"Hey, baby." Pam said to Jazz as she and her John were heading out the door.
"Hey." Jazz was dry. She knew the man that her mother was with was nothing more than some loser who probably was married and was paying for a peace of another woman's cookie. Pam ignored her daughter’s vibe. She knew Jazz felt some kind of way about the different men she saw her with all the time. She knew her daughter wasn’t stupid and knew that Pam was just messing with the dudes for money.
“Your dinner is in the microwave. And your dessert is in the freezer. I'll be back in a few hours." Pam said, "I love you."
"Love you too, mommy." Jazz said sincerely.
Jazz threw her book bag on the floor and ran to the bathroom trying to make it to the toilet; she had held her bladder for more than twelve hours before it gave in on the bathroom floor. She hated public restrooms. There’s only a few people’s bathroom she will use.
"You have a beautiful daughter. She looks just like you.” Pam’s sponsor complimented.
Pam turned to him and gave him a look that could scare the baddest mofo in Watts.
"Don't ever look at her again."
The sponsor threw his hands up to surrender. "I didn't mean anything by it."
Pam rolled her eyes and waited for him to open her car door. Just as the sponsor opened the door and Pam went to get in the car, the two froze.
There was a middle age black lady pointing a gun at Pam. She was trembling as tears rolled down her eyes.
"I should kill you bitch. You fucking home wrecker. Whore," The upset woman cried.
She then looked at the spooked man that was standing next to Pam.
"Does your wife know your trickling on this ghetto bitch?"
The man looked down at his wedding ring and shook his head no.
"That's what I figured. Call her now and tell her." The woman demanded.
She could see the hesitation in the man’s eyes and that pissed her off even more.
“I said call her now. She has a right to know she is married to a dirty dick pussy hound.”
Who does this bitch thinks she is? Pam thought. Yeah she did sleep with a few men for money and yes most were involved with someone, but she wasn't. Her husband is in jail. So, whatever problem that the woman had, she needed to take up with the one she married, not her.
“If you know what's good for you, you'll put that gun down and run to your car and get out of here as fast as you can." Pam warned.
She was so calm she scared the woman and she was the one holding the gun.
"Fuck you." The woman shot back.
"No bitch. Fuck you." Pam said walking up on her.
Her sponsor touched her arm. “Pam", he said in a whisper.
Pam jerked away from him and continued to walk up on the woman. The woman warned,
“One more step I'll shoot your ass."
Pam could tell the woman was nervous and she used it to her advantage.
“You know you fucked up right?” Pam said.
The woman looked in disbelief. She didn’t expect her to be so bold. What she thought was that she would just come over, scare Pam and then deliver the most horrific news a living being would ever hear, and hope that the news would affect Pam like it did her.
“You make a bad name for women like me.” The woman said.
"Let me tell you something." Pam was now up on the woman and poking her finger in her face.
“Let me explain something to you. Your husband comes to me for pussy; I don’t call him and beg for dick. Although, he’s probably one of the ones I like fucking. I don't know. But I know for a fact that he’s a paying client. This pussy ain't for free.”
Pam smirked when she read sorrow in the woman’s eyes. That’s what the bitch gets; she should have never brought her ass over here. Pam continued,
“Your husband was just business. I wanted nothing more than the half stack he spent on five hours of my time. He pays me to do what you don’t do. Shit I don’t mind.”
Pam had no idea who her husband was. She had plenty of sponsors.
There’s the owner of Chump Change production, the owner of T&T Auto Sales, the big time dope dealer in Long Beach, the guy that retired from the city, and the one she was with tonight; and each one was involved with someone, she didn’t care. Their mate should be taking care of home.
She continued as she looked at the woman with disgust,
“Was you that fat and out of shape when he first met you? I bet you promised him that you would fulfill his every need, so why don't you swallow when he fucks you in the mouth? Why can't you women get up and take that shit when he wants some ass? And don't tell me you’re not curious as to what it would feel like to get your pussy ate by another woman. You do love him and want him to be happy right? You want him to include you in everything right?"
The woman couldn’t believe the bitch had the nerve to talk shit to her about what she did and didn't do. She couldn't believe that she was telling her about her husband.
"Bitch you’re no fucking counselor; you're a home wrecker," she yelled and closed her eyes and fired. Luckily, Pam had knocked her arm out the way before she pulled the trigger causing her .22 to fall to the ground. Pam punched her in the jaw so hard her head flew back. She then hit her with a cold left and her head flew to the side. Bam. She kicked her in the midsection. The woman hunched over in pain. Pam went to kick her again but the woman grabbed her leg, causing Pam to fall back. The woman got on top of her blood dripping from her mouth. She snatched her blade out of her ponytail. Breathing heavily she looked Pam in the eyes and spoke,
”Fuck letting you die from AIDS; I’m going to kill you myself...” She then smiled looking at the fear in Pam's eyes. Little did she know Pam was more scared of getting cut with the blade than dying from AIDS. It’s been a long time coming.......
