"You know I can ask my boss to give you a job" I mention taking a mouthful of spaghetti with lentil and marinara sauce while I bought sesame noodles with chicken and broccoli for Niko on my way from school.
"I don't know it's not that bad out here" he answer as he shrove food in his mouth I over at him like he's crazy "are you kidding me you can't expect to be homeless all your life crashing at some shelter you need to find a job you're so young for crying out loud this shouldn't even be the road you're going down" I lecture him shaking my head in disbelief yes I get the fact that things are hard but if he gets work he could rent a tiny apartment and pick his life back up it's never too late.
He didn't say anything "can't you just put your ego aside and ask your parents for help" I inquired his parents write him off so he has no access to their money just because he didn't want to be a doctor choosing not to follow in his mom's footsteps which was a bitchy move if you ask me who would write their child off because they don't want the same career.
"I'd rather dry the sea with a mop then go back to them" Niko exclaimed unbothered hearing the loud thud sound of heavy footsteps tumbling up the stairs looking up rolling my eyes "I see you still hanging out with the dirty thrift store hobbit how much time do I have to tell you to stop feeding him he's like a tray dog feed them once they'll keep coming right back" mom spat in disgust as she narrowed her bright brown eyes which were red.
"Mom stop being disrespectful would it kill you to be nice for a second" I shouted she scoffed "what do I tell you to stop calling me that in public" she grumbled out "because of you and this riff-raff we're the talk of the flat" mom sneered.
"Not as much as they talk about you bringing different men around but that's not my business" I retort sipping my water staring her down "don't you fucking talk about your mother like that" she yelled her voice was screechy by the way she looked messy hair buttons on her black blouse didn't even button properly her pants was dirty she looked like a hot mess.
"What mother? News flash the last time I checked I didn't have any all I had was a sperm donor and a life incubator you gone for months don't give a shit about me so don't come here asking for respect it's not something you get you to have to earn it" I spat out how dare she waltz up here gone for two months I have to learn to fend for myself what kind of mother does that.
"You ungrateful little brat if it wasn't for me your ass would be out on the street or dead in some alley" mom fumed I laughed a loud huff feeling my anger seeping through the crack "don't get it twisted mother" I spat her name out like a bitter taste "your name may be on the apartment but am the one who pays the bills" my voice was high I always had a bad temper and tone flare up especially when I so badly want to punch something or someone.
Ever since I could remember we never see eye to eye and the feelings were quite mutual growing up I was forced to grow fast grocery shopping at five cleaning stashing money from her handbag when she falls asleep after sniffing coke or drunk when am hungry she can go to hell for all I care.
"You were never a mother to begin with like you said countless times am a mistake imagine I don't exist and I'll continue doing the same," I said quietly she didn't say anything apart from the fiery daggers she throws my way the loud sound of the room door slamming shut.
"Sorry about that" I turned to Niko who was stunned he never witness my crazy side taking a deep breath trying to control my anger from surfacing.
"Are you okay?" he asked concerning "yeah never better" I answered with a fake smile "she hates me" he said bluntly "she hates everyone" I grumble with a shrug going back to eating.
I stayed outside talking and joking longer than I needed to until it was time to get ready for work mom was already passed out in the settee and of course a beer bottle on the floor rolling my eyes walking to my room stripping off my clothes observing myself in the bathroom mirror.
I have big breast which I loved even though am sixteen I got them from my mom's side of the family at least I get something useful, slim thick hourglass and curvy that compliments my light brown skin good size bum my thighs were meaty short legs flat tummy with a hint of visible bulge I love my food I ain't giving it up for shit.
Rose gold steel with pink crystal piercing navel stud my hair was natural brown with a hint of wave on my right shoulder blade was a normal size tattoo portraying a lioness wearing a crown 'queen' inked underneath the letter D was stylishly engraved in the center of the crown.
My finger softly traces the outline of the tattoo I've got when I was thirteen you probably wonder why at such a young age but, to be honest it means a lot to me climbing into the shower and take a long needed shower drying off wrapping a towel around me and walk to my closet sliding on a light wash denim high waist short mini ripped skirt and sky blue top pushing my foot in my sneakers throwing my phone in my black cross body bag.
