Once upon a time, a boy loved a girl….
Prologue
Terror
April 2014
“Marcos Anthony Jones Jr! Where the hell are you? And don't you dare say school because the principal just left a voicemail saying you got kicked out today!" I cringed against my cell phone receiver when I heard my mother’s voice.
Even though she wasn't on speakerphone, her voice still carried, which immediately caused my friends to snicker. I shot a look at them, but I dared not say a word. I was already in deep enough trouble. That's precisely why I didn't go home and opted to stay out on the block, enjoying my last few moments of freedom.
“I know you hear me talking to you! Answer me boy! You bet not be running the streets with those same boys that keep you in trouble.”
“Chub ain't no trouble ma!” I looked at my friend group that was just beyond the sidewalk, hugging the side of the building. Cory, also known as Lanky, and Derron covered theirmouths in laughter while Chub held neutral. The orange store, as we called it, had quickly become the hangout spot for teens after school. Lately, even before school was out, you could find the getting money niggas up here, no matter the age.
"That boy's name ain't no damn Chub! It's Gavin, and you know I'm not talking about him! Bring your ass home right now!” The phone clicked, signaling she had ended the call.
“That boy mama on his ass!” Cory yelled, and only Derron joined in on the laugh. They were both 17 and two years older than Chubs and me. They were the niggas to see if you wanted to get on, and no lie, I wanted to get down with them. Moms and I led a good life, but it was simple. Nothing flashy about it. It was almost as if we were always hiding and trying to stay under the radar. I yearned for the fast life even from a jit. Something about how we lived just let me know we were living under our means. So even though I should have told them to kiss my ass, my lips glued together in embarrassment.
“So what you gone do?” Chub asked me
“Y'all need to come with us and get this money! I been telling y’all lil’ niggas I can put you on a few runs. Something simple.” Cory said. Chub looked at me, and I debated. If it was my last few hours of freedom for a while, I knew something that I wanted more than money.
“This nigga ain’t trying to get on nothing. He scared.” Derron chimed in.
“Nah, I'm going to see Dyami,” I replied honestly. Everything I'd done today, once I left school, was buying time until it was time for her to get out. I knew she heard about the fight that got me kicked out.
“Who that lil pretty chick on Myrtle? She ain't giving up no pussy. You may as well leave her stuck-up ass alone.” Cory spat.
“Chill the fuck out,” his remark made me find my voice instantly
“This lil nigga jumped up like he gone do something. “Derron replied, and Chub jumped to my side.
“Nah, calm down. Let him have that shit.” Cory quickly calmed the situation with a hand wave. “Come on, D, let's make this money. Y'all niggas know how to find me if y'all ever get serious.” They both walked away
“Man, I ain't—”
Chub's words were cut short by my phone ringing again. It was my mother.
“Yes, ma’am,” I answered.
She sighed before she spoke.
“Marcos, I'm trying to hold it together. You have to stop running the streets with these boys and finish school. That life you're chasing is going to lead to a dead end.”
I hated hearing my mom in tears, but I didn't know what to say because I didn't want to lie. We both paused, holding the phone.
“I just wish your father were here.” She admitted to me, as she often did, more and more lately.
“Well, he ain't ma.”
Another deep sigh.
“Where are you, Marcos?”
“I'm going to see Dyami,” I told her, truthfully.
“Now that's the first honest thing you've said today. Straight home after that. You know you're punished.”