"Get the fuck off my momma." Jazz said, and then with all her might she snatched the woman by the hair, giving Pam the opportunity to toss the big bitch off her and get up off the ground. When Pam was up, she kicked the lady in the side of the face causing her to black out. Pam took the women’s gun from Jazz and the two walked toward the house.
“I love you, baby. Mommy’s sorry."
The woman laid there crying,
“It’s because of you I had to abort my baby. I didn’t want it to be born with AIDS. Now I have to leave my only son in this fucked up world alone. You destroyed my family. I swear you will pay from this.”
Pam stopped in her tracks. And before Pam could muster up a thought the woman shouted,
“You’re a selfish bitch, what will your daughter do when you die from being a slut?”
Without looking back Pam replied,
“Bitch you got five minute to get off my property. Try me if you want to.”
After Jazz finished praying and thanking God for the ones he blessed her with, she went into her closet and picked out an outfit. Today she was wearing a pair of 7 For All Man Kind jeans and a white tank top. She then packed her bag for what she would wear to dance, which was a pair of stretch pants and a halter top. Once Jazz had everything together, she went into her bathroom and took a shower. She was meeting Laurie at Cal State L.A. Today was orientation.
Thirty minutes later, Jazz was walking into the kitchen with her mother.
"Hey, sweetie." Pam said to Jazz upon her entering the kitchen.
"Good morning, mom." Jazz replied.
"Jazz, I thank you for last night. But next time stay out of it. You could have gotten yourself hurt."
Pam’s eyes began to water thinking about losing her only reason for wanting to live life to the fullest. It has been so many times that Pam wanted to give up on life, but when Jazz came to mind she knew she was needed in this world. She knew Jazz only wanted to help, but she couldn't have that. It was her job to protect her. Not the other way around.
"And you couldn't have? Mommy you risk your life everyday by doing what you do. Mom these men have girlfriends and wives. What if you get a stalker?
No, what if you have AIDS?”
Pam’s heart dropped. She wished all night that Jazz hadn't heard that part.
“Mommy, you say you love dad. Then love just him. You have to leave all these different men alone.”
Pam was saved by the horn from the cab notifying them that he had arrived. Both Jazz and her mother gathered their things and headed out the door to the awaiting cab. When they got in front of the school, Jazz kissed her mother on the cheek, and before exiting the car she asked her to promise to take an AIDS test. Pam told her after she picked up her truck from the shop her next stop would be the doctor’s office. That put a hopeful smile on Jazz’s face. When the test came back clear, Jazz would ask her again to leave the men alone.
Chapter 3
Orientation was over; it went well. Jazz, Laurie and a few other girls they went to high school with decided that was the school for them. They couldn’t wait to start and enjoy the college life. Jazz lingered behind talking to two girls she knew, while Laurie walked ahead. Her brother had called and told her he was driving around looking for her. When she spotted his Benz she called out to Jazz.
"Hurry up, girl." Jazz, was talking to some of their other friends in the campus parking lot. Jazz said her goodbyes to the two girls she was talking to and ran to catch up with Laurie.
"Girl my impatient brother is taking us to practice. My momma got caught up at work." Laurie informed her.
"No problem girl I'm glad you called me, I didn't feel like hearing what they were talking about. They forever got Yay’s name in their mouths."
"What was they saying, girl?"
Jazz debated if she should tell Laurie or not, she knew if she did Laurie’s mouth would get a little loose. Laurie couldn't stand Yay and Yay didn't care for her either. Laurie looked at Jazz from the corner of her eyes.
"I already know Yay-Yay is a ho. So you don't have to tell me that part."
"Don't start." Jazz pleaded with Laurie.
“I’m not. That’s your cousin. I don’t have to deal with her shady ass, but you do. I guess."
Jazz didn’t respond.
The girls approached the Mercedes, and Diesel, Laurie’s brother, got out to open their doors. He first opened the back passenger seat of the car door and Laurie got in. He then opened the driver back door and Jazz got in. Once they both were in, Jazz and Laurie looked at each other.
Who is the white girl? They thought.
Diesel caught their expression and smiled exposing his deep dimples. Diesel looked in his rear view mirror as if reading the ladies’ minds, he spoke.
"Ladies this is my new friend, Savanna." He smiled at the two and they smiled back. Both girls spoke and so did Savanna.
"Did you guys meet at school?" Laurie asked.
"No, I met him on my job." Savanna replied.
"Stop being nosey, momma," Diesel teased.
He turned the radio up. He knew his nosey little sisters’ next question would be where she worked, and the silly chick probably would have told them a strip club.
