by Khadijah J
“Let’s get the fuck up outta here before they call the police on fake ass Muhammad.” Kenzo cracked. I shook my head as we quickly got the fuck outta dodge. I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t get that chocolate girl with the glasses outta my head. I was two seconds from going on a manhunt for her fine ass.
TEN
ALIYANNA
When I got back to campus, I tried to continue going to school, and I had got a job at Family Dollar, but it was hard, with my busy schedule. I was saving every penny to get this money for my mother’s lawyer. Once I told my only friend, Shontae, about it, she said she could get me a job at this club for her homeboy Smitty. I told her I wasn’t twenty one, and she said not to worry about it. I hated that job so much, the uniform was tasteless, and the men were always drunk, disrespectful, and horny. But with the tips I was making, I would be out of there in no time. I was a bottle girl.
When my mother got out of jail, and Mylo came back to her house, Mylo was a completely different kid. While I was there, I tried talking to her, but she didn’t want to listen to me. Just when I thought everything would run smoothly, Mylo and her boyfriend got locked up. On top of her getting locked up, my mother found out that she had ecstasy in her system, and my mother had a mental breakdown. It pissed me off that my sister was stressing my mother out like that, and my mother was already facing ten years. I headed back to campus and focused on school, and checked on my mother daily, to make sure she was okay. She said that my father was set to get out sometime this year, but he wouldn’t tell her. I was excited, because maybe he could get Mylo’s ass together.
Spring break came quickly, and I was staying on campus this go around. My mother was upset, but she understood. I had to physically fight Mylo every time I came home, because she was disrespecting my mother, and I was tired of sitting there mute. Nah, my mother bent over backwards for us, and she deserved the utmost respect. I would pop Mylo every time she got slick at the mouth. My phone rang, and it was the same unstored number that always called me.
Smitty owned the club I was working at, but I knew that he wanted me. He always made his little comments here and there. I even let him take me on a date, but after finding out that he was full of himself, it turned me off. I been trying to dodge him, but he acted like he was pressed for.
“Hello.” I answered. I still till this day didn’t know how he got my number.
“Hey, Mocha, is there a way you can come down to the club early tonight? I need to talk to you.” He said.
“Umm, yeah sure. How early?” I asked.
“Like an hour early.” He said.
“Okay, yeah. I’ll be there.” I told him.
I finished my homework, and then got ready for work. I caught a ride to the club. When I got there, security let me in through the back door, before I strolled to his office. I always had on a jogging suit coming in there, because I wasn’t about to let the world see this hoe ass outfit that I had to work in. I knocked on the door and he yelled out for me to come in. I left the door open, until he told me to close it. I instantly rolled my eyes.
“You wanted to talk to me?” I asked.
“Yeah. Go ahead and take a seat for me.” He smiled, licking his crusty ass lips.
“Okay.” I sat down. He sat there gazing at me, and I was getting the creeps.
“I know you didn’t call me here to stare at me.” I told him.
“I could stare at you all day and night. You’re so damn beautiful. Is your skin really soft, or does it just look like it?” He stood and walked around. I stared at him with my eyebrow raised.
“Why did you call me here an hour early?” I asked.
“You could make a lot of fucking money in this club if you got on stage.” He stated.
“I’m sure I could, but I’m not interested.” I snapped.
“Well, I know you a college student, and shit is hard, especially with your situation you got going on. You need to get you a whip and everything. One night on that pole, baby, and you could make enough to buy your momma a house. With that body, that face, and them eyes, you’re a sex symbol. You need to embrace that shit.” He smirked.
“I’m not a sex symbol. I’m not getting on the pole period. Is this meeting over, or what?” I stood.
“Well, I could think of another way you could make some money.” He paused, getting closer to me licking his lips.
“One night, that’s all I need, baby, I got ten thousand for you. I know that pussy worth every penny.” He stared me up and down, before trying to cop a free feel. I slapped fire out his dirty ass.
“Don’t ever come at me like that again, Smitty, and I mean that!” I spat, walking toward the door.
