Capri Rae Martin
September 9th
It'd been the first week of school and already it was ending with a football game. I honestly didn't even like going to these things, but here I was. I didn't mind it this time, only because I was here with my best friend and I was watching my man play. He was number 5 and nobody cheered for him more than I did.
Tryouts were in the summer so we could just hop right into football season in the fall. That's how my school worked. It was weird but it had my boyfriend Micah going ballistic this summer. Everyday he'd been in the gym. Then he'd go to practice. And he made the team every single year.
He wanted to be in the NFL one day and if this year went as he planned, he could end up in a D1 school. But I often thought about what that meant for me. I had dreams of my own that I wanted to accomplish. So I wondered what our different career paths would do to our relationship.
He wanted me to travel with him. You know? Be by his side and make it to the top with him. But the independence in me wanted to do it for myself. Not be someone's trophy wife. He said 'that's what I signed up for when I decided to be his girlfriend in middle school.' And that he was my lil meal ticket.
He was joking but sometimes I couldn't help but think he was serious.
Micah played the QB all four years of high school. And this year, senior year, I just knew he was going to bring us to the state finals yet again. With his grades, parents money, and his talent, that boy was gonna make it big.
"We're in the fourth quarter of the first game of the season! Make some noise!" The game announcer announced, interrupting me from my thoughts.
The crowd cheered and I made sure to cheer proudly and represent for my man. I wore his jersey number and everything.
"Bellevue High and O'Dea high! They're down 10 on the Bellevue 40 yard line! And OH looks like Micah Wilson caught the ball!"
I stood up and cheered, proud that we were already winning the first game of the season. There were only a few seconds left in the game as the crowd anticipated our first win. Our team huddled, making their final plays then made it to their spots.
"The chargers have to score this in order to win the first game of the season!" The announcer spoke.
"YOU GOT IT MICAH!" I shouted, hoping he could hear me from the bleachers.
He turned around waving at me, pumping his fist in triumph. It made me feel all special, knowing he heard me from all the way in the crowd.
Moments later, the game started again and the players started to play. The crowd watched as Micah stuck to the gameplay and dodged in between opponents. And when he caught the ball, we went wild. We were on the edge of our seats as he ran towards the goal.
One of the opponents kept chasing him and it made me nervous. Suddenly he was tackled but it was too late because he already made it past the goal. He stood up, holding the ball with victory.
"LOOKS LIKE BELLEVUE HIGH'S FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR!" The game announcer shouted.
The crowd went wild and like that the Bellevue chargers won the game.
Following after my lead, my friend Samaria and I ran onto the field. So did some of the other students. Seemingly everyone was headed over to congratulate Micah but I made it to him first.
When I approached him, he picked me up and spun me around. I wrapped my legs around him and my arms around his neck.
"I'm so proud of you!" I exclaimed.
He kissed me on the lips, pulling away. "Couldn't have done it without you Pri."
"Stop!" I blushed, hitting him on the shoulder.
"I'm serious. You been by my side since forever and I really appreciate it." He smiled.
Before I could say anything back, he put me back on the ground. Then turned to his teammates and the rest of the other students that attended our school.
"PARTY AT JAY'S CRIB TONIGHT! WE GONE CELEBRATE THIS DUB THE RIGHT WAY!" He shouted.
Everyone cheered as they followed him off the field. He turned back to look for me and when we made eye contact, he motioned for me to follow him.
Instead I furrowed my brows with confusion and shook my head.
"Party?!" I exclaimed, turning my head towards Samaria.
She nodded her head. "Yeah. Did you not hear about it?"
"NO? What the hell? Micah said he wasn't going to throw anymore parties."
"Why he tell you that?"
"Cause! We agreed that his parties always got out of hand. They always end up with the police being called or someone getting hurt. Plus you know...he likes to drink and he gets a little...you know..."
"Girl I don't know what you expected. He's on the football team and those muh fuckas like to party after every game they win." She shrugged. "I'm sure we'll have a good time. We'll stop at my house and get ready."
"Sam you already know my parents don't play that shit. They don't even know I'm at the game right now. They think I'm tutoring some kid down the street." I huffed, crossing my arms.
