Rose Cut

© Copy Rights © 2016 CAMETRICE M. HEYWARD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE PICTURES AND OR MEDIA USED IN THIS NOVEL . IMAGES ARE USED STRICTLY TO ENHANCE READERS EXPERIENCE AND OR PROVIDE VISUAL COMPARISONS AS WELL AS DESCRIPTIONS FOR CHARACTERS FEATURES . THIS STORY IS PURELY FROM MY MIND AND MY MIND ALONE . "I know you better have my s**t Lupita..." "I can make you feel like a man Dre, I can make you feel real good." Dre smacked the small women across her face. "I don't want yo dirty ass b***h!" he spat, as her frail body dropped to the ground with a hard thud. Her once beautiful peach hair; now matted and dirty from neglect, fell over her slightly freckled face. He kicked her in the stomach once, before he began searching the room. "I know you got something in here." he mumbled mostly to himself. After tearing through the small living room, Dre heard a noise down the hall. He quickly pulled his strap and aimed it in the direction of the sound. "BRING YO ASS OUT HERE!" he shouted. After a brief pause, a little girl came from around the corner at the end of the hall. She also had peach hair and these beautiful green eyes, which were streaming tears. Dre started laughing. "Oh Lupita, you got a kid? Damn she fine too, How old are you?" he asked the girl. "She's 14 and that's her real hair too. Can I have some now Dre? You can have her. I just want a little bit Dre." The dirty woman babbled. Dre grinned. "Here..." He tossed over a small bag of dope to the woman. "and get the f**k out of here." He told her putting his gun back in his pants as he started towards the girl. "Come here, and don't you run from me....." I sat up instantly. "What time is it?" I groaned, as I strained to look at the clock. Trying my best to shake off the dream. Or should I say memory... It was only 5 am and I still had 3 hours untill I had to be at the shop. I've been working at Slayed Life for 2 years now. Ms. Sharon, gave me a job after she noticed some of her clients coming to me instead of her. Sharon was a small sweet woman, about 47 years old. She told me she needed the business that I could bring, and added that I wouldn't have to rent a chair in her shop. I've been doing hair since high school and got my licence some months after I graduated. I was dumb young at the time, and just moved here, in dire need of a fresh start. I accepted her offer and we grew close. Now, I open up from time to time. Today was Friday, and I had to get there early so I could run the numbers for the end of the week. We were closed on Saturday and Sundays, So today was the only day it could be done. I'm not one to procrastinate, so I normally did this task first thing in the morning. I knew I wouldn't get back to sleep. So I climbed out of my plush California king bed, and headed over to my bathroom. My room was spacious and open. The walls were off white and there was a huge window to let the moon shine in. I turned on the lights in my bathroom and stood over the sink looking at my reflection. I hated having that dream, and with my birthday coming up. I knew that's whats been triggering them. I kept those memories buried deep down in my mind. With the rest of my horrid childhood. I pulled my long hair up into a messy bun and undressed as I walked to the shower. I quickly adjusted the temperature and hopped in to clear my head. As soon as I started washing, I began to relax. I should be use to the memory, but sometimes its hard. I was only 14 when my crack head mother let that man touch me. I hated thinking about it, but how could I not? I quickly reminded myself that I've come far from that scared little girl. My mom left me months after the incident, and she never came back. I had to fend for myself everyday and I was doing good. Well... until he came back that is. I let out a deep breath, finished my shower, stepped out turning the water off. I wrapped myself in a towel as I went to brush my teeth. It was 6am when I last glanced at the clock. I rubbed coco butter all over my body and slid on my black lace thong, busying myself with familiarities. My daily routine became tranquil, as I began my early start of the day. I went to my walk-in closet to find something to wear. I loved shoes and had a whole wall of them, but my real passion happened to be clothes. I grabbed the outfit I laid out for today. It was a sheer olive blouse, with a deep plunge, that also had my back out. I paired it with my cream high waisted straight leg pants, and practically sighed with pleasure. "Damn I look good." I cooed to my reflection. I'm only "5'4" but you could say Im curvy in all the right places. I have bright green eyes and long peach colored hair, that I have my mom to thank for. Pretty much a little bit of everything was gifted to me. My mixed origins gave me looks, but what I hated was my freckles. They reminded me too much of the woman I never wanted to become. Scattered daintily across my nose, cheek, and forehead. Was a resemblance I chose not to see. Satisfied