One Among Us

by Paige Dearth

  Seth remained unemotional. “Sure, that’s great,” he told her, more relieved that he’d answered her question correctly. The kids at school and Thelma always told him he was stupid, and Seth had started to believe he was dumb.

  “We bought you a present,” Maggie said, hoping it would make him feel better. She pulled out a small box wrapped in newspaper.

  Seth held it in the palm of his hand, looking at it closely; slowly, a spark of excitement began to surface.

  “This is for me?” he asked, with a glimmer of hope in his voice.

  “Yep, it’s from me and Juju. We bought it especially for you,” Maggie explained. “Go ahead and open it.”

  Seth tore the paper off and looked at the miniature, plastic, toy soldier.

  “Wow,” he breathed. “Some of the kids at school have these. But this one is the best one ever,” he stated, turning the toy over in his hands to inspect it.

  “This one is special, Seth. I told the man at the drugstore all about you. I explained how brave you’ve been. I told him you’re the most courageous eight-year-old in the whole world. Then, guess what happened? The man at the store went into the back and brought out this soldier. He said this soldier was a war hero, and since you’re so brave, we should buy it for you. It’s the only one like it anywhere,” Maggie lied.

  Maggie wanted to give Seth hope, make him feel special. Her heart ached for the small boy whom she loved as her own.

  “Really? That’s so cool. I’ll keep him forever and ever,” Seth promised.

  By the time the two girls left Seth, he was in high spirits. Maggie and Juju always made him feel better. They made him feel like he mattered—especially Maggie. She was the only constant in his life. With Maggie, he felt like he belonged. She was the only sense of “home” he’d ever known. Seth believed everything Maggie told him. He knew that one day they’d be together. He dreamed about Maggie coming to take him away from Rock and Thelma.

  Seth couldn’t know what Maggie would have to do in order to make his dream come true.

  Chapter Seventy-One

  It was just before sunset, and Maggie was trolling Kensington Avenue for business. She passed old buildings occupied by shady businesses. The whole city seemed to be in a state of hopelessness. People came and went, and the city just got older and more decrepit. The structures continued to stand, but only because they were made of brick and mortar. Paint peeled from the buildings; black grime from city living and neglect covered the red brick. The sidewalks were an obstacle course of uneven cement slabs. Yet no one seemed to notice. Kensington’s residents were poor, stoned, or homeless. None of them had asked for the life they lived. It was as though hell had seeped up from the bowels of the earth and covered the city like a wet wool blanket.

  Maggie watched two other hookers walking toward her. The larger girl, Legacy, wore her jeans two sizes too small, strangling her large thighs and making her belly plunge over them in a blob of fat and flesh. Her tight, fake-leather jacket grabbed her just above the belly button, which accentuated the extra pounds of flesh around her middle. The smaller girl, called Froggie, had her hair pulled back in a tight bun, a hairdo that put far too much emphasis on her bulbous nose and buck teeth. Maggie knew the girls were hookers who used drugs heavily.

  As Maggie got closer to them, she could see the craziness in their eyes. They strutted aggressively, and she sensed that they were going after someone. When they were almost upon her, Maggie stepped to the side, closer to the building, to let them pass. But they didn’t walk by. Legacy landed the first punch in Maggie’s gut.

  “You stealin’ our dope, bitch? You think ’cause you white and tight it give you a right to take shit from us?” Legacy accused.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t steal anything,” Maggie gasped.

  “Fuckin’ liar,” Froggie rasped in her deep, dark voice. “We gonna fuck you up.”

  “I didn’t steal anything!” Maggie wailed.

  Legacy punched Maggie again, just skimming her cheekbone. On instinct, Maggie began to flail her fists at the larger girl. She managed to connect with Legacy’s collarbone. Froggie grabbed a handful of Maggie’s hair and pulled her down to the ground. The two girls began to kick her, and Legacy dropped on top of Maggie and held her down while she punched her. Maggie continued to kick at them, keeping her hands up to cover her face. She squirmed, wiggled, and bucked to shake Legacy off, but her sheer weight kept Maggie pinned in place.

  As the girls beat on her, a crowd began to close in. Men were laughing as other hookers looked on, just shaking their heads. Some of the strung-out girls yelled, provoking Maggie’s attackers to continue. The noise from the crowd was deafening to Maggie. Then, a distinctive voice cut through the onlookers. It was growing closer, and it was really, really angry.

