Chapter 1: Deflowered

♂♂Tuesday. June 30th. 2009

Pontiac. Michigan.

It’s been months since I’ve last got high. Finding weed for a high school sophomore was hard, especially in 2009. My best friend, Kendryck Bender, found a nearby dealer named Nick through his cousin. That’s how I was introduced to the drug. I didn’t get high the first time, but I was excited to try again since Nick said that’s usual. On a random Saturday in the middle of June, Kendryck and I had plans to go to Nick’s house for a score.

The ride to Kendryck’s wasn’t far from my house. I lived in a massive white house on Franklin Boulevard off South Huron Street. I had to cross that road and State Street adjacent to it to get to Porter Street. His house was white like mine but much smaller, shaped like a box with an angular top. Odd looking, there’s a staircase that leads to his parent’s room on the covered, front porch. I drop my bike on his yard and sprint up the deck. At the door, I knock and wait for him to answer. Instead, his mom, Charlie, answers the door.

She’s a beautiful lady, her chocolate skin glistens under the sunlight. Polished, face caked with makeup even though she wore a robe. Her teeth are pearly white, she flashes them when she smiles. “Hi, Vehren, how are you?”

“Good. Is Kendryck home?”

“He is, and he will be for a while.” Her hand props on her hip. “He’s grounded.”

I frown. “What happened?”

“He punched his sister in the face. Can you believe it?” She scoffs. “He will not be leaving the house or talking on the phone for a month.”

I lower my eyes to think of a lie. “Can I see him really quick? He owes me money.”

“Of course he does.” Charlie’s dark curls smack her face when she twirls around to call for her son. She smiles at me and disappears in the living room. Kendryck comes down the stairs in fresh kicks and clothes. He’s got dark skin, almond eyes, and short cornrows to his neck. Once he sees me, his face lights up.

“What’s up, Vee?”

My frown remains. “What do you mean? We had plans today? Why’d you go and punch your sister?”

“She wouldn’t stop bothering me, man. It was an accident, anyways. I didn’t mean to hit her that hard.”

“What’re we gonna do?”

“We’re gonna have to cancel.”

My jaw drops. “Fuck that. Give me the money.” I lower my voice, “I’ll go get it.”

Kendryck cocks his brow. “You sure you wanna go alone?”

I shrug. “I don’t care.”

“Okay.” Kendryck goes to get the money. He comes back with the cash, counting it before handing it to me. “Save some for me.”

“Gotcha.” I go for my bike and ride down State Street. I ride up Elizabeth Road, remembering the route Kendryck and I took. Nick’s house was down the street from a church. It’s green and on the corner. My legs were tired, but the trip was worth it if it meant I was going to actually get high.

Up the steps, I knock twice on the door and wait. A Black, alpha male opens the door, the spikes of his corse, dark hair nearly touches the ledge from his height. He stares at me for a second, then looks around. “Where’s Kendryck?”

“He’s not coming.”

“Why?”

“He’s grounded.” I pick the money from my pocket and show it to Nick. “I have the money.”

“I won’t say no to that. Come in.” Nick goes inside and I follow him to the kitchen. There’s pounds of green on the island, he was packing them into bags when I arrived. “How much do you have?”

“Fifty.” I hand him the money.

He takes it and tosses me a couple small bags. “Nice doing business with ya...” Nick has to think for a second. “What’s your name?”

“Vehren.”

“Right. How could I forget a name like that?” Nick chuckles. “How’s school for ya?”

I shrugs, thumbs massaging the green buds. “It’s okay, I guess. I finally got on honor roll.”

“Good for you. How old are you again?”

“Fifteen.”

“Nice.” Nick nods. He starts to walk into the living room. “Do you want to smoke?”

“Sure.” I trail behind him, putting the weed in my pocket and sitting on the couch. Nick joins me, in front of us is a glossy red bong. There’s a short silence as Nick packs the bowl.

“Is this your parents’ place?”

“Yeah. They’re away on honeymoon right now. I’m just house sitting.” He hands me the bong. “This is your second time, right?”

“Yeah.” I take the bong and place my lips on the mouth. He lights the weed for me, the fruity smoke stings my throat. I end up coughing hard, for a minute it was difficult to breath. “Fuck.”