When You Least Expect It

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door 

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door

When You Least Expect It“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be all alone, taking care of myself.” God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby. “I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”“Finally, I mean it took--”“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”“Damn.”“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.” Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope. Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off. “Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”“I will baby, just for you”“Bye Mommy.”“Bye Sweetheart.”Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert. “Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”“See ya.”By lunch almost the whole school knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it. “So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations. “Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision. “Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.” Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass. “Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself." “Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it." “Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house." “Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy." “You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute." It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed. “ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.” “Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.” “Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.” “Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.” “As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.” “She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.” “Yeah alright, bye.”I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to. Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was. “Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly. “I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.” “Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm. “Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it. “See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop. “Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion. “Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically. “Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about? “Alright now Keya, spill it.”“I got…..”“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”“Raped. I got raped.”“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”“No!”“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.“What bae? What’s wrong?!”“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.” “Ok. I got you. What is it?”“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”“Yeah… he did.”“Did he use protection?”“... No.”“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”“..... yeah.”“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”“Thai… I don’t want any--”“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”“I just want this night to be over.”“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down. “Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”“Nah, what did he do to her?”“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”“What did he do man?”“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”“Who? Me?”“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”“Yeah most def.”“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison. “Alright then, we got a job to do.”The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone. “Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”“Mya you good, we got you!”“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”“Alright boo.”“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”“Well, I go to school with you.”“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”“Ok.. mm bye…”Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.“Jobs done boo".“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?" "We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening. Bursting through the door When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door

When You Least Expect It

“Mom, I swear I’ll be fine for a weekend in the house, come on it's not like we live in Never Never Land. I can’t get lost, I won’t die of hunger, and I definitely won’t be in the care of my friends parents. I’ll be allalone, taking care of myself.”

God, she just doesn’t get it, I’m 16 years old, she acts like I’m a scared baby.

“I understand that Mya, but you need to see what I see on T.V.! These criminals have no mercy, they just come in your house and stealthily walk around, and then kill you! They’re crazy I tell you, just insane, psycho, mentally disturbed--”

“O-K, I get it. I’ll just spend my time in Grandma’s house, you know, the house with no damn wifi. I have better chances of dying from not being social for a weekend, than I do from being killed by an intruder.”

“You know what, FINE!.... I mean if you want to stay in this house all by yourself, then go ahead.”

“Finally, I mean it took--”

“Butttttttt…. you have some rules.”

“Damn.”

“You need to clean the house, I don’t want it dirty when I come back. No house parties. Do not touch my wine, my alcohol or my medicinal drugs, especially those cause I do keep a count on that. Do not leave the house without notifying me. Do not let any strangers in the house. Do not make it totally visible that you are the only person in the house. Make sure you call me every morning and night, and return all of my calls. OH!, and that little boyfriend you got, he better not step in this house.”

“Oh ok, I’ll make sure he don’t step in, he might just walk in or run in.”

“Mya, I ain’t playing with you girl. Do you hear what I’m saying?”

“Yes mom, I’ll call, I’ll answer, I’ll be all alone. I promise I can do this. Trust me.”

“Alright well I need to get going, the flight leaves at 9, get your stuff for school, just because it’s Friday and your mom is leaving don’t mean you can skip school missy.”

“Ma I’m already ready, I mean you can’t tell people about a party sitting at home… well I could just instagram it, tweet it, or facebook it like you say.”

“Get the hell out of this house, I can’t be late.”

Man, she sitting driving this car, thinking I’m about to follow all of her damn rules, Is she crazy? I can’t wait to tell Thaileek… ooo he’s going to throw us a party, and like always we’ll be the talk of the town. Maybe I can get him to stay with me, I mean I really don’t want to be all alone, but if I have to then it should be ok, I hope.

Hopping out of the passenger seat, and already running up the stairs to the main entrance of Southside High, Mya quickly stopped dead in her tracks only to turn around and see her mom had pulled off.

“Damn, I didn’t even get to say I love you”, she pensively mumbled turning back towards the steps.

Meanwhile, Macy was already dialing her baby’s number, expecting for her to pick up immediately, and with no surprise she did.

“Hey, we didn’t exchange I love you’s.”

“I know ma, I just ran back down the steps, but you had already pulled off. Weird how we both thought about that huh?”

