Here I will post my creative nonfiction essay. We were assigned this project early in the semester. It is a paper that my professor has asked us to write, it includes one specific moment from this past month that I have to expand on.
Problems
Monday morning around 10 o'clock my eyes open slightly trying to avoid the burning sensation from the sun. My hand slides under my right pillow to where my phone lives on the charger every night. I grab it, pressing the home button hoping to see a text from my boyfriend. The previous day we had a minor argument over something so stupid, we came to the conclusion that it'd be better to leave each other alone for a little while. My eyes open up enough to view my screen clearly. All I could see was the time, day, date, and my background of Kijana and I mean muggin from the volleyball marathon our high school held last winter. It was clear to me that Kijana was still mad at the day before when we argued. I had no texts nor did I have any missed facetime calls, which tends to be an every morning view I get to see on my lockscreen. It felt like we went days without talking but in reality it had only been hours. I wasn't too concerned if he still had anger built up inside of him, I figured leaving him alone to talk to others and maybe discuss his feelings freely would be good.
10:30 rolls around on my digital clock, I lift up my blue comforter, toss it to my left, hop off of my blue, green striped sheets to the right, only because the wall was on my left and I would have nowhere to go, and left my phone behind since it wasn’t getting any buzz. I slowly but surely make my way to the bathroom about 10 steps from my room past the closet and past my brother’s room. As I step into the bathroom my right arm reaches for the light, I look slightly into the mirror and was terrified of what I saw, my tired, worn out, just woken up, miserable zombie face. My arm reaches for the light and switches it to off. I was better off taking my tinkle in the dark. My pee stops, I pull up my under garments and sweat pants, turn slightly to my left, turn the sink on hot, squeeze bath and body works foam hand soap into my hands and thoroughly wash them. I finished my business in the laboratory and walked to the living room. The pace of my steps seemed to be moving faster than when I first made my way to the bathroom. My body started to feel energized and I was finally waking up looking less scary.
Before I even had the chance to make some breakfast, I peeked out the window to see my dad’s car gone. Another problem has occurred.
Alexa, “You see, normally my dad leaves his car at home for me to use when I need it because I am currently still saving for a new one, considering my last one gave out on me. It died of old age! *tear tear* For the last few months his car has been available to me almost all of the time. He gets to use my mom’s Yukon which isn’t a big deal. She’s a stay at home mom. The only thing she needs it for is grocery shopping. She’s old so she doesn’t have friends like us youth do. Long story short, my mom loves her Yukon so when she thinks I don’t need my dad’s vehicle she makes him take it to work. This became an issue knowing that I had to get Kijana to an appointment he’s had planned for weeks, and I can’t drive my mom’s truck. It’s too big for a 4’11” girl like myself.”
While looking out the window standing on my tippy toes, leaning against the fish tank I over hear my mother doing the dishes in the kitchen. I couldn’t see clearly who it was but it had to of been her. My brothers weren’t the type to do dishes in the morning without being asked. Without hesitation I yell over the loud clunking noises of glass and pots being placed in the dish washer, “Why did dad take the car?!” My mom quickly responds giving me the whole schpeel on how I didn’t need the car because I was off of work and school. I fiercely speak up for myself and explain to her how Monday’s are my Saturday’s and I like to make plans due to the free time I finally get to have. She looks at me like I’m type of creature with five heads. Her head shakes like she’s annoyed with me.
Alexa, “In my defense, I am a teenager and she can’t expect me to only need the car for school and work. I do like to have fun and make plans with people I enjoy being around.”
I walk away with anger, moving with quick heavy feet. She could sense my frustration and tried making it up to me. She had asked what my plans were. I had told her it was to take Kijana to Bonedaddy’s for his third tattoo. She then again gave me some type of look like my plans weren’t even fun. Sitting and watching someone else get a tattoo may not sound fun, but doing a favor for my boyfriend by taking him and sitting with him for three hours is what I enjoy doing most. Plus, I find it intriguing watching the needle move up and down faster than the blink of an eye. Hearing the sound of a buzz go in and out as it hits the skin.
By this time it’s 11 o’clock and I still haven’t gotten a text from Kijana. His attitude gets the best of him sometimes. I have to give in and text him, so I do. I walk back to my room, search for my phone under my pillow, pick it up, slide it to unlock and type in my password. His anger problems can get on my nerves real quick, so I blatantly text him asking why is he being an immature asshole. From there on we straightened things out just like we normally do and went on about our days like usual. When it came time for his appointment, my dad was still at work so my mom stuck to her favor and picked him up and dropped us off at Bonedaddy’s. His tattoo took approximately three hours and he couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It seemed like at that point all of our problems have been solved.
Draft 2
Monday morning around 10 o'clock my eyes open slightly trying to avoid the burning sensation from the sun. My hand slides under my right pillow to where my phone lives on the charger every night. I grab it, pressing the home button hoping to see a text from my boyfriend, which was unlikely to happen. The previous day we had a minor argument over something incredibly stupid. All of our arguments seem to be problems that aren’t even a big deal. This one was so pointless that I can barely remember what it was about. I’m pretty positive it’s because I wouldn’t call off for my second shift just so I can hang out with Kijana. He acts as the most selfish person anyone could ever be around.
Alexa, “It’s weird! We have many stupid arguments and sometimes they get taken too far, but when things are good for us.. Boy are they good! It’s like we’re an unbreakable bond until we argue like a husband and wife would, you know.. over the dumb shit.”
Anyhow, we came to the conclusion that it'd be better to leave each other alone for a little while. My eyes open up enough to view my screen clearly. All I could see was the time, day, date, and my background of Kijana and I mean muggin from the volleyball marathon our high school held last winter. It was clear to me that Kijana was still mad at the day before when we argued. I had no texts nor did I have any missed facetime calls, which tends to be an every morning view I get to see on my lockscreen. It felt like we went days without talking but in reality it had only been hours. I wasn't too concerned if he still had anger built up inside of him, I figured leaving him alone to talk to others and maybe discuss his feelings freely would be good.