  “I will fuckin’ kill you whore bitches,” Juju barked, as she stood over the rubble of bodies.

  Legacy looked up and stood quickly. “Who the fuck you talkin’ to, skank?”

  Juju went into her stance—arms spread, hands wide open, palms facing Legacy. She put her dominant leg behind her and leaned into her left leg. “Leave her alone,” Juju warned.

  “Are you kiddin’? Who you think you scarin’, trash?” Legacy sneered and moved toward her.

  Juju closed her hands into fists but didn’t budge. Legacy charged at Juju with her hands in the air, ready to deflect Juju’s fists. When Legacy was close enough, Juju planted her left foot and brought her right foot forward, connecting with a front kick between Legacy’s legs. The large girl went down to her knees, and Juju nailed her in the face with one blow. Legacy was lying on her side on the verge of unconsciousness when Froggie began a slow growl at Juju.

  Froggie sprang off Maggie and attacked Juju head on. Juju was rattled by the unexpected assault. She stumbled backward. Find your center, she reminded herself, and calmly went back into her defensive position. When Froggie was close enough, Juju lifted her back leg, swept it around, and knocked Froggie’s legs out from under her. Froggie dropped to the ground on her left side. She tried to spring up again, but Juju locked her fingers together and brought her hands down hard on Froggie’s forehead.

  With Legacy and Froggie sprawled on the sidewalk like road kill, Juju rushed over to Maggie. The crowd continued to hoot and holler as Juju knelt next to her. “Are you OK?” Juju asked.

  “Who, me? Sure, I was just about to kick their asses when you showed up,” Maggie said with a weak smile.

  “Come on,” Juju told her, helping her up from the ground.

  Once they were away from the crowd, Maggie asked, “Are you crazy? Do you know the shit storm you just brought on yourself?”

  “Fuck them, Maggie. Once I heard you were getting your ass whooped, which, by the way, you were; I didn’t care what happened. Anyway, those pricks don’t scare me,” she stated.

  “I know, Juju. But you know how the hookers operate. If they get the others against you, it could be trouble. Hookers fight hookers, and dealers fight dealers. I don’t have to tell you. Now what are we going to do?” Maggie asked, relieved that Juju intervened, but fearful that her friend would face retribution.

  “I’ll figure something out. Don’t worry about it,” Juju said confidently.

  Chapter Seventy-Two

  The two girls had been in Juju’s apartment for less than an hour when there was a loud banging on the door. Juju slid the chain into place and opened the door a smidgen. “Open the fucking door,” Rock said.

  “It’s Rock. Just be cool,” Juju told Maggie.

  Juju opened the door and let Rock enter. “What the hell were you thinkin’, Juju? You know how this shit works,” he growled, pressing Juju against the wall.

  “Look, Rock, they were two on one. Those ho bags where beating the shit out of Maggie. It was an unfair advantage,” she said.

  “Oh, yeah, so pulling out that kung fu shit of yours ain’t no unfair advantage. I have two bitches that are all screwed up now. I wouldn
’t care, except that now they can’t work tonight. So you tell me, how am I gonna make up the money ya cost me with your little karate moves?” Rock snarled.

  “Maybe those bitches will have to work longer to make up for their losses,” Juju countered, not backing down.

  Rock huffed. “You’re lucky you didn’t get your ass kicked. The other girls coulda jumped in on ya. Then I’d have two hookers and a pusher down. This ain’t no good for my business. You need to let Maggie handle her shit by herself.”

  Maggie felt herself becoming defensive of Juju. “I was handling my shit, Rock. I was minding my own business. They accused me of stealing their dope. I don’t use dope, and everyone knows that.”

  Rock moved away from Juju and toward Maggie. “Oh, now you gettin’ all brave with me. You best watch what you say to me, girl, or ya ain’t gonna be happy.”

  “I’m just saying, Rock. It’s not Juju’s fault,” Maggie explained, pretending to heed to his warning.

  Rock snickered. “You just better keep your little friend here contained. Ain’t no tellin’ what those bitches will do now,” he warned Maggie.

