Young-Minded Hustler Read Free Page A

the tone Cherise used to spew such hateful words.
    â€œYou know what, Cherise? I have been your friend my entire life and I love you dearly, but from this day forward, don’t call me crying when his sorry ass goes upside your head with a closed fist. And don’t look for me to have your back when some chick rolls up on you because B-Boy has been fucking her too. I mean damn, if you like it, I love it!”
    Shy stormed out of the bathroom, leaving Cherise standing alone with a busted lip. She was hurt and beside herself with anger. In all the years she and Cherise had been friends, they never had a serious argument. Since Cherise hooked up with B-Boy, she had become a completely different person, and Shy did not like it.
    Cherise felt bad for her choice of words as soon as they escaped her mouth, but after they were gone, there was no pulling them back. She treasured the relationship she had with Shy and would not trade it for the world. Cherise knew that Shy loved her unconditionally, and that was more than she could say for B-Boy. As much as her friendship with Shy meant to her, it just was not enough. She had chased the love missing from her life for so long that when those three little words, “I love you,” were uttered from the opposite sex, it was like a crack head hitting the pipe for the first time and Cherise was addicted.
    She stood staring at her reflection in the mirror, and felt as if a stranger was looking back at her. Why did I just say that to Shy? She is the closest thing to family I have and I know what I said hurt her. As the pressure behind her eyes fought to burst through, Cherise was unable to fight back the tears. What is wrong with me? Why can’t I have Shy’s life?
    â€œCherise, come on, let’s get this shit over so we can get back here,” B-Boy yelled.
    Cherise opened the bathroom door to find Shy sitting on the bed with her arms crossed, and B-Boy standing inside the doorframe with his back facing her. Cherise’s first instinct was to run over to Shy, apologize, and wrap her arms around her friend, but embarrassment, shame, and B-Boy wouldn’t allow her to. All Cherise could hope for was that any damage done to their friendship was reversible. Shy put her head down without acknowledging Cherise or B-Boy being in the room. Cherise did as she was told and followed B-Boy with her eyes focused on the ground.
    Three hours later, Melvin, Cherise, and B-Boy returned to room 1227 to find a sleeping Shy.
    â€œShy, baby, we’re back,” Melvin whispered as he gently shook her awake.
    â€œLet her sleep, Melvin. We can get our drink on in our room,” Cherise suggested. She tried to sound concerned when, in reality, Cherise knew Shy would still be mad at her and she was too embarrassed by their argument to face her. Since the threesome left the hotel room to take care of some business, the swelling in Cherise’s upper lip and cheek got worse, and two of her teeth felt loose.
    â€œNo, I’m spending time with my queen and she’s not going to miss out on the fun of graduation night. We’re about to kick it up in this bitch. She’s getting up.” Melvin laughed.
    â€œYeah, wake your girl up and let’s get this party started,” B-Boy said loudly.
    Melvin sat next to a sleeping Shy, who seemed to be having a dream. She awoke after Melvin began kissing her earlobe and running his fingers through her shoulder-length hair. A smile crossed her lips as she opened her eyes to find Melvin looking down at her.
    â€œHey, how long y’all been back? What time is it?” Shy yawned.
    â€œIt’s time to kick it up in here. Get up, girl,” B-Boy joked while doing a little dance.
    Cherise sat on the edge of a chair with her attention focused on her new white and blue British Knights tennis shoes. She continued to chastise herself for the way she spoke to Shy. Admitting being wrong about anything was out of character for