AINITCW

Snippet

Chapter 1
DUSTIN
The past...
"Ay, Dustin what are you reading?" Ratavia's fine, light skinned ass asked me. She had gray eyes and them little faux locks things in her head. I wanted to ignore her ass, but something about her was piquing my interest. I wouldn't let her know that though. I've had a crush on her little short ass since I was twelve years old. Ratavia Bennett is beautiful in every since of the word. She's 5'4", has the skin color of milk with a shot of caramel, these hypnotizing ass gray eyes, a petite little body, but she's thick in the right places, like her thighs, hips, and ass.
"Invisible Man by Richard Wright...something you or these other clown bitches around here wouldn't know about," I responded, rudely.
"You know what...FUCK YOU! My mama wanted me to see if you would like a plate, but you can kiss my ass!" Ratavia walked away, heated. I shrugged and continued to read my book. I couldn't help the rude person I've become. The streets are all I know. Deauvion Boyd raised me to believe that women ain't shit. They'll use you until there's nothing left. She did the shit to my daddy and countless other niggas around here. I won't become the victim to any of these hoes. I don't have the time. All I'm about right now is counting my paper, excelling in the classroom, and looking out for my little sister, Destiny. Destiny is only eight years old and she needs me to be there for her. My mother is a terrible role model. All she does is smoke weed, drink liquor, fuck niggas, and collect welfare. I never want my little sister to follow in her footsteps. I plan to take her with me wherever I go. There's no way in hell I would leave her behind.
After reading a few more pages, I decided to walk to the corner store to get something to snack on. I disrespected Tavia, so I knew that plate wasn't coming my way. My growling stomach made me regret talking reckless to her, but fuck it. I walked over to Smooth Breeze Convenient Store and Market. Soon as I opened the door, the cool breeze from the air conditioner hit my body. It felt so good because the summer heat in Charlotte was being mad disrespectful. It officially hit the ninety degree mark earlier this afternoon. I walked in and went straight to the back where the drinks were located. I grabbed five Arizona fruit punches and went to stand in line. I planned to grab more stuff, but I needed to sit those down first. I stood in line and waited until I got to the counter. Once I did, I went to grab a few bags of chips, candy for my sister, and three brownies for me. I was going to put them in the microwave and demolish them.
"That's it, lil homie?" The cashier, Torren asked me. His signature open faced gold teeth were on full display.
"Yeah, that's it," I stated, getting my wallet from my pocket.
"Okay, cool. Keep up the good work you doing bro," He always gave me advice that  encouraged me keep pushing in spite of all  of the circumstances that surround me.
"I sure will," I dapped him up and made my way out of the store. Torren was a cool ass Middle Eastern dude. Before I really got to know Torren, I used to think he was just trying to be cool because he owns a store in the hood. That's not the case. This dude owns plenty of shit and I hope to be a great businessman like him someday. That's my motivation to keep getting up and grinding everyday of the week. I'm trying to see more than the hood of Charlotte, North Carolina. I walked home thinking of all of the moves I wanted to make within the next two years or so.
I arrived home and found Destiny sitting on the sofa, watching Disney Channel.
"Hey, little bit. How was your day at summer camp?" I sat next to her.
"I had so much funnnnn!" I had to laugh because my little sister was very animated.
"That's wassup. Where's mommy?" I inquired.
"She said she was leaving and wouldn't be back for a few days," Destiny responded.
"Fuck!" I yelled, forgetting my little sister was in the room.
"Ooohhhh! Dustin, you said a bad word!" my little sister sang, in her little voice.
"I'm sorry, little bit...I got you some candy," I knew that would perk her up and make her change the subject.
"Yayyyyy! You got me some Starburst and Skittles!" She did a dance in front of the TV. I smiled because I would do anything to keep my little sister happy.
"Yeah, I did. Destiny, I'm about to get ready for work and see if Ms. Bennett will watch you. Okay?" I explained to her.
"Okay," she went back to watching TV. I went into my room to take a quick shower and put on my work clothes. I have a job at  Ryder working as a third shift delivery driver and lifter. Though I just turned eighteen a few weeks ago, Torren hooked me up with a gig. He knew one of the supervisors and let them in on my situation. At first, I wasn't cool with him being in my business, but after a while, I said fuck it and started making money to provide for me and my sister. My mother wasn't contributing to shit, so I had to make some things happen. I've been working there for the past two years.
After my shower, I threw on my Ryder button down shirt, my shorts, and my black Timberland boots. I splashed on a little cologne and my Ryder hat. I grabbed my keys and headed out my room. I went to the fridge to see if it was something I could eat for dinner. Wasn't much of anything in there except some old ass ham, some eggs, my five Arizona juices, and a twelve-pack of Colt 45. I closed the refrigerator in disgust. I would go to the grocery store when I got off at eight o' clock, so I could put some food in the house. I just grabbed two Arizonas and the brownies. This would have to do.
"You ready, kiddo?"
"Yes," she packed up her Nike book bag and was all set. I smiled and we headed out the door. I locked up and we walked down the stairway to Ratavia's apartment. She shared an apartment with her mother, Ms. Lynn Bennett. Ms. Lynn was so sweet. They only lived in the projects because she got into a terrible accident and lost her leg. She wore a prosthetic one. Despite her circumstances, Ms. Lynn was still happy and easygoing.
I knocked on the door and Ratavia swung it open, wildly. I knew she was still mad about what I said to her earlier.
"What are you doing here?" she sneered and rolled her eyes at me.
"I was trying to see if your mom could watch Destiny, while I went to work," I said, trying to bite my tongue from being disrespectful again.
"Come in," she never stopped rolling her eyes at me, but smiled at my sister. I closed the door behind me.
"Hey, Ms. Lynn," I greeted her with a hug. I had to crouch down to reach her short, petite frame. She was sitting on the sofa, watching Criminal Minds.
"Hey there, Dustin. How are you?"
"I'm doing okay. Just trying to live. How have you been?" I was always interested in hearing about how her day was. She was like a mother to me.
"I've been doing quite well. Did Tavia give you the plate I made you?"
"No, ma'am." I looked at Ratavia and smiled. She shot a bird at me.
"Tavia, I thought I told you bring this young man a plate. He can't be all at work on an empty stomach," her mama scolded her. I wanted to laugh so bad.
"But mama, he..." Ms. Lynn interrupted her by putting her hand up. I had to suppress the urge to start cracking up.
"Go fix the plate, Tavia," she left out of the living room and went to the kitchen. I smirked a little. She came out a few seconds later with my plate. I grabbed it from her, said my goodbyes and walked out of the apartment. I headed downstairs, so I could walk to the bus stop. I took my Samsung Galaxy S4 from my pocket and started listening to my music. I had a hour bus ride ahead of me to get to Center City. I was ready to get the work day over already. My only silver lining was that I get paid after work. I had a few days of overtime, so I knew my check would be lovely. It was Friday night. I didn't have to work on weekends so I planned to attend this block party my best friend, Micah was throwing tomorrow night. I knew that it would be dope. His parties were always dope.