Hard Knocks

Chapter 6 "Silent Cries"

Three Weeks Later ......

" boy I should of hired you a long time ago "

Only if he knew.

" how long you been knowing how to work on cars "

" every since I was fifteen sir "

" and you got manners unlike these lil street bangers I've been seeing. " James said shaking his head.

About week ago I would walk pass this little street garage. I figure I could use the extra money.

I talk to James, the owner of this joint about hiring, he said he wanted to see what I could do.

" so when you available Mr. Jennings "

" on the weekends I actually have another job "

" well that's fine with me just call in anytime you are free but you definitely got a spot here " he said handing me a rag to wash my hands.

" thank you sir "

I was glad to hear that.

" no problem you have a good day " he said going back in his place.

Since I was free for the rest of the day I thought of hitting Nia but lately we haven't been speaking.

I mean when we see each other we only say "hi" and "bye" nothing too deep.

I just felt like something was off.

I still called her though.

" hello " her voice said softly.

" hey wassup "

" uh n-nothing why ? "

" I just wanna check up on you and treat you to some lunch. If that's cool with you " I said scratching with a little hope that she would say yes.

It was quiet on the other line.

I figure I was acting too thirsty. Maybe I could of word it differently.

" Actually I-I can't I have a lot of paper work to do "

I aint gone lie that "turn down" hurt me a little.

Not trying to be cocky or anything but I never got turn down before by a female.

I guess this must be how it felt.

" Damn aight maybe some other time "

" y-yea maybe bye Rock "

That crap didn't sound right. It sound like she hurting or something.

" bye Nia "

After that I hung up the phone heading home.

" why you look like you just got ya heart  broke dude " Dub joked

Cause I did.

" nothing man " I said waving his comment off.

" you sure , a lil henny and some hoes can fix that"

" I'm good , I don't want none of that "

I said looking at scene in front of me.

" aye you gotta cigarette "

I watch as he pulled out a whole thing of Newport.

" here you go man take the whole thing it look like you need it "

I took a couple out passing it back to him.

I grabbed the lighter from the ash tray lighting the cigarette.