Be Afraid To Come Back

Be Afraid To Come Back
BE AFRAID TO COME BACK (PT. 1)

BY V. SMITH III
2007 VSO Publishing LLC. All Rights Reserved
Part One by V. Smith III
BE AFRAID TO COME BACK (PT. 1 OF 2) BY V. SMITH III
PUBLISHED 2007 VSO PUBLISHING LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS BOOK MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN A RETRIEVAL SYSTEM,
OR BE TRANSMITTED BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC, MECHANICAL, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE, WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER.
I First And Foremost must thank The Almighty God. Although the first few books mentioned thanks to him (but not when you first opened them), I had done a great injustice. I now acknowledge him who gave me this ability to write and write. I will dedicate this book to all of the underdogs: those whom can relate to feelings of being left out, unimportant, ostracized, criticized, and excluded. You soon shall be included, important, honored, revered, and the overachiever. For all things through CHRIST are possible. My family and friends who gave me inspiration to write this story. My wife for giving me the time and space to finally finish this book. The people in my life who helped to create some of the characters. Which one are you?
Prelude This is a short story revolving around a young man name Junya, in a part of his lifetime where friends and relationships mean everything, and determines all of what he does. Junya grew up in the Hartford, CT inner city. He has always been the type of boy who veered away from trouble and tried to maintain meaningful relationships with friends and do good deeds. He went off to college after finishing high school, where he enjoyed his newfound freedom away from the restrictive confides of his household; living with his parents, two brothers, and baby sister for most of his life. Junya had no trouble making new friends while at school, yet his ties back home keep him whirl winding in between the grime and struggle on the city streets, and the comfort and opportunity of college. Through it all, he found himself too overwhelmed by both of these worlds, causing him to cascade into a state of constant confusion. It altered him from landing decent work, and his ability to take a strong stand in what he feels is right. Junya was always athletic, but never took it upon himself to use his energy and love for weight training and exercise to play a professional sport. One of Junyas friends arranged for him to try out for a walk on position for an arena football team in their hometown. When Junya got to the tryout, he was very lackadaisical; his not being prepared lead him to leave the laughing stock of the entire tryout. He was lapped twice by two people in the mile run, he
dropped every single pass that was thrown to him, and he got hit so hard on one
of the mock plays, that he threw up the big breakfast he ate before the tryout. Junya constantly complained about the heat, the way the ground was moist from the previous nights rain, and that the rock and roll music was a distraction to his focus. Junyas failure to make the first cut weakened his exercise pride to the point where he did not work out anymore. He reserved himself to pushups on occasion, and shooting hoops with his peoples. Other than that, Junya had slimmed down and toned up. Outside of pumping iron and hanging out with his people, Junya loved to write. From as far back as he could remember Growing up his
breathing, he would always write down something.
grandmother from Jamaica would visit him and the rest of his family for a few months out of the summer, and Junya would watch his grandmother write letters with the paper turned completely sideways. Her curious style of holding the pen urged Junya into a writer. The way of his writing though, was not as pertinent as the subject matter and ideas expressed through Junyas writing. He would make up songs that sounded like songs on the radio. At the time, rap music was very popular, and it captured Junyas interest. He wrote a song abou t one of the kids that got shot with a bee-bee gun in his eye, and he had to wear an eye patch. He called the song, Ah-patch-ee, the new nickname of the boy that was hit. He still remembered writing that song to this day. As he grew older, Junya got down with a lot of rap crews, until he met up with these guys from outside of Hartford that had a rap group. The group was called The Iron Holders, because the majority of the group walked around with guns that they
would bust after any rapper in the group would win someone in a rap battle. The crew also had a thing; ironic, that they did not iron their clothes. There was 9 members, including Junya. Out of all of them, at least 5 had been in and out of jail, 2 were on the run, and the other was the leader of the most notorious street gang in Hartford at the time, 400. They were called 400, because it seemed everything they did was in big numbers. A report on the news talked of a time when a total body count of their 5 years of being in existence consisted of over 400 murders, kidnappings, robberies, and shootings. They gang itself had about 400 members in one city alone. The only reason Junya was involved with the rap group, is because the leader of the 400s heard him rapping at a talent show at his college, and the baby sister of the leader went to the same school as Junya. He told Junya to be down with the rap group and help them to get a recording deal. Junya was very excited at this opportunity, and went about it seriously, only to find that the other members did not do so. They were so into their street life, that they only used the studio as a hiding place for one of them would end up shooting someone over dumb shit, like loosing in a rap battle. One day, The Iron Holders did a show at this club out of town. Junya stepped on the stage and opened up for the group. As soon as Junya walked to the side, and the rest of the crew came on the stage, an armed assailant jumped on the stage and killed the leader of the 400s in front of everyone; one shot to the side of his head. Everyone fled the club, trampling over girls and knocking over security, but the shooting did not stop. The assailant pointed the gun at the other members, but
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did not get a chance to let off any more shots, for one of the members of The Iron Holders shot him dead in retaliation. That same night the police had arrested Junya and all of the other remaining members of the Iron Holders. Down at the Bridgeport precinct, each member was separated from each other and placed in holding. One member tied his sneaker laces around his neck and hung himself from the top bar of the cell. He had succeeded in killing himself. By the time the officers noticed, they assumed the worst out of all of the Iron Holders. One by one, the officers processed the rappers, until they came to Junya. One officer, a sergeant who stood 65, with pale white skin and a full head of blonde hair, looked at the picture of Junyas photo ID, then he looked Junya in the face. Junya had attended a summer program that the officer took part in as kids. Then the officer looked at Junyas flawless police record, and decided to let Junya go. When it came time for the rest of the group to be processed, they noticed that Junya did not come back to the cell. A month after the entire ordeal, Junya went to the burial of the leader of the 400s. The crowd of people was so immense, Junya sat with people he did not quickly recognize. All of a sudden, 4 of the remaining Iron Holders were atop a platform and performed a Rest In Peace song for their fallen leader. At the end of the song, a reference was made indirectly to Junya, but it seemed that Junya was the only one that picked up on it. At that moment, Junya slid out of the gathering before everyone else sat back down. That was the last time Junya saw any of the Iron Holders, or the 400s. His rapping was extremely discouraged at this point; had been damn near killed
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performing, and getting dissed as a sign of future threat from his former rap group. Junya removed himself from the Iron Holders and rapping altogether,
not doing any shows, or songs for almost an entire year. He was living in a wooded area near his school where he did continue writing, all the way up until his time at school was finished. As that partial warmth at the beginning of summer arrived, Junya had graduated from college and came back to the city where his girlfriend, Khevasiah awaited his return. Khevasiah is the complete opposite of Junya. She grew up in the
neighboring town of Bloomfield. Ever since she was 12, she knew what she wanted in life, and made things happen for herself. Her mother had her when she was only 15, and being a young mother was tough as all hell. The family had moved to New York City in the Tri Borough region of the Bronx. There,
Khevasiah learned of her good looks at a young age. Grown men always begged her attention, but were unsuccessful until she turned 15, when she herself became pregnant. She attempted to keep it a secret from her mother, and was successful for 3 months. Khevasiah became very ill and had to go to the hospital, where her mother found out about her pregnancy. She was having a miscarriage, and was unaware of it. Her mother was so vexed, considering that her and her daughter told each other everything. She left Khevasiah there in the hospital by herself, never to see her again. When Khevasiah came to, she
realized what had happened, and she wanted to apologize to her mother. When she went back home, the locks on the door were changed, but the furniture was
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out on the street. It hadnt been 3 days, and her mother moved out of the house without a trace. Khevasiah never saw her again. Khevasiah was in a position where she had no one but herself. At 16 she got a job at a finance corporation working along some of the biggest names in the fashion retail business. She always had a desire to make her own clothing. She eventually bilked the
company out of hundreds of thousands of dollars on a money laundering scheme that she ran with the vice president of the company, who very much wanted her for more than just a professional relationship. When Khevasiah declined, he brought the scandal to the attention of the companys president, and she was fired. The company however was unable to trace the money at all, considering Khevasiahs keen street smarts, and a few good men on the block where she resided. At this point, she made well over 6 figures in her income, while still a teenager. She purchased a few properties in Atlanta, GA and some of its
outskirts, and found herself rolling with a mean crew of women. These women, barely out of their teenage years also, mingled with countless NBA players, Wall Street big wigs, as well as some of the grimiest street lords and racketeers. These girls ran their neighborhoods. Khevasiah parked wherever she wanted. She got into any club she wanted. All the attention Khevasiah attracted grabbed the eye of a particular young thug whom had serious connections in the rap industry. One of the connections had a direct link with a famous fashion designer, and he promised Khevasiah he would get her clothing seen by someone who could do
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something for her. She went along with it, only to find out that the guy had set her up. Khevasiah was robbed and beaten up pretty badly, only to be left with her panties and a broken nose. When she escaped, she came back to her place, and things changed drastically. There were already speculations as to where Khevasiah earned her bread. She was running back to her neighborhood naked and bloody; passer-byers stayed to their judgment calls. The people that she called friends laughed in disbelief when they saw Khevasiah running passed them. No one stopped to help her, and she passed out in front of her landlords building where she needed to get her keys. Khevasiah realized that people only liked her for what she could give them, and not for her. Being alone was always tough for her, now she knew it for sure. She packed up and decided to enroll in Yale University. She did not have much school background, not even a high school diploma. Through a connection she made while at the financial corporation, she got some dummied documents and paid for a full years tuition up front. She took some acting classes and a few business law courses. She got through a year and a half at Yale with fairly decent grades, only to drop out that following summer to go into business for herself. Khevasiah lived in an elaborate brownstone right near the downtown area of New Haven. She started to dress less provocative; ponytail of her long Indian straight hair, and a baseball cap that covered her flawless light skinned face. She had thickness in all the right places, especially in those C cup breasts and her round ass. Sweatpants and expensive designer jeans kept her
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wardrobe complete. She had her mind set on pursuing her fashion designer dreams. She invested in some downtown office space and bought various fabrics and machinery. She would go to some of the happy hour spots on Fridays and go to some of the more thugged out clubs on Saturday nights to see the different styles of clothing. She wanted to see what was happening out in Connecticut, and unfortunately, she agreed that there was not much to say about Connecticut fashion sense. During her weekend excursions, Khevasiah kept running into this same group of girls. They seemed harmless, yet Khevasiah was always cautious of meeting new people. They eventually met up a few more times and grew a liking towards each other. Now Khevasiah had a new crew going to some of the nicer clubs in the New Haven and surrounding New York areas. One night, Junya and some of his New Haven peoples were out at the club. After hours, they all headed to the diner where almost everyone went after the clubs let out. On that same night, Khevasiah and her crew were at the diner. Khevasiah and one of her new friends rode into the lot on motorcycles. They walked into the diner and demanded all eyes. They had on tight bodysuits that accentuated their physique to the maximum. They sat down at a table right next to Junya and his homeboys. With all the attention on these girls, it was only right that Junya talk to them, having the close table advantage. Before Junya was heard, two guys went over and sat at the table. The men made a scene being disrespectful to the women, and Khevasiah pulled a gun on them after pouring hot chocolate on him. The women walked out, and Junya and his crew soon
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followed in pursuit. They exchanged numbers, not knowing how completely opposite of each other they were. By talking Khevasiah felt the long awaited need to have someone who made her feel worthwhile. Junya was overwhelmed at the fact that such a beautiful woman with tons of money would be interested in him. Khevasiah sees something in Junya, and she wants to bring it out in him, but she knows that he needs to realize it for himself. Khevasiah had no one to tell her what to do and what not to do, even when she was with her mother. Junya has only known Connecticut, only known certain aspects on things, and had yet to be exposed to the real world as she and many others see it. This story talks about their times together, and how they manage to get through betrayal, triumph, life threatening situations, trust, and dealing with Junyas emotional struggles and Khevasiahs knotted ties with the street life.
Chapter I
The shadow of the evening curtained the blazing July sun.
Outside
usually stayed quiet around this time. Young kids passed by on bikes as they made their way to the nearby playground. Unoccupied cars were parked on one side, lining the one-way street. Remaining clouds from a meeting of blunt
smokers evaporated as the sidewalks cleared. Inside the room toward the back of a mint green and brick red wood siding house, Junya sat on the edge of his bed; two mattresses stacked from off the floor, writing raps in his notebook. He has spent the majority of his summer writing. Last summer, Junya did not do much rapping, after the concert shooting and all. Instead he had finally cut a demo of some of his finished rap songs that he produced by himself. He called
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the CD, The Product.
He sold 1400 units of the CD, with an extreme
dissatisfaction. This summer Junya was going to write a whole new album. Perplex concepts render yall conscious.damn this is hot! Junya could not help complementing the new line he added to the verse. He had been working on the song for about 3 days and nights. Junya yawned as he stretched his semi long arms; pen in his hand taking a pause on a thought. He rose up from the floor with his 60 frame and
proceeded to walk into the kitchen. He perused the pantry, sifting through empty cereal boxes, sauces, and stale cheese tricks only to find nothing to eat. Junyas younger brother was sitting at the kitchen table at the edge with the bootleg iron board: there was a blanket laid on the end of the table near an outlet used for the iron. He sat there talking to one of his girlfriends; which one it was concerned Junya little. He tapped his brothers shoulder as a gesture to get him to move. His brothers voice only got louder with the opposing party on the phone. Junya figured that his brother was trying to be funny, or he did not feel him tapping his shoulder. Junya weighed his options of hanging up the phone, snatching him out of the way, or attempt some limbo to get into the fridge. Before he acted on his decision, Junya heard his name being called from the living room. Junya Junya heard his mother yelling from off the one seat couch placed perpendicular to a 19 inch color television. She sat there half sleep during the evening matinee movie that was on the USA channel. She was awakened from an obnoxious banging on the front screen door. Junya, she called again, which sounded like the last time she was going to call his name. Wha
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Your friend here she said unenthusiastically.
Whenever Junyas
mother said that someone was here in that tone, it meant either she was really tired, or it was Its wah er name dehKavokKhevas Khevasiah, Junya corrected her after his mother botched the pronunciation twice As soon as Junya knew it was she, he jumped out of his hunger. He slid into the bathroom that was right next to the kitchen, and quick! He threw some water on his face to clean the afternoon in-the-house sweat off. He went in the room shuffling through his makeshift dresser; an arrangement of plastic bags holding his clothes in proper sections. He found a bleach new wife-beater, and drew on his favorite Sean John blue denim jeans. Junya felt ashy, but he did not know what was worse; dry skin, or a dry girlfriend who had been kept waiting for sometime. Khevasiah hated to be kept waiting. She hated being in Junyas living room. She hated Junyas neighborhood. There was a lot she did not like about Junyas home life, but for some reason, she liked Junya. What the fuck taking you so long for? Was the first thing out of
Khevasiahs mouth when Junya came out the room and in view of Khevasiah. Ehwatch unu rotid mouth in a meh house, chu! Junyas mother
exclaimed in her native Patois, one octave higher than Khevasiahs comment towards me. She grabbed the arms of sofa to push herself out the chair, feeling her entertainment post has been violated. Oops, sorry miss, she said empathetically. Why you taking so long for? You know I hate being kept waiting, Khevasiah whispered while she gave Junya a lovers hug. My bad dalin, Junya said with one arm remaining around her waist. For sure Junya was always embarrassed to show affection to Khevasiah in front
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of his mother, so he did not touch Khevasiah the way he wanted to at that moment. Khevasiah looked beautiful. She was one of those women that always did, and always will. Junya never remembered a time when she did not. Beauty ran in Khevasiahs bloodline: in old pictures, her mother looked as beautiful back then as Khevasiah does now. Khevasiah was wearing a close fitting pair of Capris that showed off her fat ass and the smoothe skin on her legs. Her shoes covered her toes, and her shirt showed blue covered by a white sleeveless hooded vest. So what is up with you for today? Junya asked in a morning voice. Busy as normal I came by to ask you to come to Jersey with me. Jersey? Junya asked. Why do you want to go way out there so late for? Late? It is only seven-something Why you never want to go
nowhere, damn! She exclaimed. Im saying, its Jersey. It aint like you said New Haven or something. Junya said softly. New Haven? Khevasiah responded surprisingly at Junyas thinking.
Aint nobody talking about no little New Haven! And even if I was, you would still say no! Cmon, come to Jersey with me! She put on her sexy face look, similar to the one she made during sex. Every time she did that, it made Junya weak. It would have made any man weak. She pouted her lip just enough to make it look like she was pretending to be upset, but her soft eyes slowly slanted closed against her smooth face; made Junya go damn every time. Damn, whats in Jersey that you have to go there now?" Junya asked with a stern look on his face. Khevasiah was so used to getting her way. Junya trained himself not to fall for her shit. In the beginning of their relationship her getting her way always overcame him, and she would capitalize all the time.
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Nowadays Khevasiah knew that Junya would not fall for her tactics; at least not all the time. I have to meet this photographer for a business meeting. He really from Cali, and he is in Jersey to visit some old friends. He said he got a studio outside of Jersey where we can do some rough shoots for his magazine in circulation out on the West Coast. He being cheapI wanted to fly down there, but they wont pay my ticket. He called the office saying he was near town. Khevasiah stayed on task when it came to business. It could have been 4am, if work needed to be handled, she took it on. Often times her business schedule impacted her and Junyas relationship. She had numerous male
clientele and contacts that called her at all hours of the night. Junya often felt jealous, but concealed it amongst her business partners. Shouldnt that tell you something? Junya said with a hint of suspicion in his voice. They wont fly you down, and he supposedly has this big ass magazine, wanting you to drive across 2 states this time of night to go to a photo shoot? I said the same shit, dont you think? Khevasiah started to get upset, as if she was being questioned as to the real reason behind her going. The world dont close when the sun go down boy! He is doing this on his time. The magazine just started up so he asking for me to do a favor. So if I didnt go with you, where would you be staying? Id stay in Jersey for the nightyou know, see the town, meet some people. What is so different about going to Jersey! What would you be doing if I didnt come get your ass? Khevasiah was loosing her very short patience trying to turn the argument with Junya around in her favor. Usually when she cam to get Junya, he was told to get ready and she would explain on the way. Junya hated going on business trips with her. It was not only up until recently that Junya started going with her when she asked. Sometimes she would go out on business and
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Junya would not hear from her for days. When she returned, she talked as if there was no concern. For some reason or another, Junya was convinced that this would be a time he would go on business with Khevasiah again. He went back into the bedroom and rummaged through his bag filled with jeans. He pulled out his most prized outfit; a cream denim suit: jean jacket and jeans that matched with a famous logo down the pant leg and across the back of the jacket. He lifted his gold chain off of the chestier drawer and threw on his name brand work boots. He reached underneath the large speaker where he kept his rolled money stash and peeled $120 dollars off. After grabbing his celli and some fresh mouth, he brushed his hand over his waves and proceeded to exit his mothers hot house. Khevasiah drove a late model Land Rover with large rims. The sport utility vehicle was canary yellow and had her name written in cursive on the spare wheel cover in the rear. The tints on the vehicle where white to accentuate the rims. The stereo system was not too loud, but people knew it was her whenever they saw the bright yellow truck peel through the hood. Yellow was Khevasiahs favorite color. She remembered when she was younger her mother wanted her to be different from the other children in school so she brought her everything in yellow: yellow blanket, yellow coat, yellow gloves, and even a yellow bedspread. When Junya met Khevasiah, she was wearing yellow. Khevasiah and Junya stopped at a nearby gas station to fill the tank and buy some Ls to roll smoke for the long trek across 95 South. Junya emptied the cigars in the lot of the gas station, then the two drove off; Khevasiah behind the wheel as Junya sat in the back seat crumbling bits of lime-green bud up. Junya always sat in the back of Khevasiahs SUV whenever they drove around holding weed. In the event that Khevasiah was seen by police, they would assume it was only her, unless she was pulled over, then Junya would slide in the front passenger seat. Khevasiah had a quick temper, especially with the lawman, so Junya usually spoke to minimize unnecessary drama with a police officer.
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During the drive, Khevasiah received a phone call. It was the man she is scheduled to meet, and he instructs her to meet at a club on the outskirts of New York City. There is a platinum party for a rapper that he knows, and he has been asked to come. I have my man with meokay? Khevasiah asked with a stern look of professionalism. She was unsure as to what the intentions of this man were, but she did not want it to seem like she brought Junya along out of shear precaution. That aint a thing. Give me his name, and I will put you guys on the VIP list. The man said. You see what happens when you go with me places! Now lookyour ass happy that you came now, huh! Khevasiah said with a smirk. Maybe I can get someone to give my demo a listen! I knew I should have brought extra copieshold onstop in New Ha Now hold your happy ass up a fucking minute! See! You always do that shit! Every time I take you somewhere your ass never fucking prepared, or you always running up in somebody fucking face with your whack ass CD! Nobody wanna hear that shit! This is my thing so you just let your girl take care of things. I know the people; youd see these fuckers and probably bust in your pantsall nervous and shit! Khevasiah busted out laughing, then followed it with a hard cough from the ganjas smoke. You know what, for somebody that got all these fucking connections, why you havent put me on yet? You know these people for business or
something elsehuh? Junya was offended by her comments; he attempted to retaliate the best way he knew how, by discrediting her business practices. See, thats your fucking problem, you never can take a damn jokethats why I dont be playing with you sometimes! When you need to be serious, you not, but when your own girlfriend trying to have some fun with you, you wanna get all uptight. If you cant laugh with me, who you gonna laugh with, your mother? Khevasiah said discouraged. She took one more hit off the blunt and
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passed it back to Junya. She tuned the radio to the local station, turned the volume up, and did not speak another word. Junya passed the blunt back to her, but Khevasiah simply ignored him. The rest of the ride was dedicated to the radio. Junya did get hyped in these rap music industry situations. He never
understood why Khevasiah did not try to support his music aspirations. The many meetings she had gone to, and as many famous industry personalities she has ties with, not once did she ever mention Junyas music. Khevasiah has a copy of Junyas The Product demo CD in her SUV, but it stays under her seat. Khevasiah always kept a cool head in her business endeavors, no matter who she made dealings with. She could legitimately go to this gathering in New York, not speak to anyone, and still enjoy herself just as much as she would buying out the bar with some rich nigga she done hob-knobbed with during the course of the night. During the quiet ride, Junya was rehearsing some of his memorized verses in his head, as if he were going to perform them. He then put the blunt out in the rear ashtray, and turned on the Playstation 2 that was hooked up to the TVs in the headrests of the back seat. He quickly turned it off, seeing that it was annoying Khevasiah in the front seat. After about 2 hours on the main stretch of highway to New York City, Khevasiah got off the exit near Greenwich Village to stop at a local restaurateur to have some dinner. The place was an eat-in, so the two got out of the SUV and spoke for the first time since the silencing comments from Junya. I heard this place is goodmmm! I got a tasting for some season
calamari and steamed okra! Khevasiah said. No matter how high Khevasiah got after smoking, she remained sexy; a lady at all times. Her face did not look greasy or worn down; she simply kept the kind of red eyes that one has when they have been crying hard. She pulled her hat a little bit lower over her eyes, and suggested to Junya that he do the same.
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Junya held the door for Khevasiah as they walked into the lavish eatery. There were windows all around this dome shaped facility, where exotic plant life fulfilled the skylights. All of the tables were of glass, where each table consisted of two chairs, with the exception of the raised booths where it seemed only the wealthy were allowed to indulge. Junya looked down by his feet at the beige rug that spiraled into various shades of brown that coincided with the fine wood frames around the elaborate glasswork. The two were seated in the center of the restaurant next to an elderly white couple. The older man was spoon feeding his wife desert; they seemed to be having a wonderful time. Khevasiah ordered quickly. Junya ordered a fish dish similar to what Khevasiah had ordered. Champagne came to the table, along with meatless pasta, salad, and a large basket of wheat bread. During dinner, Khevasiah could not help to stare at Junya. Every time Junya looked up from his food, Khevasiah was staring cold at him, and would not blink nor move her head out of his direction; something was on her mind. What? Cant a man eat without his girl all up in his mouth? Did you hear me say anything to youyou sitting right across from me, stuffing your face, but a half hour ago you couldnt say shit to me right? Khevasiah, Junya said in a soft voice, Why you always do this shit? One minute you want to get all sarcastic; shitting on me, then you want to be all lovey-dovey like nothing went on! All I said was that you need to stop flashing your ass all the time whenever I take you somewhere. You never know to just relax and let things happen more natural. You think somebody always gonna want people like you up in they face when they just trying to have a good time? You make yourself look bad like that. I bet you any money if you just try to focus on being yourself, and stop trying to impress these industry fuckers, you will be where you want, trust! Think about how many people they got up in they face during the day, and now they get off of work, its just that; off of work! Yea, you could be
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networking and shit, but you dont know how to do that shit! You be looki ng for the stars, when you need to just talk to real peoplethe people that make the stars, seen! I cant do all the talking for you! Look whos talking bout flashing ass! Junya said under his breath. Excuse me niggannah, dont try and change the topiccause of what, my clothes! Khevasiah ranted back at Junya. So this is why you flipped on me, because you think I am too hyped? Why else do you think nobody came at you about your CD? I think you rap really good baby, but the way you going about your rapping career is all wrong. You dont have a real gimmick, and you sound likewell, like Like what? Junya said angrily. At this point Junya stopped eating his entre. He had a cold stare in his eyes, anticipating something from Khevasiah that would anger him. You sound like you just some rapper from Connecticut, which is not much. And you know why, cause you act like a rapper from Connecticut. If you knew what it really takes, you would not even be sweating this conversation right now. You would be feeling my legs under the table! Nah, now you dont try to change the topic! And you know how to be a rapper from Connecticut? Your runway ass dont know shit about rapping, nonetheless know how to! Since you seem to know so much, and you knew all this time that this was one of the reasons why I could not get on, then why you never said anything until now? You supposed to be my lady? Junya sighed as he instinctually turned in the direction of a black female that passed in his peripheral vision. Listen to you, Mr. J-Know it all! What you think this is, some old fucking
Cmon baby, this shit is important!
political bullshit between me and yousome old Blackwater scandal! Khevasiah responded chuckling. succeed? Im keeping secrets from you, I do not want you to
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You dont like my rapping, well dont like it when I go multi-platinum and I leave you for one of those fancy blonde chicks! sarcastically. You can keep not liking me then! Fuck youseriously. Khevasiah said with a turn of her eyebrow. Now I think you taking this discussion a little too fara little too serious in the wrong context. I say these things at you because I know how sensitive your punk ass is! All this time Ive been just sitting back and watchin g how you handle yours as a man. I have nothing to do with that part. And on the realyou barely handling that shit! Khevasiah completed her statement with a go on girl sigh at the end. What! Junya said in a very raised voice. The elderly white couple that they were sitting next to looked over towards them. You kids need to lighten up, the older woman said Shes uptight because you havent been hitting the bootie, eh son! The elderly man sneered. Junya chuckled, as well as Khevasiah. Khevasiah poured herself another glass of champagne and drunk it about as fast as she poured it. She followed with another glass; this time sipping it hard. She picked up the bottle again and filled up Junyas glass. Here, drink upwe got a few more hours before we have to hit the city. Is there any more of that L left? Yea, Junya mumbled. He picked up his glass and proceeded to drink. After he finished, he picked at a piece of the bread, and dipped it in the meatless sauce. You know wha Junya started, then he cut himself off mid sentence. He picked up his glass again; not putting it back down until it was finished. Did you say something to me baby? Khevasiah whispered. Junya shook his head sideways while he brought the newly filled glass to his face. The bottle of champagne was now empty. Junya said
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The bill came to the table and Khevasiah got up to use the bathroom. Junya looked at her as she walked off, knowing what was about to take place. The dinner came up to $85 dollars even; almost all of the money Junya brought with him. He looked around only to see some of the other patrons in the
restaurant looking at him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out all of his money in one draw. He peeled off $60 dollars, and waited for Khevasiah to come out of the bathroom. It did not take long for him to realize that she was not coming back to the table. The waiter came back and inquired about any
problems; Junya shook his head and reached into his pocket and put another $40 dollars on the table, then got up from the table. Sir, your change the waiter said insistently Nah, thats aaightyou can No, here. It is quite alright, I understand. The waiter said while placing the money into Junyas hand. Before Junya got a chance to respond, his cell phone rung. He looked at the number and saw it was Khevasiah calling. What is taking you so long? She screamed into the phone. Oh, nothing. I was talking to th As he looked up in the direction where the waiter was standing, he noticed that the waiter had already walked off. Junya hung up the phone and went outside, only to see Khevasiah had parked right in front of the restaurants grand entrance with the engine still running. Khevasiah sped out the parking lot and proceeded back onto the highway. Junya was feeling light headed from the champagne, yet he remained awake. This time he rode in the front as Khevasiah weaved in and out of the lanes; straight ripped off of the champagne. Junya noticed, and asked that she pull over. Im straightdont worry about me. You just sit your ass over there and go to sleep or somethingdont bother me right now.
