𝕬𝖓𝖎𝖞𝖆𝖍 𝕵𝖊𝖓𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖘' 𝕻𝕺𝖁
|| 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 @ 𝟏𝟎:𝟒𝟕𝐚𝐦 ||
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
As I paced up and down the aisle for what seemed like the hundredth time in the past 15 minutes, my eyes scanned it meticulously to ensure that everything was in perfect order for the highly anticipated launch of Luxura Apparel at 12:00pm.
If me did know a so much anxiety and overthinking launching a business would come with, me wouldn't take up dis pon me head.
A big people something dis mi love!
The pressure mounted, causing my fingers to fidget nervously and my palms to become sweaty.
I took a deep breath and focused my attention on the arranged clothing racks and the carefully curated items displayed on the shelves.
Luxura Apparel is not just an ordinary business; it's a haven for the working class, the bougie, the elegant, as well as the dolls and party goers.
So yuh know say a propa something when the lady business launch!
I glanced at the racks once again then moved away from it and shift my gaze to the front desk, where my hired employees are poised and ready to bring my vision to life.
Three of the girls diligently worked, packing the items that had already been preordered since the online part of my business was launched just last night at the stroke of midnight.
On the sidelines, the other two employees engaged in a lively conversation, eagerly anticipating the official launch of the business.
In the midst of the bustling activity, Dejanae lent her assistance to the girls packing the orders.
She crafted each receipt with a pen in hand, ensuring that every transaction is accurately recorded.
She then hand over the receipts to the girls and they swiftly placed them in the corresponding package bags, aligning each item with its owner's order.
"Yaa work though fren," I teased her, siting on the nearby stool and building a conversation with her as i tried to maintain my rapid pounding heart.
"Not even ina me high school me write and calculate so much, much less fi check over it. As me done exam me woulda go sleep enuh. Mighty God," She remarked as she wrote but then paused the pen mid-air to look at me.
"Girl yuh know say yuh have over a 100 orders already? Yuh business a fire like ten pack a matches yuh frig. Den a who coulda stop dis? Which gyal? Which man? Crazy Crazy!" She exclaimed, and a smile spread across my face, and a genuine laugh escaped my lips, causing my cheeks to ache with joy.
If anuh one ting Deej ago do, she ago support me.
I then got up from the chair and moved towards the exit of the store so i could shake off my nerves and contact Malachi, who left three hours ago to go and pick up my parents.
I buzzed the door open and dialed his phone number, placing it on speaker.
Don't judge me.
I just have a habit of doing so.
The dial tone rang three times before his voice resonated through the speakers.
"Aniyah," He answered, and I immediately started to question his whereabouts, curiosity gnawing at me.
"Yeah? Where are you? Yuh pick up mommy dem yet?" I asked, gazing at a vehicle turning onto the property, seemingly belonging to the sound system provider.
"Ye enuh. Deh here a wait pon them fi come outside. Me soon fawud," He assured me and i scrunch my face in confusion.
"What? Yuh just reach or something or a them take long fi ready?" I inquired.
I heard the line go silent for a second before he responded.
Hmmm.
"Woulda say a mixture of both. As me say before, me soon fawud," He said and i let out an exasperated sigh.
The sound system man then appeared in my view, his arrival serving as a temporary distraction.
He greeted me warmly, and I reciprocated with a cheeky smile, grateful for him to be on time.
I quickly directed him to the designated spot where he would set up the system in front of my store.
"Ah empress," he said, before he went off to prepare the equipment.
I then divert my attention back to Malachi.
"Ugh... Okay. Fine. The launch ina one hour and couple minutes and me doubt unuh even ago make it fi the first part. Drive safe though," I said before abruptly ending the call.
I then went ahead and dialed my mother's number, impatiently waiting for her to pick up on the other end.
As soon as she answered, I wasted no time with my barrage of questions.
"Mommy! Malachi pick unuh up yet?" I asked, my lips twitching with irritation.
"Ye Peach. Him pick we up long-long time. We a come ina the town now," She said and I paused for a moment, trying to process her words.
What the hell?