with my clothes, I went to my vanity to put some makeup on and covered my freckles. I filled in my eyebrows and since I had time to spare, I quickly wand curled my hair, and at 7:30. I slid on my matching suede wedges, and grabbed my purse. Switching out of my room, I headed through my apartment and out of the door. I already had 7 heads scheduled for today. I locked my home and headed down towards the garage. I lived in a private complex called Clear View. Up Top Santana, in Detroit. Up top was for the rich and successful. The most expensive mansions were Up Top on "Da Hill" which was a gated community within it . I moved here when I was ,19 from Atlanta, Georgia and with only $300,000 in a duffle bag. It was a nice area for me to start over. Down Bottom or " The Grounds", which the locals call it. Was considered the hood. Where death was just something you avoided and kept quiet about it. The Salon was about a 30 minute drive from my place, but was right in between Up Top and The Grounds. Making it the perfect place for bougie women and the hood rich ones also. I unlocked my black charger getting in. I placed my purse in the passenger seat, connecting my phone after cranking up. Once clicked in safely, I pulled out headed for Slayed Life. I saw my best friend Dorinda calling so I answered. "ROOOSSAAEE'" singed Dorinda through the line. "Ha. Hey Rinda. What's poppin?" I giggled, as I swerved through traffic. "Just calling to let you know a b***h need her hair laid. I got everything set up for us at the club tonight, and before you say no. Let me remind you that I'm your best friend, and yo ass is going." she explained sternly. I rolled my eyes glad she couldn't see me. "Yeah alright, but i'm not trying to meet nobody Dorinda, and your ass better be at the shop ASAP! I got a lot of people today." I replied, giving in to her scheme. Me and Rinda have been friends since I was 16 and she was 18. We met in school when these two girls tried to jump me. I held my own but, they got me on the ground somehow. As soon as my back hit that ground, Dorinda jumped in to help. We've been tight ever since. You would think she was my sister, as much as we were together, but she's darker than me and her eyes are brown. Plus she really has a mouth on her. Dorinda doesn't take s**t from nobody. "Yaaasss! I'll be there in a sec, let me wash this club off me and i'm there." she replied happily. I knew she had to be tired. Since she was a bartender at the hottest club called Eclipse. Owned by no other than Apollo Hart. He was a big name in these streets, and he's married to Tiara Hart. A bigger b***h in these streets. I pulled into my parking spot clocking the time at 7:45am. "Okay hun, See you in a bit. I have to open up now." I told her, trying to get off the phone. "Alright, alright. Love ya". she replied sweetly. "yo también te amo(I love you more)" I said as I hung up. I briskly walked up to the store and started opening up immediately. On the last shutter gate, I saw a strong hand reach out. I jumped back and reached inside my purse. "Aye hold up ma! I was only trying to help. " The man spoke, as I faced him. Really I mean looked up at him. He was over 6ft for sure and fine as hell, with these soft brown eyes. I could tell that he was muscular through his clothes, but he had on a suit and that confused me. From the type of suit I could tell he had money. But what kind? I couldn't help thinking to myself. I kept my hand in my purse and stayed quiet. He lifted the shutter and turned to face me. "You can let go of the mace now. I just wanted to help you out." he chuckled, as he straightened out his suit. I rolled my eyes and walked to unlock the door, letting my beretta fall back in my purse. "no hablo Inglés(I don't speak English)". I spoke over my shoulder, as I pushed the door open. I placed my purse on the counter while I turned on the lights. The chime on the door went off, and I turned to see the same man walking in. "hablo un poco de Español(I speak a little Spanish)" he spoke fluently, smiling at me. "mi nombre es ...(my name is..)" "What do you want?" I cut him off, as I crossed my arms over my chest. He looked shocked as he pulled back the hand he had begun to reach out. "I was just being friendly." he replied with a slight tone. I cut my eyes as I snatched my purse up, and walked towards the back. "You were friendly outside. Why are you still here?" I retorted. "Thanks. Buh bye now." I tossed over my shoulder. I was past ready for him to leave. "You got a mouth on you, and i'm here on business." the man commented, as I rolled my eyes. "Now my names Dorian, What's yours? Chill with the attitude." Dorian warned, while he followed me to the back like he was crazy. Now I guess I know what kinda money he has. I went to the back, through the wash area, and stopped in the break room by Ms. Sharon's Office. I felt him following me still. So I turned to look him up and down. He just stood there watching me and smirked when he saw me checking him out. "Im