Oakland California
December 31, 2011
12:45am
~Kehlani Ashley Parrish~
4 Years Earlier
It was one cool night out here in Oakland California, I've always been a night freak for some reason, well now I'm a night freak since I moved out my aunts house, I couldn't stay there any more, My aunt loves me dearly, she took me in when I was just 3 months old and I truly appreciate her for doing that for me when I didn't have a mother or father around. But now I made the dumb decision on moving out at only 16, who would of known a girl like me moving out at 16, my aunt wanted me to get a job but I refused so I had the bright idea of moving out. I Don't have anybody beside my aunt and my great grandfather who loves me like his daughter. I missed him so much that it hurt me to know that I don't even know when I'll see him again. I sighed looking around the dark alleys around me, I didn't have any bags with me which was odd. I know I said I moved out but I moved out in a hurry, meaning without bags or food.
So now I'm on my own for a while. I wasn't afraid of anything out here, I'm use to it. I soon came up to a bright light above my head shinning in green letters. Lucky's. It was open 24 hours which was perfect. I looked both ways before jogging on the other side of the street, I peeked my head through the door seeing nobody around. I nodded my head biting my bottom lip in satisfaction. I made sure nobody was behind me or following me and I walked into the store taking what I can, I grabbed anything that can make me full in matter of days. "Hey!" I jumped hearing a white man from the back, my breath hitched as I ran as fast as I could out the store and out the area not wanting to be seen by anyone. I ran as fast as I could making sure to keep a tight grip on everything in my hands. My legs soon gave out on me and I finally stopped when my body slouched over taking deep breaths. I looked behind me and sighed in relief, I took a seat on the ground by this dumpster putting everything on the ground.
Shít like this, you couldn't understand the stuff I go through trying to eat every single day, so far I've been homeless for a week in a half and its hell to know you have to watch your back every second, make sure no crack heads get to you. But knowing me I'd beat there ass, don't let my age fool you..I will not hesitate. I grabbed the chip bag opening them taking a hand full out shoving them in my mouth, they were so good as I chewed every part of them. I jumped at the sound of glass being broken making me shake my head, that's one thing I don't do..if I hear something I don't like then I won't wait for it to happen to the point where I end up dead for it. I gathered the Rest of my food and jogged the rest of the way down a park where swings and a jungle Jim was, I sighed going under the jungle Jim going in the yellow tube laying inside trying to be comfortable. I laid the food next to me and crossed my legs putting my hood over my head, I yawned covering my mouth already feeling my eyes getting heavy, I've been running all day so the time has come for me to go to sleep. I blinked my eyes a little before feeling sleep take over my body completely.
~~~~
"Hey kid?"
"Kid wake up." I stirred a little shaking my head. "Kid you have get up." I felt a tap on my shoe making me immediately shoot my head up but I instantly regret it once I felt my head throbbing from how hard I bumped it.
"Damn." I grumbled rubbing my forehead.
"Hey kid you can't sleep out here." I looked at a white elderly man as he waved a flashlight back an fort in his hands, I just stared at him like he was crazy, I didn't know what there was to say about this situation, so I did what I thought was smart. I grabbed all the food I had and hauled ass down the opposite street I came, I heard him call for me but I wasn't going to go back and get hurt. I needed clothes, because the ones I have on are starting to smell and rip. I hadn't noticed that a diner had came in view. I crossed the street going straight towards the back, usually in diners they would have a lost and found box. Right? I sighed walking through the back door staying very quiet, I didn't want them to hear me back here. I saw a figure walk past making me move back but they didn't see me, I sighed in relief once the coast was clear and I went for it.
I slowly made my way inside the kitchen area trying to find anything that had clothes, I sighed in relief when I noticed a locker in the far left corner, I tiptoed on the side but something grabbed me by my hoodie yanking me up. "What the hell?" The man said as he stared at me like I was dirt. I tried to wiggle from his grip but he was to strong.
"Get off me."
"Ah, I'll show what we do with homeless people around here." He grabbed my wrist as he still kept a tight grip on my hoodie.
"Aye! Get the fuck off me," I kicked him in his leg hearing him grunt but that didn't stop him from tossing me out the back like I was a dog on the street, he spit at me but I moved back before it could land on me. I mugged him and he smirked.
