(Soleil’s POV)
We were sitting on Tiana’s porch, the whole group sprawled across the steps, passing around snacks, and chatting as the evening breeze picked up. I’d been hanging out with them more lately, getting to know Oakland through their stories and laughter. It felt easy here, like I was beginning to find my place.
As we were catching up, Tiana suddenly leaned forward, her voice dropping. “Have you heard about the women who run Oakland?” she asked, eyes glinting with something between awe and respect.
“Run Oakland?” I repeated, confused. I glanced at Maya, Kailani, and Jaz, but they just nodded, like they knew exactly what she was talking about. “What do you mean?”
Tiana shot me a serious look. “There are a few women in this city who hold power. And I don’t mean the kind of power that politicians or CEOs have. I’m talking about street respect, influence. People listen to them. And at the top of that list is Kehlani Parrish.”
“Kehlani Parrish?” I asked, frowning. The name was vaguely familiar—maybe I'd heard whispers about her since moving here. But the way Tiana said it felt heavy, like there was a story behind it.
“Yeah,” Tiana replied. “Kehlani’s name rings bells around here. She’s respected but feared too. And there’s a reason for it.”
Jaz leaned in, adding, “She’s only a few years older than us, but she’s already got a reputation. People don’t cross her, and they definitely don’t mess with the people she cares about. Her reach is all over this city, and there are places where her influence is strongest. You’ll know them when you see them.”
“So, you’re saying… we’re supposed to avoid those places?” I asked, trying to sound casual even as my mind raced. Oakland felt different now, like it had another layer I hadn’t seen yet.
“Basically, yeah,” Tiana replied. “Just be smart. You’ll get used to it. But don’t go looking for trouble, especially around her territory.”
---
That night at home, I couldn’t shake Tiana’s words. Kehlani Parrish. The name stuck in my mind like a hook, and I wanted to know more. As I passed by the living room, my mom, Aurora, was brushing Ivy’s hair on the couch while Azalea and Dahlia painted each other’s nails. My dad, Jaden, was scrolling through his phone, glancing up every now and then at Orion and River, who were practicing basketball moves by the doorway.
“Hey, Mom,” I asked, sitting down on the arm of the couch. “Have you ever heard of someone named Kehlani Parrish?”
She looked up, brows furrowing. “Kehlani? No, can’t say I have. Why?”
“Just… this girl I know mentioned her. Said she’s, like, powerful around here.”
My dad, overhearing, gave a knowing chuckle. “Sounds like Oakland’s still got its legends.”
“What do you mean?” Orion asked, abandoning his imaginary dunk.
“There have always been folks in the neighborhood who make a name for themselves,” Dad replied, leaning forward. “Some people in a city like this… they carve out their own kind of power. Respect.”
“But is it dangerous?” Ivy asked, eyes wide.
Mom gave a little laugh, shaking her head. “Nothing for y’all to be worried about. Besides, you got us. Oakland’s got its good and its bad, just like any city.”
“But what if Soleil runs into her?” River chimed in, glancing at me with a grin. “What if Kehlani’s all ‘stay off my turf!’ and Soleil’s like ‘nah!’”
I rolled my eyes. “Relax, River. I’m not about to start anything.”
My dad gave me a serious look. “You’re right not to. You’re smart, Soleil. Just focus on your friends and school. And maybe… don’t go wandering around just anywhere.”
---
Over the next few days, I noticed it more—how certain areas had an unspoken line drawn around them. When I was with Tiana and the others, they didn’t exactly avoid these places, but they were careful. I could feel it in the way they walked a little faster or changed the subject when we passed certain blocks.
One afternoon, as we strolled past a row of graffiti-covered buildings, Devin nudged me. “You get it now?”
“Get what?” I asked, glancing at him.
He gestured around us. “How there are parts of this city… where you watch your back.”
I nodded slowly. Oakland was revealing itself bit by bit. And somewhere in this puzzle was Kehlani Parrish, this mysterious figure who seemed to command respect without even being present.
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The Queen's Game
Fanfiction"The Queen's Game" follows Soleil, a young girl new to Los Angeles, as she unknowingly steps into the dangerous world of Kehlani Parrish, a powerful and feared gang leader. Kehlani, accustomed to controlling everything and everyone around her, sees...