Rose, and whats your buisness doing here?" I shot back. "I heard Ms. Sharon might not make it this month and I had an offer for her." he said as he rolled his shoulders. He was most definitely shady, but damn he was sexy. "Well as you can see she's not here. I stated simply, as I switched to my locker. I felt him follow behind me, but I didn't realize how close until I heard him speak. "Well when she does get here..." He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. He then, lifted my chin so I was looking him dead in his eyes. "Tell her what I said. Understand?" he demanded. I just nodded my head, and just like that. He let me go and strolled out of the shop. I leaned against the locker and sighed. Quickly grabbing my sketchbook from my locker. I headed into the office to start the numbers. I finished fast and headed back to the front to prep my area for my clients. My booth is the first chair next to service desk, where the assistant Charity takes the appointments. The shop wasn't that big, but the setup made it comfortable. There were three other chairs for Ms. Sharon, and her two stylists Claudia and Shawna. Hearing the chime again, I spun around thinking it was Dorian, but instead I saw Ms. Sharon walking in. She sat down behind the counter. Looking tired as she hunched over the appointment book. "Morning Ms. Sharon. How ya holding up?" I asked, as I walked over to lay a hand on her shoulder. "Morning Rose." she replied tiredly. "The bank won't give me a loan, They say its not profitable." she huffed out wiping her face. She has been running herself ragged trying to save her shop. Asking banks for a loan and lowering prices for more business. Ms.Sharon was at her wits end by the looks of it. "I don't know what i'm gonna do Rosalina." she answered me. turning to look at me. I chewed on my bottom lip, debating on telling her about Dorian or not. I walked over to my station. To busy my hands, and think about how much I should tell her. "Well there was a man in here earlier when I was opening up." I began slowly. "He mentioned that he wanted to talk to you." I explained, peeking her interest. "To me?" She said with wonder. "About what?" she asked, surprise clear in her voice. I sat in my chair and turned around to read her face. "He said he had an offer for you. I don't know how, but he heard about what's going on." I replied, crossing my legs. "Well who is he? I'm not selling Rose. I have been here for years. Im not trying to leave." she said in a rush. "I know, I know but, maybe he could be a temporary solution. I'm just saying he looked like he had money and he seemed. . .serious." I said cutting her off. I told Ms. Sharon more about Dorian, and how he just came out of nowhere, but I left out the parts of him invading my space. Once I finished, she had this hard look on her face. "I don't like this Dorian guy but, I'm desperate. So i'll think about it." she answered. Sharon looked as if she wanted to say more, but Charity walked in. Charity was 18, the youngest in the salon. She was also white with black hair and brown eyes. She had big lips and kept her hair pulled back from her face. Charity was so sweet but, shy as well. She had on a yellow sundress with sandals. "Morning everyone." She greeted us, as she came in. Ms. Sharon smiled and waved, then got up to head in her office. I guess she needed a moment. Charity got settled in and called me over. "Rose you had two clients reschedule for next week, I told them there was a fee for changing on short notice, so add that in." she explained, while going through the appointment book. "gracias cariño. (Thanks sweetie.)" I beamed as I hugged her. "De nada amiga( Your welcome friend)" she giggled, hugging me back. That should free me up for an hour lunch. Since I forgot to eat breakfast, I was beginning to feel my hunger. At least now I can go home to eat. My first client walked in and I got straight to work. She wanted some Ghana cornrows, so I laid the weave out and parted her hair. I was halfway done when Dorinda walk in with Claudia laughing all loud. Dorinda had her natural hair out with a baseball cap. She had on a navy blue sleeveless t-shirt that stopped above her belly button, and black tights with some navy blue and black Nikes. Claudia was dressed in a stripper's outfit. Seriously, thats what it looked like to me. It was all black with a deep dip in the back. It showed the side if her breasts, and she wore it with gold 6inch heels. Claudia was from the grounds and proud of it. "5'6" and dark skin with long dark purple hair. We were cool to a certain extent. I didn't like her attitude though. Every other word out of her mouth was f**k, and she was hella thirsty over men. I had to admit to being mad at seeing her and Rinda so chummy. Like what the f**k could be so funny. I ignored their loud asses and continued to finish my head. "b***h that s**t was LIT!" Claudia's loud mouth boomed through the salon. "You in there tonight right?" she asked Rinda. "Apollo said we all will be