Never Addicted To The Hustle

By Divad405

To all,

This is what evidence of faith brings. Everyone wants to get close to the rainbow for getting it takes footwork to get there

This is what believing gets you results is what faith is all about we can allow people to narrate our story or narrated by actions remember no matter what type of family you come fromh self-determination define who you become nevertheless never give up on you self within will always be your friend

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887634340

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Start from the Bottom

Chapter 2: Now We Up

Chapter 3: Watch Your Surroundings

Chapter 4: Showtime

Chapter 5: Too Many Losses

Chapter 6: I Can't Face Why

Chapter 7: Why My Baby?

Chapter 8: The Funeral

Chapter 9: Turned Out

Chapter 10: I Am Back

Chapter 11: Feds

Chapter 12: The End to a New Beginning

About the Author

Never Addicted To The Hustle

Divad405

Copyright © 2023 Divad405

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88763-433-3 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88763-434-0 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Acknowledgments

Iwould like to thank God. With him, all things are possible.

To the love of my life, he know who he is.

Thank you, Fonso. You are a big part of this mission.

To family, thanks as well.

My fans, you all give me reason to keep fighting for what I believe in.

First all, praises to God for this vision. Without my Father in heaven, I would not been able to tell my story.

I would like to thank my mother for being my teacher. Without your teaching, I would not have the strength to do me.

To all my haters, thank you! Thank you! You said it was not possible. Proved you wrong! You laughed at my vision. Now I am moving right along.

To my family, last but not least, let's do this mission!

Thanks to all my fans!

Chapter 1

Start from the Bottom

They say the realest stories are always untold. I would like to properly introduce myself. My name is Jimmy, but everyone calls me Jo-Jo. Right now, I am sitting in New York's finest county jail. I am awaiting trial. There was a knock on Jo-Jo's door. He thought to himself, There is never a moment where I can concentrate on this documentary.

Jo-Jo's friend Yellow walked into his room. Yellow looked down at Jo-Jo. Man, you still working on that documentary? asked Yellow.

Jo-Jo looked up at Yellow in silence for a moment, then he respond. I thought you would have been taking out a little of your time for something positive, replied Jo-Jo.

Yellow frowned. Man, please! You and this mission to save the children—stop! said Yellow.

I understand you are angry. No need to take it out on the children, replied Jo-Jo.

Nah, I thought about doing it. Why waste a message to a bunch of wild teens? I know experience is the best teacher. I don't want my message to guide them to a life they are not ready for, said Yellow.

Man, all we have to do is reach one. That very one can impact the rest, said Jo-Jo.

Yellow looked at Jo-Jo, puzzled. Man, I am confused! What got into you, Jo-Jo? asked Yellow.

Yellow, it's not about me. It's time we give back what we rebelled against. Our youth is our future, said Jo-Jo.

Man, I really not understanding your change of heart. I am going to let your positive energy rub on me, said Yellow.

Jo-Jo smiled. We both had a promise future. We allowed greed to soak in our spirit, said Jo-Jo.

I see you. Ready to start preaching. I am about to go play some spades. You want to run a couple of games? asked Yellow.

Yeah, I could use a break. I will be down in a minute, said Jo-Jo.

Yellow walked out the room. Jo-Jo stood in front of his mirror. Suddenly, he began to get flashbacks of his life.

Summer, July 4, 2012. Edna Gene and Phillip's house became the hangout spot for their grandchildren. Mee-Mee was one of the oldest. She was also considered the leader of the bunch. She opens the conversation. Look at all around us everybody. Tell me what you see? asked Mee-Mee. Everyone looked around. All we see is a bunch of baseheads and pushers, said Jo-Jo.

So it's safe to say we are all in agreement there is money out there? asked Mee-Mee.

B. Boxe, who is the oldest male among the grandchildren, stood up. "For who? Girl, you are out your mind. You have been watching way too much Empire. You are not Lyon," said B. Boxe.

Everybody know Mee-Mee and Brent are fascinated with gangster movies, said Jo-Jo.

