Tricia Williams - Our fucking future

“Problem gentlemen,” I ask without turning. “A big one and we need to discuss something with you Mr. President,” says one from behind me. I turn, two six foot plus black guys and one white guy only a little taller than I am. They all have their fucking letterman jackets on, why live the stereotype, it’s a valid question. The two bigger guys look bored but the white guy looks like he’s the mouth piece. “Okay so which one is first,” I ask getting very aggressive.

“Wait what,” the white guy asks as the black guys perk up. “Fine, I’ve fought three before,” I haven’t but I’m pretty sure it’ll feel shitty afterwards. “Dude whoa, not here to fight! So not here to fight, saw that fight last year with Kyle and I do not want a piece of you,” the white guy exclaims as the black guys hold their hands up in surrender.

“Then why trap me in a bathroom three on one,” I ask calming a little but not standing down. “You weren’t in the meeting room and we found you here,” One of the black guys informs me. “Okay well as much as I’d like to stay and cause a rumor mill about four guys in the bathroom I’d say let’s do this back at my office,” I mean the meeting room We’d been using but they get it.

We head back and the leader, Donny, is Italian and Native decent. I am not sure he’s actually Native but I don’t dispute as he makes light conversation and his buddies head off on their own so we can speak one on one. I get back in my seat and he sees my work with the dance budget and I can tell almost immediately what this is about. “So Tania sent you to plead her case,” I ask getting a nod.

“Yeah, she figures you’ll speak with me since I’m not ‘entitled’ whatever that means,” Donny informs me and I sit back to listen,” She’s got her heart set on this dance being perfect, she’s set on everything being perfect.” “Perfect for the two of you or,” I ask and get a wide eyed response. “Oh no, step sister. Her dad married my mom, we got a little brother now but she only plays the sibling card when she can’t get something done herself. Besides my girlfriend wouldn’t like me dating a cheerleader,” Donny tells me and now I’m intrigued.

“Your girlfriend,” I ask since this is the most interesting conversation I have had all day. “Yeah, Courtney, she was tutoring me last year so I could keep playing basketball and then I heard you talking about class bullshit and group nonsense and it was a big thing for me. I was dating a bitch at the time and broke it off. Then Courtney and I were sitting there going over fractions or something and I just asked her out,” Donny explains and I smile,” Honestly best thing I ever did was ask her out because she helps me be more than I was.”

“I’m glad I was able to inspire you but don’t look at me like some messiah or anything. I just state how stupid shit is and hope people listen. Sadly Tania doesn’t see her budget as stupid so I fired her and her friends,” I tell him plainly.

We sit and I explain how bad the budget would be if we did all that she and her little group of cronies got what they asked for and he understands but still wants me to let her help plan and coordinate it. I am seriously thinking about saying no but he’s being a man and not pulling some bullshit makes a solid case for her. I agree to speak with her one more time but today only and he accepts that and leaves. I text Matty and tell her that I’ll be busy during fifth period but I want to go over some things after school with my crew. She gives me a kissy face in reply and I chuckle, she can be a girl sometimes. Sure enough home period comes around and I have a knock at my ‘office’ before I see Tania come in and quietly close the door after herself.

“Welcome back,” I greet her but she seems a little determined where as I’m friendly. “Thanks, listen if you’re going to shoot me down now just tell me so I can go do some study hall,” Tania asks me but I gesture for her to sit. “Here’s the thing, twice you didn’t listen to me. I know this is a big dance and for you it’s very important. I admire the passion but if I told you I could keep you from getting acne ever again it’d just cost you a foot or a hand would it be worth it,” I am trying to explain and I think she gets it.

“Okay well what are you thinking,” She asks and I smile. I explain where we can save money and not spend money which she appears to be listening to. I start going over where we will cut things entirely, like location and decorations. Tania isn’t really understanding and I decide to focus on areas we shouldn’t cut costs.

“The biggest thing we need for a great dance is food and music, that is where the budget should be spent and we have some to spend it on,” I show her the list,” Now as for decorations we have an art club that I will speak with tomorrow to set on making sure we have supplies and they can make everything that we’re needing.”

“Okay but what is the theme,” Tania asks and I shrug,” My plan was better because everything was prepackaged.” “I hate to tell you your way was lazy and expensive. I can guarantee you that if we source catering here as opposed to people fending for themselves we can up ticket prices. Add to that the gym is fucking huge we don’t need the best DJ, hell we could probably just have a local band or something come by and play,” I tell her and watch her face sour.

“You are killing me, a local band? What about slow dancing or even king and queen announcements? A band isn’t going to help with that,” She tells me growing frustrated. “Okay so I’ll get a cheap DJ, can probably get one for two hundred easy,” I am seriously fucking with her but she doesn’t know it. “My god you are killing the whole dance, bad music means no dance,” She almost yells at me before throwing herself back into her chair with frustration.

“Well at least the catering will be good,” I joke and she finally looks at me and groans. “Are you seriously fucking with me,” She asks and I nod,” that is a dick move.” “So is not listening to the man with the budget and authority. It’s nothing personal but you’ve kept me from relaxing for two days now and I had to give you something back in return,” I tell her chuckling.

She relaxes and we go over what the dance should ‘look’ like. She has some pretty good ideas and we only simplify a few of them to get a smile out of both of us. I show her the DJ’s and while she doesn’t pick the most expensive she does pick the one with the most positives for a high school. I discuss a flyer for the song list to see what people would like to hear and it’s agreed that no major swearing would be tolerated. It’s all coming together and I’m a little pleased with myself for working things out when I notice she’s on my side of the table leaning over and looking at my phone for catering companies. Tania smells wonderful and I must be missing some girl time because I want a female right now. I’m keeping my urge in check but she’s right here and I have a lock on the door.

“So all those women of yours keep you busy,” She asks idly, I think it’s idly asking. “Yes and no, I make it a point to touch base constantly and being there with them is best for me. It keeps me grounded,” I reply, my women are good and will love up on me soon. “So you don’t fool around outside them like I heard rumors of,” Tania asks still not looking at me. “I can but I don’t always, are you offering,” it’s a long shot but I have to ask. “I want to be back on the dance committee, hell if possible I’d like to be the whole damn committee,” Tania tells me sitting down next to me in a separate chair.

“And you’re planning to do what for that exactly,” I ask looking straight at her. “Nothing, I’m best for it aside from budgeting apparently and its part of my final school report to plan a social function. I want to be an entertainment coordinator,” Tania tells me and I smile. “Done but you report to me or Kori, my fiancé,” I tell her getting a surprised look. “Wait you’re not going to make me sleep with your or something,” Tania asks confused.