by King, Deja
“What the hell are you doing in here?” Paris asked as she walked inside the room.
“Looking at these photos.” Semaj thumbed through the album never taking her eyes off the pictures. Paris kneeled down to sit beside her.
“Oowwee, you mu’fuckas know y’all looked like some true birds.”
“Shut up,” Semaj laughed. Coming across the next picture really made her reminisce.
“Why you staring at that picture like that?” Paris asked.
“Girl, this was the last photo I took with my first love. It’s bringing back so many memories.
“You talking ‘bout that one that died?” “Yeah,” Semaj replied.
“Man, I promise that nigga look mad familiar. I think I seen dude out in Baltimore,” she said, surely.
“Must be somebody that looks like him because he died a long time ago.”
“Damn! That’s weird as shit,” Paris said as she searched her memory bank, but came up empty. “They say we all have a twin somewhere.”
“I know right?” After they finished looking at the photo album’s for the next couple hours they went through Tala’s clothes putting them up in the closet and drawers. Semaj hung up the last outfit and then turned around to walk out of the room.
“Well, we’ve finished up here. Now let’s get you out the house,” Paris stated.
“I know right?” Semaj said as she slipped into a pair of silver gladiator sandals. She grabbed her handbag out of the closet. “Let’s go. I got an appointment for a doobie at Lulu’s. Then let’s head to Midtown so I can get a facial,” she said, ready to treat herself to a day of relaxation.
The blue cloudless sky had faded into a pretty orange sunset as they walked out of the spa conversing. Semaj now felt like a brand new woman after the deluxe spa treatment. It seemed as if it had been an eternity since she’d had a whiff of fresh air. “It feels real good to be out and about,” she said, inhaling the fresh breeze.
“I know an—” Before Paris could finish her sentence, she screamed, “Semaj get down!” pushing her down to the ground as the items in their hands went skyrocketing in the air. Paris was on point, because a second later a darkly tinted truck sped up and stopped. A ski masked man pulled out a Tommy Gun as he leaned his body half way out of the window and bullets rapidly spit from the gun, piercing their ears. Semaj and Paris both stayed crawled behind a company van as the terrifying sounds of bullets shattered windshields and side windows. Semaj’s heart was pounding like a jackhammer, but her body was as stiff as a statue.
Glass was strewn across the walkway’s concrete and finally after what seemed like forever, the sound of gunshots blaring came to a cease, leaving them with minor cuts from the car’s shattered glass. But to be safe from the danger, the two remained on the ground for a couple more minutes to make sure that the attackers had vanished.
“Man, what the fuck! Is Qua and ‘dem in a fuckin’ drug war or something? Why the fuck is niggas busting at us!” Paris squealed. They both looked at each other and swallowed hard before standing to their feet. “I ain’t never in all my years had some mu’fuckas deliberately target me in a gotdamn shooting. And it’s obvious that they were aiming for us.”
“I know. This is getting too ridiculous,” Semaj sighed. By this time people were coming outside and the sounds of sirens were within distance. She’d phoned her father who was with Quasim. She explained to him everything that had happened and told him to come pick them up immediately.
“And that’s the reason you need somebody with you at all times!” Quasim barked upsettingly as soon as they arrived. “If I knew you were leaving the house I would’ve had somebody following you.” “At all times somebody has to be with you, Maj,” Murder Mitch added. “No exceptions. At least for a while.”
“] know;’ Semaj replied, knowing that they were serious and could understand why they fdt she needed the protection.
Chapter 13
Several weeks had passed and things were gradually getting back to normal. Nothing had been out of the ordinary since the one-sided gun battle, and as promised Semaj’s security had been enforced and she traveled with a bodyguard everywhere she went.
It was four days before Semaj’s movie premiere party and her initial introduction to the entertainment industry. The overwhelming process of preparing for a movie release was draining albeit rewarding and a distraction from the tragic events encompassing her life. It was rumored that she purposely structured the shooting as a publicity stunt, but Semaj took it as a warm welcome to the industry. Magazines and radios had called wanting interviews, and it was good for her because it kept her mind on the positive side of things. Semaj was embracing the film business. She was finally stepping into the life she felt she deserved since she was a young girl. She dreamed about becoming an actress, but no dream or vision could actually prepare her for the reality of it all. This was how life was supposed to be.
For the first time, she and Quasim’s life was semi-calm and he deliberately made certain that he had shown her how a woman was supposed to be treated. It seemed like their relationship happened so fast, even with the mayhem surrounding them. But to Semaj, he was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Quasim respected her to the fullest and came home every night at a decent time, and although he ran a drug business, he conducted himself like a corporate businessman. When he was home, he left the dope game in the streets, and her father and his trusted friends handled all dirty business within.
Under a course of a month, Quasim had put his property on the market. He didn’t want niggas knowing where he laid his head. Because of how Block sent Murder Mitch over to his crib, Quasim knew it had been time to make a move. He felt Semaj would feel more comfortable knowing that nobody knew of their new residence. The gated mansion was nice, too…way nicer than the other crib.