“Bitch, you fired. Get yo ass outta my club!” He yelled. I was instantly pissed off even more. I needed to make this money for my momma, and he had just fired me because I didn’t want to climb a pole. Fuck him and this funky ass club.
I was pissed off the entire week. I couldn’t even call my momma and tell her, because I felt like I had let her down. I had to figure out a way to come up with a lot more money. I had only saved up a couple of bands. My phone was ringing, and it was the lady I was worried about.
“Hello.” I answered.
“Hey, they charged Mylo as a damn minor. We gotta pay a fine, and her stupid ass is on probation. Bad enough I gotta deal with my own case, my damn daughter got one too.” My mother snapped.
“I know, Mom. I’m sorry, I’ve been trying to save money up so I could help y’all out, but-” I started.
“Lee, I don’t understand why yo ass don’t listen when I tell you not to worry about me.” She exhaled loudly.
“You’re my momma and I’m-” I started.
“How much money you got, Lee? How much have you saved?”
“Umm, a little under five thousand.” I told her.
“Lee, what the hell job you working to save that much money? Cause last time I checked, Family Dollar wasn’t paying like that, and if they are, ask them are they hiring.” She snapped, and I had to stifle my laughter.
“Mom.” I started.
“You better not be getting into no illegal bullshit, Lee. I swear, I will skin yo narrow ass!” She threatened.
“I’ll be up there tomorrow, so just gather all your little money up. Love you.” She said.
“Okay, love you too, Momma.” I hung up.
The next day, my mother came and picked me up for the weekend. As soon as we got there, she headed to this man she knew who owned a car lot. I was looking at her side eyed, because I had no idea what she was up to.
“Now, Bobby, I need something nice, cute, and reliable, for my baby. She goes to Western, and she gon’ have to drive her car back and forth on the highway.” She told him.
“Okay, well, what’s the budget?” He asked.
“I told you on the phone.” She snapped.
“Oh yeah, alright. I forgot, baby. Alright, right this way ladies.” He said.
All the cars he was showing us, me nor my mother could agree too. When we were walking back in defeat, we walked past this 2008 red Dodge Avenger. It was like it was calling out to me, I stopped in my tracks and tapped my mother. She liked it too, as we took it for a test drive and to my mom’s cousin to check under the hood. He told us it was in excellent condition, and that the price was decent as well. We went back to the lot and I paid for my own car. My mother covered the rest, and I was so excited. When we got back home she explained to me that one of the dope boys she had been looking out for since he was younger, was covering her lawyer fees, and looking out for her. I was shocked, but thankful. I told her what I had been doing, and what happened, and she just shook her head. She was glad I was fired, and that I had such a strong head on my shoulders.
***
When I pulled up on campus with my new car, I was so geeked. No more walking and struggling on the bus with groceries. No more bus for me, period, to go anywhere. I was so happy and proud of myself. I was really thankful that my mom said he
r lawyer said he was ninety percent sure, she’d walk away with no time. My phone rang, and it was my friend, Shontae. I hadn’t heard from her in a while.
“Hey.” I answered.
“Bihh, you gotta come to this party with me and Lily.” She started. Lily was this white girl who thought she was black. Like, she went out of her way to act hood, or whatever that meant. I couldn’t tolerate being around her, but Shontae insisted that she tagged along, cause that was her bestie.
“Nah, I’m good on that, love bug.” I told her.
“Come on, boo. Please, I really want you to come. You know I need to go out and relieve some stress since I’m about to get kicked out.” She started.
“That’s nobody’s fault but yours, Shontae. I told you.” I started.
“See, I don’t even want to discuss it. Can you please just come out with me to take my mind off things? I’d appreciate it if my best friend was there.” She stressed. I rolled my eyes. I hated that she referred me to her bestie now, because we were nowhere near it.
“Fine, what time?” I asked.
“I’ll be to pick you up at ten.” Okay cool.
