A Partnership

Pink's always liked Sonny; Sonny's always liked Pink. But their relationship is a bit odd; it started off as a partnership -- and still is. When Sonny first met Pink, he was selling used cars in the parking lot. To make the sale Pink asked Sonny to move the garbage because "[we can't] have these garbage cans in the dark next to my Bird" (34). At first Sonny may just have agreed to Pink's request because he didn't want to cause too much trouble, but as he continues his work he meets Pink more and more often. They develop a relationship and even go on a car ride, where Sonny even gets to enjoy a man's drink -- a beer. And now Pink has offered Sonny something no teenager could resist -- an amazing car for free, sort of.

Pink and Sonny have now agreed to a new partnership; in exchange for the car Sonny has to "be some wide ears ... listen for me, thats all ... talking about your step-dad [Cloyd]" (139). The partnership sheds new light on the relationship between Cloyd Longpre and Pink. Ever since the first encounter Pink has always shown his distaste toward Cloyd; "when it comes down to it, I'm on hers and your side, understand me?" (34). And Cloyd has always shown his feelings about Pink as well; "he [Pink] was talking to you? ... he's [Pink] working some angle ... selling that car to the black man" (35). But Cloyd isn't the only one who dislikes Pink, Bud also loathes the fact that Pink sells cars to black men, going as far as saying "I don't like [him or] the blacks around my home"(110).

Pink wouldn't have given up the Bel Air if he didn't feel Sonny was an asset of some kind. The nicer side of me wants to believe that Pink is just doing something nice for Sonny, but knowing that he is a used car salesman I have to view the deal with suspicion. Sonny may not like Cloyd, but he is family now. There must be some reason why Cloyd and his friends all hate Pink. It may just be because he does business with black people, but I have a feeling there's more to the story. Now that Sonny has agreed to take the car I predict that he will get into some trouble not only with Cloyd, but also with himself. I could easily see him taking Nica for a car ride and getting into some serious trouble with her father. Sonny may end up giving Cindy a ride, perhaps finally taking her to the beach. And events with Cindy always end up in troublesome situations. It's important to note that Sonny does not have a driver's license and has barely driven; he may end up in an accident or a fight with law enforcement. Pink is now a very important character. I look forward to finding out just how he'll fit in; will he be a villain or will he be a hero?