Harlem Rahim. A girl from the hood. From Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Born of an Israelite father and an afro american mother. Quite a juvenile delinquent and not ashamed to be.
If you grew up the way I did, you'd probably be one too. Just turned eighteen years old. Poor but not stupid.
I'm gonna go all the way to get out of this mess.
To get 'us' outta this. Even discover a world out of the hood life.
But never forget where I come from. Where I belong.

HARLEM

That night at eight, I was ready. Yazz was so happy for me. When Rick arrived, he called to let me know he was in front of the house. It was better that way so I could sneak out without the other girls knowing or minding my business.


"Hey." he smiled when he saw me come out of the house.


"Hey." I went up to him and we shared a hug.


He opened the car door for me and I went in. That night was going to be a good one.


Rick and I had a lot of fun. First we ate in a very nice restaurant and then for the rest of the night, he took me to the movies and then we went dancing. It was great.


I had a lot of fun and I didn't doubt my decision of accepting him. Not even once.


It was official that this guy had succeeded in making me like him. But he had to be careful too, I wasn't someone easy to be with.


In a relationship I preferred equality or if not, dominance. I hated being a 'follow-you-around' girl.


Chapter 36