𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓

NEW BEGINNING

CHAPTER l

1995, Somewhere in Detroit

It was December. Cold as hell, the kind of chill that bites through your bones. My mom decided it was time to head back to Detroit, the city she swore she'd never return to. All because of "money problems."

My dad vanished the moment he realized my mom wasn't "functional" anymore, whatever the hell that means. Money dried up, and so did his love for her. One minute he was there, and the next gone, like smoke. What a fucking coward.

Mom was getting worse every day, but she was all I had. I loved her more than anything, and I'd do whatever it took to keep her going.

We pulled up to the house, and nothing had changed. The place reeked of stale cigarettes, the same bitter smell I remembered from my childhood. Home, sweet home.

"Layla, bring my bags to my room, sweetheart," my mom called, her voice soft, worn-out.

"Yeah, Ma, give me two seconds," I muttered, dragging the last of the boxes inside. I made my way to her room, bags in hand.

I stopped at the doorway, frowning as I looked around. "Huh, everything's still here... the same  crappy furniture and all."

Mom smiled faintly, sinking into the worn mattress. "Your cousin Shawn stayed here before he moved out with his brother a couple days ago."

I wrinkled my nose. "He stayed in this place? Damn, if I was in his shoes I'd be out the door fast as I could."

Her tired eyes fixed on me, a flicker of irritation crossing her face. "Don't start with that attitude. I'm too tired to argue. Just unpack the bags, will you?"

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry, Ma. I'll get it done." I sighed and started unpacking. The silence felt heavy, like the house itself was holding its breath.

—

Forty-five minutes later, I wandered into the kitchen. Of course, the fridge was empty. Not even a bottle of ketchup. I wasn't in the mood to cook hell, who cooks on moving day?

"Ma! I'm ordering pizza. You want some?"

"Yeah! Get the one with the cheesy crust!" she called from her room.

I grabbed the house phone, dialing the pizza joint's number, and ordered a large. While I waited, I remembered I needed to call Destiny.

The phone rang for a few seconds before Destiny's voice crackled through. She was always so hyper for some reason. "Hey girl! How was the trip?"

"Ugh, exhausting. Carrying all those boxes was a nightmare," I grumbled.

"Tell me about it. Anyway, you still down to hit the club tonight? I already talked to the house mom. She's waitin' on you."

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. "Thanks, D. You really saved me with this. I owe you."

"You know I got you! Just bring something sexy to wear. I'll see you tonight!" She hung up just as the doorbell rang.

I paid for the pizza, and twenty minutes later, we were done eating. After making sure Mom took her meds, I tucked her in, watching as she drifted off. I stood there a minute longer, feeling the weight of it all.. Detroit, the old house, Mom's health. It was heavy, but I pushed it down.

I grabbed my bag and the essentials, glancing in the mirror before heading out. Tonight wasn't just about the job. It was about survival.

---

The music hit me hard before I even stepped inside, bass shaking the sidewalk like a heartbeat. Sure, I'd worked at a club before in New York, but this one? Nah, shit was different.