Diesel is twenty years old; he attends USC on a full basketball scholarship. Word is he may be drafted before he finishes school. He'll find out in a few months. He and Laurie are also the children of the late Bones, a famous Jazz player who was killed in a car accident. Their father’s insurance money and royalties left them more paid than they already are. The Kenslow family always had money; their mother is a big time attorney. However, she doesn’t spoil the kids like Bones used to do. She made them work for what they wanted. Unlike most rich parents, she taught her kids the value of a dollar. Yeah they had maids and lived in a mansion over in Ladera Heights but they were far from the spoiled rich brats that Diesel chose to hang with. His mother couldn’t stand the kids D hung with; if their parents ran out of money they were destined for failure. D really didn’t like them either, but they were the only ones that accepted him for what he is: a handsome, blue eyed, biracial dude with money. People often said he looked like a mixed Justin Timberlake and had a body like Tyson Beckford. The girls love him, and jocks and the other dudes in his circle praise him. For one, he had skills on the court that kept their school winning ball games, and for two, it was because of him all the fine, sexy, and unattractive girls came around. Diesel is single and plans on staying that way. Thanks to his ex, Shannon; she left him for his once best friend. He promised himself that he would never mess with another black girl; she could be mixed, but not fully black. With the exception of his mother, he thought black girls were scandalous. He wasn’t trying to get serious with anyone anyway; he’s too young to settle down. He was a fool for trying the first time, now he’s about to get drafted; he was good. So why was he secretly admiring Jazz? It was just something about her that turned him on. Was it her sassy, but intelligent talk? Was it her perfect coke bottle frame? Was it the way she carried herself, sweet and neat, or was it the fact that she never paid him any attention? Most of his sister’s friends stayed in his face; they seem as if they only befriended his sister to get close to him. Not jazz; she was different. That girl ain't no more than sixteen or seventeen. Plus she's my sister’s friend. He thought as he held the door open for Jazz to exit the car. But damn she’s fine, an innocent fine.
"Thanks D for the ride." Jazz said and walked toward the studio.
"You're welcome." He called out behind her.
It was the smile in his voice that made Jazz turn around and smile one more time at him before entering the doors of the studio. Laurie felt the vibe but kept it to herself. It was innocent flirting she assumed.
The entire ride to Savanna’s apartment, Diesel was thinking about Jazz’s young ass.
"Thanks for a good time.” Diesel told Savanna as they pulled up in front of her place.
He had met her early that morning at an after hour. One thing lead to another and they ended up getting their freak on. He would have been dropped her off, but he had an emergency meeting at the college and after he had to pick up Laurie from orientation.
"You're welcome. I hope this won't be the last time I see you."
Diesel smiled.
“Nah, I'll be back up there real soon. As a matter of fact, my boy’s leaving to go play football in Arizona in a few weeks. We’re giving him a going away party. Gather some of the girls from the club and come do the party."
She didn't have anybody to do the party with, she didn't fuck with none of the bitches at the club, and the one friend that she had was dead. But she wouldn’t tell him that. She was trying to see him as much as possible. There where dollar signs written all over him. She was going to find somebody to do the party with her.
"Alright just let me know. I still hope you use my number before then."
She got out the car and headed for the house. Diesel pulled off, heading back to the dance studio with Jazz on his mind.
Normally when Diesel had to pick his sister up from dance he'd either come back when it was over or wait in the car. Not today, he decided to go inside to watch Laurie and her friend do their thing. Damn she's good, Diesel thought as he watched Jazz lead the group. The way she moved her body to the beat and the moves she mastered, she could easily become the most desired choreography in the industry. Debbie Allen’s studio housed some great dancers, but Jazz was beyond hot; she was bad. One of the dance instructors noticed Diesel and went over to introduce herself. She knew who he was, Laurie’s fine ass brother but he didn't know who she was. She was the Latin cutie that could make him love again. Laurie told her all about the girl that broke his heart.
"Hey, guy." She said stealing Diesel’s attention from Jazz.
"Hey, yourself." Diesel replied eying the physically fit but not too cute admirer.
***********
Pam could not stop thinking about the lady confronting her about giving her and her husband AIDS. Who the fuck was the bitch? Pam thought. Did the bitch follow me, how did she know where I lived? Why would she assume I gave it to him? Pam didn't get that part. Pam looked at the clock on her Infinity tr
uck. Jazz would be coming out any minute. She had to pull herself together. She went in her purse, pulled out a pill bottle, took a piece a paper out of her glove compartment, and poured a little of the white product on it and sniffed it all in two sniffs. She leaned her head back and let the product do what it was supposed to do: erase problems. Since the product was pure, meaning uncut, it only took a few minutes for it to take effect. Pam lifted her head up just in time to see Jazz saying her goodbyes to Laurie. She smiled at the guy who couldn't take his eyes off Jazz. Look at my baby flirting, she thought as she watched Jazz smile and wave bye to Diesel, and then she had the nerve to put on a cold walk. She gets it from her mommy, Pam said aloud.
Salty: A Ghetto Soap Opera (Drama In The Hood) Page 4