The rest of the day, I did nothing but complete all the assignments my professors wanted us to complete over spring break. I wasn’t trying to do nothing but relax all week. I had been looking into going to a dance studio to do some dancing. I hadn’t danced in so long, it was ridiculous. Later on, I got dressed in some cute light denim jeans and a off the shoulder white shirt, with some coral colored booties. I applied a little mascara, put my glasses on, and put my hair up in a neat bun to the back. I looked so cute, I even took a few full-length pictures. Shontae texted me that she was outside, so I made my way to her car.
“Hey, bitch.” She greeted.
“Shontae.” I started. She knew I didn’t like all that extra shit.
“My bad, boo. Let’s roll.” She giggled and pulled off extra fast. I already was regretting coming out, because I could tell they were high on something. I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I knew it wasn’t just weed the way they were acting.
When we got in the party, Milly was all up in my grill, in fact, him and his boys were grilling me like a steak, and I didn’t understand why. I was freaking fully dressed, yeah, I had my shoulders hanging out, but these girls were in here half naked leaving little to the imagination. I needed to get something to drink. I stood up and made my way to the open bar. Shontae came up to me louder than usual, and was touchy feely with me.
“Girl. I’m having so much fun.” She put her arm around me. I frowned at her.
“Girl, get off me, you see I’m trying to make me something to drink.” I snapped, putting a few ice cubes in my cup. I poured me some Sprite and cranberry mixed together, and was going to put the bottles back where I got them, when Milly’s dumb ass stepped in the kitchen. Right when he did, Shontae grabbed a handful of my ass, and I turned around, pushing the shit outta her.
“Bitch, I don’t know what the fuck you on, but you tripping.” I snapped.
“Wow, forreal, you gon’ push me, bitch? It was just a little friendly grope.” She laughed.
“I told you not to play with me like that.” I walked up on her. Milly grabbed me and stepped in between both of us.
“Come on now, y’all friends. Shontae, you outta pocket.” He pushed her back. Finally, his ass had some sense. I grabbed my drink took a sip, and walked outta the kitchen and back to the party. I was chilling for a good ten minutes sipping my drink, but I started to feel weird. Like I started to feel like somebody spiked my drink or something with some liquor. I needed to go home like, asap. I looked around, but didn’t see Shontae or Lily in sight. What the fuck? I made my way upstairs to look for them, and hopefully, find a bathroom, so I could stick my finger down my throat, but even going up the steps was a task. I was starting to regret coming out big time, and I walked into this room, stumbling into the bathroom looking in the mirror. My body was moving so slowly, and I felt like I was losing control of my movement. I pulled my phone out trying to unlock it to call an Uber, or my momma, but I heard the bedroom door close slowly. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, as I dropped my phone from being so inebriated.
“Whooo.” Was all I could get out in a slurred voice. Somebody put something in my drink, and I was starting to panic.
“No.” I said, picking up my phone as quick as I could.
“Let me go first. I heard she was a virgin, I can’t wait to pop that cherry.” I heard Milly’s voice.
“No! Nooo, help me. Somebody pleaseee.” I slurred, as he smiled at me.
“Wassup, baby?” He walked in the bathroom and grabbed me, tossing my dang near limp body on the bed.
“No, no, please.” I pleaded slowly.
“Shut the fuck up! You act like you too good to give me some pussy. Well I’mma take this shit, bitch, with yo sexy ass. I might even throw you a little money, since yo momma need money for a lawyer and shit.” He snatched my jeans down and raised my legs up. I slowly tried to fight, claw, scratch, but my body was so weak. I tried screaming out, but it came out lowly. Just when this nigga was about to ram himself inside of my dry walls, was when the door busted open, and that’s when I started crying like a baby.
“What the fuck?” I heard the door open. He quickly pulled away from me, and I started saying “help me,” over, and over, again.
“Please, please.” I begged.
“The fuck y’all niggas in here doing?” A deep voice barked.
“Come on, Shane, bro, you know how we do. You can get next after me.” He waved him off.