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Dalinyou too drunk to be driving. Let me whip while you rest up; stop playing around before you get pulled over. Junya said as he reached his hand over to steady the wheel. Khevasiah got off at the next exit and pulled into a dirt lot off of a darkened roadway. It was well into the evening, and the street signs were harder to see. Khevasiah got out the SUV and leaned out in front of it to vomit. Well, there goes $85 bucks! Junya said jokingly. Fuck you! Fuck you! Khevasiah screamed as she was coughing from her burning throat. Now you know how I feel when you joke when it aint time for itright? Junya said with an invidious smirk on his face. Cheap ass! Khevasiah said with a large chunk of an orange substance at the corner of her face. Just fucking driveyou need to get your own fucking car, talking about let you drivehuh, who the fuck you feel you is? Khevasiah said mumbling. Where we going? Junya asked. You dont know how to get to the city? Yous a herb yo, straight up! I got to show you every fucking thing, damn. Ill find it, dont worry. Junya said. Just find a hotel close to the city where I can fresh and rest, and Ill drive us to the spot later. syllable in her sentence. As soon as Junya pulled back onto the highway, Khevasiah leaned the seat back and passed out asleep. Junya followed the highway signs closely until he saw an exit for Far Rockaway, the borough he remembers stopping in when he came to New York with some of his friends from New Haven. He got off the exit and drove down some familiar roadways and stopped at a quaint hotel just off of the main road. Khevasiah, wake upwe here. Khevasiah spoke; her voice getting softer with every
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Wewe herewhwhere is hewhere the fuck we at! Khevasiah said as she slowly came too. She then jumped up and looked out the window. Where the fuck you done brought us too? Far Rockaway. Far Rockawaywhy did you stop here? We like Halftime miles from where we need to be! Aw baby, why didnt you drive into the city? Must you complain about ev Shh, Khevasiah interrupted. My head still hurt. We will just go up in here just so I can fresh up, then we will get back on the road, okay baby! Go wash up and lets get up in the hot spot tonight; meet you some real rappers! The two walked up toward the hotel. The place was not huge, in fact, it was very small, nothing like Khevasiah was used to. The building was one leveled, and there were about 4 or 5 cars in the parking lot that lined the front entrance. The desk clerk was an elderly Arab man who looked like Bin Laden. He was wearing a turban and had a full gray beard. He looked a small man, then he stood up to give Junya the room key and ended up towering over him; Junya thought it was because of the turban. Khevasiahs arm hung over Junyas shoulder as they walked down the dingy corridor towards their room. As Junya opened the door, Khevasiah ran into the bathroom and threw up again. She shut the door, and the water from the shower began to run. Junya sat down on the edge of the bed near the television. He reached over and turned the television on and flipped through the channels until he came upon an X-rated movie. He lit up the remainder of the blunt from the ride in the SUV, and started to roll another one. He sat with his back against the headrest in between the pillows. Junyas eyes grew weary, while adjusting his jeans from his reaction from the sex movie: There was a white girl who posed as an Avon lady showing products to a guy whose wife was not home at the time. The woman demonstrated how good some of the skin care products she was selling were by asking the man to rub
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some of it over her breasts. He eventually asked to rub some down the rest of her body. The woman pulled down her pants and was draped in crotchless thigh highs. She did likewise, pulling the mans pants down. The woman then began oral sex, then the key turned in the house, and the mans wife came in! The wife threw her purse down, only to laugh because she knew the other woman; an acquaintance of hers whom she had a previous threesome affair. The wife then immediately took off her clothes and joined the two in an all out skincream filled Sexcapade! There was lotion, sucking, and a lot of noise. Junya started to get really excited. Almost an hour had passed, and
Khevasiah was still in the bathroom. He hopped off of the bed and turned the television down, thinking the noise from the movie would get him caught out by Khevasiah. He knew Khevasiah did not like to watch those types of movies, especially if there were more than one woman on a guy. Junya walked up to the bathroom door and placed his ear on it. Dalinare you alright in there? No, leave me alone right now Cmon! What is the matter with you? I do not want to be bothered by your ass right now dudeGo back to your movie! What movie? I am barely watching it! Well if you not watching it, why is it up so fucking loud? I dont want to watch that bullshit. something! Well hurry upI need to come in there Junya turned the handle on the bathroom door to find it locked. He knocked the door, only to hear no response. He knocked a second time, then realized that she was obviously upset by his watching the X-rated movie. He sat back on the bed and put the blunt out in the ashtray by the nightstand. Them movies always be getting you amped up to do
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When Khevasiah came out the bathroom, she looked refreshed. Her face was glowing from her natural light skin. Her hair hung down just to cover the top of her breasts. She had a towel rapped around her from the breasts down. The light from the bathroom reflected soft beads of water all over her exposed legs and arms. Your turn stankass! Khevasiah exclaimed as she swung her long hair in a semicircle in front of Junya. Junya quickly jumped off the bed. He reached down by his waist and lifted his shirt off over his head. As he stood bare-chested, he approached
Khevasiah fully erected from the ganja and having watched the sex movie. He placed a hand on one of her butt cheeks, and the other hand glided its way up to her shoulder via her arm Laad shatlin, you look so beautiful in front of me! Come let me taste your sweet something! Bwoy, stop playing and hurry upyou talking that stuff I dont be half understanding you sometimes! Khevasiah said slapping Junyas hand away as she concealing a smile. It is already late, and by the time we get into the city it done turned midnight! Junya did not go wayward in his approach. He pushed some of
Khevasiah's hair from off of her shoulder and began kissing her in soft increments on the small space between her neck and her shoulder. This was a spot Khevasiah seldom resisted. IIm serious bwoywe got to get ready! Where was you with that when I got in the shower, now you want to do shit! Shhyou know what your problem is sometimes, you always talking. Now use those lips for something more lucrative right a now Junya said as he placed his ring finger over Khevasiahs soft lips. Not with your Jamaica breathPhew!
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Khevasiah fanned her nose with her hand and pushed Junya to the side. She bent down to pick up her purse from off of the floor, dropping the towel in the process. Her ass showed clear in the view of Junya. Junya quickly dropped his jeans and snuck up behind Khevasiah. What are you doing boy! I told you to hurry up! Dont worry, trust, I wont take long! I know that shit already, thats why I dont want to bother with you right now. Just please hurry up and get ready, we are going to miss this party. Forget the party, we can stay here for the night, and you can link up with your client some other time, when he can afford to fly you out thereon some real shit! What did you sayyou know what, that is your fucking problem, always playing around! We got all the time in the world to fuck, and you want to rush just to get some little nut off after you done got yourself all worked up from watching some white sluts on the TV! That is what you want? Well? Let me know? We about to go to a platinum party, and you want to stay up in this dusty ass hotel to fuck me once or twice then go to sleep! You must like living with your momma! Fuck it! I thought you cared about me like I do about you. We rarely get to spend time together, and here you are flipping again for no apparent reason. And what does my mother have to do with this? Junya, just hurry up, please? Khevasiah said with a sigh. Khevasiah pulled back on the extra thong panties that she had in her purse. She picked the towel off of the floor and placed it on the corner of the bed as she sat down to lotion her legs. She looked back to see Junya standing in the doorway of the bathroom. What are you looking at? Khevasiah said without looking up at Junya. My dreams Junya responded subtlety
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Well say the same answer when you look in that mirrorwhere are the keys, I left something in the car. They in my coat pocket. Khevasiah pulled back on the pants she had on and her brazier and threw Junyas jean jacket on over it. The coat looked like she could fit two of herself in it. She felt in the pocket for the keys, then headed out of the room. Junya closed the bathroom door and began showering. By the time Junya had finished his shower, Khevasiah was fully dressed. She had changed into a long sleeve black fitted Catwoman suit: lint free. She was sparkling with her diamond and platinum chain with a letter K pendant, a diamond bracelet and matching Jacob Hers watch. She had on her very high heeled boots, and a large belt that was studded with diamonds in the pattern of her name, Khevasiah. She was brushing her hair in the vanity mirror, and saw Junya come out the bathroom in the reflection. Are you gonna wear that? She asked him as if to say he wasnt. This is all I brought to wearwhy, what is wrong with it? You had it on all day! You forgot we was smoking, and we went to dinnerwhy dont you ever come prepared! First the CD, now your clothes! I bet you didnt forget any condoms though, did you? You want me to answer that? Junya reached in his jeans and put back on his boxers. He took his socks from out of his boots, and walked over to Khevasiah. Well, what do you expect me to do? Do you know where we can buy clothes at 11:00 in the night? This dude I know have a clothing store out near here. He usually be open late, because a lot of rappers be coming there to buy clothes for like afterparties and shit like that, or if one of his boys in some heat with the po, they go there to get changed. I doubt if he will do anything for you, them dudes cost!
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Well, if he so much your boy, then lets see what he can do! Dont talk to me like that boy! All I said, if you were listening is that I know the dude. Whether he is there or not, I do not know. You really gonna depend on him to be there so you can get a hookup? You know whatjust wear what you have on, I do not even think we have time for any detours. What kind of lotion you got? Is it that sweet smelling shit? I do not wear shit! Come here and smell Junya grabbed Khevasiahs hand and proceeded to smell her in the same spot he previously tried to kiss. As Junya leaned down, Khevasiah grabbed Junya by his dick. She slowly rubbed the tip in the palm of her hand, as Junya became instantly aroused. You smell so good, babywhy you want to get me all rattled up now! Because I know I can! Now, get dressed so we can be out! As she said that, Khevasiah let go of Junya and picked up her purse and flung it over her shoulder. She saw the blunt that Junya had rolled before he got in the shower, and picked it up. I will be waiting in the truckYou got five minutes! How you complaining about me smelling like smoke, and you smoking? Duh, because you was smoking! Khevasiah smiled and closed the door behind her. Junya threw on his jeans over his ashy legs, and threw back on his wife-beater tee-shirt. He turned off all the lights and proceeded to catch up to Khevasiah. Khevasiah drove as Junya pulled small tokes from the blunt he rolled. Khevasiah drove fast down the far lane on the highway as nightlife traffic started building. Into the commute, all of the vehicles started to merge into the center lane. Damn traffic, always something Khevasiah uttered. I know Junya responded.
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If we miss this party, and I miss this client, remember that it is all your fault! And can you explain as to why I am to blame love? Dont try to get all poetic Mr. Cutebwoy on me now, where was that back in the room? If you was coming like that, you could have got you some! See, I knew you wanted to! And how is that? Was it because I was ass naked in front of you and you did nothing about it? Or was it me keeping the door in the bathroom locked because you would rather watch somebody else fucking? Boy, you dont know shit! Let me tell you something about us womenwe are mean when we have to be mean, we are nice when it is time to be nice. But when it comes time for fucking, there are three things that we can not stand. One, is a sweaty, stank ass man, I do not care how much money you make doing what! Another, is when a man need to look at some pictures or some porno or some other bitch just to get him thinking bout his own girl, and the third Well, what is the third? The third is when we think the dude care about us, even if it is just sex, and he really does not, I mean, really does not. That is the worst feeling in the world. I can understand if a nigga want to get him some pussy, but he do not have to dehumanize us women for the sake of it. He can easily get it lying as he can being completely honest. Most women lie to men too, especially when it comes to their feelings And why is that you suppose? Huh? Cmon, you the smart one in here? Answer the question? How you know so much about women? If it werent for your boy, me and you would not even be here right now, and you know it! Hold up! Hold up! Junya started to get irate. He took a long pull off of the blunt, and passed it back to Khevasiah, ensuring she would not interrupt his talking while he responded to the comment.
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If a man wants to be with a woman strictly for the pussy, and he is up front and honest about it, he gets less respect than a man who plays nice just to get the pussy. You say that you women want a man that is thugged out, or to be rough with you, but those be the ones that end up breaking ya'll hearts, and it be the nice dude that you overlooked, that really wanted to take care of you, that you diss, then you end up wishing that you didnt. Oh, listen to youwell, since you playing the nice boy role, how does your being nice increase your pussy getting: it doesnt! Matter of fact, if a man come up to me, on some, Hi, I really am thrown aghast by your radiant beautyhow does a creature so flawless remain from extinction; may we keep your species alive in a quest for world dominance through limitless procreating of proud sons and daughtersI would think that the nigga was an utter fool, who could not get pussy if he put his dick on the end of a fishing pole and threw it into a crowd on ladies night! Those be the ones playing games. But when a man come up to me on some oldhey lady, why you so fine? I am doing this with myselfblah, blah, blahand what you getting into for later, and he doing it with out being disrespectful, then I am with that. You see, all women are different, but there is one thing for sure, we do not want no soft ass nigga to be called our man. If he cannot be man enough to come up to a woman and be strong about his game; not confidence strong, then he need to talk to some soft ass chick. Im sorry, but that is me, and I know the girls I used to hang with dont play that weak nigga bullshit. Well, how dumb do yall feel when a man who play Mr. Claude McKay on ya'll, get the draws, then he dont fuck with ya'll no more, ya'll be upset because you done told your homegirls how nice he is and all the good things he got going, or all the money he make, when in essence, you did it to make yourselves look good. It be the brother who is really trying to do good by ya'll, be the one who end up looking a fool. I want a woman to respect the fact that I have goals and ambitions, and I set out to do right things, and not have her
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dismiss me for some weak nigga because I choose not to be all thugged out, and carry guns and all that bullshit. Oh, its like that! Well you done really lost a sense of reality baby! You think all of these niggas out on the street really give a fuck what kind of degree you got, or what kind of school you went to? If you aint doing nothing to benefit off of that shit, that paper aint no different than the ones you use to roll joints in; its just wasting up in smoke! That is on the real! There are people out here who do not have any parents, no friends, all they got is they pride and the want to survive. There is no option for them, they do not feel any option. They are subject to succumb to their environments and the exposure of their individual reality. You act like you never been to the hood! You got friends in jail, you should know this shit! Why you acting fucked up like niggas with school is the only good people around. Some of yall be the most fucked up ones! Ya'll get yall paper, then you go marrying some white girl, or some bullshit like that. In the hood, all we got is eachother, and a degree aint gonna change the fact that you black, and you need to realize And you need to realize that you being black is exactly why you should not act like such a hopeless: like there are no other opportunities in this bitch of a world. Why should I have to be a thug just to show a black woman that I can hold my own! No one said you had to be a thug baby, you got to know how to be both: an educated thug, if you willhere, hit thisthe exit is coming up. Khevasiah passed the blunt back over to Junya. She screeched the dry tires on the late night New York pavement as they turned off of the exit toward the main strip where the club was. Khevasiah circled around the block, passing the club to see what was nearby for reference points. When she came around again, the doorman signaled her to park at the side next to the club where the nicer cars parked. She parked in between a Mercedes Benz G500 truck and a 2003 Lexus GX SUV.
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The two sat quietly for a moment as the truck idled while Khevasiah slowly turned the engine off. Khevasiah kept the stereo on. She then leaned the seat back and proceeded to finish the blunt that was rolled. Now Junya, remember, we are here to enjoy ourselves, and relax. I am meeting a business client, and I do not need you hawking me every five minutes. This place looks pretty live, so take some time to mingle, get to know a few new peoples. You never know who you might meet that can help you out with your music! NNow where you supposed to meet this dude at? How he know who you are? He knows what I look like silly, you forgot I used to do work for him back in the day. We gonna be in the VIP, and he should be over there. But dont limit yourself Move around in there, please! Promise me you will not be all on me like some bouncer or some shit. I need my space when I am handling my business. I dont know why you acting all paranoid? You aint all that anyways! Fuck you! Exclaimed Khevasiah in a calm joking banter. Yea, I love you toonow give me a kiss and lets go in here and do the damn thing! Are you ready? Khevasiah said with a worried expression on her face. Note: Khevasiah had never taken Junya out anywhere like this, and she knew that Junya would have never have made it to a place like this on his own. Her gut feeling told her that something was to occur during the course of this night that might not act in the favor of their relationship. Throughout the course of their excursion to the city, they had fought during dinner, taken an extended detour, smoked a lot; probably too much for Khevasiah (who was used to smoking before meetings because it relaxed her, especially in crowded environments), and she had held out on Junya at the hotel. Junya was a very understanding individual, but he was also extremely jealous when it came to Khevasiah
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and other men being around her. She also knows that he is shy and he will probably just sit down all night and pass up a chance to meet some very prominent people. Without her guiding him along, she would feel remorseful in the event that Junya did not make any connections. After all, she did invite him to come along with her. Junya did not need Khevasiah to hold his hand, in the same sense, Khevasiah was right when she explained that Junya need not look for the stars, but look to speak with new people, and make new friends. His constant bickering during the course of the evening lead to many falling outs. Being in a crowded environment was not to mend any tensions that the two had faced up to this point. Junya loved Khevasiah, probably more than she did him. The fact is that Junya knew that it would not take much for her to come to her senses and leave him. Junya felt as if he was undeserving of a woman like Khevasiah, due to her social status and wealth. He also knew that she was all that people put her up to be. Outside of Khevasiahs money, she was a really emotionally fragile person, that used lashing out and flashing to help keep her strong, and Junyas comprehension of those elements help them to mesh well together; now the mesh is turning into mess as they enter the club.
Chapter II
The two exited the yellow Land Rover almost simultaneously. The truck was faced in way of the opposing side of the street where gigantic buildings stood. There was another night club; it must have been Latin night, because there were pure Spanish people in a long line. There were three floors, where all of the windows were facing the side of the street Khevasiah and Junya were on. There were people dancing in view of the city night life. Colors of purplish orange and red flashing lights emulated from the gala. Junya pointed at a
woman who was dancing topless on one of the tables in the club. They were too far away to see her face, but they knew for sure that that woman was topless.
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Junya and Khevasiah turned the corner to approach the entrance of the club. The Club was named Fantasy. It was a large brick building that extended up about 4 stories. The line hugged the side of the outside wall in parallel to a long velvet rope like aluminum siding on a house. There were persons of all types, kinds and sizes. The rain guard over the entrance was a bedazzling bright flamingo pink color, with a large neon sign of the street number of the club: 317. In front along the side of the street where the club stood were various late model foreign cars. As one parked, another one pulled up and was taken away by a valet driver. Mercedes and Jaguar coupes were the popular amongst the cars. Junya and Khevasiah looked up to the front of the line. They saw that the time was past midnight, and pretty soon they would stop letting people in the club. Forget this bullshit, I aint waiting in this lineIm out! A couple of females standing in front of Khevasiah stated: the one with the bigger ass made the comment. Junya, cmon Where we going? We VIP up in here, we do not have to wait in this line with these regular ass people! Khevasiah grabbed Junyas hand and pushed him in front of her in the line. Junya lead the way through excuse me's and watch outs and got
through the crowd. The two heard comment after comment denouncing their determination to surpass the line. Junya got near the front of the line, then Khevasiah got in front of him. Khevasiah had gotten near the main entrance of the club. It existed of a fine wooden door that opened out ward to the street. There was a small window at the top of the door, enough for the tall bouncers to see through. There was loud reggae music coming out of the club speakers. Junya could not see because he was standing behind Khevasiah, and the way the door was opened: it lead to another series of doors where the security searched patrons. A gentleman with a clipboard stood against one of the main doors with
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his back against it, holding it all the way open. A couple wearing his and her fur coats walked passed the gentleman as Khevasiah and Junya stood lay waiting for the attention from the man with the clipboard. I am on the list Khevasiah yelled over the music. The gentleman looked Khevasiah up and down. He was awestruck by her beauty, but could only conceal his true emotions at the time with a half toothed smile. And what might your name be lovely lady? clipboard responded. Khevasiah No last name? The man asked. It should say 'Khevasiah, now hurry up, see the line is long!' The man started to turn up his face. He did not even have to turn a page on the guest list, for Khevasiahs name was at the top schedule of the persons reserved for VIP. Even for an out of towner, to get on the VIP list for this club, one had to up some serious dollars at the gate, attempt to sneak in while they were in the club (and risk a beatdown), or have serious pull. Two out of three was not bad for Khevasiah, but she did not even reach for her purse; her connections are legit. Junya was looking back in the line at all the people that they had passed on the way of coming up to the main entrance. The line stretched about a block; the same distance his mothers house was to the corner of the street he lived on. He felt Khevasiah tap him on his chest, and Junya proceeded to head inside the second passage into this elitist gathering. Hold up son, where do you think you are headed? I am on the list alsoMy name is Cool yourself now boss, wait a minute, there are no more names of persons that were on this list that did not pass me already. I think you are The man with the
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mistaken, and I will have to ask you to step to the side as I let these other people through. My name got to be on the list, you did not even check. Are you accusing me of being incompetent? Do not give me trouble here, or I will see to it that you dont bring your black ass inside this place anymore. Can you look on the list again sir, Khevasiah said in a soft tone to the gentlemen with the clipboard. He is with me, he is one of my artists. The man looked at Khevasiah and then looked back at Junya. He looked at Khevasiah again, standing with a disgruntled look on her face. Some of the people that were waiting in line started yelling as to what was the hold up. Khevasiah was obviously embarrassed at the fact that her man could not get in the club when she told her client that he was with her. Her client assured her that Junyas name would be on the list. Junya had a look of desperation on his face, as if he expected the man at the door to turn him away. The man turned a page on the clipboard and pretended to look for a name. Now, what was your name again son? The man asked. Junya, that is J-U-N-Y-A The man chuckled as Junya spelled his name out for the man. Another bouncer heard this and approached the man with the clipboard. The man
whispered something to the bouncer and the two men then looked at Khevasiah standing with her hand on her hip, flexing her ass. They also noticed the
gleaming chain around her neck, and confirmed that it was okay to let Junya in. Okay JooJun-yeah, Ill let you slide this time, but next time, make sure you are on the list, okay? Okay. Junya replied to the man. Okay miss, you are all set to go inside now. The man with the clipboard looked at Khevasiah and licked his lips. As he pointed to where she was to walk
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next, his hand grazed against Khevasiahs lower back, right near the top of her ass. What the fuck is your problem! What took you so long, I told you he was with me! You got me standing here all embarrassed and shit, just to let him in? For what? You did not even get his fucking name right! It is Jun-ya, not Jooknee, or Joo-nyeah, or whatever the fuck you said! And now you trying to touch my ass right in front of my man wheres your fucking respect! Calm down lady, calm down. It was a complete misunderstanding on my part. Let me help accommodate your night with some of the finest
champagne, on the house. You just gonna stand there and let him talk to you like that? Khevasiah yelled at Junya. Or even worse, talk to me like that! Junya, I am talking to you! Yo, you better watch yourself dude, for real Junya uttered under his breath as he faced the entrance to the club. I apologize Junya. And we will get you something as well, okay son? The man with the clipboard said mockingly, as he gave a head signal to one of the bouncers who heard Khevasiah bickering. He then patted Junya on the shoulder and guided him inside the second set of doors. Aight yo Junya said in a tough guy mannerism. Junya touched Khevasiah by her lower waist; in the same spot the man touched her at, and pushed her along in the line. Junya stood right up on Khevasiah; touching the front of his jeans to the back of her pants. Her purse kept a barrier in between them. Back up, for real, why you all up on me like that? Khevasiah said with an irritated attitude. Her man Junya was just played for a herb in front of the club security as well as some of the patrons, and the two were supposed to be representing the VIP. It angered her so much, that Khevasiah attempted to keep
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her distance from Junya, and succeeded by getting in front of a couple of the girls standing in the line waiting to get searched. You is a punk, you know that! A real, fucking punk! Let this be the last time I take you with me somewhere and you let some nigga put his hands on me when he dont even know me! Junya looked down towards the floor and then to the opposite side of the line. He looked in back of him only to find the man with the clipboard looking right at him. The man shook his head and attended to the next person in front of him. Yea, Junya, I am talking to you. Act like you dont know me now, watch me and you! Khevasiah, just chill, okay! It is not a big deallet it ride out. When is it ever a big deal for you? Do you even care? You swear you would kill a man if he touched all over me! You wouldnt like that, right? So why would you stand there when the man did it right in front of your face! That is some real bitch ass shit and I do not know if I can tolerate that right now. I hope you have fun, bye. At that, Khevasiah passed through the female bouncer and was given a silver colored sticker tag to put around her wrist to show that she was VIP. Junya was searched by the same bouncer that was talking to the man at the door earlier. After an extensive search, he threw the sticker tag at Junyas hands and hurried him along. As Junya opened the second set of double doors, his eyes lit up. Between the various shades of women he saw, blended in with the sparkle and class of the atmosphere, Junya knew he was no way prepared for what he was about to experience. The club had resembled everything Junya had seen in those rap music videos on BET. The club was decked out with an elongated shark bar, and various miniature booths filled with people popping champagne and laughing artificially. Junya looked to see if he saw Khevasiah, but she was out of his sight
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just that fast. He stepped up to another level in the club; its gracious pearl marble textured floor that reflected wetness from various alcoholic concoctions spilling through the course of the night. The ceiling was raised high, as if were a planetarium, and there were balconies protruding from the raised levels where elbows and drinks in hands were seen hanging off. A number of strobe lights twinkled to the heavy bass reggae tunes that rode the party goers in a trance. Junya walked the length of the bar and reached what seemed to be the main dance floor. From where Junya stood, he could see the heads of at least a thousand people: it seemed to him. As he stepped down, he looked up onto a raised platform where the soundman and selector were representing on the microphone. Some women wearing bright tight pants and shredded shirts
whined there bodies alongside the large speakers on separate raised platforms adjacent to the DJ. Junya then looked up towards an area with violet light, lining the 3rd story of the club. He saw people walking back and forth with ease, for it was not too crowded. Some white people, and a group of Asian men were sitting at a table. Junya made his way through the crowd, squishing past fat asses and minding not to step on some of the all white AF1s that were plentiful amongst the young club goers. He got to a staircase that coiled up towards two more levels. He stopped on the second level to have a look around. He realized that this level of the club lined the wall all the way back to the main entrance, where there was a path along the side before he stepped upward that would have lead him directly to the coiled staircase. This floor lead to where the DJ set up. Down the other end of this floor, there were a series of tables, the majority of them occupied by couples or lucky macks hemming up some woman they met during the course of the night. Down the end of this story the section rapped around to where there was a quaint little bar, where a skinny white man was juggling bottles and pouring glasses in front of an elderly white couple wearing fur coats.
