by Tysha
“I’m going to take a little more time and think it over. Money is always a deciding factor but there are other things to take into consideration. This is going to be my career and I have to love what I do in order for me to be good at it. My heart is in the healthcare field, I’m just not sure where my passion lies,” Shy explained.
“Man, all I care about is the money part,” Prince blurted out.
“Not everything’s always about money, Prince. There are other things in life than just money,” Jayden countered, perturbed at his brother’s limited thinking.
“Money makes the world go round. Money made my daddy’s world go round and it’s gonna keep my world spinning,” Prince announced.
“You sound stupid,” Jayden said, irritated.
“Here we go, Mr. College-bound with all the answers to shit he don’t know nothing about.”
“Hey!” Shy snapped at Prince for his language. “I can see this is about to get out of hand so this little powwow is over.”
“Naw, I’m sick of him always judging me.” Prince was heated. Jayden had an air of arrogance and Prince had grown tired of it. His brother didn’t live in his world and had no idea about hustling for a dollar or surviving outside of their mother’s presence. Prince was fed up with Jayden putting him down.
“I’m not judging you, Prince. You have the same potential as Q and me but you refuse to see that. The only one between you and a way out is you. It always has been.”
“Jay, you don’t know shit ’bout them streets. You know even less about what I carry on my shoulders so shut the hell up,” Prince barked and rose to his feet.
“Prince, calm down, man. It ain’t even that serious.” Quincy attempted to defuse the situation.
“It is that serious. All my life people been pointing fingers and judging me. Everybody always got shit to say about me. Fuck that! Why my brother gotta be one of ’em? He should be with me, not against me.” Prince dropped down on the couch and started to cry. He couldn’t take it anymore. There was no more room for pain on his back or in his heart. For the past seven years he’d had to live with people looking down on him. No matter what he did or said, Prince always felt like he didn’t measure up. He was the bad twin, the one whose fate was set when his father died in his arms. Prince was fragile and weak from carrying that pain around.
Shy was heartbroken. All the hurt inside Prince was pouring out. She knew there was much more to it than the argument with his brother. They had gone at each other much worse but Prince had never reacted so emotionally.
Jayden’s heart sank. He never wanted his brother to believe he didn’t love him. Prince was half of Jayden; good, bad, or indifferent, they were brothers unconditionally. Jayden understood Prince but sometimes lost sight of being a good sibling. He’d die for his brother without hesitation. Prince had to see that.
“Man, I’m sorry. You’re my heart, bro. I love you.” Jayden cried with Prince. Seeing the pain his brother was in was overwhelming.
“Prince, I always got your back. You’re my big bro, man. Nothing can change that,” Jayden explained with a despondent heart.
Prince felt like he’d been hit in the chest with a mallet. The emotional pain had taken over his soul. He felt alone and lost. His head fell down to his chest. Unable to gain control of his emotions, Prince continued to cry. Soon, everyone in the room was crying with him.
Shy knew this day would come. A person can hold on to emotional pain, disappointment, and anger for only so long. Prince had been in pain for seven long years. She knew he had tried to be strong for her. Shy always suspected that Melvin told Prince to take care of her before he died. That request was beyond a child’s ability. The request from his father mixed with the traumatic events of the day were haunting Prince. It was time to release those demons.
“I just want to make Daddy proud. It’s my fault he’s dead.” Prince rocked back and forth, trying to ease the pain.
“Don’t say that,” said Jayden.
“No, it isn’t,” Quincy added.
Shy wrapped her arms around her son. She felt his pain. It was clear that Prince was traumatized by that horrific day. Shy knew Prince never stopped mourning his father but she wasn’t aware he felt responsible for Melvin’s death.
“Jayden and Quincy, let me talk to Prince alone. He’ll be okay,” Shy promised.
They reluctantly did as they were told and left the room. Jayden didn’t want to go far so he and Quincy sat in the dining room. He had to be sure his brother was fine.