10:30 rolls around on my digital clock, I lift up my blue comforter, toss it to my left, hop off of my blue, green striped sheets to the right, only because the wall was on my left and I would have nowhere to go, and left my phone behind since it wasn’t getting any buzz. I slowly made my way to the bathroom about 10 steps from my room past the closet and past my brother’s room. As I step into the bathroom my right arm reaches for the light, I look slightly into the mirror and was terrified of what I saw, my tired, worn out, just woken up, miserable zombie face. My arm reaches for the light and switches it to off. I was better off taking my tinkle in the dark. My pee stops, I pull up my under garments and sweat pants, turn slightly to my left, turn the sink on hot, squeeze bath and body works foam hand soap into my hands and thoroughly wash them. I finished my business and walked to the living room. The pace of my steps seemed to be moving faster than when I first made my way to the bathroom. My body started to feel energized and I was finally waking up looking less scary.
The sound of loud dishes clunking together irritated my ears. I take a left into the kitchen and see my mom standing in between the dish washer and sink with her poor posture, messy bun, and old worn out clothes that she didn’t mind getting dirty. It was her day to clean the house. With every step I took into the kitchen I began to regret it more and more. My mom turned to her right, noticed it was me and asked, “Can you help me with cleaning today?”
Alexa, “If I have time, I’m trying to get my homework done and then I’m taking Kijana to bonedaddy’s at 4:00 for his tattoo.”
Mom, “How are you gonna do that?”
Alexa, “Dad’s car…”
Mom, “He took it to work, K’s gonna have to find another ride or I can drop him off with my truck.”
Alexa, “You know that I make plans on my days off!”
Mom, “And you know that I like using my own car, so if dad doesn’t have to take mine he’s going to take his.”
From that moment on, I thought I knew that if I texted Kijana telling him my mom had to drive him to his appointment, he’d be mad. I was wrong.
After talking to my mom, I walk to the freezer, pull out two chocolate chip eggo waffles from the top shelf, and toasted em. They popped from the toaster after patiently waiting for two minutes. I pinch both waffles trying to avoid burning my fingers to crisps. I toss them onto my paper plate and place it in the microwave for fifteen seconds to make sure they stay heated. As I finished breakfast I walked back to my room and searched for my phone under my comforter and pillows. I come to find that I still have no texts from Kijana. I became very annoyed but decided to swallow my pride. I slide my finger across the screen to the right and typed in my password. I open up my messages and text Kijana.
Alexa, “I don’t have the car.”
Kijana, “How am I gonna get to bonedaddy’s?”
Alexa, “My mom said she would drop you off.”
Kijana, “ok.”
I decided to leave it at that.
The day goes on, and we are still barely communicating. I wasn’t bothered too much considering I had homework to finish. The time came close for his appointment. Kijana texted me and asked if my mom could drop him off. I let him know that she could. My mom doesn’t only drop him off, but myself as well. He didn’t want to sit in a chair around strangers for five hours.
The time passes slowly but his tattoo had finally finished after three long hours. I call my mom to pick us up and she takes him home. The day comes to an end, and things seem to go back to normal. We’re happy again for approximately two days. Wednesday comes around on the calendar and about mid-day I become impatient with Kijana’s abnormally slow texting. All I did was question why he was texting slower than usual. Apparently questioning him was the wrong thing to do, for whatever reason he exploded and got mad at me all over again. I didn’t think he would get so mad. I wasn’t accusing him of doing anything wrong. Some type of chemical imbalance in K’s brain causes him to act the way he does. His anger gets the best of him. On his own, he chooses to ignore me. This time he took this pointless argument way too far!
Wednesday afternoon I take my best friend Jamil, who is also best friends with Kijana, to Parkside to get his hair cut. At this point Kijana is in the middle of texting me back abnormally slow. He hasn’t exploded into madness yet because I haven’t gotten the chance to question him.
I pick up Jamil from his new home in Aston across the street from 711. We take a ride down Edgemont Avenue until we reach 352. We take a right and head through Brookhaven into Parkside. Before we reach Chester the hair salon is on our right. We pull into the ghetto parking lot on the corner, hop out of the car, walk into the small salon and wait for Jamil’s hair dresser to be available. He’s a short Hispanic with a sharp hairline wearing baggy pants, a somewhat fit shirt and boots. He’s the type of person who cares more about his outer appearance rather than what really matters.
After Jamils haircut, we get back into the car and head home. On the ride home Jamil remarks, “He fucked up my hair!” I couldn’t help but laugh. Millz tried telling me it wasn’t funny because he had a show later that night in Philly. He’s a rapper and was opening up for Lil Durk and Quilly.
I take Millz back to his new home and then head back to my house. Kijana finally texts me, this is when I question him.
Alexa, “Your texting back slower than usual, it’s weird.’
Kijana, “Wtf are you talking about?!”
Alexa, “I was just saying how normally you text back fast without a problem.”
Kijana, “Your fucking crazy, I was doing my school work!”
Alexa, “Okayy, I’m glad your doing your work, I was js.”
Kijana, “I’ll talk to you later”
Alexa, “ok”
Night time comes around and my best friend wants me to go to her playoff basketball game an hour away. I figure since Kijana is ignoring me I should just go since I have nothing better to do. Besides, Kijana was going into Philly with Millz for his show. It’s time to leave for the basketball game. I had noticed right before I left that a sophomore and the same high school my best friend goes to needed a ride to the girl’s game. I offered him a ride. Before I did so, I texted Kijana again.’
Alexa, “I’m going to the girls bball game and I’m giving Ishy a ride. Ill ttyl I love you.”