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Junya headed back to the coil staircase and proceeded upward. From the stairs he could look into the crowd and see the whole dance floor, as well as the top of the DJ booth. The reggae had started to switch back to rap: A Nas song came on. At the top of the third floor, the stairs continued, but it seemed to lead to some offices in the club. He looked and saw Khevasiah sitting alone at a table in the center of the section. This floor did not rap around like the second, only it cut off where there was a champagne fountain where people were standing around and talking. More people sat in this section: couples, the group of
Asians, a group of African men wearing distinctive Kente clothing, and a group of brothers in street clothes, possibly the platinum rap star. There was an elderly black man with gray knaps with his elbows leaned on a podium near the top of the third story from the stair case. Junya raised his arm to show his sticker tag. He walked over to Khevasiahs table and sat down. Finally found you! Junya said excitedly. Funny, I didnt know you were looking for me. Khevasiah said relaxed. She had been sitting there for the majority of the time since the two arrived there. She had walked the connective way to the 2nd floor, and took the stairs to the VIP section on the 3rd story. There was a bottle of Louis XIV brut champagne already corked at her table, as promised by the man at the door. Khevasiah had taken off the sticker tag and was holding a glass of the champagne in the same hand that her diamond bracelet was around. As she did this; sparkles came from
everywhere. She was very quiet, as if she did not know who the young man who sat down at her table was. She looked in the direction opposite of Junya, back towards the section where those brothers were. There was a lot of laughing coming from that section, as if they were making fun of someone. Khevasiah looked in Junyas direction and started to smile. Hi Khevasiah girl, how have you been! What is up! Oh my God! I havent seen you in so long! A woman wearing a brown leather jacket with
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shoulder length hair and a large red pocket book said as she stutter stepped towards Khevasiah. Khevasiah stood up to hug the woman. Girl, I am good! And you look good! I have missed you, what have you been doing all this time! Khevasiah responded excitedly. Girl, shit aint changed too much. Im still with that crazy ass nigga Who, Stacks? Yea, Eddie, we still together. We got two kids, a boy and a girl, and they are so grown, girl, you should see them! No way! You have kids? I wouldnt believe it for a weekend! Good Lord! Well, how about you, you have any yet? The woman asked. NoIm not even there yet. What happened to you and whats his name? He still beating that pussy up good? He must be doing something cause your ass done got fat! Khevasiah hesitated. She looked in the direction of Junya, who was
looking off to the side as if he did not want to acknowledge the woman. The woman soon turned suit and looked at Junya. Naika this is my boyfriend, Junya. Junya, this is Naika, one of my
friends that I grew up with when I was living out in the Bronx. Remember I told you about her! Junya fixed his face in a way that made Khevasiah look guilty. He hated when his woman is referred to in her past tense; talks of old boyfriends and niggas she used to mess with. He hoped that those days were long and over for her. Nice to meet youis it Na-eye-kah? Nika, like Nike, but Naikayou know, just do it! Oh I got you Naika stood with a disappointed look on her face. She sat down and poured her a glass of the expensive champagne. She looked Junya in the face to
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get a better look as to who her long time girlfriend had found herself with. Junya noticed that she had a rich chocolate skin and the lightest brown eyes. The lighting in the club made it hard to determine whether they were hers or not, but the woman was very beautiful: beautiful women always hang out together, Junya had confirmed. So what brings you back to the city? Naika asked right after her
swallow of the sharp tasting beverage. Wooh! This some good shit right here, thats you like that, go head girl, I knew you would hold it down like the old days! You know how I roll girl, ha ha! Khevasiah said with a cheesy smile on her face. The bottle seemed large, but Junya could tell that Khevasiah was feeling the effects of the wine. She would get real energetic when she was juiced up and her homegirls were around. You remember whats his nameDoug Mac Arthur? With thehe had that gold Lexus back in the days, right? With those rims that would spin, woow, woow, woow! Ha! I remember that fat mother fucker! What he up to these days? Naika pointed her finger and did her hand in a turning motion when she spoke about the mans rims. She must have been drinking from earlier, because both of the women seemed equally juiced. Up until this point, Junya had not known the name of the man that Khevasiah was supposed to meet. Im in town to do a photo shoot with him. He is launching a magazine and he wants me for the cover. I told him that I would go ahead. That cheap ass nigga, would not even buy me a plane ticket, so I agreed to meet him in Jersey. He is supposed to be meeting with some clients here, but I have not moved around yet to look for him. Well come on girl, why you sitting with this nigga here for? Naika said as she leaned closer to Khevasiah. Naika knew Khevasiah, and knew that she was a very private person, especially when it came to her relationships. Blowing
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her spot with Junya was not appropriate for her to have done, so she spoke in a lower tone. Khevasiah turned away from Junyas direction. Who those niggas back there? Khevasiah whispered, with her pinky finger pointed in the direction of the brothers in the back of the VIP. Oh them, thats that rapperHalftime, and his crew. He just went
platinum! They is over there straight, balling girl! We need to make our way over there! Some of my brother friends is over there, so we goodcmon, leave him here, he will be alright, right? I meanI dont want to interfere with what yall got going on, you know! Naika rolled her eyes as she finished her
statement. She was very judgmental about Junyas character. He was there with no homeboys, he had not bought a drink, and his prized jean suit was out of style in comparison to some of the clubbers flyer styles. Naikas gold tooth sparkled as she cackled away with Khevasiah. Her obdurate choice of trunk gold earrings and rope chain sat proud on her person. Junya was feeling the odd man out, so he got up and proceeded to the bar. Bay, where you going? Khevasiah said with the utmost sharpness. To the bar right quicksoon come back. Take your time, this is a big clubgo on baby, have a little fun! Maybe dance up on one of them Jamaican girls you love so much! Aaight, I get yousee yall later. Junya caught the drift from his woman and proceeded down the stairs to intermingle with some of the rest of the party goers. As Junya passed the second story, he fell hostage to the eyes of a myriad amount of beautiful women; only wishing they were allowed to enter into the VIP section of the club. He
proceeded down the stairs and made his way into the flourishing crowd on the dance floor. The DJ had switched to an old school blend of some of rap musics pioneers: mixes of Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick, Awesome 2, and a Big Daddy Kane song were among some of the joints played. The men in the club all walked around in these uncomfortable looking 3 piece suits; some multicolored
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with accommodating hats, others dark and very formal. Every single one of them was either on a wireless phone, or popping a bottle of champagne while 3 or 4 women waited to get their glass full. Junya was still astonished by how vast this event was. The DJ shouted out that the rapper Halftime was going to perform his platinum single during the night. The colorful lights and heavy bass from the music grew over his eyes and under his feet. He made his way to the other side of the dance floor, where a series of rastas were spotted burning ganja against the large speakers in the back corner of the floor. Exotic West Indian women danced around scantily clad to the heavy rhythms while smoke passed through their artistic hairstyles. Junya reached the other side of the club where he entered the dance floor near the long shark bar. He squeezed himself in between two women at the bar; one wearing a skin tight leopard suit. Grrr Junya said to the woman in the leopard suit. If that is your growl, I would hate to hear your yelp! The woman responded sarcastically with a smile on her face. The woman was dark skinned, similar to Naika. She had a strong liquor smell emulating from her mouth. She had either been at the bar all night, or drunk a really strong drink. Junya looked at how her ass fit in the leopard pants. Her ass was so big that it stuck out from the sides; as she was facing Junya as he spoke. All you need is a tail to attach to those hindquarters eh dalin? Junya smiled wittily as he awaited the bartender. She smiled and placed her empty drink on the bar. What kind of tail you talking about stranger, a cock -tail? Well I like mines long and strong, and I refuse to have it any other waywho you here with handsome? The woman was stroking the back of her hand across the chest of Junya. Junya, being paranoid, looked behind him over his shoulder, and down the bar, then back at the woman.
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Okay.
Never mind then.
The woman said in response to Junyas
reactions. She reached into her purse and pulled out a 20 dollar bill. She stuffed it in the glass she drank out of and proceeded down the opposite end of the bar. Junya watched as she placed her arm over the back of a mans shoulder and tiptoe to kiss his cheek. The man looked familiar: probably a famous rapper. Junya ordered his drinks and proceeded back toward the VIP. Instead of cutting through the dance floor with two full drinks, he went up the path on the side of the club. Along the path, Junya moved his eyes gawking at numerous couples kissing, one-on-one socializing, as well as people standing alone, drinking. He made his way to the end of the corridor and crossed paths with the DJ. One of those for me? The DJ said jokingly. Next song, next song Junya said with a sensible expression. Junya meant well, but the DJ just puzzled and looked the opposite way and proceeded to talk to an Asian woman that was waiting by the womens bathroom. She had signaled him to come inside the womans bathroom, and the DJ followed her inside. Junya made his way back to the coil staircase towards the VIP. As he approached the 3rd story, he looked over toward the table where him and Khevasiah and the other woman were sitting, and saw none of them there. He placed the drinks on the table and focused his eyes on a gold metal plate that read Reserved For and Khevasiahs name was written on cardstock in calligraphy that slid onto the metal plate. Junya sat down in the same chair he sat in the first time, and proceeded to sip his drink. He looked to the rear of him by the champagne fountain only to find that there was no one but an elderly couple standing by it. He turned his body around and looked in the direction of the brothers in the back of the VIP. Junya quickly recognized a female that was wearing a brown coat; Naika, but he did not see Khevasiah anywhere near her. He got up from his chair and threw back the first drink he had. He then picked
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up the second drink and proceeded towards the section where the brothers had been gallivanting all night. Notes: Clouds of refer smoke dominated this entire section of the special section of the VIP. These brothers were the toppa top of the night life scene. They were the move makers, the play creators, they made things happen, they would wear jumpsuits one night, and 3 piece suits on another night; They built the VIP. As Junya got closer to the area filled with loud laughs from gorgeous drinks being consumed at high volumes, he saw Khevasiah. She was the only female sitting amongst a horde of male bodies. Khevasiah had her legs crossed with one hand on the thigh of the gentlemen sitting next to her. He looked at her as if he loved her or some shit! The man kept staring at her as he waved a diamond encrusted pinky ring in front of her face. Junyas vision was blurred from his drinking, but his judgment was not to be questioned. Liquor spilled out of his cup as he staggered over toward Khevasiah. KhevaKhevasi Junya said over the blaring music. Khevasiah ignored the raspy calling of Junyas voice. She was well into conversation with the burly gentleman that was all over her. Her hair swayed side to side as her head moved back and forth; to the music and his words. She seemed to recognize that Junya was standing practically in front of her, but she did not pause in her interaction with the man. Yo Khevasiahwhat the fuck is your problem you cant acknowledge your nigga! Junya said in an upset tone. Who the fuck you talking to like that Khevasiah shouted back at Junya. She looked right in his direction; knowing he had been there the whole time. The gentlemen sitting at the table stopped their laughter and banter, then immediately turned it into shouting and extreme movements. The burly man that was sitting closest to Khevasiah placed a champagne bottle down on the
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crowded table. About 12 other men were sitting at the table; they all gave Junya a crooked look. The fuck is your problem dunnie? You dont have no fucking respect for bitches? Get the fuck out of my cipher with that shit, for real! The burly man stated bluntly. Some of his other homeboys jumped in as well, calling Junya all types of names; Player hater! Baller blocker! Pussy watchman! Junya obviously exposed himself to a dangerous situation; being alone in the club outside of the company of Khevasiah, and she was not siding with him. What are you doing over here, why dont you move around, do something, there are too many people here for you to be hovering over me like you my father or some shitfor real? Why are you all up on me, can I get to breathe? Khevasiah was embarrassed over irritated in this situation. She did not even look at Junya as she spoke to him, she merely lifted the champagne glass that was poured out by the burly male and continued to politic amongst the men. Junya crossed his eyes; the ball on his bottom jaw stood out, and steam rose out from his nostrils. The table erupted in laughter. One man thought the whole ordeal was funny, he knocked over his drink and splashed it all over the table, where money and blunts lay amongst champagne bottles and glasses. laughing, just to hear the man exert one more chuckle. She sonning you holms, one of the other men scoffed. Yo, go home or something yo, for real, you making yourself look bad, damn! Another man shouted. I do not think you heard me duderaise up and away from this spot, cause on the real, you starting to get my bad side. You see yo shorty do not want to leave the comfort of a thug, so take your soft ass elsewhere. Go talk to one of Everyone stopped
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them white bitches or something! The burly man said, encouraging laughter from the rest of the table. Amidst the bickering of the burly man and his squadron, Junya refrained from engaging in a shouting match. He took another sip off of the drink in his hand, then looked straight into Khevasiahs eyes. I come back to the table, to find you sitting here with a bunch of niggas? Junya hated when Khevasiah tried to show him up in front of other people, especially when he did not know them. Khevasiah was popular for this; the people that she hung around are all high class and saddity acting. Regardless of how grimy these men looked, they were rich and held court in the street. Junyas eyes began to wander the surroundings. He noticed the table over his left side had been watching the entire event from its inception. The bar tender was drying used glasses over by the bar, eavesdropping in the argument. Junya put his finished drink on the table next to a champagne bottle the burly man was drinking out of. He then took the same hand and grabbed Khevasiah by her slender arm. She pulled away forcefully. Nigga what the fuck is your problem? Dont be grabbing me like that! Why dont you take your drunk ass somewhere! I did take myself somewhere, you forgot? I came here with you, all the way from Connecticu Junya uttered in a drunken slur. Your name aint even on the fucking table, you not even supposed to be here! Lets get it correct, I brought YOU here on some real shit you making an utter fool out of yourself, do not forget who I am and who you are. Khevasiah strewed her face and held her ground in confronting Junya. Junyas jealousy was obvious, and the way he stood swaying offbeat to the packed club scenes music as if he was on display made him look foolish in front of his woman. Junya never got drunk too much when he went out with Khevasiah, but for some reason, he overdid it on this night. Khevasiah sat in the same spot next to the
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burly gentleman; his hand brushing up and down on her right thigh, rubbing tightly on the upper flank of her tightpants. The table was almost silent;
awaiting Junyas next move. The burly man grew uneasy with the constant arguing between Khevasiah, and this drunk dude that was making an embarrassing scene. Why dont you go somewhere the fuck else! Khevasiah screamed as a tear trickled out the corner of her eye. Yo holms, you need to hear shorty out, said the burly man. You see she comfortableright? For real, you getting it real fucked up in here Yo, I am tired of hearing your bloodclot mouth nuh niggaa my bitch that, mind your fucking business right a now Junya was so agitated at the burly mans input that he started speaking in a Jamaican Patois, his mothers native language. Junyas accent only came out on two occasions; when he was forcing it, or when he was invidiously angry. The burly man paused for a moment. He started to shout back at Junya, then he realized what Junya had said. All this time, the burly man thought that Khevasiah was some jump off that was sweating his jewelry and champagne, and Junya was a jealous dick rider that wanted to hang out with his crew; a caravan of rappers and big time producers and hustlers. Now he knew that Junya was legitimately Khevasiahs man. He snickered as he took his hand off of Khevasiahs thigh. Oh, its like that ba The burly man asked Khevasiah. Why dont you tell this bitch ass nigga who the fuck he fucking with! The burly man got really upset at the fact that Khevasiah did not tell him that she was here with Junya. Khevasiah aided in the angry quarrel right in front of him and his crew. Had the burly man known that Khevasiah came with her man, he would not have scooped her the way he did. He had been telling Khevasiah that he was the CEO of a successful record label out in NYC. His record label had only been out for about 1 and years, and already the label
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launched two multi platinum artists, and were looking for another rapper to market. The labels success had come from an R&B group, and a female rapper. From the time Khevasiah came over to the table with her homegirl Naika, the burly man had his hands all over Khevasiah. Khevasiah did not object not one time, neither did her friend. Junyas eyebrows flared up with an extreme look of hatred on his face. He moved closer to the burly man, and the burly man stood up; with only Khevasiahs legs in between them at the table. The two men stared cold into each others eyes; their tempers engulfed in rage. Its obvious to me, and everyone else herethat your bitch dont want to be with you right nowwhy dont you fucking listen! You got a mother fucking problem son? The burly man barked at Junya. YeaI have two, Junya responded sarcastically. One, you calling my woman a bitch, and two Junya looked down at the table out of the corner of his eye and saw a champagne bottle that had not been opened. Two is niggas like yall always talking shit. Junya added. Just as quick as the burly man had got into Junyas face, he swept his left hand across the table, grabbed the champagne bottle by the neck and swung it to the head of the burly man. The bottle did not break, but it knocked the burly man backwards instantly. Junya grabbed Khevasiah by her arm and ran through the club. The burly mans crew got up immediately and proceeded with the chase. Khevasiah forced her hand free before the two had even run past the table where they initially sat. Her drink was still on that table. What the fuck is your God damn problem? Huh? Khevasiah yelled in a high pitch voice at Junya. You know whatfuck you that is what you get for overreacting them boys gonna whoop your ass! Sure enough, as soon as Khevasiah gave Junya that warning, one of the men that were chasing Junya dove at Junyas legs; knocking him to the floor. He
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slowly got up on Junya and held his arms down to the floor. A kick went to Junyas side. Before Junya could yell from the impact of the hard boot, he felt more kicks come from more feet belonging to the burly mans crew. Junyas head jerked sideways across the floor as a foot went to the side of his head. Punches were thrown at Junyas face, making his eye feel hot. His nose felt like it was running, but the juice from it was warm. Junya broke one of his arms free and attempted to cover his face. He turned to the right side of his body in attempt to roll out from underneath the foot stomping. As he did that, a boot kicked Junya square in the left shoulder blade. Out of all of the kicks, that one had hurt the most. Junya could not yell for help, for his mouth was filled with blood. Junya knew no one who was going to help him; not security, especially not his girlfriend. Moments after the ordeal, Junya lay flat on his back in the middle of a packed dance floor. The patrons had seldom cleared the area; people danced around his body as if it were not there at all. A woman that was dancing accidentally stepped on Junyas arm and began to scream when she looked down to see a man laying on the floor all bloodied up. A security guard that was standing nearby rushed over to see what the commotion that started to gather was all about. The patrons now took time to see Junya lying on the floor, bloodied all in his face, his garments laced with wet boot prints and blood. The same security guards that gave Junya problems getting into the club were now helping to get him out of the club. I knew this one was going to be trouble! One guard said to the other. The two men picked Junya up by his arms and carried him through the club on their shoulders. They brought him to the main entrance and threw Junya outside of the fancy door and onto the sidewalk in front of the club. Junya felt himself coming too, as he opened his half-shut swollen eye to see that his face was on the concrete. He rolled over to the side where he got kicked in the shoulder and used his right arm to push himself up off of the cool
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ground into an upright position. He looked up to see four passer bys looking at him in disgust. Junya slowly sat up off of the ground and realized that he was in the front of the club. He felt wet, and there were pains in his body that were killing the shit out of him. His mouth felt numb, and his watch that Khevasiah bought him was missing. The main entrance door was closed and the velvet rope that housed direction to the VIP had been put away. Junya held his hand up to look through the dark glass of the small window of the main entrance door. He saw his reflection of his face with the hand cast shadow; beaten badly and covered in his own blood. Junya used his good arm to slowly peel off the drenched jacket while he stared in disbelief at boot prints, bloodstains, and stains from the liquor covered floor. Junya wiped the blood off from his mouth, doing so in extreme pain. Junya felt like he had fallen on his face. His mouth hung open because his nostrils were so heavily filled with blood. Junya slid back down to the ground; his back against the outside wall of the club. He tried not to cry as he grabbed at obvious broken ribs; his side killing him with pain. As the wind picked up on an already cool night, a police cruiser drove by and saw Junya sitting on the ground in front of the club. The officer slowed down in his cruiser and looked in Junyas direction. You have to get out of here, you here mego on, git! The pale faced officer exclaimed. Junya looked up at the officer with his face all bloodied; red spit slowly making its way out the side of his swollen jaw and onto his wife-beater tee shirt. The officer turned his head in disgust and pulled up to the club, parallel parking next to a yellow Mercedes Benz coupe that was parked in front of the club with its hazard lights blinking. The officer turned on the police cruisers lights and approached Junya. The officer withdrew his flashlight from his waist, and
loosened the safety latch to his pistol. He shone the light in Junyas face, and looked as he sat on the ground holding his side.
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You have a problem understanding English boy? He said as he kicked his foot onto Junyas own. Junya tried to speak back to the officer, but he did not want any unnecessary trouble that he was sure he would get into, or worse, an additional beating from the officer. Junya was in too much pain, and unable to defend himself. If at worst, the officer assumed Junya was really drunk and had a fight in the club; which was the truth. Junya did not know where he was nonetheless, and he did not know where Khevasiah was, despite what occurred in the club. IIImmy bad officerbubut I had uh strategically to the officer, without raising his voice. The officer reached down to grab an area of Junya that was not covered with blood. He picked him off of the ground, and looked Junya in his beat up face. WWell let me put it to you this way boy! The officer said, mimicking Junya. If I have to come back around here, and your ass is still on this street, I am going to haul your ass downtown, understand me boy! Junya began to respond to the officers obvious racial badgering, instead, he shook his head in accordance with the officers demand. At that moment, the officers radio was blaring with his badge number to respond to a distress call. He let go of Junya and proceeded back to his cruiser. With the officer picking up Junya off of the ground, Junya mustered up some strength to get himself cleaned up, and to get moving before he ended up in jail. The cold was becoming too much to bear, so he threw back on his beer and blood soaked jacket. Junya held one of his nostrils and blew out snots of clotted blood into the spot where he was sitting on the ground. He then licked his lips and projected a spitball that landed inches from the yellow Benz. Junya slowly lifted his injured arm in a circular motion, but jumped fiercely as he felt the pain come back. With his other arm, he pulled on the main door of the clubs entrance only to see a large Hispanic man standing behind the door. Junya uttered
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No more patrons tonightthis venue is for invited guests only. The man said as he reached for the inside handle of the door to pull it closed. II was in here alreadyI just need to get cleaned up a little bit Junya stated as he tried pleading with the bouncer. Im sorry, but the doors have been closed for about a half an hour. You will just have to go home. The bouncer said without even looking at Junya. The bouncer pretended as if he did not notice that Junya had been beaten up and he was bloody. I need to get back in there, my girl is in there You will have to wait until she comes out. The bouncer gritted. Damn man! Junya said upsettingly. Look at me! At least let me use the bathroom! Im sorry, that is not my problem, nor is it this establishment's problem. I will get in a lot of trouble by letting you inside here like that. The man said in a humble manner. Look, I am not looking for troubleI just The club lets out in a few hours. The bouncer interrupted. Why dont you just go on home and wait for her there? What! Junya said aggravated while pleading with the bouncer. But I am not from here dudeLet me just get my girl and get out of here. Heh The guard chuckled aloud. You really think she didnt see you getting dragged out of the club? If she wanted to be out here with you, she would have came out long time ago. There is a small coffee shop down the next two blocks to the right. They should let you freshen up inside there; the manager is really nice. Get cleaned up, then come back here. If you ask me bromaybe you should get yourself to the hospital, you are looking pretty fucked up! Well, at least have the DJ call her to the booth and say her man is outside waiting or something! Junya said in desperation.
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Junya was loosing patience like he was loosing blood. He could not think of anything more to say to the bouncer. The bouncer made a good point to Junya about Khevasiahs show of concern about him being dragged out of the club. Junya knew she knew he was outside of the club. She did not think to check on him or anything. Could you step back please, I have to keep this door closed The bouncer snapped. Good luck with everything, and dont worry about your
girlfriend, you will find another one! Junya figured the bouncer saw the incident that he was involved in, and the establishment in the club though he would start shit inside, or the other men that he fought earlier would finish the job. What is your girls name anyway? The bouncer asked before closing the door in Junyas face. KheKhevasiah. Junya said slurring. The pain was getting t oo much for him to bear, and it was getting to his face. The more he thought about the damage to his arm and his ribs, it made a tear roll down his cheek. Courvoisier? The bouncer asked. Like the drink? No, Ka-vah-see-yeae. Junya responded angrily. Oh, okayI will let them knowyeah The bouncer replied. The bouncer then signaled Junya to step away from the door. It was easier for him to do so, since some patrons were leaving the establishment. Junya sat outside the club in hopes of seeing his woman without the need of the DJ. He heard a break in the bass of the club banger from the platinum rapper; the joint that gained him the fame. The bouncer had kept his word to Junya, but a half an hour later, Junya still stood outside the club without a sign of Khevasiah anywhere. Junya now turned his focus in the direction of the coffee shop down the block. He fondled his pants pockets; to no avail in search of his girlfriends SUV
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keys. He walked halfway down the block as the weather got colder than it had been earlier. The coffee shop was open, but it looked closed. One half of the buildings lights were off, except for a table in the far back, and the dim lights behind the bar area in front of the shop. On the right side, there was an old man wearing a shark embroidered golfers cap with a brown overcoat, holding a cup of coffee with both of his hands. The man looked run down and dirty. He was probably homeless. There was another group of men sitting at the table close to the ordering bar: two white men; one had on glasses, while the other one was balding thinly and moved his hands a lot while they conversed. Junya walked up to the ordering bar where an elderly man was drying coffee mugs with a dingy brown terrycloth. Junya asked where the restroom was, and the man turned in the direction towards where Junya remembered seeing the light in the rear of the coffee shop. In the back through those doors, on your right The man said without looking up. As Junya turned towards the direction of the restroom, he observed the man looking at him through his reflection in a napkin holder on the bars counter top. Junya had a feeling he was looking really fucked up, and it must have stopped people from looking him in his eyes; everyone except the officer. Junya staggered over to the bathroom and passed a couple young boys playing chess at one of the tables. They were far into their game, but they were missing some of the pieces. They looked dirty, like they had not showered for a few weeks: They smelled like it also. Junya opened the door to get to the section of the coffee shop where the bathroom was. He pushed on the mens room door, but it did not open right away. Thinking it was locked, he pushed harder, until he heard a groaning sound. A mans feet was pushed against the door: He was sleeping on the floor inside of the bathroom.
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Junya stopped pushing on the door and it slammed shut. He started to get really frustrated. He was in pain, he was cold, and the worse part about it all, his girlfriend did not give a fuck. Junya knocked on the ladies room entrance to see if anyone was in there. I got to wash upand water is water Junya mumbled to himself. Junya opened the door and turned on the light. The light flickered on and off slowly like a club strobe light. He looked in a section of the stained mirror that was clear enough for him to see his reflection. His eye looked like it had been hit, but it did not look as bad as it felt. Junya looked at his nose and saw the dried blood around his nostrils, but it was no longer bleeding. He placed his good arm atop the sink and leaned closer up on the mirror to get a better look, and the sink dropped down. It was not strong enough to support Junyas
weight. He smiled just to see his cut lip start to bleed again. The ashyness of his skin due to the coolness of the weather had not helped his lip at all. Junya spit in the sink and proceeded to run the water. The sink was an old-time sink, where the hot water and cold water ran from separate spouts. He turned on the cold water, but no water came out. Junya then turned on the hot water, and it came out hard. First the water was a brown color, then it got to a nice clear color. Steam rose from out of the sink; the water got hot really quick. Junya placed his hand under the faucet, only to jerk it back due to its scalding temperature. He looked for a piece of tissue to use to dab his cut lip, but there was none in the bathroom. The paper towel roll was also empty. This was obvious, because the dispenser was busted; not even a cardboard roll was left. Junya simply shrugged while taking his blood drenched jacket off and rested it on a horizontal rail next to a really dirty towel that was dried stiff. In the flickering light, Junya used one hand and lifted his wifebeater tee shirt up and looked at his chest and his side where his ribs hurt. There was a deep black and blue under his left arm, but his right side held no bruises. He wet his shirt under the hot water and dabbed his face.
