Rose Cut

Little Friend

I had just finished my third client of the day. She wanted a full sew in with a frontal, but she was late. So, I charged her extra.

I was currently sitting in my chair, drawing in my sketchbook. I had dozens of books like this one at home, but I kept one at the shop just in case I was inspired. I wasn't an artist or anything. I sketched designs that came into my head.

After my mother left me, I had to fend for myself and make my own clothes. I would up cycle my old clothes I couldn't fit, with clothes I got from Goodwill, and the Salvation Army.

It was enough for me and it became a hobby of mine. My birthday was November 26th, and I had this design Ive been working on for awhile.

It was only September, but I wanted to have it sketched now, so I could make it before my Birthday. Just as I was adding some potential colors, my stomach growled. I frowned checking the time.

It was now 1:30 and I was starving. I went in the back to tell Ms. Sharon I was leaving for lunch, and left the building to head home. I jammed K Michelle's "Rich Problems" on my way home, to keep my mind off my stomach. I pulled into the garage once I arrived at my complex.

The complex was three stories with a lobby. The entire top floor was a penthouse and the second floor where my apartment was, held another down the hall from me.

There was only one other person who lived here. I've met the nice old lady who lives on the top floor, but I've never seen anyone living in the apartment on the second floor with me.

My apartment had. two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, grand kitchen and a work study. I pressed the alarm on my keys and took the elevator to the second floor.

Once inside my apartment. I stepped out of my wedges and placed my sketchbook, and my purse on the coffee table. I set an alarm on my iPhone to remind me when I should head back.

My living room followed the same design as my room. Off white walls with gold trim. The room was spacious and open because, I don't like feeling closed in with clutter.

There was a long comfy maroon couch in the middle with love seats on the opposite sides that were the same color as the walls.

The long couch had gold and off white pillows, and the love seats held maroon ones. There was a "52" inch tv hidden in the wall across from the long couch. I kept my maroon black out curtains open to let the sun bathe the room in light.

I walked into my large kitchen and gathered the ingredients for some breaded chicken strips and fries. Something fresh and quick so I could get back to work. I laid all the ingredients on my marble counter and began to make my lunch.

I was an excellent cook, since my father wouldn't have it any other way. After I washed and peeled the potatoes for my fries, I began to slice them into wedges. I was so hungry I stared eating some pineapples I bought yesterday. The smell of food brought back a flood of memories. Those of me cooking when I was younger. My father was a good man who happened to die young.

His name was Faemeion [Fay-Me-yon] Quartz and he was a chef. He would tell me " Lena baby. Your hands are your greatest tools in life. Be grateful and use them. Perfect your crafts my gem ".

We lived in Zone 6 of Atl when he passed. I chopped the potatoes a little too hard and I almost cut myself. I took a moment to calm down before i began again. Being more cautious.

My father died when I was 12 from cancer. He had a nasty habit of smoking cigarettes. Once he died my mom fell apart.

From the hospital bills, to the funeral costs we were left in poverty and my mother blamed my father and me for all of it. She then turned to drugs and spiraled down on a horrible path and dragged me along with her. I loved my mother and we had a great relationship before we lost my father.

It worse that I looked just like her. I can barely stand my freckles since it reminds me of her. I turned on the burners of the stove . I was trying so hard to focus on cooking instead of reminiscing,but it wasn't working.

I remember being so hungry and looking for my mom and she wasn't there. My clothes getting bigger and not knowing what was happening to me, never finding Lupita. She just abandoned me!

"Goddamnit !" I screamed, placing my finger in my mouth to suck on the cut. I wasn't paying attention and my hand slipped. It was very shallow, but hurt like a hell. I went into my second bathroom through the living room. I never use it but, I keep it stocked for guests.

I grabbed a bandaid out of the medicine cabinet and went back in the kitchen.

As I waited for my food to cook, I walked inside my pantry to my wine rack. I needed some liquor but, nothing too strong. Since I had to head back soon.

I poured some red wine into a glass and took a greedy gulp. Why was it so hard to bury my past. All my life I've been running from my past but, it keeps catching up with me. I poured another glass and sipped this time.

I left the bottle on the counter, plated my meal, turned of the stove and cleaned up behind myself. I sat down at my small crystal dinning table and said a prayer before I began to eat. I should have brought the whole damn wine bottle out. My memories were in full swing and with each eat bite the more it sunk in.

Dre rapped me. My junkie moma took the dope and left like she was told. I ran to my room as soon as he said not to run. I tried to close the door but, he rushed the door before I could close it.