"Huh? So how when me call Malachi him say him still deh a Portland? Give him the phone please," I said, waiting to hear the voice of the liar but is still hearing my mother's.
"Why yuh cah kip yuh behind steady? Yuh nuh see the man a drive?" my mother snapped, and i furrow my eyebrows.
I almost hissed my teeth in frustration but quickly snapped back into reality when i realize this is my mother on the phone.
The lady that chased me around the entire yard space with a belt when i was six years old because i said the word 'bumboclaat'.
Poor me not couldn't even pronounce it good.
And i still can't at my grown age.
"But anuh him hand a talk. Just put the phone on speaker nuh so i can talk to him," I pointed out and i hear her mumble in the background.
"Yuh nuh see him everyday fi talk to him? Likkle girl when we reach, we reach. Likkle more," She said then the line fell silent.
Yuh see how she outawda and stay though.
Not even know why waste me time and call dem two deh cause dem ago pick up fi dem son in law no matter wah.
All when it nuh go suh, it go suh.
Hissing my teeth once again, I made my way towards the entrance of my store, taken aback when I saw the caterers already on the premises, opposite of the sound system provider, arranging the delectable treats to be offered to our customers.
To how me a make Malachi dem rest pon me head, me not even see when the people dem pass me.
"Good morning," I greeted them, trying to hide my surprise at their promptness.
They returned the greeting warmly and even handed me a cupcake adorned with my business' logo.
I gladly accepted it and took a bite, relishing the delightful flavors that danced on my taste buds.
With the cupcake in hand, I entered my store and made my way back to where Dejanae was seated, her demeanor displaying signs of exhaustion.
"Two likkle writing and yuh tired already Dejanae?" I teased her, letting out a laugh.
She playfully rolled her eyes at me and laughed in response.
"Chro. Nuh bada come stop wid me now cause a long time me nu write wid a pen. And Sash say she deh round a the corner a come yer," She said and i nod my head to acknowledge.
I then lean over and reach into my handbag to retrieve my MacBook.
I flipped it open and my fingers danced across the keyboard as I punched in the familiar PIN.
I then navigated to my business website and the sheer magnitude of the sales I have achieved thus far left me genuinely astonished.
Despite the extensive pre-launch promotion on major platforms, the amount of orders surpassed even my wildest expectations, especially since i has been less than 10 hours.
As a bougie boss gyal!
I also delved into the messages section and read through the responses provided by my dedicated representatives, their diligent efforts ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Moments later, a buzz resounded through the air, interrupting me.
Sashawna arrived and I gestured to the employees to grant her entry, since they thought she's amongst the many customers lining off outside.
The door swung open and in her hands, she cradled a beautifully adorned gift basket.
I couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion within me as she extended the basket towards me.
"Cah be a boss without a basket. Big up yuh nice clean self mi gyal," Sashawna playfully declared, and i placed the basket at a side and pulled her into a tight tug.
"Thank you sooo much. How me love yuh suh," I told her then let go and began to examine the contents of the gift basket which includes fragrances and other items.
I pouted my lip in awe as i gawked at the gifts inside, reaching for my phone and recording a video of it.
I then placed the basket on the table behind me and continued the scroll through my business platforms.
However, as the minutes ticked by, my peripheral vision caught a glimpse of a growing line outside, their presence only intensifying my own anxiety.
Me nerminous!
I checked the time on my watch to see that i have 14 minutes left and I rose from my seat, my legs feeling weak beneath me.
As the seconds ticked away on my watch, I waved and exchanged greetings with the persons who said 'Hi' to me or gestured it.
However, with just eight minutes remaining, a commotion began to stir among the customers.
They gradually stepped aside, creating a path for my parents and little brother to make their way through.
I squealed and immediately buzz the door open to welcome them.
I rushed into my dad's arms, enveloping him in a tight hug, struggling to hold back tears that threatened to escape.
Anything me do ina dis life, me do it fi them.
"Your place a gwaan wid nuff tings mon. Congrats me princess," my dad whispered warmly, his voice filled with pride, to which i acknowledged with a thank you.
