by Khadijah J
“It’s Niatia, or Tia.” I turned around to correct him.
“Alright, Nia.” He shut his front door, and I shook my damn head. He was childish but made me laugh. But I wasn’t getting caught up in his charm. He was no good, no matter how fine he was, I wasn’t taking it there with him.
Six~ Au’Brielle
Looking in the mirror at myself, I had enough. I had been fighting Aaron on a daily, whether verbally or physically. I was barely passing my classes, so I made the decision to drop out. I was tired of living for everyone else. I had to live for me, love myself. I had pulled out all my money from checking account, which was only a little over three thousand dollars. I had signed my lease on my new apartment, that was way out on the rough side of town. I didn’t care, I could not do this anymore. Aaron was away on a business trip, so I put my plan into motion. I used my credit card to pay the moving company to come move my living room furniture and bedroom furniture. My parents were sure to cut me off as soon as they found out I dropped out. I had all of my clothes in totes and boxes. My hair was in a messy bun, while I had on sweats and a t-shirt, helping the movers move quickly.
I was fed up, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had never stood up for myself a day in my life, but today was a new day. I just hoped I could stand the shit I was about to go through. I had never in my life had a job, nor even had to worry about how I was going to pay my bills. But I couldn’t live this fake lifestyle any longer. When I left the OB/GYN office, I had an anxiety attack. I got tested for everything known to man, because unknowingly sleeping with a homosexual man had me paranoid. By the grace of God, everything came back negative, and that’s when I knew I had to leave him. They got the last of my boxes and were headed to my address. My dad was calling me, and I didn’t answer. I took the apartment key off my key ring and tossed it on the table, before walking out for the last time. My dad called me again, and this time, I was almost out the apartment building when I noticed my car getting hooked up to a tow truck. I instantly was pissed off. My dad called again, and this time, I answered.
“Now you answer. Why the hell would you drop out of school, Au’Brielle? What is wrong with you?” He barked.
“Nothing is wrong with me. What’s wrong with you? Why is my car being towed?” I asked.
“Who are you talking to like that, Au’Brielle? You know what we agreed to, as long as long as you were in school, we would pay your bills. But I’m not supporting a grown ass college dropout.”
“I don’t want to be a nurse practitioner. I want to be a tattoo artist.” I admitted.
“A TATTOO ARTIST? YOU DROPPED OUT OF SCHOOL TO BE A TATTOO ARTIST?” He screamed in my ear. I didn’t say a word.
“You just like your dumb ass momma. I won’t be supporting your failing tattoo career.” He scoffed. Before I could stop it, the tears rolled slowly.
“When you come to your senses, you can give me a call. Until then, you can miss me with the bullshit.” He hung up. I sat there shakily holding my phone as they pulled off with my car. I had to meet the movers at my apartment. I called an Uber, and luckily, my card transaction went through. As soon as it did, I got a text from my stepmom.
Cruella: I just can’t believe a girl as smart as you could be so dumb but then again you are your mother’s child. Your father just told me about y’all conversation. I’m so appalled but most importantly disappointed. Maybe you’ve bumped your head and lost your mind temporarily. Once you find it, we’ll be here waiting for you, hopefully. Nevertheless, your credit card’s will be cut off and we’re taking your name off the account at the credit union. Also will be cutting your phone line off as well. So, I hope you get a job quickly. Toodles, good luck with you failing tattoo career.
I read that text message over and wiped my tears as my Uber told me it was outside. Right before I got in the Uber, I wanted to smash my phone, but I didn’t. I made a promise to myself in the back of that ride that I was going to prove them wrong.
After cleaning and getting settled in my apartment, I was tired, and hungry as hell. I had no choice but to order some pizza. All alone in my new apartment, though very noisy outside, I couldn’t help but to smile. I had accomplished this by myself. I grabbed my laptop to apply for some jobs and send my resume to a few places. A couple of days later, a local credit union called me in for an interview and hired me on the spot. I was so excited, and though it had nothing to do with the career I wanted to pursue, I needed something to pay the bills. I had learned how to take the bus, and it was hell grocery shopping and taking the damn bus. I was over it already. I figured I would get through my first month of work before taking my couple thousand and getting me a car.
