Family Lies

True

Tré turned the radio down on my new ride and I reached to turn it back up and she smacked my hand. I slammed on the breaks and she put her hand on the dash as the car came to a quick stop. “Lucky you ain't hit that big empty bitch on yo shoulders. This my shit don’t do that.”

“Where the fuck you get this car from anyway?”

“Give me a minute and you’ll see,” I said while driving towards the beauty supply store. I can't wait to see the look on my sister’s face when she learns Ali’s Hair Store was just a front for Ali’s only real business in Cali.

Ali was really the only reason my ass ain't locked up in a jail cell right now. And I'll forever be grateful for him because we ran into each other during a time when I was willing to do any and everything to stay alive. Me and my home boy Buck used to rob and steal anything, and Ali’s Hair Store was our biggest come up a couple times. Niggas just had to see what these bitches were willing to do to get their hands on that hair! But the last time me and Buck hit the hair store up I swear it was like Ali was in that bitch just waiting on us. We had already robbed it during the day twice but we figured we could probably get so much more if we went in at night when it was closed.

So one night we hit it and before we could even get to taking the good shit all I heard was gunshots ring out and I hit the floor because it was dark and I couldn't see shit. Once all the shooting died down I attempted to crawl out on my stomach. But just before I got to the door I started hearing footsteps. And I said fuck it, if I’ma die, I’ma go out shooting. But when I flipped myself onto my back to pull my gun Ali stood over me and put his boot on my neck. And he said, “If you move this ground will meet your blood,” with his gun pointed in my face. And instead of whooping my ass or shooting me he pulled me to my feet and took my piece from me.

“You had a chance to shoot back. Why didn't you take it?” He asked as he cut on the lights in the shop and stepped up behind the counter. I didn't say anything because I realized Buck was no where to be found. And I went looking for his ass. “Ayo Buck!” 

“Your friend left as soon as I started shooting. Didn't even look back for you.”

This muthafucka, I thought as I began to look around with my hands on my head. 

“So like I said, you had a chance to shoot back. Two chances actually. You had two chances to shoot back and you didn't take them. Don't ever make that mistake again. Clean up my shop,” Ali said as he took a seat in the plastic chair behind the counter, sat the biggest gun I’d ever seen in his lap and threw a broom over the counter.

“I ain't cleaning up shit,” I said as I stuck my chin in the air.

“Oh really?” Ali asked as he pointed the assault rifle at me and something red and bright began to blind me.

“Okay!”

When we pulled up to the shop Tré looked up and around with confusion written on her face as I parked. “What we doin’ at my job?! I thought you was finna show me the hustle.”

“I am. We here. Let’s go,” I got out to head inside the store and leave Tré trailing behind me. 

“No fuckin’ way he ain't bullshittin’ me right now,” Tré mumbled as she stepped into the store with me. “True, my dad said go right up… Tré? I thought you didn't feel good baby? You came to work anyway?” Aki said as she ran around the counter to wrap her arms around my sister and kiss her on the lips. “Aw hell nawww,” I said as my hand flew to my mouth.

“You gay as hell bruh. So this what you be doing all day at ‘work’, huh? I should tell Aunt Donna!” I said as Tré pulled herself away from her lil girlfriend. “Shut the fuck up,” she said as she tried to punch on me and I skipped back. “How do you two know each other? Wait… I know this isn't your twin True!”

“I’m not,” Tré lied and I smiled as I wrapped my arm around her shoulder. “She is,” I kissed her forehead and she pushed me away.

“Oh I gotta hear this shit,” Aki said as she walked between us to lock the door and flip the closed sign over on it. She followed me and Tré upstairs but when we entered the living room I looked back and Aki was no where to be found. “True! Give me a minute, Tré what are you doin’ here honey? Aki said you were sick? Do you want some tea?”

“I’m not sick Mr. Chow…” Tré said as she got comfortable next to me on the couch and we watched Ali come to a slow realization. “So you’re True’s twin sister, huh?”

“I am. I ain't know he was bringing me here for this though.”

Ali chuckled. “Good. That means he can keep a secret. Tré… you’re not ready for this honey. I’ve seen you hang around my daughter. This isn't the lifestyle for you,” he stated and I just looked at my sister because I knew her smart ass had something slick to say back.

“Respectfully… you don't know what I'm ready for Mr. Chow,” Tré said with a shrug of the shoulders like she was just getting started. 

“I know you’re a good kid, Tré,” Ali started and my sister cut him off, “Naw, you don't know sh—,” I put my hand over her mouth as soon as I realized it was about to get disrespectful.

“Don't fuck this up, yo,” I whispered as I kissed her head and she pushed me away, “Woahhhh, had something on your face sis,” I said while giving her the look Aunt Donna always gave and she sat back and crossed one leg over the other and shut up. 

“All I’m sayin’ is Mr. Chow… you don't know what all I been through. You don't know what I survived. And you certainly don't know what I'm capable of. You don't have to want to put me on just to help me come up… but if you didn't I think you’d be doing a great disservice to yourself,” she said with a shrug and my head snapped in her direction so fast I could have gotten whiplash. “Who taught you that word?”

“Yo bitch,” Tré gave me the meanest glare she’d ever given me and I could just tell she wasn't in the mood for no games.

“I just don't think you’re ready Tré,” he said with a shake of the head.

“Ain't I double yo clientele in this store Mr. Chow? Aki would still be closing at 6 if I hadn't been running my mouth to all the girls at school and around the way about the sales that I coordinated and told you would work! If this beauty supply was supposed to be yo front it wasn't a good one until I got here.”

“Kids…” Ali started but I couldn't help but to jump in on my sister’s behalf, “Ali, all due respect, I don't think it would be wise to walk away from this opportunity simply because you don't think you’ve seen what Tré can do. I'm here to tell you I have. And as for me you would know that when it come to getting the bag I won't let nobody stand in my way— not even family. Not even this dumbass,” I said while poking her head and watching her give me the blankest of stares. “Ain't nobody out here more hungry than Tré.”

“What about you?” Ali asked while watching me over the rim of his teacup.

I just shrugged and repeated myself, “Like I said… ain't nobody out here more hungry than Tré. If you let her walk outta here you gone fumble a real asset. Cuz she just gone go find it somewhere else.”

Ali took a deep pensive breath before standing up and heading towards the stairs and then looking back like he was confused. “Are you two coming or what?”