Seeing mom sitting in the living room beer bottle on the glass table cigarette occupying one hand as she sniffs up coke on a piece of paper she looked up when she heard movement typical mom eyes red nose messy with the powdery substances and runny.
"Stay in school kid" was all she uttered then went back to stuffing her face cringing when she started coughing didn't spare her a second thought than walking out and slamming the door shut.
***
Plaid suspender school girl Lingerie costume my hair was already in two French braids with each ends had black bows black knee length stockings and black heels the whole outfit screams for the bedroom not for an audience of old horny guys I don't think I've said this enough and stress the matter but I loath the second Tuesdays of every month especially when it's costume day.
I know I couldn't hide out in the locker room for too long looking at the other girls who were more than excited about their outfits satisfying as they compliment each other what exactly are they satisfying about barely covered tiny cloth stitch together I can feel the cool breeze on my ass cheeks this is no place for a child which I constantly keep reminding myself every time I step foot through the club doors.
Walking out the music was pumping "Alesha table twenty-six" Macy instruct me handing me a tray with ten shots of tequila holding it high so these crazy people don't hit it they were dancing wildly whether kissing fondling or even having sex.
"Here you go boys," I said five men seated around the table I was aware of how their eyes roam drinking me in "hmm sexy and naughty just might be my lucky night boys" one said blissfully licking his lips "it's my birthday why don't you give me a little taste" he added running his hand through his curly hair he was young probably in his mid-twenties or younger his voice was deep lacing with seduction if that was gonna get me to bend over back way he was doing an awful job.
His friends started making wolf sounds boasting him even more "c'mon sweet cake lay on the table and open wide for the birthday boy" he bluntly said licking his lips if I had to choose any day to vomit it would be now right in his disgusting sickening piece of a shitty face but then again I'd get fired but at the same time I'd leave with a bang.
Deciding not to no need to lose a well paid job over a bunch of pervs "sorry but that's not my job but there's plenty of other girls would be willing" I said pointing to the stage and cage "now is there anything else I can get you" I added.
"That little ass of yours but you're playing hard to get not to worry though by the end of the night you'll be moaning my name babe" the same guy exclaimed sending me a wink grabbing the tray and walk away and that's now my night went serving getting hit on groping my ass whenever I pass by.
The cold harshness of the air as I walk home happened so fast before I could comprehend what was happening only to feel the strong hand over my mouth pulling me into the darkness thrusting around trying to get out of the grasp.
"Hey, sweet cake you didn't think we were gonna leave without saying goodbye now do you" the voice I recognize said in my ear planting a kiss on my shoulder shivering.
"You did say we'll each get our turn right Dave," one of them said as they circled me like some shiny new toy this is like preschool all over again "don't fucking touch me" I yelled they chuckled "feisty I like it you got a mouth on you why don't you show us just what it can do," the birthday guy said which turns out to be Dave oh so smoothly there's a lot of emotion behind these words he utters lust coating them instead of waiting for disaster to unfold I stayed calm, instead of being the dangle in distress in this situation I was calm and collected ready to strike at any given time.
"Let's put that naughty slut to use let's see how high those legs can go," another said "ok" I said innocently standing in a fight stance swinging my foot up kicking him right in the throat as he staggers back whizzing out "you'll pay for that bitch" Dave growled out trying to hold me but I head but him one swing at me too fast tripping him off his feet the heavy they are the harder they fall.
Jumping on top of him my hands over his ears one hard slam in his eardrum feeding him punches until someone yanks me off sending me flying to the hard ground knocking the wind out of me "that's a little stunt you pulled back there" of course Dave growled out pissed can't he give me a fucking break he keeps insisting hastily unbuckle his belt pinning me down between my legs as he fights to pull down his pants lower he had no trouble since I was wearing a skirt.
Too busy looking beside me my bag was just a little away but I ease a little grabbing the strap pulling the slide with one hand fondling around until my finger could feel the steel less dagger pulling it out just in time when he start tugging on my underwear plunging the knife into his stomach he hissed out pushing him off.
Jolting up pulling down my skirt as his friends rush over to him running out of the alley only to bump into a hard chest with quick reflexes my knife come in contact with the person's neck my adrenaline was still in overdrive "Gio" I breathe out more like a question lowering my knife.