“Yeah it is, but you know I can’t multi-task so I love you, be safe and if I never see you again, know that I love you a lot Mya.”

“Ma, you know I hate when you say stuff like that! But I love you too, and you take care and be safe… and make sure you come home.”

“I will baby, just for you”

“Bye Mommy.”

“Bye Sweetheart.”

Damn, Mya never says Mommy, what is all that about?, Macy thought to herself. The idea of not seeing her daughter again, had totally crossed her mind though she never lingered on it, but now that she was on her way to the other side of the country, her female intuition was definitely on high alert.

“Girllll, guess who ‘finna be home for the whole weekend with no parents!!?”

“Omg Mya, your mom let you stay alone! You lucky bitch.”

“Hey Keya, watch your mouth.!, and yes you guessed right. I can not believe it.”

“We throwin’ a party, right? I mean well you are? Shit, I’m ‘finna host it too, so it is partially mine. When you telling Thai?, we already know he going to be all over it. Mannn… we ‘bout to turn up!”

“I know right, but first lets make it through first and second period without getting a call home for once, OH wait! My mom’s not there!”

“Hahaha, well mine are, so I will take your advice literally. I got a party to host tonight. But I’ll catch you later in lunch, bye boo.”

“See ya.”

By lunch almost the wholeschool knew about this upcoming party… and they all knew that Mya was going to be home all alone for the weekend. Mya managed to tell Thaileek about her ideal situation, which he responded by smothering her and pushing her up into a locker whispering in her ear, “You ‘finna get it this weekend”. Everything was falling in place, I mean in about 7 hours, she was about to be hosting the best party possibly of the year at her own crib, with no parents, and everyone knew it.

“So who you tryin’ to invite, miss Mya?”

Ugghh, the thug of the school knows about it too? I can not let him find out about where I stay, he stare wayy too damn hard. Plus I got some valuable shit in my house, and I want it to be there at the end of this weekend. Too bad I aint have time to print out invitations… discreet invitations.

“Why you askin’? You tryna’ slide?”

“You already know, Young Slick wanna show you why yo boy Thai, ain't worth your time.”

See what I mean, Mya you can’t go with somebody that rhymes when he talks, talks in third person, and calls himself Young Slick. Tha Fuck? I can’t deal. But if I don’t invite him, then he might show up anyway and shoot the place away. Plus he has a thing for Keya too, and she down with him, so I’ll just invite him for her. God send me a sign that I’m making the right decision.

“Slick you already know that you’re invited. I mean why wouldn’t you be? My girl keya all ova you. Maybe y’all can make shit happen.”

“Good lookin’ out Mya, and I was just playin’ bout earlier. I would never disrespect Thai, that’s my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’.”

“Very funny boo, I’ll catch you later.”

“Yeah I’ll catch you later too.”

Fuck! I done messed up. This nigga gone come to my damn house, probably with his squad and try to fuck shit up. Hell I betta enjoy myself tonight... It might be my last weekend alive with his crazy ass.

“Damn, what took you so long? We literally got out of school like 2 hours ago, and I can't prepare for a party by myself."

“Chill boo, I'm here now and I brought everything you told me to... Paper towels, sodas, mixers, punch bowl and the scoop, fried chicken, soap for the bathroom, the cleaning stuff to clean up with afterwards... Oh and condoms for the bathroom. Don't want nothing sticking on the floor if you know what I mean. And with you and Thai this weekend, who knows .. We might be on 16 and pregnant before we know it."

“Hahaha very funny hun, I'm straight. You need to worry about you and slick, he gonna knock your fast tail up and I don't need to be that friend that has to say on national t.v. that it happened at my house."

“Yeah ok, and I use to think he had a thing for you... But uhm I see he cares for a little darker chocolate, my baby healthy."

“You stupid!, come help me get this shit set up 'cause my baby 'bout to be here in a minute."