"If I catch you around my diner again, I'll do more than just toss your little begging ass." He slammed the door and I rolled my eyes getting up from the ground wiping my butt off, this is what I go through every other day and it sucks, some people can be so cruel. I huffed and went to pick up my food I had, I went on with my walking journey but I didn't know how long it will be before I find other clothes.
"Lani you can beat this." I mumbled to myself it was begging to sunset and I was still walking to god knows where, I was just following wherever my feet take me. I was walking for what felt like days, but in all reality I was walking for a week now and I hated it, sometimes I wish life wasn't so hard, I just wish I could live a better life, have parents around who love me...teach me right from wrong, I wish I had that. I couldn't even lie I missed my bestfriend, I was taken out of school because I got into fights a lot, damn I really missed him. Me and Edward have been friends since seventh grade, he was the only real friend I had. The rest of the walk I ate the last of my food I had, I was still hungry and I needed clothes, as I'm walking I hear laughter coming from beside me, sounded like a guy was saying shit but I Didn't care.
"Aye baby!" I ignored him and continued walking trying to find the closest place to crash for the night. "Aye I know you hear me." I sighed walking a little faster trying to get as far away from this dickhead, like why must you bother me. I put my hood on walking into the park where I seen stores across the street, I jogged across the street in hopes of the guy getting the clue that I didn't feel like being bothered by him. I seen Walmart and that was the perfect place, since there's a lot of people and I could get food and clothes. I zipped my hoodie up looking at my surroundings before walking the long path to Walmart.
It wasn't to many people here but it was cool with me, I walked in like any normal customer walking towards the food area, I made sure to go to further area where I wasn't seen. I smirked once I seen the chicken sitting under the heated plate, I took it holding it under my arm walking to the chip aisle, I bit my bottom lip seeing a women and her daughter, she stared at me like I was going to snatch her purse or something..well I did think about it but I'm not stupid. I continued to browse around holding a good amount of food for myself. I took a bag from the front and placed everything in before hiding it behind the stand, I was now in the clothing section and I just grabbed anything plain that didn't have much designs. I slipped a white shirt on and took my pants off putting some jogging pants on before putting my shoes back on. I left my old clothes in the fitting room and walked out swiftly without being seen, I kept my head down as I slowly grabbed my bag of food and stared at the door where stood a police officer, I licked my lips tapping my fingers inside my pockets. "Come on come on come on." I mumbled thinking to myself how I would get out of here. I sighed and just walked slowly towards the door as he stared at me, he tilted his head to the side as I looked back in front of me, but the medal detectors decided against that.
"Hey!" I cursed under my breath making a run for it, I ran as fast as I could with the police right on my tail. "Get back here?" He was moving pretty damn fast, I started making a run for the fence, I hopped over scrapping my hand. I continued running until I couldn't hear the police running or calling after me, I was in the woods now, going through lots of dead ends, wasn't shit out here at all and it made me upset. I noticed how house lights shinned as I was walking through the woods. I frowned walking closer seeing big houses, where the hell am I? These houses looked to be owned by rich people, freshly cut grass, pools. A small smile came upon my lips as I seen a door open to some sort of garage. I looked behind me making a run for it, I threw the bag over the gate climbing making sure not to make any loud noises. After jumping over the gate, I crouched down walking around the house going straight for the door.
I peeked through screen door seeing boxes stacked up, I opened the screen door walking inside going straight for the boxes. I opened them to see toys and other bullshit that I did not need, I moved to the next one, And this was filled with books and other dumb shït, but for some odd reason I wanted a notebook, I picked up a composition notebook placing it on the other box. I heard footsteps making me immediately stop what I was doing, I saw how a light flicked on making me curse to myself. I grabbed my bag and the notebook running towards the closet and locked myself inside. Why was this always happening to me? I've never hurt anybody at all to go through some fucked up shit like this. I seen through the crack that a man walked out.
"What the?" He mumbled closing the boxes back. He looked around making sure nothing was in sight, I tucked my lips in not making a sound. He scratched his head looking around again before going back in to his house. I sighed in relief, I guess this could be my little sleep spot for the night, since I'm already a little drained from all the running around so why the hell not crash in this closet like a lost dog that I am. I squatted down trying to make myself comfortable, I laid back on the wall blinking my eyes a little until I was full blown knocked out.
