Hours passed before she awakened. Sophia felt the person sleeping next to her. She did not feel Eric’s hairy chest. She was waking to the smell of another man and did not remember how she got in his bed. Sophia tried to gather her wits and turned and examined the body lying next to her. She didn’t hear the door opening. It was too late when she saw the figure.
“Who is there?” Sophia screamed in disbelief.
“Huh, what’s the matter?” Michael slowly stirred and yawned.
“In order for me to be immortal all weak ass muthafucka must die…”
“Who is there?” Michael jumped up shouting in fright.
Guns blazed and shells fell in rapid succession. The loud explosion filled the room dulling the shriek of Sophia. He pointed the guns, laughing, enjoying the moment. His mission completed as he fired hitting the target. leaving him in a bloody mess. The barrage lasted for a couple of seconds. Then he walked over and put another shot in his head. Lil’ Long smiled. and dropped a matchbook revealing a phone number and a message: 1-800-HIT BODY. WE DON’T STOP.
Sophia tried not to stare but watched his every move.
“I ain’t gonna kill you,” he said looking at Sophia. She was huddled in a corner and when she saw the lecherous look on his face, she slowly tried to cover her naked body with a sheet. “You that record producer bitch. I got a mesaage for you to give him.”
Lil’ Long tucked his gun, pulled the sheet off her and grabbed a handfull of Sophia tits. “Dont keep this our secret.” He smiled and pushed Sophia back. “Yeah, feel how a real nigga feel.”
FORTY-FIVE
The following afternoon, Lil’ Long smiled as he watched the news report on television from the bed of a motel. The authorities identified the body as those of assistant district attorney, Michael Thompson there was no mention of Sophia. Ascot’s face was flashed as a prime suspect in the killing.
“Nah, nah, don’t arrest that muthafucka. Damn, now I gotta go behind bars to kill that muthafucka.” Lil’ Long hollered at the television, picked up his cell phone and putting the caller on full blast. “Yo, I heard y’all muthafucka looking for me?” He said gruffly.
“Where you been daddy? I thought you were dead. They found your driver dead… and the police have been hanging around here asking all kinds of questions,” Ernesto said.
“One thing I wanna know and that is, is it time to collect that cheddar yet, dogs…?”
“Daddy you don’t understand, them Russians…”
“Fuck ‘em Russian muthafuckas… I see they got your ass shook. Whatever you say, man. I’ll be there at the poolroom at six.”
He grabbed the bag with the diamonds and headed out the door. Lil’ Long dialed away on his cell phone. “Is this Freddy Maruichi? Yo man I got that and I’m gonna bring it. Have my five hundred Gs’ and your jeweler standing by. I don’t wanna hear no bullshit outta y’all. I’m on my way.” After checking his guns, he hurriedly left. Downstairs he quickly jumped into a waiting taxi.
Coco and Josephine trudged up the stairs of Coco’s building. The elevator was broken again. When the girls opened the door to the apartment Rachel Harvey was on her knees, with a man’s dick in her mouth.
“What da fuck is this ma? Get da fuck outta here. Get out!” Coco screamed as another man rushed from the bathroom.
The men ran out the door and Coco slammed it shut. The teen locked eyes with her mother. Rachel Harvey scurried off and locked herself inside the bathroom.
In the living room, Coco noticed there were semen markings all over the new furniture. Josephine watched in awe as Coco went to the kitchen, came back with a sponge and began cleaning the furniture.
“That was dumb crazy, Coco,” Josephine said. “Parents just do as they wanna like they babies.”
Coco’s two-way was going off. The message from Deedee read: ‘Po-po arrested uncle. I’m at home.’
Coco led Josephine to the kitchen overlooking the streets. They stood their watching the action below for a minute.
“I think I might be pregnant. And it might be Eric’s.”
“You think or do you know?”
“I’m not sure. It’s too early to tell.”
“You better ask somebody, Eric was arrested earlier. Dee just sent me a text, yo.”
