Confident

A Night to Remember..or Regret

“Walk in this b***h and talk in this b***h” I yelled, stepping out of the bathroom, feeling my energy rise as I headed into my room to get ready for this party.

I wasnt in the mood for doing the most, so I settled on simple but cute. I pullled on a rusted-orange crop top that flattered my d**k brown skin and paired it with distressed black jeans that fit me like a second skin. I slipped on my fur slides, knowing they’d be comfortable enough to dance in if the vibe was right.

A quick swipe of my lashes and a re-swoop of my edges, followed by a layer of glass on my full lips, and I was good to go. Catching my reflection, I did a little dance, feeling myself.

“Oh Trina, baby you some competition-the new baddest b***h is stepping through, doing they ass nasty!” I hyped myself up, checking the time on my phone.

11:45.

Laylay: Bring yo ass downstairs it’s hot

Laylay: On my granny, if sweat my edges out it’s up there

Her important ass could wait a minute. I snapped my necklace around my neck and slid my bracelet onto my wrist, adding ankles to complete the look. Grabbing my oversized purse, I locked up and made my way down to Lay’s white Nissan, waiting with the engine running.

She hand me a once-over, smirking. “I guess you cute. But where you going with this big-ass purse?”

“To f**k yo daddy if you don’t shut the hell up.” I blinked my lashes innocently, a sweet smile plastered on my face.

“See, now you going too far. You know I don’t even fool with him.” She laughed, pulling off into the night.

Lay had her own complicated history with her father. In and out her life until she was 16, using his money, cars, and status to manipulate her, it made her resent him deeply. We bonded back in fifth grade when people spread rumors about her, saying she tried to get with another girl. She swore it wasn’t true, and I didn’t care either way. Loyalty was loyalty.

As we cruised through the city, I pulled out my phone and shot a text to Roscoe, my right hand and one of the only people who knew how deep my operation ran.

To Scoe: Going to a party, not sure the exact location. Ima drop my location to you. Send about 10-12 niggas here. Something in my gut saying it’s about to go down.

**you started sharing location with Scoe for for 12 hours**

Scoe: Why tf would you go if you feel like something gonna happen

Scoe: Alright, we on our way. When I get there, ima be with you so they can just ground me.

“Who you here there texting so fast?” Lay side-eyed me, trying to peep my screen.

I locked my phone and shot her a look. “My daddy, just telling him I’m going out.”

“You don’t even live with your daddy. Why you gotta tell him?”

“That’s my daddy. He gonna know anytime I leave my house at night, no matter who im with. Don’t question me abode who I’m texting-dead that, lil bruh.” My time sharp enough to cut. Her nosiness was starting to grate on my nerves.

“See, now you going too much.” She rolled her eyes, focusing on the road.

We pulled up to the house party, and it was packed. Cars lined the street, and people spilled out onto the lawn, music thumping from inside.

“Lay, take my pictures right quick.” I handed her my phone and posed, my purse hanging from my shoulder, catching the streetlights just right.

“That’s it?” She asked, handing my phone back.

I nodded, scrolling through the photos. “Want me to take yours?”

Lay grinned, shrugging her hacked to reveal more cropped version underneath. She adjusted her herself, her edges laid and her makeup flawless, giving her t that effortlessly vibe.

I snapped her pics, watching her confidence bloom in front of the camera. She had that bad girl energy down to a science-small frame, big presence.

As I posted mine to i********:, I noted Aaliyah stepped out of her car, casual but stunning. She kept it simple-no need for flash when your face was that pretty. Her natural curls framed her face, and she wore a light sweater and jeans combo that hugged her just right.

Capo was the youngest of the crew, but he carried himself like he’d been running these streets forever. Hr had wicks twisting out of his head, goods flashing when he grinned, and a chain swinging over his white tee.

Dior showed up next, stealing the spotlight in a daring party outfit that showcased her curves. She always knew how to dress to impress, her skin glowing, her smile radiant. The girl was effortlessly beautiful, her energy magnetic.

And then there was Pooter, pulling up last. Clean white shirt, fresh jeans, gold chain resting on his chest. He was handsome in a rugged way, the kind of guy whose charm snuck up on you if you weren’t paying attention.

I pocketed my phone and walked into the chaos, the heavy bass vibrating through my chest. Tonight was about to be wild-I could feel it in my bones.

But my mind was still on the earlier conversation with Roscoe. Something was off, and my gut never lied. If things went left tonight, I’d be ready.

Always stay ready.