by King, Deja
The night when her daddy came home with a bagful of money and the sight of all the white men printed on green paper was what turned the blind eye to the ski mask and bloodstains on his shoes. Murder Mitch went in straight blasting no inquires, hitting anything moving and took all the money that was spread across the table, leaving no witnesses behind.
A few days after the robbery, Semaj was uptown chilling with Vega and his brother Boo. She actually felt bad about what had happened. It seemed as if Boo knew something because the robbery was the main topic of conversation. Call it fate or luck but Semaj had gotten tired of hearing the shit so she excused herself for a brief moment and went to the bathroom.
Not even three minutes later, she heard commotion downstairs. She panicked when a raspy voice, spewed, “Thought I wouldn’t find you nigga! Taking my shit.” Just like that, Boo’s connect had erased him from the map. Never leaving witnesses behind, Vega had been shot too.
Oh my God, please no. Not Vega, please God! Semaj thought as she sat in the bathroom scared to budge, not knowing if the goons were still in the house. As she knelt down paralyzed in fear, she prayed that she would make it out alive.
Chapter 4
The Present
Semaj layed her head on the desk in her class, struggling to stay awake. She was so deep in a mind-numbing sleep the chiming of the bell went unheard. Mrs. Weaver had made the announcement to dismiss the class and after glancing up, she noticed her student, once again, left behind long after the class was gone. Removing herself from her roller chair, the instructor made her way to the sleeping student. “Semaj!” Mrs. Weaver said in a demanding firm tone.
Lifting her head from the small table, Semaj opened her eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. She surveyed the classroom only to notice that the class had been in dismissal. Fuck, now I gotta hear this lady rant about the same ol’ shit, she thought salty, as she swiftly gathered her belongings from underneath the desk. Somebody could’ve woke me up. But she knew most of her classmates would rather see her in trouble than merely nudge her arm to inform her that the bell had rung.
For the last several months Semaj had been attending college as a theater major. Balancing classes and her side hustle was becoming difficult. But acting was therapeutic for Semaj and there was no doubt she was one of the best at the school, so she was determined to make it work. It seemed though that some of the students were jealous of Semaj’s undeniable talent. Her other classmates weren’t ready when Semaj stepped on the scene. The combination of what she learned from attending LaGuardia Performing Arts High School, and the fire that burned inside of her from living a hard knock life, made her a natural star when she performed.
“Semaj, we have had this talk numerous of times and the sleeping must stop. We just began our second semester, and you are already starting off wrong.” Mrs. Weaver readjusted her glasses. “Now, I wanted to speak with you after class ended anyway.”
“And for what reasons would that be?” Semaj asked in annoyance. “Semaj, you’re extremely talented. You are one of the few students
that own the stage when you perform. That gives you an advantage, Ms. Richardson.” Mrs. Weaver stared firmly into her eyes. “But when it comes down to the essays for some reason you’re not putting your all into the work.”
“I’m sorry you believe that Mrs. Weaver, because I do,” Semaj countered, speaking truthfully.
“Well, your first paper is due at the end of the month. And turning it in late, as you’re aware is an automatic dropped letter grade. This paper also has a vast impact on your final grade.”
“I’ll have it turned in on time. Trust me, Mrs. Weaver.”
“Great and I’m looking forward to reading it.” With that said Semaj rose up and stepped around her instructor, anxious to leave. “Ms. Richardson,” Mrs. Weaver called out to her before she left.
“Yes?” Semaj turned around.
“Good luck on your performance tonight. I know you’ll do wonderful,” she smiled.
Part of Semaj didn’t trust Ms. Weaver and thought she was a phony, but another part believed that maybe she really was in her corner and wanted her to shine. But to be on the safe side, Semaj felt it was best to keep her guard up. “Thank you. I’m going to do my best,” she faked a smile and headed to rehearsal before her performance later on that night.