“Get da fuck out! Why they arrested him?”
“For murder,” Coco said after looking at her two-way pager.
“Aw man, why shit always got to get fucked up?” Josephine asked wringing her hands.
“Yeah, that’s soo hood.” Coco said staring at the action on the streets below.
FORTY-SIX
Saturday evening Lil’ Long met Nesto at a downtown pool hall. The last time he was here, there was a party like atmosphere. Now the energy was subdued. Nesto sat alone at a table. Lil’ Long walked in with his best gangster swagger.
“Hey daddy, hope you brought that with you,” Nesto said greeting him.
“You must be loco, dogs. I ain’t gonna be walking up in here with all that… I got sump’n better.” Lil’ Long answered cupping his waist.
“What’s that daddy? What could be better?” Nesto asked anxiously.
“I done told you before, dogs. My guns will speak their piece. They will be heard if anyone tries to pull anything.”
“Why daddy, we’re only trying to get paid our own money.”
“Take me to da man and I’ll personally tell him where to find the rocks.”
A treacherous screw on Lil’ Long’s mug conveyed that there was no room for negotiations.
“Done, let’s go see da man, daddy,” Nesto said.
Later they arrived at the modeling agency and Nesto guided Lil’ Long into Karin’s office.
“I believe you have something that belongs to a friend of ours,” she said. Lil’ Long arched his eyebrows and wrinkled his face in anger.
“This ain’t Nesto. I ain’t shook cuz you Russian, bitch…”
“You weren’t saying that when you were getting it in jail from our friends. Well, I just want you to know the same thing can happen on the streets. But why should we have to go there…?”
“Mu-mu-muthafu-fu-fucka, are you thre-thre-threatening me up in here?”
“Oh it’s simply not a threat, Mr. Jailbird. It is a promise.”
“You talkin’ lock up. I ain’t doin’ no mo’. Never will I ever be taken captive again,” Lil’ Long yelled. “I’m going out like Kong, taking down buildings and plenty bodies. This da heart of a gangsta! You want da ice? Ya fuckin’ diamonds? I got it, bitch. Come get and get this too muthafucka. In order for me to be immortal weak ass muthafuckas and bitches like you must die…” Bullets from twin Desert Eagles went flying at Karin. A short moment of silence followed the spray of bullets, then Lil’ Long turned his rage toward Nesto.
“Go ahead pop sump’n. I’m a make this ya funeral too. I’m a keep all da ice and fuck your set,” Lil Long screamed.
“No problems from me daddy, but what about…?” Ernesto waved his arm.
“You know what; go ahead cuz i’m feeling generous so I’m a make you live. ” Lil’ Long said then popped his collar and walked out the door.
Eric Ascot and his attorrney stood in front of a downtown precinct. There were cameras and newspeople all around.
“These irresponsible acts by the detectives of our city should not go unpunished. The officers concerned are constantly violating the rights of the decent people of...”
The lawyer entertained the news hounds gathered. Eric slipped into a Black Benz and was whisked away. His cell phone rang non-stop. Recognizing Sophia’s number, he took the call.
“Hello, Sophie. There’s no need to be sorry... I’ve got enough messages from him. I’m just glad you’re alright...”
FORTY-SEVEN
It was Monday, a week before graduation. Coco sat in school and glanced around at all the faces. She wanted to scream with relief when she was informed that she was officially the valedictorian. She felt like she had risen from the a
shes of a smoldering time. The teachers were showering her with praises. Everywhere she went in the school building, grateful classmates and faculty members greeted her. Coco was in her full bop, when she ran into Josephine and Deedee.
“Silky Black and Show Biz are gonna be using the verses you did in the studio on their new release,” Deedee said with a smile.
“You’re gonna be a star, girlfriend,” Josephine said.
“It’s great and all but there’s nothing like enjoying it with your true friends. A lot has happened. I mean… Miss Katie was the best person I’ve ever known in my entire life…”
“Thank God your life ain’t over,” Josephine joked.