"Pri...come on now. You always following behind ya strict ass parents. Knowing them, they probably wouldn't even let you go to bible study. Come to this party this one time. And I'll leave you alone. Okay?" She pleaded. "Sonny is still in Puerto Rico and he's not coming back until Monday."
Sonny was her boyfriend and he'd been in PR all summer. So Sam had been extra clingy with me and wanted me to go with her everywhere. Plus she'd been right. My parents were hella strict. I still had a curfew going on 18, wasn't allowed to go nowhere, so basically I wasn't allowed to have fun.
I snuck out only 2 times to see Micah. But that was it. Other than that, I stuck by my parents rules most of the time. I was afraid of the consequences.
"Alright. Alright. But I'm only going with you because Sonny, Nisi, and Zillah are still on vacation." I sighed.
"Yes!" She exclaimed, linking her arm in mine. "Ain't it crazy how all our friends extended their lil summer vacation? Now we left alone."
"Yeah but we still have each other. It's always been us. Ever since preschool." I chuckled, as we walked off the field.
"When did we meet Zillah again?"
I thought about if for a second before answering. "I think the 6th grade. Then we met Nisi this summer working at the pool."
"Our friend group really grew. Cause we got me and you Jayceon, Zillah, Sonny, Micah and now Nisi." She gasped.
"But to be fair Jay is only with us because he's Micah's teammate." I shrugged.
"You're right." She answered, as we walked into the crowded parking lot.
Taking out my car keys, I unlocked the door. Then I got into the drivers seat meanwhile, Sam hopped in the passengers. Now we were on our way to her crib. I hated parties and social gatherings all together. They made me feel so out of place.
Most of me and Micah's dates consisted of going to parties. They were too hype and too loud. And in the back of my head I always thought about getting caught by my parents.
Call me a square or whatever the fuck. But I didn't care. I rather stay in a quiet place and chill then get in trouble by my parents. I gave very much homebody.
I was only doing it now to spend time with Sam and Micah. This was our last year together and I really wanted to make the most of it.
***
Q Grey
I opened up the blinds just a little bit to get a peek out the window. I ain't want nobody to know niggas was home. Tonight was the night Jen was picking us up to stay with her. Since we been waiting, we ain't leave the house once or answer the door. We had to go completely off the grid.
"Yo she said she'd be here an hour ago. You think she got into an accident? Or ran into sum niggas that robbed her?" I questioned, closing the blinds and looking back at Eli.
He shrugged his shoulders, scrolling through his phone. "I mean it's possible. I wouldn't be surprised if someone shot her ass up and stole the car."
I sucked my teeth, peeking right out the window again. I couldn't let Eli encourage my intrusive thoughts. All I knew was if Jen ain't show up in the next 5 minutes, we were gone have a problem.
Suddenly, a black Kia pulled up in front of the house. It was seemingly new and very clean. The street lights glistened on the roof and rims of the car. I couldn't see who was driving it though. Windows were tinted.
"RED FLAG. TINTED WINDOWS. GET YA STRAP!" I panicked, taking my gun out.
Eli hopped up from his seat, running over to the window. "What?!"
As we looked out of the window, we watched the car parked in front of the crib. It just sat there and while it did, me and Eli was planning on going to war.
"So what's the plan?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the car.
"We could go through the back door and surprise attack this muh fucka. Or just shoot ole dude from here." He whispered.
"Smart."
"Aight now on three...1...2..."
Suddenly, my phone started to ring. I looked down at it to see who it'd been. It was a caller I ain't recognize. Sum told me this was gone be my last day on Earth. That the muh fuckas found who killed Lil Ray and they was coming to kill us now.
"Pick it up just in case!" Eli exclaimed.
Picking it up in a heartbeat, I held the phone in one hand and my glock in the other. "Hello?"
"You boys can come outside. I'm here." A familiar sounding voice chuckled.
"Who is this?" Eli spat, snatching the phone from me.
"Jennifer...ya Aunt? Boy stop playing with me. Is this Quentin or Eli?"
"Come to the door so we know it's you." He gritted, carefully watching the car through the blinds.
There was a bit of silence before she spoke again. "I- okay?"
