Chapter 2

SeniaMarie Milano

I got up early this morning due to the noise out on the street, not long after I heard Tae's little feet hit against the floor as he came running into my room.

I looked him up and down before I saw him wildly grinning at me.

"Ready?" I asked him, he nodded.

"My turn Nia."he said I shook my head 'yes'.

We got on the side of my bed and kneeled down with our eyes closed motioned to pray.

"Dear God, I pray for Nia to have strength to help me and nana, and that you keep us safe and alive and happy and heathy amen ...oh and I pray that my mommy is safe up there with you watching out for us.." I smiled as we both said in unison "Amen."

I got up off of my knees and carried Tae to get washed up and to get him in his clothes.

After, I did the same with me. I was bout to head over to Mo's corner store since she told me to stop by. I assumed she had some type position for me since it was promised when I got out of school. She didn't want me in there while I was in school saying that I needed to be focused or some shit along that line. When I had got done I kissed Tae goodbye and left.

Tracey stood at the end of my steps in disgust as Kevin sweet talked her, the men around here was more than thirsty, anything that walked was a god to them.

"Can we go now your neighbours scarin' the shit outta me."

"I'on know why your ass ain't come inside, you know exactly how they be out here." I said rolling my eyes.

We walked for a bit before coming to the crossing.

"What are you planning on doing now?" She asked breaking the silence.

"Like what?"

"I mean career wise. You can't be in New burgh forever, besides when it comes to yourself you need better."

"And I'm gone get better, I'm just waitin' on my time Tracey."

"Don't wait too late." She was really getting on my nerves now.

"Just because you got money to go to college doesn't mean every body else does Trace."

"I know Nia but what's in New burgh for you. Nothin'." She exclaimed as I rolled my eyes.

"I'm not really up for a motivational speech so can you please stop." I said and she sighed.

After we got by Mo's I walked inside and the bell went off as she came from the back.

"Where you just comin' from?"

"You said 9:30..." I mumbled.

"It's 10:14 Nia."

I can tell she was annoyed a bit but right now I just wanted to cut the complaints and get on.

"And you miss missy...." she gestured to Tracey.

"Oh I ain't here for nothin'." She said pursing her lips and I gave her the side eye.

"Well don't think you 'bout to be in here doin' nothin'." She mocked. My phone started to ring as I looked down seeing the name flash over my screen, ignoring it I slid it into my bag.

"I got somethin' for you both to do. Nia I want you to learn the register and Tracy just bring them boxes to the front." Tracey threw her bag over the counter as I walked behind the showcase and got the trolley.

"You know I already know this stuff." I semi-yelled from the front considering I've been working here. I was let go after the Christmas when Mo started on rambling bout me needing to give these last couple of months my best in school.

"Nia, don't play do as I asked..." I played around with the register a bit realizing some new perks.

No wonder.

This wasn't bad, wasn't the best either. But starting somewhere was a step.

After the long day closing was on the verge, soon we was out of there and me and Trace had walked so far until we split our separate was, I was making way home and it was kinda of late but when I finally made it to the steps I saw a dark figure sitting down on my steps. I squinted my eyes in confusion trying to make out who was bold enough.

"So, why you ain't answerin' my calls?" I sighed.

"Where you bin?" He asked but I just continued to search for my keys. I was mad at the fact that I didn't realize that his black and silver Escalade was parked further down the street.

"I'm talkin' to you." He said a bit harder, then I decided to acknowledge his presence.

"I've been workin' Rah." I said rolling my eyes.

"What I tell you huh?" He said planting himself in the front of me.

"I don't wanna rely on you for money Rah, I mean I do appreciate you helpin' me with Deontè at times but I wanna do things to better me." I told him he just nodded.

"You looked nice at graduation?" He said walking closer to me.

"you ain't even been Rahmik, that was low..." I said feeling disappointed all over again.

"I was there Nia, left an hour and a half in..." He said leaning on the rail, pulling me into him.

"So what, you had work. You could've at least let me seen your face or get a picture with me."

"I'm sorry for that and you're right. I should have..." He said licking his lips as I rolled my eyes trying to get away from him, but he pulled me back and started to kiss on my neck.

"Rah, stop" I moaned. Then he stopped, I looked at him as if he was crazy.

"Nigga why you stop?" He chuckled deeply.

"Cause you told me to."

