Don't Kill Me: Eminem Love Story

Chapter 2: The Beginning

My feet thudded on the hardened asphalt as I stumbled out of the bus that was now parked right in front of the bus stop a short distance away from the mall I worked at.

A couple of regular folks were sitting on the benches reading newspapers, and smoking cigarettes as wepulled up. Upon realizing it was their turn to get on, they jumped up and hurried away before the bus left without them.

Shrugging softly, I turned around to face the slight wind blowing from the mall's direction and trudged off thinking about my life as always.

***

"Hey Case, how's it going?" A tall, lanky red headed woman warmly greeted as I walked into the department store that employed me.

Tatia was my supervisor that had originally hired me two years ago when I escaped the horrid streets of Englewood. She welcomed me with open arms, while nodding her head as I one day spilled the saddening story of my childhood.

I remember as the woman softly ran her long, cold fingers through my hair as I leaned my head against her shoulder crying bitter tears.

This was long ago, two years to be exact and I still felt a deep connection to Tatia who had made me feel accepted and welcome.

"Hey girl," I smiled as big as I could, taking into consideration that I had just been assaulted by my neighbors who I had resented since day one.

I never was the type to try and draw attention to my feelings by openly displaying my inner sadness. With Tatia, however, my discreetness never went unnoticed.

"Uh oh," the red head shot me a cautious, green eyed look. "Casey, what's wrong?"

I didn't even attempt to pull off the casual 'nothing' with this woman.

"Shawn and Demario had a little touch and feel with me this morning, nothing new Tash," I honestly replied, and shivered at the recollection of this morning's events.

Tatia's eyes drew wide and her lips curled in anger as she softly tapped at the counter she was standing behind.

"God, those two need to be put in jail already and that ain't a joke. I'm telling you, Casey, you need to get the hell out of Cabrini Green or you'll end up a casualty!"

I shrugged and thanked Tatia for always being supportive of me and my safety, but deep inside I knew there was nothing I could do right now. All I had was patience, strength and time, and that was it. Being a sales woman at Macy's, my salary could barely pull off getting me groceries, let alone a nicer apartment.

The thoughts of moving away from the dreadful depths of the dark, Cabrini Green has been a dream ever since I first stepped foot on the cracked floors of the building. Yet, I have known that it will be a long while before I can settle somewhere I would be safe and happy.

The day went by surprisingly quick as I ran from department to department, assisting men, women and children alike. Distributing various requested sizes and alternate colors while ensuring that other customers were helped as well, was probably my favorite part of the day. I loved watching people shop and experience the excitement that lit up their eyes. I adored when their faces started to shine as they found the outfit they were searching for all day. The process proved to me, in a way that can't be easily explained, that there is happiness and prosperity out there. No matter the situation. I dwelled on it every time, and it slowly built my mood back up.

***

Six o'clock came around, and I was swiping my employee card through the reader so I could could leave. My feet were my burning with pain and my spine felt like it was about to crack. All I could focus on was a hot bubble bath, followed by a cuddle session in my bed with a good book.