Another Winter In The Hood

BLUNTS AND CAMERAS

It's been thirty minutes since we got here and my custom print is almost done. Will had no white tees left so am going with pink. I have black jeans on and a white Three of Threes hoody for later in the evening when the temperatures drop.

I'm in the lobby scrolling through my Instagram on the waiting couch. I hear an engine that's unusual in the parking lot. A custom engine. Only one dude I know. Cam.

The engine goes off and my attention is on the door now. Lydia walks in first.

"What a surprise!" I yell.

"I know I know. That's why am here." Lydia replies.

"I'm just waiting for my custom tee. The press-on print is almost done. I'll go get it. Set up the cameras."

"Okay boss."

I get up and head towards the printing room.

"Hey man you done?" I ask Will.

"Yeah, go try it on."

I'm in front of the mirror. The custom tee is looking really good on me. Perfect fit. This is why Will is my favorite dresser.

"Alright let's nail this shot in one take." I say to myself in front of the mirror.

"Hey Drew." Lydia greets Drew.

"Hey Lydia come give me a hug."

"Love is in the air." Cam teases.

"Always keep it player my gee." Drew smirks and pulls Lydia into his arms and hugs her tight.
It's always been like this with Drew and Lydia. He actually introduced me to her when I moved into Pambala. It's been an amazing journey up to this point.
Drew loosens his grip and kisses her cheek and Lydia is clearly blushing as she walks away.

"Where the cameras at? I've got to drive around before the party so let's be quick." I really have to make this clear or else we'll just be having so much fun and might even forget about the party.

"Andy we're ready for you outside cuz." Cam informs me.

"Let's goo!" DaBaby voice.

I get my skateboard from the back seat. I'm walking towards the parking lot and everything has been set up. Two rails and all the sponsor banners are up.

"Sweet."

I start rolling towards the rail for a tailslide and Cam starts taking the test shot.

Kickflip. Slide. I land.

"Woooo." I cheer myself in the Pop (don't forget the Smoke) voice.

"Alright Andy let's do this." Lydia commands. She is the producer for this video.
                                           
                                             •••
100 bails later...

If you're a skater, you know bails are part of the experience. Skating is a sport that really embraces 'learning from your mistakes'. It's all about using the best techniques to land your tricks and avoiding a board snap by all means.

Although, a board snap is an honor. You truly become a skater if you've snapped at least one board and the print at the bottom of your deck doesn't show anymore.

I skate on an Element. My board is a classic. It's the first model Nijah Houston launched with Element.

I'm really tired. My shirt is off and am in Drew's car (Well he's dad's car) shirtless.

"Yo get your sweaty back off my leather seats." Drew snaps.

"They're not yours." I snap back.

"We're down to three hours man. Let's get going."

"Alright let me just get my shirt. Where's Lydia?"

"In the lobby."

"Start the car I'll be back."

"Cool man. Just be quick."

I start heading towards the lobby and I stop at the door.

Will, Cam and Lydia are all deep in conversation. Laughter has filled the lobby. I can't help but appreciate my circle. A group of people brought together from different backgrounds by a culture of love.

Love is a human need and honestly we all want to feel loved. Challenges come and change by the day. To be frank, I'd rather face them from an attitude of love. To consider the needs of my family as my own. To be 'The Man'. These guys are my family now. Seeing the smiles on their faces brings me joy too. I just can't believe am leaving this town. It's been my home for the last five years but I guess I've got to finish this chapter off. Literally .

"Hey guys were leaving now. See you at Drew's. Party doesn't start till six."

"Andy you walking clock get out of here!" Lydia shouts.

Everybody laughs.

"Alright see you man." Will says goodbye.

I run back to the car like a Ninja Turtle. To be specific like Mike.

"Did I take long? Did you see me do the dash?" I rhetoricly ask.

"Just shut up and let's go. So does that make Lydia April?"

"Of course!"

We drive off. No sunset. No girl. Haaaa. Man we're losers!