strong.

Chapter 1

M E R I Y A H

I woke up feeling tired. My body is too sore, and I feel weak. I don't know why he keeps doing this to me. Like what the fuck did I do so wrong? Daniel's arm was draped across my body, holding on to me tightly. He looked so peaceful. Like he was an angel. Nothing is so heavenly about Daniel.

When I tried to go to the bathroom, Daniel tightened his grip. I just froze to make sure he didn't wake up. I tried to slip from under his muscular arms, but it got even tighter. "Where you goin'?" I hate it when he asks me that question.

"The bathroom." I answered blankly. He let go of me, as if he lost his prized possession. I walked into the bathroom and didn't recognize myself. All I saw was bruises, and scratches. Reminiscing on what happened last night was painful. All I did was ask a simple question and he just...just...blacked out. I ran the water in the tub and put some Epsom salt in it as well. I slid into the tub once the it was filled.

The soothing water relax my body. It felt good to be at peace for once. I sat there thinking what would've happened if I was never in this relationship. I could have done better. I was blinded by love to see the lies that Daniel said. I looked at my body through the translucent water. The bruises, scratches, and the cuts were all too familiar. I wanted to cry, but I knew I couldn't if I did, then Daniel woulda heard me, and said something smart towards me.

The thing that I don't understand is why does this have to happen to me. People usually think that being in the game means you have to be strong all time time. Part of it is true, but it don't work like that all the time. Yeah it's rare for a girl to make it this far in the drug cartel and all, but we had to work our asses off to get respect, be respected, make money, and not to be afraid of any type of shit that blows up in our faces. Two girls at that. But the people don't see the flip side of it. We gotta watch our backs. Can't slip on shit. Fear no bitch, trust no nigga. As Daniel would put it.

I washed my body and got out the tub. When I walked back into our room, Daniel wasn't in there, thankfully. I picked out my clothes. I know that I gotta handles some business and all, so I wore all black. I had put cocoa butter on my bruises and luckily it blended in with my skin tone. I put my clothes on and put my hair up in a bun. After that I started on my 'normal look'.

I walked downstairs and saw that Daniel had left, as usual. Fixed me something to eat and left the house. I got into my Mercedes-Benz and drove to Anya's house. I feel like I need some kind of peace.

A N Y A

( FLASHBACK )

"Anya you better be ready when I get there bitch." Kamilla scolded.

Kamilla was my other best friend whom I met during my vacation last spring. Meriyah doesn't like Kamilla, at all. I've always wanted them to get along because it would put me in a better position but we can't always get what we want right?

I put the final touches on my outfit and I heard Kamilla knocking on the door.

"Hey bitch!" Kamilla squealed as I got into her new Rover. I didn't even reply because majority of the time we would end up arguing. I hate arguing with Kamilla because she always thinks she is right and always wants the last word but if you knew me you would know I will ALWAYS get the last word.

Kamilla pulled up to some exclusive looking club I've never been to but heard plenty about. When me and Kamilla go partying we usually go to clubs we're familiar with. It was pretty obvious that one of Kamilla's hoes had us here. The one thing I hated about Kamilla was the fact that she was such a big hoe. She was with a new man every week and it is not appealing at all.

"Kamilla, this club look hot and all but I don't think we should be here. I'm not having a good feeling about this."

"Ugh, Anya get out the car! Nothing is going to go wrong, I promise" , Kamilla said, clearly annoyed. I got out of the car but I still couldn't shake this feeling deep down inside that this is not going to be a good night. As soon as we got inside the club Kamilla was already headed to V.I.P, where one of her "boy toys" was. I decided to not follow her but instead went to get a drink. One drink turned into plenty, plenty of drink I definitely did not need. The alcohol was causing me to drift into another world until a deep voice snapped me out of it.

"Hello beautiful, how are you?" A tall brownskin, man asked.

"Wasted." I slurred. He chuckled and I came to find out he had the prettiest dimples ever alongside pretty straight teeth but he had a bottom grill in at the moment.

"Well, my name is Keith but many niggas round here call me K. And your name is?"

"Anya, most commonly know as Au because I am pure gold, as you can see." I said, pointing to myself. He chuckled again and said, " Well Miss Anya, I was looking at you across the club and you really caught my eye, so I was wondering if I could get your number."

"Um, no. I may be wasted but I am not stupid. I know how niggas like you treat females. Hell no, no you cannot get my number sor- " I was cut off by a female, " Yes you can have her number, give me your phone." I looked back to see Kamilla giving this niggas my number. She looked mad but I would find out later what happened. My mouth dropped open once Kamilla gave Keith his phone back and he kissed me on the cheek and said, "I'll call you."

"Anya, lets go, NOW." Kamilla had that same upset look her face. "For what Kamilla, I thought you wanted to partaaay!" I said, getting up, trying to walk to the dance floor but fell because of dizziness. Kamilla helped me up and held on to my arm as we were heading for the exit. Out of the blue, I hear gun shots. Being that I run a cartel, I automatically reach for my gun but realize it's not there. I tried to speed up my pace without falling. A few seconds passed and gunshots were still being fired until I felt myself fall on top of Kamilla. There was a pool of blood under us and I was almost sure I was hit but I felt no pain. "Kamilla! Get the fuck up so we can get outta here!" I looked down to see Kamilla's eyes rolled to the back of her head and a gunshot wound to her heart. I looked away hoping this was not real and looked back at Kamilla. When I realized this was no game I burst into hysterical cries until I felt arms go around me and I was lead out of the club, leaving Kamilla on the floor, dead.

"Where do you want me to take you?" A voice I somewhat recognized asked. I finally look up and realized I was in a Beamer and Keith was driving. "Why am I in your car? I didn't ride with you there so take me back."

"So you just gone act like you ain't see yo friend just get killed back there in the club? I was your only way home I'm guessing so shut that shit up and tell me where you live." The tone of his voice caused me to break down and cry again. I heard him sigh but he didn't speak, not even a sorry, he just continued to drive.

"I live off of 69th Street." I eventually told him.

Momentarily, we were at my condo. I opened the door to get out and Keith didn't even bother to help me get out. The entire car ride I was getting this vibe from him that I really didn't like. I don't even know what's up with him. I may seem ready for whatever, but I'm just getting so tired of putting on his hard act. I am not a hard person. I have so much going on, it's just creepy how I can change personalities so fast.

The next morning I woke to hear Meriyah coming into my room. She looked upset and I could tell she knew I was upset as well.

"Whats wrong?" we both said at the same time. A few seconds later, we both broke down into cries. Today is going to be a long day.