Once in a Blue Moon

(PREVIEW)

If there's one thing I don't believe in, it's coincidence.

I know you normally hear that from thirsty law enforcement agents but, that's one thing those jackasses are kinda right about. Well, not kinda. All the way right. You see, shit like coincidence and chance will get you killed. In my opinion, your life is already written. All you have to do is be a good soldier and follow your guide. When people start taking chances and unnecessary risks...well, that's where they fuck up.

"Whaddup slim...what you going in here for?" Some dark skinned dude with a mouth full of golds approached me, leering.

"Get out my damn face. You look like a black ass pirate." I snatched the door open and walked in.

If you live in the hood, or anywhere really, you have a store. Not one you own, just one you always go to. One your face is known in.

"Nani!" Bilal smiled from behind the counter. That's my dude. I never get charged tax in here. Sometimes, I don't get charged anything.

"Wassup, B..." I grabbed a Brisk out of the refrigerator, a chocolate chip muffin, and a pack of blunts.

"Morning ritual?" He asked in his thick accent, ringing me up. I slid him a ten, even though it was only five. I knew sometimes they struggled. His little sister, Harima, lived down the block. She was deep into her studies, but I saw the busted up shoes she wore.

"And you know thisssss," I joked. I caught sight of myself in the reflection of the glass. Before I went natural, my hair was always pressed and sat nicely on my shoulders. Now, my wild curls were dyed platinum blonde in the front and stayed piled on top of my head. I got a lot of play but I'm not a conceited person. It wasn't that long ago I was the skinny, awkward, tall ass girl with the bummy wardrobe.

Being 5"8, I always stood out. Before, it was for the wrong reasons. Now...shit, still the wrong reasons.

I shouldered my way out of the store and back into the heat. June in Atlanta is no joke, even when it's raining. Ducking into my 04 Camry, I fished my cracked iPhone out of my back pocket.

I scrolled through my notifications and took a bite of the muffin. "Fuck," I mumbled. My business partner, Knight, had called a couple times. I cranked the car up and hooked my phone to the aux.

"Nani!" Knight yelled into the phone.

"Really, nigga?" I turned the volume down. "What?"

"Nothing, just missing you," He said with a sigh. I sucked my teeth and hung up. He played too damn much.

I answered when he called back, like I knew he would. "Why you gotta do me like that?" Knight asked with a whine.

"Why you gotta be mentally fuckin' retarted?"

"Cursing isn't ladylike."

"Shut your ass up. For a nigga who supposedly has balls, you stay talking bout what is and isn't ladylike."

"Supposedly? Girl, don't make me send you something out my vault. I'll be out the friend zone and in your-"

"Why...did you call me?" I turned the air on and rolled my windows up as I merged on to I-75.

"We got a lick," Knight responded, his voice instantly becoming serious.

"What's the run down?" I got off my exit.

"He sweet. Stuffy business man here from China, carrying about a hundred grand in diamonds. I checked him out, he's a representative for some down low mining farm they got over there."