I fell back and hit the dresser then the floor. I groaned trying to get up but, he grabbed my ankle and flipped me over. " Where you gonna go now little bitch." I could still hear his gritty voice. I could still feel his slimy hands on me. Everywhere he touched me. I was too far in the memories now.

He knocked me out and threw me on the bed. I wish I stayed unconscious but, I woke up right in between his grunts. I kept my eyes closed but, stayed still until he was finished.

I finished my glass of wine and pushed my food away. Ive seemed to have lost my appetite. I dropped my head in my hands and took deep breathes. "That isn't my life anymore." I told myself.

Once Dre left, I scrubbed myself for hours but, I never felt clean. My mom came back 2 weeks later. I was trying to cope but, I had no one. I felt like I lost my mother and father. I woke up vomiting one day and my mother was gone as usual.

I figured she wasn't coming back this time and I was right. Lupita never came back for me. I started stealing from the grocery store every week just to stay fed but, I couldn't keep it down half the time. One day I stole a pregnancy test . . .

I jumped at the sound of my phone going off. It was my alarm telling me to head out. I stood up to carry my dishes to the sink and wash them. I freshened up a bit and sprayed a little bit of perfume on myself so I wouldn't smell like chicken. I slid my shoes on, grabbed my purse and headed out the door.

I was locking my door when I thought I heard a little girl crying. I shrugged it off, and started to head for the elevator at the end of the hall.

Just then, the most adorable little girl came bolting around the corner. Her hair was a pretty brown, with unruly curls that bounced wildly around her face. She looked about 4 and highly upset, but she wasn't crying. Sobbing loudly, but there wasn't a single tear in sight.

She crashed right into my legs and fell on her bottom. I giggled because, she was so dramatic when she fell. She peaked at me as I helped her up.

Clearly a man dressed her. She had one crowned shaped diamond earring in each ear, and was wearing black, pink, and white; dressed in black jean Tommy Hilfiger overalls, with a white T shirt that had a pink J on the front.

She wore the valentines day Jordan's, a gold heart shaped locked, and a gold charm bracelet that held 3 diamond embedded letters P,K,J . This child's attire could buy a car.

" Whats wrong bebita ?" I asked. She grinned up to me. "tu hablas español! (you speak Spanish)" she said excitedly in a small musical voice.

" Sí " I responded, smiling softly .

" My Papa doesn't speak it , but my mommy do." she said simply.

" And where are they? " I asked the little girl.

" P R I S C I L L A !!!!! " I heard a smooth deep voice shouting, coming from around the corner. The little girl jumped at the sound of the voice, and ran behind my legs peeking through. I laughed at her scrambling away from the voice. Must be her father I thought to myself.

I stood up and looked to where the voice was coming from. There was a man walking gracefully around the corner. Graceful was the only way I could easily describe him. He walked with purpose. Like he was totally in control everything.

He was tall, "6'1" with the same brown curly hair as the little girl but, it was short, and he had his sides faded. He had a strong jawline and a sexy muscular build. He spotted me and his daughter and we made eye contact.

I bit my lip, as I watched him approach us. His face hardened like he didn't want to talk to me. He stopped in front of me but, Priscilla had all his attention.

" Scilla. You know better than to run from me, I'm not playing anymore. Get over here. NOW. " he demanded in his deep velvet voice. It boomed with authority and I felt myself getting moist at the sound of it.

" But daddy !!! " she wailed stomping over to his side, wiping away fake tears.

" Hey, It's no harm done really." I began.

" Look why don't you mind your business. Alright." He snapped cutting me off.

" Excuse me? " I said glaring at him. " I was helping you out. After you lost your daughter. I could have just left her by herself." I huffed crossing my arms.

" And that would have showed what kind of woman you are." He said grabbing Priscilla's hand turning from me. My jaw dropped open as I gaped at him for being so rude, I quickly closed it.

" PaPa be nice, I like her and ella es muy bonita, Sí ? ( she is beautiful. Yes?) " She asked looking at him. I could tell she was his world. Just by seeing him gaze at her. Once she started speaking his whole demeanor changed. He snuck a look at me and smirked " Sí " he confirmed.

" Im Sorry. " He said after a pause. Scilla smiled at me. She was so cute. " I appreciate your help. Priscilla was upset about her hair. She took off after throwing a tantrum." he explained.

" I want it curly, but this " she gestured to her hair. " Is too much. " she finished rolling her eyes. " Mommy couldn't take me and PaPa wont. " she frowned.

I was in shock at how smart Priscilla was. She spoke with such confidence and flair to be so young. Of course I absolutely adored her. She was beautiful and dramatic, but also manner-able.

You could tell she was bold but, she knew when to behave herself. I wanted to put a smile on her face, and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity.

