Rags & Riches

Chapter Two

"They forgot my fries..."

The male spoke through muffled lips and clenched teeth as he pushed past the door with his foot, carrying the drinks in both hands as he moved back into the busy sidewalk. Suddenly, a hand grabbed the hem of his hoodie, the woman from before tugging it lightly while looking the other way. He turned his head to see her sitting along the edge of the large windowstill He raised his eyebrow before speaking.

"I'm sorry is that how you ask for something?"

"You offered."

He smacked his teeth, reluctantly passing her the drink first, then reaching in the bag and handing her the burger before sitting beside her. He kept his meal in the bag, the awkwardness of his situation ruining his appetite as he glared back at the suspicious glances from passing people.

“Chantel. That’s my name, by the way.”

He eyed her with a sideways glance as she dug into the burger, almost moaning with satisfaction as if it had been the first time she ever tasted one in years. He scoffed lightly, a hint of a smirk pulling at his lips.

“Jermane. Pleasure to meet you.”

She looked at him, a look of irritation on her face. He raised an eyebrow once again, visibly questioning the look.

“Why you sound all white and shit?”

“Why the fuck can’t you speak proper English.”

She stuck her tongue out and continued to eat, Jermane shaking his head as he continued to people watch. She took her final bite, swallowing and relishing it’s savory flavor. They watched the people pass them, the silence almost peaceful.

“What you said earlier. About me. Dafuck am I supposed to do then?”

He casually hit into a fry, wiping his hands free of the salt.

“Ionno. You can start by cleaning up and shit...”

“If I had a place to wash my ass, you’d think I’d be eating with yo broke self right now?”

He scoffed.

“Oooooh, I see. I feed you, and I’m the broke nigga. Oooookay.”

She shoved him lightly.

“Shut up, I’m thankful or whatevah, aight?”

He stretched and stood up, walking forward a few feet before stopping and looking back.

“Hurry yo ass up, moe.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“So we doing this after all? Knew yo lil dirty ass wanted some.”

“No, fool. You just said you ain’t have a place to stay and get cleaned up and shit right?”

She got up, walking beside him as they departed.

“Yeah, so?”

He pulled out a half smoked blunt and lighter from his coat pocketing, lighting it and taking a drag.

“Ima be real witchu. I just thought of some wild shit. But...” he released a puff of smoke. “Let’s just get you clean first. Tired of smelling fish and cigarettes.”

He dodged a heavy swing from Chantelle as she tried to smack him for his comment, tears welling up in her eyes out of embarrassment.

“Aye watch ya fucking hands, b.”

“STOP TALKING TO ME ANY TYPE OF WAY THEN BITCH!”

“I ain’t say shit but the truth. You need to control that low ass temper too. How the fuck you expect to get money if you wear your heart on your sleeve like that.”

He paused for a second, noticing they were drawing attention. He rubbed his temples before breathing out. She sniffed, looking away as she held back her tears.

“Aight. I’m sorry.”

He turned and beckoned her to follow, the two setting off towards his apartment.