Tears of a Teenage Mother

By Trouble’D Thoughts.

Like so many others, Florence, along with her two daughters Eboni and Ivory, felt trapped in the small, gated projects of Shady Oaks located in the worst part of D.C. It was a place where the grass didnt grow above the surface and most wouldnt rise above poverty. A place where teens gave birth and senseless murders occured so much that people grew up actually thinking it was the thing to do. As a result, they turned out to be just as shady and willing to try any drug if it promised to leave them higher than a tree. And the new drug on the streets for young people was called Money. Although there was nothing new about powder cocaine except for the name it now went by, the kids in the neighborhood made it seem like it was something no one else had ever done. In fact, they made it seem as if it was so new that the consequences of using it would turn out completely different. However, it wouldnt be to the person they would least expect to succumb to its harsh reality, causing their perspective to change.

She was encouraged to try Money for the first time by her closest friend. However, she didnt know it would also be her last time. When she felt her eyes uncontrollably roll in the back of her head and her spirit start to rise above the level of ecstasy, it is then that she knew she had made a fatal mistake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468556230

Book preview

© 2012 by Trouble’D Thoughts. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Artwork:

Editing/Typesetting: Carla M. Dean, U Can Mark My Word

Published by AuthorHouse 03/01/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-5622-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-5623-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012903323

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

All the proceeds of the book will be going to my non-profit organization A.C.G.C.

PROLOGUE

Like so many others, Florence, along with her two daughters Eboni and Ivory, felt trapped in the small, gated projects of Shady Oaks located in the worst part of D.C. It was a place where the grass didn’t grow above the surface and most wouldn’t rise above poverty. A place where teens gave birth and senseless murders occured so much that people grew up actually thinking it was the thing to do. As a result, they turned out to be just as shady and willing to try any drug if it promised to leave them higher than a tree. And the new drug on the streets for young people was called Money . Although there was nothing new about powder cocaine except for the name it now went by, the kids in the neighborhood made it seem like it was something no one else had ever done. In fact, they made it seem as if it was so new that the consequences of using it would turn out completely different. However, it wouldn’t be to the person they would least expect to succumb to its harsh reality, causing their perspective to change.

She was encouraged to try Money for the first time by her closest friend. However, she didn’t know it would also be her last time. When she felt her eyes uncontrollably roll in the back of her head and her spirit start to rise above the level of ecstasy, it is then that she knew she had made a fatal mistake.

CHAPTER 1

THE UNEXPECTED ~ IVORY

Ivory Samantha Henderson is my name, and I’d do anything if it meant success I would obtain. That’s why I spent almost the last past week over Auntie Patricia’s house so I could study for my college advanced placement test. Although I would have preferred to do it at home, I knew I wouldn’t be able to deal with the stress from my mother Flo, short for Florence, and my sister Eboni, who were gonna be the usual pests. They were two of the most dysfunctional people, which made them foolishly believe just because I was related to them that I would be able to relate to their foolishness, too, which was so untrue. That’s why I knew if something didn’t evolve around drama not to associate it with my sister or mama. So, despite me not wanting to be over my auntie’s house, I knew I could at least study in peace and not have to worry about her temper being raised quicker than yeast for no reason. Plus, Auntie didn’t have any kids of her own, which really worked in my favor because the peaceful atmosphere allowed my mind to roam freely while I got my study on. In addition, she always made me feel comfortable as if her house was also my home. If I ever had to get away from anything, her house was my safety zone. However, I didn’t always feel like that, especially when it was a place where her first husband could lay his hat.

Mr. Keith Washington was his name, and manipulation was his game. He was a forty-seven-year-old substitute teacher who had enough bullshit with him that he could have just as easily been a jackleg preacher, although his affinity for little children was the same as a Catholic preacher. The only difference was that his liking was a little stronger for little girls than little boys.

At first, I felt responsible for their divorce even though Auntie Patricia ensured me time and time again that it wasn’t my fault. Still, I couldn’t help but feel like I was the one who cut her deeply and then applied salt to the wound. So, most of the time, it left me thinking if I would’ve only kept my mouth shut none of it would have ever happened. But, I later came to realize that logic was just as unrealistic as a hustler thinking he’ll never get locked up for trapping. Plus, in the back of my mind, I knew there had to be some strange reason why she never felt comfortable enough to leave me and him home alone. Although he was a teacher who was around kids all day, she didn’t leave us home alone unless it was to go do something she definitely knew wasn’t going to take her that long. And even then, she was back so quick that we didn’t even get a chance to notice she had been gone. Maybe it was her female intuition that knew something wasn’t right deep inside him, but I never bothered to ask. Besides, something told me that all my uncertainties from Auntie’s wariness would be soon unmasked, and sure enough, on this one particular night both of our suspicions was finally brought to light.

It was a little after eleven o’clock on a rainy Saturday night. Auntie Patricia had to leave out because her menstrual cycle had decided it wanted to stay for yet another night. Even though she was past all her heavy flow days, she still didn’t have any pads left that would make her official. This left her shot like a pistol. She had checked in all her purses, closets, and drawers twice just to make sure it was absolutely necessary for her to leave out of the house at that time of night. She would’ve asked Mr. Washington to go, but even with her 20/20 eyesight, she couldn’t see him being able to put his masculinity aside. So, she figured it would be best not to even ask, and instead just go for the money she needed for gas.

