KAT

I’m next in line but this guy is taking forever. The store only had a few people in it and it was about to be 7 in the evening.

“Ugh’m let me get a box of those.” The man asked the clerk.

I have at least 9 grand in my backpack and why I have it in the store with me, I have no clue. I guess I didn’t feel safe with it anywhere but in my possession. Money like this doesn’t come by fast or easy. I just pulled a bank robbery all by myself just like you’d see on television.

“Next.” The clerk demanded.

I looked at my van outside to see the number of the pump. I’m in a hurry and didn’t even pay it any mind getting out.

“Yes, can I get $15 on pump 5 and these?”

I could feel sweat crawling down my face as I placed some tampons, a lighter, some junk food, and a cool keychain on the counter. Even with the sun setting, it was so hot and I had on this large jacket. I’m not taking it off until I get in a room. I cut myself on some glass trying to get out and it throbbed a little.

“In a rush?” he asked, bagging my items.

“Why?”

“It’s pretty apparent. You keep looking outside. Your total is $31.75.

I reached in my backpack and saw my pistol resting on top of wads of cash. Flash backs of the lady screaming as I slammed her head on the register when she attempted to call the police ran throw my head. I grabbed 2 twenties, and placed it on the counter grabbing my bag.

“I am in a rush.”

***

The motel next door to the gas station couldn’t be a more perfect place to lay low a couple of weeks and leave this state. I have nothing to lose. My mom’s too wrapped up in drugs, drinking and being a girl friend to this young ass hole. I’m not sure she even knows I’m gone. I plan to leave and never look back.

I know I could easily get the nicest suite in town to stay at but I don’t want to raise any suspension. They’re looking for a 5’4, mid brown complexion female with a large afro in between the ages 18-25. Good thing I’m 17.

“You get two keys. If you follow me this way, I’ll show you to your room.” The manager said.

There were so many people outside standing near their rooms. Some just stood over the balcony drinking and staring. It almost seemed like prison. I’m the new criminal and they were checking me out. Guys with afro pick smoking cigarettes with guns peeking out their pockets stared hard. Women, who were clearly prostitutes, pirated half naked up and down the halls. Bottles of alcohol and cigarette butts decorated the pavement.

The manager seemed to be blind to the scenes surrounding us or just scared to even pay it any attention. I followed him up the stairs to the next floor with the balcony.

“Ah, here we are room 235.” He smiled as he opened a musty dark room. I stepped in searching for the light.

“Good night and be safe Miss.” He shut the door before I could find the light.

“Ouch!” I hit my toe on some furniture. I can’t see shit.

I found a lamp near the wall. The light revealed a small room with a hard looking bed and scattering roaches everywhere. There was a sink and a small door, leading to the toilet that sat on the other side of the room. The carpet had stains everywhere.

The mirror in the bathroom was dirty and cracked. I cut the shower on and the water was murky and took a minute to clear. I hopped in with my sandals because the shower was filthy also. The cut on my hand burned as the water hit it. I’m defiantly going to dry off with my clothes because the towels were old looking and half clean.

It was so hard to sleep, even with the curtains pulled back. The sounds outside never stopped. People were yelling, cars coming and going, and sirens kept on all throughout the night. The bed had a sinking middle that made it uncomfortable to sleep. The sheets smelled weird and itched from the bad fabric. Living with my mom wasn’t the best at all but here I am literally in hell.

“What a heap of shit.”

***

The next morning, I went outside on the balcony in my underwear and tank top to light a cigarette. I need to find a dealer. I know there has to be one here somewhere. I looked around and saw a skinny white girl with long dirty blonde hair staring at me from a couple of rooms down. She had on a long sleeve shirt that was unbuttoned all the way down. She also had on some shades smoking a cigarette too.

“Hey, you know who has the good haze?” I asked her. She nodded and pointed to her room.

“Come on.” She said.