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After bearing the hot water, Junya pissed in the dingy toilet. The water was half full of shit the previous bathroom patron left behind. Junya flushed the toilet with the tip of his shoe, but the lever was broken. Junya then heard a sound come from outside the bathroom door. Hurry up! Junya heard the voice of who seemed to be an elderly woman; from the growl in her voice. She was banging on the door. Junya rushed and put his dick back in his pants, wiped his hands on the wet wifebeater and left it on the edge of the sink. He then put his jacket back on and left out the bathroom. Are you one of those transvesters? The woman uttered, mistaking the word transvesters with transvestites. The woman looked sickly. It seemed that she started to go to the
bathroom on herself already, from the smell and the small puddle by her foot. Junya bumped shoulders with the woman as he walked passed her to the second set of doors. The two boys that were playing chess had left, and that light they used was off. Through the darkness, Junya looked outside to the front window of the coffee shop; people were outside. The people that passed the shop were nicely dressed, and Junya understood this as the club he was at had let out. Junya walked up to the bar of the coffee shop to notice the other white men and the homeless man had left. The man who was drying the cups was sitting down in one of the booths, kissing his teeth as he punched numbers into an old fashioned adding machine. There was a cup of coffee left on the counter near the napkin dispenser where I saw him looking at me through the reflection. Its on the house he said grumpily and without looking up from his button pressing. Thanks, but I am a tea person Junya responded candidly, feeling refreshed from had cleaned up a bit. Junya then left out through the entrance. As soon as the door closed behind him, the lights went off and the door was padlocked. The older lady still
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inside must have been his wife, and the man was waiting for me to leave so he could close up shop. Junya walked past the flashy night goers, watching as heads turned in disgust at his appearance. He paid them no mind as he staggered himself back to the front entrance of the club with more prevalent things on his mind; finding Khevasiah. As he reached the front entrance, the first thing that he noticed was the yellow Mercedes Benz, it was gone. People were slowly walking out of the narrow exit. One guy walked out of the club with both arms around two
different women; a Lincoln Town car pulled up as he escorted the women inside. The bouncer that had told Junya about the coffee shop was at the door telling people farewell. By the time Junya reached the door, it seemed as if the majority of the events patrons had left. The bouncer looked Junya in the eye, then immediately turned to some business going on inside the club. Junya
thought about going inside the club to look for Khevasiah, then he remembered something that he told her a while ago; that if they went out somewhere together and got lost, to stay by the entrance or whatever way they came in until they saw each other. Junya walked a little ways down opposite the direction of the coffee shop to tuck into the shadows so no one else would see his clothes, recognizing him, and end up making a scene. From where Junya was standing, he could see Khevasiah's yellow SUV parked by itself in the special lot. It was not as cool out, due to the heat from the clubs open door giving off enough warmth to bear the outside temperature. Junya waited and waited. The amount of cars around the club had decreased to only a Cadillac Escalade that carried the DJs equipment. Once Junya saw that truck he knew that the club was shut down for the night. He still did not know nor see where Khevasiah was. Junya started to fidget through his pockets for some quarters and found just enough to make one phone call. In a rush Junya ran across the street to a nearby payphone. As he slammed the coins in and dialed the number
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to Khevasiahs cellular phone, he remembered that since they were out of state, her number would be long distance, and all he had was larger bills. Why the fuck did I not get change in the coffee shop! Junya argued to himself. Next thing out of nowhere to Junyas surprise he saw Khevasiah, nonchalantly walking out the front door of the club near where he was standing just a few moments ago. He immediately started to yell out to her, but then he noticed she was not alone. The same man Junya hit over the head with the champagne bottle was walking slowly with her; him and the other female that was at the table with them, and Khevasiahs friend Naika. Khevasiah started to walk in the direction of the coffee shop, opposite of the direction where her SUV was parked. A long white Ford Excursion with limousine tints then pulled up with Pennsylvania license plates. Junya watched in disbelief as the foursome started walking over towards the truck. He yelled her name again, only to be unheard by the blaring music coming from the opened door of the truck. Junya spit on the curbside and ran across the street waving his sore arms, ignoring the pain he felt, only to see the white trucks lights go on and pull off. The same Spanish bouncer whom Junya spoke with in regards to getting back into the club to find Khevasiah, looked at him and closed the entrance door to the club behind him. Junya heard as the door was being locked, then he felt a drop. It started to rain.
Chapter III
Junyas eyes moved up and down the large buildings while lights painted the city streets of NYC. The white Excursion was about half of a block ahead of the cab. It was a good thing the cabbie drove fast, for Junya felt for sure he would have been left for dead in front of the club. The truck Khevasiah was in drove on various turns and one way streets, like it was looking for a next party,
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not paying any attention to evade the cab that secretly followed in pursuit. The larger buildings turned into smaller residences and corner stores. The cab driver started to slow down, then he eventually stopped. Why you stopping? You kiddi me man! I no drive there, no way, no way The cab driver was a Far East Indian with a full beard and a turban wrapped around his head. The fuck you mean you no go there! What I pay you for man! Junya said irately to the cab driver. No way, no wayI not going to Brooklyn this time of night, you get out here. Brooklyn? Junya said. The fact that he did not recognize he was in one of the most infamous parts of New York City drew a look of confusion on Junyas face, and a look of ridicule on the cab drivers. By this time, the white truck was no where in site. Damnnever mind, we fucking lost them. We fucking lost them!
Junya yelled at the cab driver vociferously. He beat his right hand on the glass separating the cab driver from the passengers. Junya stopped instantaneously, yelping in pain. My fucking side still hurts Junya said mumbling to himself as he grabbed at his ribs. You get ass kicked! Ha ha the cab driver bellowed. Stop have me chase pretty girl in pretty truckI take you to hospital right away! The hospital? Aw shit manaight, but how far is the hospital from the club you picked me up from? Junya responded. About 25, 35 minute in cabno worry, I get there, ten minute. The cab driver uttered as he pressed down hard on the accelerator on his way to the hospital. Junya slumped back in the seat of the cab during the seemingly long drive. His eyes fluttered open and closed as the city lights grew dim under the
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passing night into dawn. After looking at the cab drivers operator license posted on the back of the front seat, Junya strikes up a conversation. So you originally from New YorkThen why you still have that accent? Junya asked sarcastically. Ohbut this accent get me nuff bitches, as you people say! Heh! Shit, I do not know how they fall for it sometimes, but that shit be working! The cab driver said with a more easily understood accent. You see my friend, there are many things you need to know about Brooklyn: Number one, everybody is out to get over on everybody! And as a cab driver, I have seen and heard the best of them. I have taken famous actors to go see their boyfriends, I have taken rich businessmen and political figures to places just for them to tell me they left their money in a briefcase at a meetingfor me to bill their corporate accounts and their offices, just for them to hang up in my face! Women dressing up as men to spy on their husbands, girls running away from home offering blowjob just to get across town! People shooting at cab drivers like me! Shooting at other people! This place is no place to be Mr. Nice Guy! That is why it is called the city that never sleeps I guess Juny a said quite confused. No, they call it the city that never sleeps, because they never sleep. There is always something going on. Look outside! The cab driver said confidently. I meant sleep in a different context. We black people say sleep like y ou are minimizing ones character or abilities before they are witnessed, like they cant do something they say they can, so we sleep I know what you people mean! I grow up in Bronx, lived there 25 years. Moved to Uptown, lived there 3 years. Now, I move with white people in White Plains, I hate it out there! The cab driver stated while interrupting Junya. So you know this city like your wifes ass! Junya said as he offed a chuckle.
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I know city, but I dont know wifes ass! The cab driver responded. We can never know our women, no matter how much we know themlook at you young man. You have me chase ass that is not mine! Why did she leave you behind? The cab driver said as he looked back at Junya. The cab was at a light near a gas station and a brick building that housed a church. Junya stared out the window up at the stop lights shadow to see if the light had changed; the cabbie stalled until Junya gave him an answer. Junya looked up at the cab driver, only to see him still looking at Junya as if he was waiting for an answer. How close are we to the hospital? Junya asked as if he were tired. Ohso you and girlfriend how do you saybeefing? The cab driver said sarcastically. It aint that dudeshe really, literally left me for dead tonight. I mean, we came all the way from Connecticut, and Connecticut! The cab driver said out loud. He slammed on the brakes and turned around, speeding back towards the opposite direction, zooming by sights that Junya had already seen. The cab driver then made a few turns, and in no time, Junya was at the hospital. I terribly sorry sirdo not worry, I pay driveon mehave a good night! Junya was utterly confused. The cab driver went from talking about
where he lived, to women, to the way that shit went out in NYC, then he turned around and got to the hospital in what seemed to be less than 5 minutes was scary: Junya felt the cab driver was driving around until Junya died from his injuries, then the cab driver would take him somewhere and rob his corpse; Hearing that Junya was from Connecticut, the cab driver felt there would be too much suspicion and problems for him, so he decided not to go with his alleged plan. Junya looked up at the emergency room entrance of the hospital. He patted his jacket and pants pockets feeling for his wallet. Junya walked into the
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hospital, and immediately looked for the in-patient nurse. Being early in the morning, the lines were not long: a woman was holding her small child, and another man was there nursing what seemed to be a burn wound to his forearm. Next! You, you young man, come up to the window A fat white woman wearing glasses yelled for Junya to come to her window. Junya sat down, looking up at the woman, planning his approach. Not being from New York, trying to see the doctor when it was not a real emergency, were going to be expensive. Taking into consideration what the cab driver told him, then failing in his attempt to win over Junya, Junya felt himself in the same situation. If the persons in the hospital mistook Junya for a vagabond off of the street looking for some free care off of some wallet they stole, he would not be seen by a doctor. The security guards from the next shift would do a sweep of the waiting room loiterers, and probably lock Junya up. Junya placed his hands shakingly on the desk, looked over his shoulder, and began to speak to the nurse. II am looking for my aunt, she is a doctor at this hospitalII was beat up by her husband! Her husband thinks that she is cheating on him with me, and I am her nephew! I do not mean to bring you inside of this dramatic episode, but nurse if you can please bring me to my aunt, I will be very, very grateful. And how much alcohol have you been drinking sir? The nurse said sarcastically. The nurse seemed to not believe Junyas story to get ahead of the patients in the waiting room just to see a doctor. Why dont you go on one of those television shows with that story kidnext! But wait maam Junya said. I kid you none, my auntshe is Junya started looking around at documents and signs around the nurses desk. Dr. Miledge? The nurse said! Ohha ha! She mentioned your name, how could I have forgotten! You are
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Junya! Yea! I knew you were good peoples! Junya said relieved. People say me and her look alike! Oh, you have to excuse me, it has been a terribly long night. Shootings, stabbings, rapes, the usual for a city night. Your aunt is down the corridor in the third room to the right. Thank you so much nurse. Junya said. Junya then got up from the desk and went to see the doctor. Walking down the corridor to see Dr. Miledge, Junya felt a saddening and guilt stricken presence come over him. He looked back in the direction of the waiting room, and he saw the woman with the small child placing a cold towel over the childs forehead; the child must have had a fever. There was another child standing next to her crying, because his sister could not stop bleeding from her stomach. Junya came back to the waiting room, and signaled for the woman with the small child to come over to him. The woman looked, then she saw that Junya was standing behind the doors leading to the doctors. Come, Dr. Miledge will see you now. Junya said comfortingly. Thank you so much sir! The woman with the child said. Junyas side did not hurt as much. He felt the pressure on his side go away almost instantaneously. Junya rushed towards the emergency room exit, but then turned back to ask a man for some change.
Chapter IV
Do you any creamsugar? The waitress said to Junya, hurrying him to finish his order. No thanks MissI like my tea straight! Junya responded, recognizing that the woman had to tend to her other customers, probably regulars: there was a table of three men; they looked like truck drivers, calling her to wait on their table.
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Enjoy! The woman said as she walked away. Junya was scribbling some lines on a napkin as he sat at the diners counter. It was bright the next morning, his wounds were not hurting as much, but his clothes were still bloodied; not as soaked. The weather outside was warm, yet he did not know where he was at, and worse, he did not know where Khevasiah was. Junya paid for his tea and used some of the change to try and call Khevasiah on her cellular phone. Hello? A man with a rugged voice said, answering Khevasiahs phone. Junya figured one of two things: either he failed to dial the proper area code, and someone in NYC had the same number as his woman, or, a man had answered Khevasiahs phone. UhI am not sure that I have the right number, is this 860 Yo, who dis? Who you calling for? The man on the other end of the line responded in a loud voice over Junyas. I am calling for Khevasiahis she there? Junya said in a calming tone. WhoEh yo, hold on a mother fucking second The man put the phone down, and Junya heard yelling in the background. There was a female yelling in the background, and another female voice laughing; it sounded like Naikas voice. Junya now knew that wherever
Khevasiah was, her longtime girlfriend had something doing with her leaving him at the club the night prior. Hey yo dogaint nobody here by that nameon some real shit, you got the wrong mother fucking number! The man said, obviously lying to Junya Yo, you take me for idiot bwoy! Junya responded in a Patois accent. I know seh my woman there! Put her on the phone nuh man! Nigga go head with that fake ass boat island shit nigga! Yo bitch aint here! Call her back, latera lot laterha ha! The man said, laughing in Junyas ear as he slammed the phone up in Junyas ear. Damn! Junya said to himself.
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Junya tried to remember all of the stories that Khevasiah used to tell him about her experiences growing up in NYC. He assumed that wherever she was, she had to be near her old stomping ground. Junya figured if he could get near her old neighborhood, he would be able to find her. Junya then remembered about Khevasiahs SUV. It might have still been parked near the club, and if it wasnt, then he knew that she had come back during the night, maybe to look for him. Junya looked across the diner and saw a beautiful woman; Hispanic in skin tone, professional in her appearance. You know where Excuse me kind sir, but that is no way to address a woman, especially me! Anything you need to know, I will provide an answer for you The woman responded with a smile. The woman was very proper in her speech; her
mannerisms were more beautiful than her looks herself. She had crust from an egg sandwich on a plate and a partially finished glass of orange juice in front of her, while she had her fingers in-between pages of a Wall Street Journal. My name is Laniand your name is The woman said as she extended her slender, smooth hand outward in the direction of Junyas I am JunyaI did not set out to cross you negatively dalinbut Dalin! Oh, now we are getting somewhere, Lani chuckled. Junya smiled, then gave off a stuttered laugh. The woman for some reason was flirting with him something fierce. He knew that he did not look too decent, and he was stranded, lost, and heart worn. Junya decided the best thing to do was to roll with the punches, and he might be able to link back up with Khevasiah. Junya was so entrenched with Lanis charm, he placed his feelings about Khevasiah to the side; after all, she left him for dead last night. I usually do not project myself so forward upon initial meeting someoneLani, what do you say to us getting out of here, get freshened up?
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Lani put her newspaper down and pulled the glasses down to the tip of her nose. She looked up at Junya in a seductive way, then she reached for her purse and stood up from the counter. As inviting as that sounds lovI am on my way to work. Only a few more recesses, and then this case goes into deliberation. I will be free after 7.15 tonight. Will you remember me then? Lani said while fidgeting in her purse. Oh, so you are a lawyer? It seems to fit you nicewith y our non
threatening yet sharp demeanor! Junya said wittingly. If that is the best you can do for a compliment, you better work harder! It is going to take more than that to win me over lovhere is my card, you have time to think bout it, okay! Lani said. Lani reached over to Junya and handed him a business card with her office address and its phone number on it. Junya noticed her cellular number was on the card as well. Excuse meDistrict Attorney is the proper titleyou have to excuse my minimal charm dalinIt is early, and a lot is rushing through my mental right bout nowI will call you at Do not tell me when, Lani interrupted. Just make sure you call. I told you Im freed up at 7.15. Let me know where you will be, and I will be sure to meet you. And do not let it be here, for this place is a dump! But the food is alright though. Lani said with a horizontal smile expression on her face. At that, Lani leaned over and kissed Junya on the bottom of his lips; Lani was a lot shorter than Junya, even in her high heel shoes. She waved bye to him without looking back, pushed the doors open of the diner, and hopped into her BMW coupe, peeling out of the parking lot. Junya placed the business card in the chest pocket of his jean jacket, and left the diner, watching his new friend drive off into the congested streets of the city. Had already eaten and called his girlfriend Khevasiah, Junya found himself in a shit. He did not know where he was, and he was not sure if he would be able to meet with Lani, only because knowing himself, he would have
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met back up with Khevasiah and been on his way back to Connecticut. Junya could not think of the handling of this situation in regards to how Khevasiah thinks, because he did not know where she was, or what the fuck she was doing that was so important she literally left him for dead outside a foreign night club. Junya contemplated about getting to the train station and hopping the Metro North back to New Haven, where he could link up with some of his homeboys, and eventually come back to NYC around 5pm. It was 8:43am, and Junya was pressed for time: he had to make moves. Junya reached into his front pants pocket and pulled out the waad of cash he had been contributing to throughout the NYC excursions stops. Twenty threetwenty fourtwenty fivetwtwenty seven dollars! Thats it! Junya scolded to himself. How the fuck did I spend so much money so quick? Junya pulled a napkin off of the dispenser at the diner counter. In his other pocket, he pulled out a pen. Junya usually carried more than one pen with him: he used one for writing down little notes, phone numbers, and as a lender in the event someone near him needed to write something down. The other pen was dedicated solely for his writing raps. He never lent it out, not even to write down a fly lady phone number; it was strictly for the raps. Junya then started guestimating the amount of money he has spent since they left Connecticut. Damnthat is about right. Junya said under his breath. The first thing Junya figured to do was to find out how much a ticket to New Haven would cost. He knew being in cabs all day in the city would run him well over his budget, and he did not have any other source of dollars. His clothes were bloody, so he could not sell them, he lost his cell phone, and his chain would not get him much money, considering he bought it in NYC in the first place. Junya was not good at begging, so standing outside with a hand out was not in his plans; besides, the man standing outside the diner had already
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beat him to it. Junya stood up from the stool and walked out into the parking lot of the diner. He saw a young black man walking to his car. Hey yo, yo holmsyo, can you tell me where the train station is? Junya said from across the parking lot. The man looked back in Junyas direction, then turned around to get in his car, then drove off. Damn Junya said reluctantly. Junya then saw a heavy set black woman walking slowly to her car. She had a large black bag near her leg, dragging it along with her. Excuse me Miss, do you need a hand with that? Junya asked politely. Sure, here, take it if you think you can manage! The woman said
delightedly. Dont meet to many nice, handsome gentlemen around these parts, you must not be from around here, huh? The woman said while looking at Junya in his eyes. The woman reached into her pocket and pulled out a $20.00 dollar bill and extended her hand out to Junya. Here, for your troubles boothis is all I can afford right now, and I do not intend on taking your money Miss, I just saw a woman who needed a hand, and I extended my strong ones! Junya said flirtatiously. Junya looked at the woman and noticed that she had on a shimmering diamond ring. She also had a tattoo on her arm of a heart with a name inscribed in cursive. The bag she was dragging was heavy, but it was not too heavy for Junya to lift into the trunk of the womans car. But I insist lovehere, there is a lot where that came from, trust! She said with a snicker on her face. You alright? Why you all cut up on your pretty face boy? You need a place to stay? The woman took her hand and touched Junya on his face, then followed her hand down to Junyas chest. Actually, I need to get to the train station. I am from Connecticut, and yo boy is lost right now. Do you know how to get there from here? Junya spoke to the woman. Junya knew that the woman was nice enough to give him a drive
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down there, but he did not know what expectations the woman had of him. Junya stared at the womans cleavage from her tight fitting blouse. Of course I know where it isare you in a rush? The woman said with a smile. Somewhat maam. See, I need to get to New Haven and me New Haven? Oh, that aint but a hop, skip, and a thump from here. I have the day off today, I have to make a couple stops, and I can take you, if you really want me to. It is no sweat off mywell, lets just say that I will not have any problems taking care of you boy The woman said with a seductive breath at the end of her sentence. The woman then pressed the power lock on her car and opened her door. She placed her purse on the back seat, and looked back at Junya. Are you gonna stand there, or are you gonna come for a ride? Yes, I will come. Let me just use the phone one more time right quick. Okay The woman said with a confused look on her face. Junya ran back inside of the diner and plopped coins down the slot of the pay phone to call Khevasiah back. The phone rung and rung, but no one picked up. Junya hung up the phone before the 5th ring, so that the answering machine did not pick up. Junya was running out of coins, and there was no phone number where Junya could be reached if he left her a message. Junya rushed outside of the diner and looked for the woman, but she was gone.
Chapter V
The train was hollowed of passengers as Junya sat near the rear car of the Metro North Express back to New Haven. Junya figured he would at least be able to link up with one of his peoples to get some change of clothes and money, maybe even get the chance to spark a blunt and mix it up with some of the honeys out there: after all, it was summer. The ride seemed long for Junya; being
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his first time on a train from NYC. Junya kept his face out the window and gazed at all of the tall buildings and a large lake as the train swept across the state onto his home one. As the train made stops into different cities, virtually no one got on the train. Attention all passengers The conductor shouted over the loudspeaker. I am your conductor for this morning, and due to the layover in Stanford, I will be taking a half hour break, and will presume into Bridgeport, and New Haven. Please feel free to depart from your car, and return at 10:30am. Junya got off of the train and went to the pay phone. He called Kholi, one of his best friends out in New Haven. Kholi was a playboy who lived in the roughest projects of the city. His car had 20 inch rims, and he always had two or three women at all times when he was on the road. Kholi and Junya went to the same school, and were even in the same classes together. Out of the whole crew, Kholi was the thug. He was known to keep iron as a youngster, where he and his old gang constantly had shootouts with other gangs. One time at a party that Kholi and Junya attended, Kholi pistol whipped a guy for player hating on him: Junya and Kholi were talking with some women, and the man came over and pulled one of the women by the arm into his car. The woman obviously did not want to be bothered, even though she knew him. Kholi grabbed her back, and the man pulled a knife out on Kholi. Kholi showed his gun, and the man dropped the knife and tried to run into his car. Kholi grabbed him by the back of his shirt and threw him to the ground. Junya started stomping him, and Kholi hit the man in his face with the handle of his gun: Kholi and Junya ended up having a freak fest with those women that night. Kholi had graduated a year ahead of Junya, and found himself steady work for the city of New Haven. Whenever Kholi and Junya hung out, things were so unpredictable. It was Kholi that hooked Junya up with Khevasiah, because Junya was too fucking timid to go up to her and say anything. Kholi was also the one who would take Junya out
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on wild excursions involving many women, a hell of weed, and usually jealous onlookers. Hello, I am not available at this time, please leave your name Dangthis dude not picking up, he probably still sleeping Junya said to himself. Hey Kholi, what the deal, this is Junya. I am at the Stanford train station right now, and I am on my way to New Haven. I will explain the whole dealings when I get there. Meet me at Union Station in about an hour. Aight yo, once. Junya figured that Kholi was busy doing something that disallowed him access to the phone. Kholi was always involved with something. His matters were often kept private from Junya, but when the two hung out, shit went down proper. Junya walked towards the magazine rack in the train station and stood in line to purchase a candy bar. While in line, Junya noticed a magazine with a familiar face on the cover. The man who he had hit over the head with
champagne was the famous rapper who had held the party in his favor that night at the club. Huhsmall ass world, I tell you Junya said to himself. All aboard for Bridgeport and New Haven, now leaving Gate 7, once again Oh shit, that is my train! Junya said out loud. Junya tossed the candy bar back on the shelf and ran up the stairs to the train. No matter how many times Junya had been to New Haven, being on the train, he never saw anything that looked familiar. Throughout his years of knowing Kholi, he had gone to New Haven numerous times, and into numerous spots, but he never saw these sights. It almost looked like the country: large plots of grass and houses; it could not have been the same New Haven. When the train stopped, Junya looked above the luggage compartment above his head, and sure enough, found a purse. There was no one near him that the purse could
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have belonged to, so Junya balled up the strap and carried it like it was a small briefcase in the palm of his hand. Junya went into the mens room and searched through the bag. The only thing that was in the purse was makeup, tissue, and a college ID; no money. Junya washed off the bag in the sink and dumped it in the trash before he thought anyone saw him. Junya sat on the bench in-between a donut shop and a sandwich shop. Whenever he caught the train from Hartford, he would always wait in the same spot. It kept a view of both entrances, as well as the entrances from the crosstown busses and the trains. He saw everyone that came in the terminal, and everyone that left out. He also got a good view of the honeys that came through there every so often. Thirty five minutes had passed since Junya got off of the train from NYC, yet he had not seen any sign of his friend Kholi. His clothes were still all fucked up from the fight, and his appearance could not have been any better. He had not brushed his teeth, nor seen a bath, and he knew that funk would become a factor soon enough. Junya looked at himself while he sat down in the train station and started to self evaluate his situation: Here he was, back in Connecticut, and he did not know where his girlfriend was. He broke night trying to find her, only to be nearly kidnapped by a cab driver. He snuck past a nurse in the hospital, giving up his position to someone who really needed it, and then he bagged a fine ass attorney all while looking like a decrepit bum. Now he is waiting, depending on his good friend to do what good friends do in a situation of such crisis and look out for him. The only problem was that Kholi was no where to be found, and Junya was waiting, expecting Kholi to show up on the strength of friendship. I will give him another half hour Junya said quietly to himself. If he is not here in the next half, I will call Lani early and ask her to pick me up from thenah. I will wait another hour, this dude could be at work or something, and
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Lani said she was busy until 7:15pm. If I call her now, it will seem like I am sweating hon Junya reached into his pants pocket and pulled out just enough change to make another phone call. Junya only had $30.00, including the dub that the woman at the diner gave him. He would have to break his $10.00 bill just to make another call. The train ticket back to NYC was $30.00 even. If he did not get a hold of Kholi, he would either go back to NYC on his own; bloody clothes and all, or just call it a life and head back into Hartford, where he knew he could get a nice bath, a warm meal, clean clothes, and everything else his sorry stay-athome ass would benefit from: comfort. Hello, I am not available at this time, please leave your name Damn! Shit! Junya yelled out loud. The top of his hand banged down on the top of the pay phone. Yo Kholi, this is Junya, yo boy in a mother fucking jam right now. I am straight out of cashish, and I am bloodied the fuck up out here in front of people. Khevasiah left me out in the city, and I had caught the train The phone had cut off. Either Junya had been talking too long, or he spoke too soft. Junya sat back down on the bench and contemplated his options. He felt around in his other pants pockets to see if he could uncover any other money. He found a dollar, and some loose coins, enough for two more phone calls. On top of the ten bucks, Junya was really seeing himself in a financial predicament. Another hour had passed, and Kholi had not shown his face at the train station. Junya knew that he did not miss him, for the view from his seat did not allow it. The entire time of waiting totaled around 2 hours. It was 1:00pm, and the next bus heading into Hartford would be leaving in 7 minutes. Junya looked at a bus schedule, and calculated that he could go back to Hartford, freshen up, get more money, and come back to NYC via the train: no depending
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on Kholi, Khevasiah, or anyone else for that matter. Junya stood up and started to walk over towards the Ticket depot when he heard a loud noise. Yeaoh! What da mother fucking deal my nigga! A short dark skinned man wearing a blue t-shirt that showed his large gold medallion on a Cuban link chain screamed across the terminal. Kholis callout was so obvious, the security guard halted a conversation he was having with a utility worker and looked in the direction of Kholi. Oh shitwhat a goan staar! I was just about to You wasnt bout to do shit! How you gonna ask yo nigga to do you a favor then try to bail, heh? Sense does that make? Kholi said as he extended his hand forward. Kholi and Junya had a special hand shake that they did every time they saw each other. No matter who was looking, or what type of event, they always did the hand shake. What the fuck happened to you yo! Who did this shit to you! Kholi said in disgust as he looked closely at Junya. He noticed the swelling under Junyas eye, and he had scratches on his face. He saw blood all over Junyas jacket and pants, and Junya looked awful to him. Yo, lets roll out and I will tell Hell fucking no! You show me where dem niggas is at right now, and we gonna handle this godthere must have been 20 of t hem niggas or something, huhwhy the fuck you looking stupid for nigga, what happened? Kholi reached behind his back and pulled out a .35 caliber pistol and cocked it back. A woman walking past him and saw the shiny object and started As soon as people heard the screaming,
screaming out loud in the lobby.
everyone started to run around the train station in panic. A security guard that was ducking behind a door in one of the restaurants radioed for police backup; his walkie-talkie blaring. Them niggas better not fuck with my nigga! That is my mother fucking word! Let some sucka ass nigga confront my nigga, he gonna feel this steel!