I had gotten me a sketch book to complete my portfolio, and every day I wasn’t at work, I was drawing something out. I would just let my mind wander, and sketch until I fell asleep or got tired. Within a couple of days, I was able to complete two portfolios full of my artwork. I had the day off, and I went to every tattoo shop known to man in the city and was turned around by all of them. I was about to cry, when Todd stopped me and told me I could be his apprentice, and he would get a contract together for me. I wanted to kiss him I was so excited.
I went to Walmart to get a new chip for my iPhone 8 plus. I got a fifty-dollar unlimited plan through Cricket Wireless, and I was so excited. I knew I was going to be tired trying to juggle two things at once, but I knew in the end it’d be all worth it.
I got off the bus exhausted, and made my way to my apartment, when I bumped into this brown girl. She looked really familiar as she smiled hugely at me.
“Hey, boo. Don’t I know you?” She asked.
“Umm, I was thinking the same thing.” I said.
“Au’Brie?” She asked.
“Yeah, oh, yeah. We met at the club. I apologize, but I was heavily intoxicated that night. Yeah. How are you?” I stopped myself from telling all my business.
“Vashae. You can call me Vash. I’m good, was just visiting my grandma. You know someone out here? Last I knew, you stayed way on the north suburban side.” She side eyed me.
“Yeah, I moved down here. Broke up with my boyfriend, you know?” I shrugged.
“Wow, well good for you, boo. Hope you work everything out, and if you wanna hang again, you still have my number, right?” She asked.
“Actually, I don’t.” I told her. We exchanged numbers, and she suggested we hung out later this weekend. They were going out to eat on Friday. I told her I was with it, and I would see her then. I went in my apartment and stripped out my clothes. I got on my phone and saw a post that I was tagged in on Facebook.
Aaron made a big scene on how I left him for another man, and his post was slowly going viral. I looked at the comments and I was getting dragged, for no reason. I sat there contemplating on how I should react. Should I air out his dirty laundry, or all the black eyes and bruises from living in that hell hole with him? Should I air out the text messages between him and his best friend, or boyfriend? I sat in the middle of my bed and I took a deep breath. I simply posted ‘There’s three sides to every story, but if I told my truth, a lot of people would be looking at you differently. But instead, I’m going to let you have this, because for the first time since being with you, I’m choosing my peace and sanity first. God bless you.’ I responded and logged off. I got ready for bed. For the first time in years, I slept peacefully.
Hanging with the girls over the weekend was a blast. I had met some cool people, and even this fine dude, Lucci. I guess it was his party after being released from jail or what not. He was cool as hell, and the party was fun, a little hood, but fun nonetheless. Monday it was back to work, and I was over not having a car. I had been riding with the girls all weekend, but when I got back home, it was back to reality, and that was catching the bus.
After a couple of months of trying to manage two jobs and school, I was exhausted. I couldn’t get my car, because I had to pay for my apprenticeship. I was struggling, and living paycheck to paycheck. I wa
s trying to build my savings to get a car I could just cash out on. But between paying out of pocket for school, bus fares, bills, and rent, I was dead broke. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. But I had finally reached my breaking point when my apprentice once again rubbed up against me the wrong way in the stock room. I had learned quickly that Todd was extremely arrogant, and thought he could have any woman he wanted, even though he was married. The receptionist told me that he only want to hire me, because he wanted to fuck me. Needless to say, after demanding that he stop trying to cop free feels at work or I was going to report his ass, he fired me. Just like that, my dreams were shattered. I didn’t wanna work in no damn credit union. I wanted to tattoo, it’s what I longed for ever since I first put the ink to my first customer’s skin. I was taking classes to enhance my skills.
Back to square one, just working my credit union job. I was even picking up extra hours. It was a quarter past one when a familiar face walked in. Luckily for me, he was assisted by my co-worker, Toya, while I helped get the line down. Once we were cleared, I went to see how the floor was looking, and if we needed anything out there. Lucci stopped me as I was wiping the glass.
