"You see her anywhere?", I ask my momma as we look through the crowd.
"No not yet. Wait there she is."
"YANNNA!", I yell, catching her attention.
"CUZZOOOOOO", she says running up to me and hugging me.
"I MISSED YOUUUUUUU!!!!!"
"I missed you too. Hey aunty angie."
"Heyyy my favorite niece. How are you doing? And I'm sorry that I couldn't make it to the funeral."
"It's ok Aunty Angie. You don't fuck with that side of the family and ion fuck with them either", Yanna shrugs.
I never really was close to Yanna's side of the family, except for Yanna. Something about some dark shit going on in the family, made my momma stop fucking with them for good. I never asked questions.
"Alright let's get this stuff to the house, so you can get situated."
*******
"So what's been up witchu?", Yanna asks, unpacking her bag.
"Nothing much. Got a new job as a driver for some business. It pays a lot of money."
"Mhmmm for who?"
"My friend, Jet. He's a drug dealer and does stuff, here and there. All I do is drive. I just learned not to ask any questions."
"And what ya momma gotta say about this?"
"She doesn't know. I just send her money and she says it's from the Lord. I go with it. She's happy", I shrug.
"Yeahhhhh I can understand that."
"Yeah but what's been going on with you?"
"Nothing. I don't fw with none of these niggas or bitches. They all opps."
"What happened to Keem?"
"That nigga was a rat. Muhfuckas was telling our business to his ex bitch, so I cut him off. He still be tryna talk to me and shit, but I'm done with him."
"Mhmm typical lil boys. How your brother and mom?"
"He in jail and ion even know where my momma at these days. They ain't none of my concern no more."
"I thought your brother just got out."
"Yeah and then he went back in, for drug possession. He was tryna give my momma some drugs to make her feel better. I told his stupid ass not to, but he did anyway and he got caught. I hardly call that woman my momma."
"Don't say that."
"No, it's true. She a feen. I barely recognize her. She come in at all times of the night, my brother and I make sure the bills paid and all. She don't do shit. But Ian goin keep reminiscing and feeling bad fa ha because she goin do what she want. Ian goin go insane for somebody, who don't wanna help themself."
"Yeah you're right about that. How long you staying for?"
"2 weeks or whenever I feel like going back", she laughs.
"Betttt. Wanna go to my friend's spot?"
"Yeahhh. I'm with it."
"Ok, let's goooo."
*********
"Who the fuck is this?", Jet asks hitting his blunt.
"This is my cousin Yanna. She staying in town for a while and I'm just showing her around."
"We don't do outsiders. Get this bitch outta here", G says.
"You must be talking to the air or sum, cuz the only bitch I see is you. I knew a nigga like you back home, and he ain't here no more. He dead", she laughs.
"Ok, y'all chill. Anyway, Yanna isn't a opp. She know what she's doing."
Jet looks her up and down and so does Mack. "I still don't know sis", Mack says.
"Y'all, this is my flesh and blood. Besides y'all and K, she's the only person I trust. She's my favorite cousin and she's my ride or die."
"Mhmm I need to talk to you. Bring yo ass on", Jet says walking into the back room. I roll my eyes and follow him back there.
"What's the problem Jet?"
"Ion like how you pulled that shit. Ion give a fuck if she is yo cousin. Ion trust nobody. She could be a opp. Ion fuck with opp ass hoes or opp ass niggas."
"SHE'S NOT AN OPP."
"Don't raise yo fucking voice."
"I can raise it if I want to. I'm not even gonna do this with you. THE POINT IS, she's not an opp and she can be trusted."
"I don't know her."
"Then get to know her. Take her on a run and then make your decision."
"No. Ion like how you brung her in here like we goin accept her and shit."
"And I get that, but if you just give her a chance."
"No Olivia. Ion give a fuck if that is yo cousin. I wouldn't give a fuck if she was yo sister. She ain't ridin with us."
I roll my eyes and walk out the room. "Come on Yanna. Waste of time dealing with his annoying ass."
********
"You do know ion have to fuck with them niggas right?", Yanna says eating some ice cream.
"Yeah, but it would've been nice if y'all could work with each other. Y'all all street smart and gangster. You're the perfect candidate, but apparently Jet doesn't want to since he don't trust nobody."
"Mhmm it is what it is. What we doing tomorrow doe?"
"Umm we're going to school."
"School? Hell nawh. Ian going to no damn school."
"Yes you are. If you don't, you know my momma goin hop on your ass. Education is key for her."
"Yeah, you not lying. Mchmt fine. But Ian waking up early. We goin be late to school. Just so you know", she shrugs.
"Fine with me. Just take your ass to sleep, so I can get some rest."