It was only 5 o'clock but Mya was taking every little moment so seriously, she was acting like she was throwing a BET after party. Everything had to be perfect, and she didn't know why she was being like that, but she honestly couldn't help it. She wanted to be the most popular, like her mom and grandmother had been. Everyone knew them and some of her teachers now can recall them. They were smart, gorgeous, friendly, athletic, and known for always throwing extravagant parties and always keeping a boyfriend. So when Mya chose to go to Southside High, it was a big deal and so much was expected of her, and she knew it. In 9th grade she ran for president and won without really having a proper vote, she played varsity for basketball and volleyball, and tried to run track and play flag football during the same season. It was all too much, but she didn't care... She called it “upholding the legacy". Mya was more than just a girl or a descendant of the best girls at the High, she was captivating and let alone made the school what it was. Though she was always suffering quite a bit for being the center of attention. Mya had been stalked just a few years back in 8th grade by a kid named John. He was quiet and never responded to anything, it was a miracle to some that he had even passed. Now he went to Southside High as well, but he went unnoticed by my Mya, she didn't even know he still existed. Despite them sharing 5 classes together since Freshman year. What some didn't know was that he was smart, like genius smart... And strong too. He was capable of a lot more than he would be credited for. But most walked right past him calling him “stalkeyed J”, the torture barely fazed him... Or at least that's what it seemed.

“ Hey J, what's up man? You said we were gonna meet here right after school to work on the project.”

“Yeah well look Alex, I got other plans tonight.. Cooler plans than working on some project.”

“Don't tell me you have another scheme to get that chick Mya to notice you. Man she will never see you face it your just a nerd to her.”

“Don't say that!... She sees me I know she does.”

“As always your getting irate... I'll talk to you later dude. If she can't see you by midnight just leave her alone... She's not worth it. You've changed your dress code for this girl, picked up as much swag as you can find, fixed your hair, altered your voice, even copped three girlfriends and she still doesn't see you as nothing but “stalkeyed J”. Words of advice, she's just not that into you.”

“She may not see me now, but she will... And if she won't I'll make her. She's throwing a party tonight and everyone is going ... Everyone is invited. She can't mind if I go. It'll be perfect Al, just perfect. I gotta go, I'll catch you later.”

“Yeah alright, bye.”

I mean how could things go wrong? I look better than her ole sleeze boyfriend Thai, I'm smarter, taller, fit, I have everything. She has to see me, she just has to.

Finally 10 o'clock had rolled around, and Mya was elevating to cloud 9. People were flowing in, music was playing, shots were being taken, smoke was clouding up almost every room, it was thick, and most importantly her house was still intact. It seemed as if every teenager in the city had found their way to her party. Thai had came a little after 10:30, he was always known for making an entrance like most jocks feel they have to do. Mya wasn't the jealous type when the girls tried to jump all over him, she had her own groupies. When Thai found her she was in the kitchen talking to some old friends, but of course he swooped her up so he could get her to twerk for him. She felt like nothing could be better, except she had no clue where Keya was.

“Look I like you, so stop fronting like you don't like me. Come on I see you always checking me out”, Keya said abruptly.

“I mean yeah I see ya, it’s just you know me. I be down to talk to a bunch of females, and according to most, your the type that like to tie down.”

“Well yeah, if you wantin’ somethin’, I’ma need you to cop me. I can’t be out here just doing stuff for any and everybody.”

“Tru, but uhm for now I’ma need you to do stuff for me, ‘cause I’m feeling you and you feeling me, and I can’t let you get away untouched by Young Slick.”

“Very funny, boy bye. I’ll see you inside.”

“Oh that’s how it is?”, Slick said sarcastically, while reaching for Keya’s arm.

“Yeah, now let me go Slick. I said bye.”

“Nah….. see that ain’t how it work. You think you can just take me to my car, sit practically on top of me, talkin’ ‘bout you like me, and then try to leave? What you think this is Keya?”

“I just don’t want nothin’ no mo’, come on let me go. We can lie and said we did something ok? Just stop it Slick!”, Keya reached for the door but Slick forcefully held her hand down so she wouldn’t be able to reach it.

“See Keya, lying just ain’t good enough for me. I actually need to do something, if you know what I mean”, Slick whispered in Keya’s ear.

“Let me go! Help! Help! Please Slick just let me go!”

“Be quiet, it won’t take too long.”

“Yeah I know, you probably can’t last that long you asshole! Get me out of here!”