I wish I had time to entertain what you got going on, Mee-Mee. Unfortunately, I have to go to work. Remember, we work hard in this family, said B. Boxe.

I am surprise at you, B. Boxe. Since we were young, you have been down with movement, said Mee-Mee.

B. Boxe looked at Mee-Mee's direction. Girl, you are really serious about this? asked B. Boxe.

Man, we have been asleep for too long, working hard just to get by. It's time we eat with a enjoyable feast. I am hungry for a better life. So are you in or not? asked Mee-Mee.

B. Boxe walked to the end of the stairs. He turned back around. Call me when you have better details, a actual plan in effect, said B. Boxe.

Girl, what is wrong with you? No amount of gangster movies you watched got you ready for that life. On top of it all, Mee-Mee, you want to involve your family, said Jo-Jo.

You can think what you want. It's your right. I don't sit around rehearsing Cookie's parts. I am my own woman. I relate to her character by any means necessary, said Mee-Mee.

No matter what percipient you put it, in reality you're not ready for that life, said Jo-Jo.

Candice, who is one of the younger cousins, stood up. Jo-Jo, when it's all said and done, I guess you the only one can handle alternate lifestyle, said Candice.

Jo-Jo smiled at Candice. Candice gave a smirk back. I have been around the block a couple of times, so yes! It do qualify me to know more about the streets, said Jo-Jo.

Please, I have turned more corners than you, college boy, said Candice.

Jo-Jo laughed. I cannot help but wonder, what if some robbers decide to stick you ladies up? asked Jo-Jo.

What is that suppose to mean? asked Candice.

Exactly! None of you are ready for that life. Bottom line, you don't want the consequences behind it, said Jo-Jo.

Candice's brother Fat Daddy jumped up. Candice, what is wrong with your face by the way? asked Fat Daddy.

Everyone looked in Candice's direction.

Candice, you mean to tell me he still putting his hands on you? asked Fat Daddy.

No, Fat Daddy. Please stop asking questions about my personal life, replied Candice.

Really, you forgot to mention the college boy had to rush over to your home, said Jo-Jo.

Everyone turned to Jo-Jo's direction.

What? The cat got your tongue? I thought so, said Jo-Jo.

Like Candice said, we are here to pry into her personal life. Let's get back on focus, said Mee-Mee.

Let's start marking our territories first, said Fat Daddy.

That is why having a man that is gangster is an advantage. Brent is already on top of that. We just need to come in agreement on our decision, said Mee-Mee.

It seem like you and Brent already decided for us all, said Mee-Mee's brother Lil-Man.

No, we cannot decide for no one, said Mee-Mee.

Lil-Man stood up. Well, I am all in, sis! I need to make some real money for my son, said Lil-Man.

Lil-Man was about to walk away. Mee-Mee passed him her keys. Why you giving me your keys? asked Lil-Man.

I have some things in my trunk for you, son, said Mee-Mee.

Oh yeah, I do too, Lil-Man, said Toya J.

Lil-Man grabbed Toya J's keys.

You guys don't have to keep spoiling him. Now when he grow up thinking women is suppose to take care of him, you guys are going to be made, said Lil-Man.

Nah, we just going to go upside your head for not teaching him the right thing to do, said Mee-Mee.

Lil-Man, it's his birthday. We barely get to see him as is, said Toya J.

Lil-Man shook his head as he walked to their cars.

"You mean tell me Brittany is still tripping…well, acting a fool?" asked Jo-Jo.

Yeah, she is. We have to respect her decision. I guess you forgot how Lil-Man embarrassed her? asked Mee-Mee.

Yeah, but how long is she going to punish us for Lil-Man mistake? asked Toya J.

Lil-Man walked back on the porch. I will get Jr. if you guys want to give him a party, said Lil-Man.

Of course, without any questions, said Mee-Mee.

Dee-Dee, who is Toya J, B. Boxe, and Jo-Jo's gay brother, walked up to the porch. Lil-Man spoke to Dee-Dee as he walked away. Dee-Dee tried to walk past them without saying a word. They all looked at her. What? asked Dee-Dee.

