NINETEEN
Dusk fell when Coco and her mother made their way back to the neighborhood. A short, dark skinned man wearing a black turban was attracting a small crowd.
“There goes that nigga Rightchus, always using some kind of happening to make his cheddar. That lil’ nigga is king crack head he stays busy, yo,” Coco said.
“… This is just another sign o’ the times. Give to the Rightchus brothers and sisters the end is on us…”
“People are actually reaching for their wallets,” Coco noted.
“He be doin’ his damn thing. Can’t knock his hustle,” Mrs. Harvey said reflectively.
“You’d never know,” Coco said with an irritated tone.
Coco stared in the direction of the crowd as she spoke.
“We all wanna get da hell outta this damn hole. Coco I know you do but just buying nice furniture ain’t gonna change what it is,” Mrs. Harvey said as she walked through the door. “Coco I know you’s upset about school an’ all but we can rise above this.”
“But everything seems to go against me. I mean school…”
“Tell you what I’m gonna have a meeting with them damn school board people an’ I’m just gonna give ‘em a piece of my mind. I mean the nerve, they can’t tell you no when you’re not doin’ time. You’re not a criminal an’ they cannot kick you out of the scholarship program. I called the channcelor’s office and they looking into it.
“Really, you did, mom?”
“I did. Coco, girl madukes a fighter and that’s why you gotta keep on trying. You know life ain’t easy when you from the ghetto. I know it’s my fault with all my ways and your father not being around, but I don’t want you to grow up and be like me, Coco. I don’t want you to make what anyone do, cause you to give up on your dreams.”
“I’m not gonna lose, ma. But I can’t win without your help.”
“That’s my baby talkin’.” Mrs. Harvey said.
“Ma, you know I gotta concentrate an’ I mean, you can’t go wandering off doin’ your thing. This gonna take teamwork and I’m expecting you to handle your part,” Coco said and searched her mother’s eyes. The doorbell rang.
“Herb Ward, here to see you, ah Mrs. Harvey.”
“Okay, come on up.” Rachel Harvey replied.
Coco looked at the time. Couple minutes after eight. Ward walked into the apartment and spoke privately with Mrs. Harvey for a short time before turning his attention to Coco.
“How’s everything going, Coco?”
“I’m alright.”
“You getting kicked out of the scholarship program have anything to do with why you’re not attending your classes?” Ward asked and waited a beat for an answer.
“Coco, open your mouth and speak up, the man is asking you a question.” Mrs. Harvey said.
“I thought I answered it already.”
“Mrs. Harvey thank you, but I’ll handle this, please. Coco, why aren’t you going to your classes?”
“I just did not feel like going to school period, but I know I need something that sez ‘I can read’. So I’ll stay in school, ahight?”
“Coco wha’ I tell you ‘bout that street talk shit?”
“Well, Coco that seems to be what we all want. If there’re any problems before Tuesday, please feel free to call me at the office, okay Coco. I don’t want to hear any reports of you missing school.”
Coco closed her eyes as the door slammed when she was assured that Ward had left. She went to the kitchen with pen and pad. Coco slipped her headphones around her ears and began writing. It was an uphill battle from day to day, but she was confident that she could accomplish her goals and her mother would have to do the same.
Later that same evening, detectives found Rightchus lounging on the corner eyeing the scene. He would be the perfect pitch man. Hall calculated. Kowalski got out the car with Hall closely behind him and Rightchus started backpedaling when he noticed the detectives walking toward him.
“Rightchus, come here. Didn’t I tell you to go get a job? What are you still doing here on the corner? Come talk to me,” Hall shouted as he approached Rightchus, who immediately took off running. Kowalski and Hall were in hot pursuit. A few blocks away they caught up to him and dragged him into a building.
“Now don’t have us chasing you all over the place. Matter fact, you’re going downtown with us,” Hall announced for all gathered to hear. Kowalski went for the car while Hall frisked Rightchus.
“Got anything on you that’s gonna…” Hall started to ask but Rightchus cut him off.
“An’ if I say I do, is you gonna not search a brotha?” Rightchus asked irritated by the treatment. “Y’all better not try anything cuz I know my rights. I’m innocent until you prove me guilty.”