Reluctantly, I released him from my embrace and turned to hug my mother,
Meanwhile, my little brother passed by me, eyeing the intricate details of my store.
Not even a good morning!
No nothing!
But me not even ago meds him.
My brow furrowed with concern as I realized that Malachi hadn't followed shortly after my family.
I turned to my mother, searching her gaze for any clues or explanations.
"Nobada terrorize me soul now. See him deh a come," my mother assured me, her voice calming my troubled soul.
I shifted my head to catch a glimpse, and there he is, steadily making his way closer to the door.
Glancing at my watch, I noticed that it read 11:56, and without wasting a moment, I quickly buzzed him in.
As he reached the door, he pulled it open and held it, allowing a woman to enter carrying a huge custom cake adorned with my logo.
He then let go the door and with a hand resting on my waist, he guided her and indicated where to place the cake.
I stared at the cake, my cheeks hurting because how much i've been smiling since day.
But then, my gaze shifted, and I noticed something different about him.
He had gotten a fresh line-up, his appearance sharp and well-groomed.
Nuh wonder the fucka take so long.
Bout mommy them take long fi get ready.
Lie like indian show.
He then shifted his attention back to me, planting a kiss on my forehead while his hand caressed my waist.
"Have a ting fi yuh yer. But when yuh done up wid here suh," He said lowly and I nodded in agreement and check the time on my watch, realizing I had only one minute left.
Might as well.
With a decisive motion, I swung open the door, allowing the eager customers to enter, and bwoy me know how fi capture Jamaicans.
Tell me why some a dem itch up addi catering table before them come inside?
What a set a people live dem belly and freeness.
I positioned myself to the side, welcoming each person with a warm greeting as they entered, witnessing the once-empty store rapidly fill up with a lively crowd.
𝕸𝖆𝖑𝖆𝖈𝖍𝖎 𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖇𝖊𝖘' 𝕻𝕺𝖁
|| 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 @ 𝟐:𝟎𝟗𝐩𝐦 ||
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
Vibing to the music being played by rocking my leg, i scrolled through twitter to occupy my time until Aniyah is finished here or has time so i could hand her the gift.
I could've gave it to her earlier when i entered the store , but me nuh too like crowd ting and when people ups ina me business.
So me leff dat fi a next time.
And me coulda see pass her relieved smile when i arrived that she was upset with me for lying to her and arriving at her launch late, which is why i want to explain myself in a more private area.
Cause me never technically lie enuh.
Just never give her the full story.
But me know how me ooman stay and me cah take the fuss and contention.
Atleast not tonight.
"She coulda get it stills," Justin interjected randomly.
I followed his line of sight to a slim one and burst into laughter, shaking my head.
"Yo ute. Me nuh want yuh sister say a me change yuh enuh. So yuh better mind weh yaa say when yuh deh a town. Anuh di game dis yuh deh pon," I warned him, scanning the surroundings in search of Aniyah.
Finally, my eyes landed on her, and her lips adorned a wide, teethy smile as she spoke to a customer.
Seeing her like that eased my worries, for all I ever wanted was to witness her happiness.
She deserves to be happy and me ago always ensure that.
"Peach nah do nothing other than complain to mummy bout me. Then mummy ago go to me fada and a suh di cycle start. Anyways Mal, a wah time dis a end? Nuh wah play a round a hogwarts later dung?" He asked and i shrugged, tapping my index on the back of my phone.
Only rounds ago gwaan tonight a wid me and yuh sister.
"A true yaa one minor make me nuh voice me thoughts enuh. Badman me done tell yuh say me ago busy tonight.
Nah go have no time fi dat umbre. Maybe Monday tonight me and yuh maths dat up but tonight out a it," I informed him, and his face momentarily held a disappointed expression .
Stuck ina di middle now, but a better me disappoint him than disappoint madam miserable, worse like how me deh pon thin line from morning.
Shortly after, my phone began to ring and I glanced at the caller ID, which displayed Michael's name.
I tapped on the green button to answer the call, already having my AirPods in my ears.