"But when a bitch say stop you continue cause she mentally beggin' fuh' more." I basically yelled as he laughed.

"You know I love you Nia." He spoke as I nodded.

"I'm sorry, you know how its been with shit an 'nem ." I nodded once more, I really wanted to end this conversation.

"We haven't even been spending as much time together. You be fuckin' with Pop them all day at work and then come and give me the late scrappy hours of the night like I'm some fuckin' roach."

"It's just temporary Nia, trust me. When shits done, spending time not gone be an issue babygirl." He spoke, if it's one thing Rah doesn't do, it's lie. I've always respected that about him, even if the truth hurts me he still manages to tell me without cutting corners.

"Whatever I'm gone inside."I told him.

"Yea. I'll call you later." He said getting up planting a kiss on my forhead and smacking my ass.

"You so playful Rah."

He looked at me "You don't be saying that when I'm eatin' yo' pus-" I cut him off.

"Rahmik " I warned.

"But for real though its been a rough week Nia."

"Okay Rah you've made your point, now go home, for them niggas catch you." I joked as I heard him laugh.

"They know who the fuck to play with, and you know who the fuck I am." He said in a more serious tone. I rolled my eyes walking inside as he turned away to leave.

Rah was my boyfriend, of now two years, he'd always been there for me and helped me in every way possible, even though we went through shit mainly because I be coming up with my 'wild' ass scenarios as he'd call them.

He's been there for me when I needed him emotionality and otherwise on any occasion.

I always had a spot in my heart for Rah from then, at first I looked up to him as a brother but then my feelings just grew for him over time, he let me knew from the jump that he wasn't up for no games, and I understood just what that meant.

I met him when I was about fifteen, a couple months after my mama had died and ever since then its been Rah and Nia,

This man was just my muse.

I could remember clear as day when I was at a corner store and I was stealin' noodles and tomato paste then I got caught, he paid for em' and took me home and told me if I ever needed sumn' call him.

Eventually I did call him on an occasion then I started hanging with him, some time of the day and as the days went by I started spending my every second with him.

Rah and I actually spending time now, was in my perspective seldom, and that's what fucks me up most times. Me being the over thinker that I was I would mess myself making my own assumptions even though I'd never have any evidence of anything.

I always respected him as just a man. Just for being there for me when I go through, as simple as just calling him my friend.

Anybody who knew Rah knew that he was fuckin' crazy and knew better than to fool with his shit. He did his shit but he was mainly a sole rider. I remembered this one time a man came on to me, a few people witnessed and word got to him. After that everyone just stopped seeing him. I never brought it up or questioned him bout it. I knew better.

"Niiiaaaa." Tae came runnin' towards me.

"Hey baby why you ain't sleep yet" I asked him.

"Nana told me sleep but I ran away."He said giggling while nana came out of the hall way looking tired.

"Nana don't worry go lie down, if you need any thing call me okay." she shook her head.

"How was your day baby?" She asked as I looked away from Tae.

"It was good." She nodded slightly and went off to her room.

"Nia, do I gotta go back to school?" I laughed as he whined.

"Nah, baby its the summer, plus you'll be going to an even bigger school next term. " I said to him.

"Next term ?" I nodded towards him.

I went in the kitchen and got sumn' to drink, I sat at the kitchen table with some water playing with it instead of actually drinking it. I then looked over at Tae who was just playing with the coffe table ornaments.

After I cut off the living room t.v I cut off all of the lights.

I took Tae to his room and we got on our knees and began to pray, after tucking him in I checked on my Nana.

When I got to her room she was already knocked out. I walked over placing a kiss on her forehead then walking to my room getting some nighties. After taking a quick shower I got into bed.

I looked up to the ceiling,pondering on a lot of things realizing that a lot had to change, I wasn't a little girl anymore and I know I had to go after bigger.

1 week later

Friday had came, I ran over some things Mo had given me to do, it wasn't much so we were able to work at a much quicker pace. I was just too happy for my shift to be over. Erin had messaged me earlier asking to go out, but knowing Rah I'on know if he'd like that.

A few months ago Trace and I were walking home from school since Rah was handling his shit. A few Berg niggas came out messing with me and questioning Rah's doin', anyway I asked him if he was tryna have security on me and he wasn't too fond when had gotten the news. Now here I am on some type lockdown cause he thinkin' I can't take care of me.