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Kholi roared at the height of his lungs while waving his gun around. He looked at Junya, then cracked a smile. He looked around and saw the security guard shivering with the walkie-talkie behind the glass door. Relax copperI aint gonna shoot nobody! Kholi squinted as he placed the small gun behind him. Junya started walking towards the exit of the train station. He noticed that there was no one else in the car. Junya sat down in the back of the rimmed up vehicle, and stretched his legs out across the seat. Yo Kholi manme and Khevasiah went to The City last night, to this club Damn, you went all the way to NYC with her on a Thursday night? Just to go to some club, wha Listen nuh Junya interrupted. Ishe and I went down to the City, she was supposedly scheduled to meet this magazine editor from California. Well, he told her to come to Jersey and So she asked you to go with her, or you went with her? interrupted. Hold on manlet me finish my side It is too like you to be jealous of her Jun. Kholi said with a laughing expression. Ever since you got together, you treat her like she will leave you if you breathe wrong. Back in the day, you used to have chicks like her in their place, either you are loosing your pull, or you need to stop pulling so hard! What you mean by that? Junya said sharply. I remember vividly that night when we first met Khevasiah, at the diner. You could not stop staring at her, and you could not shut your mouth about how good she looked, and what you would do to that ass! All that talking, and you did not even say shit to her until I put you on And I still thank you for that shit too man! Junya said as he extended his fist outward to give Kholi dap. Kholi
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Yea, look at you now, all bloodied up and shit, because of her. You not that dude in the diner sweating her looks anymore holms, she is yours, and she will be for a long time if you learn to stop sweating her looks, and start sweating her heart. How many niggas in the street can tell her she look good? You got a point, but it is not that, she treats me like I am some second hand nigga, especially when it comes to my rhymes. That rap talk again nigga! I didnt know you still did that shit! You really either need to get real serious with that shit, or leave it the fuck alone! You got your paper now, and you can make you some dough and stop fucking around in these streets What you mean take it serious? No, what do YOU mean! Kholi answered sarcastically. When the last time your ass been to the studio? When the last time you been to a show? Did you get an attorney like I suggested to you? Where your whack ass album put you at from last year, huh? Cmon! That new rapper, uhHalftime! He just came out, and he already went multiplatinum! Well, he has been at it for years, and a lot of people do not realize that. I seen holms by the way, when I was out there in NYC! Wordness? Whadid you give him your demo? I did not realize it was him until todayand I aint give that fosse no demo, I hit holms over the head with a champagne bottle You did what! Nigga did you loose your mother fucking mind? What is that shit you smoking, put it out and away right now, cause I do not know what possessed youwhen did all this shit happen? If you let me finish the story, I would have eventually got to that. Basically, Khevasiah was supposed to meet up with the photographer at this club, and Halftime was having his platinum party there. everythingwell, at least she did. I was tagalong and shit. We had VIP and
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Anyway, finish Kholi spoke in response to Junyas self damaging comment. That place was live! So many people, the fly ass chicks there, I saw a couple of them DJs, some rappers, mad cats that we be seeing in videos and shitI went to the bar, brought back some drinks, and next thing I know, to my two own eyes, I see her all over some nigga dick in the VIP. I was calling over to her, and she ignored me like she didnt know me, or even hear mescreaming at her. Well, maybe she did, did you think about that? Who fucking side you on anyway? I thought we was You know we cool, but think about it my niggahere you are, a rapper at a platinum party in a club in NYC with your girl, and she is talking it up with the nigga. Why you want to block her goals to get a possible linkup, or something. She probably knew you were right there, but if you standing there all stupid looking, how she gonna rep for you? You supposed to be on point, and
prepared. You should have just introduced yourself and acknowledged yourself as her man. We are not in school anymore, where we got to fight every dude that look at your chick. Whether wrong or right, you have to be the man in all situations. Kholi took a left turn into the parking lot of the projects. He figured that Junya had a lot more to tell of the story; as he is usually long winded when he is excited about an adventure he went on. He shut the engine off and opened the door. Junya got out of the car and pulled his jacket back on. Junya looked around and saw a group of kids looking at him and Kholi. Hey yo, what up Kholi! One of the kids shouted. What the deal little manyall little niggas chilling? Yeahey Kholi? When you gonna let me drive your bitch magnet
man? Another one of the kids shouted. He looked taller than the other boy, but young nonetheless.
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When you hook me up with your sister, ha ha! Kholi said as he walked up the breezeway into his apartment. Who datyour brother Kholi? Another one of the kids asked. The kid was blowing smoke out of a cigarette while twirling a knife around in his other hand. You god damn right thats my brother nigga! And put that pussy ass knife away before you cut your damn self! Ha ha! Kholi responded. Although Kholi lived in the projects, his apartment looked something out of How Im Living. All of his furniture was leather, he had a plasma flat screen television hanging on the wall, with wires hanging down connecting all of the major video game systems. He had an entertainment system with surround speakers that happened to be playing Halftimes new CD. The coffee table was made of glass and it housed a glass chess board. Every piece of furniture was colored black. Kholi had the ultimate bachelor pad. Welcome to my dumpyou aint been through in a minute, huh? Kholi asked Junya. Wordness, I didnt know it was popping like this! Whats been going on man? Working, what the fuck else? I earn some surplus, I splurge on myself. My kids get the most of it, child support and all that bureaucratic shit! You know, I was about to purchase another whip, then they cut my hours at work, and I got to roll with that shit for a few more minutes At least you whipping, shit, I am still at home with Moms, still have to put up with my brothers them hogging the phoneand Yo Junya! Can you hold on a mother fucking minute Kholi snapped at Junya. Kholi went into the kitchen and pressed the button on his answering machine for his messages. A few women asked him to get up later, and his job had called him in to work that night.
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Where is the bathroom god? Junya asked while walking through the apartment. Kholi held up one finger as to shush Junya, for Kholi was still listening to the message from his job. He had to be into work at 5pm to cover for someone that called out sick, and there was some specialized documentation that Kholi had to adhere to before he showed up at the workplace. Cmon, look mother fucker, the bathroom right in front of you! Kholi snapped while he kept his finger in the air. There are towels in the shelf to your immediate right. Do not use any of them light colored shits, those belong to the Mrs. Kholi said as he pointed in the direction of the bathroom. No doubt my nigga Junya said as he walked to the restroom. Hurry up! You heard my job called, and them bitches want to link up, you down? I dont know. Junya said as the bathroom door closed behind him. Junya turned on the light and saw a few roaches scatter into the cracks in between the sink and the wall. Junya twitched as he removed his jacket off of his hurt arm: the pain in his side had come back. Junya looked in disgust as he felt along the side of his ribs where he was kicked. There were raised abrasions and black and blue marks. Junya realized that his ribs were not broken, but they were bruised really badly due to the hard kicks. Junya felt good to have some water running over his cuts and bruises. After 10 minutes, Junya got out the bathroom. Yo god, you got a shirt a nigga can rock? It might be a little bit on the miniature side! Kholi hollered from across the apartment. Where at? Hold up, Kholi said while he held the phone to his ear. He was calling the women back that left messages on his machine. Kholi walked into his
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bedroom and grabbed a shirt off of a pile of clothes near the laundry. He threw it over to Junya as he awaited the party on the other lines' to response. Hello, is this Tyrah? Oh, okay, can you tell her that Kholi
calledKholiyesthank yougood bye. That is zero for two, and I am going to see if this one is available. I think you met her before! Remember that time we was out in that club near Middletown, and we met them two cream teamers? Oh, those chicks? back? Nah, Kholi said in a slick tone. This is her friend. One day when you was in jail, you know, tied up with Khevasiah, I needed a role dog to make that trip with me to see the cream teamers we met that nightwell, let me say, that I met. Anyway, I could not find anyone, so I went out there solo. When I got there, she was not there, but her friend was! I had asked to wait inside, but she said no, because she was living there with the bitch I was supposed to see. She saw the whip, and asked if that was me. I told her yea, she told me to hold on. She came back outside with a blunt and a mixed drink in a dark cup, I guess shorty was drinking the whole time! She got in the whip, we spun around the block for a few minutes, and she blessed your boy! Wordness? Head in the whip? Junya asked inquisitively. Yea, a little of that too. I pulled over on some back street, and rizzed it! She then told me it was getting late, and her friend that I was supposed to meet was excited about seeing me again. I told her to get out the car and walk so her friend would not be suspicious, but her friend wasnt that dizzy. She had just got back as I dropped her friend off, and she put two and two together. When I got to the door, she did not answer. All I heard was fuck you asshole! Well, she had kicked the girl out the apartment for fucking with me, but now she got her own little spot. You is a slick nigga yo! Junya said proudly. Well, what is the deal with NYC? Do you think you can shoot me out that way? I thought they was shunning niggas? She called
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NYChmmwell, I got to be in at work. Any other time, I would be right on it! I have to be in at work in less than 3 hours. If I head out there, I will not make it back. Besides, I told you I am trying to see this bitch before I go in! Cant manage that NYC troop right now yo. Junya gave a still look as if Kholi was going to immediately change his mind. Kholi started to dial the number of the girl he intended to see before he went in to his job. Junya looked up at the time, and saw that it was 3:15. There was no way that Junya was going to get a ride into the city. Going back to Hartford was not an option on the top of his list, but nonetheless, he still had a problem with his finances. Hey Kholi? What do you want yo? Kholi suspected by the way Junya asked the question. Let yo boy use the whip while you at work? You get off at midnight, right? Damn godI would, butlets seeI get off of work at 11:00pm actually, and you just got to meet up with Khevasiah, right? Junya paused in his response. At this point, he was not sure really as to why he wanted to go back to NYC. Khevasiah had already dissed him. He had no money, no copies of his CD, nor did he have any knowledge of where Khevasiah was. If anything, the primary objective on Junyas mind was to link up with Lani, the lawyer from the diner, before she long and forgot about him. Khevasiah had to come back to Connecticut eventually, and if she really gave a damn about Junya, she would make the effort after her weekend of partying ceased. You cant drive stick, can you? Kholi asked as if he answered the question for Junya. Nah, not really. I have driven before, but
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I will ask you again, can you drive stick, or cant you? Kholi asked again, this time with the keys in his hands looking square into Junyas face. It will only be into the city, you know I am good with cars. Remember that time I drove us home after that party up in Mass? We was both tore down that night. We are not talking about bushy ass Mass, we are talking about pretty City, The Big Apple: NYC. You really got to be on your best driving out there god. Are you sure? Kholi had an expression of worry on his face. He knew Junya did not know how to drive his car, but he wanted Junya to be honest with him. You know what, I wont even risk it yoI would be better off getting the train. Besides, this newness chick wants to meet me tonight This chickwho, Khevasiah? Kholi asked relieved as he placed his car keys back on the glass coffee table. Not Khevas, the chick I met out in NYC. She a lawyer and shit, push a BMW, woman was right! Yea, we all know how that story goes, and unfortunately, how it ends up as well. If you trying to go to the city to impress some chick in my whip, you better off taking a picture in front of that mother fucker, or sit in the drivers side at the light when I take your ass up there! Shit! Not in my car! Kholi said as he gave off a laugh. Well, on the real, I have no cashish. If you could toss me a dub spot, I will hit you back Dont worry about getting me back, but all I can slide you is this pound, I told you they cut my hours, and shit, with these mother fucking bills, shit is getting crucial right about now. Thanks. Junya said as he took the $5.00 out of Kholis hand. Yo, dont get upset, but how comes you never have any money when you leave out anywhere?
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I keep my dough stashed in the spot my nigga, I have a bad habit of spending Damn man, have you no self control? You knew you was going to NYC, and all you brought with you was a measly $40.00 bucks? Nah, I brought damn near a century, and me and Khevasiah went out to dinner, and You see you! Dont give me that bullshit about you had money, and you went to eat, and now you broke! Kholi said while raising his voice. Kholis temper started to get hot against Junya. A woman like Khevasiah is high class! If the two of you are going out, why you gonna leave your money at home? You think just because you dont bring it with you, you wont spend it? You a cheap ass, even to your own family! What the fuck you talking bout yo! Junya said, raising his voice also. How you keeping money in your mothers house, talking about you dont want to spend it! What the fuck you saving it for anyway? A house? A car? Oh, I knowyou saving it for another demo! All for what? Huh? Nothing, absolutely nothing! You need to stop bitching about the little that you got and get more yo! They dont make niggas like us anymore; niggas with brains, and something to offer this world. How the fuck is anyone gonna know of your supposed greatness if you locked up in the fucking house with your mother! You aint got no kids god, no kidsyou see me? You see the car and this crib, and think a nigga living, but I am trapped. I cannot get up and just do some shit! I am living life for real! This aint the campus no more dude. If you do not make some real fucking moves in whatever you doing, Khevasiah, sorry to say, is gonna leave your ass for a nigga like me, a nigga who got his even though shit is fucked up for a nigga. And do not ever say I didnt say to you this! If loaning me the $5.00 bucks is gonna be such a bother, here, take it back! Junya reached into his pocket for the $5.00 dollar bill, but pulled out the $20.00 dollar bill instead.
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Hear yourself now godthis whole time, I am trying to learn yo u something about this mother fucking real life shit, and you talking about a bitch ass five dollars! That aint enough to wipe my daughters asses with! I am talking about some mother fucking cake, not that sweet shit you eat either, some money, muneaca, dinero, dollars, bucks, cheddar, cashish, whatever the fuck you want to call it! The money you make is yours! Who or what you saving it for, a rainy day? Well let the Lord wet the earth today, because you need to start representing, crew style. Honestly, you the Grand Wizard out the whole shit, but you do not have shit showing! I rememberI remember back in school, chicks used to sweat your ass, but they did not fuck with you because your dough was funny. I mean, how you gonna take a chick to the movies, or to dinner, or any of that other bullshit just to get to them draws? You do not have to worry about it right now, but think about it holmsyou got a wifee, and pretty soon, she gonna be looking to you to buy that land, and your own vehicle, not off the strength of her. She got her own money, her money longer than her damn hair! But she still needs your intelligence, your clean record, and overall for you to start showing you love her by busting your ass to get you a piece of this fucked up world we living in. Kholi placed the phone down and he opened the apartment door. Junya walked towards the kitchen and looked inside the refrigerator. Use that pound and buy you some food nigga! Straight up! After all that shit I talked you, you act hard of listening! You got a problem with me right now yo! Junya said, aggravated at Kholi scolding him. Yes, and it is you, my best friend. You are letting things slip away, all because you feel you have to do something without no real plans to itand on the real, I bet you there is no cause for it! Honestly, why do you think Khevasiah duffed you last night? Kholi asked sincerely to Junya.
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She was being a bitch as usual. Junya answered under his breath, as to acknowledge Kholis side of the argument. You know you was in the wrong, showing off as promised. Now you feel you have something to prove by going out to NYC to go meet up with some lawyer bitch in a nice car to get even with Khevasiah! PsstI do not know yo Is your cell phone free right now? Let me try to call her. Junya walked over to the living room and picked up Kholis cellular phone and started dialing Khevasiahs cellular phone number. The phone kept ringing until the answering machine picked up. Hurry up! Kholi said to Junya. Khevasiah, this is your man, remember me, Junya? I am in New Haven right now, chilling with Kholi. I hope you are really enjoying yourself, and I mean really. Being a bitch will get you nowhere, no matter how much money you have! Junya pushed the pound button on the cellular phone, where a prompt asked if he wanted to send the message. Junya looked up at Kholi, then pressed the button indicating to cancel the message. Junya hung up the phone and stepped outside of the apartment.
Chapter VI
Here we are! Kholi said with a vow of relief in his voice. Yo, better hurry up, the next train leaves in negative two minutes Kholi pressed the power lock button to open the passenger side of the car. Junya looked in the back seat, then looked up at Kholi while putting his hand on the handle to open the door. I hope shit go strizz with that cream teamer KholiYou sure she do not have a friend for For what? Kholi interrupted. I am running late as it is! Be happy I brought you to the train stationI could have left you at the spot!
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Well, I do not mind! I am down to do whatever yowhere these chicks from again? Junya took his foot from out in between the open car door and started to close himself inside. Yo, you really need to make your mind up, and quick! Are you going, or are you staying? Kholi said angrily. Kholi put the vehicle in park and turned the stereo down. His cellular phone was ringing. It was the woman he was expecting to meet before he went in to work. HelloI am on my wayI know, I am sorry, I have my boy with me, and I wasohHey, I wanted to know, do you have a friend foryea, he can get girls on his ownNo, no, I am not saying you are like thatokay, okay, I will talklet me call you right back! Kholi hung up the cellular phone and glanced at Junya. See, you always do this to me! Kholi had an angry look on his face; angrier than before when Junya seemed to change his mind about leaving. It aint my fault if she with the bullshit, just left her and be about your way yo Junya, get out! What? Junya had a puzzled look on his face. He looked at Kholi and saw he was very serious in what he had just said to him. Let this be the last time I ever go through this! Get the fuck out of my car, and word is born, if you do not, we is gonna have a large problem! Oh, its like that? Have it your way! Kholi got out of the drivers side of the car and walked around to the passenger side door. Kholi opened the door and pulled Junya out of the car, threw him to the ground, and sped off. Junya stood up in disbelief, as he looked around to see a crowd looking onto the whole maneuver. Junya brushed
himself off and walked into the train station and started to wait for the Metro North going back to NYC. It was 4:10pm, and Junya was late, for the train was
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scheduled to leave at that exact time. Junya ran down to the departure gate, and got on the train right before it pulled out. Junya was the last passenger to get on the train. Junya had not slept since he left for NYC, not even during the drive with Khevasiah, because even she needed a watchful eye on the road while she drove. Junya sat down in a seat next to a window, and decided to shut his eyes during the long train ride. Junya, is that you, yeah! What the deal yo! A voice said from the rear of the trains car. A Hispanic man got up out of his seat and sat next to Junya in his seat. HuhwhaJosue? Oh shit, what up holms? Junya said disoriented. He looked up and dapped hands with the man sitting next to him in his seat. Going to the cityI feel you on that shit! Thats where its at yo! What you going up there foryou still rhyme right? Josue asked as he fondled through pieces of paper in his hand: they looked like rhymes. Josue spoke fast: he did not allow Junya to answer any questions. Yea, I still rhyme, but what up with you yo? What you going out to the city for? You be rhyming? I never knew that! Oh, I been rapping since I was like 3 years old man! I am going to this studio to meet Halftimes manager. He gonna give me a deal! I got to meet him at the Mercedes dealership. He gonna buy me a Benz, and all that shit yo! Josue said to Junya excitedly. Junya remembered Josue from college. Josue was in a couple of Junyas classes, but had known each other through one of Junyas better friends. Josue was notorious for fabricating stories; everything from the women he slept with, to his conquests involving money, traveling, and now, it seemed to be about music. There was never any mystery behind it; his stories were so blatantly false that it was so easy to tell that he was lying. In college Junya thought he did it to impress the ladies and get attention, but it never worked, not even back then.
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Oh, word? That means you gonna get me a deal when you get yours, right! Junya said sarcastically. Oh, no doubt! As a matter of fact, you was the first person that I was gonna call, right after I got back from NYC! What ever happened to your cousin, the producer for that mult i platinum Latin rap group, Trouble? Did you give them my demo? Oh, yea, I did, but he said that he would call me back, because they was in Puerto Rico when I called. I spoke to them yesterday, but they with the bullshit manI wouldnt even mess with them Bullshit? They about to release a new CD in about a month! I could have been on that! I gave you that CD months ago, before summer even started! I know, but I have been mad busy! I just did a song with them, and they told me it was going to be on the album A song with who? Junya asked as if he knew the answer. Trouble I thought you just said that they with the bullshit? Yeabut yo, they hotI got to use the bathroom, I will be right back Junya figured Josue was bullshitting in regards to his stories. Josue
walked to the front of the train, and did not return back to speak with Junya. A few minutes later, Junya went back to sleep.
Chapter VII
The train had stopped. Junya woke up from his sleep and looked around and noticed the entire train was dark. He turned his head behind him, to hear murmurs of other passengers sitting in the seats behind him. Junya felt around for the seat handle and proceeded to walk up to the front cars. A hand grabbed him on his shoulder, and pulled him down.
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Sir, we are going to have to ask you to remain seated as we wait for the train to restore power. A man wearing a uniform instructed to Junya. What happened, did we crash? Junya asked. Well, no, but unfortunately, there was a man on the tracks, and the train lost power when it ran over him, so we are asking all the passengers to remain calm and to stay seated. It should be a few minutes. The man said as he walked to the front car. DamnJunya said to himself. Junya sat back down and rested his head against the trains window. Its a damn shame what happened to that kid! A male voice hollered from the rear of the train. He jumped on the damn tracks while the train was moving! Another male voice exclaimed. Some people just dont value lifeI bet he had everything going for him. A womans voice said. How the fuck we know what he did or didnt do, or what he had going on that caused him to do what he did! For all we know, he could have been pushed! Junya said angrily. Who knows what time it is? What does it fucking matter what time it is? You in a rush, tell the conductor! We all need to get somewhere kid, next time watch your manners. Whats up your ass anyway? A different male voice spoke. Who the fuck you talking to like that yo! Junya responded. Junya was already agitated at the fact that his best friend literally threw him out on the street. All he kept thinking about was the reason behind him going back to NYC in the first place. Junya got out of his chair and walked towards the direction where the voice came from. Which one of you bitch ass niggas said that shit! Junya said with his fists clenched.
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That didnt come from no nigga, nigger! The male voice spoke. The man stood up from his chair and pushed Junya. Oh, you one of them racists mother fuckers, huh! Junya said. Junya kept his balance, for the man was but a little man; Junya reached in front of him and grabbed the mans shirt. The man started swinging violently, scre aming while doing so, but did not land a single punch. Junya grabbed him and
slammed him to the trains floor, then started kicking him. Ouch! A female voice exclaimed. A woman was sitting in a chair next to where the man was on the floor. Will you two knock it off! Jees! For crying out loud you cannot even see the guy! Please, guys, it is too dark to be fighting! Just stop it, please! Junya moved away from the area where the man was lying on the floor. Junya started to hustle towards the front car of the train, but bumped into the conductor. Excuse me. Junya said instinctively. Oh, sorry sir. A man said as he opened a flashlight onto Junya. They are fighting back here sir! The woman whom had been kicked shouted. The conductor flashed the flashlight in the direction of the woman. He then shined the flashlight onto the floor, and saw a man lying on the floor holding his side. At that time, Junya had already made his way towards the front of the train. Is anyone sitting here? Junya said out in the air. He was feeling around for a new seat, and he did not want to sit on top of anyone. Since he heard no response, he patted the seat with his hand, and then sat down. May I have your attention please, a voice over the intercom spoke. It was the conductor. We are on standby to receive a power up, and will be back
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running within the next five minutes. I ask you all to please remain seated until the power is restored. The train had gained its power back, and it started moving again. Junya looked around him and noticed that there were only two other people on the train car where he was. Junya looked at his watch, and noticed that it was a little after 6:00pm. He figured that it would be less than an hour before the train got into NYC. Sitting in his chair, Junya started to contemplate his next move. Getting into NYC, he would not have much time to maneuver around in order to meet Lani. Khevasiah could have been anywhere, either back in Connecticut, or still partying up in the city. Khevasiah could have gone down to New Jersey for all Junya knew. The more Junya thought about it, Junya got hot. Junya felt around in his pants pocket and pulled out the business card with Lanis contact numbers on it. hyphenated. She is married? Junya asked to himself. Junya started to feel really stupid. His purpose of going back to the city in the first place was to eventually get back at Khevasiah by doing something with Lani. If Lani was being coif with her approach, the possibility of getting back at Khevasiah was grand. However, if she was just being flirtatious, in an attempt to pitch her business, Junya would be in NYC for nothing. He did not know where Khevasiah was, but what was worse, his money was practically done. He could not afford to get a train back into Hartford, so Junya found himself silently depending on Lani and Khevasiah. He knew eventually he had to meet back with Khevasiah. The train stopped, and Junya got off, immediately hopping a cab back to the club where him and Khevasiah went to the night before. When he got there, he saw Khevasiahs yellow Land Rover in the parking spot. Could you wait here a moment? Junya asked the cab driver. It a crisp nuh brethren! The Rasta cab driver spoke in a patois dialect. He read the card and noticed that Lanis last name was
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Junya walked up to the SUV and noticed that there was a piece of paper in the windshield wiper. Junya dismissed it as a parking ticket, but then he looked closer and noticed it was a note. Junya picked up the note, but the wet weather had washed out the ink. Ikeysbe? Junya read to himself as he tried to make out the note. Junya saw that an arrow was drawn on the piece of paper, and it was pointing down towards the ground. What the? Junya thought to himself. What the hell is this supposed to mean? Junya started to look on the ground around the large yellow vehicle. As Junya crouched on the ground to look around, he heard a loud horn beeping. At first, Junya thought it was the alarm, and started to panic. He looked up to see the cab driver pull off. Shit! Junya said as he stomped his foot to the ground. When he did that, Junya noticed that there was an ornament he remembered belonging to Khevasiahs exquisite key chain. Khevasiah was in love with the color yellow, and he noticed a Tweedy Bird on the ground. This chick hid the keys behind the wheel, is she fucking crazy! Junya said to himself. Junya felt truly blessed at this moment. Here he thought his girlfriend left him for dead, but then she left him the keys to her precious SUV. Although Junya thought it was stupid of her to do, he unlocked the door and got inside. Junya instantly noticed that there were a few copies of his demo CD on the passenger seat, and another piece of paper was underneath the stack of them. He read the paper to say it was a business contact number, possibly from the men she was with the night prior. So, she was putting me on all along! Junya reasoned to himself. Junya snapped into a mind set where he found himself forgiving Khevasiah. He still did not understand why she had left him outside of the club. Junya looked at his watch, and noticed that it was 7:15pm on the dot. Junya
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looked in the ashtray for some coins, then ran across the street to the payphone and called Lani.
Chapter VIII
Hello, JunyaI thought for sure you would have forgotten about me. Lani responded to Junya over the phone. How could I forget about your sexy ass? I would have lost all the brain cells in my skull to do such a thought! Junya said in a low tone of voice. Oh, you The Mack like that heh? Lani said distinctively. Hold on a moment Lani placed Junya on hold. Junya started to look around, and he saw some kids looking in the window of the SUV. One of the kids placed their hands on the passenger side window. The kid then pulled open the passenger door and took a CD off of the seat. Hey! Get the fuck away from my truck! Junya yelled from across the street. He dropped the phone and ran across the street, just to see the kids scatter in different directions. Junya hopped in the SUV and parked it next to the pay phone. He picked up the receiver, to see that Lani still had him on hold. Helloare you still there? Lani blurted out. Damn Miss, or is it Mrs., Junya responded. Well, arent we observant! Lani said in a light breathy voice. Actually, I am officially divorced. Did you forget about our date? Junya took a moment to think before he responded to Lanis question about their date. Junya now had Khevasiahs SUV, and it meant that she had to still be in NYC, expecting him to call her and pick her up, since she left him the note. As Junya saw it, he had the ultimate of an upper hand in this situation. Lani was waiting to see him, and Khevasiah left him the keys to the Land Rover. Lani,
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Yes Junya, what is it honey? I am in front of club Fantasy. I know where that is. Crisp, Junya said. Then how soon can you meet me? Sooner than you think love Lani responded in the same breathy tone. But what do you have on? Oh, so it is my looks that you forget! Junya said. I am long, black, and very standoffish. And how is being standoffish look? Lani asked. Very carefully! Junya said slowly, then took a pause. I will be looking out for youokay? Okay. Lani said. Junya turned around and parked the SUV in front of Club Fantasy. Junya shut off the engine, but kept the radio on. The kid that opened the door had stolen a copy of his demo CD. The kids must have thought that the rapper was famous; there being so many copies of his CD on the seat. Junya took up a copy and put it in the CD player. He cranked up the radio almost all the way up, and watched the passer-byers walking. Once they heard the music, they would inquire as to who it was. Junya rolled down the passenger and rear windows, then reclined the driver seat back. If one were to look, they would see the TVs in the SUV, as well as hear the new music. As Junyas demo played, he saw a crew of young ladies walk by, looking inside of the bright yellow Land Rover. One of the women made eye contact with Junya, and Junya started to smile; Junya knew he was flossing. When the women walked passed, the main door of the club had opened. The same large Hispanic man that pointed Junya in the direction of the coffee shop after he got jumped started to walk up to the SUV. May you explain to me what the hell you are doing The Hispanic man said.
