Harlem POV:
I was down the hallway at school heading for my next class. “Hey Harlem, wait up.”
I turn around to see that it was my best friend Jason, running up towards me. When he was close enough, we walk.
“Hey, how was your weekend?” Jason asks.
“The same as usual, sitting at home bore out of my mind, watching stupid shit on t.v. typical teenage stuff”
“Speak for yourself, guess what Harlem”
“Just tell me Jason, if I have a dollar every time you said guess what, I would be a millionaire,” I said with a chuckle.
“Whatever anyway, remember Ebonie Braxton? The girl I told you about a few weeks ago”
“I think so, why?”
“ She gave me her virginity, and let me tell you I love every minute of it”
“ Are you serious, Jason?” I ask with a brow.
“ Of course. Why would I lie about something like that?”
“ I guess you two, are you serious now?”
“Who said we were in a relationship?”
“ You seriously Jason? That girl gives you her virginity, and you know that is something precious to a girl”
“Well Harlem, I did not force her, she came to me, she knew what she was getting herself into”
I shook my head at my best friend, because it does not matter what I say to him, it does in the ear and out the other. Jason and I have been best friends since we were young. We are more like brothers because you never see one without the other. As we got older, I notice Jason change in some ways. I guess that part of growing up, there are distinct changes that we must endure. For Jason, he is all about being a playa and wants to sleep with as many girls as possible as turn and brags about it, especially to me. It’s a male ego.
Through it all he is still my best friend, and always has love for him. Me, I’m more of a loner. I really don’t care about proving my ego. Getting girls is easy to me, I don’t have to try, and they are throwing themselves at me. One thing that I hate is desperation and it seems that most girls these days are desperate for attention that they become too needy to where they want to lack on to you for dear life. It is crazy to see what girls will do for love. I don’t believe in love, It’s just a silly word that people go around saying to get what they want.
“What class you have this hour, Harlem?”
“Science, I really don’t want to go Mr. Wiley is so boring”
“You don’t have to tell me; I’m heading for English. See you at, lunch” Jason, said running off. I finally made it to my science class, took my seat in the back. There were a few students. Soon the teacher enters right along with the rest of the students, and the lesson begins.
When class ended, I made out in the hallway. There I caught up with Jason we headed into the lunchroom. We were in line getting our lunch until we notice a crowd of girls surrounding someone. As soon as they got close, I saw it was Preston Northwood, the rich snob. Also, the most ignoring bastard in this school, Preston has a reputation, and, he is popular base on his status. Girls throw themselves at him because he has money.
Preston thinks he is God's gift to women, maybe so, but under all that fortunate he is the most arrogant asshole to walk this earth. He believes that money can buy him out of anything, and he can get any girl he wanted. I remember there was a time that he thought he could humiliate a girl name Tammy Rogers. Preston got a rude awaken that day. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Flashblack:
Tammy was walking in the hallway, she attempted to pass by Preston and his friends. But she was blocked from going anywhere. Then Preston approach Tammy.
“Tammy, how are you?”
“I’m fine and you?”
“I’m good now that I see you, hey I need a favor. You think you can do it?”
“It depends on what it is,”
“Ok, here it goes Tammy, see I need my dick suck bad, judging by your juicy lips I think you are suitable for the job. What do you say? Don’t worry, I will pay you for your services. "
“You are a disgusting human being Preston, ain’t no way in hell will I ever do that, unlike you I have respect for myself.”
“Please, you are a slut Tammy, in due time you will give in like the rest of the girls who cannot say no to money. Accept my offer now, so you want to humiliate yourself later,”
“Tell me Preston, why would I want to suck your dick? From what I hear, it ain’t much to brag about. I heard that your dick is small, like a cocktail weenier. So why will I want something that small to enter my mouth?”
That is when everyone whispers, and you could also hear laughter in the background. Without saying another world, Tammy walks away.
Flashback end.
After that day, I did not see Tammy around. Later, I found out that Tammy and her family left town. Rumor was that someone threaten their family to the point they got scared and left. I had a feeling that Preston had something to do it with it all because she crushes his ego that day. Now looking at him, I cannot stand the sight of him. Jason agrees with me too. “Asshole at it again, man I hate that guy,” Jason said.
“I second that, come on let get our food and go to the table” Jason nodded.
We had our food in our hands we look to find an enemy table. Jason pointed to the enemy table. The worst part is that we will have to pass Preston and his groupies, which this is going to be fun. Jason and I started walking towards the table. I politely said excuse us to some girls. They gave us a smile and move to the side. Before we could walk pass them “Hello Harlem” I turn to look see it was Preston who spoke.