Dee-Dee, why do you have shades on? It's not that sunny out here? asked Toya J.

Girl, when are you ever going to mind your own business? asked Dee-Dee.

Toya J walked up to Dee-Dee and took her shades off. Toya J shook her head. Dee-Dee, you mean to tell me he doing it again? asked Toya J.

Toya J, I did not come over here to get lectured by you. I came over here to talk to Grandma, said Dee-Dee.

Toya J moved out of Dee-Dee's way. Dee-Dee walked into the house. All the guys who were on the porch jumped up and ran to their cars. They went looking for Dee-Dee's boyfriend, Evan. Once again, Dee-Dee got her family involved into her mess, said Toya J.

When Dee-Dee walked into the kitchen, her aunt Cookie and grandmother were having tea. Dee-Dee took a seat. Hey, ladies, said Dee-Dee.

They both smiled at Dee-Dee. Dee-Dee, there is no sun in here. Take off those glasses. Let us see that face, said Cookie.

Edna grabbed her heart. Cookie shook her head as Dee-Dee pulled off the glasses. Have your mother seen your face yet? asked Cookie.

No, Auntie! I'm not here for no lecture. I just need to sit for a moment, said Dee-Dee.

Oh, really? My sister have been calling your phone. She be pacing the floor. Yet you sit here telling me you do not want to be bother with a lecture, said Cookie.

Dee-Dee stood up.

Sit down! said Edna Gene.

Dee-Dee knows her grandmother was serious. She sat back down.

Allow yourself the decency to hear the truth, said Edna Gene.

Grandma, I really apologize for coming over here, shaking you guys up. I did not want to sit in that house another moment. I just needed to get some air, said Dee-Dee.

I am glad you made your way to my home. This house is a safe place for my children and their children, said Edna Gene.

I remember when you allowed yourself to go into a dark place, so I agree with Momma when she said she is glad you made your way here. You cannot possibly think we not going to confide with your mother? asked Cookie.

Dee-Dee begins to feel uncomfortable in the chair. She motions to her stomach. Dee-Dee raises up her shirt. Look what else he done to me, said Dee-Dee.

Oh my lord! said Edna Gene.

Dee-Dee you cannot possibly think this is healthy, said Cookie.

Tears rolled down Dee-Dee's face. I don't know what hurt more, the fact I have bruises or having to show my family, said Dee-Dee.

Cookie picked up the phone.

Auntie, please don't! pled Dee-Dee.

I would be least than a aunt, a sister, most of all a woman. I have to call your mother. I know she would do the same for me, said Cookie.

Tammy answered the phone on the second ring. Hey, girl, what's going on? asked Tammy.

Cookie paused for a moment. Tammy, get over to Momma's right now, said Cookie.

Tammy grabbed her heart. Something wrong with Momma? asked Tammy.

No! Momma's fine. Dee-Dee over here and…and it's not looking good for Dee-Dee, said Cookie.

Tammy grabbed her purse and keys. Cookie, whatever you do, don't let Dee-Dee leave, said Tammy.

Girl, Dee-Dee is not in no position to move anywhere, except to the hospital, said Cookie, hanging up the phone.

Mee-Mee and Toya J walked into the kitchen. Toya J, get a bag and put some ice in it for Dee-Dee. Those ribs look like they about to swell up, said Edna Gene.

Ribs! said Mee-Mee.

Mee-Mee, don't shout. We don't need Dee-Dee getting upset, said Cookie.

Grandma, said Dee-Dee.

Yeah, I know it's hurting, baby. We just going to keep some ice on those ribs until your mother get here. Hopefully, some of the swelling will go down, said Edna Gene.

Dee-Dee raised up her shirt when Toya J gave her the bag of ice. My, word! said Mee-Mee.

Tears start to run down Toya J's face.

So now you becoming his personal punching bag? asked Mee-Mee.

Dee-Dee you need to start talking, said Toya J.

Evan got upset when I went through his phone, said Dee-Dee.

