Hood Life and Love: It Is What It Is

By Shay Jonez

A story of hood life and love.

Annette Brooks is an easy going girl from the hood. She never starts anything she can't finish and never loses the fight. She is known for being a bookworm, so when she finds herself in the middle of a deadly fight, all things hood become a reality. Annette is soon faced with old enemies and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shirlana Owens
• Release date: Mar 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781638484707

Book preview

Chapter 1

Every girl comes to a point in their lives where they start to notice boys, and even more dramatic the boys start to notice them. Then there are the next few stages that we slowly progress to on the way to adulthood. The curious stage, the master stage, puppy love, heartbreak, hoes stage, and of course we all strive to fall head over heels in love with one person. Depending on when we develop our lovely attention grabbing lady lumps, we might skip a stage or two, but as young ladies we have them all.

My name is Annette Brooks and I was always a bookworm, a good girl or so most people thought. I had big dreams as a girl of getting married to my first love, having children and getting into a career I loved. I grew up in the hood where everything always seemed to come to us the hard way. My mother always worked more than one job to support me and my two brothers and always gave us a nice comfortable home. She was wonderful. Me being the oldest, it sometimes seems like I got the short edge of the stick. My younger brother Charlie was something of a trouble maker, and kept a lot of her attention on him. While I only got into trouble when it had something to do with him. My youngest brother came along when I was thirteen and by that time I had gotten used to how my family moved.

The lack of attention and the two jobs was the reason that when at fourteen my lumps came in full force I didn't notice and neither did my mother. My eighth grade year came and when I got on the school bus that first day, I noticed something different. The same boys I had known for years were all up in my face and asking for my number. Of course I was too shy and surprised to take any of them up on their offers. I was absolutely shocked, these were the boys who used to tease me and pull my hair when I wasn't looking and they were trying to holla at me, and on top of that as far as I was concerned I had a boyfriend.

Not really a boyfriend, per say but we talked everyday on the phone. We never saw each other because he lived on the other side of town. Mick was the perfect over the phone, no pressure relationship and we had plans that included him being my first when I turned eighteen and going to the same college. As far as I was concerned I was taken. But that didn't stop the boys from trying, and much as it annoyed me it boosted my ego a bit.

I had never really considered myself to be fine or as the boys said a dime piece. I was always to short only five foot two, or to chubby size twelve, or the one I hated the most, to dark skinned. In truth I thought I was pretty and I just figured it would take a special guy to notice my beauty. I was short, dark skinned and what most people considered thick. My hair never grew to its full potential so I usually kept braids or a weave ponytail, but it stayed done. I got lots of compliments on how pretty my skin was, and how unusual my eyes were, so I knew I had certain attention grabbing qualities.

As I got older my friends became fewer and I kind of became a loner. By freshman year I was in a c cup bra and a hip hugging size fourteen. Still short I had only grew an inch or two. But whatever the guys liked, I seemed to have it. So a lot of my childhood friends started hating and for a while I was truly alone. I and Mick were talking less and less and my friends from the neighborhood always wanted me to go with them and do things but I couldn't. My mother was still working all the time and that meant that after school, I went straight home to babysit my baby brother. Getting out to me was sitting on my porch or walking to the store. So I took comfort in romance novels. They were my escape and earned me a reputation of being a nerd. Until one day it all seemed to change, when I met Christian James.

I had no idea impact he would have on my life. I had no idea of the life I would soon be living, of the changes I would undergo. The life I would live beside Christian and my friends would seem surreal at best. But our story is what could happen at any given time where we are from.

*****

I was sitting in the house as usual, mad at Mick for calling me some girl named Kim when my cousin came inside my house. She only lived downstairs and came by daily to try to get me to go on the block. I wasn't interested. Every time I went over there, it was so bullshit going down. I always ended fighting or getting pulled into a game that also ended up with a fight. I didn’t have time. Her name was Ciara and while she was younger than me and she was at this point, my best friend.