Eli caressed his gun in his hands, cocking it back just in case sum crazy popped off. So I did the same. Finally, someone got out of the car.
I was so ready to smoke whoever the fuck it was. But as they got closer, I realized it really was Jen. Pops was right when he called me and Eli knuckle heads.
"Put it down. It's aunt Jen." I sighed, tucking my gun back in between my pants.
Eli did the same as I opened the door for her. First thing she did was greet me with a smile. It was so familiar and not gone lie, it made me feel safe for once. Like I didn't have to keep my guard up all the time. Didn't mean I was gone automatically stop though.
"Look at you!" She exclaimed, opening her arms out and going for a hug.
I ain't seen this woman in years but here she was. Hugging me up like we was cool. I ain't know shawty like that, so I didn't hug back. Then she let go when she realized I was uncomfortable.
"Quentin look at you!" She teared. "You got so big. Looking like a grown man! I remember when you were a baby!"
"Uh haha...yeah."
"You just turned 18 right?" She questioned, wiping her tears away.
I nodded my head. "Mmhm. May 5th."
Eli walked out the door behind me with both of our bags, then greeted Jen with a nod.
"OH MY GOODNESS? Eli?" She gasped.
He couldn't help but crack a smile. "Yeah it's me. In the flesh."
Jen went in to hug him and surprisingly he was more open to it than me. Probably because he knew her longer and actually remembered her.
"Look at y'all. Two grown ass men. I can't believe it. Facial hair and the whole 9. Lookin just like y'all daddy. It's crazy." She sighed, standing with her hands on her hip.
As she made small talk, I couldn't help but feel paranoid. Niggas could pull up on us at any moment. We had to get out of Ranier Beach asap. It wasn't safe anymore.
"You think we could get a move on Aunty?" I asked abruptly cutting her off.
She stopped speaking, stunned by my dismissive tone. "Yeah, sure. Just get y'all stuff I guess."
"We got it already." Eli chuckled, lifting our bags up.
"That's all?"
"We ain't got much." I shrugged.
"No playstation y'all wanna take? Video games? Anything?" She questioned.
"We don't have it."
Jen nodded her head, making her way back to the car. "Alright y'all come on."
Before following her, I looked back at the house one last time. I lived there my whole life considering my moms died giving birth to me.
We had some memories in this house. Ion think the move with Jen was gone be permanent. Just sum temporary until people forgot about Lil Ray. Til then, I was gone miss this house. It was the only place that felt like home.
Turning back, I caught up with Jen and Eli. Then I pushed Eli out of the way. He called himself trying to ride shot gun.
"I'm riding in the front!" He argued.
"You ain't call it nigga. Look I'm calling it now. Shot gun! Shot gun!" I exclaimed.
Elijah sucked his teeth, looking over at Jen. "You gone let em do that?"
"He called it. Fair and square." She chuckled, hopping into the drivers seat.
I laughed in Elijahs face as I watched him take his L and sit in the backseat. Then I hopped in the passengers, throwing my bags in the back with Eli.
"How old are you Q? Acting like you 3 years fucking old!" He spat.
Jen whipped her head around. "Hey! Language!"
"My fault. But ya nephew here is trippin." He grumbled.
Jen strapped her seatbelt on, starting the engine. "Alright y'all. There ain't gone be no arguing in my car."
Sitting back, I got comfortable in my seat and waited for Jen to pull out from in front of the house. When she didn't, I looked over at her. She was staring over at me which made me hella confused...and uncomfortable. I ain't even know what to say.
"Quentin." She spoke.
I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
"Ya seatbelt." She laughed. "You crazy boy?"
"Ion wear seatbelts. I'll be fine til we get to Bellevue." I scoffed.
She took a deep breath. "You need to wear your seatbelt. Just for safety reasons. I'm reliable for anything that may happen to you or your brother while you guys are staying with me."
"I'll be fine."
"Q just put the fucking seatbelt on. Acting like an idiot." Eli spat.
"No. I ain't never rode with a seatbelt before and y'all not gone make me ride with one now." I scoffed.
