Bread: A Hood Love Story

Michael (XV)

Michael

July 20th

12:47pm

I was sitting on a bench next to this old woman, just sitting with my thoughts.

It's been almost a month since Gabi became my girlfriend... it still feels surreal to say that. Girlfriend. I never thought that would happen. I got to say, it's been the best time I've had in a long time. That guy in the alley though, made me nervous. I still haven't told Gabi about what I do, and I got into my feelings and almost slipped up on our first date and told her that it was Joeseph who got me into the game. But it don't matter. I'm keeping this a secret for as long as I can.

Who knows what she'll do when she finds out? She might just leave me, and I can't handle that. I like her too much.

I got up to walk to Nelson's house. All of a sudden, I got a sinking feeling in my gut, like something bad was gonna happen.

Just then, my phone rings in my pocket.

'Been spending most their lives, livin' in a gangster's paradise...'

Heh, my ringtone's ironic. But that could only mean one person's calling me. Shit.

I sat back down on the bench, making the old woman next to me roll her eyes. Whatever, I wasn't here to impress her.

"Maverick speaking."

"Got another job for you, Mav'. Get Prince and be in the spot in 5."

The Boss.

"How the hell am I supposed to get Prince and be there in -"

"Sounds like a personal problem, Maverick. Don't be late." The Boss kisses his teeth, then hangs up.

"Shit!" I yell in frustration, startling the old woman. "My bad."

I get up and start running, dialing Prince, the lady giving me a dirty look as I pass by.

'Come on, man, pick up!'

Finally he does after three rings.

"What's good, Mike?"

"Boss needs a job done. We got 5 minutes. You know what happens when we're late."

"SHIT! Mel! MEL! Code Red, baby! Watch Gabi for me!"

We both hang up, and as I'm running to the trap I pass by Nelson's house. He damn near flies down the stairs, meeting me at the corner.

Fuckin' Boss, got us looking like escaped convicts out here.

We finally make it to the trap, panting like hell. Getting down to the door, the narrow slit opens and King's deep voice booms through the door.

"Y'all niggas got here just in time."

I kiss my teeth. "Man, shut up and let us in."

***********************************************************************

We walk inside until we reach the familiar silhouette behind the cherrywood desk. The shadow stays seated, a file already on his desk.

"Boys," he says after a moment of silence, "long time no see."

Nelson and I say nothing.

The Boss stands from his desk. "I have a 'special' job lined up for you two. For this, you're in 75 G's."

"Each?!" I yell. Nelson's eyes widen in surprise.

A special job usually means a hit, and we've only ever done two in all the years we been working for him. Considering the amount of money he's offering, this must be someone important.

The Boss gives a slight chuckle. "Yes, each. But this one, I want brought back to me alive." At that, he slides the folder to us across the desk.

Nelson picks up the folder and opens it, and I immediately tense up, fear pulsing through me.

Never in my life have I seen him look so scared.

Suddenly he whips the folder back at The Boss. "FUCK NO! I AIN'T DOING THAT SHIT!"

I grab his shoulder. "The hell are you doing, nigga?! You trying to get us killed?!"

"Remember The Agreement, boys -"

Nelson whips back to face him, eyes full of rage.

"FUCK THE AGREEMENT! I've done some low down things I'm not proud of, but I'd sooner burn in hell before I do that to her! YOU CAN KISS MY ASS!"

Her? Must be Melanie. She's the only one I know that would make him react like that.

While Nelson and The Boss are locked in a staredown, I pick up the folder to see who's got Nelson so heated.

It was a girl obviously, but when I got a better look at her, my blood ran cold. I feel like I'm going to be sick. I'd know those bright violet eyes anywhere.

It was Gabi.

******************************************************************

We marched down the street back to Nelson's house, pissed as all hell. I clenched and unclenched my fists repeatedly, itching to see Gabi and hold her and make sure she was okay. With The Boss, you never know.

Nelson was tense too, kicking almost every trashcan we passed. After about the tenth one, I shoved his arm.

"Nigga, calm down. We ain't got time for people calling the cops on us."

Panting heavily, he turns around, getting all in my face.

"Man you heard what he said! I'm surprised you aren't as heated as I am right now! You know damn well he not going to give up just because we told him no!"

"Don't you think I know that?!" I yell back. I grit my teeth, remembering his words clearly...

[I threw the folder down on the ground, grinding it with my Jordans.

"FUCK YOU! I AIN'T DOING THIS EITHER, NIGGA!"

The Boss slams his hands on the desk, finally having enough. It startled us; he never loses his temper.

"Now you listen, and I mean you boys better listen good. I am in charge of the biggest dealership in L.A, and what I say goes. I don't know what either of your relationships are to this girl, and I don't give a damn. You two will bring her to me, or there will be consequences. Understand?!"

Without another word, Nelson turns around and leaves the room.

"We ain't doing shit. It's over." As I turn to follow Nelson out, I hear The Boss let out a deep chuckle that makes chills run down my spine.

"It isn't over until I say it is, Jackson..."

He stands, leaving behind the curtain behind his desk, still chuckling.

"...And not a second before."]

I shake my head at the memory. I wasn't about to let the Boss take Gabi. I knew Nelson wasn't either.

"Look, he's not gonna take her, alright? We just need to get him off our backs for a little bit. And I think I know where we can go."

I start walking again and Nelson follows me, confused. I smirk when he realizes what I mean. Or rather, who.

"Katherine?"

"Bingo."