***

Walking into her room was like walking into the basement of my Moms house when she use to throw big neighborhood parties. It smelled like the best haze the earth had to offer. Her room was set up a lot different than mine and any light from outside was blocked out with pink satin curtains. It seemed like she’s been here a while from the looks of it. She had a nice colored TV set with a mini fridge. Her bathroom was separated by vibrant color curtains. There weren’t any roaches or bad furniture either. It was actually hard to believe we were in the same motel.

“So what’s your name and where you from?” she asked lighting another cigarette.

“I’m Kat, short for Katherine and I’m from around the way. What about you? What you do for a living?” I asked.

“They call me Bussie and I’m from Missouri. As far as what I do, I’m a high class prostitute. Been doing it since I was 14.” She said blowing smoke. I can tell she saw the expression on my face when she said that.

“Damn. That must suck.” I said picking in my nails.

“Some days are better than others but it keeps a roof over my head and food in my stomach.” She said pulling out a shoe box. She opened the shoe box and revealed rolls of cash.

“I’ve been saving to leave this place. I never stay anywhere more than a year. The money gets dry when the Johns have had and seen enough of you. They get tired of the same pussy you know? Especially from me because I do the bare minimum unless he’s stacking with dough.”

“What you do for a living? How old are you?”

I thought hard as I hit the pipe filled with haze. Can I trust her? What the hell can it hurt?

“Well I tried being a waiter but that didn’t work out. I graduated last year and I’m 17 years old. I robbed a small bank around the corner the other day and now I’m here.” I said looking out the window.

She began to laugh hysterically as if I were lying through my teeth.

“What’s so funny? Is that so hard to believe?” I asked.

“Its just you’re so scrawny and feeble looking. There is just no way.” She kept laughing.

I rushed out the room door, grabbed my gun out my backpack on the bed and went back in her room. I pulled out the gun and dumped the cash on her silk sheets. I cocked it back and pointed it at her face. She sat there looking down the barrel of the gun with her drugged eyes.

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

“Damn. You did do it. They’ve been talking about you on the TV and radio non-stop. Some small ass black lady with an afro that is armed and considered extremely dangerous.” I put the gun down and rounded up my cash back into the backpack.

“What if I snitch? You know the reward money is $10,000 for whoever knows the where about of this mystery woman.” She said exhaling smoke.

“I’ll just have to kill you if I think you’ll turn me in.” I said holding the gun back to her face. We stared at each other without blinking for a second. We both let out a loud laugh.

“Look I’m not snitch. I won’t tell anyone as long as you take me with you when you leave.” She demanded.

***

The night sky and light post beamed down on us as we stood on the corner of Lennox and Broadway. I’m not sure exactly what she needed me for but she asked me to come and bring my gun. I guess I’m her new body guard. It’s not like I have shit else to do.

She defiantly didn’t leave anything to the imagination with her sequence half top and high waist bell bottoms with her see through high heeled shoes and large hoops.

You couldn’t help but stare at Bussie’s perfect perky c-cups. She stared laughing as she noticed me looking as she explained her “job”. She’s a very beautiful girl. If she didn’t dress like that, you’d think she was one of those college educated white girls.

“The Johns get excited when they get to see what they’re gonna be fucking.” She smirked. “I’ll be out here a few hours. I’ll leave sometimes, and other times I’ll just park near you. Just watch my back Kat.”

I sat in my van hidden out of plain sight as Bussie stood on the street corner in her raunchy clothing. I’d defiantly not be doing this on a typical night but I guess. If she needs someone like me to protect her, the johns can’t be too safe.

A half an hour went by and there was no sign of any cars pulling up. I think I’ll be a waiter any day before I do this shit.

“It’s slow tonight. There must be some damn football game or something.” She said getting in my van.

“You’re not afraid of cops?” I asked. She started laughing as she fixed her lipstick in the mirror.

“Let me tell you something Kat, the cops love them some Bussie.”