"Yo bad bro. Me deh bout now enuh. Which side yuh say di building deh pon again?" Michael's voice crackled through the airpods, and I provided him with directions.
The call then ended and i looked out for him to enter the store but jah jah.
Me shoulda know him did ago pull some fuckery stunt like a dis.
He appeared in my view with a female, dragging her along by the arm.
I caught a glimpse of his small mischievous grin as he searched the store with his eyes before his gaze fell upon me.
He then release the girl's hand as he approached us with a nonchalant and greeting, "Me deh yah now. Wahm likkle man," He said to Justin then turn his attention to the girl.
"Kedesha, see a seat over deh so weh yuh can siddung till me ready" he instructed, pointing towards an empty chair.
She stood still for a moment, scanning her surroundings.
"Nah it's okay. Imma go look at something that i saw on the business page then i'll come back," she replied then turned on her heels and saunter away, ticking her hips with a BBL that's very obvious.
I turn to Michael and scoffed, watching his gaze linger on Kedesha as she departed.
"Cork yuh ears Justin. Yaa real pussyole enyh Michael. Why yuh choose fi come wid yuh fuckery up yah and yuh know Rodri ago deh bout," I said, and Michael turn his gaze to me and hissed his teeth loudly.
"Wid wah? Di B a move like she wah style me dawg so me do a dirt. Fuck me look like," He said nonchalantly and Justin interjected with 'Jah Jah' .
Really Aniyah a him sister to pussyclaat.
I turn my head towards him and he laughed, clearly finding the situation amusing.
"See yuh deh yasso a grin. Try nuh follow dah man yah yer. Cause dem gyal yah nowadays buss gun and me doubt your generations did play sightings," I said and Michael laughed boisterously.
𝕬𝖓𝖎𝖞𝖆𝖍 𝕵𝖊𝖓𝖐𝖎𝖓𝖘' 𝕻𝕺𝖁
|| 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 @ 𝟐:𝟒𝟏𝐩𝐦 ||
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥
"Yeah sure. Thanks alot for coming," I said warmly to the customer, holding the door open for her as she struggled to carry the items she had just purchased with her two hands.
Addi first me stand up so long and nah complain.
Nosah.
After the customer left, Michael appeared shortly thereafter, and I offered him a shy smile.
However, my smile quickly faded when I noticed that he was holding hands with another woman, that's curvaceous and wore a lace wig that nearly swept my floor.
"Wahm sis. Weh your bwoy deh?" he asked, and I pointed towards the corner of the store where he's seated with my baby brother.
Michael thanked me, and his girl flashed me a smile in return.
I reciprocated the smile, considering her status as a customer once she steps through my store door.
And caa afford fi lose me sale true me a defend me friend but no sah!
Michael likkle and dutty eh fi a big man.
A weh Deej deh fi see dis!
I walked away from the door and joined my parents and Sashawna.
She had a knowing expression on her face, as if she anticipated what I was about to discuss with her.
"A me alone see dat?" I asked her as I took a seat beside her.
I grabbed my water bottle and took a refreshing sip, feeling the cool liquid rejuvenating my body.
"No me dearest. Me see it wid me two big eye dem. Dejanae deh outside so me know she must see when him come een," Sash said, and i shook my head, entirely not surprised this even happened.
Me did warn her bout him enuh.
Ah bwoy.
Nah swear fi no man again, but me glad me get the best outta the brothers.
I kept my gaze on Malachi, Justin, and Michael, trying to read their expressions and lips discreetly.
However i got distracted because i'm amused by how Justin is in the middle conversing with the grown men.
I turned to my parents to get their attention.
"Mommy yuh nuh see say Justin get two bredda?" I pointed out, and she glanced at him before playfully hissing her teeth.
"Dat deh? From him meet Malachi di first time all him talk bout is that him ago play game wid him law-law.
All wah day me affi wax him fi go wash the plate dem cause him siddung a wait pon Malachi fi come from work so them can play game," she said, and Sashawna and I burst out laughing.
If only him did know say Malachi nuh touch that game unless me a cook or i'm extremely busy cause we always ina each other skin like ticks.