Girl, forget that boy, let's go to the block, and play some cards. She was saying, while picking up one of my books and flicking through it.

I looked at her and then looked down at myself, and thought she had to be kidding. I was wearing a t-shirt and a pair shorts that were only appropriate for the house. My hair was not done at all, just combed to the back and I was not about to change, my mood wouldn't let me. Ciara on the other hand had on a nice mini denim skirt and a pink tank top. Her hair was in a ponytail and she looked cool. Look at me, do I look like I feel like going anywhere? Girl stop. I said snatching my book that she had. It was a favorite, and I really didn't want her greasy ass hands on it.

Ciara scrunched up her nose and said Who you trying to impress this the hood? Everybody know you, and you got the right to a bad day, shit, fuck these people. Who really cares?

You know I don't for real. I said. I really didn't care. As much as I wanted to stay in the dumps I knew I had to get over it. I hadn't seen Mick in like six months. Ciara was right for once. I grabbed my flip flops. One time around the block, and don't start no shit Ciara. Ciara was always getting us into some kind of altercation with somebody I didn't even know. I was known for kicking ass and she was known for running when it came crashing down. She was all bark and no bite whereas I was all bite and I did very little talking.

So we hit the block, with no fighting. Everybody was outside kicking it dominoes, cards, dice, a few dudes slap boxing in the middle of the street. Everybody was posted having a good time, and it made me hate how much I missed by staying at home. But it was what it was, that's how my life was. We hung out for a while, before making our way back to our building.

On the way home back to my nice quiet block I noticed a guy hanging out on the stoop down the street from me. I had never seen him before, so I had to scope him out. He looked nice from a distance, at least. I had no doubt we would all know him soon enough. As we walked by his stoop he tried to holla. I just knew he wasn't talking to me, since I was looking a hot mess. So I copped an attitude, because Ciara was only thirteen and he looked to be about sixteen, to old.

Who you talking to? I asked, with my hand on my hip.

I was talking to you, He said smiling.

That's when I notice that he was cute, nice smile, tall, caramel complexion, but his grill was fucked up. I mean his two front teeth was straight Crip walking. I had to hand it to him though, he still seemed so confident with that big ass smile and the jogging teeth. Not to mention he was trying to holla at me when I'm at my worse. So with no intention of calling him ever, I took his number and name. His name was Christian.

When I walked away Ciara started cracking up. Girl he was cute but his teeth need a doctor.

I laughed to, it was funny. It’s cool girl I won't be calling him.

But when I got to my stoop and looked down the street to his, he was still looking at me. Like he was gone be waiting on that call. He would be waiting, I thought as I walked inside.

Chapter 2

Two days later, I was helping my mother clean the house when there was a knock on the door. Once again I was at my worst, I mean I was cleaning the house. I didn't even want to go answer it but my mama was on the floor cleaning the refrigerator and I was cleaning the windows. I was closer. We weren’t expecting anyone, so I was a little peeved.

So I walked to the door and without saying anything I peeped out the curtain. My heart sped up as I saw Christian’s profile. It was him, thank goodness his back was now to the door, but he didn't seem to be going away. No he was standing there waiting. I hurried up and put the curtain back and leaned against the door breathing hard, wondering what to do.

Annette, who was at the door? Called my mama. Now I was between a rock and a hard place. I had no idea how my mama would react to a guy knocking on my door. In case I didnt mention it yet, my mama is a little off the chain. She say what she feel, and she mean what she says. She isn't afraid to get the gun from the shelf and shoot at a nigga. At the same time he knocked again, and I wished I could be anywhere but there at that moment.

Mama came into the living room, saw the look on my face and asked in a whisper, who is it?

I had to tell her right? I mean she was going to go to the door anyway and he was gone ask for me, and she would know, right? Okay, I said, it's a guy.