I never got a response, it was kind of heartbreaking. I knew that after I told him I was giving Ishy a ride that he would get mad and go talk to other girls because he’s stubborn like that. I figured if he’s gonna be a little bitch then whatever. The next day arrives and before I know it, it’s time for a lunch break at school. I walk to the library with my friend Jess that I graduated high school with. Walking past all kinds of people such as clean, dirty, grimy, fat, skinny, pretty, ugly, and anything you could imagine really. We reach our destination and I find an open computer. I check my email to find that my English class had been cancelled due to my teacher being ill. Since Kijana is still ignoring me, I decide to text my best friend.
Alexa, “Wanna come with me to get a tattoo?”
Jamil, “Yea when?”
Alexa, “15 minutes”
Jamil, “Damn, ard text me when you’re here.”
Alexa, “okay”
*10 minutes later*
Alexa, “Here”
Jamil, “ard coming”
I see Jamil in his normal, black jeans, black timbs, and white tee walking towards my car. He hops in and we drive to bonedaddy’s right down the street. We come to find that they don’t open for another hour. I come up with idea that we should go back to his house and get lit. We get back in the car, put it in reverse and head back to smoke. It didn’t take long to smoke one blunt between Jamil and I, but it was long enough for us to wait for bonedaddy’s to open. We get back in the car trace our tracks back to bonedaddy’s and they’re finally open. I walk in, ask for a specific design and get the process started. Jamil and I are sitting in the lobby next to a big window with no curtain to block my view from the outside. I look outside and see a truck in the parking lot that looked very familiar. After a few seconds a man walks out of the pet store next to bonedaddy’s and walks to that truck. It took me a minute to realize but it was my dad.
I yelled “ Oh MY GOD! Millz, that’s my dad.”
I ducked down as fast as I could, which was probably in slow motion since I was still high.
While Millz backed up into the corner and tried hiding he replied, “What do we do?!”
I peeked my head just enough so that my eyes could see out the window and I see my dad looking back at me through the truck window making that “what are you up to now” face. He mouths to me, “Are you getting a tattoo?” I shake my head yes. He puts the truck in reverse shakes his head in disappointment and heads home. I look at Jamil while he looks at me back straight into my face and we burst out into laughter. At this point in time I was so careless with everything and everyone.
Sitting in that shop for 6 hours was more boring and painful than hell, but my tattoo was finally finished. To this day, neither of my parents have seen nor asked me about my new ink.
Final Draft
Monday morning around 10 o'clock my eyes open slightly trying to avoid the burning sensation from the sun. My hand slides under my right pillow to where my phone lives on the charger every night. I grab it, pressing the home button hoping to see a text from my boyfriend, which was unlikely to happen. The previous day we had a minor argument over something incredibly stupid. All of our arguments seem to be problems that aren’t even a big deal. This one was so pointless that I can barely remember what it was about. I’m pretty positive it’s because I wouldn’t call off for my second shift just so I can hang out with Kijana. He acts as the most selfish person anyone could ever be around.
Alexa, “It’s weird! We have many stupid arguments and sometimes they get taken too far, but when things are good for us.. Boy are they good! It’s like we’re an unbreakable bond until we argue like a husband and wife would, you know.. over the dumb shit.”
Anyhow, we came to the conclusion that it'd be better to leave each other alone for a little while. My eyes open up enough to view my screen clearly. All I could see was the time, day, date, and my background of Kijana and I mean muggin from the volleyball marathon our high school held last winter. It was clear to me that Kijana was still mad at the day before when we argued. I had no texts nor did I have any missed facetime calls, which tends to be an every morning view I get to see on my lockscreen. It felt like we went days without talking but in reality it had only been hours. I wasn't too concerned if he still had anger built up inside of him, I figured leaving him alone to talk to others and maybe discuss his feelings freely would be good.
10:30 rolls around on my clock, I lift up my blue comforter, toss it to my left, hop off of my blue, green striped sheets to the right, and left my phone behind since it wasn’t getting any buzz. I slowly made my way to the bathroom about 10 steps from my room past the closet and past my brother’s room. As I step into the bathroom my right arm reaches for the light, I look slightly into the mirror and was terrified of what I saw, my tired, worn out, just woken up, miserable zombie face. My arm reaches for the light and switches it to off. I was better off taking my tinkle in the dark. My pee stops, I pull up my under garments and sweat pants, turn slightly to my left, turn the sink on hot, squeeze bath and body works foam hand soap into my hands and thoroughly wash them. I finished my business and walked to the living room. The pace of my steps seemed to be moving faster than when I first made my way to the bathroom. My body started to feel energized and I was finally waking up looking less scary.
The sound of loud dishes clunking together irritated my ears. I take a left into the kitchen and see my mom standing in between the dish washer and sink with her poor posture, messy bun, and old worn out clothes that she didn’t mind getting dirty. It was her day to clean the house. With every step I took into the kitchen I began to regret it more and more. My mom turned to her right, noticed it was me and asked, “Can you help me with cleaning today?”
Alexa, “If I have time, I’m trying to get my homework done and then I’m taking Kijana to bonedaddy’s at 4:00 for his tattoo.”
Mom, “How are you gonna do that?”
Alexa, “Dad’s car…”
Mom, “He took it to work, K’s gonna have to find another ride or I can drop him off with my truck.”
Alexa, “You know that I make plans on my days off!”
Mom, “And you know that I like using my own car, so if dad doesn’t have to take mine he’s going to take his.”
From that moment on, I thought I knew that if I texted Kijana telling him my mom had to drive him to his appointment, he’d be mad. I was wrong.