Semaj decided to give him the remaining balance of the forty thousand dollar advance check she received to go towards the purchase of their new home. She felt any real woman had to keep it all the way real with her man, especially if his mentality was vice versa. Being independent was a plus in Quasim’s book. But he felt he was her provider and tried to give the check back because she had worked hard for it. But Semaj shunned his persistence vehemently. Out of respect of her wanting to show she could contribute he accepted it, and secretly Quasim found her trying to exercise her independence real cute.
Their relationship was an easy-paced one, because they stayed on point with communication and it seemed as if they clicked well as lovers. They both had been extremely busy the last few weeks, but any free time they had the couple spent together in the comfort of their new home. They were always lovey dovey and cuddling. Semaj had found her king, lived in their kingdom and they both had careers. She had her dream career and it seemed as if life was on its way to happily ever after.
Al-B had informed her months earlier to prepare a list of the guests she wanted to invite to her premiere party. With one-week left she’d finally gotten around to her list. With not many friends, Semaj called a few acquaintances from the Brooklyn projects. And she made sure to invite the important people that impacted her life…especially Ms. Porter. If it wasn’t for that woman, I would’ve never met the man of my dreams and have my career fall in my lap, Semaj thought gratefully.
Semaj woke up the morning of the premiere with nervous butterflies in her stomach. She had run around damn near all day with Paris to find something to wear. By nightfall they’d both found outfits but were in a rush to get back to the hotel so their hair and makeup could be done
The makeup artist was applying smoky shadow to her eyelids when Quasim walked in the presidential suite. “Oh, babe, I thought you were gone already,” Semaj said, happy to see his handsome face.
“I couldn’t leave without giving you this,” he said, pulling out the velvet Harry Winston box. “You already a star, but rocking pieces like this makes it official.”
“Baby, I’m not a star. I been through too much to be a star,
” she stated seriously. “I think I’ma survivor.”
When Semaj opened up the box she almost lost her sight, the jewelry was so icy. It consisted of a three-piece set containing earrings, a garland necklace and a matching black and white diamond bracelet. “This is the best jewelry I’ve ever had! The pieces are gorgeous! Thank you so much!”
“It’s all love. Diamonds last forever. We forever, baby.” “Omigoodness, I love you so much.” Tears formed in her eyes. “Here you go with that mushy shit, and you try playin’ gangsta.
G’s don’t cry, we shine, ma.” Quasim smiled and swiftly ran his index finger across her cheek. “You look beautiful. I’ll see you in a bit.”
After getting professionally dolled up, Semaj dressed for the movie premiere. Looking in the three-way mirror for an once-over, she admired herself. She felt sexy and glamorous. The white sleeveless puffed blouse revealed ample cleavage and fell slightly over the black fitted skirt that had a long slit on the side and showcased every curve on her body. Black Prada peep-toe heels trimmed in white completed her outfit.
They arrived to the theatre in a white Maybach. Exiting the car, hundreds of fans were screaming for Christopher who was an actor- turned-movie director. The flashing cameras gave the girls a rush as they stepped out onto the red carpet and Semaj got swarmed by paparazzi and reporters to get a quick interview from the starlet. She slightly waved and air-kissed the fans who were chanting her name as they made their way inside. Quasim had already arrived through the back door. He wasn’t with the popularity in this business either, and deterred himself from being on-scene.
The movie premiere was huge to say the least. Everybody who was anybody in the New York entertainment industry came out to show support. Her teachers showed up and the ‘hood came out like they were the stars.
“You look stunning,” Quasim said as she took a seat next to him. “Thank you.” Semaj sat in her seat calmly listening to the reactions of the audience and she couldn’t believe it. All the attendees were on the edge of their seats, and were so enthralled in the action- packed film. Once the movie was over, people went into an abundance of applause. As she moved through the crowd, people complimented
her and congratulated her adoringly.
For the next week, Semaj was traveling to other premiere parties. The next stop was Cali then it was Atlanta and the following night it was Miami. This all seemed like a make believe world and a figment of her imagination. But Quasim always reminded her. “Baby, this is reality and it’s our world. The sky is the limit now.”
That it was. If anybody would have told her that she’d be living this life a year ago, she’d told them they were a fucking liar. As the days passed by, the film finally hit theaters that Friday. Semaj would have never imagined that starring in her first movie would have gotten her immediate recognition. Movie theaters across the nation were sold out at every showcasing. Her name was ringing, and that Monday morning she was the main topic of every newspaper headline, magazine and television show and they wanted in-person interviews.
People were amazed by her and more so moved by her story. Witnessing her mother being murdered and an absentee father for important years of her life had people rooting for the underdog.
Learning about her background but still able to pursue her dreams made Semaj an inspiration to every black girl from the ‘hood.
Despite her tragic childhood, she was making something out of her life. Within the first weekend the movie had did numbers way beyond anyone’s expectations. The movie debuted number one at the box office, competing against major names. It was bananas, and though Semaj tried to remain humble about it the girl was definitely on a high.
