PPP Box Set

by Charmanie Saquea

  She said, “I really like it.” Then she complimented me on how I dressed and I thanked her. She rambled on about how she hated growing up there and how she hated the females.

  “She really talks a lot,” I thought. I heard somebody call her name to come into the house and get “Asia.” She asked me for my number. “Maybe we can hang sometimes,” she said. “Cherokee right?”

  I said, “Yeah.” Who knows how she “chopped and screwed” the spelling as she stored my number. She called my phone. Her number popped up. “Kori right?”

  She said, “Yeah, K-O-R-E-E.”

  “Ok, I got it.” Thanks for the spelling I was thinking, as I smiled. Guess she was used to her name being misspelled too. She went in the house. I figured Asia was her little sister or something. I saw her with a little girl every now and then.

  I went in and did my few chores. I lounged around the house for most of the day. Watched a few movies and ate a lot of snacks. I just laid on the couch. My phone probably rang twice in five hours. One call was from my ditsy manager, Amy. I loved how she said my name in her “white voice.”

  “Hey Cherokee, can you come in tomorrow?” I only heard that because I checked the voicemail. I was lame. Out of sight out of mind for my people back home and now no longer talking to my only friend here, Nell. I was sad about that shit. Damn near depressed.

  “Ugh, is this what you did all day?” asked my mom disgustedly as she walked in. She had come in from shopping and hanging with her girlfriends. Glad her life was so peachy. I was still in my pajamas. I had wrappers and containers all around the couch. I just looked at her.

  “You buy me something?” I asked taking the focus off the mess that I was.

  “I did,” she said. “Some candles from Bed, Bath, and Beyond.” She handed me a bag. I cheered up a little bit. The lemonade and the Cinnabon made me all better though. I stayed on the couch for the rest of the day.

  Buzz, Buzz, Buzz! My phone vibrated with a message from Koree. “You wanna kick it tonight? Ride the strip?”

  “Hell yeah I do,” I thought hopping up. I wanted to get out of the damn house that I had been in for a whole week. I texted just that, “Hell yeah!”

  I asked her what time and told her I would drive. She said 10 and I had to laugh because it was already 8:45pm. I got up though and got dressed. Nothing major! Three "beaters" in different colors and some shorts and flip-flops. Not in the mood for makeup, hair, or any extra thinking. Lip-gloss and I combed my wrap out and now I’m out. My mom was sitting on the couch on the phone talking to her bestie, Pat. I could tell from all the damn laughter.

  “Mom, I’m going for a ride,” I told her. “I need to get out. I’ll be with the chick next door,” I informed her. That paused her conversation. She told her friend to hold on.

  “You’re going out with the girl next door?” she asked.

  I laughed, “Yeah Mom, the girl next door.”

  “Have I not asked you to go next door and introduce yourself?” she asked me.

  “Yeah, you have, but like I said I normally don’t befriend girls.”

  “Yeah whateva! Be safe,” she said and got back on the phone.

  I hopped in my car and started it up. I waited a few for Koree to come out. It was 10 past 10, but I wasn’t tripping. I used that time to apply mascara. She finally came out with a smile. She pretty much had on the same thing I had on but her shorts were shorter and tighter. She really filled them out with her size 9 body. My guess anyway. I was a 7. She jumped in with that same big smile.

  “Sorry, if I had you waiting,” she said.

  “You cool,” I said in no rush but happy to be out. “So, put something in,” I handed her my book of CD’s. “Pick something,” I told her as I backed out of the driveway. This was a small yet important test. I smiled and thought, “I wonder what she’s going to pick.”

  It took her a second. She went through every CD and I had a lot. Old and new, rap and R&B, and mixed CD’s with the whole nine. I was patiently waiting.

  I had to use the air because I couldn’t have my hair blowing in the wind messing up my wrap. We were already downtown by the time she chose something. “Aight,” she said finally. She popped something in. I waited to see what it was. I knew what it was from the intro even though the CD was old as hell. Mercedes was one of my favorites and all my girls loved it too.

