It was going on 7 o’clock when I started to pack up my shop and head out the door. I happened to grab my coat, paper work from today’s sales and an empty lunch container that need to be washed from last Friday. Today for some reason seemed to drag more then a usual Wednesday. It was maybe 75 degrees outside all day, maybe 70 now. I always kept my shop doors open during the summer so I could hear the children running amuck, the adults talking louder and louder because they have consumed one too many beers and smell the sent of ribs and burgers being grilled in the neighbors yards. As I turned to lock my doors I happened to fumble with my keys considering I had a hand full of shit.
"Hey neighbor" a friendly older gentleman said as he walked past and lifted his little grey hat. "Sure is nice out here in these parts". Mr. Jones was the old wise man who sat out side his home in a rocking chair with a Heineken. Today his limp seemed a little worse he was leaning more to the right every time he too a step with his left leg. He was so cute, with every step I almost thought he was going to fall over. Mr. Jones once taught English and Philosophy. Never have I heard his talk about going to college, I assumed he used all personal experience. ....
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"Sure is, Hun sure is", I replied as I locked my door struggling. The day had gone by too slow for my liking. Today was my day to order products for the salon, the kitchen and finalize payroll. Not only did I decide last week to rearrange the salon but I wanted to repaint it. In the midst of all that I forgot this was pay week. It’ fine though I finished all of the ordering and payroll while getting paint all over my Coach loafers. ....
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I decided to treat myself for ice cream at the local Dairy Queen if the line wasn’t half way down the street filled with over sugared children from the fair. I pulled from the curb and turned right onto
Broadway Street..... ....Haley.. ..Heights.... was a community not too many people would build a foundation around. There were a lot of low income building in the area that attracted thugs and hoodlums along with drugs. Lately though the police have been cleaning up the place quite well. The only problem is many of the women are now left to apply for welfare and raise their children alone. It’s sad but if this is what it takes to bring these women to reality, then so be it.....
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Dairy queen wasn’t too bad, I drove into the parking lot and parked in the back. As I stepped out the car with my wallet in hand a friend from high school approached me. "Hey, Jasmine! Jasmine Lee, is that you girl? Oh my God! Girl you aint changed a bit" Cherrelle Murphy stood 5’5 dark brown skin and black hair that was held up by a bright colorful silk scarf. She still wore big hoop earrings, big gold plated rings, skin tight jeans and shirts. God what have I gotten myself into? I hope this is short. ....
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"Hey, how are you doing Cherrelle?" I said closing my door and putting the alarm on. Even though she was about to start running her mouth I still continued to walk towards Dairy Queen. I was hoping she would get the point or walk along. ....
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"I’m fine gurrrrl, you know me out here tryin to get this papa! Sooo, I heard you opened a shop how is that goin? Are you making serious money yet or what?" I knew exactly where she was going with this conversation. Just like any typical person from the hood. They see you are making a little bit of money and they want to out their hands in your pocket. ....
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"Can I have a medium vanilla cone dipped in cherry, please" , I asked the 17 year old Spanish girl at the window. ....
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"Is that all?" she asked me and I nodded, "your total is two dollars and seventy-nine cents". ....
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I handed her the money in exact change and turned to Cherrelle and said," listen, I don’t know exactly where you are going with this conversation. If you need a job I suggest you apply. If not, you need to go to a bank if you want to borrow money. And my business is doing well for where it is located and me coming from nothing." Her mouth dropped, she picked back up because I basically cut her throat. She then said she was glad to hear that and was wondering if she could come get a job and a hair cut? I took a lick of my ice cream and shook my head and continued to the car. ....
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I sat in the front seat and finished my ice cream before it melted all over myself. I leaned forward and reached for the glove compartment. I grabbed my phone and seen 10 missed calls, five text messages and three voicemails. Of course most of them was from the love of my life, she was home from work and waiting on me to get home. I lived out side of the hood so when ever I came home late she panicked. I threw on my Bluetooth and called her before I pulled off. ....
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"Hi baby, I’m on my way home" I said before she could speak one word. ....
"Ok I was getting worried. Baby, you know how I get when you are out late. Hurry home. Okay?"....
"I’m coming baby".....
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It only takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to get from one side of town to the other. I chose to place my salon close for the mere fact if something ever happens I would be able to get to it quickly. I pulled in the drive way behind a 2009 Cadillac two toned, money green with a gold tint to it and of course my baby had to have 24 inch rims. ....
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