After talking to my mom, I walk to the freezer, pull out two chocolate chip eggo waffles from the top shelf, and toasted em. They popped out of the toaster after patiently waiting for two minutes. I pinch both waffles trying to avoid burning my fingers to crisps. I toss them onto my paper plate and place it in the microwave for fifteen seconds to make sure they stay heated. As I finished breakfast I walked back to my room and searched for my phone under my comforter and pillows. I come to find that I still have no texts from Kijana. I became very annoyed but decided to swallow my pride. I slide my finger across the screen to the right and typed in my password. I open up my messages and text Kijana.
Alexa, “I don’t have the car.”
Kijana, “How am I gonna get to bonedaddy’s?”
Alexa, “My mom said she would drop you off.”
Kijana, “ok.”
I left it at that.
Two days later and it’s Wednesday. About mid-day I become impatient with Kijana’s abnormally slow texting. All I did was question why he was texting slower than usual. Apparently questioning him was the wrong thing to do, for whatever reason he exploded and got mad at me all over again. I didn’t think he would get so mad. I wasn’t accusing him of doing anything wrong. Some type of chemical imbalance in his brain causes him to act the way he does. His anger gets the best of him. On his own, he chooses to ignore me. This time he took this pointless argument way too far!
It’s the afternoon and I take my best friend Jamil, who is also best friends with Kijana, to Parkside to get his hair cut. This is the time Kijana is in the middle of texting back abnormally slow. He hasn’t exploded into madness yet considering I haven’t gotten the chance to question him.
I pick up Jamil from his new home in Aston across the street from 711. We take a ride down Dutton Mills Rd. until we reach 352. We take a right and head through Brookhaven into Parkside. Before we reach Chester the hair salon is on our right. We pull into the ghetto parking lot on the corner, hop out of the car, walk into the small salon and wait for Jamil’s hair dresser to be available. He’s a short Hispanic with a sharp hairline wearing baggy pants, a somewhat fit shirt and boots. He’s the type of person who cares more about his outer appearance rather than what really matters.
After Jamils haircut, we get back into the car and head home. On the ride home Jamil remarks, “He fucked up my hair!” I couldn’t help but laugh. Millz tried telling me it wasn’t funny because he had a show later that night in Philly. He’s a rapper and was opening up for Lil Durk and Quilly.
I take Millz back home and then head back to my house. Kijana finally texts me, this is when I question him.
Alexa, “Your texting back slower than usual, it’s weird.’
Kijana, “Wtf are you talking about?!”
Alexa, “I was just saying how normally you text back fast without a problem.”
Kijana, “Your fucking crazy, I was doing my school work!”
Alexa, “Okayy, I’m glad your doing your work, I was js.”
Kijana, “I’ll talk to you later”
Alexa, “ok”
It’s Wednesday night and my best friend wants me to go to her playoff basketball game that’s an hour away. I figure since Kijana is ignoring me I should go since I have nothing better to do. Besides, Kijana was going into Philly with Millz for his show.
It’s time to leave for the basketball game. I had noticed right before I left that a sophomore from the same high school my best friend attends needed a ride to the girl’s game. I offered him a ride. Before I did so, I texted Kijana again.
Alexa, “I’m going to the girls bball game and I’m giving Ishy a ride. Ill ttyl I love you.”
I never got a response, it was kind of heartbreaking. I knew that after I told him I was giving Ishy a ride that he would get mad and go talk to other girls, he’s stubborn like that. I figured if he’s gonna be a little bitch then whatever. The next day arrives and before I know it, it’s time for a lunch break at school. I walk to the library with my friend Jess that I graduated high school with. Walking past all kinds of people such as clean, dirty, grimy, fat, skinny, pretty, ugly, and anything you could imagine really. We reach our destination and I find an open computer. I check my email to find that my English class had been cancelled due to my teacher being ill. Since Kijana was still ignoring me, I decided to text Millz.
Alexa, “Wanna come with me to get a tattoo?”
Jamil, “Yea when?”
Alexa, “15 minutes”
Jamil, “Damn, ard text me when you’re here.”
Alexa, “okay”
*10 minutes later*
Alexa, “Here”
Jamil, “ard coming”
I see Jamil in his normal, black jeans, black timbs, and white tee walking towards my car. He hops in and we drive to bonedaddy’s right down the street. We come to find that they don’t open for another hour. I come up with idea that we should go back to his house get lit and enjoy ourselves before I take the pain of getting ink cemented into my skin. We get back in the car, put it in reverse and head back to smoke. It didn’t take long to smoke one blunt between Jamil and I, but it was long enough for us to wait for Bonedaddy’s to open. We get back in the car trace our tracks back to Bonedaddy’s and they were finally open. I walk in, ask for a specific design and get the process started. Jamil and I are sitting in the lobby next to a big window with no curtain to block my view from the outside. I look outside and see a truck in the parking lot that looked very familiar. After a few seconds a man walks out of the pet store next to Bonedaddy’s and walks to that truck. It took me a minute to realize but it was my dad.
I yelled “ Oh MY GOD! Millz, that’s my dad.”
I ducked down as fast as I could, which was probably in slow motion since I was still high.
While Millz backed up into the corner and tried hiding he replied, “What do we do?!”
I peeked my head just enough so that my eyes could see out the window and I see my dad looking back at me through the truck window making that “what are you up to now” face. He mouths to me, “Are you getting a tattoo?” I shake my head yes. He puts the truck in reverse shakes his head in disappointment and heads home. I look at Jamil while he looks at me back straight into my face and we burst out into laughter. At this point in time I was so careless with everything and everyone. Our laughter comes to a stop and our high fades away. Two hours pass by and it’s finally time to get the stencil placed on my shoulder. The artist pulls me back to his work space, I asked if Jamil could come but he said to wait until he started the actual tattooing process.
He placed the flowers on my shoulder and I told him I didn’t like the way it sat. He wiped it off, fixed up another stencil and 30 minutes later we went through that process all over again. This time, he did it right!
