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Authors: Tysha

BOOK: Young-Minded Hustler
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Shy reached out for her son and held him as tight as she could as he cried on her shoulder.
“I'm sorry, Mommy. I'm so sorry. I love you,” declared Prince through tears.
“Shhh, I love you too, baby. You know Mommy got your back, no matter what.”
Chapter 13
You Know I Still Love You Girl
A month crept by slowly with Prince's and Raequan's absences being felt in the streets. Cherise was exhausted from trying to stay on top of her catering business and supplying her son's hustlers with their street candy. Each day that passed was one less to count, but there was at least one more to get through. Cherise was the first to admit her many faults but eager to declare her greatest attributes; she was a natural-born hustler. It was bred inside of her to make a way out of no way. No matter what it took, Cherise got it done. Without her son to do some of the heavy lifting, all Cherise could do was hope that the next seven months would soar by at lightning speed. Raequan's criminal record had netted him two month's longer in jail than Prince.
The beginning of the month meant it was time for Cherise to make the two-hour drive south to visit B-Boy. With Raequan behind bars, Cherise would have to take the trip alone. The ride would give her plenty of time to work out a plan to stay on top of her game while Raequan was away. Before she could head down the highway, Cherise made a list of things to be done around the business while she was away. Cherise was happy she could depend on her assistant, Brianna to take care of things for her.
Brianna was a trustworthy employee. She helped Cherise out on a part-time basis during the school year and full time during the summer. Cherise paid Brianna well and often treated her to goodies from her lavish shopping sprees. Brianna was the only girl at her high school that carried authentic Coach and Dooney & Burke bags. Apple Bottom, Baby Phat, True Religion, and 7 were designer names that hung in Brianna's closet. Brianna appreciated every paycheck and all of the gifts Cherise showered on her. Shopping relaxed Cherise, and being able to buy for a girl was fun for her. Raequan was her only child and picking out clothes for a boy offered little.
“Brianna, baby, it's that time again. Are you going to be okay?” asked Cherise.
“Yes, ma'am. You know I got this,” Brianna smiled.
“I'm writing a list of things to be done while I'm gone. Everything is listed in order of importance but you'll still have plenty of time to study for the SATs. Here are the keys, you know the code to the alarm, and you have my cell phone number. Make sure you have Jayden help you close up and tell him I'll pay him when I get back,” Cherise said mindlessly. She paced the tile floor jotting down things for Brianna to do as she spoke.
“I'll be fine, Miss Cherise, and I already spoke to Jayden about helping me close up. He can be a little overprotective sometimes so I didn't have to ask him to come by, he volunteered. You have a safe trip and keep watch for the highway patrol. The last thing your lead foot needs is another speeding ticket. If you keep it up, you're going to need a driver.”
Brianna and Cherise laughed together and joked about the police having Cherise's license plate memorized. After going over things together, Cherise said good-bye to Brianna.
Until Bossy's retirement from the game, Cherise paid her to prepare and warehouse her drug inventory. Cherise did not trust anyone else so she was forced to take care of her own business. There was plenty of room in the kitchen for Cherise to cook the drugs, and the secret trapdoor to the basement was a perfect place to house the work.
Cherise's routine consisted of loud music, three various-sized aluminum pots, boxes of baking powder, and bricks of powder cocaine. She also dealt in heroin for her more financially stable clientele. The heroin was only one-fourth of her shipment and didn't require the time and attention that cocaine did. Cherise only cooked the drugs after hours. She didn't need anyone to discover what was really going on behind the doors of A Piece of Soul Catering.
 
 
Cherise sat in the visiting area, waiting to see B-Boy. He would want to know how and why she let his son get hemmed up on a car theft charge, like she could have done anything about it. The wait offered Cherise time to mentally prepare for that pointless argument. She watched a small child race toward a prisoner and thought back to when Raequan reacted the same way when his father appeared from behind the steel doors. B-Boy had spent all of his son's life behind bars. With the exception of B-Boy being in the hole, Cherise made sure her son got to see his father at least once a month. At one point Cherise had packed up her life and moved to Mansfield for a number of years so father and son could spend quality time together. It was important to Cherise that Raequan got to know his dad. She was a product of an absent father and wanted to protect her son from that pain having known her own.
