Fast Life by Cassandra Carter Read Free Book Online Page B

population of only 5,078, it wasn’t difficult to tell.
    Kyra and her mother had been walking for what seemed like infinity and a day when they finally stopped in front of a baby blue house. It was one story, like all the rest, and had a white wraparound porch with a chair swing in the front. There were white shutters flanking the windows, and a white door with a circular glass window in it. The stained-glass window had a design of flowers and small birds. There was a large front yard with the same thick green grass as the other houses on the block, and a dirt driveway, where a Jeep Cherokee just like their old one was parked. This was to be their new home.
    â€œOh, it’s even more beautiful than I imagined!” Geneva Jones was giddy as she ran up to her new house, keys in hand. It was more than Kyra had expected, too, but her expression remained cold.
    The inside was even lovelier than the outside. There was lots of white wicker furniture, some deep, dark mahogany tables, and in the living room, an entertainment center that held their TV and stereo system. There were a few colorful African paintings on the walls, as well. And there were small lamps and wide, leaf-shaped ceiling fans.
    The dining room and kitchen were joined. There was a window over the sink looking onto the backyard, which had a small garden with colorful tropical plants and a patio set. There were also wide floor-to-ceiling sliding doors to get there from the kitchen.
    Kyra’s room had all white wicker furniture and soft pink walls. There was a queen-sized bed with a fluffy white comforter and lots of pillows, all in different shades of pink. There were a few chairs, a small glass table and a vanity. A nightstand on each side of the bed held a small lamp and pink flowers. The house left them both speechless, but Kyra refused to admit it. She made sure to find fault.
    â€œMy favorite color is blue.”
    It was around seven that evening when Kyra opened her eyes again. She got up and changed into a short jeans skirt and a light green tank top. She put on her white and light green Air Force Ones that Makai had had specially made for her the previous summer. She smoothed her hands over her braids and took a deep breath. She was here. This was it. There was no going back—not for two years, anyway. She remembered the promise Makai had made to her before she left. She was missing him like crazy, and a full day hadn’t even gone by.
    Kyra walked out into the hall to hear her mother’s voice coming from the living room. She assumed her mom must be watching TV, since she was in the habit of talking to the characters as though they could actually hear her advice. But she was on the telephone.
    â€œYes, we just got in not too long ago. The place is wonderful…amazing. Oh, tomorrow at noon? Sure, sure.…Yes, she’ll love it. That’ll be great. Okay, see you then. Bye.” Geneva Jones placed the phone in its cradle before turning to address Kyra, who was now staring blankly at the television. “Are you ready to go to the market? I found out that they have one a mile or so down.”
    â€œWho was that on the phone?” Kyra didn’t bother to so much as look at her mother. The television had her in a daze.
    â€œOh, that was my boss. He wants us to go up to Providenciales for the day tomorrow to have a tour, grab some lunch and show me around work.”
    â€œI don’t wanna go. Can I stay home?” Kyra’s complaints came between her glances at the commercials flashing across the television screen.
    â€œNo. Don’t be rude. You were invited, and there is no reason for you not to go. You don’t have anything else to do. Now come on. Let’s get to the market before it gets too dark.”
    â€œMan, I do have a reason. It’s called emotional distress.”
    â€œYou’re so damn dramatic. You act like this is the end of the world,” her mother said, laughing off her