Slick looked at Keya sharply, and then deeming his eyes, he pushed Keya flat out across the back seats face down. Whispering in her ears “I’ll make sure it takes longer”. The next 2 hours Slick kept Keya face down, keeping complete control of her. She was helpless, but she stopped fighting. Tears streamed down her face, dropping straight down onto the floor of the backseat, sinking in all of her sadness. She knew it was all her fault, except she didn’t want to admit to her mistake.

If I would’ve just stayed in the house. Why Lord?!! Why?! I just want it to stop, please let it stop.

“Man, stop cryin’. I’m done, and for the record it wasn’t even that good anyway. Get up and go in the house. Oh and I better not hear anything about this shit… you know what happens to tattle-tales in my hood.”

Keya started to run towards the house, way before she even opened the door. Stumbling hard because of the waterfall of tears rushing down her cheeks, she persistently ran, ignoring the devilish laugh emitted by Slick. It was painstaking, and while running she tried to find the easiest way to explain to Mya what had taken place. Coming closer to the house, she realized her clothes were a mess, and she quickly tried to fix them before entering through the back door. Falling through the door, Keya’s desperate eyes were met with others that read of confusion.

“Mya!! Mya! Have you seen Mya? Anybody?”, Keya yelled frantically.

“Yeah, I think she’s upstairs with Thai.”

“Thank you. Mya!”, Keya continued to yell while tromping up the steps.

“What?? What?? Is something broken? Did you hear gunshots? What Keya, damn!”

“I need to talk to you now, I got to talk to you right now.”

“Ok, come on, we can go in my mom’s room.”

What the hell is wrong with her? Keya neva need to talk to me about anyting, I always go to her, what could she possibly feel she has to talk to me about?

“Alright now Keya, spill it.”

“I got…..”

“You got what Keya, what? Why you fuckin’ with me so hard, just tell me damn.”

“Raped. I got raped.”

“What the fuck! By who? When? Where? What? Don’t lie to me now, come on now Keya please tell me your lying. Thai!--”

“No!”

“No what? We got to tell Thai and his boys, they’ll be able to handle it. It’s not like we can take on whoev--”, Mya gets abruptly interruped by Thai bursting through the door.

“What bae? What’s wrong?!”

“Thai, lock the door now. Sit down on the bed. But lock the door. Nobody else can find out what I’m getting ready to tell you.”

“Ok. I got you. What is it?”

“I got raped… by Slick. I’ve always liked him, and I thought he liked me. Just for the record I did take him out to his car so that he could drive us down the road, but I only had intentions of playing around a little. But then we got to talking in the car, and he caught a little attitude with me, and tried me. So you know me, I got a little defensive but then he told me he wanted to do stuff, and he kind of started persuing me. But Mya, you know I don’t put out if a dude ain’t all the way in. And so he just took it from me. He just did it.”

“What the fuck! Keya why you telling us not to say anything! Ima beat his ass. I can’t let him get away with treating you like that. That’s fucked up!”

“Thai calm down. Slick is crazy… he might have threatened her. Did he Keya?”

“Yeah… he did.”

“Did he use protection?”

“... No.”

“Oh my gosh, well did he you know ?”

“..... yeah.”

“Keya, we gotta get you tested, like now.”

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t tell. I might put my family in danger or I might put myself… I just can’t tell.”

“But what if your pregnant? Keya… I don’t want to say it but, …. what if you have a disease?”

“Mya don’t talk like that. Ima take care of this, ok Keya? Just know, your boy Thai got it.”

“Thai… I don’t want any--”

“Hey, what did I say? I can’t let you go out like that. And I damn shole ain’t going to let him win like that on you.”

“I just want this night to be over.”

“Don’t worry, you stay up here. I’ll let you parents know you staying, and when the party clears, if you not asleep then we can finish talking.”

“Thank you Mya. Thank you Thai. You mean the most to me really.”

“Boo, just get some rest. We got you.”

As Thai closed the door after himself, Mya was already looking at him with an unreadable caricature. Thai wasn’t sure what he was going to do yet, but Mya was already figuring him out. Thai kissed Mya passionately, and hugged her tightly, trying to let her know indirectly that if he didn’t come back tonight, he was going to be ok regardless. Mya already felt her tears coming, but she knew Thai hated how emotional she was, so she choked back her tears, so that when Thai looked back at her, her lips showed a faint smile. It mustve been enough confirmation from him, because in less than 2 seconds he was running down the steps yelling for his boys. They gathered up and Thai got them in his big black 2010 Tahoe suv, and began to tell them what was about to go down.

