The Unexpected Encounter (An Eminem Fan Fiction)

Chapter 5: 8 Mile Road

The next few days flew by somewhat fast. 

My father and I spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning mostly sightseeing together since we knew we'll most likely be on our own the majority of the time after Monday. 

My dad firstly showed me the campus of UM (University of Michigan) and where he's going to meet up with the professor and talk about business. He said he was going to give a small presentation to the rest of his colleagues there.

Honestly, I thought the campus looked absolutely beautiful. I was actually beginning to consider transferring here from my college back in California. I really liked Michigan so far and Detroit was so close (from UM). I mentioned the transferring bit to my dad and he said it could be a possibility. Just picturing what that would be like excited me to no end.

That happened mainly on Saturday. On Sunday, we checked out Detroit a bit. We were mostly where many of the business and residential buildings were as well as skyscrapers. It was actually very nice. There were a lot of abandoned places, however, and some suspicious looking characters around, but nothing too unbearable. It was fairly crowded with a fair amount of tourists, too.

We had to get back to the hotel before sundown since my dad had a lot to prepare for. I didn't mind for I had to, too, for the places I was going to visit and see on my own.

After a full night of preparation, the two of us finally went to sleep. We both had done a lot that day and were exhausted. My dad had to get up at 8:00 A.M. the following morning. I ended up sleeping until noon.

I woke up to find that he had left extra money on the nightstand for transportation and food expenses for me. Smiling, I saw a note attached which said, "Have fun, be safe."

I quickly got ready and dressed. I wore a cute, gray crop top, high-waisted denim frayed shorts, black tights underneath for warmth, high top black converse, and a thick, oversized black and white varsity jacket. I left my hair down in waves. 

I unplugged my phone from the charger and looked at the note stored in my phone:

"Mon: Go into Detroit, visit Em's old address 19946 Dresden Street. Go down 7, 8, 9 Mile Road. Hip-Hop Shop. Gilbert's. Chin Tiki. Visit Belle Isle Park. Then wander around and find Eminem's mansion. (jk)

Tues: Visit outlets/malls in Detroit. Sightsee more. Visit Proof's grave, Woodlawn Cemetery. Nightclub? Special live appearances by artists TBA. Must go, don't miss out.

Wed: Dad free day, spend time w/ him. See more hot spots in Detroit together.

Thurs-Sun: Nothing planned yet."

As I read everything over once again, satisfied, I started up the Waze app on my phone. I looked up the following addresses I had, making sure I stored where everything was. As soon as I felt ready, I grabbed my "Slim Shady" bag and took off.

I stepped outside the hotel and waved a taxi down. Once I hopped in, I asked the driver kindly, a bit nervously too, to take me to that address on Dresden St. They didn't question me, thank goodness.

About half an hour later, we got to the area. After being dropped off and stepping out, I felt the chilly Detroit breeze hit me. I got goosebumps instantly. It took me about fifteen minutes to walk and locate the address number "19946." But when I finally reached it, it left me in awe.

I could see parts of the remains scattered everywhere. But other than that, it was completely gone. It was merely an empty lot, with leftover traces of a fire having caused the destruction to it before. I observed it all, noticing the burnt ashes surrounding it.

I spent a good ten minutes there before the neighbors were giving me strange looks why I was reminiscing that property like it was my own. With one last glance, I moved on, walking on down the street.

I reached 8 Mile E now. It was mostly houses and old stores that were in sight along this road, even some run-down shops. I decided to go down 8 Mile W when I got there. It was greener there and more of the buildings were near that side. I stopped by the 8 Mile Mobile Court, as well, also eventually going down 9 Mile and visiting where the skeleton of the old The Hip Hop Shop, even of Chin Tiki, used to be. I had to take ride the bus for those, but it was breathtaking taking all these locations in.

After roaming around for hours, I took out my phone to see what else I had planned for the day. I kept getting stares as well from single strangers and even groups so I was starting to get a little uncomfortable. There were also quite a few homeless folk around. 

I checked to see that I still had the Belle Isle Park to visit—it was a huge park on an isle in the center of the Detroit River that you could cross a bridge to get to. It looked so pleasant from what I'd seen in pictures. I decided that it would be best to leave now. Except, my stomach started growling so I figured I should find a place to eat before hopping on a bus.

It was only just three. My father said to make sure to tell him when I'd be back, that which I told him eight or nine for today. I still did have all day. 

I took a deep breath of the city air which filled my lungs. I continued walking on in search for something to satisfy my hunger.