Chyna

Only One Call Away

I couldn't help but notice that Trigga had been showing interest in me. I could feel the connection between us, and truth be told, I was feeling him too. But I came to Hollywood to chase my dreams of stardom, not to find love. Love could come later, maybe. I always fantasized about being with someone like Pharrell or Juelz Santana. Trigga was fine, no doubt, but he came with a baby mama, and you never mix business with pleasure.

"Girl, he's definitely feeling you," my friend Star chimed in as she combed her hair. Star, hailing from Philadelphia, had dreams of making it big in Hollywood just like the rest of us. This was her ticket to success.

"He's got a baby mama, he ain't worried 'bout me," I smirked, trying to play it cool. Deep down, though, I knew he was interested, and I couldn't deny that I was low-key feeling him too. Trigga walked in and motioned for me to come his way. I glanced at Star, and she winked at me before I followed him out of the room.

"What's up?" I asked him, trying to keep my cool.

"The question is, what's up with you? You tryna get in the booth with me tonight? I got some people I want you to meet," he said, flashing a charming smile.

"I don't know," I hesitated.

"Come on... I know you don't wanna be stuck in this crib listening to Star talk about her fake threesome with Freeway or Angel going on about her boyfriend from Spain all night," he joked. I laughed and nodded in agreement before following him out to the car.

We hopped into a white Cadillac and sped off down the road. The palm trees lining the streets felt straight out of a movie, and the setting sun painted the sky with vibrant hues. We pulled up to his studio, where two cars were parked out front. Stepping inside, I felt like I had entered a studio straight from the movies. Trigga locked the door behind us and started playing some instrumentals.

"I'm working on a song, but I need a female for the chorus," he explained.

"Out of all the girls, why me?" I asked, genuinely curious.

He shifted in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Why not you? You different, you ain't like the others... you keep to yourself, and damn, you fine as hell," he said, licking his lips. I felt a rush of heat coursing through me, as if I might melt right then and there.

"Alright, say no more," I replied, unable to resist the magnetic pull between us.

As we finished recording his song, Trigga started playing some music, and we began talking about everything and anything. Curiosity got the best of me, and I asked him about his upbringing.

"I was raised by my grandparents... my mom and dad were too caught up in partying. I have an older sister, but we don't really talk. She lives in Georgia. And I had a brother who died when I was nine, in a drive-by shooting," he shared, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and resilience.

"Damn, I'm sorry to hear that," I replied, genuinely empathetic.

"It's all good, though. I've been blessed. Now, tell me about you," he said, rolling a blunt and flashing a smile.

I felt a bit unsure about opening up to him. After all, he was just someone I was using to climb to the top. But there was something about him that made me want to share.

"My mom and dad were addicts. They robbed a bank, and the state took me and my siblings, except the first three 'cause they were older. I bounced around foster homes, and when I decided not to go to college, my foster mother kicked me out... so here I am," I revealed, my voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination.

"Wow... that's really sad," he said, looking into my eyes. Suddenly, "One Call Away" by Chingy started playing, instantly shifting the mood from somber to joyful. Trigga couldn't help but smile, and we vibed together for the rest of the night before he dropped me back off at the house.

"So, did you get some dick, damn?" Star exclaimed, a mischievous smile on her face as soon as I walked into the room.

"Girl, we just chilled. You think if I got some dick, I would've been back tonight?" I replied, playfully rolling my eyes.

"Yeah, 'cause Nicole would've come here first to see if he was laid up with some other chick, then she would've blown up Trigga's phone. Be careful, Chyna... things can get messy," Angel warned, lying down on her bed.

As I settled into my pajamas, the thoughts of Trigga lingered in my mind. I couldn't deny the attraction that was growing between us, no matter how much I tried to brush it off. But I had to remind myself of my initial goal – to make it big in Hollywood. Love could wait, right?

The next day, Trigga and I continued to spend more time together. We would meet up at the studio, working on music and sharing stories about our lives. The more I got to know him, the more I realized that there was more to him than just his good looks. He had a genuine passion for music and a drive to succeed, just like me.

But as our connection deepened, so did the complications. Trigga's baby mama, Nicole, started to become more present in our lives. She would show up at the studio, causing tension and making it clear that she still had feelings for Trigga. It was a constant reminder that our relationship was not just about music anymore.

One evening, as Trigga and I were working on a new track, Nicole stormed into the studio, her anger palpable. She accused me of trying to steal Trigga away from her, and the situation quickly escalated into a heated argument. Trigga tried to diffuse the tension, but it was clear that the lines between business and pleasure had become blurred.

Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to take a step back from the situation. I needed to refocus on my dreams and remember why I came to Hollywood in the first place. Love could wait, but my career couldn't. I had to prioritize my own success and not let distractions get in the way.

Days turned into weeks, and I threw myself into my music, pouring my heart and soul into every lyric. Trigga and I still crossed paths occasionally, but we kept our interactions strictly professional. It was bittersweet, knowing that there was a connection between us that we couldn't fully explore.

As time went on, I started gaining recognition for my talent. My songs were getting noticed, and opportunities began to open up. I was finally on the path to achieving my dreams, and I couldn't let anything or anyone derail me.

One evening, as I was performing at a local venue, I spotted Trigga in the crowd. His eyes were fixed on me, filled with a mix of pride and longing. After the show, he approached me, a hint of regret in his voice.

"I messed up, Chyna. I let the complications get in the way of what could have been something great," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity.

I looked at him, my heart torn between the desire to give in and the need to stay focused. "Trigga, we had something, but we both know that our paths are meant to be separate right now. I can't let anything jeopardize my dreams."

He nodded, understanding the weight of my words. "You're right, Chyna. I don't want to hold you back. But just know that you'll always have a special place in my heart."

With a bittersweet smile, I hugged him tightly, cherishing the connection we had shared. It was a moment of closure, a recognition that sometimes, sacrifices had to be made for the greater good.