Four years into his sentence, B-Boy's behavior earned him a tour of Ohio's various prisons. During his time behind bars, B-Boy had been housed at six different correctional facilities before finally ending up back where he started, in Mansfield. Cherise had long moved her son back to Youngstown. It was a decision she always regretted. She wondered if making a life in a better city would have produced a son of greater character.
Following B-Boy was a task. Cherise looked forward to Raequan's eighteenth birthday. He would be able to visit his father without her accompanying him.
“What's up, Reese?” B-Boy offered dryly. His voice snapped Cherise from her daydream.
“Hi, it's about time those slow-ass CO's told you I was here,” Cherise complained about her forty-five-minute wait. She smiled up at her husband and stood to embrace him. After a quick hug, the two sat at a table in the corner for some measure of privacy.
“How's my boy holding up behind big walls?”
“He's his father's son. You know he's all right,” Cherise replied.
“Yeah, well, if his momma was on her job, he wouldn't be locked down,” B-Boy snapped smartly.
“Don't start that shit, nigga. You always running off about shit you know nothing about. I can't teach him how to be a man, that's his daddy's job. You have no idea how hard it is for a woman to raise a boy, especially when his so-called father is locked up and never coming home,” Cherise said, irate.
“I know my son ain't supposed to be sitting behind no damn bars,” B-Boy countered.
“Blame that on you, mutha fucka. Had you been on the street instead of providing free labor on this modern-day plantation, all our lives would be different.” Cherise felt steam blowing out of her ears.
“Yeah, I'd be beatin' ya fuckin' ass right now. You better watch how you talk to me,” B-Boy warned.
“Shit, nigga, you need me. You keep forgetting that little detail,” Cherise said matter-of-factly.
“Man, whatever.” B-Boy blew off Cherise's painful reminder of his dependence on her.
They spent the next few minutes in silence. B-Boy knew Cherise had grown tired of their arrangement. He never expected it to last as long as it had. It was true Cherise had always been ride or die, but a wheel should have fallen off after riding on it for so long.
Cherise was amazed at how quick her mood had changed. Dealing with B-Boy was not usually such a chore when they sat face to face. It was the norm for him to press her buttons during their phone conversations but Cherise felt B-Boy was downright tripping. She had to wonder why.
“So, what up? We cool?” B-Boy attempted to break the tension.
“That depends. Are you done tripping on me?” Cherise asked.
“We good.” B-Boy smirked. “How's the catering going for you lately? Have you had to hire new help?”
B-Boy couldn't have cared less about the café or the catering services. All he wanted to know was if she was keeping up with drug sells and if she was continuing to supply the corner boys during Raequan's absence.
“Business is good all the way around. With the economy the way it is, I'm not looking to hire anyone anytime soon. Maybe by the summer I'll get somebody in there.” In other words, Cherise could hold everything down until Raequan's release. “How are you holding up? Did you get the new underwear, books, and snacks I sent last week?”
“It came just in time. My stock of beaters was running low. Do you know how hard it is keeping whites white?” B-Boy and Cherise shared their first laugh since the visit began.
“Sorry I forgot the socks. I left two packs for you today.” Cherise smiled.
“If you don't mind, I need new music to listen to and my phone card refilled,” B-Boy voiced.
Cherise got the message loud and clear. B-Boy was low on drugs, mostly cocaine. What Cherise brought for him would hold him off until her next visit. B-Boy would call her if the situation changed.
“Time is flying by. Let's get in line for pictures before our times up,” B-Boy suggested.
“Good idea. How did you like Tysha's book,
Cheating in the next room
? Wasn't it good as hell.” Cherise wanted to change the subject.
“It was a beast. Dem joints ya girl be putting down be tight. When was the last time you hollered at her?” B-Boy asked, genuinely interested.
“Two weeks ago. She's promoting her book and traveling right now. She just treated her sons to a vacation in Miami. You know they kicked it.” Cherise laughed.
“Tell her I said good lookin' out and to keep 'em coming.”