I smiled and diverted my focus to my store.
The racks that held clothing were noticeably emptier, and the shelves are looking more sparse as well.
It's a testament to the tremendous support I had received.
The support i've gotten so far is over the top , and the fact that it has only been three hours suprises me even more.
I'm genuinely taken aback by the overwhelming response I had received in just three hours of being open.
Customers from all around came out to support me, including some of my associates whom I have known since high school or met through mutual friends.
And it's safe to say, this business will actually work out.
And big up God everytime fi dis.
-------
After what feels like an eternity, Dejanae finally reentered the store, clutching a Starbucks drink in one hand while carefully balancing two more in cup holders.
Her eyes briefly flickered towards Michael before shifting her gaze towards us, seemingly unfazed with the situation at hand.
Rass.
She better than me.
"Here you go. Me nuh know wah kinda drinks unuh like so me buy something weh me woulda like," she said, extending the cups towards us.
Gratefully, we accepted the beverages and took a sip, and mercy.
Me nuh recall telling Deej say me sugar count low.
"Yuh nuh see such girl and such man over desso well comfy?" Sashawna pointed out, gesturing towards Michael and his girl.
Dejanae glanced in their direction once again, her expression remaining unbothered, before taking a seat beside us.
"Dat nav nothing fi do wid me. Him make himself clear by bringing her here so weh me fi do? Dem quite alright than me," she responded calmly.
I remained silent, understanding that this nonchalant demeanor is a façade for the hurt she was undoubtedly feeling, similar to the pain Kash had experienced.
Just give her likkle more time fi she start ramble bout she hate man.
We continued sipping our drinks, savoring the flavors and engaging in casual conversation.
That is until Michael's girl approached us, holding my shopping bag with a cheerful smile on her face.
And as the store owner, it's only natural for me to reciprocate her enthusiasm.
Cause one thing fi sure.
Two things fi certain.
Nothing nah come in between me and my money.
"Hey. I DMed you last night about the purse and the denim shorts but i got them either way. And me a pray you start sell wigs too. Whether colored or just plain black cause me surely a come back here," She said and i gave her a genuinely smile at her kind words.
See why people nuffi hate girl over man.
"Thank you for supporting sweetie and i'll take that into consideration. If i do start selling wigs you'll get a notification about it," I replied, genuinely grateful for her feedback.
She smiled, her gaze briefly shifting to Sashawna and Dejanae.
Dejanae deliberately looked away, focusing on something random and taking a sip of her drink.
"Okay well i'm leaving now cause my man is ready so i'll see you next time. Bye girls," She said before turning around and walking in the direction where Michael was waiting for her.
She seem nice to me..
"Like nobody did ask did ask bout yuh man," Dejanae mumbled under her breath, and Sashawna had to bite her lip to suppress her laughter.
"Hehay. Murdaration. I soon affi take up miself and go home to me people," Sashawna declared, causing both Dejanae and me to burst into laughter.
The tension from earlier seem to dissipate, replaced by a lighter mood between us.
We then resumed our conversation until my focus shifted as I sprang into action once more to monitor the surroundings.
Closing time was approaching, and I needed to ensure that all necessary checks were completed.
Once we had finished the day's tasks and it was time to close until another day, my family and I prepared to leave the store.
We gathered our belongings, making sure to tidy up first.
I then slung my handbag over my shoulder and marched out of the store, feeling the weariness weighing on me.
Malachi took charge of locking up the store, and I impatiently waited for him to finish.
Once he was finished, we started walking together, but I quickly pointed to my father that he's heading in the wrong direction.
"Daddy a over desso the Malachi car park," I exclaimed, realizing that we were about to go separate ways which shouldn't be the case.
"A me drive come here Peach," My father responded, causing me to glance back and forth between my parents and Malachi, my confusion growing.
Justin stood at the side and yawned, wanting nothing to do with this.
"From morning everybody a confuse and lie to me. How Malachi say him a pick unuh up but yet still. Yuh know wah! Me deven ago stress me brain bout dis," I began angrily, storming past them.
But Malachi swiftly grabbed my hand, pulling me back to his side.