All sorts of agencies were trying to recruit her, but Semaj was going for what she knew. Al-B and Christopher had recently incorporated their very own entertainment agency. She was loyal and decided to stay down for the team. She was willing to build her career at Screenplay Inc., which she was now contracted under. Over the course of a month, Semaj had many inquires and major production companies potentially wanted her for upcoming movie projects.
This day in particular, Semaj was having a meeting concerning the companies that were reaching out for endorsement deals. She was having dinner with Christopher and Paris at an upscale restaurant discussing the business matters ahead. “It’s unbelievable how much press you are receiving. Major deals are coming across my desk daily. But we had to get you the best endorsement deals offered,” he explained. “Trust me, I been in this business since I was a kid. It can get very dirty.”
Semaj knew he had years invested in the film world. So she trusted his judgment. “I understand where you are going with this.”
“Now I have something lined up for you with the Adorable cosmetic line that was just launched this year. They’re running ads with top magazines in the next few months and they want you featured in all six. It pays two hundred and fifty thousand. What do you say?”
Semaj was floored. “Are you serious?” she asked as her smile widened.
“Anything concerning business I’m always serious. This is just the beginning. I have a few other things lined up, but I’m trying to get the best deals. So once you sign the paperwork we can get this ball rolling.”
“Well, I’ll call my lawyer up so we can go over the paperwork. If everything is in order, I’ll have them signed and personally deliver them back to you within a few days.” “Great.”
Semaj’s dreams had come true but not in all of her days could she have imagined that such wonderful things would be within her reach. Her schedule was filled by the weeks.
Christopher kept Semaj’s schedule tight. He knew that he had to get her as much exposure as possible, because this business was very rocky here-today-gone-tomorrow-industry. Booking business meetings with major production companies had gotten her more exposure, and it seemed as if everyone wanted her to be a possible candidate in their new movie project. Between the industry business meetings, reading scripts for potential parts and the Adorable campaign had Semaj physically drained. Her mind could barely function. She was worn out.
Finally, after a month she was able to get away from her hectic schedule and chill with her man. Her first available day consisted of mind-blowing sex, and the lovers slept through the evening into the night. Yes, it was that good and they had missed each other that much.
The next morning, Semaj crawled out of bed while the birds were still chirping. After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she walked over to the sliding door. She slid the door back and stepped out onto the marble veranda. She sat down on the ivory vintage chaise and looked out at her beautiful home, and watched the rising of the sun. Their place was one that only people imagined and Semaj loved the fact that Quasim had chosen her to share his life with. With the cool wind breezing at an easy pace, Semaj stared off into space, and for once allowed her mind to be thoughtless as she meditated for the next couple hours.
Emerging into the bedroom, Semaj slipped out of the negligee that she wore for her man the previous night and threw on some sweats to run around their track. She was adamant about buying this house because not only was it gorgeous but it had a track. Not the one for a treadmill, she loved running laps. Knowing the Hollywood business was primarily based on appearance Semaj felt she was really obligated now to stay in shape. She pushed herself three times out of the week to run ten laps.
Perspiration caused her clothes to stick to her body and sweat dripped from her face. Semaj slowed up as she caught her breath during her last lap, and walked back through the patio door. She made her way into the kitchen where she fixed her and her Quasim a big breakfast.
“You finally getting the cooking down a li’l huh, bay?” he joked. “Oh, I forgot you only know how to cook breakfast food.”
“Shut up, punk,” Semaj giggled, playfully slapping him across the arm.
“Go get dressed. We spending the day together.”
“Yes. It seemed like I haven’t spent time with you in a mi
nute.” Semaj raced upstairs on cloud nine heading straight to her spacious closet and rummaged through the many clothes and shoes she’d owned. Her closet was so loaded it resembled a medium-sized designer boutique. Her garments were color coordinated and tidy too.
She liked for her clothes to be extremely neat and organized.
After deciding what to wear Semaj placed her clothes on the bed. She took a quick shower as she was excited to be spending the day with Quasim. It was very rare for them to enjoy each other’s company outside of their home because Quasim was a homebody, and although she loved to watch movies in the theater room while eating popcorn or bowling against him in their bowling alley, Semaj was the total opposite and very much outgoing. In that particular way they were different but Semaj didn’t mind. It felt good to just be in his presence no matter where they were.
After getting dressed and doing her hair she went downstairs to meet Quasim who was out front. “Where are we going?” she asked kissing his lips when she got inside the car.
“Just sit back and relax.” Quasim smiled at her eagerness. This was one of the reasons he loved her so deeply. Though she was his woman, she acted like a spoiled baby always faking with her child-like voice.
Semaj knew that was the hook, line and sinker move right there, and it usually got her what she wanted. Acting spoiled once in awhile allowed Semaj to be obedient and respectful without being too passive. She listened to Quasim and did most of everything he asked of her, but still stood her ground like a lady when necessary.
Semaj sat back, enjoying the ride through the suburban streets. When they pulled up to a park she was all smiles. The park was so beautiful and the grass was green as fresh steamed broccoli. The leaves on the trees were starting to turn colors for the fall season. “Oh… my…Gosh, this is so romantic!” Semaj gushed, tugging him out of the car after she noticed the setup.