“She said to look for a visit next month. She'll be in Mansfield, meeting with author Brandi Johnson about some project,” Cherise said as she looked around at the other visitors.
“Dat's what's up. Your cuz is cool as hell.” B-Boy gave a nod of the head.
The two found any mundane topic to discuss while others were in earshot. Though B-Boy did enjoy reading some of his time away, he did not care to talk openly about it. He nodded to let Cherise know it was time to do her thing.
“I don't feel well.” Cherise gagged and covered her mouth with one hand and placed the other over her stomach. “I think I'm going to be sick.”
“You cool?” B-Boy rubbed her back.
“I'll be right back,” Cherise said, running off to the bathroom.
After finding an empty stall, Cherise pulled on the string of dental floss stuck between her back teeth. She slowly pulled on the string and began to gag. The longer she pulled, the more her natural reflexes worked against her. Finally, it was over and Cherise held a balloon filled with cocaine out of her mouth. After rinsing the small package off, she wrapped a thin layer of toilet paper around the package and tucked it inside of her front jeans pocket. Cherise had gotten the idea from a movie. Sneaking drugs into the prison by way of her vagina was too predictable. She had to be more innovative with her risk taking.
Cherise emerged from the bathroom with a blank look on her face. The way she was acting made B-Boy nervous.
“You straight?” B-Boy inquired and hugged Cherise.
“Yeah, I'm good. I must've eaten something that didn't agree with me. I feel much better now.” Cherise's answer told B-Boy the package was in place for him to retrieve. He was able to do just that while they posed for pictures.
An hour later, Cherise was rounding the Lodi exit, headed toward the small outlet mall. Her anxiety level was sky high. Doing some serious shopping was therapeutic for her. Buying retail was more effective than popping a Xanax.
Chapter 14
What Family Love?
Jayden knew he needed a high SAT score if he wanted admittance in to a top HBCU. As a little boy Jayden dreamed of going off to college and never returning to his hometown. He'd mapped out his life a long time ago. First stop college. Nothing was going to keep him from his studies or block his five-point plan.
He found it hard to concentrate. Jayden was hurting on the inside. It seemed his entire world was falling apart. Prince was locked up and it was tearing Jayden up. The twins bond was undeniable. Right or wrong, the brothers always looked out for each other. Jayden missed his brother so much his heart ached. To make matter worse, one of the most important people in his life had been forbidden to associate with him. Quincy was more than just his first cousin, he was his best friend. Jayden felt he was being punished for crimes he did not commit.
“Jay, did you hear me?” Brianna asked.
“I'm sorry, what did you say?”
The sound of Brianna's voice snapped Jayden from his thoughts. They were in his living room, studying for SATs and babysitting Princess.
“What's going on with you? Are you not feeling well?” Brianna was becoming concerned about her boyfriend's state of mind.
“No, it's nothing like that. I just can't concentrate. There's too much going on right now,” Jayden replied somberly.
“Are you still worried about Prince?”
“Yeah, a little I guess. But he was cool yesterday when we talked. You know Prince, he's keeping it together. It's so unfair that I can't visit my own brother.”
“That is a stupid rule. You can't change it so don't waste time worrying about it.” Brianna smiled. She reached over and gave Jayden a kiss.
“You know firsthand how twins are. You and Monica might be fraternal but you're twins nonetheless,” Jayden said through a small smile.
“Our relationship doesn't compare to you and Prince.” Brianna shrugged her shoulders and twisted her lips. She and Monica were sisters but Brianna would not label their relationship as being close.
In an attempt to relax his body, Jayden inhaled deeply. He had to figure out how to change his aunt's mind about Quincy without getting his mother involved. Jayden knew the situation was volatile. Shy would explode if she heard the things her sister had said about her children.
“My Aunt Tara won't let Quincy have anything to do with me or my family anymore. She says my mom has done a horrible job raising us and that Prince is a bad influence for Quincy,” Jayden explained. He fought back the tears welling in his eyes. Jayden had to tell someone and he trusted Brianna.
“Jay-Jay, I'm hungry.” Princess interrupted her brother's conversation with his girlfriend.
“What do you want to eat, little girl?” Jayden inquired while getting up from the floor.