“Hello Preston, excuse us” I walk until I heard Preston said, “What kind of name is Harlem?” I stop turn around to look at him. I see he had a smirk on his face that shows that he wanted to get a raise out of me. I just turn back around, ignoring him. Then he said “Your parents must have had to be real fuck up to give you a name like that” I drop my tray and turn around I walk up to him, that we was face to face my fist was ball up told everything in me not to punch this bastard.
“you say something about me or my family again. I will make sure you will not talk for a week. Try me”
I could see that Preston looked scare he was quick to fix it and said, “I can say and do whatever I want. You are jealous because my parents have money while your parents are poor. Look at your clothes, it speaks for itself. I’ll tell you what, Harlem. If you need, money tell your mother to come to my house and work for it by sucking my dick”
I had enough. I took my fist punch Preston right in the face as he fell on the ground. Everybody in the lunchroom had their mouths open in shock. In minutes, two school guards and the principal came in. I already know that I’m in trouble.
Harlem POV: I’m sitting in the principal office waiting for my parents to show up. Preston already had his father present. I saw I had broken Preston's nose; his father was furious at what I did he wanted to call the police on me. I did not care because people like him always feel that money can buy their way out of every situation. When I hit Preston, he provoked me, when you talk about my family, I take a fence to it, especially my mother. My father, I care little about especially all the sins he has committed towards my mother. As of right now, my father and I don’t see eye to eye. There was a knock on the door, “Come in,” Principal Foley said. The door had open in came the principal secretary right along with my parents. My mother immediately came over and sat by my side. My father just gave me a death glare. I gave him one back. He walked over to us and stood by my mother. Principal Foley gave his secretary a nod. She walks out closing the door behind her.“Mr. and Mrs. Ca
Harlem POV: As soon as we made it home, my parents when into their room, and the argument started. I could feel tension with all the yelling. It disappointed me that my father, show his weakness, I could see how embarrassed my mother was, she felt betray by a man who was supposed to love her, and protect her from any harm. I feel that love is just a silly word. After what I witness with my father, I’m a genuine believer of my word. They're in principal Foley's office, I told them why I broke Preston's nose. I did it all for the love of my mother. My mother was proud of me for standing up for her honor. My father, on the other did not even attempt to show an ounce of anger knowing that the person insulted your loved one. In my mother eyes it was a betrayal that could never become undone. I was sitting in my room when there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” the door open up, in came my sister Jessika.“Harlem, what’s going on? Why are mom and dad fighting?”“It’s a long story
Treasure POV: I got through the first day of school with a blur, I’m leaving out of the building heading home. Even though I don’t want to go, but I have no choice because I don’t have any friends to socialize with. I’m a loner. I would rather be that way. It helps with my sanity. Also, I could see the phoniness in people, so I choose to keep to myself. Finally arriving in front of my house, I pull out my key and unlock the door. When I enter, I look around. I saw no one was around, I was relieved. I went into the kitchen, made me a sandwich and grab an apple right along with a soda. I headed upstairs to my room. Once in my room, I place my food on my dresser and started pulling out my books, I do my homework. I was in my studies, then my door burst open. In came my, mother looking piss off about something. When her eyes landed on me, I could see the death glare she was giving me. I choose to ignore her when she realizes I was not giving her attention. She shouted, “Wh
Harlem POV: Today is the day, that we are leaving, I went to school today to say my last goodbye to people. Jason and skipped classes and hang out for the entire day. It wasn’t no point of me attending, since I’m leaving, Jason, it will affect him. He did not care, he told me that spending the day with me is more important right now. I appreciate that, instead of leaving school, we went up to the school roof Jason, and I sat there chilling. It was silence between us right now, what can you say to someone that you been with for a long time? I never knew how to say goodbye, someone. I never thought my one action will cause my family to up and leave. I really feel that this is all my fault, if only I walk away from Preston that day, I would not be sitting spending my last day with Jason. I spoke “Jason, I-““There no need for apology, you did nothing wrong. It was Preston fault; I just hate that asshole is the reason you have to leave. There is no need for sad goodbyes, sinc
Treasure POV: I’m sitting on the roof of my school smoking a cigarette, I been doing this ever since I got out of juvenile. My house life is a mess, that sometimes I just thinking about running away just so I could get away from the abuse of my mother and Dax. Sometimes I wish I could just get on the phone and talk to Butterfly. I miss her a lot right along with the rest of the girls, because she understood where I was coming because she in a situation herself. I took my last puff, and put it out, I’m heading back downstairs to the school heading to my English class. The minute I enter I could see trouble waiting for me, there Irene one of Alana’s friends approaching me. I wish I could get some peace I’m not in the mood for bullshit. But it seems I can never any luck, Alana thinks she is the queen of the school, and she have her goons at her feet. It funny how money changes people. Alana was no different from me, we were once best friends still can’t believe that she will turn
