ANOTHER KIND OF DIAMOND

by Gloria Obizu

  That’s what you call babe on a fast lane! Isabel chipped in.

  I know!! But the thing about the street is that as you steal from others so are you stolen from. It is a whole lot of different world out there. There were some other kids I met out there, all of us hiding beyond where human eyes reached. Yeah! We lived together, slept together and sometimes shared things like family does. We saw everyone else, but no one seemed to notice us or that they just didn’t care.

  People don’t care about you unless you are one of their own, get what I am saying? May be a few might dare to look back and help out, I don’t know! Isabel said.

  Too bad! Carissa exclaimed. Babe! I never knew how bad it was until it happened to me. There were quite a number of us then, all trying to survive in one of the harshest conditions you can imagine. Isabel out there is rough. If you are a babe thinking of running away from home think again ‘cause I tried it once and it wasn’t funny at all. I was always hungry and scared! Always! Once, I was beaten up by a guy ‘cause I turned him down. He even dared me to call the cops! I was treated like an animal or some-n, constantly on the run and hiding. You can’t even get to sleep, ‘cause you’ll be scared at all time. You only sleep ‘cause the body can’t take any more, not because you want to. You are at the mercy of weather conditions and have no way to protect yourself when they strike ‘cause once you are exposed like that anything can happen. One of the girls we were all there together with was found dead on an alley one day and that freaked the shit out of me but I still held on.

  Tell me about it roommate! What’s the difference between someone who lives on the street and an animal in the wild? None!

  You are right! Carissa continued. Once you bolt, babe you are on your own, unaccounted for in no man’s world. It is an open field where just about anything can happen. People can do anything to you as much as you yourself can run as wild as you want. I’ve been out there and I now know. Isabel! I saw a lot that I can’t even say it all in one story. It is torture, it is terifing and it is nasty. The guys don’t have it easy either. In fact, it is the same story for all of us. The first time I saw a guy cry was out there on the street. I must have been there two weeks when it happened. This tough looking boy that I was always scared of just stepped out to get himself some food and by the time he came back someone had stolen all his stuff. He said he also lost his whole earthly savings, a fifty Dollar bill and for that reason I watched him cry like a baby. Isabel started laughing.

  It wasn’t funny at all, Carissa continued. That was all the money the guy had, understood? Those were really bad days. So bad that I was over joyed to be home when I was eventually found by the Police.

  Wow! So you made them find you, ha?

  I came out to the open without being told by anyone to do so and gladly too. Oh yes, I wanted to be found and I was found. But then, I’ve learnt something! Something very fascinating to me! The real deal about this running away from home thing is this; the moment you fulfill that stupid dream of yours to leave, you feel kinda relieved and ego takes over from there. Is like a big win so you take a deep breath and say, oh yeah, I made it! And then a sense of freedom cunningly takes over your entire being and you feel like someone who just discovered a fresh island. But I can say it now that whatever island you think you found is gonna disappear so soon and you’ll be left dry like a fish out of the fucking sea. As soon as the reality of it all hits you, girl, that’s like a boomerang, but then it would been too late. I mean, too late for you to start retracing your steps except if you are among the real courageous one. Mind you, Pride took you out there and would keep you there till you find your doom unless you act right. Some fear what their parents would do if they return home but believe me they want you back at all cost. There are a few friends I left behind out there and you don’t have to wonder at all whether they really want a home ‘cause they do. All you need is look into their eyes and you’ll see what they are really feeling. Babe they are hurting so bad! Those kids are so confused about it all ‘cause the street is deadly. It is a place you understand the meaning of safety ‘cause everyone is a friend and foe at the same time. If there is anywhere you constantly watch your back, it’s out there, ‘cause you’re never sure of the next moment since all you’ll always have is that moment you find yourself still breathing the fucking free air. Anything can happen at any time and with predators everywhere it is even worse for the girl kid who has no means of self-protection. Is not even good for anyone so all the kids out there need help! They all want a home. Not the kind of place they are running from but some other kind of home. It may not even Turn out better but they have learnt and they will stay and fight for their lives. But if they are compelled to return to the same place they escaped from, once they have tasted the street, they will be willing to go back, if only they can find someone to lead them home. You hear cases of missing persons, right? Some of them are run away kids taken from the street never to be seen again. I was in pain for a long time thinking of those friends I left behind out there but all that is now in the past.

  Wow! We have all witnessed a lot, Isabel said.

  Oh yes! And that day I was reunited with my Aunt is one of those days I will not forget in a hurry. Even though I was very young then, I knew something serious happened to me something that will change my life forever. And you know what? The whole thing forced me to start thinking seriously on how to survive on my own without help from anybody. I constantly have it in mind that the street is where I could wind up if I don’t get my acts together, understand? But the thing is I haven’t just grasp the whole sense of what it takes to forge ahead on my own, get what I mean?

  How did your Aunt react when they found you?