Sitting in that shop for 6 hours was more boring and painful than hell, but my tattoo was finally finished. To this day, neither of my parents have seen nor asked me about my new ink.
Problems
Monday morning around 10 o'clock my eyes open slightly trying to avoid the burning sensation from the sun. My hand slides under my right pillow to where my phone lives on the charger every night. I grab it, pressing the home button hoping to see a text from my boyfriend. The previous day we had a minor argument over something so stupid, we came to the conclusion that it'd be better to leave each other alone for a little while. My eyes open up enough to view my screen clearly. All I could see was the time, day, date, and my background of Kijana and I mean muggin from the volleyball marathon our high school held last winter. It was clear to me that Kijana was still mad at the day before when we argued. I had no texts nor did I have any missed facetime calls, which tends to be an every morning view I get to see on my lockscreen. It felt like we went days without talking but in reality it had only been hours. I wasn't too concerned if he still had anger built up inside of him, I figured leaving him alone to talk to others and maybe discuss his feelings freely would be good.
10:30 rolls around on my digital clock, I lift up my blue comforter, toss it to my left, hop off of my blue, green striped sheets to the right, only because the wall was on my left and I would have nowhere to go, and left my phone behind since it wasn’t getting any buzz. I slowly but surely make my way to the bathroom about 10 steps from my room past the closet and past my brother’s room. As I step into the bathroom my right arm reaches for the light, I look slightly into the mirror and was terrified of what I saw, my tired, worn out, just woken up, miserable zombie face. My arm reaches for the light and switches it to off. I was better off taking my tinkle in the dark. My pee stops, I pull up my under garments and sweat pants, turn slightly to my left, turn the sink on hot, squeeze bath and body works foam hand soap into my hands and thoroughly wash them. I finished my business in the laboratory and walked to the living room. The pace of my steps seemed to be moving faster than when I first made my way to the bathroom. My body started to feel energized and I was finally waking up looking less scary.
Before I even had the chance to make some breakfast, I peeked out the window to see my dad’s car gone. Another problem has occurred.
Alexa, “You see, normally my dad leaves his car at home for me to use when I need it because I am currently still saving for a new one, considering my last one gave out on me. It died of old age! *tear tear* For the last few months his car has been available to me almost all of the time. He gets to use my mom’s Yukon which isn’t a big deal. She’s a stay at home mom. The only thing she needs it for is grocery shopping. She’s old so she doesn’t have friends like us youth do. Long story short, my mom loves her Yukon so when she thinks I don’t need my dad’s vehicle she makes him take it to work. This became an issue knowing that I had to get Kijana to an appointment he’s had planned for weeks, and I can’t drive my mom’s truck. It’s too big for a 4’11” girl like myself.”
While looking out the window standing on my tippy toes, leaning against the fish tank I over hear my mother doing the dishes in the kitchen. I couldn’t see clearly who it was but it had to of been her. My brothers weren’t the type to do dishes in the morning without being asked. Without hesitation I yell over the loud clunking noises of glass and pots being placed in the dish washer, “Why did dad take the car?!” My mom quickly responds giving me the whole schpeel on how I didn’t need the car because I was off of work and school. I fiercely speak up for myself and explain to her how Monday’s are my Saturday’s and I like to make plans due to the free time I finally get to have. She looks at me like I’m type of creature with five heads. Her head shakes like she’s annoyed with me.
Alexa, “In my defense, I am a teenager and she can’t expect me to only need the car for school and work. I do like to have fun and make plans with people I enjoy being around.”
I walk away with anger, moving with quick heavy feet. She could sense my frustration and tried making it up to me. She had asked what my plans were. I had told her it was to take Kijana to Bonedaddy’s for his third tattoo. She then again gave me some type of look like my plans weren’t even fun. Sitting and watching someone else get a tattoo may not sound fun, but doing a favor for my boyfriend by taking him and sitting with him for three hours is what I enjoy doing most. Plus, I find it intriguing watching the needle move up and down faster than the blink of an eye. Hearing the sound of a buzz go in and out as it hits the skin.
By this time it’s 11 o’clock and I still haven’t gotten a text from Kijana. His attitude gets the best of him sometimes. I have to give in and text him, so I do. I walk back to my room, search for my phone under my pillow, pick it up, slide it to unlock and type in my password. His anger problems can get on my nerves real quick, so I blatantly text him asking why is he being an immature asshole. From there on we straightened things out just like we normally do and went on about our days like usual. When it came time for his appointment, my dad was still at work so my mom stuck to her favor and picked him up and dropped us off at Bonedaddy’s. His tattoo took approximately three hours and he couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. It seemed like at that point all of our problems have been solved.
Draft 2
Monday morning around 10 o'clock my eyes open slightly trying to avoid the burning sensation from the sun. My hand slides under my right pillow to where my phone lives on the charger every night. I grab it, pressing the home button hoping to see a text from my boyfriend, which was unlikely to happen. The previous day we had a minor argument over something incredibly stupid. All of our arguments seem to be problems that aren’t even a big deal. This one was so pointless that I can barely remember what it was about. I’m pretty positive it’s because I wouldn’t call off for my second shift just so I can hang out with Kijana. He acts as the most selfish person anyone could ever be around.
Alexa, “It’s weird! We have many stupid arguments and sometimes they get taken too far, but when things are good for us.. Boy are they good! It’s like we’re an unbreakable bond until we argue like a husband and wife would, you know.. over the dumb shit.”
Anyhow, we came to the conclusion that it'd be better to leave each other alone for a little while. My eyes open up enough to view my screen clearly. All I could see was the time, day, date, and my background of Kijana and I mean muggin from the volleyball marathon our high school held last winter. It was clear to me that Kijana was still mad at the day before when we argued. I had no texts nor did I have any missed facetime calls, which tends to be an every morning view I get to see on my lockscreen. It felt like we went days without talking but in reality it had only been hours. I wasn't too concerned if he still had anger built up inside of him, I figured leaving him alone to talk to others and maybe discuss his feelings freely would be good.
