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Tionne and I embraced each other as soon as I walked into the nail salon.

"Big booty Judy!" Tionne teased me about my curves.

"Lady in red, you know what they say about women who wear red?" I jokingly questioned.

"What? They sit on your daddy's face every night?" She hit me with the punchline before I had the chance.

I sat down in a chair next to Tionne preparing for my refill as I giggled.

"Well when you get up tell him he owe me back child support, hell at least you know my father."

We both high-fived each other considering we don't know our fathers. As the manicurist begin work on our nails we engaged in conversation.

"The shop is going well girl. I'm finally getting where I want to be, but I can't wait to get where I need to be which is secure. One thing about it I can finally take care of my mama."

I nodded in agreement that's another thing why I loved Tionne working hard for a goal and for her mom. We are both working for our mothers.

Damn if only the girls at the club could stop being so hateful and lets get this money and play these fools out their wallets together.

"It would be better if my best friend came to work there" Tionne batted those eyelashes.

"Oh hell no you know I hate bitches I could not be around those hoes gossiping, and their attitudes. I like where I'm at I get on stage deal with men and go the hell home. I would blow up your spot T."

"So you would rather shake ya ass for cash?"

"You damn right and I get paid more." I sassed back.

"Well shit since you got the money how about you treat your best friend today since you haven't called?"

"Oh no phones work both ways you can treat this ass, I'll treat you alright pay for my damn self and treat my feet on out the door, waiting for me to treat you hell has a better chance of freezing over."

Gasping with her eyes popped out of her head she finally spoke.

"That's why you're single now."

"I'm single because of your daddy, he left."

Tionne gave me a death glare and I paused preparing for her to snap, I didn't mean to take things that far. All of that went out the window when she belted out a hearty laugh and high fived me with her free hand they weren't working on.

"I am so sick of you hoe, but oh well I don't know that nigga."

We shrugged it off

"When you are going to let a man dust them webs off?"

"When a man start dusting it off with money" I shot back.

We both snickered.

I make my own money and I am not the type of woman to ask a man for anything materialistic, but ladies its nothing like a man who works for it all that doesn't look at you when the check comes or doesn't mind spending on you without asking.

"You got that right, I went out with this man last week everything was cool bitch he took me to Macaroni grill, we drank wine, the conversation was all that, and the sexual tension was present; but too bad when the check came he wasn't. That nigga dipped so fast and when I got outside do you know this nigga had the nerve to say (in a deep voice) baby I was waiting on you. Motherfucka!"

I couldn't help, but laugh at her story telling.

"So what did you do?" I asked while admiring how my nails were coming along.

"I called his best friend to come pick me up and he took me shopping." We both squealed.

Tionne always messed with the ballers and never had a problem with using them, I mean hell they used us when they wanted to.

Girls need to have fun every once in a while.

"You ain't no good. I wish I could come home to someone every night or at least have a man come over to rub my feet or ask me how my day went, but T ever since moms got sick seems like everyone needs me." I let everything out.

"Tay its like that because you let them use you. You have a nice body, you are built, but your not built like a chair you let these people sit on you. I know family is family and your supposed to help, but how do you help those who don't want to help themselves. Your heart has always been in the right place that's why you put on this act of being hard, but you have to be hard with family too. Mama should be your only concern." Tionne spoke truthfully.

She was right, but I can't just sit back and watch my family self-destruct especially my nieces and nephews they didn't ask to be put here.

*

While I was getting my nails painted, my phone begin to ring awww hell I don't want to fuck up my paint job. I dug in my purse for my phone and sure enough I messed up the paint.

"Fuck man!" I yelled in frustration.

I picked up the phone with a hint of attitude but not too much.

"Hello?" I shifted my eyes around like that was going to help me find out who exactly was calling me.

"Hello is this Tayler Douglass?"

"Yes this is she may I ask who's calling?"

"Don't try to put on that white woman act better talk like you really are a mad black woman." Tionne pushed my buttons while I was still mad about my nail being messed up.

I held the phone between my ear and shoulder and flicked her off.

"I am Mrs. Jefferson Drew's teacher. I saw your name and number listed as an emergency contact and I decided to call, considering his mother did not pick up any of my calls."

I begin to worry thinking something had happen to my nephew Drew

"Is everything ok? is he hurt?" I became even more irritated because I wish this bitch would get to the point already.

"Uh yes he's fine there was a parent teacher conference arranged today and his mother never showed up if you would meet with me and pass the message along to your sister and also pick Drew up it would greatly be appreciated."

I sighed not meaning to do it over the receiver, I agreed to go to his school and hung up the call.

"Fuck man, I have to go Drew has a parent teacher conference" I explained.

"Where's his mama? you are not it." When I didn't respond she went on.

"There you go always running to go see about her kids."

Well if I don't, who will?" I snapped then sighed not meaning to take my anger out on her. "Look call me later, maybe we can have a slumber party or something like we used to."