A red convertible pulled up slowly. It appeared to be an older white man surveying the area, creeping with his headlights off. That has to be a customer.

“There goes two mouths rent right there. I’ll be done in like 15 or 20 minutes tops. I just need you to watch the area and keep your gun loaded please.”

This bitch is crazy, but who am I to judge? Bussie got out the van and walked right up to the guy’s car door. I couldn’t make out what she was saying but she got in the car and they pulled off quickly. I guess I’ll just sit here a second.

***

The sound of cats fighting woke me up. Slobber stuck to my shoulder as I tried to regroup. The night sky was settle and filled with stars. How long have I been sleep? How long has she been gone? I looked out my window to find the nice red car parked beside me.

Is she in there? I opened my door and walked closer to the car. The windows were foggy and hard to make anything out in there. I looked closer pressing my nose to the window and saw Bussie on top of the old john riding his life away.

“Wild. Just wild.”

***

Street lights lit up the streets as we drove down the downtown avenues where the all the ballers, as Bussie would call them, were out to play. It felt like the Vegas strip only here in our town.

“I got another room I rent out down here. I need to shower and get dressed so we can hit up these casinos. That’s where the walking money is baby.” She bragged.

***

We made it to the other room. This is more like where I should be with the money I have.

“I don’t get how you stay at the shit hole motel if you have a place like this down here.” I said observing the room.

“What!?” Bussie yelled from the shower with the door opened.

There were beautiful dresses and tons of bags with matching shoes scattered over the room. Luxury jewelry rested across the dresser. Money and at least two pounds of the best haze chilled on the night stand.

“So what should I wear? She asked coming out the bathroom completely naked as if we were sisters or friends since birth.

“A damn towel.” I laughed.

“You know Kat, you and I are practically the same size.” She said rumbling through some clothes.

“Only difference is you have more ass than me and I have more tits than you.” She added.

“I’m not wearing none of that shit you be wearing on the corner. No ma’am, not at all.” I said.

“Now why would we go to a high rollers casino in a street walking dress girl? You’re not going tricking. I just need a sexy friend to tag along so things don’t look so, you know, obvious.” she said smacking me on the ass.

“Besides they love dark meat.” I rolled my eyes.

“But first, you need to do you a makeover. You’re not about to go anywhere with me looking like a bull dagger. Unless you swing both ways.” She joked licking her tongue out at me.

“Fine that’s one thing I do need. A new look after the robbery.”

***

After almost an hour of chopping my hair off, makeup, and trying on a million different shoes and clothes, we found the perfect look. Bussie styled me in this skin tight cat suite that flared at the bottom with a beautiful diamond choker necklace and another necklace that draped down my chest. I looked at my hair all over the floor and in the sink. I stared in the mirror in disbelief that I was looking at myself. I look so beautiful and the hair cut with my face cohesively blended perfectly. I didn’t recognize myself so this will help me sleep better.

“I knew that cat suite would fit you perfect. The bottom was always too large for my flat ass. I wish I would’ve thought of that first because it would’ve saved us so much time.” Bussie said putting on her necklace.

“Come on! It’s almost 1. This is when they are flocking the casino floor.” She said grabbing her clutch. These heels were much different than my sneakers. I mean I’ve worn heels before but never this high.

She grabbed my hand and we quickly made our way down the halls of the luxury hotel. The wall paper was beautiful and so was the carpet. I reflected on the way the motel on Lennox looked and nothing compared; not even the trash.

“Will you slow down, girl you’re dragging me to death.” I asked.

***

We got to the line in front of the casino where they were checking IDs. I don’t even look 21. I forgot all about the age limit. I’ve never been to a casino before.

“Are you forgetting I’m 17 Bussie?!”

“Be cool and act natural. Take this.” She handed me a card.

It was a fake ID or maybe a stole real one. There was a lady on the front who didn’t look like me at all. She was just black with an afro and looked about 30.