“Hard working woman, I see.” He smirked.
“Yeah. Lucci, right?” I asked. He nodded.
“Au’Brielle. That’s a pretty ass name, girl. What you doing here?” He asked.
“Working, I guess.” I frowned.
“My bad, shorty. You good? These white motherfuckers in here fucking with you?” He whispered. I snorted.
“Not this place. My other job.” I told him. I didn’t know why I just did.
“Don’t let these jobs destroy your dreams. Jobs come a dime a dozen.” He told me. I nodded.
“You’re right. You are so right.” I told him.
“Next time I see you, Au’Brielle, I wanna see that pretty smile ma. It ain’t all bad. It’ll get better.” He smiled at me and winked, with his fine ass, before strolling out the door. I smiled, thankful for his encouraging words. He was fine, but I wasn’t attracted to his fine ass, if that made sense.
When I got off, I cooked me some chicken Alfredo, breadsticks, and drank a glass filled of Stella Rose. I was on the couch eating, and watching Johnson Family Vacation, cracking up when Vash called. I quickly answered, turning my TV down.
“Hey, love.” I greeted.
“Girl. What you doing?” She asked.
“Absolutely nothing. Watching a movie. You?” I asked.
“Same. How was work? Did you finally tell that pervert to quit trying you, for you fuck him up?” She asked. Vash had quickly become my one and only friend. It was like we just clicked, crazy, right? Two black girls who came from completely different scales of life were becoming best friends.
“Yeah, and he fired me.” I said, sadly.
“Oh no, boo. That’s fucked up, and you are so close to getting your license.” She said.
“I know, now it’s like damn, is it even worth it?” I asked. “Maybe I should’ve never dropped out of school.” I took a sip of wine.
“Aht, aht, friend. We not doing that. Live life with no regrets, remember.” She said. I smiled, Vash was so motivating. Everyone needed a friend like her.
“You’re so right. But I’ve already took my portfolio’s to people, and they turned me down. Like, Todd was the only one to accept me with open arms.” I rolled my eyes.
“Yeah, bitch, cause he wanted to taste that juicy booty.” She teased.
“Whatever.” I laughed.
“No, but for real, we just gotta keep looking. Matter of fact, I swear, a tattoo shop just opened around the corner from me. Black owned too. Yes! Actually his name is Zeus. We can go there tomorrow, and see if he’ll let you finish your apprenticeship up, and let you work there.” She exclaimed. I smiled.
“Wait, you’re kidding me right now.” I asked.
“No, bitch. Make sure you get cute in the morning. I’mma send you the link to his business page, or whatever, and then I’ll see you in the morning.” She stressed.
“You’re the best, Vash. Thanks.” I smiled, and we hung up.
The very next morning, true to her word she was knocking on my door. I let her in, grabbed my updated portfolio’s and walked out in my heels. She smiled at me hugely like a proud momma.
“Yass friend, slay.” She smiled. We headed to her car and then we drove for a good ten minutes. We pulled up to the shop, and it was nothing but cars sitting on rims, and guys standing in front of the liquor store and barber shop next door. I was nervous as hell, I didn’t think it’d be like this.
“On second thought.” I turned around, right back into Vash.
“Girl, let’s go. These niggas ain’t nobody imfuckingportant. They gon’ fuck with you, because you dope as fuck. Now, let’s go. I’m right behind you, friend.” She started. We walked in, and immediately, the talk and laughter stopped. The dude leaned over the counter, stared me up and down.
“Wassup, how can I help y’all?” He licked his lips. I just stood there for a moment, all eyes were on me, and I was freezing up. Vash nudged me from behind, and the words were still caught in my throat.
“Hello, you came to get a tattoo, or what?” He scowled.
“Hi. My name is Au’Brielle Scott. I’m an aspiring tattoo artist, and I.”
“You a tattoo artist? Shorty, you lying yo ass off.” He laughed in my face.
“No, but for real, you come to get a tattoo by Zeus, or what?” He asked.
“I’m serious. I’m a tattoo artist, and I was an apprentice at Todd’s shop over in,” he interrupted me again.
