How Do U Want It?

xxviii

"Double that up."

"You got money to double up?" I questioned the customer, digging in my pocket for 2 more heroin syringes.

"You know." He gave me 20 more dollars and I placed the syringes in his hand.

"Have fun." I said in a monotonous voice. The boy eyed me before disappearing behind the building. He had to be about 16, still young.

With Ice, my 'business' expanded dramatically. Not only did I sell to old strung out adults, but high school kids came to me now. But I wasn't that cautious careful type, money was money. No matter who I obtained it from.

I've been working with Ice for about 2 months now, and all the money that I've been making had my head spinning.

The sudden rush of money coming in put Dre in a questionable state. With him telling me to get a job, I told him that I started working as an intern at a nearby office building. My only fear was that he didn't go up there looking for an employee named Ebelle Grandberry.

My lifestyle has become more treacherous for not only me, but the people I associate with as well. Being a drug dealer was not as easy as it seems. It wasn't just: find a secluded spot where bass heads are, sell, hide the money. You had to watch your back around here.

In the meanwhile, I felt that Ice was upset with me. I've been dealing so often, I've been getting more praise than him - and he's the supposed drug lord. He always jokes about me stealing the crown, but something told me he wasn't joking. And something else told me that he never had a worker as powerful as me.

"Ebelle, come quick!" My new friend, Renardo, came running down the alley and gestured for me to follow.

Renardo was one of the guys who was checking me out when I first came here with Eazy. Even though it made me uncomfortable, I just tried to forget the memory.

As we went inside the (former) liquor store, we heard multiple footsteps coming down the stairs, and Renardo grabbed me and we hid behind the counter.

Two police officers held Ice in handcuffs, and he tried with all his might to get out. "Shh." Renardo patted my back. This was kinda messed up, Ice employed you and you're sitting here hiding from him? Where's the loyalty? But, then again I wouldn't want to go to to jail either, so maybe I should shut up.

"Y'all can't fuckin' take me! They respect me around here! Can't nobody do this shit like me!" Ice yelled as he tried to break free.

"You do know the shit you do is illegal, sir!" One of the police officers shouted as they made their way outside.

I still heard faint yelling after that, "Where is that bitch?! She snitched, she just want my fuckin' place!"

It was a no-brainer that he was talking about me, and I really hoped that the police didn't come back snooping around for some 'bitch'. Renardo and I were even lucky enough to see them pull off and go on about their business.

"We can't stay here, they might come back." I said huskily as I stood up from behind the counter.

Renardo did the same, "Good point, but who's gonna run this place?"

We both sat there in thought, before he said, "You. You one of the smartest out of all."

I shook my head frantically, "No! I can't, I shouldnt. I don't know how."

Renardo held my shoulders to calm me down, "Yes you can, trust me you can."

Speechless, I just looked at him. Mind filled with 100 million thoughts. Taking Ice's place would be a huge step forward, especially when I've only known him for 2 months.