~~~~
"Baby I swear to you that I came out here and this box was messed with, I don't know but something opened that box, and when I find out what it was I'm gone kill it."
"Baby you maybe forgot you opened it and didn't close it." I twitched in my sleep hearing voices, my eyes opened slowly as I looked around the dark closet.
"I don't think so babe, I know I didn't mess with that box." I heard footsteps getting closer, I cursed under my breath standing up slightly hitting my head. "What was that?"
"What was what?"
"I heard a noise." I picked my bag up praying that he didn't come towards the closet.
"Baby..your being paranoid."
"Hold on." I heard footsteps coming closer as I seen a shadow blocking the sun, I counted down from three before letting out a deep breath. The closet door tanked opened as his eyes widen. "What the hell?!" I rushed out making a run for the screen door but I was picked up by my waist.
"Get the fuck off!" I yelled kicking my legs.
"So your the fucker that messed with my stuff?" He dropped me on the ground as he yanked me up pushing my back against the wall. I winched shutting my eyes.
"Let me go!" I struggled to get his hands from my arms, but he had a nice grip on me. I kicked him in his leg, he grunted smacking me in the face, I pushed him off me jumping through the screen ripping it off the door, I clutched onto my bag running as fast as I can not taking one look back. My cheek burned through the cool fall day, why did I have to go through this?
I ran until I couldn't breath, I stopped midway through the woods slouched over with my hands on me knees, I felt my face get hot when I felt my eyes burn, this was enough for me to go through..I didn't need to go through this, I was being a stupid sixteen year old who didn't want to work for what they wanted in life, I wanted the easy way out, I didn't want anything in life..I didn't want to work...I just wanted to be a normal kid with parents but did I get that? No. Did I choose to not have parents? No. You know that saying...everything happens for a reason. I leaned against a tree staring off into the foggy day, until I busted into tears, my back slide down slowly down the tree as I covered my fave with my hands, I brought my knees to my chest shaking, crying for myself..for my father's death..for my mother being in prison, crying for everything that's happened to me over the past week an a half. This shit hurt so bad, I'm to young to be going through this, I can only take so much right now and this was all I had in me right now. My breathing still heavily taking a toll on me as I wiped my tears away, this was only the beginning of my life, so it's my job to fight through it and take responsibility. I sniffled wiping my nose and tears from my eyes as I squinted into the foggy morning, it was a little chilly out but I didn't care at the moment, I just needed to get somewhere so I could sleep and not have to worry about someone hitting me or worst..killing me. I picked my bag up from the ground and through it over my shoulder, I put my hood on and continued my journey through the woods while keeping my head low, I don't know why but I felt this urge that something bad might happen to me, and I don't know what the hell it could possibly be, I just hope it doesn't involve me doubled over coughing up blood or anything in that matter. I finally make it out the woods and walk the long way towards the streets of nowhere, I went the same way I did last night from Walmart but it was empty out this morning, so I was in luck since I didn't have to worry about anything jumping out at me. I was hungry and I needed some type of food to eat..something in me wanted to find a way to break into the Walmart but I wasn't bold enough to do it, cops would be on my ass in seconds. "Where am I?" I asked myself as I paced around in circles trying to see any street names or anything that look familiar to me. I sighed continuing my walk.
~~~~
After four straight hours of walking no where I come to the conclusion where I'm lost. Sigh. I wish I had some sort of technology or some shit like that. It was a little over 4 in the afternoon right now and I didn't see any cars in sight which confused me even more. That's one thing I hated about this homeless thing, you had to worry about being lost and not knowing where you end up or who you might end up with, that's why I try to stay in my own little session of the streets but I guess that wasn't going well. I stared off into the sunlight light as I watched the sun Chang different sets of colors, I smiled at the sight..it was beautiful in the afternoon even though it gets dark now at 5:46 which sucks hairy balls. I noticed this run down old abandoned looking house, it had a back yard of some sort, I noticed lights were on which made a smile creep upon my lips. I jogged across the field as I ran on the side of the house, it was dirty mattress just laying there for me, I rolled my eyes swiping the dirt away the best way I could. I laid my bag at the top and laid my head on top of it, it was a good angle of the sun from where I was laid. I blinked my eyes a couple times trying to get comfortable as I possibly can. I shut my eyes but they immediately shot open when I heard gun shots being fired in the house. I jumped staying hidden the best way so I wouldn't get caught. "The fuck...can I ever find a place an sleep." I said shaking my head.
