Can You Find Who's in These Pages

Can You

Find Who’s In

These Pages

by

An G J

© 2005 An G J. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 01/24/06

ISBN: 1-4208-7127-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4634-9290-8 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Bloomington, Indiana

Contents

Peeking Through a Closed Window

The Way We Roll

Barbara Morrow

Victim Impact

A Gangster Love

The Fist the Family

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Acknowledgments ……………

To my sons, Mo and Bil’al

Who I will always love from the depth of my soul. I wish you great success and long prosperity in all your endeavors.

To my brothers, Charles, David, Ronald, Reginald, and Daniel

Who have supported me from the start? Who have taught me to hold my own. I say this is the start of many and great things to come.

In the memories of my mother, Marie

Who taught me strong family ties are not only the foundation but also the strings that hold the cords together.

To my father, Charlie

Who showed me hard work and perseverance are not only the stepping-stone to dreams, but also the opening dreaming.

And Linda Williams

Who opened her heart, talent, voice, and inspiration that keep me on my P’s and Q’s! Thank you for you time, wisdom, and knowledge.

Thank you all, for without the different personality I took from you, it would have taken me longer to reach this pinnacle in my life.

Peeking Through a Closed Window

Peeking Through a Closed Window

Asia…. sixteen, lay awake in her divan, looking out of her bedroom window. Unable to sleep for the third night in a row, she began to count the stars and questioned if the moon should be counted as well. A full moon, she whispered. I wonder if this means something good is on the horizon. It’s awfully warm for an October night, she thought. "I believe they call this Indian summer. Oh my…a shooting star, better wish for some changes. At this point, my life is as dull as the day I was born.

Well, SHE doesn’t think that my life is dull, SHE wants me to live as if I was three years old. SHE doesn’t want to believe I’m growing up with a mind of my own. Things are going to change around here; it’s been too long and I must answer for myself someday. It’s time for a change, and SHE can’t get away with everything. I wonder how SHE would feel if things were turned around.

Looking at her nightstand, Asia grabbed her headphones, putting ‘em on her head. She began to listen to the CD Terrence her celebrity boyfriend made for her. It was filled with all of their favorite songs. Starting with Mrs. Adams… Mountain High Valley Low, ending with Jill Scott’s Rhythm and Blues.

Who’s Jill Scott? I guess he recorded it to end a feud we were having, or to stop me from listening to the rumors that was circling.

It was Friday, October 11. I was mad and never forget all those nasty rumors I heard about him creeping with Ms. Thang. At first, I just ignored them till I seen it all over the school walls, and then the personal letter I found in my locker. I was heated, and broke it off. He denied it all, but who knew? Anyhoo, he slipped this CD in my locker. Come to find out Ms. Thang was the one who was putting it out there, silly ass, lying to everyboda! Make it so bad she didn’t hesitate when telling me; the best thing for me to do is to let him go. I never had a chance in the first place. Bitch! When I told him what she said, he came over to my locker and without me noticing a thing, slip the CD in and labeled it OUR SONGS.

Can’t wait to see him again. The letter I got yesterday said in ‘bout three weeks, he’ll be in town on a break between movies and then off to shoot the big one in Paris. Terrence is doing real well right now. Life is going just the way he’s always dreamed. And it should; he’s only been singing and dancing since the age of three. His mother said he was destined to be a star, something he’s wanted from birth. Claiming she only assisted him with getting to and from auditions.

I still ‘member the tryouts for the ninth grade play. He was the shoo-in for the lead. Looking at him, I didn’t think he was the best-looking guy on stage, or at the school for that matter, but he was nice, polite, and funny. He stood out from the crowd. I’m sure that’s what drawn me to him; he was all of it. Wished he had thought the same of me. Actually, what he said was, girls were the last things on his agenda, education first, acting second, and of course sports. But he did say Hi, if you need any help with your lines, I’m your man. Glancing at him, I was embarrassed. I smiled but covered it with my lines. Pushing the paper aside, he walked away, but not before saying, Being shy is one thing, you’re in showbiz, baby. Better take all the help you can get! That was the coolest thing anyone had ever said to me. So sure of himself, and willing to help anyone who could use it.