10:30 rolls around on my digital clock, I lift up my blue comforter, toss it to my left, hop off of my blue, green striped sheets to the right, only because the wall was on my left and I would have nowhere to go, and left my phone behind since it wasn’t getting any buzz. I slowly made my way to the bathroom about 10 steps from my room past the closet and past my brother’s room. As I step into the bathroom my right arm reaches for the light, I look slightly into the mirror and was terrified of what I saw, my tired, worn out, just woken up, miserable zombie face. My arm reaches for the light and switches it to off. I was better off taking my tinkle in the dark. My pee stops, I pull up my under garments and sweat pants, turn slightly to my left, turn the sink on hot, squeeze bath and body works foam hand soap into my hands and thoroughly wash them. I finished my business and walked to the living room. The pace of my steps seemed to be moving faster than when I first made my way to the bathroom. My body started to feel energized and I was finally waking up looking less scary.
The sound of loud dishes clunking together irritated my ears. I take a left into the kitchen and see my mom standing in between the dish washer and sink with her poor posture, messy bun, and old worn out clothes that she didn’t mind getting dirty. It was her day to clean the house. With every step I took into the kitchen I began to regret it more and more. My mom turned to her right, noticed it was me and asked, “Can you help me with cleaning today?”
Alexa, “If I have time, I’m trying to get my homework done and then I’m taking Kijana to bonedaddy’s at 4:00 for his tattoo.”
Mom, “How are you gonna do that?”
Alexa, “Dad’s car…”
Mom, “He took it to work, K’s gonna have to find another ride or I can drop him off with my truck.”
Alexa, “You know that I make plans on my days off!”
Mom, “And you know that I like using my own car, so if dad doesn’t have to take mine he’s going to take his.”
From that moment on, I thought I knew that if I texted Kijana telling him my mom had to drive him to his appointment, he’d be mad. I was wrong.
After talking to my mom, I walk to the freezer, pull out two chocolate chip eggo waffles from the top shelf, and toasted em. They popped from the toaster after patiently waiting for two minutes. I pinch both waffles trying to avoid burning my fingers to crisps. I toss them onto my paper plate and place it in the microwave for fifteen seconds to make sure they stay heated. As I finished breakfast I walked back to my room and searched for my phone under my comforter and pillows. I come to find that I still have no texts from Kijana. I became very annoyed but decided to swallow my pride. I slide my finger across the screen to the right and typed in my password. I open up my messages and text Kijana.
Alexa, “I don’t have the car.”
Kijana, “How am I gonna get to bonedaddy’s?”
Alexa, “My mom said she would drop you off.”
Kijana, “ok.”
I decided to leave it at that.
The day goes on, and we are still barely communicating. I wasn’t bothered too much considering I had homework to finish. The time came close for his appointment. Kijana texted me and asked if my mom could drop him off. I let him know that she could. My mom doesn’t only drop him off, but myself as well. He didn’t want to sit in a chair around strangers for five hours.
The time passes slowly but his tattoo had finally finished after three long hours. I call my mom to pick us up and she takes him home. The day comes to an end, and things seem to go back to normal. We’re happy again for approximately two days. Wednesday comes around on the calendar and about mid-day I become impatient with Kijana’s abnormally slow texting. All I did was question why he was texting slower than usual. Apparently questioning him was the wrong thing to do, for whatever reason he exploded and got mad at me all over again. I didn’t think he would get so mad. I wasn’t accusing him of doing anything wrong. Some type of chemical imbalance in K’s brain causes him to act the way he does. His anger gets the best of him. On his own, he chooses to ignore me. This time he took this pointless argument way too far!
Wednesday afternoon I take my best friend Jamil, who is also best friends with Kijana, to Parkside to get his hair cut. At this point Kijana is in the middle of texting me back abnormally slow. He hasn’t exploded into madness yet because I haven’t gotten the chance to question him.
I pick up Jamil from his new home in Aston across the street from 711. We take a ride down Edgemont Avenue until we reach 352. We take a right and head through Brookhaven into Parkside. Before we reach Chester the hair salon is on our right. We pull into the ghetto parking lot on the corner, hop out of the car, walk into the small salon and wait for Jamil’s hair dresser to be available. He’s a short Hispanic with a sharp hairline wearing baggy pants, a somewhat fit shirt and boots. He’s the type of person who cares more about his outer appearance rather than what really matters.
After Jamils haircut, we get back into the car and head home. On the ride home Jamil remarks, “He fucked up my hair!” I couldn’t help but laugh. Millz tried telling me it wasn’t funny because he had a show later that night in Philly. He’s a rapper and was opening up for Lil Durk and Quilly.
I take Millz back to his new home and then head back to my house. Kijana finally texts me, this is when I question him.
Alexa, “Your texting back slower than usual, it’s weird.’
Kijana, “Wtf are you talking about?!”
Alexa, “I was just saying how normally you text back fast without a problem.”
Kijana, “Your fucking crazy, I was doing my school work!”
Alexa, “Okayy, I’m glad your doing your work, I was js.”
Kijana, “I’ll talk to you later”
Alexa, “ok”
Night time comes around and my best friend wants me to go to her playoff basketball game an hour away. I figure since Kijana is ignoring me I should just go since I have nothing better to do. Besides, Kijana was going into Philly with Millz for his show. It’s time to leave for the basketball game. I had noticed right before I left that a sophomore and the same high school my best friend goes to needed a ride to the girl’s game. I offered him a ride. Before I did so, I texted Kijana again.’
Alexa, “I’m going to the girls bball game and I’m giving Ishy a ride. Ill ttyl I love you.”