  She decided to keep me, Carissa continued. I think she also realized that something traumatic has happened to me, so she was a little bit more willing to listen to what I say. I went back to school but it was no good. Some students taunted and bullied me ‘cause of what I did and some teachers talked about it in certain other ways but I still knew when they talked about me. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I’ve lost interest in school ‘cause each time I remembered I had to go there, I felt like someone being taken to slaughter house and got scared. So I started talking to Aunt Monica about it and after a long time she too realized it was no use so she allowed me to do what I wanted and that was it. I think it was six months later that I stated looking for a job but it was hard to find anything ‘cause my age was always on the way. But eventually I found my present job and as soon as I could save up some money I told my Aunt I was ready to find me a roommate and a place of my own. We kind of argued about that too but because I saved me up some good money, she kinda relaxed and we reached agreement again. One thing though, I didn’t wanna live at New port beach and I was gonna resign my job and look for another wherever I finally settled down but my company told me they have their main store in LA and good enough they allowed me to start working there. Then I and my Aunt talked again before she put up the Ad for apartment and roommate and you showed up. You …….. But Isabel’s phone began ringing.

  Excuses me, I got to do this Isabel said as she began talking with the fellow on the other end. Wallis is on the line, she whispered to Carissa and continued talking for quite some time during which, her roommate waited anxiously to hear what was going on. As soon as Isabel dropped the line, Carissa jumped at it.

  What’s up with you next?

  Nothing! Just talking to Wallis as usual! He was checking on me and wants to bring us something to eat.

  Oh! I trust Wallis. He always knows the right thing to do.

  Don’t say that! He is nothing but a bug! Isabel said

  I don’t think so! Carissa reacted. He is kind of cool and sounds real, understand?

  Isabel doesn’t trust any damn motherfucker, get what I mean? But I’m gonna give him enough room to run around with me ‘cause I kinda like him a little bit. I’m still watchi
ng him anyways! My main issue with him though is that he is very miserly. He hates to spend his money on anything and I’m getting sick and tired of that kind of shit. I usually don’t do stuff that way but sometimes you need to chill with somebody a little bit and that’s what I’m doing right now ‘cause I’m still trying to figure out a whole lot of things you know. There is this other guy at my work I get along with so well and is like things are beginning to heat up between us too. You know, it’s all a little bit confusing. I’ve the feeling he likes me a whole lot and I like him a lot too ‘cause he is really a cutie kind of guy. And unlike Wallis, he buys me lunch all the time and helps me take care of some shit in the store. I think he is the kind of guy I really wanna make my man when I’m ready.

  What’s his name? Carissa asked.

  Gary! Gary Hanford. I’ll introduce both of you when we get the chance.

  Sounds good to me! But I still think you should give Wallis a chance. He may be broke right now but that doesn’t mean he will never get better. Tell me something. Does Wallis have a job?

  Not really! I guess he is on unemployment right now but he tells me he is actively searching for one. He always talks about stuff like that.

  Like what?

  You know all these big idea about what he wants to do. Stuffs like, Isabel, someday I’m gonna take real good care of you, buy you nice car and put you up in a cozy house and stuff but I don’t really care about all that shit he says. Where is he gonna find the money, get what I’m saying? As far as I know, someone on unemployment talking like that is like cutting the grass with the mouth. Besides I don’t know about someday ‘cause all I care about is for now, ‘shut’!

  May be you should listen to him and kind of chill a little bit more, get my meaning? Carissa continued.

  Didn’t you hear me say I’m gonna do just that? Isabel yelled as usual.

  Alright! Alright! That’s ok! Is he gonna get us the food right away?

  Damn it Carissa! Sometimes you act like you are really fucking damned crazy but I know it and you know it that you are not! What else do you think he’s gonna do, ha? I don’t know what I’m gonna do with you Carissa and I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you. It seems you’re stuck to me like a leech and that’s too bad!

  Is ok Isabel!

  Now listen, Isabel continued, when Wallis get here, you go get the food from him cause he is not coming in here. No! Not today. I’m too tired for any fucking shit and he knows that already. I don’t think he’ll want to come up anyways, ‘cause he knows what I’m like sometimes, understand? At times that guy really pisses me off and I mean it!

  It wasn’t too long before Isabel’s phone rang again and that was Wallis saying he was on his way. In another ten minutes Carissa went and picked up the dishes from him. The girls had a nice meal still talking, and at long last bid each other good night and the lights went out.

  Chapter Four

  Carissa! Where is Tasha? Isabel asked the moment she walked into the living room.

  She went to pick up some of her friends? Wow! Isabel! Look at how gorgeous you turned out in that outfit! We got the right stuff, ha? Babe you look so good I feel like eating you up!

  You too Carissa! You look even better!

  You flatter me, right? It is good the Apartment Manager allowed us to use that space at the back of the building even though you had to pay for it cause that makes it easier for everybody. Actually I was afraid she wasn’t gonna let us, Carissa continued.

  I had my doubts too! Know what? Girl I owe you some!

  Come-on Isabel! You don’t owe me shit!