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Junya turned the stereo down and looked out the passenger side window. He recognized the man as one of the nicer bouncers at the club. He also
remembered that the same man said he would announce Khevasiahs name to the DJ to find her after seeing that he had been jumped. Oh, heh, what the deal man? Junya said cordially. Am I in a no parking zone or something? The Hispanic man paused before he responded to Junyas question. The man looked up the street, then down the street, then he walked towards the rear of the vehicle. Is this your car? The man asked Junya. Junya recognized that the man was being very inquisitive about Junya. Here he was in the front of the same club that showed him no respect from when him and Khevasiah had first got there, now one of who seemed to be the nicest of the security was playing police. He either recognized that the SUV had been sitting outside of the club, and now it was occupied, or he recognized it as belonging to Khevasiah. What do you mean, is this my car? Well, excuse me for being intrusive, but were you not the gentleman from the other night? Yea, I am the same guy Junya responded simply. I thoughoh, never mind. What? You are in a no parking area. You cannot park here until after 8:00pm. Can you move your vehicle, sir? The Hispanic man said. He then turned his back and walked back inside of the club. Junya was very suspicious of the Hispanic mans actions. At first, the Hispanic man ran up on him like he had busted shots at the club or something! Once he recognized Junya, he acted surprised. Junya put the SUV in gear and drove down to the coffee shop. It did not open until 11:00pm. Junya then hit a
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u-turn and parked across the street next to the pay phone he used earlier. This time, instead of rolling the windows down and cranking the music, Junya kept the engine running, with the windows up, and the music loud enough for him to hear it. Junya noticed the club door open, and the same Hispanic man, this time, accompanied with the other bouncer that gave Junya trouble at the door, were pointing across the street at the Land Rover. The bouncer started to run across the street, but the Hispanic man held him back and pulled him inside. The Hispanic man then got on his cellular phone as he let the clubs door close behind him. Junya started to grow a bit concerned, considering that the Land Rover did belong to his girlfriend, but his girlfriends whereabouts were unknown. Junya jumped out of the vehicle from the passenger side, and dialed Khevasiahs cellular phone number. The answering machine picked up again, but this time Junya left a message: Khevasiah, where are you? I have been looking for you, I have not been able to get a hold of you. I got your note and I am in your truck right now. I will try you back in an hour, okay. I love you, bye When Junya hung up the phone, he saw the Hispanic man look outside of the club door; half cracked, so that no one would notice. Junya began to reason the phone being busy due to the Hispanic man calling her simultaneously with Junyas calling her. When Khevasiahs phone was busy, the voicemail instantly picked up. Junya got back into the truck and turned the radio down to see a woman driving by the club slowly. The woman was in a BMW similar to the one that Lani was driving earlier. Junya beeped the horn, and the womans brake lights came on. She made an immediate left turn into a narrow driveway, then turned around to parallel the yellow vehicle from the opposite side of the street. Is that you rolling like that? window. A likle sumtin. Junya responded. Are you by yourself? Or you got all your boys rolling with you? Lani yelled out of her drivers side
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Nah, its just me dalin. Shall I follow? Junya asked as he signaled in the direction that Lani was driving. You think I came out here for you to just look at me? Lani shouted. Lani then rolled the window up, and proceeded to drive off. Junya pulled out into the road, and turned around in the same direction as Lani. Junya looked in the side rearview window on the passenger side and saw the Hispanic man run outside the club, also with the bouncer, to look at the SUV driving away.
Chapter IX
Lani made numerous turns throughout the NYC streets until she got to an expressway that said New City, what seemed to be a suburb of New York. She turned into this gated community where all of the houses in the neighborhood were very far apart. She made another turn, then slowed down and pulled into a light colored 4-story house. In the driveway there was a BMW truck, and
another BMW. As the car parked, Lani got out and instructed Junya to park behind her truck. Junya parked the SUV, but he did not get out right away. All of a sudden, Junya felt nervous; analyzing what he was setting himself up for. This woman had him miles away from civilization, had just met him. She was very beautiful, and sure to have any man she so desired. From the looks of Lanis settings, Junya could get really comfortable with Lanis accommodations. Did you forget something? Lani said. She had walked up to the driver side of the Land Rover, and sparked up a blunt she already had rolled up. She took her free hand and reached up her skirt to pull her nylons down. Lani looked up to see Junya staring cold at her. I asked you a question? Lani said as she blew smoke at Junyas face. I thought I did for a second, but Im straight right now. Junya said as he shut the engine off in the SUV and unlocked the door.
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Oh yea, Lani said seductively. Prove it to me then baby! Lani said seductively. Lani stepped back from the drivers side of the Land Rover and started to walk up the driveway into the garage of the house. Junya got out and followed her into the grand entrance of the garage. The door lead into the backyard where there was a large pool outside. At the corner of the pool was a bubbling Jacuzzi, where there were bottles of champagne and an ashtray. Scared yet? Lani asked as she looked back at Junya. Her shoes were off, and her jacket was unbuttoned, showing a hint of cleavage of her very well rounded body. The nylons she took off hung over her shoulder. Where are we? Is this your house? Paradise baby, and it is my house now! I got everything in the divorce! Lani said, giving off a loud laugh after her comment. As she laughed, she unbuttoned the rest of her jacket and spun around in a circle. Her jacket fell to the floor, and the top of a black lingerie gown showed on her. Well, arent you going to get comfortable? Lani said. Lani unzipped the side of her skirt, and let it fall. As she stepped out of the skirt on the floor, the gown dropped and showed in its full length. It came an inch below her large curved ass. Junya took off his jacket and threw it over a chair on the patio. He took off the shirt he borrowed from Kholi, and he stood with his pants and shoes on. Lani ashed the blunt she was smoking on the ground near the pool, and got into the Jacuzzi. She grabbed a bottle of champagne and tried to twist off the cork. JunyaJunya. Lani called out to Junya in a seductive voice. Come and pop my cork! Lani held up the bottle as she sunk into the water. Her hair was pinned up, with just a strand over her forehead; it had gotten wet. Sure. Junya answered to Lani. Junya walked up towards the edge of the Jacuzzi and reached down for the bottle that Lani was holding. Lani grabbed Junya by the front of his pants and pulled him into the bubbling water.
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What the fuck is your problem! Junya yelled out. Junya wiped the water from his face and looked Lani square in the face. Ah, ha ha hadamn boo! You that mad? You really need to relax! Lani laughed out as she wrapped her arm around Junya, wet pants on and all and handed the bottle to Junya. Lani lifted herself up while she hung on to Junyas neck and straddled him. She started to kiss on Junyas neck, and made her way up to his lips. Junya started to kiss her back, while he had the bottle of
champagne in his other hand. Lani got down from Junya, and let her lingerie gown off into the water. Take off your pants silly! Lani said as she unbuttoned the top of Junyas jeans. She then reached down and started to unzip his jeans, when Junya took his hand and grabbed Lanis. Hold on a second, I can do that myself. Junya said sharply. Oh, touchy arent we? Dont be like that to me, relax. Lani placed her hands back on Junyas pants zipper, and started to pull his pants down in the Jacuzzi. Junya opened the bottle of champagne and took a large sip. Got it open. Junya said as if he were refreshed. Heheme too! Lani said as she threw Junyas wet clothes to the edge of the Jacuzzi. Lani snatched the bottle away from Junya and took a large sip; larger than the one Junya took. Lani handed the bottle back to Junya, and started to kiss him again before he took a sip. She then placed her hand in the water and felt on Junyas dick. Junya closed his eyes in excitement, as he felt on Lanis ass. Lanis ass was as round as Khevasiahs: maybe rounder. Junya opened his eyes and took another sip of the champagne. Lani looked at Junyas chest. The water ran over the cuts on his stomachs six pack. The bruises from the fight the night before showed on him. Oh, what happened to you here? Lani said as she held up Junyas arm up to take a closer look at the bruises. I got into a scuffle at that club, no big deal, I am alright! Junya said.
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Throughout the entire time Junya had been with Lani, Lani has been the aggressor. It was obvious to Junya that Lani was not going to front; she wanted him, and bad. Whatever her reasoning, now was not the time for Junya to try and come to any conclusions. Lani was high, and the both of them were drunk. It was warm outside, as the sky was dark. It was just the two of them, no neighbors for miles on either side of the house. The more Junya thought about fucking the life out of Lani, he knew it was late, and he had not heard from Khevasiah. If he started to worry about Khevasiah now, it would affect the situation at hand. Bring your sexy ass to me! Junya said in a low tone voice. Junya grabbed Lani around her slim waist and pulled her near him. He started to kiss her mouth, and walked towards the edge of the Jacuzzi while Lani rapped her legs around him. Junya put the bottle of champagne on the edge of the Jacuzzi and rubbed Lani up and down her luscious body. Lani started making lots of noise as she put her finger nails into Junyas back. Sit on the edge. Lani whispered into Junyas ear. Huh? Junya responded to Lanis statement. Lani pushed Junya towards the edge of the Jacuzzi and slapped her hand down as a sign of instruction for Junya to sit on the edge. As Junya sat up, Lani grabbed his dick and put it in her mouth. Oh shit! Junya shouted out loud. Junya took his hand and tried to run his fingers through Lanis coarse curly hair. Ow, ow, wait, wait. Lani said as she took her mouth off of Junya. She raised her two arms and went in her hair to pull the bobby pins out. Her long curly hair dropped into the water. Lani continued sucking on Junya, while Junya grabbed the bottle of champagne. He took a sip, then he poured some over Lanis hair, and started to rub his hands all in it. Lani gave off a moan, then she took her hands and grabbed onto Junyas upper thigh. Come on me. Lani whispered to Junya.
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Junya got down off of the edge of the Jacuzzi and joined Lani in the water. He grabbed her by her large breasts and placed her left nipple on the tip of his tongue. Lani grabbed a hold of Junyas dick, as it swelled in her small hands. God damn! Lani spoke out. I need me some of this, oh! Lani was extremely horny. She grabbed at the bottle, and finished what was left of the champagne. She held on to Junya, and lifted her leg up and put her heel on the edge of the Jacuzzi. She pulled Junya closer towards her, and started to rub the head of his dick on her pussy lips. Junya gave off a shriek, as Lani exhaled sensually. Her moaning got louder and louder, then Junya realized what was about to go down. Hold onhold on a minute Junya said to Lani. Lani looked up at Junya as if he said something in another language. She felt Junyas swelling go down slightly in her hands. The expression on her face became salted, like Junya had insulted her. Junya maintained a stern expression, as he continued to grope her beautiful naked body. Do you have any protection? Protection from what? Lani asked. Lani immediately let go of Junyas dick and took a step away from him. I just sucked the blood from your dick and you asking me for protection? Dont be a dumb ass! We are in a chlorine pool, what you got to worry about? You must be new at this or some shit huh? For someone so cute, you say the ugliest shit, and at the wrong fucking time too! Lani got out of the Jacuzzi and walked further out to the larger pool. She jumped in and swam to the other side. She then got out of the pool and put on her robe that was in a lawn chair on the far side of the pool. She lit up a cigarette and grabbed the cordless phone that was also on the chair and walked all the way back around the pool to where the Jacuzzi was. Junya was still standing in the Jacuzzi, watching at what Lani was about to do. Lani stood over Junya, looking down on him. She took another puff of the cigarette and threw the rest in the water right next to where Junya was standing.
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The fuck is your problem? Junya shouted as he splashed water on Lani. That is the same question I should be asking you, I mean cmon? There is nothing wrong with me! Outside of the cigarette smoking Im healthy! Just dont cum in me, or no shit like that! Is that so fucking hard to do? Is that asking you too much! Damn! Lani crouched down where Junya was standing so her body showed underneath the robe. Well, why did you get out of the water? Junya asked. Junya walked closer to the edge and grabbed Lani by her leg and tried to pull her into the water. Lani kept her balance, as her slippery foot broke free of Junyas grasp. Call your girlfriend first! Lani said while she stared Junya cold in his face. She handed Junya the cordless phone and turned away to walk inside the pool house. A light came on inside the pool house and Junya stood watching through the pool house curtains as Lani dried herself off and threw on a long teeshirt. The light went off, and some music came on. It was Junyas demo. Junya stood dumbfounded. He had only remembered those kids stealing a copy of his demo in the SUV, and Khevasiah probably gave out a copy or two, but he did not expect that from Khevasiah, because they had argued while going into the club that night. He even watched Khevasiah jump into the white truck. Out of all of the mysterious circumstances that came about, hearing his CD miles away from the club, and even further from Connecticut; how did Lani get a copy? The more confusing question that Junya had was how did Lani know about his girlfriend? Did she see him and Khevasiah together? Or worse, did she know Khevasiah? Khevasiah knew a lot of people, and the fact that Lani had a copy of his demo, knew where the club was; she might have been there that night! Junya dunked his head into the bubbling water and shook his head from side to side. He pushed himself out of the Jacuzzi and grabbed a towel he saw hanging over one of the chairs on the patio. Junya quickly rapped the towel around his waist and walked into the house through the entrance that Lani took. Junya pulled on the door, but the door was locked: the doors handle had to be
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turned, then pushed. Junya fumbled through the dark until he saw some light in what seemed to be the kitchen area. Lani still had on a tee shirt, and she was preparing a meal on the stove. I just love your CD! Lani shouted as she heard Junya come in from the Jacuzzi. Thank you much! How did you Hungry? Lani interrupted with a smile on her face. Um, yea, I could go for something. What you cooking? Junya walked up to Lani and stood behind her. Junya put his chin on her shoulder and looked into the pot that Lani had simmering on the stove. Well, are you hungry or not? Lani said, as she felt tickled by Junyas maneuver. Lani poked her ass out onto Junya, pushing him back from her. Lani was stirring angel hair pasta in a large see through pot, while some turkey meat simmered in a separate saucer. There were exotic peppers and seasonings lined all over the counter. Lani put the addle down and turned her attention to Junya So, did you get through? I thought you would like some privacy, to handle your business and what not, and I would get some dinner started. How did you know I have a girl? Junya asked as he played with the buttons on the cordless phone. Are you always so fucking nosey? It is obvious I am feeling you, and with your response, it is obvious that you DO have a girlfriend! If it is going to be that way, once your clothes dry, you may find your way back to wherever you came from! Lani snapped at Junya. Lani pushed Junya out of her way and went through a swinging door into the next room. Junya started to follow after her, but he then stopped and turned towards the pool house to dial Khevasiahs phone number. Hello? Hey, well I am glad to hear from you! Junya said.
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Junya?
Oh my God, where the fuck have you been?
Khevasiah
screamed into the phone Where are you? I have been wondering where the fuck you have been at? You talking to me like shit is all good, why the fuck you left me at the club last night? And What! Hold on a mother fucking minute nigga, first of all, where the fuck you at with my truck! I know your smart ass found the keys! Where are you! Oh, and why did you call me from Kholis phone? Where the fuck are you! I had to go all the way back to Connecticut, because you left me for dead at that fucking club! And how did you know I called Kholi! Junya yelled back into the phone. As his voice rose, Lani came back into the kitchen and walked towards where Junya was in the pool house. She gave him a look of
disappointment, but then went back into the kitchen to tend to the food on the stove. I called the number back on my caller ID. He told me that he had picked you up from the train station. And he was at work when I called, so where the fuck you at, and where the fuck is my truck! Hold the fuck up Kheva Junya paused as he started to say his
girlfriends name. Hold up, who was that nigga that answered your phone when I called you this morning? How could you forget me like that? And I really did not appreciate how you just cold dissed me like that in front of complete strangers. I really did not understand how you could play me like that! If I had known any better, you set me up for that shit! Junya looked behind him to see Lani stirring the pot looking back at Junya. She put a finger in the air to signal that dinner was almost done. Junya shrugged his shoulders, not understanding what she was trying to signal to him. Hello mother fucker! Do you not hear me talking to your dizzy ass! You can think all you want, because that is what you do best! Too bad you dont
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fucking act like you think! Why do I have to keep repeating myself? Where the fuck are you? Khevasiah said slowly to Junya. Dont worry about me right now! Where the fuck YOU at? Junya screamed back into the telephone. Junya rarely talked back to Khevasiah. In fact, he has never spoken to Khevasiah like that, not even in front of his boys to show his machismo. Junya pulled the phone away from his ear, and pressed the mute button and hollered over to Lani in the kitchen. Is dinner almost done? Lani ignored Junyas talking out loud, but she placed two plates on the table. She carried the large pot of pasta and served two plates. She took the same addle for the pasta and poured the hot turkey meat sauce on top. She placed the saucer back on the stove and reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of wine out. As she leaned, the t-shirt rode up the top of her ass; her round ass showed. Junya felt she was doing it on purpose, because she was right in the line of vision to where Junya was standing. Look, dalin, let me call you back later. Are you still in NYC? What thethe fuck do you mean am I still in NYC, where the fuck else do you think where I would be? Khevasiah screamed into the phone. How am I supposed to know? I have your truck. Let me know where you are, and I will Hold on. Khevasiah interrupted. Khevasiah clicked over to the other line, and Junya was placed on hold. Junya walked towards the kitchen table where Lani was sitting, she had not started eating her dinner. Yet, she was waiting for Junya. Junya kept the phone by his ear, and sat in the chair directly across Lani with the damp towel still wrapped around his waist. Junya, can I call you back at this number? Uh, hold on, let me ask. Junya pressed the mute button again on the phone and looked up at Lani. Lani had a humble, yet relieved expression
painted on her face. Lani nodded her head without even hearing what Junya
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had said: Khevasiah spoke so loud, Lani overheard what she was saying to Junya. Yea, call me back. Khevasiah hung up the phone without saying bye. So, is that Mrs. Lucky Bitch? Lani said as she poked at her food with her fork. Excuse me? Junya said to Lani. You heard me mother fucker! Lani said with a smirk! You must hear that word a lot from her. That is all I heard from her mouth, Yuck! Lani swirled up some more of her food. How do you like it? Lani asked Junya. Is this beef, because I don Its turkey sweetie. Lani said interrupting him. I dont eat pork, nor beef. My kind of lady! Junya commented towards Lani. Hmmso, what did she say? Lani questioned Junya. She saidShe wanted to know where I was at with her precious truck, she didnt even ask if I was okay or nothing! Junya said as he played with the fork in his dinner. She knows you can handle yourself. Lani said as she scooped up some of her dinner and reached across the table to feed some to Junya. Mmm Junya reacted to Lanis feeding him. Cmere nuh ooman! Junya signaled Lani to come over to him. She got up from her seat and strutted over to Junya and sat on his lap with her legs crossed. Junya fed her a long pasta noodle, and Lani slurped it all the way up, splashing sauce on her tshirt. Lani stood up and put her leg over Junya; sitting on his lap while facing him. Junya put his fork down and started kissing her. Lani lifted up the t-shirt from under her ass and loosened the towel from Junyas waist. Lani placed her nude underneath on top of Junyas naked body. Junya reached down and
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grabbed his dick, but Lani grabbed it with him, and guided it towards the entrance of her soaking wet pussy. telephone rang. Before Junya could even put it in, the
Chapter X
Do you know where this place is? Junya said as he looked over to Lani. Junya was speeding down the far lane of the highway in Khevasiahs Land Rover. Slow down a lot of police and staties be out this way. Sometimes I just want to rush and get home after work, and I always get stopped. I think they know its me thoughhe he Lani said laughing. Lani turned her head out of the window, and then looked at Junya. She took a long look at Junya. She noticed the way he sat while he drove. His free hand that was not on the steering wheel just stayed down; emotionless in regards to her. The radio was not too loud, but it was on nonetheless. Junya felt Lanis eyes on him, and felt irritated. What is your problem? Junya said sarcastically. Can I ask youI will ask you probably the most important question of your life? What? Junya said with a puzzled look on his face. Junya was leaning up on the steering wheel, with his elbow on it. He looked through the
windshield, then looked out the driver side window. He then he leaned back then looked in the direction of Lani. I needed your directional expertise You did not need anything from me and that is very obvious! Lani said with a following chuckle. You did not need me to come with you now, cause you sure did not let me cum earlier! Why you being so selfish? Excuse me, but what do you mean by that? Junya said.
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Like I love saying in court, because I am a lawyerlet us examine the evidence How comes when we first got to my house, you did not give me some of your weed, nor did you bring any out of to the Jacuzzi. Then, you had the nerve not to get undressed when I wanted you to, you drunk champagne, I went down on you, and you still did not fuck me! I mean, what the fuck is your problem! Lani started to get more and more upset as she kept speaking to Junya. Now answer me, why are you so selfish? She stopped talking, then turned the radio up as she leaned back in her seat. Junyas CD happened to be in the car stereo. Junya looked over at Lani, then kept driving. Where is the exit? Junya asked without looking over at Lani. See what I mean boythat is exactly what I mean. How is it that you insisted on driving, taking me with you, and now you do not even know where you are going? What, you hoped that if your woman decided to cheat on you, you would keep me around for physical retribution? Do I look like some second hand slut to you? Uh! Lani said screaming. What is it with you and this selfish bit? Huh? You did not have to go a damn place with me. I only asked you where the place was, and you suggested that you come along. I call you, and you show me to your precious palace. You never even for a second hesitated with anything! I could have been some crazy mother fucker from off the street, and you just let me up Now hold on a mother fucking seconddont you ever disrespect me like that ever in your little life you mother fucker! How can you even come at me like that. Let us not forget, if it werent for me saying anything to your cute ass, you would just have looked at me going in, eating, and leaving. You have so much pizazz and finesse about yourself, you couldnt take a minute of your stranded ass to say hi? I know I look good, why cant you have been the man and acknowledge me? What, you scared your girlfriend might have seen you? It
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is obvious how much she cared! Lani said with a smirk, confident in her side of the argument. Since you know so much about me, and my womanhow did you even know what I was dealing with at the time? You just so happened to run up on me at the dinerI had mad shit on my mind. No doubt, you looked stunning, but I was in no position to approach anyone! I was broke, I was stranded, my girl had left me I know, left you outside the club, and now you all fucked upblah, blah! Lani said interrupting. I was there that nightuh huh, yep. How do you think I got a copy of your CD? Bought it! Ha ha, I just so happen to represent Halftime. I saw how your woman talked to you that night, and I thought it was rather fucked up. No lie, I followed you; I figured you were in need of me. Oh, and besides, I am sure you would try to do some dumb shit like press a suit, when clearly you were at fault. I could have killed you at my house and not a damn body would have known. If you werent thinking about that big ass dick of yours, you would have avoided this situation altogether. How are you going to explain me to her? What, am I going to disappear? You gonna drop me off somewhere? You gonna What the fuck you talking! Junya interrupted infuriated. Let me tell you first offI was feeling you, I admit it, dont hold it against me. I also knew that if anything, you knew your way around the city, and I could kick it with somebody new. How often is it when I come out to The City, never. Call me whatever you want. The fact of the matter is, you was feeling me. Junya ended his comment subtlety. No, see, where you went wrong, you had the chance of a lifetime, and you folded. I didnt tell you this, but I do not fuck with rappers. I represent them in the court of law as the job I love. I attend to their contractual matters, I accompany them on foreign trips. It is strictly business. My first husband was a producer for one of those big time rappers. He played me like a Playstat ion
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boy! I remember one night; this is when we were engaged, he told me to get naked and come into the grand hall in the house. When I walked in there, I saw a roomful of men holding champagne bottlessmoking weedhe madehe made me have sex with all of them! All of them! And what do I get out of it? Not a God damn thing! I get to sleep in the same house where that shit
happened. Lani wiped a tear from her face and fell silent. I did not know it was like that. But in all honesty Lani, I do not kn ow what the fuck Khevauh, my girl was doing in that club. All I know youre your client and his boys whooped my ass and I got thrown out of the club. No one, not even my own woman came to see what happened to me outside. You were the first person that I spoke to that I felt comfortable with. Maybe I was being greedy by coming to see you, knowing I wanted to sex youbut I am out here nonetheless. I could have easily stayed in Connecticut, and I would not be drivi Seesee what I mean! Khevasiah knew where her truck was. In fact, she is probably doing exactly what she said she came out here to do. You know her, and you know damn well that is how she is, no ifs about it. You were the only one that felt you had to come out here and fuck around! You, fucking around in New York, for what? Huh? Dont be stupid like that in your life, ever. That is why I ask you, why you are so damn selfish? And you still have not answered my question! Junya listened to Lanis talking, and just kept silent. Junya re ached over and turned the volume down on the radio. He leaned up on the windshield and looked through the glass as if he could not see. Where is this place again? Junya asked in a firm tone. Well, if you were reading the directions, you would know t o have gotten off at the last exit. Rotid Junya exclaimed in a patois dialect. He immediately cut
across two lanes of traffic and got off on the immediate exit.
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As Junya got off of the exit, he noticed a gas station. He pulled up to the pump farthest from the well lit station. Junya took off his seat belt, then leaned over to kiss Lani. Lani saw what Junya was doing, and put her hand up to push him away. Uh, excuse me mother fucker, what do you think you are doing? The only time I deal with folders is on the job! You had your chance, and you really made me feel like a total slut! Why did you play me like that? If you really did not want to mess with me, why would you wait all that time, follow me all those twists and turns on the road, smoke with me, drink with me, get me all hot and bothered, just to not give me what I wanted, and that was to have a good time? I mean, am I ugly? Do my coochie smell funny? Is it my breath? What made you come all this way, just to get here and be unprepared? It makes no sense to me? It really doesnt. I want to feel bad, now I just think you are just a jerk! You are being such a bitch it is ridiculous. And to think about it, you had the nerve to ask me for some condoms! Ugh, you REALLY have some damn nerve! Lani got frustrated and slapped Junya in his face. She grabbed her purse and got out of the Land Rover. Junya put the truck in park and got out to approach Lani. What is the matter with you? Why did you do that? Junya held Lani by the arm as he questioned her. Lani looked Junya square in his eyes; expressionless. Let go of my arm, nowI will spray you with pepper spray, and kick you in your groin! Lani snatched her arm away from Junya and walked She whipped her cellular phone out and
towards the gas station terminal.
turned her back to Junya, with her finger in her ear. Laniwait Junya spoke softly. Junya looked around and noticed a lot of people watching him arguing with Lani. Junya walked into the gas station and paid for the gas. When he came out of the gas station, he noticed Lani
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leaning her back against the passenger door. As Junya approached, Lani lifted her head up and parted her soft lips. I left something in your truck, hehcan you open the door, now! Lani said as she rolled her eyes. Lani was wearing some tight jeans with a tee shirt on. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She was tapping her small feet in her petite sneakers to the beats coming out of the truck. You did huh Junya said with a smirk on his face. Junya walked around where Lani was standing and looked her up and down as he went to the other side of the truck to pump the gas. He unlocked the power locks and saw Lani look around on the floor of the truck; her ass poking out behind the open door. Junya left the gas running and walked around to where Lani was
standing. He stood up behind her and reached into the truck, brushing against her breast. What are you doing? Lani screamed out. I am helping you find what you are looking for Junya said. Well, you are not helping me at all. Look how quick you are to pump gas, but you wouldnt pump my ass when I was in the water with you! Whatever nigga Lani put her hand in Junyas face and walked away from the truck. She started to walk towards a black SUV that had just pulled up to the gas station. She did not look back at him as she stepped into the vehicle. Junya noticed when the truck door opened; he heard one of his songs blasting out of the trucks loud stereo system. Where you going? How am I supposed to know where to go? Im riding with him, and dont worry about me, or yourself for that matter. The exit is coming up. I understand you nowyou really do not know whether you want to go, or want to be Huhwhat do you mean by that? Junya shouted over the blaring music.
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You will get there, trustyou ask too many questionsstop asking so many questions! Lani sat down in the truck and sped off. Junya looked in the passenger seat. He noticed that Lani left $200.00 dollars on the seat. Junya then noticed that some of the CDs were missing. A CD case was on the floor of the drivers side.
Chapter XI
Junya got out of the Land Rover and placed some coins in the payphone. His $200.00 windfall from Lani allotted him to use up the spare change he had in his pocket. HelloKhevasiah? Junya asked into the phone. Where are you Junya, you know I miss you Junya stayed silent for a moment. He looked down, then he looked
around, then thought of what to say to Khevasiah. II am near where you said you would beI should be there in a minute How did you know where I was? I never told you where I was! Now you know New York all of a suddenwhere are you at? Khevasiah said with a chuckle. I am right down the street from the building you said you was going to be at. What floor are you on? Khevasiah busted out laughing. She could not believe that Junya made it to where she was on his own. Khevasiah never gave Junya the directions, she anticipated he would have simply drove back to Connecticut and waited for her at the train station in the morning. Hold on a minute baby Khevasiah clicked over on her phone. Junya twiddled his feet and hands as he waited for Khevasiah to get back on the phone. Junya looked up, down the beautifully lit walk as the night was well into. He
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noticed a light skinned woman step outside of the building where he was waiting; it looked like Khevasiah. Khevasiah! Khevasiah! Junya dropped the receiver on the phone as he yelled from down the street. The bells and horns of the busy streets drowned out Junyas voice. Junya saw the woman go back into the building. Junya ran down to get a closer look, and realized that it was not Khevasiah; it was another woman, just as beautiful. As Junya turned back to the payphone, he noticed another female; Naika. The same black skinned woman that was inside the club with Khevasiah. Junya ran back to the payphone, and noticed that Khevasiah had hung up. Junya started to contemplate his next move. He figured last time, when he yelled out in the street for his woman, he only embarrassed himself as she jumped in that white stretch truck and watched it speed off. If he called Naika out in the street this time of night, he was sure to scare her off. Junya walked slowly as he crossed the street to the side where the building Naika left was. He walked up and noticed a man wearing a uniform was standing outside. The building was actually an expensive apartment complex, where a doorman stood outside. Junya saw Naika slide into the seats of a fancy luxury vehicle; a
Mercedes Benz, and held the rear passenger door open. Junya placed his hands in his pockets and walked faster to see who else was in the car. He noticed that there was a man in the drivers seat; he did not wear a uniform. The man looked rather burly; his jewelry gleamed through the light tints in the windows, and his silhouette took up the majority of the front seat. With the car door open, a light showed little of what was going on. Junya kept walking so he wouldnt draw any suspicion to himself. He walked into the building where he saw Naika come out, and approached the doorman. May I help you this evening sir? The doorman said. He was a short white man with white hair sticking out of a navy blue hat. His overcoat looked worn, as if he had been the doorman for a while.