“Diane Jackson? 27? 140 lbs.? Man you’re gonna get me busted!” People started looking at us.

“I told you I’m 20 so we’re both sneaking in this joint. Now keep your voice down Diane. You’re going to be ok.” She said as we got closer to the top of the line.

It was our turn as we walked up to the security. There was a man in one line and a lady in the other. Bussie pulled me toward the guy’s line and passed him our fake IDs. He looked at the IDs and then back at us. I’m almost positive he knows that’s not us and we’re under age.

“Go ahead.” He demanded, handing us back the IDs.

“See, nothing to worry about.” She said smiling as she floated her way into the entrance like heavens gates.

***

The casino was loud and packed with people gambling in every corner of the place. Clouds of smoke smothered the air in the room. After a few drinks and small talk with this rich guy, I could tell she was ready to go. I was most defiantly ready. I just sat at the crap tables next to Bussie and her guy as she pretended to be interested in him and stroke his ego.

“We’re gonna go to the little girls room Rich. Be right back baby!” She told him.

The bathroom was packed with women who were dressed just like us. I’m sure they had the same scheme as Bussie and I’m also sure the rich older guys knew it. They were in this for something just like these girls. Some sort of rebelliousness and excitement they don’t have in their everyday boring scheduled lives at home. They’re ready to risk it all for a night to remember.

“When are we leaving because my feet are killing me?” I complained.

“He really digs this gambling shit and he’s on a winning streak so I’m pretty sure he’s gonna be playing a little longer. I guess I need to step it up and get him to the room.” She said freshening up her lipstick.

“I’m gonna go walk around the casino, maybe go on the roof. I’ll meet you back at the room if I’m not back before y’all leave.” I said.

***

I went to the very top floor of the casino where the roof was. A few people stood outside amongst second hand smoke and small chatter under the stars.

What am I really doing here? I thought to myself.

“I’m not really sure why I’m here either.” A voice with a British accent said behind me. I turned around to see a really cute white boy standing there with a suite on and a drink in his hand with a wine stain on his collar. His brown hair rested perfectly on his shoulders.

“Was I thinking out loud or are you just thinking like me.” I asked.

“I mean don’t get me wrong even though you look amazing, you might as well had been thinking out loud because your body language says it all.” He said staring into my soul with his dreamy blue eyes.

What does this white boy want with me?

“I’m not a prostitute you know.” I said walking off toward the exit.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, I didn’t assume you were at all. I was just saying most people come to the roof to have private chats, kill themselves for losing money, or because they are just bored and want to get away.” He said walking with me.

“Well you are absolutely right because I don’t want to be here. I’m pretty much stuck being a good friend or wing man.” I said.

“I don’t want to be here either. I’m in town visiting my family. I live in UK. My older cousins drug me here to drink, win money and meet chicks. I’m leaving in a few days.” He said.

“That doesn’t interest a young guy from out of country like yourself?” I asked.

“Well the gambling thing doesn’t, drinking I do a little, but meeting chicks I’d like that very much.”

“At least you’re honest, now if you’d excuse me, I don’t want to get in the way of your plans. It was nice meeting you and you have a good night.” I said trying to walk away.

“How can I have a good night if the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen in my 18 years, is walking away from me?”

He thinks he’s smooth but I’m groovier than that. I know when a game is being played.

“What’s your name?”

“James. What about you? What’s your name?” he asked tossing his cup off the roof.

“Ugh, Diane Jackson.” I hesitated. There was no way I was going to tell him my real name. He seemed too white collared for me and he lives in UK. He’s probably never had to want for anything his whole life. Then he said he was just down here visiting. These rich white boys, I tell ya.

“So Diane, what would you rather be doing instead of being bored out of your mind or babysitting your friend?” he asked.

“Taking these platforms off, getting lifted under the stars, or maybe grab a bite to eat with good company.” I said.