“Word, but I’m saying, we still here. We have to make the best of our lives while we’re still here. You know? make things right amongst ourselves and all…”
Coco couldn’t wait to get home and tell her mother about the track. She raced upstairs. She reached for her keys.
“Surprise!”
Coco glanced around and smiled when she saw that her apartment was filled with her neighbors. She was showered with hugs and kisses.
“You’ve got four letters from these colleges. Harvard wants you to come and visit, they offered you an academic scholarship,” Rachel Harvey announced.
“Ma, you been snooping in my mail…”
“They right over there next to your cake and the post cards.” Rachel Harvey pointed Coco toward the kitchen.
She read the letter from Harvard, Howard, Penn State and Princeton. Coco dreamed of her possibilities.
“Coco that’s you rapping on the radio,” someone yelled from the living room.
“Turn that up!” another shouted.
Hooting and hollering, her neighbors began partying.
“I must say congrats are in order. Coco, you made the whole community proud. You got the number one smash in the land. Top high school graduate in the country. Highest scores in the SAT over the entire world… smoking on da corners… you such a fucking lady, da American dream,” Rightchus said.
“Ahight, ahight you said your piece, now git da fuck outta here,” Coco responded.
“Yo Coco, I’ve been always in your corner down wit’ cha. You can’t say I ain’t been rootin’ all the time for your success and this da way you treat me as soon as you start becoming successful. Girl, don’t you get above your raisins. Remember where you from…”
FORTY-EIGHT
The following week, Coco and the graduating class of 2003 entered the assembly hall amidst the cheers of parents and family members. Deedee walked proudly with Eric next to her. Sitting in the large audience was a beaming, tear eyed Rachel Harvey. The ceremonies kicked off promptly at nine-thirty.
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen, parents, family members and friends of the graduating class of the year two thousand and three…” the school principal began his speech.
Meanwhile, inside a deli Mannie and a pretty young thing sat next to a large window facing the street. They shared breakfast while awaiting a clinic appointment.
“What time is your appointment?” He asked and watched two motorcyclists parking then walking across the street. They stood as if reading the menu posted outside on the window.
“In fifteen minutes. It’s only ten-fifteen,” she said glancing at her watch. “You’re so impatient Mannie,” she added. “Imagine carrying a baby for nine months.”
“That’s a woman’s job, I can’t imagine that.” Mannie said as he eyed the two figures suspiciously.
His defenses dropped when they removed their helmets. Only two Asian women with long black hair, he thought. Then they opened fire cutting him in half while the girl screamed. Seconds later, they rode off leaving Mannie doubled-over in his chair. The uproar had the other diners running, scattering and screaming.
At the same time the vice principal introduced the Dean of students and the short, balding shifty eyed, bespectacled man made his way to the podium.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family members, I, too, would like to welcome you to the graduation ceremonies. I have seen some good performances over the past twenty years. What I’ve been privileged to witness has never happened before, a student achieving a perfect score right across the board. Our Valedictorian did just that. Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to present, Coco Harvey.”
“That’s my girl, that’s my daughter,” Rachel Harvey leapt from her seat and applauded as if her life depended on it.
The audience stood and applauded. Coco made her way to the podium and the chanting began. Josephine and Deedee set it off by clapping in sync to the rhythm of the chant.
“Go Coco, go Coco… Go Coco, go Coco…”
“Yo Coco, kick a rhyme, yo…” an audience member jokingly shouted and everyone laughed.
“She better not,” someone said.
The mantra echoing her name continued for five minutes. Coco cleared her throat before beginning her speech.
“Good morning to the graduating class, our families, our friends, and the faculty and staff...”
The applause was deafening and Coco paused before continuing.
“First, I’d like to say thanks. Thanks to all who’re graduating, who came to see us graduated and thanks to all the school officials who made all this possible. In the beginning this date seemed so far away and sometimes it became almost unattainable, but thank God for our parents. I guess that’s another reason they’re here. For those of you who have lost theirs, I want to commend you because as difficult as it is with your parents, I know it is even worse without them. I’d like to thank the people who have supported me, my friends; Josephine and Deedee, you both have been like sisters to me. Miss Katie, God bless you. I love you Madukes.”