What guy, Anna. What do you mean some guy? Is he messing with you? She asked, I could tell she was getting worried.

I could tell she was getting into get the gun mode, so I took a deep breath and just let it out. No mama, nobody is messing with me. I met him the other day and I took his number. I wasn’t going to call him though. I don't know how he even know where I live but he’s out there and I am looking a hot mess. I can't answer the door. Could you please tell him I'm doing chores and can't come out?

Then the damnedest thing happened, my mama smiled. Not one of those it's going to be okay, I got this smiles. One of those smiles the Grinch gave when he thought he had fucked up Christmas. Suddenly I knew it was not a good idea to send my mama out there.

Mama please, be nice. I begged

Ain’t I always? She said and answered the door. She stepped out into hall and closed the door behind her.

I ran to my room, laid on my bed and bit the hell out of my nails. Ten minutes later and I think I was having a panic attack. What was taking her so long? All she had to do was tell him that I was busy. What could they be talking about? This was some bullshit. I knew I wouldn't be seeing him again. Not once my crazy mama got through with him, she had probably threatened him up and down. The boy was probably scared to death. Then I thought, what I was tripping for anyway, his teeth were such a turn off. Did I even want to see him again? And how did he find out which door was mine? There were three other doors here, I know he saw me come in this building but it was a four family building. On one hand it was kind of cute that he had found me, but it was also kind of creepy. He could have the real makings of a bug a boo.

Mama came back in finally and came over to my bed. She sat down and I couldn't look in her face, so I didn't know if she was okay or mad. Then she said, He seems like a really nice young man Anna. Why didn't you call him?

It fucked me all the way up. Nice young man. Call him? For real? Well I was going to but I been busy with school work and babysitting.

Well he asked permission to take you out some time and I told him yeah. she took my hand and lifted up my face. I been working so much, and you really are a big help to me baby girl, but you growing up. You’re fifteen now. I realize you’re going to want to start getting out and doing thangs. So if you ever want to and I have to work or do something I'm sure Carrie won't mind watching your brothers for me. You have to get out and have fun to, before it's too late.

Then she stood up. I did make it clear to him though that you belong to Me. she said hardening her voice. You belong to me and so does every part of your body. I told him that those are my titties and my pussy and that I don't want to be touched. I told him that if he touched my body I would have to break his hands. then she smiled, now let's finish cleaning up.

Then she walked away. I just sat there for a minute. Was she serious? Had she just given her blessing to me actually having a real boyfriend who lived right down the street? And had she really threatened him, if he touched me? It was all just too weird, so I went back to washing windows and put it out of my mind. He probably wouldn't be back anyway

*****

Boy was I wrong. Later that day while my brother and his friends sat on the porch he came back. I was sitting on the couch looking out the window, when he walked right up to my brother and asked him if I was home. Of course my brother told him I was asleep, but he would let me know he came by. Really Christian was persistent. I couldn't help smiling, he really seemed to like me. Maybe I would give him a chance, first thing tomorrow I would do my hair and I would go knock on his door.

Well the next day didnt go exactly as planned. I woke up took a shower, put on my white v neck shirt and my lime green skort. I started perming my hair and then my brother's friends started playing. Taking my shampoo, and conditioner, running outside with it. So of course even with my head on fire, I chased them down and got my stuff back. When I looked down the street he was there, on his porch. I froze and he waved at me. I started to wave back but remembered my hair and ducked into the building.

Once I washed it out and styled it I put on my white flip flops and headed out the door. My homie met me at the gate. Where you going? We was about to hit the block. They asked.

I looked down the street and saw him standing on the porch, not looking at me now. Naw yawl, I got other plans today. I'm a holla at yawl later.

Cool they said giving me a skeptical look and headed to the store.

I stepped off the porch and started off down the street. As I approached him he waved and started walking towards his door. Wait I said. Where you going.

In the crib, he said with a frown. I know you wasn't coming to talk to me. You been dodging me for like two days.