I know I don’t know this guy but hell I’ve only know Bussie 48 hours and she knows I’m a criminal in hiding. I might as well enjoy these last two weeks here while I have the chance. I only have one life to live so before I have to live in caution, I’m just going to have fun.

“Come on! Let’s make it happen.” I said as I grabbed James hand.

***

James and I sat on the top of my van under the stars. We’d just finish eating our burgers and fries we picked up from this 24-Hour Diner joint. Bussie is a big girl. I know she’ll be fine. There was no way she could be in danger with all those people around and at the luxury hotel. It’s not like it’s the street corner.

James kept staring at me every time he thought I wasn’t paying attention. He’s so damn cute. He’s defiantly the cutest white boy I’ve ever seen and he doesn’t act like these American white boys. He’s smart, has a lot to talk about and listens to me. I’m still curious to know exactly what he wants tonight. I know we’d been here in this spot for a few hours. It must be at least 5 in the morning.

“My names not Diane.” I said looking the other way as I saw the sky trying to lighten.

“You didn’t think I was that naive to believe that did you?” he laughed.

“My names Katherine. Most people call me Kat.” I said looking at him.

“I like Kat a lot better.” He looked me in my eyes and grabbed my chin as he went in for a kiss.

I told James that I had robbed a small local bank and had to leave. He didn’t care and just wanted me to go with him to get away. I’m not sure if he thinks I’m telling the truth but if so he doesn’t care.

“You could come with us! Start a new life in London. Just leave when me and my cousins leave.”

“I’ll think about it and let you know tomorrow.” I said.

“Really what do you have to lose?” he said holding my hand.

***

James walked me to my room. That went a lot better than I’d expected.

“We’ll have to meet tonight. Then you can let me know if you’re coming with me.” He said kissing my hand. My heart fluttered a little because I could tell he really likes me. No one has kissed my hand like that before all gentlemen-like.

“Meet me at this address at 6pm. I wrote down the crappy motel address and my room number.” Let’s see if he still likes me if he knows where I really reside at.

“I’ll meet you anywhere.” He said.

“See you then.” I gave him a kiss on the lips and opened the room door as I waved goodbye. Damn there was no way I’m not dreaming. Am I in love with this guy? Am I really talking about leaving the states to go across the world with this guy? We just met some hours. Love at first sight is true right? I have nothing to live for here so why not?

***

I walked in the room and the curtains were pulled back and no lights were on. Bussie was nowhere to be seen. Her clothes and shoes from last night were on the bed. I also saw some blood on the floor and white bed spread. I heard a noise in the bathroom.

“Bussie girl I have to tell you about my night. You okay in there?” I asked.

“I’m fine Kat.” She said in a mumbling voice. She doesn’t sound like herself. Something has to be wrong. I busted opened the door to see her in the rub with bloody water and bruises on her face neck and hands. Her lip was split and her eyes were lifeless as she stared at me.

“What happened?” I asked rushing to her aide.

“Kat go look on the nightstand.” She demanded. I rushed to the night stand and saw 3 stacks of a thousand dollars. All of this for $3,000.00? It’s not worth it. She’s not tricking anymore.

I got her dressed and carefully helped her to the bed. It appears she had been badly raped and sexually enslaved for the night.

***

I laid next to Bussie the entire day cuddled with her. I felt so bad that I left her with that old man but I had no clue things would be like this. I don’t know what they did to her but I will find out. I found his expensive watch on the side of the bed and the blood lets me know they were here. She got up and stared rolling haze. Her hands were shaking hysterically.

“Can you tell me what happened now?” She sat up in the bed and lit her pipe.

“After you left, he and I had a few drinks and headed up to the room. Then when we got in here we did what we’d normally do. I topped him off and we had sex, did some drugs and that was that. I was a little out of it. I think he slipped something in my drink because I was lying down and noticed him opening the front door.” A tear ran down her face.