Coco glanced at her mother’s proud face. Mrs. Harvey applauded and the rest of the audience followed suit. She threw her daughter a kiss.
About the same time, Kim awoke and immediately ran to the bathroom. She closed the door and vomited. Carlos was up by the time she came out looking sick. Roshawn ran to her and she picked him up.
“You’re ahight, ma,” Carlos asked. Kim thought for a while then she answered.
“I hope I’m not pregnant,” she said. “I don’t need another baby, right this minute.”
“We good, ma. Another baby we fine.” Carlos said.
“Thanks for your optimism,” Kim said sarcastically. “Is my baby okay?” she asked as she walked to where Roshawn lay in the bed.
Last night Kim and Carlos had fell asleep on the sofa. Carlos was completely dressed when Kim and Roshawn walked out. “Mommy loves you baby. Did you sleep well?” Kim asked.
“I love mommy,” Roshawn said. Kim laughed as the doorbell rang.
“Must be that crazy ass friend of mine only she’ll be up and about…” Kim said and opened the door. There were two Asian women clad in red bikers’ suits. “What can I do for y’all?” Kim asked.
“We are here with a message from a friend of Carlos.”
“Huh? Carlos? No Carlos lives here.” Kim answered.
“Quiene… Who is it?” Carlos asked.
The moment he showed his face, the explosion went off. Kim’s eyes widened when she saw the guns. They sprayed bullets through the entire apartment. A fusillade of automatic fire spun Carlos backwards. All the time Kim closed her eyes and hugged Roshawn tightly to her chest. In a matter of seconds the ordeal was over and the killers were gone. Still hugging her son, Kim ran out of the bloody mess that was left in her apartment.
Back in the assembly hall where the graduation ceremonies were in progress, Coco smiled as she continued the valedictorian’s speech. Her voice came through clearly and she held the attention of everyone in the audience, especially her mother.
“…we can finally say with pride, we did it. The stress of staying up late night studying, the endless exams, and university applications are all behind us now. There are thousands of memories running through our minds when we reflect on our many high school experiences. I reme
mber losing a dear friend and fellow student, Danielle she was a fun loving person. Despite our experiences good or bad, we have no choice but to grow and move forward in order to realize our dreams…”
The applause was still going when the Dean introduced the graduating class. Immediately after the ceremonies, the girls rushed to pose for photos.
“Here Coco, lemme take one of you and your mom dukes,” Josephine said.
“Take another one,” someone yelled. Cameras snapped away.
“We’ve got to go soon because Coco and you have a radio spot and a performance tonight,” Deedee reminded.
Flashbulbs popped off when photographers from newspapers and other students recognized him. Coco and Eric took front stage.
Tina and her son was already up when Ernesto awoke at eleven in the morning. He had spent all night hustling in the streets. Nesto yawned and thought of chilling.
“I’m thinking of staying with you and Junior today,” he said.
Nesto kissed his son and Tina. He had waited patiently but was having no luck in getting Lil’ Long to change his mind.
Pretty soon the Russians were gonna make a move, he thought. He was going have to get Lil’ Long to turn the diamonds back over to the Russians. No diamonds, no pay day. Nesto sat in the living room watching television. He knew he was running out of time. The doorbell rang.
“Is this Nesto’s home?”
“Who is it?”
A Tech nine sprayed. Nesto was left leaking. Tina waited for a couple of seconds, picked up her son and tiptoed over Nesto’s bloody carcass.
FORTY-NINE
It was afternoon and the girls were sitting in a booth at the city’s hottest radio station. Josephine sipped water and Deedee fidgeted nervously with her cell phone while listening to Coco’s first radio interview.
“We’d like to welcome Coco. She’s the new sensation from super producer, Eric Ascot. Welcome to the show Coco…” The radio deejay announced.
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