Hoodlums

A Story by ShyAnn

Story of youth trials friends and crazy situations

Schools out, well independent studies not where i thought I'd be going to high school but it is what it is. I got up from my chair pushed it in and walked around the corner to mrs.Norris classroom which was more like a closet with a desk computer and two chairs said goodbye and walked to the door i was trying to get out of there before the bell rang im not social you can say. It was a good walk home and i had to pee i looked around noone out so i decided to run to the bathroom real quick. Sat on the toilet reached down and fixed my laces on my white soda brand shoes,opened my back pack and pulled out a ciggerate from a red Marlboro pack i lit it and took three long drags it calmed my nerves, i always was a little anxious. As i stood up and flushed i sent the ciggerate down the drain also. I fixed my skirt cursed it also my step mother was apostolic so we wore no make-up no pants and were forbidden to cut our hair,i always resented being different but i had to abide by her rules while living under her roof. As i washed my hands i looked up into the mirror fixed the part in my long dark brown hair,looked in my own eyes for a minute reminding myself i was not too cute I've always been the ugly duckling, a gangster on my block would always call me olive oil when i walked by you know Popeyes wife, and i would just yell back "ok koolaide" on the account he wore red from head to toe besides his white socks. I acted like it didnt bother me i tried to be tough but it did bother me. O well i grabbed my bag and opened the bathroom door to my surprise the campus officer was waiting right there looking right at me. "Give up the smokes" she said "me?" "i dont have no smokes" i said surprised "i smell it, open your bag" she spoke with authority i could have fought denied or ran but i was already behind schedule because of my bathroom break so i just gave in so i could get out of there before the class rooms where released "man here" i said dropping my bag to the floor unzipping it and handing her the pack therez where just a few left anyway,but i did wamna smoke on the way. "Next time you will get a mip" she said "ok ,can i go?" i asked "yes,go stay out of trouble" i didn't respond i just walked off trying to beat the bell. As soon as my feet hit the black top where the buses lined up the bell rang i rushed across the street and looked back at all the students rushing to the buses laughing talking i seen a few elementary friends so i turned fast to be on my way. To get home i had to walk through a few different neighborhoods some good some ghetto and dome infested with gang members but i wasnt scared i was trained they smell fear. As i walked up the sidewalk making my way home i noticed a group of guys standing in front of a run down house they were talking loudly smoking and drinking 40 oz malt liquor i seen the sun glazing through the bottle as on of them tilted it up to drink then he passed it and i thought how ghetto these grown men sharing a beer but id never say it outloud because these guys where known for their violence towards anyone and everyone. Right before i got to the house they were in front of i turned right down a alley i was in no moid to be harrassed maybe they would have just let me pass but maybe not i wasn't in the mood to gamble my mind was set on getting to to the store to buy a smoke. Your probably thinking buy a smoke a youngster like you ? But ive gained the trust of the owner of a little gas station store they were closest to my neighborhood and knew i had authority over most the hoodlums who went there two of which were my brothers so we had a little agreement plus they knew i Was no snitch and it kept them from being robbed and vandalized.well less than usually and less then when i made the pack with him.they were aribac towel heads the owner actually lived on my block his brother mostly ran the store. I walked doen the alley gravel crunching under my shoes "never eat sour watermelon " i recited in my head which meant north east south west. I did so keeping my ears open in every direction you had to be alert my dad always reminded me to keep alert when alone to be safe see a sSituation before it happens and get outta dodge. Wood fencing lined the alley dogs barking scratching at fences trying to eat me i thought but luckily they didnt.comi,g out of the alley back on the road i walked picking up the pace walking passed well groomed yards and nice cars in driveways it was a trip how a block or two could change scenery so fast. Coming to a stop in front of a little mini mall with a carne shop little ceasers subway and some beauty and hair shops i waited for the walk signal and crossed my next stop the dusty fairgounds where a park was right next too not a park to play but a park where the local homeless drunks sat and drank i passed nodding my head whats up outta respect. If there one thing that can save you around here its respect show respect get respect neglect the respect can get you fucked up. Walk with your head up no matter what eye level look to high or look around you might get mistaken for intimidation look to low and act shy you look suspicious that will just get you a where you from attack. Point is get where your going dont end up in the wrong hood.
Walking up the street i seen that pretty boys moms car was gone so i turned up his driveway hes got to have a smoke. I started at the bottom of the door knocked all the way to the door knob . i heard someone grab the door knob look i, the pip hole which i had covered i laughed then let him see my middle finger. The door opened
"Whats hood shy?! Pretty boy shouted emphasis on shy
Making his voice deep