The Lord$ (Urban)

stranger. ▲

Kimbella Bank$

I was walking home with my seven year old brother. We just got dismissed from school at 3:00pm. His hand clasped onto mines as we trotted on the sidewalk.

We passed up the basketball court that obtained five men, who all had different complexions from each other. Sweat drenched down their muscular built bodies.

Pursing my lips together, so I wouldn't have the urge to bite down on them. Gosh, I wish I could get a guy like that. But who would want me? I'm an irregular size for a girl. Most girls around my age are usually 5'3"-5'5".

My height makes me a little different from others, ya know? I kissed my teeth as I walked down the hard concrete pavement clasping hands with my little brother.

Tossing a dark orange basketball to each other around the court. A handsome dark skinned man had tossed the ball into the hoop making a 3-pointer. Taking my attention off them and back to what I was doing before, observing my environment.

Grown folks sat on the stoops of their homes fanning themselves to keep cool. Boys around my age stood out in front of their momma's home, just gambling their money away like it was nothing. Shaking my head in shame, just another conflict waiting to happen.

I watched from a distance at how wastefully they threw away the money. I wish I had money like that. Having a job is unsuitable for my life, cause I'm too busy raising my brother most of the time.

I sighed and made my way down Euclid Avenue. We were getting closer to home. I sped up my walking pace, pulling Brandon along with me.

Sweat dripped down his tan colored forehead. Wiping his sweat off his head with the sleeve of his shirt. It was in the middle of September and humid as ever outside, temperatures were high ass hell.

We walked up the four stairs to our apartment building door. I looked up at the sandy brown colored bricked building that I called "home". Opening the black metal door, making a rusted creaking sound.

This apartment building is filled with drug addicts and people who live off the government checks they get every month. Of course, Brandon, Momma, and I were those people.

I let go of Brandon's hand and opened our mail box. Snatching the white envelopes out the small space and shutting it closed. I walked up the apartment stairs with Brandon trailing behind me.

Hallways reeked of piss and must, the atmosphere was humid and thick. Dragging my feet towards our apartment door, Apt. 234. I fished my pockets for my keys eventually finding them and unlocking the door.

Brandon walked in first and lead his little tiny body to the couch. I sat down at the kitchen table that had a few chairs surrounding the circular table. Skimming though all of the bills.

A smile was brought to my face as I noticed our monthly welfare check. I looked up, lying the envelopes on the table. I were going to yell my mom's name when my eyes strayed on a post-it note stuck on the fridge.

Getting it up to obtain the note it read, "I'll be gone for a while, watch Brandon for me. Don't spend the check until I get back either. Love, Mom."

I sighed and rolled my eyes. What are me and Brandon gon' eat tonight then? I got up from the table and sat down next to Brandon. Our old small television sat on top of our broken one.

We had bootleg cable that we steal from the neighbors next door. Brandon was to intrigued by the cartoon show he was watching he didn't even look up when I sat down.