"Come on Quentin. I thought you were a little more mature than this. If you wanna ride in the front, you have to wear your seatbelt. I don't want anything to happen to you. I wouldn't forgive myself." She spoke in a softer tone.
"I ain't putting on a fuckin seatbelt." I shrugged.
Jen nodded her head, gripping the steering wheel with obvious frustration. "Well since you don't wanna wear a seatbelt, Eli take the front seat and Q take the back. You are too grown to be acting this way."
I sucked my teeth. "You gone do me like that?"
"Back seat. I only play fair Quentin and you're going to see that living with me." She shrugged.
I squinted my eyes at Eli, then at her.
"You heard ha nigga."
Already I wasn't liking the way shit was going. I never wanted to live with Jen. I was used to playing by my own rules most of the time. But now that I was gone be living with ha ass, she was gone be bossin me and Eli around. Prolly gone make us get real jobs and shit.
I was 18. I was grown as fuck and I didn't need guidance. Fuck outta here. Pops couldn't be serious right now.
Taking a deep breath, I mugged Jen before I got out the car. Eli got out after me then we switched sides. I still wasn't putting on my seatbelt though. This lady musta lost her mind if she thought she was gone boss me around and shit.
"We out?" I grumbled.
Jen looked back at me then started the car. Now we were finally moving from in front of our crib. I watched it from the window as we drove further and further away. I high key didn't want to leave but it was for our safety I guess. I rather make it out the hood alive then leave it in a casket.
As I watched the house from a far, the car suddenly hit the breaks and I jerked forward hitting the seat. I knew Jen seen that. I knew she did cause I saw her watching me from that luh mirror on the top.
Trying to be discreet, I took my seatbelt and buckled it on. Sum told me Jen did that shit on purpose. I could tell already it was gone be interesting living with her.
***
A good 20 minutes passed before we finally started seeing bigger and better houses. Every crib had it's own driveway and two door garages. Them mugs had mailboxes and Benz's parked outside. We weren't in the hood no more.
I even saw people walking they dogs on the street. Bellevue was a lot cleaner too. Everyone's lawns were green as hell and some houses had cherry trees in front of them.
This was nice as hell and I only saw things like this on tv. Never in real life. Suddenly, we started slowing down as we pulled into a driveway. I could only assume this was Jen's crib.
This house was big as hell. Aunt Jen musta been in rakin in some money cause what the fuck. Crib looked like sum offa MTV. Shawty had to be selling ass a sum cause how was she paying for this?
"Alright y'all." She sighed, opening the car door and stepping out.
Me and Eli followed behind her then made our way up her driveway. I took both of our bags with me then set em at the front door, waiting for Jen to unlock the door.
Once she did, she let Eli and I go in first. First of all, the place smelled like pumpkins. She had candles burning and low music playing as soon as you walked in. There was a long hallway and on each side there were doors that led to other rooms. At the end of the hallway, there were stairs and on the right side there was another hallway.
This hallway led to the kitchen and a few more doors that connected everything together. It was nice as hell.
I ain't even know where to go. So I just followed Eli who seemingly went for the living room. As I looked around, I realized Jen had pictures of me and Eli everywhere. She ain't have her own kids but since Eli and I were the only kids in the family, I guess our entire family favored us. At least on my moms side.
"You boys make yourselves comfortable. Are you hungry?" She asked.
"Starvin." Eli scoffed, laying back.
"Okay cool. I'll order a pizza."
I folded my arms. "I'm good. I'm not hungry."
"You sure Q?" She asked from the kitchen.
"Yeah!"
In all honesty. I ain't wanna be here. I wasn't used to this shit. Big houses and a good neighborhood. I always wanted a change but sum told me this wasn't the change for me. I always pictured me and Eli making it out by ourselves.
But now it was like, it was getting handed to us. And we actually had parental supervision this time. I ain't want that. But I was kinda grateful I wasn't sleeping on just a mattress tonight.
Ion know. My thoughts and emotions was all over the place. All I knew was that I didn't wanna be here with Jen. From the car ride alone, I could tell I wasn't gone like it here.
And she really wanted me to go to school. I dropped out towards the end of junior year. You know, to really dedicate my time to the streets. But now I was gone have to go back.
The thought alone irked me.
***
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