  “Oh my God,” I smiled from ear to ear. “What you know about this,” I asked her turning to one of my favorite songs, number nine.

  “Girl, I used to love No Limit,” she said bobbing her head. She laughed, “This that shit.” We sang, “You be my Bonnie, I’ll be ya Clyde. We ride side by side and watch the haters die.”

  I felt that shit. Then Mercedes part came on. We really sang that shit. “I’m your Bonnie…you’re my Clyde… together we will ride… and do a homicide… and if I have to prove my love to you… it ain't No Limit so you know it’s truuuuuuuuuuuuue.”

  I could be somebody’s Bonnie with no problem. “Only a Bonnie to the right nigga though,” I was thinking. I pulled out my pre-rolled blunt and lit it. I automatically passed the weed to her out of habit. “Oh, I smoke girl from time to time,” I said laughing. She didn’t respond. She just took the blunt. I thought it was the start of a beautiful thang. Guess she needed some spice to her sweet and my ass was hot like cayenne pepper.

  I could tell Koree was a rookie from the way she coughed and had tears running down her face. I didn’t laugh at her but instead gave her a few pointers. I remember seeing her on her porch crying around the same time I was trying to get over my blues. I didn’t make it my business at the time. I knew the weed would have her telling me her memoir. She seemed like she needed some herbal relief.

  After she caught her breath, she looked happy and serene. I grabbed the weed and kept our plans in motion. “I know you saw me arguing with my mom,” she said looking out the window. “I know you saw me on the porch crying too.”

  I couldn’t read her mood. I couldn’t tell if we were having a serious conversation or if she even wanted me to respond. I did turn the radio down in order to hear her better. “Here you go,” I said passing her the weed. She pulled from the weed with more finesse that time.

  “I think my baby daddy is the one who shot Nell,” she said, as she looked at me with tears in her eyes.

  I damn near wanted to pull over and let her ass out once the information registered. Here I am about to sing “Kumbaya My Lord” for this ho and her baby daddy shot my boo. I honestly didn’t want to be associated with that drama. I hit the weed again and held the smoke in. I leaned back in my seat and absorbed the information. I guess she deserved a chance to share her side of the story…

  To Be Continued…

  Power Trip

  Treasure Malian

  Acknowledgements

  Before anything I must thank God, for not giving up on me even when I felt like giving up on myself. Thank you for continuously showing me that by your grace anything is possible.

  To my mother and grandmother; no amount of words can express how much I love and appreciate you both. Thank you for everything, the motivation, and the continuous support you guys show me. No matter what the endeavor was, and there has been a few, LOL you guys were always in my corner. I’m blessed beyond measure to have you two in my life.

  My step dad, thanks for being there all these years. Love you.

  All my siblings, I love you guys to pieces! Nyema and Promise thanks for all the late night Oovoo sessions, and motivation you guys gave me.

  Janelle, thank you so much for all your support throughout the years. No matter what was asked of you, you were there. 10yrs of friendship down, a lifetime to go!

  Hassan!!!! Thank you for your support, for test reading and encouraging me to keep going. I love you.

  Asia (BHATI) love you guh, thanks for the support. Mika, thanks for everything. U got next sis.

  All the readers & authors I have met on FB that gave me encouragement and feedback,
I appreciate you.

  #PPP & #TBRS !!! The ENTIRE team Authors and Readers, love is love!

  THANK YOU! Raymond Francis, Envy_Seal, & David Weaver for seeing something in me, enough to bring me into your family. I won’t let you guys down.

  Demettrea, you already know what it is girl! Love you to pieces! Started from hey, now we here! Thank you for all the support, talks, laughs, writing sessions… everything! Can we get LLAO3 like now please!

  Chrissy, Love you Twin! My vampire life partner, thanks for your support and feedback. Waiting on Harlem Princess!