I gave her half a smile, she nodded and with help from the manicurist I was out the door on my way to Drew's school.

I am going to kill my sister Danielle.

*

As soon as I walked through the door of the classroom decorated with children's work and posters of encouragement I was greeted by a middle aged dark skin teacher who for obvious reasons I assumed as Mrs. Jefferson.

"Hello you must be Ms. Douglass."

Hmmm what gave it away?

As soon as I saw Drew he had his head down all slouched over in the chair, not in the mood for his attitude I immediately became an authoritarian.

"Sit up" I commanded and with little hesitation he did.

I sat down in a chair across from Mrs. Jefferson and adjacent to Drew.

"Well I am glad you came."

What you didn't think I would? Calm yourself Tay.

"I want to start by saying Drew is an intelligent student. Always has his work done, passes every test, and even received honor roll. Drew is one of my students I can really say is going places considering the environment he's in."

"Mrs. Jefferson I assure you the environment does not raise a child, but a person with morals, knowledge, and discipline raises one."

I defended that idiotic statement, I already felt like she was looking down her nose at us, but I had to show that woman I am educated I am black, and I am from Compton.

"If Drew is such a wonderful student why am I here then?"

"You see Drew has an anger problem that will get him into trouble and cast aside as a stereotype if he does not get over this. Today he got into a fight with another student because he talked about Drew's father and Drew punched him in his mouth, causing the boy to bleed."

I looked at Drew who smirked a bit.

"You better wipe it off before you pick it up off the ground."

I am never the type to embarrass children in front of anyone, but that little boy was trying it.

I know Drew loved his father who was fatally shot because of him being in the streets, that's why I am trying to keep Drew away from that lifestyle. It doesn't help that his mother is dragging him back down.

"He's suspended for three days."

I nodded getting up to shake her hand already seeing the judgement in her eyes.

See people like her and Michael makes my blood boil. Just because you have education or make a little money you think its alright to look down your nose at people. I shouldn't be the one to talk considering I was the one who did go off to school, but I did not and will not forget where I come from.

I pushed Drew out in the hallway and when I get him in the car I popped him right in his mouth so he knows how it feels. I have to treat him just like his father would so he can toughen up. It doesn't help that his mother slaps him upside the head, but at least when I hit Drew its all out of love.

*

I knocked on apartment 3B and immediately was hit with the smell of marijuana smoke.

"MA!" my nieces screamed.

"What?!" My obviously high sister shouted at them thinking they were talking to her, but no it was me.

I bent down to hug them and kiss them, giving them the affection they needed. Soon as they hugged Drew he tried to walk pass his mother I snatched him by the collar jerking him.

"Your son got suspended for fighting again." I reported to her.

"Did you at least win?" she asked.

"D are you serious! I can't keep dropping everything I have going on to see about your son they said they called you!" I scolded as if she was the younger sibling or my child.

"My phone is off and what you want me to do? Hell that's the least you could do! you think just cause you clapping your ass 5 days a week everything is kosher other people don't have real jobs!"

I looked at the kids who looked on. I sent them to their room, sensing that the conversation would be a bit inappropriate for them. I watched them walk in their shared room. As I scanned the room, I seen the apartment looked a mess: dishes piled up, roaches crawling around, clothes and trash scattered about, and even a few bums laid up on her couches smoking and rolling.

"You listen to me! I work my ass for your children, I sometimes pay your bills when you can't!, I just bought your son shoes, and everything else your kids need I buy. A real job? bitch you sit on your ass and you collect from the government-"

"I rather collect from them, than thirsty ass men when I take my clothes off" she shot back.

"And who buys a kid shoes when they are suspended from school? He shouldn't get shit!"

"He doesn't get shit now that's why I bought him some new shoes! you know what I'm gone don't use my money anymore since its a problem with the way I make it." I begin to walk away feeling as if there is no way to win with her.

"Why don't you go see your mama, she's dying!"

"So what? let the bitch die then"

I didn't even turn around I just shook my head.

Yeah Tionne's right sometimes you do have to turn your back on family.

*

Michael's POV:

I watched as Chris walked to the front room of my main house.

"Mike you sure you want to go out? its not like you to be wanting to go out back to back? One of those big asses done harden your dick and made your brain swell up?"

I blushed at the words of choice.

"Yeah I'm fine I just owe it to myself, you know I been touring and I want some fun. Frank was right about last night I deserve it I work hard. Plus I want to go back to that club."

"Wait, wait, wait hold up flag on the plate you want to see that girl don't you? AWWWWW MIKE! player rule number one man don't fall in love especially with a stripper chick!"

As his voice raised octaves I laughed at him.

"I am not a player and I am not in love with her, she just intrigues me. Besides I called the club and I got a private dance from her she won't even know I'm there I just have to see her."