Semaj, her classmates and her theatre instructor were backstage. Semaj peeked around the black curtain and observed the audience and it was filled to capacity. As the lights in the auditorium dimmed, Ms. Porter sent them out onstage. When the curtains retracted the participants got into position ready to put on the show of their life. The theatrical production was a modern day Romeo and Juliet, and Semaj was a natural playing the leading role. She had a gift of taking a role and making it her own as if she was that character. She captured the crowd’s attention and never let it go until the very end.
The crowd erupted in a loud applause as the curtains closed briefly, and then reopened as the bright lights reappeared. Ms. Porter came onstage introducing the cast. Right before Semaj was introduced, she noticed an entourage of thugs emerging from the audience. Semaj wondered who they were here to see and hoped they would be still be outside when she left because they could be a potential target.
When they stopped at the front entrance as she was introduced, Semaj focused her attention toward them as a bashful smile crossed her face. It was one guy in particular that stood out like a superstar rapper in a crowd full of nobodies. Though she couldn’t distinguish his facial features, Semaj could tell from his swagger, attire and the way his encourage followed him that he held authority. There was something about this dude. But as quickly as she was drawn to him he just as quickly vanished. Damn, dude probably would’ve been a good hit! shit! she thought as she made her way backstage.
Tala rushed over to her niece. “Girl, and you talkin’ ‘bout this shit ain’t for you,” she sucked her teeth. “You killed it. You know you need to pursue this so you can get us into Hollywood. You were the coldest one up there, seriously. You did good, Semaj. You really got talent. There’s a lot of money in this profession, too.”
The conversation was cut short by her favorite instructor walking up “You did wonderful, Semaj,” Ms. Porter cooed, congratulating her.
“Thank you. It felt good to be out there.”
“Now, you know there is a huge charity benefit this Sunday and a lot of movie stars, filmmakers, film production company owners, both independent and major are going to be in attendance. I’ve been getting good feedback on you. I think you should really consider coming just to see how it turns out,” Ms. Porter suggested.
“I know it will be fun, but I’m not going to be available Sunday.” Tala nudged her arm and interjected. “Ms. Porter, I will make
sure that she is there. I’ll be glad to accompany her.”
“Thank you, I think that’s a wise decision for your niece. I’ll see you both Sunday.” Ms. Porter winked and walked off to congratulate her other students on a great performance.
The charity benefit was filled with the movie industry elite and A-list celebrities were everywhere to show their support for a common cause. This was a world that Semaj had dreamed of being a part of. Since the sandbox, she practiced her acceptance speech, daydreamed of walking down the red carpet, and watched her favorite actors and actresses on television. Though, this life seemed to be out of reach a year ago, Semaj was glad she made the decision to go to school in hopes of honing her acting skills further.
Semaj and Tala stood in one spot, content with observing the crowd. For once Semaj wasn’t on the prowl for her next victim. The primary reason for that was because Semaj felt the men there were out of her league. Although many of the men were eyeing her all night she felt none of them were interested in discussing business. They had other intentions that weren’t on Semaj’s agenda. Ain’t no need to try to talk with nann one of these niggas. It’s hard to get to their money.
And far as fuckin’ with ‘em? Please! They all just want a plaything. I’m cool. Most young ladies would have loved the opportunity of being in the company of the famous men, but not Semaj. She refused to be like girls that had to keep their legs on automatic open in order to be a part of the industry especially since most of the time they asses still never blew up.
There was one guy, though, who caught her eye. His rich creamy brown complexion, beautiful white teeth, and facial hair that were neatly trimmed made him appealing to Semaj. His five ‘o clock shadow blended well with his flawless features and his persona screamed power. Handsome was an understatement and his swagger was just an extra added bonus. His six-foot confident stature and athletic build had Semaj wondering if the most important feature she couldn’t see was all she imagined it to be. As attracted as Semaj was to the mystery man, his grown man vibe was intimidating which made her nervous.