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I am looking for the party! Junya said with a smirk on his face. I am supposed to meet my wife, but she did not leave the suite number, and I am sure she will not get reception for her cellular phone. Ah, you must be speaking of the party of a young Mr. Halftime, I presumethere has been quite a disturbance of their party this evening. In fact, the majority of the patrons have scattered. The last of them are in Suite 134 B. The man said. He fidgeted through a guest book perched on a podium near the door. 134 B, is that the first floor sir? Junya asked while he looked down the hall. Oh, sorry to disappoint you sir, but this party is all the way up! The man said as he pointed straight up in the air. You mean the 134th floor? Junya said with a look of exhaustion. Yes, the 134th floor, as you folk would call it the uh, baller suite! The man said with a medium smile. Thank you Junya said as he headed towards the elevator. Oh, dont thank me as of yet, you mustnt pass through those doors without my authorization! Authorization? Yes sir, I am quite sure you understand Junya reached into his front pants pocket and pulled out the wadd of money that Lani left on the truck seat. He peeled off $60.00 from the knot of money and stuffed it in the breast pocket of the man. Consider yourself authorized! Junya said with confidence. Authorized indeed sircontinue with the rest of your evening! The man said. The man then pushed a button and buzzed Junya through the doors to get to the elevators. Junya walked up to the elevator and pressed the button to go up. He heard sounds as the elevator came down. He figured if Khevasiah was on the
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elevator, she would not expect him to be anywhere near the building. Junya waited for the elevator to come down, to notice that it was a couple of women; not even cute. They were not even sisters. Junya parted them way and got on the elevator. He noticed that the apartment building counted floors in tens, and not by ones. So in essence, he went to the 10th floor. Junya rode the elevator all the way up to the 10th floor by himself and got off. He walked throughout the floor, looking for door number 34 B. As he approached the higher numbers, there was a large cackling of sounds coming from a room down the hall from where Junya was standing. Junya looked and noticed he had approached the suite. As Junya contemplated about opening the door, the door opened and two men walked out, laughing loudly. The men looked familiar to Junya; some of the same faces he made out when he was at the club? Or just some New York black dudes in a VIP suite. Junya realized he was being paranoid, and acknowledged the men as they walked past. Yo, thats where the party is at? Junya asked diligently. Who you is, police or some shit? You dont hear all that mother fucking noise; niggas eating, having fun, living and shit? Why you out here holms? Go on in, have a good time! You sure? Junya said shyly. I do not need a Need a wha? The other man interrupted. Get you a mother fucking drink when you get in thereyour ass is stiff! Get a couple bitches while you at it too! The first man said. The two men walked down the hall and entered another suite. Junya waited until the door closed of the suite where the other men were. He looked through the creaked door and noticed a lot of people were sitting down. There was no loud music, no ridiculous noise, it just seemed really private and quaint. Junya pulled the door open and stepped inside.
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Chapter XII
Junya felt himself in the same situation as before.
Instead of a dark
atmosphere with scantily clad female patrons and white men who looked as if they didnt like black people nonetheless hip hop music; there now was a fancy gallery of slim women dressed in long gowns drinking champagne out of flukes with their pinky fingers extended, and men wearing sharp three piece suits with cellular phone earpieces on: this place was truly the next level. In the center of the soft yellow colored room was a champagne fountain. There was a small bar in the back near the grand piano where an elderly gentleman was playing classical tunes from early Harlem Renaissance. Junya knew he was not in the wrong place, but he felt out of place. He scanned the room to see if he saw anyone that he recognized from the prior night. Junya fixated his eyes on a young woman, and approached her. Are you here alone maam Why, yes. Yes I am. The woman replied. The woman wore an
elaborate white gown that highlighted her soft cleavage. She held a glass of champagne in her hand, and held on to her matching purse. May I buy you something to drinkoh, I see you have one already, I ask the sorriest questions sometimes Junya said as he fidgeted in his pockets. Why, what is there to be nervous of? We are all family here, and there is no reason to seclude yourself from this establishment! By all means, come. The woman grabbed Junya by his jacket sleeve. Junya recognized this as a gesture for him to be a gentleman. Junya placed his arm out, and the woman placed hers underneath. Junya walked into the direction that the woman had signaled to; a walled off region of the suite that housed a private setting of partygoers.
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So tell me something about yourself young manwhat aspect of the entertainment profession do you work in? Let me guessare you a producer? You have a piano player's hands. My husband is a piano player. Junya looked at the woman with a slight shock. He did not expect the woman to immediately mention her husband. Junya realized that he was not here to Mack. His dealing with Lani earlier that evening gave Junya a hint of confidence, but he realized that the woman was serious, and is serious about her inquiry. Excuse me, did you not hear my question? Or were you Pardon my slow response madamI was unsure as to whether or not I should unleash my latest works without them manifested. I have a serious habit of doing that sometimes. Yes, yes you can say I am a producer, but I am more of an emcee. Junya said with a confident look on his face. Oh, an emcee. Is that the same as a rapper? I dont like rap. I respect what they do; but I do not feel that rappers aspire to be anything. I have so many children in my youth organization trying to rap, I get so sick of it. I encourage them to play instruments like the violin, or the saxophone. Well since you rap, whose albums have you rapped on? I am from Connecticut, so I have not been exposed to too many artists. I recently recorded a demo album. It sold 1,400 units, but that is about it. Junya said as he looked the woman square in her eye. Junya knew that his
embellishing on the issue could make him look bad in the environment he was in. Did you say, fourteen-hundred? That is impossible! That is not an album, that is like a promotional flyer or something. Trust me, I should know. My husband is an executive at one of the premier boutique labels in this city. The worse an album ever did with one of his artists was 280,000 units. And the album was quite well, but the artist ran into some trouble overseas, and he ended up leaving the label.
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Junya realized that this woman had some serious inside. Junya rose up from where he was sitting and looked down at the woman. It sounds like me and you have much to discuss. With my new demo project almost completed, I would love to get a copy to your husband so that he may consider me for a recording contract. Heh, you? The woman said as she placed her hand on her chest. The wedding ring she wore on her hand gleamed right into Junyas eyes. Junya wiped his eye, then looked back at the woman with a look of concern. Oh, and is that supposed to mean that you dont think I am album material, or I would not surpass 280 thousand units? Or, you probably Now now, come on darlingyou are obviously here on some oversight. I do not think you understand what is taking place here. I must say, you are adorable honey, but the people in this roomhow can I place it simplydo not take demos! These people in here handle some of the most intricate parts of the music business. In all honesty, you are probably the only rapper in here! I cant tell you the last time I went to a function and met someone that told me to my face that they rapped! Ha! It is not funny! You really need some schooling boo! The woman grabbed Junya by his hand. She sat him down as she got up and headed over to the bar. She brought back 2 glasses of champagne, and a man with her. The man had his hand over hers; just like Junya did when he walked into the room with her. This is my husband, Gerald Mickens. He is the executive vice president of PMC Records. He operates all of the business, he deals with major marketing and executive decisions I think I can explain it from here honey The man interrupted. He wore an elaborate watch that peeked out from his jacket as he extended his hand forward.
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I am Gerald Mickens, but all of my friends call me G-Man. I am not sure if you have heard of artists like BabyBoy, La Darlin, Meghan Milege, Tanyo, Robert Ethridge, Whats Happening a whole bunch of artists. I deal
predominantly with the management of new artists that are signed to me and my partners label. We have been in business for over 25 years; responsible for some of the hottest R&B talent around. A couple of the artists are here at this
gathering. So tell me young man, what brings you here? Junya felt a lump in his throat. He knew that this was the person that he needed to speak with. Even if the man did nothing for Junya right then and there, he had to say something to wow him over. Junya took a sip of the champagne and placed the glass down on the roundabout seat where he and Geralds wife sat. I am actually here looking for my girlfriend Junya said with a smile on his face. Gerald looked at his wife: she cracked a smile. Gerald looked back at Junya and cracked a smile. Ha Ha! Hot damn, you serious my brother? Well, if you dont find her, theres plenty of options! Just dont take her, thats my ass! Geralds wife slapped him on the chest, then kissed him on the cheek and started to walk away. Gerald stayed to talk to Junya. You seem to have your head on your shoulders correct sonbut my wife tells me you are a rap artist. In all honesty, I have not dealt with too many rap artists. We tried once, but the guy didnt sell too well. At the time, we were really in the R&B market, and were not prepared to promote such a talent. Well, there is always room for improvement. With all those well
renowned artists you just mentioned, I cannot think of one that has not seen the light of success. I have a lot of respect for your work; but I do agree that the artist of that caliber would be hard to measure against a rap artist. If I were to be signed onto your label, I could indefinitely blend my rapping talents along with the R&B. It is very popular right now! I even write songs myself
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Did you say, when I sign you? Now, let us get a hold of ourselves. You see, a lot of you young guys do not know how to go about asking for what you want. I have the power to sign you right now if I so chose. But in all honesty, what can you show me, that I am sure any and every artist on the street could do, that they cannot do? And do not give me the you are original spiel. I have heard it all too often, even with my R&B acts Here is where I have to cut you short G-Man. Rhythm and Blues
compared to rap is like measuring inches and centimeters; apples and oranges: they all have relation to each other, are very compatible with each other, yet only sometimes can work without each other. I as a rap artist, I not only provide a rap talent, I write from the perspective of all men looking for a good woman in their lives. My sensitive nature caresses the very soul of the woman, without being soft! Now, what other rap artist do you know out there provides that angle, that drive, and a new creative prospectus for this industry? I feel I make a strong statement without performing a single song. I am currently unsigned, and I What do you mean are there any other artists? Are you kidding me? You talking like you all that! Have you EVER written a song for an R&B artist, and they performed it to sell for millions upon millions of copies? Have you ever stood in front of 30,000 people screaming your name for you to come on stage and speak to them? Have you ever stood, or even been to a multi million dollar recording studio that damn near can make you sound like someone else? Do you know what a Rolex watch feel like around your wrist? Have you ever test drove a car and paid for it when you came back to the auto dealer? Well, have you? No, Junya said quietly But I would like to! Here, try this on, then tell me how much you would like to Gerald handed his champagne glass to Junya as he took the watch off from around his wrist. He grabbed Junya by his wrist and placed the watch around it. Junya looked in disbelief at his wrist as the watch sparkled. How does that feel, huh? Do you like that?
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Hell yea! Junya said with a smile on his face. Give it back, right now! Gerald said with a sharp look on his face. Gerald grabbed Junya by his wrist and pulled the watch off before Junya got the chance to take it off. Take it easy Mr. G-Man, I wasnt gonna take your wat Now you listen here. You can have as many of these watches as you so want, but what is the use of having this watch on if you cant pay for it? Think about it for a second young manyou know, in all this conversation, you have not told me your name, or my wife for that matter. Who are you? Junya. My name is Junya. I am sorry about We are way past apology my ladnow, what was I sayingoh yeswhen you sign a record contract, the label owns you for a certain financial obligation. It is like a loan. We front you money to help promote and sell your project; over buying boats and flying all over the country in private planes, Mercedes, you name it, I have seen it done. The key is to use that money as wisely as you can. If you can campaign back home within your regional market, then you will have as many of these watches as you so choose. But keep in mind, if you get greedy early, then you will be stuck to foot the bill, and any record project that you come out with MUST meet financial standards. If not, you keep recording until you do. If you are good enough, and wise enough to land endorsements, then by all means go for it. IF you do not recoup the advance, the label can either drop you and take the loss, or release you so that you can sign to a label that may better suit your angle of music. Keep in mind, you dont spend until they buy: they being the public. Like I said, you have a good head on your shoulder, and you listen well. Let us see how much you have learned. I am going to attend to my wife. I want to hear your name five times in discussion as I work the room. If I hear of you, that must mean that you can start a buzz simply with your charm. Work the room. I am not saying to ask everyone about a deal, or tell them that you met me. I especially hope that you would not tell
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them about this agreement. Oh, and it can not be just womenI know you want to flirt, and that shit may work, but now, this is business. Remember, the men make all the decisions in this industry, the women just look pretty reiterating it. So go on Junya; I wont forget your name. Enjoy, and I hope to see you later And what happens if I dont get people to talk about me once I leave? Then it means that you did not do your job, and you cannot work for me in this business. If I asked you to go to the store and get me a grape soda, would you come back to me with an orange? No, I would look first, then ask to make sure that they had grape, and if they didnt, I would go to another store to see if they had grape The same principal applies. Remember Junya, you told me what YOU want. If I hear other people agree with me if I ask them, then it shows that you are focused. You cant have a different story for every person that approaches. You must ALWAYS have your story straight. Kiss ass once youve seen it, not on top of the jeans; there is no feeling there! Gerald took the glass of champagne out of Junyas hand and pro ceeded to meet his wife whom had been watching the entire conversation. Junya reached down to pick up his glass, but he noticed that it had been taken up. Junya looked over at Gerald and his wife, and Gerald gave Junya thumbs up as his wife shooed him to go into the more sociable area of the gathering. Junya winked his eye and walked into the party. Chapter XIII
Junya felt alone. For the first time in his life, he had an opportunity to make a significant change in his life. His mother was not in the next room telling him to turn the stereo down with that rapping stuff. His brother was not playing video games during a writing session. Khevasiah was not dragging him down to the nail shop to keep her company. It was all up to Junya. He met a
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person with power. Anything that happened from this point on; pass or fail, was from his merit. The room seemed larger than it did before. It seemed like twice as many people had entered the room. Junya had already drunk some of the expensive champagne, and G Man took his flask away. Junya walked slowly over to the linoleum floor where a few patrons were dancing. Junya looked at a dark
skinned woman holding her cream colored gown by the knees as she held her champagne glass up in the air. There were three other women dancing around her; all wearing the same colored gown with champagne glasses. A man with light colored shades and a light blue 3 piece suit had his finger in his ear as he yelled into a cell phone while trying to dance with the dark skinned woman. Junya looked closer to the center of the collage of colored people and saw an opening, where a couple was getting low on the dance floor. Junya saw the profile of a light skinned woman with long hair; he thought he saw Khevasiah. Junya lifted his head up high and charged to the other side of the dance floor. Junya took a pause, and remembered what G-Man had spoken to him. Junya knew he could not fully put forth his goal to impress this big time music executive if he was cuddled up with his woman. Junya looked again in the light skinned womans direction, and saw that it was not Khevasiah. Junya figured the best way he could bump elbows with some of the social elite-ites was to do so literally. Junya walked around to the far left of the
linoleum dance floor, where some of the patrons were leaning on the wall with their drinks resting on a nearby table. One of the gentlemen sat down and had jammed his hand in his pocket, as if to look for something. The man pulled out a business card, and he walked up to the group of people he was standing with and handed the card and a CD to another gentleman whom was wearing a Coogi sweater and a long yet large platinum chain. Junya rushed over to the group and eavesdropped before he spoke.
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And this is the final production, make sure you call this number on Mondayno, matter of fact, call Tuesday. I know he is in on Tuesday. The man with the business card said. A crisp then man yout The man with in the sweater and chain said in an island accent. Junya inched his way closer to the gentlemen, fidgeting in his pocket for a copy of his CD. He realized that he did not have any more, for they had been stolen out of the Land Rover when he used the phone back in the city. Junya then thought how stupid it was of him to look for it now, when he was just talking to one of the heads of black music, only to not give him one. Junya realized that his thinking in live situations was rather backwards. He sat down at the table where the gentleman was sitting and started to sulk a bit. Excuse me sir, but dont you see my things at that table? The man with the business cards said to Junya. My bad yo, I did not see your things I will get What do you mean you did not see them? I saw you squeeze your way through the tables to get to this one. I saw you looking at me when I was sitting at the table? On the real, what is it? Business or beef? The man with the business cards said while he raised his hands in the air above his shoulders. II am an emcee man, I saw you with the CD, and I assumed you were a producer or something like that. I thought maybe we needed to meet, despite the Despite what? That is cool man, that is what we black people here for! We doing black business! Net-work-iiing! The man with the business cards said with a slight slur. The man had been drinking heavily, and was politely disrespecting Junya. It is cool, I can see you and your crew here dont wa What did I just finish saying to you? I thought I told you it is cool, I saw your red eyes from across the room! Stop hating on a nigga and let him get his
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shineyou know, let me do my business, then when I get on, you can do your business. The man picked up his things and directed the other persons in his party to relocate. Junya stepped back so that they could pass, then stood in the vacant spot where the people were standing. Junya had a good view of the dance floor and the entrance to the enlarged VIP area. He could also look over his shoulder and see the area where G Man and his wife were. Junya started to head back in that direction, but the key thing was to make sure some people had known whom he was. Junyas eyes perused the dance floor; seeing nothing but the finest of wardrobe, the shiniest of jewelry, and the happiest of faces. Everyone at this event seemed to have been really successful, whether they all rapped, or they all sat behind the desk at some record label. Junya leaned his hand on the edge of the wall where there was a ledge, and kept it there while he bobbed his head to the music. Junya started to feel a cold sensation on his arm, and realized that the edge was reserved for drinks, and not elbows. He lifted up his arm and saw that his jacket sleeve was soaked with alcohol. Junya started to look in a frenzy for any sign of a restroom. He turned to the entrance of the fancy hotel room, and saw a sign for the restroom. As Junya walked to the restroom, he saw a lot of people looking at him. Junyas wounds had not quite gone down from the incident earlier, and he also felt out of place being around such rich people; and people sensed that vibe. Junya smiled and nodded his head as his focus was to get to the bathroom and wash out the wet stain before it dried and smelled. En route to the bathroom, Junya realized how petty he was being. He kept on walking past fine ass women and thugged out brothers that definitely looked like they was involved with music. Junya walked into the mens room and saw that it was packed. The smell of cigarette smoke filled the waiting area, while some other men were shooting dice in the corner. Junya saw one of the men put a $100 bill on the floor and roll
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the dice without hesitation. He lost the roll and put another $100 bill on the floor. You waiting in line? Junya asked a man standing in front of him in the seemingly long line. What the fuck you think Im doing in here, chilling? What kind of dumb ass question is that? You smoking whet or something my nigga? The man responded. Nah, you standing here watching the fucking dice game like you scared to play or something! Junya responded with a higher tone of voice. The man in the dice game that pulled out the back to back $100 dollar bills looked up at Junya and the other man in what seemed to be the onset of an argument. The man got off the floor and walked up to Junya. The fuck is up cuzyou scheming on my scrilla? The man said with a smirk on his face. The man had a mouth full of gold teeth. That aint me, thats this dude. Im saying Junya felt himself getting loud. He stepped a couple of steps back and came to the realization that he was around a bunch of men hanging around in the restroom. He figured that if there was no better time to say some of his rhymes now, he might as well had left and given up any chance of ever becoming a performing artist. Junya, as if in a locker room before a playoff game, started to talk loud. This nigga all up in your stash, like he thinking about ass betting or some bullshit! Nigga Timbs is leaning like the Tower of Pisa, and he wanna roll dice! If I was you cousin, I would see to it that you watch this niggahe looking at you all funny and shit! Junya then looked at the man that was standing in front of him in the line. Yo holms, there is too many bitches in this party for you to be all on some nigga like that, for real! What the fuck is your problem? Yo, II wasnt trying to start no beef yo, Im waiting for the bathroom. The man said with a tremble in his voice.
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The line way the fuck over here mother fucker! You blind or some dumb shit nigga? A man yelled from across the bathroom where the stalls were. Oh, my bad The man leaned up off of the wall and went into a stall. Yo cuz, I knew that funny bamma mother fucker scheming on my scratch. He been standing there for like ten minutesgood work calling that funny style playa out! The man with the gold teeth said to Junya. Nah, I thought you was gonna approach me on some shit, and I had to let these niggas know what was good, seen! Junya said with confidence. My name Junya, from Connecticut. You at the VIP party down the hall? Yea cuz, my fam up here from the Dirty Dirty ya heard! The man with the gold teeth exclaimed loud. The man made a hand signal and placed it high up in the air above the heads of all the people in the bathroom. A man playing dice stopped the dice game and yelled out to the man with the gold teeth. Ha yo bloody main, get up back in this ere game so I can snatch yo scratch playa! Hey! Hey! Hold the fuck up in herre! I got the bank nigga! Roll when I say so! The man with the gold teeth yelled. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a wadd of cash, then peeled off 6 $100 dollar bills. He then put the rest of the money back in his pocket and grabbed Junya by the shoulder. You play cee-lo Jun? The man with the gold teeth said. Well, yea, but I aint here to play no dice Junya said with iniquity. Junya knew that he only had about $20, if that. He could not ass bet in a dice game where the country boy with gold teeth had a lot of people with him. Well, what you herrre fo then? Dont play yo boy! You helped me outtake this man The man with the gold teeth said encouragingly to Junya. The man with the gold teeth handed Junya $200 and put the dice in Junyas hand. I bet this nigga cant even roll Another man in the dice game said.
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Yo, you know what you doing? Right now you tying up MY mother fucking money! Hell yea I know what Im doing! Junya said with a false smile on his face. Back up and let me show you how we do it up in the C-T! Junya looked around and saw that all the eyes were on him. People were leaving the restroom and stopping in the lobby area to watch the dice game. Junya looked and saw a huge wad of cash on the floor. He looked over at the man with the gold teeth, but he was talking on his cellular phone. Junya took the dice and rolled them on the ground. Junya smiled and grabbed the dice and started to roll again. Waitthe fuck you doing son? Get your money nigga! A man in the dice game said. I thought I had to You must be an up North niggayall always thinking, damn! Get your money! The man replied. Junya picked up all of the money off of the floor. There was so much money on the floor that Junya dropped some while picking it up, then he had to go back a second time to pick up more money. Junya looked and saw the bitter faces of all the other dice players. Give me the dice nigga! Another man said in the dice game. The fuck you meanthis game is over! Junya said without hesitation. Excuse me? What the fuck you talking about? Man, if you dont put my money on the floor and give me those dice, you gonna Im gonna what? Junya said interrupting the man. I won the house, so I say, that this game is over! Besides, there is mad bitches out there, and I have some networking to doIt was Fuck the bitches and give me my money! I said give me the god damn dice! Now either you give me the god damn dice, or Im gonna make you look like dice mother fucker! The man said angrily. The man then reached under his
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shirt and pulled out a gun. He raised it and pointed it at Junya square in his face. Junya moved his eyes to the side and saw that all attention was now on him. The other players from the dice game were standing up; no longer crouched or kneeling on the floor. The man that gave him the $200 was looking at Junya in his face while standing right next to him. Up until this point, Junya gave off a machismo that kept everyone interested in him, yet also kept them in check with their bully attitudes. Now Junya had a gun pointed in his face. Junya had been fortunate all his life not to have been shot or stabbed, nor threatened with a weapon. It seemed everything that has happened on this night has been out of the ordinary, and not in Junyas favor.
Chapter XIV What is all this commotion about? You fellas have a problem with this establishment and its patrons? I know the music is kind of old school, but damn, you dont have to fight about it! A concierge Gerald said in the presence of all the restroom attendees. The man eventually lowered the gun from out of Junyas face, then gave off a sigh. Junya took $50 from his winnings and gave it back to the man. The man looked at Junya, and Junya then gave him an additional $50. Is everything okay here JuJunya, it is, correct? Gerald asked with a hand on Junyas shoulder. Gerald could tell that Junya had fallen into an
inescapable predicament, and it was Gerald who was going to help him. Everything is crisp Mr. Mickenswe was just getting excited over this emceeing, he got upset while we was battling Junya said with a smirk. Junya had remembered what G-Man had told him. Here he was; to witness any
outburst or performance from Junya had to come at this moment. The attention had been directed to where the circle of dice players were. Now that Gerald was in the vicinity of Junya and the other men, people knew that something serious was taking place.
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Hey yo G-Man what dat nigga tawkin bout no battul, huh? He aint no rappin' boy, look at his moneytell him G-Main, what he rollin' wit? I put my best soldier, my doja, and 4 quarters against that nigga right now! A man with a heavy southern accent spoke with his mouth filled with gold teeth and a head filled with dreadlocks. The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. He peeled off $400 and then looked around the lobby area. Hey yo BrushBrush wherr you is bwoy? Come serve dis foo rewl quick! The man with the gold teeth and dreadlocks said out loud. A slim man with a low haircut and a large chain walked up to where Gerald and Junya were standing. He had light skin and a beard that connected all around his face. He raised up the lightly tinted shades he was wearing and looked Gerald square in the face. He then looked at Junya and gave off a smirk. Hey yo these niggas be wanting to battle, but they be broke. Only reason he near the bathroom is to pick up the soap! Brush said aloud in front of everyone. The patrons in the lobby yelled and hollered very loudly. Gerald put a cupped hand over his mouth and leaned back slightly. His eyes lit up wide as he extended his hand out to Brush, the rapper that just dissed Junya in front of everyone in the lobby. Junya nodded his head in accordance with Brush,
acknowledging he was an emcee and he set off a battle. Junya shrugged his shoulders and looked Brush square in the face. What you saying I did only admit your very wishes, niggas too pretty for women act like they want to be bitches. If you werent so light, I would say you werent too bright. Cause the dark that I will leave you in will make you hate your life! Junya stopped and smiled with confidence. The crowd stood silent, looking at Junya with disapproval. Mainthat shit was bogus holmsyou call that a rap? Brush said with a hint of anger in his voice. Brush tapped a man standing next to him in the chest and pointed to Junya. He then wiped his beard with his hand and began to rap again.