"Why do you have a knife," he asked he didn't even flinch when I had a sharp knife to his throat "they tried to rape me" I rushed out looking back hearing footsteps coming out "get rid of them" Gio ordered in an angry tone that's when I realized three men standing behind him "what are you gonna do with them" I inquired "turn them in" was all he said before pulling me way "come I'll drop you home," he said following him two cars that were parked near the alley.
Getting in as he drives off I heard the fainting sounds of gunshots echoed in the distance even over the loud music Gio turned up when he drives off "what was that" I inquired "what was what" he asked dumb "sounds like gunshots" I answered pointing out the obvious "didn't hear anything why where you out told you it's not safe" he spat out changing the subject clenching the staring wheel tightly "why were you out especially at a place like that" I questioned yes I just asked question with a question.
"I heard a noise coming from the alley and was gonna check when you ran out" he answered quickly "how can you hear movement when you were dr-" Gio but in "I had stopped waiting on my friends when I heard the noise" Gio state cutting me off.
"B" again he dared to cut me off unbelievable "enough question at least you made it out God knows what they would have done to you" he spat out menacingly "I had it under control," I told him he glares over at me for a sec then back on the road "why did you even have a knife" Gio mention "to protect myself with," I said in a duh tone.
Giovanni POV
Looking over at Alesha I can tell she wasn't stupid smart for her age I had men watching her during work they reported about some imbeciles and it didn't sit well with me I followed her from a distance without her knowing when they ambush her running to save her but the sight in front of me left me dumbfounded and pleased the way she fought and move within seconds the guys were down my anger boiled when one of them fling her on the ground pinning her down my hands were itching to grab my gun but I stayed put and smiled with satisfaction when I glimpse the shiny weapon in her hand.
My men came up to me I ordered them not to intervene when Alesha ran out I showed myself well technically I didn't lie though just didn't tell the whole truth I ordered the men to kill them there was no way I was gonna let them live after what they tried to do.
"Are you gonna be okay?" I asked pulling up to the curb this place sucks big time apartment and neighborhood not a place for a sixteen-year-old and if things can't get any worse she walks home late.
"Yeah am great thanks for the ride Gio good night" she replies as usual trying to unlock the door but I had locked it "here's my card with my number call me when your shifts over at night," I said sternly handing her my business card "no it's ok that's too much" Alesha said dismissing it with her hand "take it it's better than walking home you may have been lucky tonight but what if they had guns" I argued pushing the card to her taking it while she let out a sigh.
"Good night and I mean it call me" I warned unlocking the door she nodded getting out waiting for her to enter and drive off.
It's been years now this loneliness surfacing which turns into anger escaping when I'm away from her, I miss her scent the warmth of her body pressed to mine. I'm miserable all the time pretty much take it out on everyone who comes in contact with me drivers feeling like I want to run them off the road, heck I'm even angry at the cook if my food isn't quite right. But the truth is my life lost its light the love of my life and I just have to wait however long it takes.
Alesha POV
Getting dress in a short black denim high waist shorts and burgundy short sleeve crop top sliding on my burgundy vans hair was already in a high puff putting on little lip gloss the Saturday temperatures were hot settling with my choice of clothes throwing some crush up bills in my black crossbody bag sliding my phone in my pocket locking up I woke up this morning and mom was gone something am used to.
Walking down the stairs Kelsey begged me to hang out with her at our local café our usual hangout spot since we barely get some girly time so she insists I drag my lazily boring ass down before she comes up and drags me out herself.
Walking over to Kelsey's dark blue Nissan she didn't even care to at least parked the car probably "what took you so long" she inquired strapping on the seatbelt "hello to you too" I said smugly causing her to roll her eyes starting the car backing out the soft meditating sound of piano playing in the background.
"Seriously Kel," I said about to change the station "it's a cassette recorder you know mom live for these shit" Kelsey mention laughing and taking out my Bluetooth adapter and connect it playing my playlist her mom's a yoga instructor if she had driven her dad's car well that would be a different story either his past sermons or motivational speech her dad's a pastor. I guess what they say about pastors kids is the worst yep Kelsey just proved that the theory was right.