He done all that to you behind looking through his phone? asked Toya J.

He told me he is not gay, stop trying to make what we have out of a relationship, said Dee-Dee. Dee-Dee took a deep breath before continuing. I said, ‘After all we been through, after all I have done for you, you talk to me this way?' said Dee-Dee.

Okay, said Toya J.

Dee-Dee turned her face in the opposite direction. He punch me in the face, Toya J. That's what you wanted to hear next? asked Dee-Dee.

Don't do that! We just trying to get a understanding as of what's going on. You did fight back, right? asked Cookie.

Yes, Auntie. He hit me. I hit him back. He got the best out of the fight, said Dee-Dee.

It look like he hit you like a enemy in the street, said Mee-Mee.

Yeah, I felt like I was fighting for my life, said Dee-Dee.

Tyneisha, who is Dee-Dee's younger cousin, walked into the kitchen. She looked at Dee-Dee holding an ice bag on her ribs. She dropped her phone. Tammy finally walked into the kitchen with Candice. Momma, before you start, I am okay, said Dee-Dee.

Tears rolled down Tammy's face. Baby, I just want to get you to the hospital. Your ribs don't look right at all, said Tammy.

Dee-Dee tried to stand. She fell back into the chair. I know you guys see Dee-Dee need help to the car. Stop staring and make moves, said Edna Gene.

Everybody left out the house, except for Toya J and Tyneisha. Mee-Mee called everybody to inform them Dee-Dee was going to the hospital. Once she ended her call, she turned toward Candice. Do he not realize he messed with the wrong one? He went way too far this time, said Mee-Mee.

This time? How many passes Evan been given? asked Candice.

The only reason we have been civil is because we knew Dee-Dee loved him, said Mee-Mee.

Yeah, I feel bad for our cousin. She didn't deserve to be treated like that, said Candice.

Yeah, he absolutely showed no love, said Mee-Mee.

Toya J and Tyneisha sat on the porch, waiting for their grandfather. Man, Granddaddy need to come on. We need to get to the hospital, said Toya J.

We still cannot leave until the fellows show up, said Tyneisha.

Toya J frowned. Soon as Granddaddy pull up, we out! said Toya J.

Phillip finally pulled into the driveway. Toya J ran to his car and told him what happened. Phillip immediately drove off when Toya J jumped out the car to wave Tyneisha to come on. I guess we have to wait for the fellows after all, said Toya J.

Yeah, you know how Granddaddy get when he's upset, said Tyneisha.

Phillip made it to the hospital within fifteen minutes. He pulled the car in park then turned off the ignition. Lord, I quote from the book of Ephesians. It state: ‘When angry, don't let the anger make you sin. Don't stay in angry all day.' You know my heart. I trust your Word. Let my grandchild be okay. Amen, said Phillip, opening his eyes.

Tammy called Tyneisha's phone. Hello, Auntie, said Tyneisha.

Were is your cousin? asked Tammy.

Auntie, she is right next to me. You want to talk to her? asked Tyneisha.

Ask her when she getting up or when will she be coming to see about her sibling? asked Tammy.

Tyneisha relayed the message. Tell Momma soon as the fellows, arrive we are on our way. Granddaddy drove off without us, said Toya J.

I don't know why she think they are showing up there. They have been informed and on their way here, said Tammy.

Cousin, you heard Auntie? asked Tyneisha.

I heard her. We are on our way, said Toya J.

Jo-Jo pulled up as they were about to pull off. Why you guys in such a hurry? asked Jo-Jo.

You have not heard yet? Dee-Dee had to be rush to the hospital. Evan beat her up really bad, said Toya J.

I was here when Dee-Dee came over. Nobody said a word about no hospital. So are you going to drive off or jump in the car with me? asked Jo-Jo.

I guess we about to ride with you. We can use the company, said Toya J.

Phillip arrived on the floor Dee-Dee was on. He walked into the waiting room. Edna Gene patted a seat next to her. Were is Tammy? whispered Phillip.