"Mike I admit she's gorgeous, but do you honestly think you're the only man to think so about this girl"

I wish Chris wasn't right, but in the back of my mind I knew better. If something intrigues me I keep looking into it and if I want something I get it, and if I want to be apart of something, I do it. I am not trying to save her, but if she only saw what I saw she is all woman and she definitely is strong.

Just the type of woman I need.

"Whatever man I'm just down to party, rub on some big mega asses, and drink out some shot glasses lets go everything on the KING OF POP!"

I giggled at his silliness and we headed to the limo beginning our destination to the 'Pink Kitty'

*

Tay's POV:

"A private dance? Who ordered that?" I questioned stunned someone requested me for a private dance.

"Now you know I can't tell you who its anonymous for a reason. Just finish getting ready and head over and they'll let you in go to the 2nd room he's waiting on you." Rob the manager explained.

I went back the dressing room thinking hard about who requested me for a private show. Only rich married white guys go up in there when they don't want to be spotted or figured out, so they book a private show. Hell I don't mind, anything to get away from the smoke filled show room, and away from handsy, chubby fingered customers who cat calls loudly.

The private room is just a two way mirror, I can't see them but they can see me. It also has a small slot where they can insert money into. They pay for the booking and I get a percentage of that and also a tip.

At least, I'll make out tonight.

I fixed my lipstick and check out my body in the mirror and head to the wing with the private room.

"Lets go get this money" I say to myself.

As soon as I got there it was an eerie feeling. The room was cold and for some reason it felt as if a whole crowd of people was watching me. Like I said you never actually get over dancing in a room full of men, but at least there's other women there.

Now I am on my own, but strangely I have always felt like that.

A song I requested begin to play... Honey Love by R. Kelly.

*
Michael's POV:

I laid back in the comfy leather recliner as I watched her slowly and gracefully grip the pole and work it.

My member throbbed as I yearned for her hands to wrapped tightly around it and work it just how she worked that pole. My pants tighten at the thought of her touching me and it did not help that the sexual poetry R. Kelly sang blasted through the speakers.

Those piercing eyes played at my nerves making me feel as if she could see me. I wish she could see me, but I knew she wouldn't want to. Everything I say she takes it out of context. It's just something about her that I wish her and Chris would understand.

I have always been a person intrigued by anything that catches my eye, she just so happens to be an exotic dancer.

HELL! Why couldn't I have met her somewhere else. It's not like I could have met at her a grocery store or anywhere else for that matter; she lives hours away from me.

My eyes roamed her smooth caramel legs that in turn soothed me from my own irritating thoughts.

I felt bad for putting her in this situation making her feel lonely or put in a box for amusement. Now that I think about it, that's exactly how I felt.

I sighed to myself.

Damn it Jackson be a man for once and enjoy this. 

I sat up in the chair not being satisfied with the distance between us I got up close to the glass as she concentrated on her moves.

People always assume that I like white women. I love all women, I am infatuated with women. She is by far the most beautiful brown skin woman I ever laid my eyes on. Hopefully I get to lay my tongue, lips, and hands on.

I insert the money in the slot, which only made her dance harder and she walked up to the glasses making me back up an inch as if she could see me.

"You like that daddy" her sensual voice was music to my ears and to my dick. I bit my lip becoming sexually frustrated as she danced close to the mirror.

Rubbing her plumped ass on it leaving prints on the glass. She doesn't know what she's doing to me. Hell, I don't know what she's doing.

But I like it...

*
Tay's POV:

Most of my time was spent dancing in the private room I made about $4,000 from him alone. I wonder what his wife is going to think when she sees there is money missing from her hard working husband's checkings account.

Well it's in my pockets now!

The guy slid me a sheet of paper with a number and even a cheesy line written on it.

As a dancer we get this all the time a guy trying to holla' at us outside the club trying to make us their girl even spoil us a bit, but it never turns out good or lasts very long.

Hell I do need a new wardrobe and my hair needs to be done. I might just call the poor man, who's unhappy in his marriage.

I smirked at the thought as I made my way to my apartment building I saw a man next to my door crouched down talking to... DREW! Who sat with his younger sisters.

"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM!"

I startled the hooded thug pulling out my taser he pushed pass me running into the night. 

I sucked my teeth.

"Are y'all ok?" I examined their faces.

They responded or nodded their heads.

"Where's your mama?" I questioned while I unlocked the door letting us inside.

"She went out with her friends." The second oldest Brittany replied back.

Yet again she drops her kids off and throws them on me without a care in the world. Anybody could've took those kids, killed them or raped them. She wouldn't care.

"How long were y'all out there?"

"Three days ma!" The youngest Erica joked.

Drew sucked his teeth

"About an hour."

I was mortified.

"Ma did you cook? We're hungry."

I sighed again putting my head down. Not only did she drop them off in the middle of night on a school night, but she did not feed them.

"Go put your bags down and go get ready for bed, I have some left over pork chops dipped in gravy and some yellow rice."

They all cheered and rushed off to go get ready to eat.

I am so sick of this shit!