Semaj caught him whispering to his man and subtly checking her out. This made her turn her sexy up, and she flung her hair as she leaned into Tala and giving a flirtatious smile. What she didn’t know was that he recognized game and knew precisely what she was doing. He finally stepped away from his man who he had been discussing business with and approached Semaj. “I see you been watching me all night,” he said in a voice full of humor while looking Semaj up and down. “Can I speak to you for a minute?”
“If that’s what you decide,” she responded. “Aren’t we simple?”
“Not really. I’m just waiting for you to get to the point,” Semaj said with an attitude as a frown crossed her face. Soon after, her frown turned into a cute smirk. “I guess you’re not the only one with a sense of humor.”
The guy laughed. “I like you already. Name’s Quasim. You are?” “Semaj.”
“That’s a beautiful name and it’s fitting. What brings you out here this evening?”
“My people and I wanted to support the cause. You know?” “I feel you on that.”
One of the guys that Quasim had been conversing with earlier walked over to him while he was speaking with Semaj. “Yo, it’s time to handle that one thing,” his friend Mike-Mike told him.
“Cool, I’m right behind you. Let me finish up with this pretty lady.” Quasim focused back on Semaj. “So can we exchange contact information?”
Never wanting to seem desperate, she said. “How about you take mine.”
He pulled out his iPhone and stored her name and digits. “I’ma call you.” Quasim was whisked away immediately, and departed with an entourage of five men.
Soon after that, her teacher Ms. Porter came over followed by a guy. “Al-B, this is the young lady that you were inquiring about, Semaj.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He extended his hand for a handshake.
With a confused expression, Semaj shook his hand and nonchalantly replied, “Hello.”
“I saw you the other night and I couldn’t help but be intrigued by your performance. You are a very great actress.”
“Well, thank you.”
“I recently acquired a production deal with a reputable film company. I want to offer you a chance at possibly securing a role in a film I’m producing.”
“Really? Is that right?” Semaj remarked sarcastically, thinking this was a weak attempt to try to holler at her.
“Seriously, this could be your big break as well as my own.” “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not interested at all,” Semaj shot. “If you change your mind you can give me a call me,” Al-B said,
handing her his business card. “I’ll be looking out for you. Trust, I
know you’d be huge. I can sense talent and you have it.”
She turned to Ms. Porter, “Thanks for the help, but I can tell you he’s definitely not it. This was nice, but I have to go. See you in class tomorrow. Tala, let’s go,” Semaj said. She was upset that the guy wanted to play about something so serious. Luckily, I’m not stupid enough to fall for the fake hype, she thought. Knew this shit was gon’ be some bullshit and not for me. Waste of my got dang’gon time!
Chapter 5
Every Saturday morning, Semaj, her father and Tala would meet at one of their homes for breakfast. It was a tradition that they shared since Murder Mitch had gotten out of prison, and each of them cherished it. On this Saturday, they were going over their plan for hitting Dean-Bean. It had been in the making for a minute and it was time to make their move. “So it’s on for tonight then? I’ma meet with y’all at Semaj’s in the morning,” Murder Mitch said.
“That’s what’s up. You leaving, Daddy?”
“Yeah. I’m outta here, baby girl. The food was delicious sis.” Murder Mitch wiped his mouth with his napkin and rose from his seat. He kissed the cheeks of his favorite girls and departed.
“So have you figured out what you gon’ do about D-Boy’s money?” Semaj inquired.
“Shit, that’s what I was just thinking about. Bills seem to keep coming in this bitch and taking some of the money would be dumb. I’d rather stage some robbery type shit. Act like niggas bust through and demanded cash like you had said.”
“You already know I thought that was the better idea anyway. I
just didn’t know if you’d wanna rock wit’ it like that.”
“That would be defeating my cause to take some and put it back,” Tala admitted as she grew excited. “Hell, I might as well just wait to some of this robbery money come through if that’s the case.”
“Right. Then if you do that you can keep all that shit,” Semaj said as she removed herself from the table and deposited her remains into the trashcan. “That’d be the start of your come back.”