  Oh yes I do Isabel insist. Before anything starts I wanna pulse and say a big thank you, she said as she gave Carissa a hug and held on for a while. You’ve been so good to me, seriously! You did so much to make this whole thing happen, I already know that, but how you helped fix stuff today really touched me, seriously! Babe I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you and I tell you some-n; you’re truly that sister I never had. I know I talk shit to you at times but I don’t mean shit, okay? I just be acting like that ‘cause I’m the way I’m but deep inside girl, I love you with all my heart. I didn’t even know you’re so good with party things, I mean, decorations and stuff. You surprise me sometimes Carissa but you gave me the greatest of all surprises today and I cherish you dear sister, she said as she managed tears struggling to trickle down her chicks.

  Thanks anyways! I learnt that shit from that Aunt of mine too. She is so good at that and I used to watch her do all kinds of party stuff like when she helped her friends put up beautiful decorations for their wedding and all sorts of show. That was how I leant. I watched her do a lot of things.

  You didn’t watch her do it, did you?

  Naughty naughty naughty! And both girls laughed for a while before she said, don’t bet on that sister ‘cause Carissa’s eyes was everywhere in those days.

  On a more serious note, Baby I really appreciate you!

  It is ok Isabel. Quit acting like this is final good bye stuff, okay? Let’s keep up with it right now ‘cause your guests will soon be here and I want us to put out the best show we can. I didn’t even do the whole thing all by myself ‘cause some of your other friends helped out a lot.

  And Tasha too! She is been so good! Look! She did my hair and also helped out with the makeup, Isabel said.

  She is cool like that! Carissa added.

  Tell me something. This is the same Tasha you always talk to me about, right? Isabel said.

  Yeah! That’s another of my best friend right there. Carissa continued. I haven’t seen her in a year or so though but she is one of the coolest babes in town and I’m so happy she came around. From here we gonna reconnect.

  Cool! Real cool! Babe! Know what?

  What?

  The basic things we need are all taken care of. I just know this is gonna be one of the happiest days of my life and I can’t wait for it to start. Let it begin! Woooow! Isabel shouted out, jumping around like a kid.

  Me too! I can‘t wait!

  Where is Wallis? Isabel asked.

  Very busy! You need to see how involved he is with the whole thing. Like I always tell you, that guy is made of cool stuff; he’s been working with the hard ones too. The drinks, tables, chairs, I mean putting together the stage. He’s worked his ass off for you Isabel.

  You’re right! He is been good today! Anyways he has no choice baby ‘cause if you want some with Isabel you gotta give some! That’s how it goes. I ain’t even tripping about that! And both laughed again.

  Chill baby! Chill with him! That guy has always been good to you, always! He is the kind of a guy that leaves up to every damned word that jumps out of his fucking mouth. That’s how you know a guy is real.

  I know! Where the hell is my bag? Isabel asked.

  It’s on the dresser right there staring at you but must you take that back sack of yours to the party also. Looks kind of add to me! Carissa’s phone began ringing. The address is 889 Wilkinson Avenue in LA. I hope to see you soon! She said

  Who was that? Isabel asked.

  Oh! An old pal of mine!

  Is he or she on her way?

  Yeah! She is coming.

  It’s time to go! We need to leave right away, Isabel said.

  Shortly, both girls left the apartment together for the scene of Isabel’s birth day party ‘cause she’s turning 17 today and it is such a huge thing to her. One more year she needs to go before her 18th birthday and passage into adult hood and freedom and she wants today’s party to serve her as a reminder. Besides this is her very first experience in organizing this sort of thing for herself and she intends to bask in the euphoria of a woman that can stand her own even before she becomes one. In all, today for Isabel is a celebration of freedom! For this reason she prepared so much and so glad is finally here.

>   She couldn’t believe what she witnessed at the scene as she with Carissa stepped into the venue. I mean the turnout at that early hours into the show was outstanding, far more exceeding her estimate. Wow! Girl, it’s like we are in for a big show tonight, she said to her roommate.

  Carissa didn’t respond. She had taken in everything with her own eyes and was sure her friend was right. Both went about chatting up guests and making everyone comfortable until the DJ announced the takeoff of the show. That angle was also handled by Wallis whose best friend Boy Jim is anchoring tonight as the DJ.

  The guy was good at his job. All formalities taken care of before he went into serious business and because he too was well advanced in the party going thing and knew exactly what his peers liked, he simply played the best of the tunes he could lay his hands on. And you could see they liked it because everyone wanted a dance that night. A real good show was going on and Isabel so happily involved danced away the night with friends, especially Wallis who was actually playing the role of a co-host but not completely to Isabel’s approval. When it was time for Isabel to cut the birth day cake came, she chose to do that with the help of Carissa and that chapter turned out the climax of the show filled with approvals from friends and other guests. Soon after, continued all the regular things and everyone dancing with a thinning night.

  Carissa mentioned tonight’s show to Terri at some point, not that he was invited but she just talked to him about it in passing and wasn’t expecting him to show up, so she wasn’t surprised at his absence. There were so many guys around and too much fun that the last thing in her mind was Teri. She like every other person was simply having a wonderful time.