  Anjela & Sheri, thank you both for the support, Sheri thanks for being a listening ear. Anjela, you have been a listening ear, and bought me so much laughter. Thank you. Angelique Long, thank you so much for everything love.

  My editor, Errica Roseby; THANK YOU!

  Brittani Williams, Thank you for the cover!

  Last but certainly not least, thanks to everyone who frowned upon the idea of me writing a book, everyone who didn’t offer one encouraging word, and everyone who thought I couldn’t do it. THIS IS FOR YOU!

  Chapter One

  Skye

  It was the first day of the rest of my life. I was beginning my journey as a law student at Columbia University. I was a bit early for my contract law class, so I grabbed a seat in the first row, and began to tap my Christian Louboutin heels against the tiled floor. I waited patiently for the other students as well as the professor to arrive. As I watched the students begin to enter the class room I became nervous. I felt my hands start to perspire, and my palms got clammy. I couldn’t quite understand why I was nervous. I was an A student throughout my undergraduate career at NYU, but I knew law school was a different ball game. However, I was completely ready for the daunting task that was before me. Finally, the professor had arrived. I reached over into my Louis Vuitton tote bag that rested on the seat next to me, and grabbed my Mac Book Pro. I wanted to be ready in case I needed to jot down any notes.

  I watched attentively as the professor began his spiel about his expectations for the semester and his students. He spoke for twenty minutes before handing out the syllabus and dismissing us. Seeing as it was the first day of class, it was unlikely that professors kept the students for the entire time; I couldn’t be happier about that. The entire class got up and made a quick exit through the door located in the back of the classroom. I, on the other hand was moving a bit slow, because I received a text from my best friend, Ariana. As I was engulfed in the text conversation she and I were having, I didn’t notice the guy standing by the door. That is, until I walked right into him.

  “Oh my, I’m sorry about that.” I said, looking up from my phone.

  I thought to myself that this guy was fine. He looked to be about 6’1, give or take an inch, with nice smooth caramel skin; he reminded me of Derrick Rose. He rocked a low cut with waves that made me want to go swimming. Being a fashionista, you know I had to scrutinize his attire. I must say the man could dress. He looked dapper in the YSL V-neck, slacks, and the Bally’s that adorned his feet. I had to get out of my own thoughts when the stranger flashed me the sexiest smile I had ever seen; showing a perfect set of pearly whites.

  “It’s aight beautiful, I’m not made of glass.”

  There was suaveness in his tone, which had piqued my interest. I was far from a thirsty chick though, so I smiled back and walked away. We had class together so we definitely would cross paths again.

  As I walked past him I could feel him staring; more like burning a hole in my back. It was expected though because I’m bad. I have gorgeous exotic features, with a set of hazel eyes that would mesmerize anyone who looked into them, even if only for a second. I’m shaped nicely; I could definitely be one of them chicks in a Lil Wayne video or something, but much classier though. I’m equipped with a flat tummy, thick thighs, big butt, and a set of 36 C boobs that were perky and sat upright. How could I blame him for staring?

  As I walked across campus to where I parked my BMW M5, I thought about the stranger. There was something about his smile and his demeanor that made me want to know more. My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of my cell phone. I had to push the thoughts about the stranger to the back of my mind; well, for now at least. I slid my finger across the screen of my iPhone to answer.

  “Hey, mom, wassup?”

  My mother and I are extremely close. We speak everyday about any and everything under the sun.

  “Hi, baby girl. How was your first day?”

  I could tell my mother was extremely happy that I decided to follow her path into the law field. She couldn’t hide the enthusiasm in her voice as she waited to hear about my first day of law school.

  “Mom it went pretty well. I’m looking forward to the rest of the semester. The classes I’m taking this semester seem really interesting, so yea, we’ll see how it goes.”

  I finally reached my car when I felt a hand tap me on the shoulder. I turned around and was pleasantly surprised that it was the stranger. I put up one finger, signaling him to give me a minute to wrap up my conversation. I had completely missed the last thing my mother said, and knew it wouldn’t be smart to let her know I was no longer focused on what she was saying. I thought it would be a good idea to just end the conversation.

