-inspired by the show Pose

-adapted version of the 1st chapter of Just Junie (see below)

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Walking onto the subway train, I sighed trudging all the way to the back flopping on the seat nearest to the window. I liked looking out as the train passed by over the calm nighttime of the city.

Sticking one AirPod in I allowed Jhene Aiko's Wasted Love to flow through my ear to ease me on this 30 minute ride. I used to dread this train ride when I first started working, because it was scary, and the unknown. But, it wasn't that bad after awhile. Usually, everyone left you alone.

I gazed up from my phone to see a group of guys walk in from one of the stops on the route, they didn't look like they were from around here. I could tell by the way they were dressed they came from at least a little money. They had to be dumb to be blatantly flaunting their wealth at this time of night.. especially on the subs.

They occasionally looked my way, trying to 'discreetly' point in my direction, but you know how niggas be. They pushed and shoved in a playful manner a taller lightskin boy who seemingly turned a little red when he noticed me looking. I smiled, laughing down to myself. I was a sight to see I couldn't blame him.

The train came to a stop before the conductor's tired and annoyed voice blasted through the busted speaker system announcing what stop this was.

Clutching my coat closed, I grabbed my purse walking towards the doors, before winking at the boys that were staring in awe before walking onto the platform.

"Wait.." The one who turned red earlier called out, but before he could get to the doors the train pulled off to the next stop. I sighed disappointedly, before walking out into the semi breezy streets.

I don't know why I was so disappointed, I usually didn't care for much attention from men because of the line of work I was in. But, he seemed different. "What are you saying Junie? You don't even know this kid." I spoke aloud to myself, shaking my head annoyed with my own thoughts.

The quiet waves and lo-fi hip hop music playing from a distant speaker made me aware that I had reached my destination. I walked down to the beginning of the pier seeing other girlies in their best selling outfits posted up on their spots.

You only went to the pier at this time of night for one of two reasons. To sell your goodies or buy some.

One of the girls, Chanel, side eyed me as I made my way to the light pole, my usual spot. You could say she was the mother of the pier, making sure each girl made their fair share while making her own.

"Miss mamas, what are you doing here? It's not your day." She approached me crossing her arms placing them underneath her perfectly plumped boobs. Looking at them I was kind of jealous she made my double d's look like a's. But then again she was a grown ass woman. I was only 19.

"I know, but I'm really need some extra cash. I didn't think it would matter if I came tonight."

Her stern face didn't change, but she reached one arm out touching my shoulder. "Oh, sweetie no."

"Jus- please. I need to make rent or I'm going to get kicked out, I-I haven't eaten in days I just need a few dollars and I'll be out you guy's way I promise."

"You think you're the only one out her struggling mija? We're all struggling, all trying to make a few dollars. There's 5 other girls here and it's their days to work. I'm sorry but I can't let you take an opportunity from them. It's just not fair."

My lip trembled as I looked into her eyes. I knew she wanted to help badly, but she just couldn't it wasn't fair and I shouldn't ask her to bend her rules for me.

Nodding my head, I walked from the piers down into the city not bothering to take the train back home. If I didn't come back home with any money there was no reason to come back home. Unless I wanted to ended up hurt.

I few tears slid down my face, and I quickly wiped them away.

"Don't be a bitch, Junie." I rolled my eyes annoyed with myself and my sensitivity. If I didn't splurge on those AirPods I would've had a few dollars to eat. This was no ones fault but my own, so there was no reason to be crying.

I heard a cat call come from one of the alleys, but I ignored it just making sure to stay aware of my surroundings. Soon after, I felt weird. You know that feeling you feel when someone is there? Or watching you? Yeah that's the one.

I scratched my head, flipping my hair to look as discreet as possible while looking back to see a trio of three men following behind me. I picked up the pace a little, to gain some distance between me in the men, but I guess they noticed as one yelled out to me.

"Aye, ma don't run." He laughed. My heart skipped a beat as instinct took over me. As soon as I hit the corner up ahead I was going to run, I just had to wait for the perfect timing.

I could hear there steps quicken, and I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins begging to be put to good use. As soon as I turned the corner, I bolted looking behind me to see how close they were. However, I ran into something falling to the ground.

"Woah, you okay?"

I hopped up quickly from the ground. I noticed it was the cute boy from the train earlier. Glancing behind me the men had finally arrived, and I quickly turned back around grabbing onto my mystery man. He was way taller than I expected.

"Hey, baby. I missed you let's go inside." His face fell confused and I looked at him pleading with my eyes , while leading him inside some 24 hour diner. I was hoping and praying those men would go away and leave us alone. We slid into a booth farther in the back and I sighed looking out the window, trying to avoid eye contact. He'd been staring since we sat down and it had to have been 5 minutes now.

"Can I get you guys anything to drink?" A waitress waltzed up to the table smiling with a pen and pad.

"A water please." I spoke returning my gaze back out the window. Only shit free in this world.

"And you?"

"I'll take a sprite." He nodded watching her walk away, before returning his gaze back to me.

"You know it's rude to stare, right?" I finally looked back at him.

He smiled showing his huge perfect teeth, and chuckling a little. I admired his face, he was very handsome. If I had to say anything wrong with him, it'd be that one dumbass curl that falls in front of his face.

"You know it's rude to kidnap people, right?"

I scoffed, "Please. I didn't kidnap you. You willingly came."

It fell silent as the waitress brought back the drinks and asked if we knew what we'd want. "No, thank you." I declined.

"Nah, get what you want." He tapped my foot lightly with his. "I'll pay." He nodded, before ordering some burger off the menu.

My heart fluttered, and I said a mini prayer to God thanking him for finding the way, before ordering. I decided to keep it cute and get French toast and eggs even though a bitch could really eat a whole buffet right now.

"Why were you running? I'm guessing from those guys?"

I played with my straw in the water. "They just started chasing me." I shrugged, before looking at him once more. "Thanks for playing along."

"No problem too many black woman, are going missing for my liking."

I nodded not really knowing what to say. I'm glad he was one of few black men willing to protect us. It felt like they were few and far between.

"I saw you staring at me on the train." I joked. "And your friends trying to gas you to talk me."

He laughed, looking down turning that hue of red again. God, I know lightskins hate that shit. I wish my body would tell on me.

"Yeah, you're very beautiful. I'm actually glad I got to see you again. They say if it comes back to you it's yours." He spit his game, trying to be all smooth. Which I didn't mind. His flirting felt genuine and not filled with hidden agendas.

We ate and chatted for a while, having a nice conversation but I could tell it was dying out and he was getting tired. I was sad to say the least, I hadn't had this much fun and felt this safe in years. I didn't want it to end.

"Do you want me to walk you back home or?"

"Nah, it's good. I'll call my sister to come pick me up." I lied to reassure him.

"Well, ok. It was nice meeting you...?"

" Junie." I smiled, realizing we never exchanged names. "Pretty name, for a pretty girl." He started walking towards the door.

"Wait what's yours?"

"LaMelo."

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JUST JUNIE first chapter is out now. This was the adapted version the 1st chapter is a little different so re read it ho*