  Rock walked toward the door. Before leaving, he turned to Juju. “As for the profits I lost, you better get your ass out there and start selling more dope. Otherwise, you’ll answer to me,” he said in a menacing voice.

  After Rock left, Juju slid down the wall and sat on the floor. Maggie went over and sat beside her. “Well, this isn’t good,” Maggie said, stating the obvious. “You should have just let them kick my ass. Now you’re in trouble because of me.” Maggie was brimming over with guilt.

  “Nah. I ain’t in trouble. I’m not scared of those losers or Rock,” she blurted, sounding braver than she felt. “You just need to stay on alert. The best way for them to get to me is to mess with you.”

  Maggie was overwhelmed with emotion. The dominant feeling was love for Juju. She had risked a lot by jumping into the fight. She knew that Juju loved her, but out on the streets, it was easy for people to hunt someone down and sabotage them. They would have to be very careful until the incident blew over.

  “You were like a little ninja out there,” Maggie offered with a smile.

  “Yeah, well, Sensei taught me well. Maybe you should think about learning how to defend yourself. No telling if I’m going to be around the next time someone screws with ya,” Juju advised.

  “I guess it can’t hurt. Are you volunteering to teach me?” Maggie asked.

  “Sure. I can try. I mean, from what I saw, you’re pretty uncoordinated,” Juju teased.

  “Oh yeah?” Maggie responded, pretending to put Juju into a headlock.

  Juju looked up at Maggie, and as Maggie’s grip loosened, she raised her head and planted a kiss on Maggie’s lips.

  Maggie was taken back. “What’s that about?”

  “Really? Are you that oblivious?” Juju asked.

  “About what?” Maggie questioned.

  “Um, news flash: I’m into girls,” Juju told her.

  “You are? How come I didn’t know that?”

  “’Cause you aren’t into girls, right?” Juju asked, hoping for the answer she wanted.

  “Um, I don’t think so. I’m not into guys, either. I just do what I do. Never really gave it much thought. Besides, I’ve never been attracted to anyone like that,” Maggie stated.

  “You ever kiss someone you love? You know, I mean like a real kiss?” Juju prodded.

  “No, I can’t say that I have. Sex isn’t something I feel; it’s just something I do,” she explained.

  Juju leaned forward and kissed Maggie again. This time, it was a passionate kiss. She parted Maggie’s lips with her tongue, and the two girls shared a moment. Maggie jerked away when Juju slid her hand up her shirt.

  “I’m sorry, Juju. It’s just not me. I love you, but not like that,” she explained.

  “Yeah, it’s cool. But when you fall madly in love with me, don’t come cryin’,” Juju said, disappointed.

  As Maggie walked back onto Kensington Avenue, Juju played heavily in her thoughts. She didn’t want Juju to stop loving her, but she really didn’t feel anything when they kissed. Was her ability to be in love also stolen? Was there anyone out there in the world that she would ever want?

  Maggie wondered just how much had been stolen from her by the predators who took her youth and innocence. Lost in her own thoughts, she looked up. Trinity was standing in her way.

  Chapter Seventy-Three

  “Well, if it isn’t Miss High-and-Mighty,” Trinity mocked.

  “Screw you, Trinity. What do you want?” Maggie countered.

  “I saw your little bull dyke hittin’ Legacy and Froggie. Ya know, there’s gonna be revenge. No one beats on my friends and gets away with it,” Trinity threatened.

  “Maybe you should tell your friends that I don’t do drugs and that I didn’t steal their stuff. What’s your problem, Trinity? I never did anything to you, and all you ever do is try to make my life suck more than it already does,” Maggie spat back at her.

  Trinity glared at Maggie. “Who the fuck ya think told ’em you stole their shit?” she asked, egging Maggie on.

  “You’re a bitch, Trinity. I’m sick of you. Maybe I’ll start treating you the way you treat me,” Maggie told her, standing her ground and fighting the urge to punch Trinity in the face.

  “You best think twice about fuckin’ wit’ me. Ya don’t know what you’re getting into. Ya don’t know nothin’ ’bout what it takes to survive,” she hurled.