I know he really cares for me and wants us to be together. SHE thinks that he is going to go off and get wit’ someone in his own circle, leaving me in the wind. Just like that ball player from Philly did to his girlfriend some time ago. He would get one of those California girls. And if that did not work, he would come back for Ms. Thang or Miss Walker, as she likes to be called, all because they had a thing going one time or another. Hell, she ain’t nothing but a gold digger, hoochie, chicken head. Chasing money wherever she could, or any college boy with potential.

Little do SHE know, I’m… in his circle. He’ll be here in ‘bout three weeks and I’m going to be ready. Ready and waiting, that is! They thought it would not happen. It’s happening! He would never stay with me. He’s with me! I say, look at me now, world! I’m the number one lady in his life. It’s me that he speaks of when he is in front of the nation and is asked if he has a special lady in his life. My Terrence has no problem saying that he is involved with someone from his hometown. And that someone is I…Asia Lipman! Not that bitch Miss Walker, but me, little ole’ me.

Rolling over, Asia pulled the covers close to her neck, before closing her eyes; sweet dreams of her future with Terrence put her at ease as she drifted off to sleep.

Waking to the sound of her mother’s voice, Asia yawned as she stretched her arms over her head. Removing the headphones, she placed them on the nightstand. Walking to the bathroom, she hung over the sink, turning on the water, sprinkling some in her face. Cupping her hands, she put some in her mouth. Splashing it around, she then spit it out and reached for her toothbrush; squeezing the paste down the center, she immediately began brushing. Looking in the mirror, she examined her teeth then flossed.

Lord, please let this be the day I get on the cheerleading squad, she spoke out loud. I’ve been practicing for weeks, and so far it looks like I’m the pitch. That’s if Amy Gamble doesn’t show because of her right ankle. Or at least that’s what Linda Myers says. She should know, she’s the captain! I know I will look good in that suit. Yeah, how could they not want to pick me? I have what it takes. Plus, Linda likes me and that’s what really matters during tryouts. She’s a real bitch, but it doesn’t matter ‘cause she is the shot caller when getting on the squad; afterwards, you can do your own thing. Oh yeah, being on point, not missing cartwheels, and what have you.

Moving closer to the mirror, Asia began examining her face. Grabbing a small square cloth from a container labeled facial wash, she soaked it with warm water to start the suds, applying it to her face, before patting it dry. Applying liner to one lash, she then started on the other. Truly, all her mom would let her wear without a morning war. Well, sometimes colored lip-gloss, depending on the color.

Morning, Asia. I need to use the bathroom. I’ve gotta pee! She looked down towards the small voice. Indiana stood holding her crotch and rubbing the morning sleep out of one eye.

Go head, get on! No need to ask now, you’re already in here!

Still sleepy, Indiana sat on the stoop and relieved herself. You gonna be a cheerleader today? the voice asked openly without warning.

Hope so…why?

Cause I want to see you.

Thanks! Asia hugged her and then watched her try to exit the bathroom. Hey, don’t forget to wash your hands, she reminded her little sister.

On the other side of the bathroom door stood their mother, tapping lightly before slowly walking in. Are you coming straight home from school? she asked.

I dunno, ‘cause I want to practice, I mean try out for the squad.

Well, I really need you to pick up Indiana.

Aw, Mom, can’t she go next door to Mrs. Collins?

If I had the money, I would send her, but I don’t so I’m asking that you do it…please!

Sucking her teeth, Asia asked, Can I get her a little early and take her to the tryouts?

I don’t see why not, she loves to watch you and the girls do your thing. Mom was rocking her hips back and forward with a big smile on her face.

Well, tell her not to get on my nerves, and to sit down and not be running all over the place! ‘Cause if she is the reason for me not making it…man I’m gonna…

I’m sure that won’t be called for. I think Indiana likes watching you and the girls cheer. Throwing her hands up, mocking cheerleaders everywhere, Mom smiled.

Yea, whatever!

What… ever… Mom! Mom answered while jumping ever so lightly off the ground.

Putting her hands up high above her head, Asia went into a split, while cheering, G…O…You need to GO!

