Scene 1: The Morning Ritual
Friday with Butta Sweet, Dream, and Mee.
Well, for Mee, the day is always a blessing, but it can be slow. I get to thank God for life, then begin with meditation, focusing on both success and achieving by any means necessary. I then shower and get dressed, always wanting to stay “sauced” or “dripped up” in the latest fashions.
My favorite color is yellow. So, I instantly grab for my yellow polo shirt and shorts, and the yellow Nike Air Max with the knee-high socks to match. It’s a school day, but as usual I view Friday as an opportunity to scheme, plot, and perform.
Scene 2: The Study Hall Philosophy
You see, school doesn’t teach me; it only provides me with a place to think. For example: I’m in this class designed for students to study without the presence of a teacher. So I do just that—I study.
Yesterday, I studied the dictionary. In the dictionary, the word “black” is described as a color of darkness. Then the definition goes on to associate this color with words such as “soiled,” “dirty,” and “lacking light.” Whereas the Bible, in Matthew chapter 5, verse 16, specifically states:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
I refuse to be under anything, especially when it pertains to thinking.
Scene 3: A Visit from Dream
As I prepare for the day, I suddenly remember I have a joint of that exotic Blueberry Kush awaiting my attention on my nightstand. Leaving the bathroom, I walk into my bedroom. I sit down on my bed and look out my window to see one of my friends approaching the front door.
It is my girl, Dream. She is one of the sexiest caramel-skinned sistas I ever laid eyes on. My bedroom door swings open. No need for my queen to knock; the door to my heart is always open for her.
Dream speaks: “Alexa, play ‘Let’s Chill’ by Guy.”
Dream slowly walks toward me and begins the process of straddling her legs around mine. I listen to the lyrics:
“Boom, boom, and boom… from the first time I saw your face, girl I knew I had to have you… is it a dream or reality? Is it a fantasy? Please don’t wake meeeeeeeee …”
Scene 4: Butta Sweet’s Arrival
After we both shower and dress, there is another familiar knock at the door. I yell, “Enter!” because only my friend Butta Sweet has that weird, heavy knock. Butta is 6’8″, 275. A straight beast when dealing with any anger management issues concerning rivals.
Butta Sweet walks into the room. “Sup wit it, dog?”
Dream, queuing in on a chance to shoot a jab at Butta, responds quickly: “Well, he was a virgin before today.”
Butta, becoming angry, says, “Damn, Mee, you gonna let your girl handle you like that?”
Dream, laughing out loud, says, “Anyway, I’m out. I gotta get to work. Baby, you know I gotta get this money.”
Scene 5: The Plot
As soon as Dream leaves, Butta wastes no time. “Yo Mee, I’m tired of this nickel-and-diming we’re doing. Our girl Dream works for that old mothafucka Poody Smoot. Poody Smoot’s been in that spot forever, so you know he’s got some real money up in there. Your girl works that spot. It’s a quick in-and-out with her help.”
I, with no hesitation, jumped up screaming, “Butta, are you crazy? Bad idea! I’m not with it, especially when it involves Dream. Nigga, you know the rules: No plot, plan, or performance between any of the three!”
Scene 6: The Tragedy at Poody Smoot’s
The day goes by well. My mom texts me to pick up some Hennessy, so me and Butta agree to meet at Pooty Smoot’s later.
It is Friday night and getting late. Butta turns on the street where Pooty Smoot’s is visible from afar from the bright yellow coloring of the building. Butta parks alongside the sidewalk, jumps out his car, and rushes the door, placing his foot to jar it open.
Dream notices a Glock 23 in Butta’s right hand. Terrified, she allows him inside. Butta ups his Glock and demands the money from the register and the safe.
Dream freezes. In a moment of panic, she makes a careless mistake. She reaches for a .25 six-shot that Poody keeps stashed for emergencies. Butta, not hesitating, shoots Dream in her chest.
Scene 7: The Aftermath
Panic-stricken, Butta runs through the front door. I finally reach the destination after traffic delays. I observe Butta running away with a pistol in his hand. As I enter the diner, I discover my beloved Dream sprawled out on the floor, choking on her own blood. I bend down, cradling Dream’s head in my lap, crying and mumbling, “Baby, I’m so sorry.”
I can hear sirens blaring. I can feel the presence of police officers touching me, shaking me, speaking loudly in my ear: “Let her go!” or “Let’s go, son!”
Scene 8: The Awakening
I suddenly wake up in bed. I can hear my mother screaming at me, aggressively shaking me to wake up.
“Mee, I done told you for the last time! Get yo butt up, boy! It’s Friday, a school day.
And if you’re gonna wear that yellow polo outfit, then wear the white Air Max and white knee-high socks to blend the match. You look funny with all yellow on, son. This ain’t Sesame Street with yo Big Bird-looking ass!”
I get out of bed, yawn. I look directly toward the sky and say: “Thank you, Lord, for waking me up. And thank God that was only a DREAM.”