in VIP, and if his fine ass friend in there I call dibs." she giggled, and winked as she switched over to her booth way too hard. Ms. Sharon came up to see where the noise was coming from, but quickly turned around when she saw Claudia. "Of course WE are going." said Rinda. "Rosae' and I are turning up tonight." she came over to kiss my cheek. I rolled my eyes at the nickname and smiled at my best friend. Back when we were in school. Dorinda and I, snuck out to a house party. Everyone from school was there, and we were having a great time; until the Captain of the football team spiked Dorinda's drink and tried to take her upstairs. I panicked and grabbed the first thing I could, which happened to be a bottle of Rosay. I cracked him over the head and took Rinda out of there. The next day at school everyone called me Rosae' instead of Rose and the nickname stuck. Once we moved here I asked her to stop calling me that. As you can see. She refused. I slicked my clients edges and cleaned the weave up. She thanked and paid me before she left. Dorinda sat down and took her cap off. Her hair was so long and pretty. I ran my fingers threw her thick softness, also smelling her shampoo from washing it throughly. I quickly started braiding her down for a partial sew in. "Gurl I can't wait to be on the other side of that bar. I get tired of serving drinks watching everyone else turn up." Dorinda complained pouting. "Its time to shake this ass, and pull me a nigga." she giggled. "I know thats f*****g right." cackled Claudia. We heard the door chime again, and saw Shawna walking into the shop. "Put the hyena back in the wild. Sounds like I walked into the jungle." snorted Shawna, as she peeked over her MK sunglasses, switching to her booth. Her nude heels clicked across the tile, as she chuckled under her breath. Shawna was a bougie b***h. Better yet a Hoe digger. A red bone with a fake ass, but her breast were real as far as I knew. She was pretty in a video hoe kinda way. You knew with girls like her, they always come with a price tag and debt. She acted as if she walked on water and we were lucky to be around her. b***h please. "Hey Shawna" I grinned over at her. "Who's house are you coming from this time? " I asked being shady, since everyone knew she had to be coming from some rich guys home. "Wouldn't you like to know." she snapped, shrugging off my shade. "Im only here because I have a big client today." she continued on. "Dorinda you might know her, Tiara Hart?" Shawna spoke as she sat down in her chair. She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder, and crossed her legs as she smirked. She had on a jean jumpsuit that buttoned down in the front. Dorinda stiffened a little and it made me pay attention more. "She's Apollo Harts wife." bragged Shawna. "we are very close friends." "Who's Apollo?" squeaked Charity. Everyone burst out into laughter. "Goodness Charity, even I know about him." I spoke up, wiping my eye. "He's got a grip on the grounds drug trade and up tops pill game. The guy is rolling in dough." I told her. "I don't hardly keep up with that mess." said Charity as she went back to work. "Well I heard he got a home boy named Dorian that just got in town." piped up Claudia. I listened closer at the sound of his name. " I even saw him once, and he is F I N E." she purred. I zoned out a little, as a shiver went down my spine thinking about Claudia messing with Dorian. I shrugged it off and put the finishing touches on Dorinda's hair. I gave her a middle part and pressed her hair bone straight. Her mink bundles dangled down her back. Tickling her plump ass. "Thanks baby," she cooed, while swinging her hair. "How much?" She asked, pulling a knot of money out her bra. Dorinda made good money at the club. $25 an hour to be exact. Plus she gets to keep all her tips. Even on a slow night she brings home at least $300 in tips. Dorinda's the life of the party and fine as hell, but her knot looked over three grand. Where could she have gotten all that money? It surprised me too see her with so much on her regardless. "Its on the house best friend." I spoke, eyeing the money. She notice the look on my face, and quickly put the money back in her bra. "I love you girl." beamed Dorinda. "yo también te amo(I love you more)" I replied with a smile. "Ugh, Can you speak english. Your not across the boarder anymore "Vato"." spat Shawna as she rolled her eyes at us. "Tiara will be here soon and I don't need her seeing it all ethnic in here." Shawna snapped. Dorinda stepped into gear when she heard Tiara's name mentioned again. She hugged me and headed for the door. "I gotta go handle a few things." Said Dorinda as she made her exit. "I'll see y'all later." she called over her shoulder. I looked over at Claudia, who shrugged and walked to the back. Letting it go for now, I put my thoughts about Dorinda's weird behavior away as my next client came in. Damn, was I hungry. Lunch was at 1 and it was only 11:00am. I couldn't wait to get home later on.