“Prince, you listen to me,” Shy demanded. She pulled Prince up in order to see his face. “You are not responsible for what happened to your father. It’s a parent’s job to protect their child, by any means necessary. If a situation ever came up where your life was in danger, I’d die for you without hesitation.”
“But if I’d just done what that cop said, Daddy would still be here and everything would be different. You shouldn’t have to work so hard or be worrying about going to nobody school.”
“Prince, I don’t work because we need the money. I work because I want to,” Shy admitted.
“What you mean it’s not for the money?” Prince was confused.
“We’ve never wanted for anything. All of our needs have always been met. You kids have everything you ever asked for and more. Trust me, it’s not because of that change I make at the hospital.” Shy chuckled.
“Where do you be getting your money from, Ma? Uncle C?”
“No, not Uncle C. My brother has offered to pay for college for you boys and Princess but that’s something he wants to do. We are financially stable. Your father made sure of that.”
“How then?” Prince couldn’t figure out how they could still be living off some insurance money after seven years. It just didn’t make sense. “I know you ain’t got some dude taking care of us,” Prince said angrily.
“We’ll get to that in a minute. First, we need to talk about all this guilt and pain inside of you. Prince, stress will havoc your body. If you don’t let this go, I can see you having a nervous breakdown.”
“I don’t know how, Mommy. Don’t anything ever go right for me. I just spent time locked up for somebody else’s crimes. Then, while I’m doing the time, I see that Raequan is on some foul shit. He’s supposed to be my boy. Jayden don’t respect me because I’m not doing what he thinks I should. I hear people talking about ‘he crazy’ or ‘he’s a time bomb waiting to explode’ because my father died in my arms. Why is that anybody’s business? You’re the only person in my life who never betrayed me. Even Aunt Tara thinks I’m headed for prison,” Prince said.
“No one on this earth has a right to judge you. They don’t have a heaven or a hell to put you in so fuck all the hypocrites. People always point attention away from themselves so their faults and mistakes won’t shine through. The only opinion about you that matters is your own. Prince, let go of this guilt. That cop had it in his mind to kill your daddy before they kicked our door in. Your father died because he loved you. That’s the only reason he jumped to protect you, believe that. I’m sorry you’ve been in so much anguish but it’s time to move on, baby. Just because you live your life doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten about your dad. He’s always with us in our hearts, he watches over us every day. Live to honor him instead of living to avenge his death. Your father’s dream was for his family to be happy and to know he loved us.”
Shy hugged Prince and kissed the side of his face. Prince returned the gesture. His mother’s words made sense. He finally had permission to release the pain and move on. Prince physically felt the weight lift from his shoulders. He could breathe.
“Thank you, Mommy. I feel a lot better. I love you.” Prince smiled. “Now, back to this money thing.”
Shy laughed at her son. She knew he wasn’t going to forget about that. Jayden and Quincy returned to the family room as Shy instructed. They could tell Prince was feeling better by the look of relief on his face. “I’m sorry, bro,” Jayden said sinc
erely.
“We good, man. I’m sorry too.” Prince smiled and embraced his brother.
“You good, man?” Quincy asked Prince.
“Fo’ sho,” replied Prince as he extended his hand to Quincy. They bumped shoulders, hugged, and let go of the situation.
“Jay, Mommy said she works because she wants to, not because we need the money. I asked her how that’s even possible but she hasn’t said yet.” Prince laid out his conversation with their mother.
“Here’s the thing. Your daddy had life insurance that paid me enough to pay off this house, bury him the way he deserved, and to keep us secure for a couple of years,” Shy explained.
“How are you paying bills and buying food? I can go get a job to help out,” Jayden offered.
“No, your job is to finish high school and go to college. You won’t have to work while you’re away at school, either. That goes for you too, Quincy. Prince, if you one day choose to finish your education, the same goes for you. We set up college funds a week after I had you, plus your uncle is going to take care of housing and buy the three of y’all cars.”