Harlem POV:“Harlem is time to wake up” I heard my mother voice. I sit up, and rub my eyes, once open I look out the window to see that we was parked us in front a red brick two-story house. I got out of the car and look around. I see that the neighborhood looked distant, but it was nothing like being back at home, where I grew up and missing Jason. I’m never thought that everything will come to this, I’m still in disbelief. “Come on, let’s go look and get this over with” my mother said. I nodded, Jessika and I follow my mother as she led the way towards the house. My father stood by the car; I believe he was waiting on the movers. My mother took out the key from her purse, she places in the key hold and unlock it. When the door open, we all walked in we walk around until we step in the living room there, I notice the walls was white, it had a mental piece right along with a fireplace. Also, there are long red drapes covering the windows. Next, we all enter the dining ro
Treasure POV: I woke up late, trying to get myself ready for school, my reason for oversleeping is because I came home late from working my new job. I got a job working at that sleazy motel that ten minutes from my house. It’s the one that running the prostitution operation. My job is simple I clean the rooms every time the prostitutes finish with their Johns, I also clean up around other places. The owner Dale, try to preserve everyone that he is running a legitimate business. We all knew that was now true thanks to the mouth of the south, not only that everyone always see the same women taking different men inside their rooms. Dale motel is a run down place it looks like it have been fix in years, everyone knows about Dale, even the kids that goes to my school because if they are looking for a place to have a good fuck. Dale motel is the place to go, because Dale ask no questions the only thing he cares about is making money. I think back on that day I enter his office lookin
Harlem POV: The car ride was silence as Jessika and I sit in the back seat, while our parents are in the front. There nothing to be said about our situation my mom, Jessika and I are unhappy about how things turn out. My father on the other hand feel that this is the best decision that ever happen to him. I already know why he feels that way because of the affairs he had with women. My mother knows nothing about it, I want to tell her so bad I knew what it will do to her and I did not have the heart to tell her back then. But now I’m trying to find a way to tell her, either way it goes, it going to hurt her in the long run. I don’t want to be a bad son that kept secrets from my mother. Even though I feel that I’m protecting her, but in reality, I’m hurting her more, and that not fair for her to believe that her marriage is sacred. My father has a lot of nerve to do this to her, he knows that I know about the multiple women that he is messing around with because I caught him co
Butterfly POV:We left my apartment and headed to the motel where Treasure is employed. I felt relieved when she phoned me to see if I was interested in making money. It's unfortunate that I had to grow up fast because being on your own comes with a lot of responsibility. My desire was to live as a typical teenager, prioritizing academics, socializing with friends, and attending parties. My mom's actions led to her taking it away, betraying me in the process. I'm still struggling to process all the things I've discovered about her; she had no remorse while I wasted two years in juvenile.I hold a deep hatred for that woman, and I meant it when I said that I want nothing to do with her; she is dead to me. My priority now is to regain control of my life and release my painful past. Tracking down my father is one of the things I want to achieve. I need to hear his reasons for abandoning us? I had always felt unwanted, my mother's love disappeared when that monster entered the picture. I
Treasure POV:I'm currently in my room, packing up clothes. We’re in for a busy night ahead. Since the girls are getting ready and will need my help, I'll be staying at the motel for the weekend. To make things more convenient for me, and I really detest being at home. My mother and her boyfriend bring so much drama into my life. During a recent altercation, she accused me of once again trying to seduce her boyfriend, going as far as calling it World War III. Naturally, that jerk exacerbates the situation by pursuing me whenever my mother is absent. There's no way I would give him my attention.My mother trusts this jerk, which has led to fights between us. The injuries sustained in our previous altercation affected both of us. My lip got busted and I ended up with scratches on my arms, while my mother got a black eye and a broken arm. I had no choice but to defend myself. Just as I was zipping up my bag, I heard my door opening. I glanced around and saw Dax standing there, his eyes f
Butterfly POV: Two weeks had pass since being in this town, I am finally settling into my apartment. There was not much I have; I only had a few things. Even though that I am emancipated and underage I have a social worker to come and check on time twice a week. Also, I have received resources that help me get the things I needed for my place. I am so grateful for the help since I do not have any money or a job any little thing helps. It feels weird being back in school because I am used to how things were back in juvenile hall. There they had a teacher come once a week to teach us, the teacher could never finish the lesson without a fight breaking out. The last fight was so bad that the teacher was injured. After that the warden shut the school program down, instead we had to take online classes. That made it more difficult with a small room with eight computers, and a lot of girls not fun at all. I was sitting in my history class going through my phone when I heard some