Keith baby, I gotta leave out for a minute, but I’ll be right back, a’ight?

And where you gotta go at this time of night? he asked.

Oh baby, don’t worry. I just gotta go to the store right quick and pick something up, that’s all. And then I’ll be right back.

Whatchu mean don’t worry? You’re my wife, and it’s my job to worry about you. Plus, if there’s something you need from the store, I can go and get it for you.

Oh, so you won’t have a problem going to the store for me?

Nah, baby. That’s my job to do stuff like that.

Well, since you put it like that, can you run to the store real quick and pick me up some Midol for this terrible headache I have and two Milky Ways for this craving I got in my mouth.

Is that it?

Oh yeah, baby, I forgot, and some pads, too.

And some what!

I said, can you pick me up some Midol for this terrible headache I have, two Milky Way candy bars for this craving in my mouth…

Yeah, yeah, I heard all that! But I’oun think I quite caught that last thing you asked for, though.

Oh what, some pads?

Yeah, that’s what I thought you said.

So what, is that gonna be a problem for you to go and get for me or something?

Uggghhhh! Well, I waaaassss just about to get in the shower real quick, though. And you know that’s gonna take me at least twenty or thirty minutes to do. So, if you can wait until then, I’ll gladly go for you. No problem, he said, displaying doubt.

Just as Auntie Patricia anticipated, he was hesitant to go for her once he found out her true purpose for leaving out.

Shit, baby, by the time you take a shower and put your clothes on, the store will be closed.

No, it won’t.

Oh, yes it will! Shit, what time do you think it is now?

I’oun know. Late? Mr. Washington replied.

Yeah, you right. It sho’ is late. It’s already past eleven now, and the store closes at twelve.

A’ight, and I can still make it by then.

Nah, baby, that’s a’ight. I’ll go.

Nah, baby, I said I’ma go! Just gimme a minute. ’Cause I know if I don’t go, it’s gonna be a problem.

Oh no, it ain’t, I promise. It’s only gonna take me ten or fifteen minutes at the most to go there and come back. That’s about the same amount of time it’s gonna take you to take a shower. So, go ’head and take your shower. By the time you finish, I’ll be back.

Are you sure, baby? ’Cause I can go; it’s really no problem, he said, as if concerned about pleasing her. Little did he know his attempt to use reverse psychology was just as transparent as him needing to take a shower before he left out the house.

Nah, baby, that’s alright. I’ll go.

Are you sure, honey?

Yeah, I’m sure. Besides, I already got my clothes on and you don’t, she told him.

So? I can slip something on real quick right after I shower.

Nah, that’s alright, honey. Besides, me going will be quicker anyway. So, go ’head and take your shower.

Are you sure, baby?

For the last time, yes, baby, I’m positive. But if you really wanna do something for me, you can gimme twenty dollars so I can get all the stuff I need.

Oh, sure, baby. Here! Is that all you need?

Yeah, baby. Well, that’s all I need for now, Auntie Patricia replied with a girlish giggle."

I know that’s right. A’ight then, go ’head, and I can give you whatchu need when you get back. Be careful and drive safely.

Alright. Ivory baby, you feel like riding wit’ me?

Nah, not really, Auntie, I replied. I got a terrible headache, too, and I feel hot all over.

Uh-uh, baby, come here! Let Auntie feel your head so I can make sure you ain’t got no fever.

Auntie, don’t you need a thermometer to do that? I asked her.

Oh nah, baby, I’m from the old school. I can check your temperature by feeling on your head and neck. See, you’re warm but not burning up hot. So, you probably just need a lil bit of Tylenol or something like that to make you feel better.

What, like the liquid kind?

Why, baby? Does it matter? It ain’t like you a child and you got to take that kind.

Yes, it matters. ’Cause the liquid kind is the nastiest kind of them all, and especially that red kind. Yuck!

A’ight, baby, I’ll get you the pill kind then. How ’bout that?

Yeah, that’ll be just fine. Thanks, Auntie.

No problem, baby. Now go ’head and lay down ’til I get back. And if you really start feeling hot, wet a washcloth with cold water and put it on your forehead ’til I get back.

Okay, Auntie.

Keith, I’ma ’bout to leave out now, she called out to him. Alright, baby, and remember, no speeding, you hear? It’s wet out there, and you know people don’t know how to drive in the rain. Alright, alright, baby. I won’t. Be back in a minute, y’all. Shoot! It even sounds like it’s cold out there, she said upon hearing the blowing of the wind.

As soon as she left out the front door, I heard the shower water begin. Then about a minute later, I heard it abruptly come to an end. And even though my head was hurting so bad that it felt like my brain was throbbing to get out, I was pretty sure I heard Mr. Washington call out my name.

Ivory, sweetheart?

That time I was certain he had called me, so I replied back urgently.

Yes, Unc?