"Hey!" I looked up to see a dark skinned guy looking down at me from the window above.
"Shit!" I hurriedly grabbed my bag and threw it over my back.
"Aye wait!" I heard Feet running behind me so I picked up pace but was caught short when he scooped me up by my waist.
"Let me go." I wiggled in his grasp trying get out his grip.
"aye bitch calm the fuck down." I stopped when I heard the cock of a gun placed to my head, I sighed staying calm like he said. He placed me back on the ground and turned me around. He stared at me as he looked me up and down. "Who the fuck are you and why you at my trap?" He asked bluntly.
"I'm nobody just...passing by."
"Don't lie."
"I'm not lying..who the hell are you?"
"I'm asking questions..now why you out by my shit? I'm not asking again." He said gripping his gun in his hand, I looked down at it and sighed.
I hesitated for a moment and sucked it up before speaking. "I'm homeless and I needed s place to sleep...so I noticed your..trap or whatever and saw the mattress and decided why not."
"Is that it?"
"Pretty much."
"You on drugs or some shit?"
"No.."
"You sell drugs?"
"Didn't you hear me say I'm homeless...meaning no money no clothes no food..nothing."
"Don't get smart you little shit..I'm asking a damn question." I shrugged. "How old are you?"
"Why?"
"Do I need to knock yo fucking jaw off?" I didn't say anything I just rolled my eyes.
"I'm 16.."
"Hm..I could use you, my nigga E could work with you."
"Work?"
"If I let you stay here..you won't just sit on yo ass eating, you gone bring money in for me."
"Like drugs.."
"You'll find out..just get yo shit and come on..make sure to hide yo shït..niggas is thieves nowadays."
"Thanks for this..."
"If I ain't get no name from you aunt no name from me..straight up."
"Call me Lani."
"I'm Q." He gripped my hoodie as he pushed me in the weed smelled room, for some reason it smelled hella good to me, I remember only smoking once..my aunt caught me. There was other guys staring at me as I walked in, girls in here naked and bagging up drugs. But what I didn't understand was why it looked nice inside but raggedy on the outside. "Everybody meet Lani, she'll be working with us now.." Everybody gave me a head nod and I just looked away.
"Where's your friend E?"
"Right over there sleep..he was my nigga for a while now..been looking for some girl he was close with..but he cool people, just don't get on his bad side." Q said as he motioned me over to E. I nodded my head slowly making my way towards the couch were E was sleep, he looked like a tall skinny figure laid across the couch. I cleared my throat and tapped his shoulder.
"Hey?" He didn't bulge at all, I sighed tapping his shoulder again.
"What? Leave me alone." He waved me off and I huffed.
"Q sent me to talk to you." He raised his head up finally, he looked about my age but a year older, he rubbed his eyes and looked over at me, and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I dropped my bag on the floor as I stared at my bestfriend that I haven't seen in weeks. "Edward?" His eyes widen as he smiled up at me.
"Lani baby is that you?" I smiled so big as he got up from the couch and pulled me into the tightest hug ever, I wrapped my arms around him as he rocked us from side to side. "This is dream, am I dreaming?"
"No Ed your awake and I'm really here.." I said with the biggest smile on my face.
"Mami I been looking all over for you..and I finally found you." He said as he took my face in his hands squeezing my cheeks making me giggle.
"Stopp Edward, I hate when you do that." He laughed picking me up and spinning me around.
"I got my bitch back yesss." I laughed as he threw me o the couch. It felt good to have my bestfriend back with me, we've been so much shit together and I'm glad I got him back. "How the hell did you find me?"
"To be honest, I didn't...I just slipped upon Q, he found me outside just a few minutes ago."
"Damn Lani, you stink..where you been sleeping these past weeks." I mugged him and mushed his head.