Dis me cah take wid him enuh.
"Stop nuh. Me wah go home and go sleep. Me tired and me feel like unuh a take me fi one fool," I snapped, trying to free myself from his grip.
My father and mother stood in silence, seemingly relying on Malachi to speak for them.
"Aniyah just easy yuhself nuh mon. Me soon make yuh know what is what so just buil and calm yuhself ," he reassured me, then shifted his attention back to my parents, "Thanks again yer. Me will make unuh know when we reach home."
"Anytime mon anytime. Later me princess. Call me when you get home safe," my father bid farewell, and despite my frustration with them, I managed to give him a small smile.
"I will daddy. Later," I replied, then walked ahead of Malachi towards his car.
Him better come great wid dah explanation here.
I stood by the passenger side, waiting for him to unlock the vehicle.
As soon as he did, we both hopped in simultaneously.
I placed my bag on the dashboard and kicked off my heels, reclining into the seat to get comfortable.
I closed my eyes briefly and heard the car engine come to life, accompanied by the soothing coolness of the air conditioning.
"Ah. Suh before we go home, me waa make this clear cause no matter how much time me say this, me nuh think me say it enough.
But despite dat me know me actions prove it so me nah fi fret.
Babes me love yuh differently. Love yuh to the point where me only want the best fi yuh and fi see dah smile deh of yours everyday and woulda do anything fi it nuh come off even if a fi a second.
So if a fly pitch, dat dead.
Me know yuh see me try me best fi do anything weh keep we relationship going smoothly cause me see a future wid yuh. Thinking of building an empire wid yuh. And fi cut the long talking short, a me and yuh ina dis together B. Forever and if the afterlife exist, well dat too.
Soo.." He dragged while stretching his arm to the backseat.
He paused for a moment, stretching his arm towards the backseat.
My eyes widened as I saw multiple stacks of $1000 and $5000 notes being placed on the armrest, some of them even dropping onto the footrest.
"First ting, this affi yuh stock up pon your business tings dem cause me see how much yaa budget yourself. Me see say yuh well waa go crazy wid eh spendings but yaa limit yourself cause yuh nuh wah go overboard and spend off your savings," He said and i smiled and placed my palm in my heated cheek, admiring his keen observations.
"Second thing, yuh done know yuh man affi buy yuh yuh flowers dem already and yuh will get dat when yuh reach home so noboda ask weh it deh now cause me know yuh style," He said and i laughed, rolling my eyes at him.
"Next thing, me book a likkle hotel fi we touch dung a tonight so when yuh reach home just pack weh yuh fi pack. Yuh deserve the break after the stressful months dem and fi the last ting.."
He reached into the storage compartment, retrieving a file and shaking it in the air, causing me to furrow my eyebrows in curiosity.
"Dis a the last ting. When you look ina it yaggo wonder why me never give you from morning but a just that me nuh know if yuh did tell you friend dem bout a certain ting yuh zimmie.
And me never wah put you on spot fi lie in the case say you have to cause me seet say dem fass ina one way," He said and i laughed this time, feeling my heart pound against my chest.
He hand me the envelope, and I carefully tore open the top.
Pulling out the papers inside, it didn't take long for me to realize what it was.
No wonder me parents involved.
"How the fu- How'd you get this without UWI saying anything to me !?" I asked, my mouth hanging open as I looked back and forth between the certificate holding my degree and him.
"No worry bou dat. And me couldn't have yuh a run business and nav yuh degree fi show say yaa pro ina dis. And fi make some bumbohole out deh feel a buck ups make yuh business a progress suh. That's what me did go look bout it fi yuh," He explained with a small proud smile on his lip.
My cheeks started to hurt from the enormous smile on my face.
I placed the document on the dashboard, forgetting about the stacks of money falling to the car floor, and pulled him into a kiss.
"I love you so much. Thank you for doing this for me," I said lowly, my voice trembling with emotion, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.
He held me by the chin, his gaze filled with adoration, and pulled me into another deep kiss.
"I love you more. And dis a only the half. But yuh shoulda know that stills."