Harlem Lovin

1

Yasmine
Friday 6:00 a.m.

I was waken up out of my sleep to the ringing of my alarm on my phone letting me know it was time to get up and start my day. I rose up out of my bed stretching and opening the window closest to my bed letting some of the fresh morning air fly in. I'm eighteen, the only child, a junior at a community college majoring in fashion marketing and currently staying in the home of my one and only best friend Briana and her mother. Their house wasn't big and it wasn't small it was an average size house but either way I was grateful I had a place to call home. My parents were abusive to me from the age of seven up until a month ago because they're now in jail.

I wasn't put through just verbal abuse but also mental, physical, and emotional. I would be starved for days, beaten, cursed out, and told I was worthless and because of them I have sever depression and anxiety. I had finally had enough of the abuse and reported them and went to the courts with Briana's mother showing them all of the pictures I've ever taken of my bruises. They are currently awaiting trial on multiple counts of child endangerment and child abuse. Because I had nothing closer to family her mother let me stay with them in their spare room.

I thank God, Briana, and her mother everyday for getting me out of that situation because either they would've killed me or I would've killed myself. I would often cut myself because I believed everything that they told me I was and I wanted to take my pain away. But now I'm working on bettering myself and making the best out of life. I do a couple modeling gigs here and there but it's nothing too serious for me just some extra money on the side.

I made my way to my closet grabbing some black distressed jeans, a black light sweater, and my low top vans. I proceeded to the bathroom to take a quick shower and get ready for the day. I got out drying myself down, getting dressed, and doing something quick and simple to my hair. I put all my things in my bag including my pre-rolled joint. Smoking is something I did to relax myself, escape my problems, and it helped with my anxiety and depression. I made my way downstairs to the smell of breakfast being cooked and a smile immediately grew on my face because I was starving. I crept up behind Briana giving her a big hug and then taking a seat next to her pouring myself some water.

"Good morning Bri, good morning ma." I took a few sips of my water.

How are you doing this morning Yas ? Briana's mom asked.

"I'm good I can't complain I am hungry though." I laughed.

Her mom set out plates with waffles, bacon, and eggs in front of us and we dug in.

Ladies I have a late shift tonight so if y'all decide to go out let me know and be responsible and safe.

She kissed both of us on our foreheads and began grabbing her belongings making her way out the door.

Don't forget to lock up too y'all! She shouted and closed the door.

We going out tonight Yas. She put her plate in the sink.

"Are you telling me or asking me ?" I drunk some of my water putting my plate and cup in the sink.

I'm telling you. Come on it'll be fun and the semester is almost over, the summer is among us and you deserve to have a little fun.

"Where exactly are you trying to drag me ?"

Harlem picnic. She grinned.

"Oh lord, you know I don't do good with crowds Briana and plus it's just gonna be a bunch of hoes there both boys and girls. Not only that but you know how they end it's like a danger zone." I rolled my eyes.

Ugh come on it'll be fun you never know who you'll meet and we don't have to stay long, if you get uncomfortable we can leave I promise. She held her hands together begging me to say yes.

"Aight, but I'm wearing this." I got up grabbing my bag.

No you're not when we come back to the house ima help you find something.

I shook my head and laughed.

"Aight lets go."

                                            •••

This is just a short intro chapter but I'm really excited for this book. I've been wanting to do a asap rocky book for a while now so we'll see where this book goes. Thanks for opening my book!