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Ay yo, these cats aint live, and they never was. I get you high with my rhymes, your rhymes cant get a buzz. I roll in Benz 6s, while you wait for the bus. You reek of stink, I know you aint eatingo get your weight up! Niggas like you get ate up, beat down, and sprayed up. Growing your hair out, cause you cant afford a shape up! Lo. Brush said with energy and no remorse. Before Brush could finish his verse, the entire lobby erupted with loud outbursts and laughter. G-Man was laughing so hard that he spilled some of the
champagne he had in the flask he was holding. Women that were going to the womens restroom had walked over to the circle of men to see what all the commotion was about. Brush looked around and saw that many people was feeling his rhyme. People were extending their hands out to give pound; some with money in hand from side bets that they made. G-Man sat up after laughing hard and looked at Junya. Junya looked back at him with a sad look on his face, then immediately changed it to a look of rage. Junya knew that if he did not get a reaction out of the crowd at least once, he might as well forget about being recognized by Gerald and his entourage. Well Junis that all you got? You gonna let country cuz take you out like that? I thought you was the next big thing? Dont let me down! G -Man said as he pointed out to the end of the corridor near where the rest of the partygoers were, and where Gerald and Junya had made there previous agreement. Junya looked back at Brush and began to rhyme. Nigga, you need to quit it. You nothing but a made-up gimmick. You soft as batter mix. I dont swing, so dont pout out your lips! I rip emcees like tissue of dispensers. You pushing a Benz, guarantee its a rental. I dont
understand how come to me to show and prove. All I do is spin, grin, and win, you gonna lose. Ill take on you and your crew, straight up-fuck you! When your crew go broke, what the fuck you gonna do? Oooh Brush said with a hint of sarcasmsthat was aight.okaybut check this shit out right here Brush reached down near his waist and lifted
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up his shirt. The handle from a 9mm gun had stuck out, and Brush held up the shirt as he looked at Junya. Aint no need to get violentwe just rhyming Junya said with a look of concern. It was one thing to have a gun put in his face over money during the dice game, but now Junya was being threatened because of the lyrics he was saying in a rhyme. G-Man reached by his waist and picked up his Nextel phone. Heywe got a problem over here near the mens room. Get out here. Gerald said into his phone with a calm tone. Seconds later, 3 very tall and muscularly large men came to where G-Man was standing, and started grabbing men up. One of the men grabbed Brush by the throat and his arm and slammed him against the wall. Brush was slammed so hard that his shades fell off of his face. Another man grabbed G-Man by his shoulders and stood in front of him. Was it this pretty boy bitch ass nigga here starting shit G? The man that grabbed Brush up against the wall had said in a dark, deep voice. Yea, take him outside and show him the meaning of respectyou know whatlet him go! G-Man said as he fixed his glasses against his face. Are you sure G?If you want me to take care of this mother fucker right fucking now! The large man said as he grabbed up Brush by the front of his shirt. I thought I made myself quite clear when I said to let him goI will handle it from here. G Man walked up to Brush with a stern look on his face. Gerald then quickly busted a smile as a sign of approval of Brushs actions. The rest of the persons started to dissipate from the lobby area. Most of the men went downstairs via the elevator, a few of the men spoke to the women that were in the lobby. Junya stepped back, as Gerald was now in the face of Brush, speaking softly so that none of the other persons standing around heard him speak. Junya looked around, and saw that the southern man with the gold teeth wearing all red had left to. Junya walked passed Gerald, Brush, the man with the dreadlocks, and some other men that were hanging around Brush and
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went into the bathroom. Junya went near the sink and looked at his face. He noticed that he had matter in his eye, and he had a whitehead on his cheek that had not been there before. Junyas face often got really greasy due to
perspiration, and the fact that he liked to touch his face a lot. Junya went into one of the stalls and closed the door behind him. He lowered the seat and sat down on it as if he was going to shit. He then went into his pocket and pulled out the cash he won from the dice game. Junya counted and realized that he had $1200 dollars in his pocket, even after giving the man back his money. Junya had become overwhelmed, for he did not gamble often, and he never saw so much money at one time ever. Junya started to arrange the money in denominations; $100, $50, $20, and any other bills he placed separate from the larger bills. Junya then had an enormous smile on his face, until he overheard Gerald laughing loudly. I swear if I ever see another rapper get his face chewed out like that bum ass fucker you was rapping to, I swear it will be a day in historyWhy do these wanna-bee rappers come up in the faces of guys that are obviously doing something big with theirs; hating! Hating for no reason, gives you more reason to hate yourself Gerald said as he used the bathroom. Junya quickly shoved the cash in his pocket, and jumped up off of the stool. He swung the door open hard and stepped out looking for Gerald, but he had already left. Junya wet his hands under the sink, and without drying them, he rushed out the bathroom. Gerald was standing towards the wall next to Brush and the man with the dreadlocks. Women walked out of the womens restroom, and immediately stopped in front of Brush and his entourage. Junya walked up to Gerald, but before he could get any closer, the same large man that snatched up Brush earlier, was now standing with his hand out to block Junya from coming near the distinguished G-Man and the rest of the gentlemen. Can I help you sonny? The large man said to Junya.
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It is okay, I know him, we go back Junya said with confidence. Junya looked up in the direction of G-Man, but Gerald did not look nowhere near Junyas direction. He was engulfed in conversation with Brush. Mr. Mickens is not doing any business this evening. I am sure he means wellhere, take his card, and call him sometime next week. I will see to it that he gets your call. The large man answered to Junya. The large man then reached into his wallet and pulled out a business card. Junya took the card and placed it in his pocket. Junya then walked passed the group of men, looking at G-Man the entire time. Gerald did not look away once. Junya started to feel the effects of disappointment. He felt he was ready for the real deal when it came to the big dogs. Unfortunately, he failed to uphold an attitude and image that he had initially impressed G-Man and his wife with. Junya pressed the button on the elevator to go back downstairs. Before the elevator came, Junya took the business card the guard gave him and looked at the number, and realized that the guard gave him a card for a security service. Junya then looked up, and immediately stepped away from the elevator, and turned back in the direction of G-Man and Brush. Junya stood at the side of GMan, where the dreadlocked man was standing. The large man looked over at him, and immediately came over to where Junya was standing. I thought I made it very clear that Mr. Mickens was not accepting any new business at this time. Cmon son, the guy ripped you. Save your face and come back when you are ready! The large man said. At that comment, Gerald and Brush busted out in laughter, then Gerald looked at Junya. Lets face it sonny, you do not have itI was expecting a war, but all you did is get bitch slapped! Ha! Ha!I swear if I had a thousand dollars for every time some rapper came up to me and told me he was hotwait a minuteI do! Gerald reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. He peeled off a $20 dollar bill that was lingering on the bottom of the pile, and threw it at Junya.
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Its like that Mr. MickensI had a lot of respect for you Junya said as he reached down onto the floor to pick up the money G-Man threw at him. Junya looked at G-Man, and then at Brush, and tore the $20 bill in half and threw it onto the ground. I never met no stupid nigga to be tearing moneyas broke and fucked up your ass look, you need any money you can touch! Ha! Brush said as he went into his pocket and pulled out another $20 dollar bill. Gerald went into his pocket and pulled out a $100 dollar bill. At the same time, the two men threw the money at Junya, and gave off a laugh. Look, I dont need your dough, cause Im rich in spirit Junya said quickly, then he was interrupted by Brush with an answer rhyme. If you talking bout flowing, dog, I dont want to hear it! Brush said. Brush then reached into his pocket and pulled out another $20 dollar bill, and threw it on the floor as he walked away. Junya reached down onto the floor and started to pick up the money, but Gerald placed his shiny shoe on top of the money. Look nigga, dont you ever embarrass me, or yourself like that ever again! Next time, if I were you, I would try to show a little bit of respect. I could have put you on tonight. But because of your attitude, or lack there of it, I cant do anything for you. I am sorry that this has been a bad night for youYou know what, keep the fucking money. You need it. Go invest in yourself, and maybe we can talk business. Do you know how to spell business? I bet you cant get passed the b-u-s! Now get off of my floor and get the fuck off of my property before I have these niggas really fuck you up! Gerald kicked his foot backward, bringing the money in back of him. Before Junya could reach up off of the floor, Gerald stepped on his hand, and walked off. The large man then pulled Junya off of the floor and hurried him to the elevator; the money still on the floor. A woman that had been watching ran and picked up the money off of the floor:
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that woman was Naika, and sure enough, Khevasiah was standing away near the womans restroom, watching the entire occurrence.
Chapter XV It was now 3 am. It was raining hard. Junya looked up and down the block, and noticed many people running to get out the inclement weather. People passed the building Junya was just kicked out of; some going inside, more coming out. Junya was highly upset. He initially went up the stairs to find Khevasiah, and he did not. He then was made aware of the opportunity to impress some major players in the music industry, and he did not. Now it was pouring rain outside, and he had a pocket full of money. Junya looked out into the wet New York City streets, and realized that he was making a humongous mistake. Junya turned back around and went back upstairs toward the elevators. The doorman tipped his hat and let Junya pass. Junya pressed the elevator button to the top floor, and leaned against the wall in the elevator. The elevator stopped, and 3 women got on. The women were mumbling under their breath, and seemed eager to speak to him. Are you a rapper or something? Because, I just LOVE your new album can you sign my breast? One of the woman exclaimed. She had on a low cut halter top with humongous cleavage poking out. Whats your favorite song? Junya said. The woman stood with a
puzzled look on her face, then one of the other women in the elevator pushed her out of the way to face Junya. I dont know about this bitch, but MY favoriteis the one when you tell the women to freak you up and downanywhere! The woman rubbed her hand down Junyas stomach and made her way down to the crotch of his pants. She knelt down on the elevator floor and started to unbuckle Junyas pants. Hey, hold on a moment nuh dalin the elevator still movingat least let it stop or something
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See, I told her he wasnt shit! He just like them other niggas! The third women said. At that moment, she pressed the button to get off on the next floor, which happened to be one floor under where the event was taking place. The woman that knelt on the floor stood up quickly and dusted off her knees. She rolled her eyes as the women started to get off the elevator. Cmon boy, you really think I would let you touch these titties? The woman who asked for Junyas autograph. Junya looked at all of the women with a confused look. He only assumed that the women either confused him for someone else; Junya was willing to play along, or worse, the women knew he was Khevasiahs boyfriend. Junya followed the women off of the elevator and walked up to them. I dont understand what the fuck yall talking about? Junya said with his arms out. The third woman in the elevator turned around and started
shouting loud in the hallway of the elaborate building. You know God damn well that my girl aint no fucking dummy you know you was trying to fuck with my girl, all up on her in the elevator in front of us like we some dumb ass groupies! What the fuck the matter with you? Huh? You in the same building with her and you act like you dont even fucking care heh! The woman snapped her fingers and turned her neck around so fast that her hair hit the large breasted woman that was in the group. An older white gentleman looked out of his room to see what all the commotion was in the hallway. Do you people mindI am trying to make love to my mistress in here! The man said. Hold on a mother fucking minuteJunya said to the woman who just cussed Junya out. Tell your girlfriend why the fuck she left me after I got my ass beat by a whole gang of niggas, then the only thing she could tell me is that where her car at
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Whatyou mean you dont know Lani? You talking about some next bitch! Oh damnyou really done fucked up now The woman who knelt on the elevator floor said. II do not know what you, or who you talking about for that matter. I REALLY think you getting me mixed up with some fucking body else Lani? Lani aint my girlfriend, and I never met you bitches nowhere before Junya said with an attitude towards the three women. He started to turn around and walk towards the elevator to get to the next floor. As he did that, something hit Junya in the back of the head. Junya looked, and it was a womens shoe. Junya turned around, and sure enough, it was Lani. What are you doing here? Junya asked You forgot you followed me here? Lani said softly. I am here with a few of my colleagues and associates. Why would you question me like such in front of people you will never know? Shall we? Lani opened the room door to where she had been for the majority of the night. The three women were there, along with some other men, and another man who seemed familiar to Junya. The man stood up as soon as Junya walked into the room. What the fuck you doing here nigga! A man with a fitted hat over his eyes said. The man stood up, and Junya saw his face. The man took off his hat and exposed a large bandage over his forehead and part of his scalp. He tapped a man that was standing next to him, and immediately recognized Junya. Hell yea, thats that bitch ass nigga right there! The man said. The man with the hat was in fact, Halftime. Halftime was the man that Junya had hit over the head with a champagne bottle at the club. The man that was with Halftime was one of the men that was there with him during the altercation. Halftime rushed at Junya and tackled him down to the floor and started to swing on him in the face.
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What the fuck? Junya said aloud. Junya put up his hands to block the punches that were coming at him. Halftime fell backwards. Junya pushed Halftime off of him, and
Junya quickly jumped to his feet and rushed at
Halftime, only to be held back by a bunch of the women that were in the room. The man that was with Halftime reached into his pants and pulled a gun out and pointed it at Junya. You aint shit so stop fronting! You aint hard! You aint no thug! You aint no hustler! Stop fucking with my nigga like you on his level! You just a mother fucking player hating male groupie; you need to get the fuck out of here before somebody kill your ass! The man said with extreme anger in his voice. At this point, the lights had been dimmed, there was rap music in the background, and the women in the room outnumbered the men 5 to 1. At that moment, a knock was at the door. One of the women answered the door, and Khevasiah walked in. What the fuck are you doing here? Junya said as he looked in disbelief at Khevasiah walking into the crowded room. She had on a new outfit; one Junya did not remember her having with her during the trip. She was escorted by two men, and another woman who was talking on a cellular phone. It was as almost a path had been cleared for her to walk through the room. Khevasiah did not even turn into Junyas direction. She walked up to Lani and gave her a
Hollywood hug, and then she walked up to Halftime and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Junya looked even more shock at the fact he spoke loud, and yet still Khevasiah walked passed him without even turning her head. Khevasiah then sat down on the lap of Halftime, and looked up and noticed that Junya was standing in the room. Khevasiahs facial expression had changed just as Junyas did, only she added a look of embarrassment for Junya. Lani, out the corner of her eye, analyzed Junyas observation of Khevasiah, and then she saw the look on Khevasiahs face. She then tapped her girlfriends from the elevator on the shoulder and they started to leave the room.
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Hold on LaniI aint through with you yet. Junya said as Lani passed him. Lani nodded her head, and proceeded to walk out of the room. Leaving already? A woman sitting on the bed in the room exclaimed out loud. It looks to me that the party is just getting started! Khevasiah did not stand up off of Halftimes lap. Junya could do nothing but stare, and noticed that Halftime was staring at Junya with flared nostrils. He then started to caress Khevasiahs ass, and gave off a tremendous grin. He then whispered something to the man sitting next to him. He busted out with a huge laugh, then stood up and walked over to the woman sitting on the edge of the bed. He spoke to her in her ear, and the two held hands and walked out. Up until Khevasiah had walked into the room, Khevasiah had not spoken to Junya. Junya put his hand up and fanned it down in the direction of
Khevasiah, turned around, and stormed out of the room. Junya ran towards the elevator and punched the down button to leave the room. Junya turned around to look, and still, Khevasiah had not chased after him. The elevator door opened and Junya headed downstairs to leave the building. Junya ran towards the place where he parked the Land Rover, and noticed that it was not there. Junya looked up and down the block, but did not see it. The rain had started to come down harder, and Junya just stood there. He stood there in the rain.
Chapter XVI Junya sat down on a wet bench while the rain was pouring down. He was so pissed off at seeing Khevasiah with another man, he did not know how to handle himself. He came outside to wait for her to chase after him to the car, and they would drive off, forgetting the madness of the weekend. Unfortunately, she had moved the vehicle, and it seemed that she had moved on. Junya could not go back and try to fight Halftime, for he was sure to get shot, or even killed up in that room. No one was on Junyas side, not even upstairs at the party. Junya felt
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that he needed to do something, and it had to be very extravagant; to win back his respect with both Khevasiah, and Gerald Mickens. Junya ran across the street and walked into a Cantonese restaurant. He ordered a plate of fish that he never had heard of before. He then asked the waiter to use the phone, and the waiter brought a rotary phone to the table. Junya reached in his pocket and felt around for Lanis business card with her cellular phone number on it. The card was soaking wet, but the numbers were still legible. Junya dialed the number and heard it ring and ring. Junya felt that he needed to leave her a message, for she seemed upset that he was with Khevasiah in the first place. Lanis answering machine came on, and Junya started to leave a message. LaniIt is Junya. I am at the Cantonese restaurant up the block. I dont know what to say to you other than, I really need your help right now. If you could me The answering system had cut off, and Junya looked up to see the waiter standing there in front of him. Junya handed him the phone and placed his order. Junya took the kerchief and wiped his face off. He took his jacket and placed it on the empty chair next to him. He then reached into his pocket and counted out $50 to pay for the meal once it arrived. Junya figured if Lani came before the food did, he would leave with her immediately. Junya sat down and ate the elaborate dinner. It was a fish with an
extreme hot pepper sauce, mixed with steamed vegetables and a brown rice with a flavor Junya had never tasted before. Junya had been halfway finished with the meal, and he heard the chime to the door go off. He looked up and Lani had walked in. She had a raincoat on and holding an umbrella, shaking it out while it was outside of the restaurant. She scanned the room quickly, and noticed Junya sitting down. Junya took the kerchief from his neck and started to get up, but Lani signaled him to sit down with her hand. Junya stood up anyway, to show Lani he was not to be bossed around. Junya took the umbrella from her;
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while soaking wet. Junya took Lanis coat off and walked her to the table where he had been sitting. Junya signaled the waiter to bring another menu. Junya looked and saw that Lani started eating his food. I see you dont waste any time, huh Junya said with a smile on his face. And I see that you do! Lani said sincerely. You know for someone who practically got his ass whopped in front of a bunch of women, had his main bitch snatched in front of him, and got left out in the rain to soak, you should be a sad mother fucker! You got some fancy food in your stomach, now all your
problems gone eh? I thought you had more substance than that! What am I supposed to do? Junya said as he sat down perpendicularly with Lani at the table. I have tried to be a good man to her. I admit, I lost my cool at that club, and I paid by getting my ass beat. Now I am this close to finding her, and she did not even try to find out how I was: she dont give a fuck about me! Well, that is obvious, because if she did, she would have slapped your ass as soon as she seen you in a room of strange women. But I think you need to realize something; it is obvious she is ignoring you for a reason. Why did you think she left the keys of her car with you? She figured you would go back to Connecticut or some offee shit like that. She knows you, and she must know that you can mess up a good thing if you are given the chance. Why do you act up so much? You knowthat guy in the hotel had a point So who side are you on? Junya said with a raised voice. A plate dropped and one of the other waiters walked up toward the table. You be quiet, or you leave now The waiter said. Mind your fucking business! I am paying you money to eat here, right! Junya said. He snatched a seasoning shaker off of the table and threw it across the restaurant. The pepper shaker hit a wall across the room and shattered. No one was sitting in the area. The waiter ran to the kitchen and signaled for a man
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wearing a suit to come out. Junya got up from the table and walked towards the back of the restaurant towards the bathroom. The man in the suit walked up to the table where Lani was, and Lani whispered something to the man, then the man walked off. Lani got up from the table and hurried to the restroom where Junya had gone. Lani turned the corner and saw Junya slumped on the floor with his hands in his face. Lani crouched down to the floor and placed her hand on his shoulder. Junya had felt he hit an all time low. It was obvious that Lani had come to his aid in his need to be consoled, and all he did was fight. Junya had obviously lost his woman Khevasiah, over some alcohol. He had argued with his good friend about coming out to New York, when he was busy with his own life. He had not been home in 2 days, and he had not given a call to his home. He blew a chance at getting his dream job, and damn near got shot; in the process on 2wo occasions. Since Khevasiah took back her truck, Junya was now stranded,
soaked, and looking sloppy. The only thing Junya had now was a pocket full of money, and a woman who he refused to fuck when he had the chance. Junya broke down so much as to think a hot plate of food and the ability to spend money would solve his problems; he earned his last meal at the cost of his self respect.
Chapter XVII
Get up! Lani said to Junya after letting go of his shoulder and stood up in front of him. You heard me mother fucker! You a man? Or are you a woman with a nice mustache? Get the fuck up! I will not be embarrassed as to know a man who is so pussywhipped that he is going to lay down on the floor of a chink restaurant crying in his own pissget up! Hey fuck you Lani! You dont know the half of what I have been
through! Leave me the fuck a
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Excuse me? Lani said interrupting Junya. What the fuck you know about hard times? What, you get dissed by some girl at a party and now you cant live? What is this, high school? Give me a God damn break If you remember vividly what I told you about my ex-husband you would not believe what I have been through. I know all about you Mr. I live at home with my mommy, and I dont have any money, so I have to get a woman that has money and her own place to fuck whenever and be a man You goofed off in school and when you got out you had no idea of what the real world was about. You was so engulfed in your weed and fuck freedom y ou didnt give a fuck about any bills, or your family back home starvingyou was too busy doing you. And right now, you want somebody to help you. Help you do what? You a grown man with working legs, hands, and a damn good looking face and body. You mean to tell me, that you, Junya, are going to lay down on the floor like some infant that didnt get the prize out of a cereal box? You ought to be ashamed of yourself; seriously. I cant believe I almost gave you some ass. Now you done went too far as to insult me and my relationship with your familyI have never been no spoiled brat I Let me ask you this, Lani interrupted Junya again. Out of the whole time in New York, did you meet anyone else? Did you call your boy that brought you to the train station and let him know that you got to the city safely? Did you call your mother and let her know that you are still alive? Did you rent a hotel, or buy you an outfit so that you might look a little decent since you have been running around this whole time? Instead of flirting with my girls at the hotel, you could have asked them if they had seen Khevasiah. You here stunting in an expensive ass Cantonese restaurant that you had no intention of going to with your girlfriend Khevasiah, nor did you intend for me to eat with you. You went and ordered by yourself. You are only about yourself.
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I didnt think you would come After what happened at the gas station, and seeing you and Khevasiah in the same suite, in this large city, I didnt think that you were going to respond to Then why did you call me? Lani interrupted again. Why did you call me, leave me a message saying that you needed my help, just to order for yourself and get mad and sit here andand Lani turned away and started to run out of the restaurant. She had her hand in her face as she ran to the door. Junya slid over to see her run out of the door and toward the direction of the hotel. Junya slouched down on the wall near the mens restroom and gave off a sigh. He looked over to the spot where Lani was standing and saw a business card on the floor. Junya picked it up, and saw it was a card for the restaurant he was eating in. Junya immediately got angry. Junya placed his hand on the wall and slowly pulled himself up via the wall. He darted to the front of the restaurant, while reaching in his pocket to pay for his meal. As he stopped at the table, he saw that there was money on the table already; probably Lanis. Junya dropped an extra $20.00 and continued to the front of the restaurant. He looked outside to the left and the right of the block, and saw no one. Not Lani no one. At this point, Junya began to breakdown, as his mouth opened, there, right in front of him, was Khevasiah. She hung up her phone call and started to cross the street towards Junya. Junya wiped his face with his hand and placed it in his pants pocket. His brow was raised up, and his jaw was clenched tightly. As soon as Khevasiah stepped closer to him, Junya began to raise his other hand as if he was going to hit her. What the fuck do you take me for? Where have you been? Who was them niggas in that truck? Why the fuck you got me out here in these New York streets looking like a fucking bum, because you want to stunt with niggas and shit why you
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Shut the fuck up you bitch ass nigga! Khevasiah whispered as she slapped Junya across his face. Khevasiah then grabbed Junya by his jacket and began to drag him across the street to the vehicle she was driving. As Junya got in the vehicle, he noticed that Halftime and one of his crew men were in the back seat. What the fuck you doing with my girl nigga? Junya said immediately. Junya was so irate at this point, he was fully turned around, looking at the two men in the back seat of the vehicle. Halftime simply snickered and looked at his homeboy, barely paying Junya any attention. Hold on I have a brief situation. Halftime said into his cellular phone. I thought you sonned this bitch ass nigga from the club Half? The other man said. He just dont get it don Halftime lifted up his jersey and pointed down towards his waist. Junya looked and saw that Halftime had a gun tucked in his pants. Junya sat back and turned around in the vehicle seat, then slowly turned towards Khevasiah. Junya made a face of disapproval, then pulled the lock on the door to get out the vehicle. The door was locked, and Khevasiah closed her eyes; a tear fell down her cheek. I brought these guys to meet you Junya Why must you be so insecure and instable, that you would believe for a moment of time that I would play you? You, if anything, owe me an explanation as to why you was up in the tub with that light skinned bitch? As if I wouldnt know? Cmon man. What makes you think that a woman like her would be interested in you at all? Me and Lani go way back. When you called her, she called me. How you figure I knew you was here? You could have called my other cell phone, or you could have paged me, something to show you was looking for me. You obviously give up too easy. You made an ass of yourself in front of my homeboys. I knew them longer than you and I have been dating, longer than I have even known you. Why are you so
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possessive? I tell EVERYONE about you. Whenever I go somewhere, I cannot keep your name out of my mouth. Day and night, night and day, I got niggas coming at me, throwing house money at me, and giving me car keys, vacations, the whole 19! And I say no, just for you only for you. Why dont you believe me? Dont you love me? Why dont you love me like I love you? I do this for us. Halftime is taking time out of his busy schedule to meet this guy that I am so nuts over. You are talented, handsome, and you have a lot to offer. You, and only you are to blame for your lack of success, because you utterly refuse to humble yourself and be like okay, Im a fall back and be easy, watch the game If you took time to listen, or even introduce yourself nicely, you might have gotten farther. Halftime said as he covered the mouthpiece on his phone. You shouldnt talk to me bout anything man you was all over my girl in the club, and you sonned me in front of your boys! So fucking what! This is N-Y-mother fucking C, and we dont play round here! You walking up on a mother fucking superstar, with your $100.00 dollar outfit, no class, no nothing! And you LET your girl walk around the club by herself? If I was you, she would be hand cuffed! That showed me that you was either a cold ass nigga, or a fold ass nigga quick to fold under pressure. You could have laughed that shit off, put your stake in your prize woman and kept it peace. I am the streets. Aint a nigga out here that wont bust for me. You was bold hitting me with that bottle you Halftime stopped talking as his phone rang. Junya looked down at his lap as to hang his head in shame. Junya fondled in his pockets and searched for a business card, but realized he never had any in the first place. He started to fondle around the glove compartment, forgetting he was not in Khevasiahs Land Rover. What are you looking for? Khevasiah asked sarcastically. Why...why you looking through my shit homie? The other man in the back shouted. After that, he leaned back in the back seat, seeming to doze off.
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A de A demo! A demo! A mother fucking demo!!! Khevasiah interrupted Junya excitedly. You got some asshole of a nerve. As a matter of fact, get the fuck out of this car right now! Halftime started to die laughing. The other man in the back jumped awake out of his sleep and started laughing also. Khevasiah was not laughing. She was serious. She looked Junya dead in his face, as she unlocked the power locks in the vehicle. She took her other hand and started the vehicle. Junya looked back at Khevasiah with a smirk on his face, as if to say he knew Khevasiah was not serious. Then Junya quickly realized that Khevasiah was very serious; more serious than he ever knew. Junya, we had our fun, our times, and our laughs. We even got it on, and you know what, where I am, and where I want to be are not the same place. I have been putting up with your broke, insecure, no goal having ass for too long. This trip, to be honest, was a Litmus test for you. I knew deep down that you would fuck this up; not know how to control nor handle yourself. I wanted so badly for you to just be the Junya that I know, the one I fell in love with. But you clearly got some issues that I have not control over, and obviously you dont. I cant trust you, and I cannot be with someone that I do not trust. Do not take this as a thing of the moment, but this has been on my mind for some time now, and this trip, this trip solidified it for me, and sealed your fate. When I got here Whawhat are you saying? Junya said. I think she said it homie Halftime interjected. Shut up please Half let me handle this Oh, I see. Let me see if I got this right uh correct Junya said. You got the audacity to sit here all highty-tighty in front of me right now. You dragged me out here for me to make a fool of myself? Not to keep you company or to make some moves on my own? Who do you think I am? Some chump? Some pencil pouch carrying know nothing dude? I graduated college. I came
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back to the hood to make a difference. I rescued you from yourself! Your selfish, egotistical self. I encouraged you to be better than you are. I pushed you to get to where you at. How you gonna sit here, in another niggas car and tell me that I sealed my fate? Any other nigga would have knocked you down by now. Wont nobody put up with your nagging ass like I do. Why you dumping me? I should have dumped you a long time ago. You know what, fuck you! Junya opened the door and slammed it shut. Khevasiah rolled the
window down and looked at Junya leaning toward the passenger seat. Junya had tears running down his face. You didnt mean that, but I did. Khevasiah said softly. Khevasiah put the vehicle in gear and drove off. She beeped the horn as she disappeared into the New York City night. Junya was alone again.
END OF PART ONE
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Will Junya and Khevasiah get back together?
Will Junya find his way in NYC?
What will become of Lani and Khevasiahs relationship?
Will Halftime and Khevasiah become an item?
How will Junya get back to Connecticut? Will he go back?
Will Junya take his music seriously, even without Khevasiah?
These questions and many more will be answered in:
Be Aware To Come Back (Pt. 2)
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Other Titles from VSO Publishing LLC

Free Verses And Deep Wording A First Book Of Poems by Veessoppe (1st Books Library/VSO Publishing LLC, 2003)
To Kill A Man Without A Weapon The Attack On The Black Mans Pride by Veessoppe (Publish America / VSO Publishing LLC, 2006)
Read Them And Weep A Hearts Cry: The Tissue As My Paper And The Ink For My Tears by Veessoppe (AuthorHouse / VSO Publishing LLC, 2007)
My Book Of Rhymes 1996 ~ Infinity by Veessoppe (VSO Publishing LLC, TBA)
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