stuff and put it outside your door and change your locks!!” Everyone in that section of the shop laughs. “W-E-E-L-L-L”, replies London. One woman shouts, “ooh wee”. The women burst into laughter. “I know I’ve lived this. And if he tries to get back in your place tell the landlord. Get him involved. Let him know that the landlord supports you because he is not on your lease. He ain’t on your lease is he”, asks the older woman? The stylist rolls her eyes. “No he is not.” “And if he tries to put up a fight and says you and the landlord can’t keep him out you tell him like President Obama said”, says London. Everyone in that corner of the shop is looking around at each other and yells out simultaneously. “OH YES WE CAN!!” There is an outburst of laughter that is riotous. It rumbles throughout the shop. Everyone in that section is laughing going over to each other giving one another some dap. Other patrons are startled by the loud chant and uncontrolled laughter that they get up to go see what was going on.