“Okay, Ma, how are we surviving now?” asked Prince.
“Your daddy had his own insurance policy. He left behind a very large sum of money for us. We’ve been living off it since the insurance money ran out. I only take what we need each month to pay bills and eat. When you kids need clothes, shoes, or pocket money, I go into it. Unlike a lot of women, I didn’t blow that money by buying cars, rings, expensive clothes, and flossing around town. I had three kids to take care of and I’m always mindful of that.”
“Dang, Aunt Shy. It’s been seven years and you still using money Uncle Mel left? How much did he leave?” Quincy inquired.
“That’s my business.” Shy laughed. “Just know that financially, we never have to worry about going without.”
Shy left the room before the boys could ask another question. She’d kept that information to herself for a reason. She did not want Prince and Jayden thinking they were rich and becoming spoiled brats. Shy did splurge on her kids on holidays and birthdays but that was it. That money had to last. To avoid drawing attention from the IRS, Shy left the money exactly where Melvin had it stored. When Shy discovered the amount of money Melvin had put away, she was amazed. She knew he was high on the food chain but had no idea he was standing at the top.
Melvin also left some product behind. C-Lok was continually flipping the drugs and adding all the profits to his sister’s savings. It’s what Melvin intended when he stocked his wife’s inheritance. Shy was, indeed, a hustler in her own right.
Chapter 22
I’ve Always Looked Up to You
Prince looked around C-Lok’s house, admiring the way he lived. The four-bedroom house was big but not too flashy. Genuine African American artwork hung on the walls, plush cream-colored wall-to-wall carpet lay throughout the living, den, and family rooms. Deep cedar wood stretched the long entry way, half bath, and dining room floors. The gourmet kitchen was equipped with all stainless steel appliances, topped off with a vaulted ceiling and skylight. C-Lok limited the number of people he allowed inside of his home. His number one rule was never let them know where you rest your head.
C-Lok and Prince were in the den playing a game of pool. Prince had to pick up the stash of drugs and money his uncle was holding for him. Unbeknownst to him, C-Lok had a proposition that would change his life forever.
“You held up well while knocking out that stretch you took on for ya boy,” C-Lok said proudly.
“It’s all part of the game.” Prince shrugged.
“See, that’s what I like: a young hustler who understands the rules of the game.” C-Lok nodded.
“This is all I know, Unc. I’m a born hustler just like my pops. It’s in my blood,” Prince voiced.
“I agree, nephew. I didn’t know you were handling the amount of weight that you are. Is Cherise holding you up?” C-Lok needed confirmation that Prince was working for Cherise, which ultimately meant he was putting money in B-Boy’s camp.
“Yeah, Unc. She got her prices at a doable rate, feel me?”
“Look, ya old man and B-Boy weren’t all that tight when he died. I don’t trust him or his bitch,” C-Lok explained.
“It’s crazy you said that, Unc. Since we did that stretch of time together, I don’t know if Rae is being straight up with me. I’ve been hearing some foul shit, feel me?”
It felt good for Prince to finally share his suspicions with someone about Raequan betraying him. He wanted more proof than just the word of random street dudes and his gut before he dealt with Raequan. After a lifetime of friendship, Prince felt he owed Raequan that much.
“That’s fucked up, nephew, but it brings us to why I brought you here.” C-Lok paused for a sip of beer before continuing. “It’s time to jump ship. You’re ready to run with the big dogs and join the FAM.”
“Is this for real, Unc?” Prince asked, completely taken off guard.
“That means family prices, discounts, and protection. You’ll be working for yourself. I want you to build your own team.” C-Lok could tell by the look in Prince’s eyes that he was all in. He looked like a kid on Christmas who’d just received exactly what he wanted from Santa Claus. “Melvin the father didn’t want this life for his boys. I ain’t too happy about it either but I’m always going to look out. He wanted you to go the college route alongside your brother and Q. Since it’s obvious that’s not where your head is at, I know Melvin the hustler, the Legend, would keep you close to him. He’d teach you how to do this shit right.” C-Lok rationalized his decision to bring Prince over to his side.
