Surviving The Blues

30

"Thank you," I mumble when the car comes to a stop.

It's 3:00 am exactly. It's not the best hour to roam around my neighborhood. "That's it?" He asks.

I sigh. "I am not involved with your brother. I am also not equipped for criticism at the moment. I would just like to sneak back in before my father realizes I am gone."

"It's weird." He comments.

"Can we have this conversation over text?"

"It's fine. I am not holding you captive."

I nod. "Drive safely," I tell him as I get out of the car. I begin to jog towards the building. It's even colder than it was before. I push open the door with the broken lock. I am not surprised when I see the group of guys congregating in the lobby area.

"What's up, ma?" The guy says. It's a different guy this time. He was here when I left, but didn't say anything. His hands are clasp. He's wearing a black hoodie. The hood is draped over his head which covers his starter locs. They are located in the middle of his head with the sides and back shaved off. "Whatcha doing out so late?" He licks his lips as he stands.

I stop when he blocks my path. "Please allow me to pass." I try to squeeze through but he blocks me again.

"Nah, wait. Lemme talk to you real quick." It's been clear that he is flirting with me.

"I am not interested."

"Don't be like that. Lemme get to know you. It'll be worth your while." The other males in the back are laughing.

"I am fine."

"Come on girl." He reaches for my hand and I snatch it away.

"My father would not like you touching me."

"What pops don't know, won't kill him." He touches my shoulder this time. "I could show you a good time."

I shrug his hand off of my shoulder. "Touch me again and I'll go get my father. I've respectful declined your offer several times now. Please let me through."

"Fuck your father, bitch." His hand flys up and I jump back in time before it hits me. "That nigga ain't always gonna be around to save your ass. I'll fuck him up myself and see if you have something to say then."

"Your mistake is assuming that he'll disappear before you do. My father is an old school gangster. You are a poser."

He raises his hand and this time it hits me. It's so hard that I fall to the floor. "You ugly bitch." He kicks me.

"Aye, bro. Chill out." One the guys says.

"That's trigger's daughter." Another says.

"Don't go starting shit. That's nigga don't play 'bout her." Another tells him.

"You a ugly bitch anyway." He says, but backs up. "Fat bitch, I didn't want you anyway." He shakes his head before turning to the guys. "We out." They all stand up.

When I hear the door close, I stand up and brush myself off.  I know better than to tell my father. He's been around long not to think twice about finding every single one of them.

The sting has almost subsided anyway. I rush as quickly as I can to our apartment before anything else happens. I insert the key and try to unlock the door as quietly as I can. I am met bey darkness and let out a sigh of relief. It's premature because the light turns on.