Sweetheart, can you grab me a towel out the closet real quick? I’oun wanna have to walk out this bathroom butterball naked, ’cause there ain’t any more clean towels left in here.

Oh, okay, I hesitantly replied.

That’s only because I knew for certain there were still some clean towels in there from when I took a shower an hour ago, but once again, I quickly dismissed any suspicions and did as I was told.

When I reached the bathroom door, I could hear the sink water running. And even though everything inside of me warned me not to go in there, I still proceeded into the territory where I knew he would end up trying to do a few things I wouldn’t willingly want him to do.

Here’s your towel, Unc. I’m just gonna throw it over the door for you, a’ight?

Nah, sweetheart, can you put it on the toilet seat for me instead, please? he nonchalantly asked.

At first I hesitated, because I knew the toilet was right next to the sink where he was most likely standing.

Come on in, sweetheart. Don’t be scared. Just put it right there on the toilet seat for me, please. ’Cause as you can see, my hands are a lil’ occupied at the time from shaving.

While quickly putting the towel on the toilet seat, I peeped over to catch him shaving in the nude. What was even more disturbing than that was the fact I could see him watching me from the mirror with a disgusting look on his face that put me in an uncomfortable mood. His expression made me get out of there with the quickness. At that moment, he possessed the look of a criminal in his eyes, and I wasn’t about to stay around to play victim or bear witness. So, I hurried back to the bedroom, locked the door, and prayed my auntie returned real soon.

However, it seemed as if time was against me when I heard a knock at the door from none other than Mr. Washington himself. I had always felt comfortable around him until I saw that strange look in his eyes. Yet, when I heard a more pressing knock on the door, I knew opening it wouldn’t be wise. I knew it was too soon for me to act like I had fallen asleep and didn’t hear him. And even though he was making me feel uncomfortable around him, I knew it would be in my best interest to act like I wasn’t really afraid from sensing his pedophile ways.

Consumed with nervousness, I asked, Who is it? while knowing damn well we were the only ones in the house.

It’s me, Ivory sweetheart. Open the door. Are you alright in there? he asked ever so caringly.

His voice sounded so comforting and concerned that it made me feel silly that I suddenly feared the same man I’d known for years. So, without making anything else of it, I got up and opened the door for a man who surprisingly stood on the other side with just a towel wrapped around the lower half of his body. My caterpillar jitters emerged from their cocoons into full-grown butterflies in my belly. Instantly, I went back to feeling uncomfortable around him.

Suddenly, all the nervous feelings I’d possessed was proven to be legitimate after he sat next to me on the bed and began getting all touchy feely. Even though his hand was only on my knee, it was still a little too much for me.

Are you alright, sweetheart?

Yes, I quickly replied, which was totally a lie. My body had gone into shock, while a thousand and one questions ran through my mind.

Are you sure you’re alright, sweetheart? You don’t look like you’re fine.

Oh nah, I’m just fine.

And what about your head?

What about my head?

I mean, do you still have a headache and stuff?

Oh yeah, it still hurts a lot, but it’ll be alright until Auntie gets back, I convincingly responded, even though my head was no longer in pain.

That was only due to the fact that I had so many other things consuming my brain, such as the thought of him becoming more sympathetic to my situation and letting me be. I didn’t know what exactly was about to take place, but I could tell it wasn’t going to be anything I’d like from the look on his face and the fact he was sitting so close to me while rubbing his hand on my knee. So, I tried to quickly think of something that would get him to leave.

Is somebody knocking at the door?

Now, girl, who in their right mind would be knocking on my damn door at this time of night?

Oh, I’oun know. Maybe it’s Auntie.

Child, why would she be knocking at the door, when she could’ve called the house phone and told one of us to open it for her when she got here? Or anybody else for that matter at this time of fucking night! Unless they’re crazier than a pack of raccoons wit’ rabies, which I truly doubt. But, if it really is your auntie at the door, she probably got her house keys mixed up again wit’ one of them other keys she has on her keychain and doesn’t remember which one is which, he jokingly said, as if Auntie Patricia was some kind of key hoarder.

I just sat there quietly, not reacting in any way to his teasing manner. I didn’t see anything unusual about someone knocking on anyone’s door at any time of the night since it happened almost every night at my quarters. Well, it wasn’t as unusual and surprising as me hearing Mr. Washington cussing, which was like seeing a fish out of water.

Unc, I ain’t know you cursed.

Oh, sweetheart, I do a lot of things you don’t know about. That’s a’ight, though, ’cause soon you’ll learn more about me, just like I will about you, he said like he had a format.

I had kept my eyes pointed in the direction of my lap until I heard him say that. Now with curiosity filling my emotions more than anxiety, I wanted to know exactly what was about to go down. When I looked up to see the same disturbing look on his face, I knew he wasn’t there to try and make me laugh and play the role of a clown. It wasn’t the look of a concerned parent or of a consoling friend, either. In fact, it looked way more devilish, and with his teeth all bucked, it made him look like a horny beaver.

"Look, Ivory sweetheart, you just need to relax a lil’ bit and learn how to be more comfortable wit’ yourself, especially wit’ your body, girl. You are comfortable wit’ your body, aren’t