I never got a response, it was kind of heartbreaking. I knew that after I told him I was giving Ishy a ride that he would get mad and go talk to other girls because he’s stubborn like that. I figured if he’s gonna be a little bitch then whatever. The next day arrives and before I know it, it’s time for a lunch break at school. I walk to the library with my friend Jess that I graduated high school with. Walking past all kinds of people such as clean, dirty, grimy, fat, skinny, pretty, ugly, and anything you could imagine really. We reach our destination and I find an open computer. I check my email to find that my English class had been cancelled due to my teacher being ill. Since Kijana is still ignoring me, I decide to text my best friend.
Alexa, “Wanna come with me to get a tattoo?”
Jamil, “Yea when?”
Alexa, “15 minutes”
Jamil, “Damn, ard text me when you’re here.”
Alexa, “okay”
*10 minutes later*
Alexa, “Here”
Jamil, “ard coming”
I see Jamil in his normal, black jeans, black timbs, and white tee walking towards my car. He hops in and we drive to bonedaddy’s right down the street. We come to find that they don’t open for another hour. I come up with idea that we should go back to his house and get lit. We get back in the car, put it in reverse and head back to smoke. It didn’t take long to smoke one blunt between Jamil and I, but it was long enough for us to wait for bonedaddy’s to open. We get back in the car trace our tracks back to bonedaddy’s and they’re finally open. I walk in, ask for a specific design and get the process started. Jamil and I are sitting in the lobby next to a big window with no curtain to block my view from the outside. I look outside and see a truck in the parking lot that looked very familiar. After a few seconds a man walks out of the pet store next to bonedaddy’s and walks to that truck. It took me a minute to realize but it was my dad.
I yelled “ Oh MY GOD! Millz, that’s my dad.”
I ducked down as fast as I could, which was probably in slow motion since I was still high.
While Millz backed up into the corner and tried hiding he replied, “What do we do?!”
I peeked my head just enough so that my eyes could see out the window and I see my dad looking back at me through the truck window making that “what are you up to now” face. He mouths to me, “Are you getting a tattoo?” I shake my head yes. He puts the truck in reverse shakes his head in disappointment and heads home. I look at Jamil while he looks at me back straight into my face and we burst out into laughter. At this point in time I was so careless with everything and everyone.
Sitting in that shop for 6 hours was more boring and painful than hell, but my tattoo was finally finished. To this day, neither of my parents have seen nor asked me about my new ink.
Final Draft
Monday morning around 10 o'clock my eyes open slightly trying to avoid the burning sensation from the sun. My hand slides under my right pillow to where my phone lives on the charger every night. I grab it, pressing the home button hoping to see a text from my boyfriend, which was unlikely to happen. The previous day we had a minor argument over something incredibly stupid. All of our arguments seem to be problems that aren’t even a big deal. This one was so pointless that I can barely remember what it was about. I’m pretty positive it’s because I wouldn’t call off for my second shift just so I can hang out with Kijana. He acts as the most selfish person anyone could ever be around.
Alexa, “It’s weird! We have many stupid arguments and sometimes they get taken too far, but when things are good for us.. Boy are they good! It’s like we’re an unbreakable bond until we argue like a husband and wife would, you know.. over the dumb shit.”
Anyhow, we came to the conclusion that it'd be better to leave each other alone for a little while. My eyes open up enough to view my screen clearly. All I could see was the time, day, date, and my background of Kijana and I mean muggin from the volleyball marathon our high school held last winter. It was clear to me that Kijana was still mad at the day before when we argued. I had no texts nor did I have any missed facetime calls, which tends to be an every morning view I get to see on my lockscreen. It felt like we went days without talking but in reality it had only been hours. I wasn't too concerned if he still had anger built up inside of him, I figured leaving him alone to talk to others and maybe discuss his feelings freely would be good.
10:30 rolls around on my clock, I lift up my blue comforter, toss it to my left, hop off of my blue, green striped sheets to the right, and left my phone behind since it wasn’t getting any buzz. I slowly made my way to the bathroom about 10 steps from my room past the closet and past my brother’s room. As I step into the bathroom my right arm reaches for the light, I look slightly into the mirror and was terrified of what I saw, my tired, worn out, just woken up, miserable zombie face. My arm reaches for the light and switches it to off. I was better off taking my tinkle in the dark. My pee stops, I pull up my under garments and sweat pants, turn slightly to my left, turn the sink on hot, squeeze bath and body works foam hand soap into my hands and thoroughly wash them. I finished my business and walked to the living room. The pace of my steps seemed to be moving faster than when I first made my way to the bathroom. My body started to feel energized and I was finally waking up looking less scary.
The sound of loud dishes clunking together irritated my ears. I take a left into the kitchen and see my mom standing in between the dish washer and sink with her poor posture, messy bun, and old worn out clothes that she didn’t mind getting dirty. It was her day to clean the house. With every step I took into the kitchen I began to regret it more and more. My mom turned to her right, noticed it was me and asked, “Can you help me with cleaning today?”
Alexa, “If I have time, I’m trying to get my homework done and then I’m taking Kijana to bonedaddy’s at 4:00 for his tattoo.”
Mom, “How are you gonna do that?”
Alexa, “Dad’s car…”
Mom, “He took it to work, K’s gonna have to find another ride or I can drop him off with my truck.”
Alexa, “You know that I make plans on my days off!”
Mom, “And you know that I like using my own car, so if dad doesn’t have to take mine he’s going to take his.”
From that moment on, I thought I knew that if I texted Kijana telling him my mom had to drive him to his appointment, he’d be mad. I was wrong.
After talking to my mom, I walk to the freezer, pull out two chocolate chip eggo waffles from the top shelf, and toasted em. They popped out of the toaster after patiently waiting for two minutes. I pinch both waffles trying to avoid burning my fingers to crisps. I toss them onto my paper plate and place it in the microwave for fifteen seconds to make sure they stay heated. As I finished breakfast I walked back to my room and searched for my phone under my comforter and pillows. I come to find that I still have no texts from Kijana. I became very annoyed but decided to swallow my pride. I slide my finger across the screen to the right and typed in my password. I open up my messages and text Kijana.
