Beynika Oneshots

High School: Reunion

Onika Maraj
Houston, TX

Hours earlier...

It was 5 a.m., and I was just now getting off work. The kind of work I do isn't something I'm proud of, but it's how I provide for my daughter and me.

"Bitch, you did good tonight," my friend Tisha said with a grin.

I smiled back, stuffing my money into my purse and zipping it up. I grabbed my jacket and pulled it over myself, ready to head out.

"Thank you bitch, I am tired"

"What you got planned this weekend?" she asked as we walked out the door. It was still a little dark out, but the sun was just about to rise.

I hated working here. I felt like I was missing out on so much with my daughter. My mother had to watch her for me while I worked late-yeah, I'm a stripper.

Life didn't go as planned for me. I had dreams of being a rapper, making it big, and living out what I always imagined. But then I found out I was pregnant just a month after graduation, and everything changed.

I gave up on those dreams and did what I had to do to provide for my daughter. It's not something I'm proud of, but I had to make sure she was taken care of, no matter what.

"My best friend wants us to go to our high school reunion tonight. She's dragging me there, so I guess I have no choice," I said, rolling my eyes.

I wasn't looking forward to seeing my old classmates. I couldn't stand them when I was in school, and I probably still hate them now.

"You should go, boo" she said.

"Eh, I will, but I'm not gonna enjoy it," I laughed.

We talked a bit more before we went our separate ways to our cars. I sat in mine for a minute, just taking a breather, then finally drove home.

When I got to my apartment, I sighed, turned off the car, grabbed my bag, and headed up the stairs to my door.

"They about to kick you out, girl" my nosey ass neighbor said and I scrunched up my face.

"Girl, what?"

"Look on your door," she said, her voice low. "I told them you weren't home. I tried to ask for more time, knowing you're raising your daughter and mother."

I turned around and spotted a yellow note on my door with bold letters saying "Eviction Notice." My heart sank. This was the last thing I needed right now.

I ripped the paper off, tears streaming down my face, and turned back to my neighbor.

"You need to mind your fucking business," I snapped, heading back downstairs and making my way to the leasing office.

I walked in and she was talking to another resident but I didn't care about any of that, "I told you I needed fucking time"

"Ms. Maraj I am speaking with someone"

"Rude ass bitch," the girl said, and I turned to her.

I was not in the mood today. I had just gotten off work and felt myself about to crash out.

"Bitch, you're about to get fucked up. I don't give a damn. I will beat your ass right now-don't fuck with me," I warned her.

"I do apologize for this. Let me handle it, and I'll be right with you, okay?" the leasing agent said to her. She nodded slowly, glaring at me. Did she need that?

"Ms. Maraj, that's unacceptable, and you know it. Now listen, it's out of my hands. You know I tried my best for you and that baby, but they're done," she said firmly.