Harlem POV: Finally, school had ended for the day. I’m glad because I was tired of hearing the Teachers with their boring lectures. The feeling of being in high school is so intense that sometimes I just want to scream. I am counting down the days until I graduate. I already have plans of going back to my hometown. This boring ass town is unbearable for me to be in, so I must leave. I was placing my last book in my locker when I saw Charmaine approaching me.“Hey Harlem, how are you?”“I’m doing good how about you?”“The same, I’m glad that school have finally ended for today.”“Same here” From there Charmaine and I continue to talk, we were so embracing in our conversation that we did not notice someone appear until heard someone clearing their throat. We turn to see that it was Alana and Jackson, they stood staring at us. Jackson gave me a nod while Alana gave me a look that shows lust in her eyes. Before anyone took notice, she changes her expression and show a look of angrier
Treasure POV: Sitting here in the principal getting lecture is no fun at all. Every time I believe that the principal finished talking. He keeps ongoing on how it's not good to fight, as he continues talking, I glare at Alana. If this bitch only knew what I was feeling about her right now, I want to strangle her so badly. Having these thoughts is taking me to a dark place that I do not want to go. So, I try to keep calm, finally the principal concluded his speech. He left us off with a warning, and if next time we want to be lucky. If he only knew that this was only the beginning, finally I could leave the office. When I walk out, I saw Butterfly standing there wait for me. I could not help but to smile. It has been months since I see her. It's nice to have a friend here with me. I no longer must feel alone in this fuck up town.“Hey you waited for me?" I ask“Of course, why would I leave while my friend being scolded in the principal office?"“You have a point, let get ou
Butterfly POV: I woke up from the sunlight coming into my room through my window. I was in my new apartment; it felt strange at first because I was so used to sharing a room with someone. The feeling that I’m getting now I could not help but to smile. Finally, after a few months, Mr. Tatum could get the courts to approve me for my emancipation. The day that he told me all I could do was cry tears of joy, because for once in my life things are turning in a good direction for me it is all thanks to Mr. Tatum. I got out of bed, walked over to my closet and pull out my clothes and headed to the bathroom to take my shower. Today is the first day I start school, in a new town. What I love about it is that I get to rebuild my friendship with Treasure. I miss her so much I cannot wait to surprise her. I always wonder how she was since being released? Even though we write to each other. I was glad that Mr. Tatum pull some strings to locate Treasure and the school she was attending. Wit
Treasure POV:English class is finally finished. Exiting the classroom, I made my way to my locker to grab my books for the next classes. Placing the books in my bag, I close my locker and make my way to the cafeteria. Harlem and I are meeting up there to talk about our English paper. Upon entering the cafeteria, I scanned the room until I spotted Harlem seated at a table near the exit door.It's great that he chose the perfect spot because I don't enjoy being in the cafeteria. I prefer being alone and have no intention of making friends; it's difficult to trust people when you can't tell if they're genuine or fake. Not only that people can become judgmental when they find out you was in juvenile. Before you know you already label as a trouble maker. Also I’m not sticking around once high school ended. I need to get away from all this drama that my life had to endure, its sad that my life have turn out like this that sometimes I feel depress. There was a time in my life that I had tho
Butterfly POV:As promised, they released me a few days later. I was still in disbelief to where I thought I was dreaming. On my last day, Warden Sanders threw me a going away party. He told me he appreciates how I was an excellent role model to some girls. Also he said he knew I was a good kid, and he does not want to see me coming back here again. I agree I never wanted to be here in the first place because of circumstances I had no choice. Other girls approached me and congratulated me, while other girls gave me a look of jealousy. I did not care I was leaving no one or nothing was going to ruin my happiness. I was in my room, packing up my stuff, it was not much, a few clothes, and some books. After I finished packing, I took a look around the room that had been my home for the past two years. All the memories flowing through my mind, the good, and the bad. Once those memories faded from my mind tears fall from my eyes, I’m finally leaving all of this behind.“Rivers” I turn to
Butterfly POV: I woke up from the same nightmare of me reliving that day when I kill Barry, the day that my world end, but most of all, the day that my mother turns on me. I remember like it was yesterday after I kill the monster my mother calls the police and told them what she has witness. She told them how she saw me stabbing Barry to death. Then the police came over to me and started questioning me, in fear I told them everything from Barry raping me and getting me pregnant and how he attacked me and losing my baby. From there the police gave me a pitiful look then my mother interrupted and told the police that I was making everything up. It never happens, she also told them I was jealous of her and that monster relationship. She did so many things to where the police believed her. From there it turned my world upside down. My case went straight to trial, the courts heard my mother side of the story and it seem that the prosecutor did his best to take me down without eve