Rhenna

SIX

         "What's got your boe in a knot?" Mandy questioned. I raised my head just enough to see her. She was washing a few cups, occasionally shooting me looks.

"Dont know what your talking about".

I fiddled with the straw in my drink. Her forehead creased. "You've been sulking here for an hour Rhenna".

"Why do you call me that?" It was my first time asking.

"Because I want to".

"But...." I leaned my forehead on my open palm, "What does it mean?"

"Troubled case".

I raised my eyebrows. Serously?

The corners of her mouth lifted. "I'm kidding".

"Haha". I took a sip through my straw, and grimaced. "What the hell is this?"
"It's the sour patch".
I was pretty sure that's not what I asked for.

She shrugged, "You never told me what you wanted". Her lips twisted into a mischievous grin, "And, I thought it'd be funny to suprise you".

"Far from it". I grumbled. I pushed the caucasian away. "Just get me Crowns".

"Why are you here anyways?" She pressed, turning away. "The fun doesnt start til nine".

She was right. There was literally no one else here except her and I. I just didnt feel like dealing with the crowds.
"I just swung by for a drink".

"Hmmm". She hummed. Her attention was far from on me.

"What's it like working here?"

"Loud, interesting, I get to meet punks like you all year round". She listed. "Plus, Simon offers protection".

"Pays for bale if we get caught".

I drew a line across the counter then wiped it away. "Do you ever just wanna...like get-"
"Yes".

I tilted my head, "I didnt finish".

"You didnt have to".

She tugged her loose strands behind her ears.
"This is depressing".
The mood was solemn as fuck.

"Wanna get high?"

"Fuck yeah".

She gestured for me to join her behind the counter. I didnt bother going around, I just slid over it. We sat down, backs to the shelves of empty bottles.

"Dont tell Simon".

I rolled my eyes, "Like I'd ever tell that guy anything".

She pulled out two bags. One was filled with weed, the other was stocked with wraps.
She held them out sideways to me. "Wanna do it?"

"Gimme".
I took the stuff and got to work. It had been a while since I did anything like this so it took me an extra minute.

"You born in the hood?" She asked when I handed her the role.

"You could say that".

"You got a good technique".

After years of watching My mom's 'drug partners' I kinda picked up the skill for it.

"Light it up". I told her, "You get first puff".

She gasped and held her hand to her heart. "Rhenna! Are you being nice to me?"

"Shut up and smoke it".

She did as I asked.

"Dope man". She wheezed. A cloud of smoke rolling from her mouth. I smiled.
"Good, huh?"
She bobbed her head and took in another drag.

I snatched it from her hand and piped it.

"Dont use it all". She scowled.

"Why not?"

"Cuz I says so".

She stubbed it out on the tiles. The pot didnt take affect instantly, but after a few minutes I noticed the lights swirling.

"Is that normal?" I glanced at her.

She shook her head. "Nope".

Well fuck.

---------------

"Fuck!" I gasped, pouncing up. I frowned when I realised where I was.
"He joins the land of the living". Mandy chuckled. I stared up at her.

"What happened?"
"You passed out".
I forced myself to stand up. My knee's wobbled and I had to grab the counter for support.

"What time is it?" My voice sounded creaky. It felt dry.
She made a show of glancing at an invisible watch around her wrist. "Morning".

"Why didnt you wake me?"
"I was working".
How many times did she have to step over me?
"Besides, you looked like you needed the rest".

"I gotta go".
I collected my stuff and hurried out of the building.
On instinct I checked my phone, but there weren't any messages.
My pace slowed.

Something wasnt right. Jae would never ghost me.

I shut off my phone and took my time getting home.
When I reached the apartment I found Denvis waiting on the curb. It took him a moment before he noticed me.
"Sir!"

"What's going on?"
"I've been waiting for Mr. Ventis".

My stomach dropped. Jae was still here?
"I-ill go get him".

I didnt look back as I took the staircase up. Jae's sweet was on the third floor so I didnt have to go far. I took in a deep breath and entered.

"J-jae".

"You were out all night".

I jumped at the closeness of his voice. He was propped against the wall next to the doorway.

"I fell asleep...."

"Where?" He shot off the wall and came closer.

"With friends".

He towered over me. "I want names".

"Why?!" I snapped. My life didnt revolve around him. He didnt need to know everything.

"So I can find the little shits". He hissed. He backed me into a corner, but I held my ground the best I could. "I want to know who your with Elinis".

"I dont know who your with half the time-"
"And you dont have to!" He roared. His eyes burned with rage. "I'm an adult. Im a millionaire. Your a piece of shit I took in."

"Fuck you!" I screamed, shoving him away. I knew I was garbage, but the way he said it just boiled my blood. I didnt need him reminding me.

He grabbed my chin and squeezed. The next words he spoke made my heart freeze. "I called your Mom".

"You did what?" I breathed. I couldnt believe it. "Why would you-"

"I hung up before she could answer".

I was falling from my adrenaline high. I fell slack in his grip. The look of triumph in his eyes was unmissable.

"I dont want you leaving this apartment". He commanded. "Am I clear?"

"Yes".

"Good". He gave my cheek a light pat. "The windows might be tough opening".

The windows? Wha.... My eyes widened when I saw them. Jae went through on his threat.
They were enforced with bars.

"Enjoy yourself dear". He offered sweetly before taking his leave. I kicked at the door when it shut. "Fuck you!"