Her parents think she's the perfect little angel who sings on the church choir and so innocent in their eyes but she's far from being anything but innocent, meaningless sex with one night stands with anyone who shows her a hint of affection that's the only thing I hate about her especially when it comes to her philosophy 'yolo you only lives once' she needs to change that.
At the same time she's trying to find the one she's sixteen for peace sake she has a lot of time but apart from her extra curriculum, she's really sweet and caring.
Looking over at her as she taps her fingers on the wheel while bobbing her head to the music playing I wanna be by Chris Brown her black passion twist braids sway to the side light blue jumper shorts with a white crop top white Adidas.
"Dad still insisting on me to take over his church wanting me to do religion and theology in college," Kelsey said letting out a frustrated sigh "why don't you just tell them you want to do performing arts" I suggest Kelsey's a great actor and I can see her hopefully years from now top actress in the world.
"I want to but I just…I don't even know" she answered "they honestly think because I act holy are taken interest in being dad's secretary but c'mon I was getting paid you have no idea how I had to fake my smile trying to be professional I want to punch them but I know that won't be Christian like," Kelsey said scoffing pulling up in the parking lot.
Walking inside the bell sound notifying someone enters Delicacy Café is one of the popular cafés in Alli Grove as we enter the sweet aroma of spices of tasty pastries and strong coffee scent attack us the café sold every kind of pastries desserts you know the usual.
The music and the smiles on everyone's faces it's a fragment of heaven, a chance to enjoy the company of other peaceful and commendable.
Inside was pack but not to the extreme there were empty seats here and there looking towards the line thankfully it wasn't long resting my hand on the iron barrier that separates the line from the sitting area inside was huge the interior design was lovely and give off this warmth of cozy crème painted walls brown wooden flooring white tables with different colors of chairs but the extreme back had the double banquette booths with different shapes of seats where we always sit.
Soon it was our time Kelsey went to one of the cashiers I went to the other acrylic wooden countertop while the outside was white the digital menu board gives us many various options "hello welcome to Delicacy what can I get from you," the guy Scott from the name tag asked sweetly.
"Hi, I'll have a twelve oz. chocolate chip cookies and cream ice-cream, one medium-sized lemon blueberry muffin with cinnamon glaze, a slice of black forest cake and finally double chocolate chip frappuccino" when he told me the price handing him the money collect the change and stand at the waiting area which was secluded from the eating area where we had to wait for our names.
Collecting my goodies following Kelsey to the back there was an empty booth in the corner which we were happy about since it was placed at the glass window giving us a view of the outside.
I started eating my ice cream in case it starts melting Kelsey did the same with her vanilla almond ice-cream munching on the chocolate loving the way it feels.
Helping each other find ways to make our love lives better let me rephrase that Kelsey's love life we are close with each other told each other our secrets opposite attracts we're just good combinations of different personalities.
"Hey don't give me that look Alesha," Kelsey said taking a huge bite of her oreo butterscotch doughnut "what I don't have time for boys and love is overrated and I have too much on my plate to ever make space for some guys who don't want to get to know me but are interested in what's between my legs" I exclaimed munching on my muffin.
"Whew is it hot in here or is it just them," Kelsey bluntly said her whole demeanor changed as she starts fanning herself with her napkins "what" I asked confused sipping my drink "two hot guys 6 o'clock oh shit they're coming this way" she explained by now she was a mess.
Kelsey fixing herself brushing away the crumbs on her clothes fixing her hair I see the panic in her eyes as she stared at me worriedly "how do I look do I look presentable" she asked unsure "shit they're almost here" her voice dipped with worry "well on the flip side you don't look half bad with your electrocuted hair but not bad" I answered smirking when her face fell causing her to dig in her bag cursing until she takes out a small mirror.
"You little bitch" she growled out after she observed her hair I laughed Kelsey started smiling twirling her hair around her finger "can't you be any less creepy" I whispered "oh shush I can't help it just look at them" Kelsey beamed biting her lip rolling my eyes.
"Kel you say that about every guy nothing useful when they all look the same" I told her.
"Oh no Alesha this time they're not just handsome and cute they're sexy enticing charming oh father in heaven how can people like them even exist in such a dangerous world they should be kept in a glass case and admiring from a distance" Kelsey said dreamily being overdramatic see what am talking about.