“I know right? And I need money, bad. Like yesterday.”
“Well, do what you gotta do but my advice is to start getting your acting skills up to par because when he calls from prison your monologue needs to be tight.”
The conversation came to a halt by the ringing of Semaj’s cell phone. “Hello?”
“Speak to Semaj?” “Who is this?”
“Quasim. Is she available?”
“Oh, what‘s up? I thought you lost my number,” Semaj said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.“You called like a whole week later.” “Never that. I just been real crazy busy with this new business endeavor I’m putting together and as if my life ain’t crazy enough, I
misplaced my phone. I just found it today.” Semaj chuckled. “Umm-huh.”
“True story. But I was calling, because I’ma be free this evening.” “Are you inviting me to join you during your free time?” she
asked sarcastically.
“Kind of why I called, you know.” “That can work. Where are we going?”
“Everything been about business lately. I ain’t had fun in a while. You trying to hit up the Arcade?” Normally, Quasim didn’t indulge in these activities, but he wanted to switch it up with this lady instead of the typical movie-and-dinner date.
“Would love to. Where do you wanna meet me at?” “I can pick you up if you don’t mind.”
“How you figure I want you to know where I stay?” she asked, cautiously.
“I’m feeling that safety tactic. Meet me at The Tropical Arcade at six.”
“See you then.”
Semaj was usually not one to wear her feelings on her sleeve, but when she closed her phone shut, a smile crossed her face.
Tala had been eavesdropping and noticed the instant change in her niece’s mood. “What’s all the smiling about?”
“Huh? What you talking ‘bout? Ain’t nobody smiling. That was just that dude Quasim and he wanna meet up with me later.”
“So what you gon’ find out what he working with?” “Nah, don’t even think he that type of dude.”
“What? You ain’t on the prowl. Shocking! I see you finally try’na start dating on the fo’ real side of things.”
“Not never. I’m done with trying to get seriously involved with another nigga, ever. True story.”
Semaj wasn’t normally the shy
type, but for some reason when she pulled up to the game room and spotted Quasim waiting for her at the entrance with his hands in his front pockets, butterflies filled her stomach. As she parked her car, he came over and opened the car door for her. “Hey, you look really nice. How you feeling?”
For a moment Semaj lost her train of thought as she caught a whiff of his cologne. He smelled fresh like he just got out the shower and it instantly turned her on. “Good. How are you?” she finally replied hoping he didn’t catch the delay.
“I’m straight. Can’t complain.”
They walked inside as Semaj followed his lead. After grabbing a table and ordering their food, Quasim purchased some coins… rather a galore of coins. They were standing side-by-side shooting hoops when the questions started. “So what is it that you do?” he asked.
“I’ma businesswoman,” Semaj replied.
He laughed, finding her answer amusing. “Business huh? That’s what’s up. I like that, because I’ma businessman. Maybe we can do business together,” he joked. He figured she was from a well-off family. “Hey, you never know what the future may hold,” Semaj said
as she gripped the basketball and shot it smoothly inside the rim. She wanted to know more about him, and decided to pose questions bluntly to see what he was really about. “So do you have any children?” “Not yet. No kids, but I do take care of my li’l brother. Our
father passed and his mother’s a crack whore.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Semaj said sympathetically. She went on to the next question. “How old are you? And are you a fake that just plays a good role?” When Quasim began laughing, she playfully hit him on the arm with the basketball. “Seriously, a lot of niggas out here be faking.”
“I’m twenty-six. But let me be clear about everything now, so we don’t have to return to this topic. Everything that you see and that I say is real. I don’t know what type of dudes you’ve encountered in the past, but I’m the truth all day long. I keep everything one hundred percent. I’m not a liar and I hate liars. Not a fake it to you make it type nigga. I‘m not for bullshit and I just handle my business. I’m straight up and loyal to everyone that’s in my circle. And if you’re in my circle that means I believe you’re just as loyal as me.”
