Good Things Fall Apart (Being Edited)

There For You

Girl you don't have to be hiding
Don't you be afraid to say he hurt you.
I'm your girl, your my girl, we your girls don't you know that we love you? Destiny's Child~ Girl
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I was awakened by my phone ringing loudly causing me to groan and roll over. I was never one for getting up early so I ignored it but when it rung again I figured it may have been important. I got up to see it was Erica.

"Wassup Ri?" I said yawning.

"Hey Jo I'm not gonna make it today okay." She sniffled letting me know she was crying.

"Boo wait what's wrong? Breath for me."

"He came this morning...Jared came this morning drunk as hell trying to kiss up on me but I wasn't having it."

Jared was her dead beat baby daddy. He was a year older than her and was who every girl wanted. When he took interest in her she automatically went for it just knowing she'd look great on his arm. But when she got pregnant he left her even though he knew that her mom kicked her out and she basically had no one else.

"He said if I didn't do it he was gonna take me to court For Tony I still didn't want to but he said I wasn't gonna win because I'm I stripper. He can't take my baby Jo."

"Baby I'm so sorry you have to go through this. He's a weak ass nigga so he uses your child against you and it's fucked up. Where's T?"

"He's with my sister, can you come by?"

"Yeah I'll be there in a few. I'll bring some food cause I know your fat ass want food." I said trying to lighten the mood.

"Thanks girl. I love you" she said hanging up.

***

"I never been in a store so fucking confusing" I mumbled to myself as I pushed my cart down the aisle looking for Erica's zebra cakes.

I was scanning the aisle when I bumped into young looking woman with the cart.

"I'm so sorry. Oh my god I wasn't even paying attention." I panicked with my eyes wide.

"It's ok honey...I'm fine I swear." she laughed

"I'm Ronnie"

"Journey" I said extending my hand that she politely shook.

"Your beautiful Journey." she said smiling which made me side eye her. I had no problem with people who liked the same sex but I sure was strictly dickly for sure.

She laughed.

"Not like that...My dad owns a modeling agency in Atlanta and wants me to recruit and your perfect for the job."

"Thanks but no. I can't see myself modeling."

"I'm willing to bet representing my father would pay way more that your current job. Where do you work? "

"I'm unemployed."

"Well that's even more of a reason you should. Take a card and call if you change your mind tell them Ronnie sent you." She handed me a card and walked away. I glanced at the card before dropping it into my purse knowing if probably never use it.

I sighed and continued looking for the cakes.
***

I pulled up to Eric's apartment complex and was greeted by the wannabe thugs who hangs out in front of her building. You know how almost every building has that group of guys who constantly try to talk to you even after you constantly tell them your uninterested? Yeah these were them.

"Girl you look even sexier everytime I see you."

"And you sound more desperate everytime I see you." He sucked his teeth and looked towards his friend pointing at me with his thumb.

"When you gon' give me your number and stop playing Journey."

"When you get a job and a haircut." I said walking up the stairs.

I knocked on the door with the bags and when she opened the door my heart ached. She wore a sports bra with baggy sweatpants and her hair was everywhere and her eyes were red. I instantly hugged her and went inside.

We watched poetic justice, the notebook and Baby Boy.

"Thanks for coming boo."she said as she laid in my lap.

"No problem Erica you don't deserve to go through half of the things you go through."

"Tell me about it." she sighed getting up.

"Can I hold your phone mine is in my room and I have to check up on Tony."

She is so lazy.

I nodded and she took it out of my purse and began talking to her son.

Even though she was young she was definitely one of the best moms I knew. When she had Tony she changed her life completely and without the help of anyone she was doing a damn good job. Her life revolves around her son. And being around them for 2 seconds you could show you that she loved him more than herself and I looked up to her for it. She's going through things no 18 year old should go through.

"I'm back " she said handing me my phone.

"Put it in my purse."

She slid it into my purse but not before picking up the card I had received.

"What is this Jo?" She said holding up the card.

"Some lady I bumped into LITERALLY gave it to me saying it's her dads company. I don't plan on using it but I took it to be nice."

"To be nice? Girl call." She yelled.

"No it's in Atlanta and besides I'm not leaving you my grandparents Nicki or Dio-"

"Are you a dumbass or a dumbass? This could be big for you. You're beautiful this is up your alley."

"I have people he-"

"Who'll be fine. Stop living for people and do what you gotta do . Call the damn number Jo."

"I'll think about it."

"Well think quick cause it says recruits meet at the agency next week."

I sighed before looking at the card. Maybe Erica is right. I am very selfless and maybe in this particular situation I have to put myself first. I put the card back in my purse and looked at the clock on the tv that read 10:18.

"I'm gonna call it a night will you be alright here by yourself." She nodded.

"Thank you for being here not only today but every other time. I appreciate it honestly."she said hugging me. I hugged her back.

"Anytime. You know I got you." I said walking out.
***

I got home and found myself staring at the modeling card. I knew that this was a blessed opportunity and that I had to do this. I dialed the number and put the phone to my ear.

"Gorge modeling agencies how may I assist you?" A women's voice said from the other side of the door and I bit my lip.

"Um hey I'm Journey Simmons I was given a card from a woman named Ronnie."