  “Mom, it’s still early. I’mma drop by your office so we can grab lunch. Love you.”

  I quickly ended the call and focused my attention back on the mystery man.

  I gave him a once over before speaking. “So, you following me?”

  He let out a smooth chuckle and smiled. Damn I really wished he would stop giving me that sexy ass smile.

  “Nah, it’s not even like that. I’m just the type of nigga that goes after something that I want.”

  Who did this nigga think he was? Better question, who did he think I was?

  “Oh, I see. So what exactly is it that you want uhh…?” Here he was declaring that he was after something and we didn’t even know each other’s name.

  “Cameron; just Cam is cool.”

  I extended my hand for him to shake it. “Nice to meet you Cameron, I’m Skye.”

  The electricity that shot through my body the moment our hands touched was mind boggling. What was it about this man? Whatever it was, I was ready to find out.

  “So Wassup? I was hoping we could exchange numbers and get together tonight...”

  I had to cut him off. “Tonight? You don’t waste anytime do you?”

  Realizing my hand was still in his, I slowly pulled it out of his grasp.

  “I told you, Skye, I go after what I want. I already know that I’m interested in getting to know you, and obviously we on the same page because you’re still here.”

  I had to admit that Cameron was right. I was definitely interested in getting to know him. Without out any further inquiry, we were swapping numbers. I handed him his phone back after saving my number. What he did next was shocking, and left my heart racing. Cameron moved closer and kissed me on the forehead.

  “Drive safe and don’t forget to call me.”

  With that said, he was gone. I watched for a few minutes as he disappeared back into the university’s court yard, before jumping in my car and heading down town to my mother’s job.

  ****

  My mother was one of the top criminal attorneys in the state of NY. I admired everything about her; her strength, determination, her resilience, and her success. She was the definition of “Started from the bottom, now we here!” She grew up in Brooklyn; Marcy Projects to be exact. No one expected her to be where she was today. However, she refused to let the negative opinions of a few, and the drug infested housing projects determine who she would ultimately become. With that being said, once she got her working papers at the young age of fifteen, she hit the ground running. She was on her grind day in and out, doing any odd job she could snag, and still managed to keep way above average grades in school.

  While girls her age were out partying and turning up, my mother was w
orking, or in her books. It paid off too, because she graduated high school at the age of sixteen and started college that following fall at Howard University. Till this day she will tell you, leaving Brooklyn to attend school in Washington, D.C. was one of the best decisions of her life. Not just because the opportunities she was presented with at Howard, but because that’s where she met my father, Harvey Lewis.

  Yes, that Harvey; three time NBA champion, four time MVP Harvey Lewis. He and my mother met during a visit he took to Howard with his fraternity brothers. They love to tell the story of how they met and fell in love. Don’t get me wrong it’s a beautiful story, but it’s also a little too long winded; I prefer the short version. They met, knew they wanted to be together, and although he went to Duke in North Carolina, and she was in D.C., they made it work. They came from different walks of life; my father too was born and raised in Brooklyn, but his circumstances were different. He was from Park Slope, an uppity neighborhood, and he came from a home with two parents who were pretty well off, seeing as they were both doctors. He never let the difference in their upbringing come between what he and my mother shared. It worked out well, because I came into the world four years later.

  My parents adored me. As far back as I can remember I never wanted, or needed for anything. I was their princess, and was treated accordingly; still am. I had the best of everything, went to the best schools, rocked the best designers, you name it. I am forever grateful for my parents and the life they provided for me. I turned out to be a mixture of the both of them. I got my exotic looks from my mother, and in addition to that, her drive and ambition. My father blessed me with this fiery attitude and no nonsense personality. He was never one to be fucked with, and neither am I. I hate that people see a pretty face, designer clothes, hear a soft voice, and assume I’m soft. Let’s not get it twisted, I may have been raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, but I was far from oblivious to the things that went on around me.