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

"Yes, momma. Okay, I love you too. Bye." I hung up happily. I'd just told my mother about Kadij Koon. She was so happy for me. James had said I could call her anytime. And I would. I preferred to wait till the weekend when I'd be free to call her. I was so happy and I was gonna share the news with Rick that night during our date.


That evening, after the movies, Rick took me to a chic restaurant. I saw it as the right time to tell him about my good news.


"Someone bought one of my paintings and–"


"You paint?" he cut in to my greatest surprise.


"Yes! I always come to paint portraits of Lucas. How could you forget?" I asked, surprised.


"Oh forgive me, princess. It always slips out of my mind. I'm sorry princess." he held my hand and kissed it, "You were saying?"


I scoffed but soon gave in. I told him about Kadij Koon and her card. He was really happy for me.


Chapter 45