"Shut up nigga..your breath smell like wolf pussy and goose ass." He busted out laughing as he clutched his stomach. "And I been in an out of places, just slept in a closet yesterday."
"How'd that go?"
"Well if getting yanked up by a guy and getting slapped is good then I'd be lying."
"He slapped you?"
"I said that didn't I Ed..your so dumb."
"Shutttt up." He wrapped his arm around my face.
"I see you too little shits are aquatinted." Q said looking over at us. Edward got up from the couch yanking me up from it as well as he dragged me over to where Q stood.
"Q this the girl I was talking about finding..this Kehlani."
"So your the girl huh?"
"I guess.."
"E wouldn't shut up about you at all, I had to threaten his ass to shut that shit down."
"That's so not true." Edward said with a mug on his face making me crack a small smile.
"Whatever nigga..but I need for you to find some shit she could do to bring in money for."
"But wouldn't I get money also?"
"Depends on how good you are at what you do..money talks out here."
"I have an idea of what Lani can do."
"Like what? I'm not good at anything."
"Stop lying to yourself nigga." Edward said staring down at me. "Back in school you use to sing up a storm, your voice was so cute."
"No hell no..I don't even do that anymore."
"Shit you will starting tomorrow night yungin'." Q said looking me up and down. I mugged Edward and he stuck his tongue out at making me roll my eyes.
"I swear Edward I hate you." I said pushing pass him, he laughed placing his hands on both my shoulders as I walked away from him and back over to the couch.
"Lani why you fronting like you ain't got the voice knowing you do, you know I've always had faith in you and your amazing voice."
"Why you trying to butter me up?"
"Bitçh please, if I was buttering you up I would of did some ignorant shit and said bitch fine sing and make me this money while bouncing on a dick!"
I scrunched my face up busting out laughing. "Yo what the fuck? That shit doesn't even make Sense to what your were saying...Edward take a seat." I said pointing to the spot next to me.
"You know shut the fuck up and kiss my ass, you what I mean Lani, I seriously think you got the talent."
"Man I don't know bout all that...I mean if I really wanted to sing and all that other shit..don't you think I would be writing my music again? I mean I'm shit right now."
"Butttt you got a notebook in yo bag for what?" He said showing me the composition notebook that was in my bag.
"Aye gimme that right now Ed,"
"Why, you said you wanted to write music, so do it! I'll be your biggest supporter, I'll even be there every step of the way."
"I'm just...scared that I might fuck up.."
"Lani just follow your heart and do what you think is best for you..hell in even telling yo stubborn ass."
"Shut up.." I said smiling while messing with my fingers. "You really think I can do this?"
"Bitch yes! I believe in you and only you." He said squeezing my thighs. I bit the inside of my lip looking at the composition notebook in his lap.
"Aye Q!" I shouted, W looked over at me before making his way over to where I was seated.
"What's poppin?" I looked at Edward and he gave me a head nod sitting the composition notebook in my lap. I looked back up at Q as he had his hands crossed over his chest. I stood up gripping the notebook in my right hand.
"I'm in." He nodded his head then looked at Edward.
"Get her started on some shit so we can make paper."
"I'm on it Q." Edward said back then he grabbed my shoulders walking me in a black room. "Alright if you want I can help you write some of the music."
"Nah nah...I got it." He nodded his head.
"I'm proud of you Lani..you finally going after yo dreams for once in yo life..and I promise you, you gone fly off into that shit." He said with a small smile. I smiled nodding my head picking up a pencil and writing what my brain takes me too, I hope Edward was right, I've always wanted to sing and make it big out here in Oakland because most people don't even get that, but me? I'm gone be blessed and have faith in me and my music because I know I will something in life.
Little did I know, that dream was just the beginning of when my pencil touches this paper and takes me off to my real life...
____
First chapter of get away💯😊I told y'all it would be after thanksgiving😂 but I hope y'all enjoyed y'all time with y'all family and friends, cousins everybody you love. I just hope y'all enjoyed y'all time because I sure as hell didn't🙄
First chapter was 4 years before so you'll get the memo of what's to come chapter two😀
Just to let y'all know, Rih ain't their yet😂 she come LATER. So please don't be bored with just Lani I promise It gets better💯 trust me🤗
Chapter two will be posted sometime on Sunday😀...maybe😘