“Are you sure ’bout that, Unc? I want him to be proud of me. I feel like maybe I’m letting him down,” Prince confessed.
“He set certain things in motion before he was killed. You may not know this but he’s still taking care of his family, even in death,” C-Lok began.
“My mom just told us about the money,” Prince told C-Lok, who was surprised by the news.
Since Prince only mentioned the money, C-Lok figured that was all Shy told them about. He was going to follow her lead and keep his mouth shut. Prince and Jayden never needed to discover all of their mother’s secrets. What boy wants to find out his mother has a past?
Every once in a while, Melvin would allow Shy to keep him company while he weighed and packaged drugs to prepare them for the streets. Shy would ask questions like, “How do you know how much to charge? What are you weighing and how do you know how much money you should be making off this stuff?” Melvin would smile at how inquisitive Shy was despite the fact that she claimed not to want to know the details of his hustle. He always took the time to school her and break down the information she was seeking. Shy wondered how Melvin could be so gifted in mathematics and chemistry but hated school to the point of barely graduating.
Once Melvin began doing business with C-Lok, the partners quickly became a force to be reckoned with. It wasn’t long before they had every city within reach on lockdown. Pillow talk between Melvin and Shy went unimaginable places. Throughout their years together, Shy grew well versed in how her husband did things. Shy knew the drug money was addictive, dangerous, and plentiful.
“I’m gonna need you to give Cherise her shit back and settle your account with her. Just tell that bitch you’re out. Our business ain’t hers, feel me? It’s no secret but she doesn’t need to know what’s up.”
“Done,” Prince agreed.
“Let’s get shit poppin’, nephew. We’ve got an empire to build.”
Chapter 23
Nigga, Please
Another three months passed and Prince was doing big things. Material possessions became his second priority; the first was making money. He was spending $500 a day to outfit himself from head to toe in name-brand gear. The charcoal-gray Chevy Impala he pushed sat on twenty-four-inch chrome rims. Custom eight-inch screen monitors had been installed in the back of each headrest, both visors, and one in t
he dash. Prince was turning heads everywhere he went. The newness of his car was wearing off. He decided it would be best for him to purchase a good running used car for work. The last thing he wanted was for a hater to pump holes into his Impala. That was always a possibility in his world.
Prince bobbed his head to the sounds of his friend Je’Vohn. He was an up-and-coming rapper out of Columbus, Ohio who went by the stage name Jesse Mr. Hello. Je’Vohn had sent Prince a copy of his latest mix tape. He and Je’Vohn lived in different cities but had the same life experiences. Life on the streets was hard and like them, only the strong survived. With his younger brother, Lil Reese, producing his sounds, Prince was positive that his friend would become an industry success story.
A few of the boys standing in front of a corner store caught Prince’s eye as he rode down the street. Even from a distance, Prince recognized Raequan. Prince had heard Raequan was back on the streets but had yet to see him. The two had not spoken since Prince was released from juvie. Prince pulled over and immediately got love from his boys NuNu and Mike Frank. A few of the other street hustlers also gave him respect. Raequan fell back, taking in the love Prince received from the streets. His hesitation didn’t go unnoticed by Prince.
“Hey, what up, bro?” Prince got out the car. “When’d you touch down?”
Raequan paused before he responded to Prince. Jealousy had taken over his heart after receiving word that Prince had jumped ship on his mom. The desertion only confirmed for Raequan that Prince was a traitor. As far as Raequan was concerned, Prince was just another nigga on the streets. They were nothing more than competitors.
“Ah, man, I’ve been pounding the pavement for a minute. You know how it is,” Raequan said dryly.
“That’s cool, man. Happy to see you breathing fresh air again. Rae, why don’t you let me holler at you real quick? Come sit in the ride with me,” Prince requested.