“Please, help me!” I cried
“Y’all niggas in here trying to rape a female when it’s free pussy downstairs? Nah, bruh, that’s not going down tonight. Move, nigga. Put yo pants on.” He ordered, with so much authority.
“Nigga you fucking my shit up. She wants the dick, look at her.” Milly said. I took one look into a beautiful pair of brown eyes.
“Yoo, shorty, you good?” He shook me. He was about to stand up, but I grabbed his shirt.
“Please, please. Help.” I weakly said, before I lost a losing battle passing out.
ELEVEN
YANNI
“I’m so glad you’re awake.” The nurse came and said. I looked at her so confused. My memory was foggy as hell. I asked her what I was doing here, and she told me they found traces of Ketamine in my system, which is a popular date rape drug. She also informed me that a handsome gentleman brought me in here, and has been waiting on me to wake up. I looked up at her, scared to ask.
“I was raped?” I asked.
“I believe he was able to get to you before any sexual assault took place. We did a rape kit, and there were no traces, or signs, of penetration.” She stressed.
“Thank God.” I put my head in my hands.
“I’ll give you a minute.” She walked out, and I started crying like a baby. I was so thankful that this nigga couldn’t take something so precious from me. But I felt so violated, and I felt set up, especially with him saying something about my mother. I had a chip on my shoulder, and I planned on knocking bitches’ heads off after I got outta here. There was a knock at the door, and I started wiping my face.
“Can I come in?” A deep voice asked. Making sure to wipe my face completely, I told him to come on in. The first thing I saw was a bunch of balloons and a teddy bear. I smiled, because it was a sweet gesture.
“Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do that.” I told him.
“It’s all good. I’m just glad you’re okay.” He smiled, and it instantly made me smile.
“I can never thank you enough. Like, you just don’t understand.” I told him, and I got choked up.
“I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself had I let that shit go down.” He told me.
“Thank you. I owe you.” I told him.
“You don’t owe me shit, any human being in they right mind would’ve done what I did.” He shrugged.
�
�Well, if I ever get out of this bed, I’ll have to figure out how to repay you. I don’t have much, but I’ll even treat you to a meal.” I told him.
“We’ll have to see when you get out of here. Here go your wallet and shit. Your phone was dead, but I bought you a charger and plugged it up over there. I’m sorry for what happened, shorty. If you ever need me, call me.” He told me.
“Well, how will I get a hold of you?” I asked.
“Lock my number in.” He handed me my phone. My mother had been blowing my phone up. I stored him in and texted him right there. I called my mother and lied to her about why I was in the hospital. She was trying to come up, but I assured her I was fine. My mom had enough on her plate, she shouldn’t have to worry about me.
When I got out the hospital, I was so livid, hearing that I was down for the train they were about to run on me until Shane busted in on me. Then, to hear the rumor came from Shontae, was even more hilarious. I caught up with her at a restaurant where Shane and I were eating at. I waited until her and her dude were leaving, before running up on her. I had a lot of pent up stress, so I just let loose on her.
That was almost a year ago. So much had changed. I had moved off campus with my boyfriend, Shane, and I was halfway done with school. I had a job at Family Dollar, but it was just money in my pocket, because Shane took care of everything. He was an amazing boyfriend, sometimes, he did too much, but that was my boo. I was in love with him, so much so, that I took him home to meet my family.
“Shane? That’s your name?” My mom asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled. My mother looked at him and then looked at me. I tried to hold my laughter, because I already knew what was going through her head. It was what everybody said. Shane was a simple guy. He was a little chunky, had a low-cut fade, and a cute smile. What made him so attractive to me was his heart. He was such a good man, and treated me like a queen. I didn’t agree with what he was doing for income, and we had talks about it all the time. He worked at a factory and sold weed on the side. I didn’t agree with it, but it was what it was. He was a grown man, and that was why I told him I was looking for my own apartment. I didn’t want anything to do with it, nor was it about to affect me and my future. I was only staying with him until my apartment was ready in the summer.