I haven’t been dodging you. I lied with my most charming smile. I just been busy.

He leaned against the building and twisted up his lips, So you was too busy to open the door that day I came to your house, but not too busy to get your mama to do it? Or you was really way to sleepy to come downstairs that day your brother told me you was sleep. I ain't into games Anna. I saw you look out the curtain that when I came to your door and I saw you looking out the window yesterday. Then today I said hi and you ran inside. If you didnt want to talk to me you could have just said so. This your hood I'm just here for the summer, don't hide out on my account.

It isn't much that really bothers me but when I get mad. I get mad. Damn it, he was pissing me off. Here I was trying to make amends and he was going off, he wasn't even my boyfriend yet. Now that I think about it I should have took that as U-turn signal, but I didnt. I shook off the anger and calmly explained.

It wasn't like that, I just didnt want you to see me all messy. I been having kind of a bad hair week and you surprised me when you showed up at my house. I've never had a boy over before and I kind of panicked. I bit my lip and started getting mad all over again. Why was I explaining to him, he wasn't anybody special? And the other night I just didnt feel like being bothered and I told my brother I wasn't taking no calls and I was sleep. How did you know where I lived at anyway?

I peeped you out a long time ago, lil mama. he said sitting down. He looked relaxed now. I just had to play my position, I don't know nobody here. Couldn't ask if you had a dude, or not. So I just watched and when I saw a chance to make a move I did.

So you been watching me? I said smiling.

Kind of, what you smiling for? He asked also smiling.

I think that's kind of sweet.

He frowned again, and he got even finer. Don't let that get out lil mama. I'm known for many thangs and being sweet isn't one of them.

Why boys always got a problem with somebody calling them sweet? That's crazy, ain't nothing wrong with being sweet. I argued.

Yeah that's what yawl girls think, He smiled again, but it's bad for my reputation.

Boy stop! I said pushing on his shoulder, don't be trying to use big words on me.

I'm a Crip, he told me, straight sixty from the south side. In my hood, I'm that nigga and before this summer is over I'm going to take over your hood to.

Yeah, I said rolling my eyes. I just bet you are, all by yourself.

What can I say? he asked, I'm a likeable guy.

You like me? I asked coming closer, all in his face. I guess this is what flirting looked like, I thought.

Yeah I like you, he smiled, and gals don't be getting all up in a man's face unless she wants a kiss or something.

I hurried up and pulled back, boy quit, I don't go around just kissing anybody.

Whatever, he said, I'll bet everything I got on that you ain't never been kissed. Not for real anyway.

Yes I have, I told him standing up. I'll have to show you one day. When I'm feeling more like kissing.

Oh yeah, he said standing to.

Yeah. I said trying to sound confident. Truthfully I had never been kissed, but if the time came I was going in like I knew exactly what I was doing. He was older by one year, he was sixteen, I'm sure he done kissed enough girls to know how to kiss properly. I had to admit I was a little scared, it could be awkward as hell, I was five nothing and he was at least six two or three. He would have to stoop down to kiss me.

Yeah, I said again, but I got to go. I'll see you around. I didnt really have anywhere to go but oh baby boy was making a sister a little hot, best put some distance between us. Before I walked away I gave him my number and told him he could call me. Even with the jacked up mouth piece I decided I could do him, he would not be embarrassing to go out with. He was cute, he was hood, and he had an okay from my mama. It's not like I was planning on giving him my cookies and cream.

The next` few days breezed on by and although I didn't see him much. Me and Christian talked on the phone every night until we were tired and some nights I even got to hear him snoring. It was cute at least that's what my mama always said when she woke me up to put the phone back on the hook. We even played one, two, three hang up, which lasted for quite a while before one of us finally did.

When I did see him it was amazing how my heart would skip a beat and my legs always got stiff like they couldn't take my weight. And him, it was so cute how he got to stuttering when