I turned to see my phone ring and I saw Rah's name pop up, I looked up outside and saw him parked. I handed Mo my key and left.

I made my way outside and hopped in his Jeep without him paying me no attention. I lowly heard 'Migos, Jealousy' playing.

"Good day to you too." I said clearly with an attitude.

"Whats wrong?" I asked flipping down the mirror looking at myself.

I can be vain sometime....

"Nothin' " he answered simply.

"You sure." He nodded as I rolled my eyes.

"Yo' messed up attitude." He chuckled.

"I'm serious, whats wrong?"

"Why sumn gotta be wrong." He asked with a brow raised.

"Its nothing I just wanted to make sure you straight." I said.

"I'm good baby girl." He assured.

"How was work." I asked.

"Hard as eva', and you know 'dis. How was your day?"

"It was alright I guess, did you know I have never worked so damn much in my life, I mean; I'm not complaining or nothin' but it's like I be wanting to go home as soon as I get there." He laughed only if he knew how serious I was. It was like times had changed, it wasn't the same atmosphere anymore.

"I can't imagine, want me to rub your feet?" He asked.

"That would be nice." I smiled popping my dimples.

"That's just it always having everything handed to yo' ass..." He shook his head smiling.

Pulling up to my apartment I saw Tae sitting on the steps playing with his toy car, when he noticed Rah's jeep he jumped up. Rah opened his door and Tae immediately jumped in his lap.

"Raaaahhh!" He giggled.

"Wussup lil man." He said dapping him.

"Tae where's Nana?" I asked opening the door.

"She's watching t.v." He said playing with Rah's chain.

"Let's go." I told him. He hopped out of Rah's lap.

"Bye Rah."

"Later....." Tae ran up the steps and into the house.

"Bye Rah."

"Hold up." He went under his seat and pulled out some money.

"Here." I furrowed my eyebrows.

He took a quick kiss at my lips.

"Don't ask me no questions, just take it." I nodded slipping it in my bag.

"You stayin' with me tomorrow night..." He said more as a statement rather than a question.

"Rah I don't know plus I'on wanna leave Tae alone with Nana like that..." He didn't budge but I can tell he was a bit disappointed, and I suddenly felt bad. I haven't gave this man a feel in a minute and honestly I needed some myself.

"You know Tae can stay with us no questions ask. You put him to sleep and we can do us..." He smirked. Lord knows what that does to me.

"Fine..." I gave in, I pecked his lips and left the car. I walked up the steps and I heard as Rah sped off.

"Nana!" I yelled walking into the apartment.

"In here baby" I walked into her room as I saw her watching Jerry Springer.

"You know, I'm starting to think grandpa' aint dead cause of no heart attack." I said as she let out a laugh.

"Trust me he did. So how was your day at work." She asked.

"Ohh, Nana my feet hurt, but it was pretty ok." She laughed as I complained.

"That's work for ya' baby." I laughed.

"I wish I was still in school." I mumbled leaning against the headboard.

"You just startin'." Nana said as she sighed.

"Bet, anyways I'm gone get cleaned up."I said walking out of her room and into mine grabbing some shorts and a camisole.

I walked into the hall way bathroom and stepped into the shower.

When I got out I threw on my clothes and took a glance at my nails realizing I needed them filled, I'd always worn them long and coffin style. After noticing I hadn't seen Tae around l went looking for him.

"Tae." I yelled through the apartment but there were no signs of him.

Peeping through the window I knock on it signaling to get inside.

"What I told you bout goin' out there?" I spoke as he closed the door behind him.

"Not to go out there."

"Exactly, you know what be goin' on don't let me catch you like I did again." I said pulling the jug of farmers milk out of the fridge.

"You're so extra." He mumbled eating the food that I had brought from work.

I looked at him with my brow raised.

"And your not?" I asked placing my hand on my hip shifting all my weight onto one foot.

"Not like you are." He giggled.

I rolled my eyes pouring out some milk in the glass.

"How did you treat granny today?" I asked tilting the glass to my head.

"Alright, I guess. She's just so tired now, its boring since you got working."

"There'll be days where I'm off and I'll get to spend sometime with you, it might not be as much but I'm gone make time for you." I let him know.

"Yea, I hope." I knew his lil butt missed me a bit, but Tae was my priority and by any means money had to make to make sure he was good.