Pretty good, Mom added while walking out. Good luck with your tryouts, sweetie, and please don’t forget your sister. Thanks!

Dressing for school, Asia put on one of her trendiest outfits. Then remembering her mother downstairs in the kitchen, she quickly added a scarf around her neck and a pullover sweater to cover the crop top. Wedge heels, to enhance the look, but not before painting her toenails. Jumping off the bed, she headed for the kitchen, where breakfast was being prepared.

That skirt is a little short, don’t you think? Mom asked as Asia entered the kitchen.

Aw Mom, please. I’m the only girl in the whole school who still dresses like Sister Mable.

And…would that be before or after you take off the clothing you want me to believe you’re wearing? Cooking, she avoided eye contact with Asia.

What are you talking ‘bout? I don’t take off any clothes at school. Her face was a little distraught as she stared at the back of her mother’s head.

So explain to me why, in all of your school pictures or any picture you take, it never seems to reveal the clothing you had on when you leave the house in the morning. Turning and facing Asia, Mom gave her a sarcastic smile. Maybe we can come to some kind of agreement on the clothing. I don’t like it when you do things behind my back, she added.

Mom, I just want to dress hip like all the other teenagers in my school.

Then why don’t you talk to me and give me a try? I was your age once too, you know. Now eat your breakfast so you can get going. Turning around, she continued to cook the morning meal.

Thanks, Mom!

You’re welcome. Oh yea, you may want to go and change that sweater, it’s really going to be too hot for that one today! Giving her a smile, she was sure Asia had something else under it.

Entering the school, it started off like any other Friday morning. Asia stopped by her locker, turning the dial first to the right and then to the left before it would open. Grabbing a few select books to cover her first and second period classes, she was met by two of South Bridges’ most popular, Pinky and Toni, who quickly started the morning conversation. ’Sup, hoe? Pinky asked while approaching.

Not much, I still can’t sleep at night.

Wh…at? Toni, an overly sex-crazed teenager who had the body of a twenty-three-year-old replied. Thinking ‘bout getting some of that poo tang! Ar…cha! Grabbing onto Asia’s shoulder they began to laugh.

Glancing over at Pinky, Asia gave her a sarcastic grin. Returning the smile, Pinky folded her arms and waited for an answer. Inquiring minds wanta know! What’s the dilo? Batting her eyes, she continued, I know you let him hit that once or twice. Sista just wanta know if it all that? You know now that the brother got all that…cheddar.

Y’all crazy! Asia snapped.

All girl, you know you wants some.

Slightly embarrassed, Asia closed her locker to see her best friend Gail approaching. Gail was tall, dark, and slender, her hair soft, shiny, and wavy. It bounced when she walked. She too had her share of fantasy about boys.

Waving her hand in a quick circular motion, Asia spoke loud and quickly, Girl, hurry up and get over here, they…all up in…. my business. Trippin! Just straight up trippin.

What Toni wanta know? Gail asked.

Without hesitation Toni blurted, If Missy is sucking on Terrence’s dick?

Shut your mouth, no you didn’t! Asia blurted. A high-five was exchanged between Toni and Gail. I’m gonna let that one slide, lady. Obviously you’ve fallen in with a bad element. She turned her attention to Pinky, who was focusing on all the brothers in the hall.

Well…are you? Pinky asked without turning her head from a prime suspect. Inquiring minds wanta know! she continued.

Let me get outta here, y’all be trippin’ early in the morning. Putting her books in front of her face, Asia tried to walk off, only to be stopped by Gail.

Better…hold…on…there’s…man two? D. Cooper? Toni snapped. South Bridge’s hopeful? Derrick was tall, light, bright, and had a good sense of humor. Just a junior in high school, he was the captain of the volleyball team and on the starting line for football, most famous for entering every high school girl’s bedroom via a wet dream.

I hear the boy got skills, rumor have it that he is the Man! Toni reported. Not to mention eye candy wit’ that chiseled body of his.

Why he stay single? Gail asked.

I hear he got his eye on Asia, Pinky jumped in. Laughing, she looked in her direction.

"Terrence is my