  “Oh, so now you’re the authority on pain and suffering. Listen, Trinity,” Maggie said, taking a step closer to her. “I’ve survived more shit in my life than you’ll ever know. Just ’cause I’m white doesn’t mean I haven’t had a hard life. You think you’re so damned tough. Well, I got news for you: you aren’t. I can tell you stories that’ll make your fingernails curl. I’ve seen more death and violence than you can know. So just stay the hell away from me, and I’ll stay away from you,” Maggie growled in a low, throaty voice.

  Trinity drew back slightly, just enough to let Maggie know that she’d had an impact on her.

  As Maggie started to walk away, a slow simmer began in Trinity’s stomach. She was accustomed to being the bully and wasn’t happy that she had lost the ability to intimidate Maggie. She liked messing with the little bitch. It made her feel better, stronger. It gave her a sense of power. She didn’t want to lose the only power she had on the streets. The bitch will have to be put in her place, Trinity thought.

  Just as Rock had predicted, a couple of weeks later, after they’d healed fully, Legacy and Froggie went looking for Juju. The twosome had been planning for weeks how they would rock her world. Their plan included other people, and because the people they hung out with were also violent by nature, they agreed to help for a price.

  It was a busy Saturday evening for Juju when Legacy and Froggie approached her. “Well, look who it is. If it isn’t Bruce Lee,” Legacy sang, as she shuffled by Juju a little too closely.

  “Beat it, bitch. I’m working and don’t need any of your bullshit,” Juju said nonchalantly.

  “Ha! You’re fuckin’ kiddin’ me, right? You think you gonna get away with the shit ya pulled on us a couple of weeks ago? Nah, that ain’t gonna happen,” Legacy told her.

  Juju finished her sale and turned to face Legacy. “Look, it was nothing personal. You ganged up on my friend, and I was just levelin’ the playin’ field. Two against one ain’t so fair. Ya know what I’m saying,” Juju said, sizing up both girls.

  “Yeah, but ya know, that ain’t how me and Froggie see it. You ambushed us, took us by surprise. We don’t like no surprises. You feelin’ me?” Legacy asked with unnatural calm.

  Juju started to back away. Legacy’s posture signaled that something bad was about to happen. Just as Juju started to go into her stance, she backed into two overgrown men. Juju spun around, taking in their size, and dread washed over her. She looked around for someone she could call on to
help, but no one was there. One of the men seized her shoulders. She tried to pull away, but he was too strong. She looked into his face to try to talk her way out of it, but words escaped her as she became blinded with fear.

  “What? You ain’t got nothin’ to say now? You were a real big ass when ya assaulted us, but now ya can’t do nothin’. Now it’s your turn to see what it feels like to be surprise attacked,” Froggie rambled in her raspy voice.

  Legacy struck the first blow to the side of Juju’s face. The two girls took turns hitting her while Shrek I and Shrek II kept her from getting loose. When the girls were finished letting off steam, they turned to the Shrek twins. “You know what to do now,” Legacy commanded.

  One of the men put out his hand, and Froggie laid a one hundred dollar bill on his palm. Juju was beaten and sobbing, her head hanging. Legacy bent down and looked up into Juju’s face. “You real ugly when you cry, bitch. You better cut it out before the boys here decide to kill ya after takin’ what they want from ya,” she tormented.

  Juju didn’t have it in her to beg. She had never begged for anything in her life, and she didn’t plan to start now. Instead, Juju pulled strength from deep within and spit in Legacy’s face. “Fuck you,” Juju said breathlessly.

  Legacy wiped the spit with her hand and swiped it across Juju’s shirt, “No, baby, it’s fuck you. Enjoy it now,” she sang and walked off with Froggie.

  The two Shrek’s pulled Juju to her feet. “We gonna have a real good time tonight. Don’t worry,” the smellier one promised.

  Chapter Seventy-Four

  The men shuffled Juju along to a condemned house on the next block. One of them kicked in the plywood covering the back door. Once inside, they turned on a flashlight and pulled Juju into what looked like an old living room. In the middle of the floor was a dusty, old rug, “Put her over there,” said the man with the flashlight.

  The other man, whose grip was like a vise on her arm, walked her over and pulled her arms behind her back. Before she knew it, a rope was tied around her wrists. One of the men forced her down onto the carpet. Crazy thoughts ran through her head…they were going to shoot her, slit her throat, burn the house down with her in it. Her chilling thoughts were endless and scared her more than she wanted to admit.