Alexa, “I don’t have the car.”
Kijana, “How am I gonna get to bonedaddy’s?”
Alexa, “My mom said she would drop you off.”
Kijana, “ok.”
I left it at that.
Two days later and it’s Wednesday. About mid-day I become impatient with Kijana’s abnormally slow texting. All I did was question why he was texting slower than usual. Apparently questioning him was the wrong thing to do, for whatever reason he exploded and got mad at me all over again. I didn’t think he would get so mad. I wasn’t accusing him of doing anything wrong. Some type of chemical imbalance in his brain causes him to act the way he does. His anger gets the best of him. On his own, he chooses to ignore me. This time he took this pointless argument way too far!
It’s the afternoon and I take my best friend Jamil, who is also best friends with Kijana, to Parkside to get his hair cut. This is the time Kijana is in the middle of texting back abnormally slow. He hasn’t exploded into madness yet considering I haven’t gotten the chance to question him.
I pick up Jamil from his new home in Aston across the street from 711. We take a ride down Dutton Mills Rd. until we reach 352. We take a right and head through Brookhaven into Parkside. Before we reach Chester the hair salon is on our right. We pull into the ghetto parking lot on the corner, hop out of the car, walk into the small salon and wait for Jamil’s hair dresser to be available. He’s a short Hispanic with a sharp hairline wearing baggy pants, a somewhat fit shirt and boots. He’s the type of person who cares more about his outer appearance rather than what really matters.
After Jamils haircut, we get back into the car and head home. On the ride home Jamil remarks, “He fucked up my hair!” I couldn’t help but laugh. Millz tried telling me it wasn’t funny because he had a show later that night in Philly. He’s a rapper and was opening up for Lil Durk and Quilly.
I take Millz back home and then head back to my house. Kijana finally texts me, this is when I question him.
Alexa, “Your texting back slower than usual, it’s weird.’
Kijana, “Wtf are you talking about?!”
Alexa, “I was just saying how normally you text back fast without a problem.”
Kijana, “Your fucking crazy, I was doing my school work!”
Alexa, “Okayy, I’m glad your doing your work, I was js.”
Kijana, “I’ll talk to you later”
Alexa, “ok”
It’s Wednesday night and my best friend wants me to go to her playoff basketball game that’s an hour away. I figure since Kijana is ignoring me I should go since I have nothing better to do. Besides, Kijana was going into Philly with Millz for his show.
It’s time to leave for the basketball game. I had noticed right before I left that a sophomore from the same high school my best friend attends needed a ride to the girl’s game. I offered him a ride. Before I did so, I texted Kijana again.
Alexa, “I’m going to the girls bball game and I’m giving Ishy a ride. Ill ttyl I love you.”
I never got a response, it was kind of heartbreaking. I knew that after I told him I was giving Ishy a ride that he would get mad and go talk to other girls, he’s stubborn like that. I figured if he’s gonna be a little bitch then whatever. The next day arrives and before I know it, it’s time for a lunch break at school. I walk to the library with my friend Jess that I graduated high school with. Walking past all kinds of people such as clean, dirty, grimy, fat, skinny, pretty, ugly, and anything you could imagine really. We reach our destination and I find an open computer. I check my email to find that my English class had been cancelled due to my teacher being ill. Since Kijana was still ignoring me, I decided to text Millz.
Alexa, “Wanna come with me to get a tattoo?”
Jamil, “Yea when?”
Alexa, “15 minutes”
Jamil, “Damn, ard text me when you’re here.”
Alexa, “okay”
*10 minutes later*
Alexa, “Here”
Jamil, “ard coming”
I see Jamil in his normal, black jeans, black timbs, and white tee walking towards my car. He hops in and we drive to bonedaddy’s right down the street. We come to find that they don’t open for another hour. I come up with idea that we should go back to his house get lit and enjoy ourselves before I take the pain of getting ink cemented into my skin. We get back in the car, put it in reverse and head back to smoke. It didn’t take long to smoke one blunt between Jamil and I, but it was long enough for us to wait for Bonedaddy’s to open. We get back in the car trace our tracks back to Bonedaddy’s and they were finally open. I walk in, ask for a specific design and get the process started. Jamil and I are sitting in the lobby next to a big window with no curtain to block my view from the outside. I look outside and see a truck in the parking lot that looked very familiar. After a few seconds a man walks out of the pet store next to Bonedaddy’s and walks to that truck. It took me a minute to realize but it was my dad.
I yelled “ Oh MY GOD! Millz, that’s my dad.”
I ducked down as fast as I could, which was probably in slow motion since I was still high.
While Millz backed up into the corner and tried hiding he replied, “What do we do?!”
I peeked my head just enough so that my eyes could see out the window and I see my dad looking back at me through the truck window making that “what are you up to now” face. He mouths to me, “Are you getting a tattoo?” I shake my head yes. He puts the truck in reverse shakes his head in disappointment and heads home. I look at Jamil while he looks at me back straight into my face and we burst out into laughter. At this point in time I was so careless with everything and everyone. Our laughter comes to a stop and our high fades away. Two hours pass by and it’s finally time to get the stencil placed on my shoulder. The artist pulls me back to his work space, I asked if Jamil could come but he said to wait until he started the actual tattooing process.
He placed the flowers on my shoulder and I told him I didn’t like the way it sat. He wiped it off, fixed up another stencil and 30 minutes later we went through that process all over again. This time, he did it right!
Sitting in that shop for 6 hours was more boring and painful than hell, but my tattoo was finally finished. To this day, neither of my parents have seen nor asked me about my new ink.