Jungle

Chapter 2

After a long night at work, Rico struggled to get out of bed to start his day. He had a lot of errands to run and he already overslept so he forced himself to get up. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he took a long stretch and yawned before standing up to stretch again. After regaining his balance, he began making his bed and then he headed to the bathroom.

He ran the shower water and took off his clothes from yesterday that he was too tired to take off the previous night. The lukewarm water hit his face, fully waking him up. After running his hands through his hair, he grabbed his wash towel and began lathering his body in soap. Once he thoroughly cleaned himself, he turned the water off and brushed his teeth.

With only his underwear on he went back into his bedroom to find something to wear for the day. While doing so he looked at his phone to see it was now eleven in the morning. He also checked the few messages he had been left. They weren't that important so he locked his phone and tossed it on the bed. Rico found a pair of jeans and a shirt to put on for the day and then he realized he was starving.

He wasn't the cooking type and plus he really wanted a breakfast plate. Since he lives alone, there isn't much cooking done in his house. He grabbed a band of money and put it in his pocket then he grabbed his gun and phone from off the bed. Rico made his way outside and headed to his car. Before pulling off he called his mother and teenaged sister to make sure all was well.

"I'm going to get something to eat. Y'all need anything?" He spoke into the phone.

"No baby, thanks for asking. Maybe you could stop by later." His mother replied.

"Maybe. I have a lot to do today." He talked and drove at the same time.

"Okay. I love you." He could tell she was smiling through the phone.

"Love you too mama, tell Rianna I love her."

Rico hung up and turned his radio up a notch. While vibing out to the music, he thought about his next power move to get him out of New Orleans, or at least the hood. Since he was a little boy he was all about his money. His father taught him all he knew about saving and making the most out of what he had. Shortly after Katrina, he lost his dad in Houston to an unfortunate accident.

At the age of eighteen, he worked hard enough to move into his first apartment and at the age of twenty two, he was able to get a house all on his own. He never looked for handouts and always found legal ways to get money. Rico wasn't the average guy, he was mature for his age and separated hisself from the rest. All he wanted was to get money and better himself.

Pulling up to the restaurant, he stepped out the car and locked his door. Entering the small restaurant, he spoke to the owners and waited to place his order. Standing on the side of the counter waiting for their order was Alexis and her older brother. Rico noticed, but kept his eyes off of them.

"Can't speak?" Alexis smiled.

Rico lifted his head to say what's up and then looked away. Anthony turned around and made eye contact with Rico. Once he did that, Rico gave Anthony a deadly stare. They didn't say anything, but both their eyes spoke volumes.

"Anthony this is the dude who stopped me from getting shot with Rudy." She grabbed her brothers arm.

"I got stuff to take care of. I'll see you later on." Anthony said as his eyes stayed on Rico.

Rico scoffed and stepped forward so he could order his food. Alexis sat at a near table and began eating. Once Rico placed his order, he sat at the table not too far from Alexis'. Since she saw he was alone, she went over to sit with him.