Talking to the doctor. Dee-Dee ribs are bruised pretty bad, said Edna Gene.

Are they thinking there's internal bleeding? asked Phillip.

Edna Gene threw her hands up. Remember what you preach, Phillip. We serve a mighty God, said Edna Gene.

Amen! said Cookie.

God, you alway gave this family favor. We trust you, and in you, favor comes, said Edna Gene.

Tammy walked into the waiting room. Phillip stood up. Tammy immediately embraced her father. Tears rolled down her face. Baby, it will be all right. Trust in Jesus, said Phillip.

Daddy, he didn't have to do my baby like that, said Tammy.

Phillip started singing What a Friend We Have in Jesus. He won't pass us by, said Phillip.

Amen to that! said Edna Gene.

Chris finally showed up. Chris walked into the waiting room. Tammy, what's going on with my child? asked Chris.

Tammy stood up. Tammy stood in front of him, saying nothing.

Tammy, what's going on with my child? asked Chris.

Toya J stood up. Momma, you need to tell Daddy. No way you can hide this one, said Toya J.

Tammy still could not find the words to tell him. Toya J decided to tell him. Daddy, Evan beat Dee-Dee up again. This time, it was serious, said Toya J.

Tears start forming in Chris's eyes. B. Boxe stood up. Daddy, don't worry about it. The situation is about to be handle, said B. Boxe.

Chris embraced Tammy as she cried. Chris, our baby look so bad, said Tammy.

Phillip stood up. Revenge is not our grandson, said Phillip.

Chris looked at his son. I hope you listening to your grandfather. Let the police handle this, said Chris.

Yeah, right! Hope you not expecting Dee-Dee to press no charges, said B. Boxe.

If not, I will, said Tammy.

Momma, let's be realistic. Dee-Dee is grown now, said Toya J.

No matter how upset we are, we have to trust Jesus, said Phillip.

Jo-Jo and Fat Daddy both excused themselves. Bobby, go get your brother and cousin, said Chris to B. Boxe.

They got onto the elevator. God, you know my heart. I am about to do this dude bad, said Jo-Jo.

Yeah, this one for my cousin, said Fat Daddy.

The doctor walked into the waiting room. I can sense the faith and love in this room, said the doctor.

Doctor Lu, may we please see Dee-Dee?

First, can you give me clarification on Deon? asked Doctor Lu.

Toya J stood up. Yes, doctor. Dee-Dee is in transition. We respect Dee-Dee decision to be a woman, said Toya J.

No judgment here, said Doctor Lu.

Doctor, can you tell me what is going on with my child? asked Chris.

My apologies. Dee-Dee is going to be fine. We found no internal bleeding, said Doctor Lu.

Thank you, Jesus! said Tammy.

We are going to have too monitor Dee-Dee for a couple of days. Those bruises are very swollen. Right now, Dee-Dee is heavily medicated, said Doctor Lu.

Thank you, Doctor Lu, for giving my family some peace of mind. I apologize for being too forward. I was concerned about my child, said Chris.

Oh, no apologies! I totally understand. Dee-Dee is very lucky to have a family surrounded with love, said Doctor Lu.

Edna Gene walked over to the doctor. Thank you, doc, for taking good care of my grandbaby, said Edna Gene.

Yes, ma'am! You are very welcome. I can see no one is ready to leave. I will approve the visit for as long as you all want to stay. Something about your family touched my heart, said Doctor Lu, walking off.

Mya, who is the oldest child of Phillip and Edna Gene, called her sister Cookie. Hello, said Cookie.

Cookie, what is going on? I have tried calling Momma and Daddy? asked Mya.

Well, we at the hospital, sis. Dee-Dee got beat up by Evan. This time, he done a number on Dee-Dee, said Cookie.

I'm on my way up there. Bye! said Mya, hanging up in Cookie's face.

Cookie shook her head, knowing Mya was upset. Toya J gave her mother and father a hug. We know Dee-Dee is a soldier. As alway, we will get through this as well, said Toya J.

They decided to go get some food for the elders. As all the women of the family walked