“Ight now listen up, it’s our time to get Slick. He did Keya wrong and--”

“Wait Keya… as in Keya, like the girl yo’ girl Mya always be with?”

“Yeah her Kev, you got a problem with her?”

“Nah, what did he do to her?”

“Ok, well like I was saying he did her wrong, and I have to handle this, I can’t let him hurt her--”

“What did he do man?”

“He raped her! Damn Kev, why is it so important to you what he did? Your not her boyfriend, and your not her dad… just calm down bruh.”

“Nah, I ain’t finna’ calm down, we finna’ kill him. Ima kill him.”

“Why? Ain’t nobody was talking about killing. Like my n**** you taking this a lil’ too far. Wait….. I got it…. you like her huh?”

“Who? Me?”

“Yeah bruh, you the only one talking.”

“Well yeah, I got a thing for her, and we flirt every now and then, but I’m not sure if she really like me or if she just be being herself.”

“Well listen, I love her and all, but she just got raped. We don’t know what Slick got. So before you go our her and be superhero Kev, and then try to jump in her pants… we need to find out if she pregnant or if she got sumn. Understood?”

“Yeah most def.”

“Alright now, I know where Slick stay, we finna’ ride up, Ima go talk to him, then ima text one of yall when to run in. Now Ima need y’all to have my back fo’ real fo’ real. No being late, and delaying on me.”

“We got you Cuz”, the guys said in Unison.

“Alright then, we got a job to do.”

The guys arrived to Slick’s house a little after 12 a.m., and right around that time Mya was trying to hold down the crowd of people in her house all alone.

“Ok, look Ima need you to not try to break everything in my house. My momma’ actually payed for this shit.”

“Mya you good, we got you!”

“Girl, I ain’t got time for this no mo’. Without Thai here to help me run this party I just want it to hurry up and be over. It just won’t end.”

“Look, it’ll be ok. There’s no fights, no cops, no babies. Boo it’s fine, and trust me, you got more friends in here than enemies, so we’re all looking out for your house. If we tear this shit up, you get in trouble, and every teenager in the city looses a party spot.”

“That’s true. Thanks Jay.”

“Alright boo.”

“Heey! Mya.. mm hey Mya. Can I talk to you?”

“Mmmm… yeah? Is something broke? You see police coming? Is there a white BMW pulling up cause if it is I’m totally screwed, and I really dont wanna di--”

“No! I mean no, none of that is happening. I just wanted to talk to you… that’s all.”

“Oh, ok. Well who are you?”

“ My name is John. I mean I’m pretty sure you remember me. I’m the kid you said stalked you.”

Taking a few steps back. “Oh, mm hey.. John. How did you find out about my party tonight?”

“Well, I go to school with you.”

“Oh! Yeah you do. Sorry, my mind is in a whole ‘nother place right now.”

“It’s ok, I understand. This is a big party you tryna’ handle.”

“Yeah. But enough about me. Gosh… you look really different than I remember.”

“Yeah, mm… lost a few pounds, got a little taller, added on some muscles … you know like nothing big.”

“Well… whatever you did it’s definitely working for you.”

“Thanks. Listen for the record Mya--”

“Aye, Mya! come up here. Thai’s calling you.”

“Uhm, sorry Jacob, I mean John. I’ll have to catch up with you later, see ya.”

“Ok.. mm bye…”

Mya ran up the stairs, panting uncontrollably. She walked almost straight into the door reaching her arm out extensively for her phone, picking it up just in time.

“yes ?" Mya whispered softly.

“Jobs done boo".

“Are you ok ? Did he admit everything ?"

“Of course he did ! Why would I beat him up if he didn't ?"

“Idk Thai, but are you going home or are you coming to stay with me ?"

"We'll be back at your house in a few Mya, but i don't know if I'll spend a---" Thai's response was cut off with 3 huge crash sounds... BOOM SCREEECH BAM . Mya slid the phone from her ear instantly feeling the pain of what she unbelievably knew was happening.

Bursting through the door