“He let some other guys in. I remember asking him what where they doing here? But I couldn’t control myself. Only thing I remember him saying was, “I get what I pay for.” After that it was a blurry but I remember 3 guys coming in and taking turns on me, two at the same time. Then he started slapping me and chocking me. I woke up with blood on me and no one in sight. The door was even wide opened.

I just hugged her as we sat in the bed. I don’t know why but I love Bussie despite her ways. She didn’t judge me, she trusted me to look at me like a protector, and she cared about me. I looked at the clock on the wall and it read 5.

We went in the bathroom. I wanted to cry looking at Bussie because she looked terrible. Instead I tried to keep her in good spirits and act normal because I plan on paying him a visit. With all this going on, I almost forgot to tell her about James.

“Do you know that guy’s name and room number?” she wrote it on a piece of rolling paper.

Richard Mansfield. Room 3021.

“We have to get ready to leave. Get all your stuff because we’re not coming back to this hotel. Don’t worry about checking out. Oh I met this guy named James last night. He’s from UK and he wants to hang out before he leaves.”

“Well that’s great. At least one of us gets a good guy.” Bussie said packing her clothes.

“I’ll be back.” I grabbed my gun out of my backpack.

***

Room 3021. I put my finger over the peep hole and knocked on the door.

“Housekeeping!” I yelled. Just them the door opened.

“I’m not sure I need any housekeeping right now.” A white man in a silk robe said coming to the door. I pushed the door open and saw a white woman older than me but younger than him, who had to be his wife, lying on the bed.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my room!” he said.

“You and your buddies raped and beat my friend last night you fucking bastard!” I hit him in the face with my gun. His nose gushed blood.”

“That is a lie my husband did not do such a thing! I’m calling the police on you, you black bitch!” the wife said grabbing the phone.

“I wouldn’t if I were you!” I pulled out his watch. “I want 10 grand right now or I’m going to kill both of you!” Richard held his nose as his wife stood scared in the corner.

“Please just take the watch!” he pleaded.

“Oh you think I’m not. I want 10 grand also.” He went to his safe in the back of the suite and got out 10 stacks of money.

“If I ever find out you raped another soul, I’ll kill you where you stand.”

I walked out the room smooth then ran to elevator to go meet Bussie.

***

We pulled up to the crappy motel and parked. My watch read 5:50 pm. I got a sense of relief when we made it. I didn’t tell Bussie about what I did or the money I got for her.

“Well James should be here any minute. I plan on going to UK with him. I feel like it would be the perfect opportunity to leave. If all else fails with him and I, I could still be out there ya know?” I looked at Bussie who appeared sad from the news.

“Bussie I’m not leaving without you. I don’t want you to sell yourself anymore. It’s time to start a new life.” I pulled out the money and watch I got from Richard. She started crying and gave me a hug without saying a word.

A knock at the door scared us as we were packed and sitting waiting on James.

I opened the door to find him. He gave me a big hug and kiss as if we’d been together for years. It felt so genuine and true.

“I’ve decided to go with you, but only if my friend Bussie can go. She has her own money and in need of a new beginning also.” I said looking at her smiling.

“That is no problem. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. We’re gonna leave today after you told me what you told. ” He said.

“Well you got any friends for me?” Bussie said. I’m so glad to hear her sound like her old self.

“I have a cousin that’s 21 and likes to party. He’s down stairs in the car.”

“Well UK, here we come.”

***

James and I sat together on the plane. Bussie and his cousin Adam and his sister Marie chatted the whole time behind us. It felt so good to get on that plane and leave. I had no regrets and I’ll never forget what I had to do and how I met both

“Look, we made it Kat.” James said.

3 years later

I think the idea of starting over was a great thing for both Bussie and I. It saved our lives in so many ways. Now we are both married and best friends here in UK. James and I have two beautiful children and Bussie and Adam have a baby girl on the way now. She plans to name her Kat.