“Todd’s? His sorry ass tattoo’s. We be having to cover his tattoos all the time. Yeah, we really ain’t fucking with you now.” He shook his head.
“Have a good day, shorty.” He dismissed me, and I stood there. Vash was making her way toward the door mumbling insults under her breath, and I was right behind her. But something stopped me. Good luck on your failing tattooing career.
This was my last chance, my only hope. I wasn’t about to give up that easily. I turned back around, and sat my portfolios on the desk, as some tall, light skinned man, came from the back.
“If you had allowed me to finish any of my sentences, I would be able to tell you that though I’m new to tattooing, I’m only getting better with each one. These are my portfolio’s, and these are the tattoos I’ve done so far. Now, I can say that with being an apprentice at Todd’s shop, I’ve learned what to do, and what not to do. I’m sorry, is your name Zeus?” I asked him, with a frown. Was he even the fucking owner? Why was I explaining myself to this irrelevant asshole?
“Nah, but I’m Zeus. What’s your name, beautiful?” Mr. Light skinned glided next to me, with his hand out.
“Au’Brielle Scott.” I shook his hand firmly. He nodded, and I picked up my portfolio’s, before he instructed me to follow him. I nodded, and we went to the back in one of his tattooing rooms. Silently, he flipped through, studying each one from top to bottom. I was trying not to squirm in my seat. After sitting there awhile, he finally broke the silence.
“What made you want to choose becoming a tattoo artist?” He asked, steady studying my sketches and photos.
“I’ve been drawing since a little girl. I snuck out with my friend one time we were both fifteen, and she got a tattoo. It was something about it that intrigued me, and I knew my drawings and sketching’s weren’t in vain. I wanted to tattoo the moment I saw her get one. But I put my dreams on the shelf to please my parents, but now I’m living for me. I want to be the best artist I can be, and from searching through your social media, I know that you are one of the best tattoo artists. I want to learn from the best.” I told him. He looked up at me while closing my portfolio simultaneously.
“This shit is not easy, Au’Brielle. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication.” He told me. I nodded.
“I’m ready to put the work in. Nothing comes easily, right?” I asked. He smirked at me.
“Yeah
, I want you on my team. You beautiful, articulate, and I see the potential in you. Looking at your work, you already dope as fuck. Working with me can bring you clientele, but it’s going to be your work that builds your clientele, and keeps them coming back for more.” He schooled me. I nodded.
“This ain’t no suburban neighborhood either, shorty, but you’re in good hands. So, let’s give it a shot. When will you be ready to start?” He asked. To hear those words, I almost cried. Instead, I smiled. This was it, I could feel nothing but positive vibes coming my way, and I was accepting them with open arms. It was long overdue.
Seven ~ La’ Kenzo
A nigga was tired as shit. Being in and out of town with my niggas, Trell and P, was tiring. I could barely rest, let alone chill for a minute. Once I got out, I told myself I needed to secure this bag legally. That illegal shit wasn’t for a nigga. I would rather shoot it out with the law, before I went back to that hell hole. When I got out, Kentrell talked to me, and told me that we were out the drug game. That nigga had been holding a large amount of my money, but when he gave me the card to my account, I almost slapped that nigga. I only had a couple hundred thousand saved up. I’ll admit, I was young and reckless with my shit. My nigga paid for my lawyer fees, and flipped my hundred thousand, into millions. This nigga had always been a genius, since school.
The nigga had been loyal since day one though, so when he was in the same position, I stayed solid as usual. A whole bunch of shit happened from the time I was locked up. Niggas was moving funny, and as hard as it was to believe, I had to face facts. When that nigga, E, reached out, when he touched down, and told me some shit, I was shocked. But I knew what I had to do. But enough about that shit, that was the past.
I was home for longest I ever been in a minute. I had to go check on my nigga, Zeus. He opened a tattoo shop, and I was gone let him finish up my sleeve. A nigga had been putting it off for a while, but I hit up the shop, and they said I could just walk in, so I did that. When I walked in, niggas instantly started dapping me up, and this silly nigga, Zion, was loud as hell when I walked in.