Page 17 of Rayzor: Tell Me It’s Mine II

“You’ve lost your damn mind.”

He shrugged. “Maybe. And if you wanna throw me out how you did Court then so be it, but I’m not stopping. You can burn whatever you want, I can always replace it.” I walked off, heading back up the driveway.

“If you leave, you better not come back here tonight. I won’t allow disrespect from a boy that barely knows his ass from his nose,” she shouted, and I shook my head. Just when I thought she’d let me leave peacefully, she showed me she was still vile.

I can’t believe she even did that shit. Now what the fuck was I gonna do? I had plans for that money, and I had to be down at the ring in two days.

Looking back over my shoulder, I saw the flame, but Mama didn’t come after me. Part of me wanted her to because it showed she wasn’t giving up on me, but the other didn’t want her to so I could show her I was standing on business.

I pulled out my phone, debating if I wanted to make this call but knew I had to because I wasn’t likely able to go back home tonight. I could’ve stayed down at my homeboy’s, but I didn’t want to hear his mama preaching to me or for my mama to come down there bringing drama.

It rang and I debated ending the call.

“Maleek. How are you?” he answered.

I slipped my hand inside my pocket.

“I’m aiight, but I need a favor.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“I need somewhere to stay tonight.”

The line went silent. I halted, thinking I’d made a mistake. What if he said nah? I mean, I wasn’t homeless for the night, but I was banking on him.

“Uh, yeah. Okay. We can arrange that.”

His tone made me feel like he was at least listening and not trying to control the narrative. That made me feel heard.

I relaxed a bit. “Yeah, for real. Aiight. Bet.” I smiled.

“Just let me know where you are, and I’ll send someone for you.”

I looked around my neighborhood and knew if someone saw him, they’d report back to Mama. I had to think quickly, but trying not to sound like I was panicking.

“I’ll call when I get where I’m going. I’m about a lil’ ways out from it.”

“Just say the word.”

“Bet.”

“I look forward to your call.”

I hung up and turned on my music as I started my quick walk to the spot.

The leaves wrestled on the ground as I stepped on them, crushing them underneath my feet. The wind howled, reminding me that I should’ve taken my coat instead of a jacket. I zipped up to my chin and put both hands inside the pockets.

Cars passed along, blowing at me. I tossed my head back, speaking without words while hoping nobody told Mama they saw me. Even if they did, I wasn’t going back home with her.

The walk wasn’t long. I was headed to the Chevron a few blocks away. Far enough out of the way, but close enough that I knew where I was. The pumps were packed, which I hated because it meant someone would see me.

But the girls were out, and I had to play it cool. Keeping my head down, my back turned, I sent the text that I was ready.

A black truck pulled up ten minutes later, tinted out.. It didn’t park at a pump but sat in the middle of the lot. All eyes fell on it as the back passenger window slowly crept down.

I barely took two steps toward it before City blocked it in.

Fuck, I thought to myself.