“Cookies and ice cream,” Princess said excitedly.
“Nope, try again.” Jayden laughed.
“You so mean,” Princess pouted. “I never get my way.” Princess plopped herself down on the couch next to Brianna. She crossed her arms and poked her lips out. It was her version of a tantrum.
“Mom will be home soon and she's bringing dinner. Do you want a bowl of cereal to hold you over?” Jayden asked.
The mention of being treated to her favorite cereal put a smile on the six-year-old girl's face. She raced into the kitchen with her big brother following her. Jayden never minded babysitting his little sister. No matter what was going on in his life, Princess always made him smile. Hanging out with two of his three favorite girls was nice, but it didn't alleviate the pain of being banned from both his cousin and brother.
Jayden returned to the living room to find Brianna thumbing through their collection of DVDs.
“Don't tell me study time is over already,” Jayden said, joining Brianna on the couch.
“I just thought we could take a break and watch a movie. Maybe it will help you relax and clear your head. How long are you going to keep from talking to your mother about Tara?” Brianna kept her eyes on the movie titles when she spoke.
“I don't think you've met my mom,” Jayden joked. “You know how my mom is when it comes to her kids. I was hoping the situation would work itself out before my mom found out about it. My Aunt Tara is a trip at times but I never imagined she would tell Quincy he's not allowed over here anymore. Apparently, I'm not welcomed at their house, either. Did I tell you that she said it wouldn't be long before Prince's ghetto ways took over my mind and that we're both natural-born thugs like our dad was?” Jayden's soul ached.
“She said
what?
” Shy yelled, surprising Jayden and Brianna.
Shy walked in just in time to hear of her sister's latest antics. She was livid. Of all the things Tara had pulled over the years, she had gone too far.
“Jayden, please tell me I heard you wrong. Your Aunt Tara didn't really tell Quincy he's not allowed at my house, did she?”
“Oh, hey Ma.” It was impossible to hear the front door open from the family room. He hadn't heard his mother come into the house and was startled by her presence “I was going to tell you about it tonight. Aunt Tara said Prince is a bad influence and you are not raising us right because my brother wouldn't have so many character flaws. Quincy's not allowed to be around us unless she's with him,” Jayden further explained.
She heard the pain in her son's voice. She knew how close Jayden and Quincy were. Jayden's eyes watered when he told her what was going on. Sadness had washed over his face. Shy walked over to Jayden and gave him the tightest motherly hug she could muster. All she wanted at that moment was to take all of his pain away. Jayden's emotional state was unnecessary. She was happy that Brianna was there with him.
“Hi, Mommy!” Princess squealed. “I want a hug too.” She skipped over to her mother's open arms.
Shy bent down and gave her daughter a hug. She was furious. It took great pains not to show it. There were more pressing things that needed her attention before she dealt with her childish older sister.
“I'm hungry and Jay-Jay wouldn't fix me anything to eat,” Princess fibbed.
“Ooh, Princess, you know that's not true.” Brianna pretended to be shocked by the little girl's false statement.
“Hey, Brianna. It was rude of me not to speak. I'm sorry,” Shy said.
“It's okay, I understand.” Brianna smiled.
“Come on, Mommy,” Princess whined. She took her mother by the hand and pulled her into the kitchen.
Jayden felt horrible. The last thing he wanted was for his mother to overhear his conversation with Brianna. Jayden knew his mother would have gone off had it not been for Princess.
“It'll all work out. You can't get distracted from your ultimate goal, though,” Brianna said while rubbing Jayden's back.
“You're right but it's hard to watch my family fall apart. Things have deteriorated overnight. There's no telling how bad it'll be after my mom talks to Aunt Tara. I don't know what I'll do if Quincy is snatched away from me forever,” Jayden said in a gloomy tone.
“He won't be,” Brianna promised, not knowing what else to say.
“All I know is my mom does not play when it comes to her kids. My aunt would stand a better chance facing Laila Ali in the ring than going up against my mother. This isn't going to end well.”
“They're sisters, how bad could it get?” Brianna asked naïvely.
“Unfortunately, we'll soon find out,” Jayden replied, and shook his head in distress.

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