" I could do her hair. " I offered. The man was taken aback but, Scilla was in pure bliss.

" Gracias! Muchas gracias! " she screamed jumping up and down, showing all her pearly whites.

" No, I can't let you do that ... " he protested, trying to stop her from jumping.

I giggled at his attempts. " It's no problem. Really. " I said stopping his protest further. " I do hair." I explained softly. "Well I'm a hair stylist. " I corrected myself. For some reason I was nervous. He was just so fine. His s*x appeal was rolling off him in waves. He looked me in my eyes so I knew I had his full attention.

He stood relaxed but, alert in his all black jogger outfit. The only color was the white writing of the logo down his arm, and the white and black Js on his feet. He had a gold Rolex that had too many diamonds to see the time, and a single sold gold chain.

" Im Rosalina Quartz, and I was actually headed back to the salon. " I explained more.

" I could take her... or You could follow me there. " I rushed out seeing the look on his face when I said " Take ".

Priscilla was tugging on his arm. Looking like a sad puppy. "Please Daddy? " she pleaded. He looked at me and looked at her before chuckling. " Ok. " He conceded, making His daughter do her happy salsa dance.

I laughed at how extra she was but, still cute. " Im Jamir Jacobs and this trouble maker is Priscilla. " he actually smiled as he introduced himself, and I peeped he had pearly whites and bottom slugs.

I giggled as Priscilla grabbed my hand and lead Jamir and I towards the elevator. I looked over at him and he just chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, so I went along with it.

" Is that your real hair?" she asked me as Jamir pressed the button to call the elevator.

" Yes, it is. " I answered as I winked at her making her giggle.

" How old are you? " I asked, curious to know if I guessed correctly.

" Im 4 years old. Mi cumpleaños es el 26 de de noviembre de " she answered excitedly.

" entonces es mío ! (My is too!) " I told her, as the elevator finally arrived and we got on. She screamed, grabbed her heart and pretended to faint. Me and Jamir bust out laughing. I noticed he had a sexy laugh too. Jamir pressed the button to the garage as we both tried to stop laughing so hard.

" I knew you were special." she spoke looking me in the eyes. The way she looked at me warmed my heart. Out of the corner of my eye, I could tell Jamir noticed it too. He was watching me while also looking between Scilla and I.

I did a nervous cough to break the silence. " So how long have you stayed here? " I asked gently. " This is the first time i've seen you both. "

Jamir looked at me for a moment before he answered.

" She's normally with her mom, but, I wanted her for her Birthday. " he sated simply.

" Annnnd, what about you? " I asked prying for more information as the elevator stopped and opened its doors for us. We got off the elevator and I headed over to my car. Jamir had Priscilla's hand walking softly behind me.

I stopped to my car, unlocked the doors and threw my purse in. Jamir walked past to an all black 2016 Lincoln that I didn't notice before. I guess he wasn't gonna answer my question.

I hopped in, clicked on my seatbelt and cranked the car up. I pulled out carefully and waited for Jamir to get behind me. When he was, I left the garage with him on my tail. After 20 minutes, we arrived at the salon and I parked in my usual spot.

Jamir pulled in smoothly next to me. I unlocked my seatbelt, grabbed my purse and stepped out the car. Jamir walked bristly up to me with an irritated Priscilla in tow. " Gimmie your phone. " his velvety voice demanded.

I scrunched my face up at his tone but didn't question him. I unlocked and handed over my phone. He did something quick and handed it back. " I put my number in your phone. " he explained.

" Something came up with work and I can't sit with her. Im trusting you Rosalina, please take care of her ." he pleaded as I stared at him. " Ok " I agreed.

" You can trust me Jamir. " I told him honestly. I found myself wanting desperately for him to believe me. He nodded his head dropping down to Priscilla's height. " Alright now, I gotta go. So I need you to behave and show Rosalina how you were raised to be. Understand me ? " he questioned her. Jamir addressed her so adult like.

" Yes sir , I understand. " she answered sweetly. Without missing a beat. " Thats my girl. " he said kissing her forehead and hugging her tight. I smiled witnessing how close their relationship was. " what happens when your crown tilts princess? " he asked releasing her. " It might slip but, It will never fall. " she replied and winked as her and Jamir did a cute hand shake.

He stood up and smiled at me "Thank you ma. " said Jamir softly. " Your welcome. " I responded. Smiling a bit too much. He jogged over to his car and pulled out just as smoothly as he parked. Speeding off down the street faster than he was driving before. I grabbed a smiling Priscilla's hand and steered her to the salon.

" Come on my little friend. " I said with a grin.