Trap Queen.

1♛

                                                              C H A P T E R - 1

      The stench of Hennessy filled the house. Cigarette butts lay on the ground and my momma is stretched out all on the couch, watching MTV Jams. I watched her eyes shift across the television, watching everybody on screen's every move, bobbing her head along with the music. The television was so loud it made the table that it was sitting on shake. You'd think she was hard at hearing by the way she had the TV all the way turned up.  I knew had the neighbors must have been disturbed - but Momma wouldn't have gave a fuck anyway. That's what Compton did to her. 

      "Momma, I'm out," I announced, walking out the door. Momma murmured something under her breath, her speech slurred. I didn't even bother to ask what she said, because the smell of alcohol filling the room no doubt meant she was drunk.

      I opened my front door, taken aback by the abnormal crisp air that hit my face. It was misting as well, which added insult to injury. 

 I strolled all the way to neighborhood plug, ironically named Reggie's, crib. Reggie was the plug, I was the middleman. I didn't really ever sell drugs like that, but whenever money was tighter than usual, Reggie would help me get back on my feet. Ever since I moved to Compton, he and I had that type of relationship. He helped support me the best he could, even if it was illegal.

      I walked down this street everyday without fail. Every house in the neighborhood is uniform with minor variations. The homes are cottage style - one story with a window, porch and a garage in the front. Reggie's on the other hand looks more trashy and unkempt; his window had a crack that was noticeable from a block away, and his garage couldn't even be shut all the way because it was smashed in.

       Oddly enough, despite living in one of the most crime-ridden cities in the United States, Reggie didn't even bother to lock his door—I guess he figured he was already protected with guns and anything else he needed. I entered swiftly in his home, and every nigga in Compton was in there except him. That always gave me anxiety, because there ain't no telling what these guys planning on doing. I didn't know them, and they ain't know me.

      "Where Reggie at?" I asked, getting everyone's attention. Everybody in the room either shrugged or nonchalantly continued conversation.

"I know at least one of y'all know where he at." Mutters and nearly inaudible 'I don't know's' filled the room. I ain't gonna get nowhere fucking around with these niggas. I deeply sighed.

 I then traveled to the back of the house where Reggie usually kept his stash, but to no avail. The only place where he could've kept it at was locked and needed a passcode. Man, not today. I need the money today. I banged on the door hard, when a white boy answered the door. He looked me up and down, but didn't say a word.

      "You know where Reggie at?" I spat, obviously annoyed.       

      "Damn, ma got attitude."

       "You ain't cute. Let me in." Ole dude promptly moved out of my way, still looking at me like I'm a piece of meat. 

        Before I even completely entered the room, the smell of a high school gym locker room embraced the hallway. I hastily opened the drawer, and there was a gram packaged neatly in each small bag. I took five. "Tell Reg I was here," I told the white boy.

     "Aye, what's your name? I swear to God I've seen you before." 

     I giggle, "You ain't ever seen me a day in your life. My name's Egypt."

    "Name's A.J. I'd really wanna see you again, Egypt.  Maybe we could get to know each other better," A.J. requested. I looked at him and couldn't help to smile. I've only known this dude for 5 minutes and he's already making plans for us to meet up again.

      I rolled my eyes. "Boy, whatever." I put all five bags in my pocket and took set out of the house. 

Fuck. It was already pitch black outside.  I ran across the street, freezing cold, under a street light, and waiting for somebody to come out and try to make a deal. After about ten minutes, a black sedan pulled up to me.

    "How much you charge for one night?" An older white man approached, who looked like he had to at least be sixty. He was completely bald on top with some hair on the sides. His face was completely wrinkled, and I couldn't help but notice his huge gut that sat on his legs. I examined him - his face, his car, what he had inside his car. This motherfucker really think I'm a prostitute. It completely caught me off guard.     

"250 dollars. Can you afford that?" I was really just talking. I didn't know shit about selling pussy. I didn't know how the transaction occured, what transpired, none of that.

    "That's not that bad. Get in." He pulled out multiple ten dollar bills out of his glove compartment. My eyes lit up and sirens were going off in my head. I felt like I just hit the lick.

      I hopped in his car in the passenger seat. He started observing me, I guess trying to see if it was really worth the money. He pulled off to the side of the road to remain unseen by anybody outside the car. He began unbuckling his belt and I stopped him right in the act.

 "Give me the money now so I know you're not schemin' me," I stuck one of my hands out, wanting for him to pay me. He became visibly annoyed, and put the stack of money in my in my palm, and I felt tingly. 

Now I knew I had to run pretty fast to outrun a car, but I knew I was going to have to do it. I opened the car door, running down the block, towards my momma house. I was so fast, it felt like I was flying. The sedan was speeding after me, calling me kinds of bitches and hoes but I was focused on getting home - fuck what he was talking about.

    I hid behind an abandoned house, trying to catch my breath. I heard the car speed past the house, so I knew I was safe. I walked cautiously until I got to my mom's house. I opened the door easily (she forgot to lock it, thank God) and mom was sitting on the couch, evidently passed out. 

    Checking anyways, I shook her gently. "Wake up, Momma. I got some money," I whispered in a low tone. Momma opened her eyes immediately.

      "Where'd you get some money?!" Momma exclaimed. She had an expression that looked like a mix of excitement, relief, and concern. 

   "Uh, Reggie lent it to me for a couple of weeks," I stammered, handing over the money. Momma snatched it out of my hand, acting ungratefully. Without me doing what I gotta do, we both would be on the streets. I need to do what I need to do.

      "Ain't no use of you lyin' to me girl. I'mma find out anyways," Momma said in a low tone. She took the whole 250 dollars and put it in a manilla envelope. She slid it under her bedroom door and turned around to face me. "Where are you getting this type of money from?"

    I didn't answer her. "I'm talking to you, girl!" Momma hollered.

    "I stole it," I replied, not telling the truth completely. Momma shook her head and with into her room without word. I knew she was ashamed, but I only wanted to help her.

     This is the only way I can do it.