“Nah, stay in line. Y’all wanted to have some structure ‘round this bitch so let’s structure some shit!” I shouted. The ducking off and immediately throwing they hands up was comical. I couldn’t lie; it brought a smile to my face.
“All I was saying was wait until I could ring it up before you just leave. I wasn’t trying?—”
I cut her lil’ plea short with the quickness. “I really don’t give a fuck now. You ain’t want to take my money so give it back and all the shit you got in the drawer. Hell, while we at it, let’s empty wallets, too. One by one put the bread on the counter. If I got to search you, it’s gon’ end bad for y’all. Trying to embarrass me and shit. Guess who getting the last fuckin’ laugh now. Let’s move!”
I was pleased by how well they listened. When it got down to the old woman, I had a piece of heart. She went to empty her purse, and I motioned for her not to. She looked at me and mouthed, “Thank you.” Old folk wasn’t really scared of shit nowadays. I guess with them living as long as they did, shit ain’t faze them.
“We don’t have much in the drawer for you to take,” the cashier added, throwing the few dollars on the counter.
“Bitch, I don’t give a fuck if all you made was twenty funky ass dollars. It’s compensation for bad customer service.” I grabbed the bills off the counter and headed out the door.
Them seeing my face didn’t bother me. I was ‘bout to wipe them cameras clean as soon as I was back in my shit. I hit thekey fob, unlocking my doors and climbed inside. I hit the button to hide my license plate then pulled out the laptop I kept in the backseat. I was one of the fastest hackers on the east coast so it literally ain’t take me nothing but a minute to get into their security systems. Anything that happened within the last twenty-four was gone from their files and the cameras were off until she noticed.
I was pulling out into traffic moments later really not giving a fuck. It was what it was. Muthafuckas needed to stop playing with me. The Gemini in me wouldn’t let me play shit cool… ever. I was gon’ always be that impulsive ass young nigga.
EIGHT MONTHS LATER
CH. 1
CHEYONNE AFOR
Work bitch. These hoes can’t fuck with you for real. It’s a reason why you’re a part of the Legs of Fame runway. You paved a way!I was hyping myself up as I strutted down the runway in my vintage Mugler. This was my last official show, and I couldn’t have been happier than now. I worked as a model for ten years and each gig I took enhanced my career to the next level.
At the age of eighteen, I had an option to either start college or take a trip to New York and follow my dreams. Of course I took the latter knowing my family needed the money. At that particular time, my father had just gotten injured at work and his workers comp wasn’t enough to provide for the family. I helped lighten the load and my parents never let me forget how grateful they were.
This show was a farewell in a way. I wasn’t leaving the model business altogether, I was just leaving the runway and taking a place behind the scenes. Legs of Life, also known as L.O.L Modeling Agency was for any youth eighteen and under. I wanted to be able to guide them as well as protect them in this industry. I had several clients my company managed alreadywith the kids loving the gigs they were booked for. Letting them be themselves while doing something they loved made me smile beyond measure.
As I turned at the end of the runway, I had flowers thrown at my feet. See, there were only three melanated models who dominated the industry during my era besides myself, and they’d walked before me. They were given their flowers as well. I tried not to cry but with each step I took, my heart filled with joy. I was seen and it felt damned good. Tears cascaded down my face breaking me down. When the crowd began to shout, whistle, and applaud, I was done.
I’m too emotional for this shit!
Breaking character, I began to pick the flowers up and just take it all in. This was my last time walking and even though it was a blessing to come this far, it was bittersweet. I worked hard day and night to be memorable, and I’d be damned if it didn’t show. My name was yelled from every direction as the flowers continued to be thrown.
One of the backstage workers rushed a mic out to me. I smiled as I took it from her. I was told I would have to do a speech and here I was getting ready to say something I didn’t rehearse. She also handed over a few pieces of Kleenex so I could clean my face. She was a doll for that.
“Ugh! I was not supposed to cry today. I told myself a thousand times over that this was just another catwalk. Who the heck was I fooling? This isthecatwalk, and I feel so honored to be here. I started this modeling thing ten years ago and man was it hard getting here. I was that one in a million Black girl who had to compete twice as hard just to be seen. However, God placed me in rooms I would’ve never imagined. I want to thank every single person who supported me in my career. None of you are unnoticed or unappreciated. I want to thank Mugler for even allowing me to be a part of this show. I was not expectingthe call, trust me. Being a few months shy from thirty, these knees ain’t the same. No, seriously, I am more than grateful to be able to stand here and be considered a legend. You all look exceptionally beautiful tonight and from me to you, y’all could give me a run for my money. I will forever be humble and gracious for every opportunity extended to me over the years. Thank you, and I love you. Have a good rest of your evening everyone.”
I finished strutting until I was backstage. Once I stepped down those steps, I was swarmed by other models. Their eyes were full of tears much like mine. Most of these women here were trying to get to where I was so sharing a runway with me was probably their dream. I was just grateful to still be able to walk as if I was in my prime.
“C’for you did so good!”
“You’re really a gem, C’for.”
“A true legend indeed.”
Praises were coming in from every direction and the love was felt wholeheartedly. Over the years, I gained a nickname because my name was too much for them to pronounce. I didn’t mind because it was a play on my full name. Cheyonne Afor held just as much weight as C’for did. There was only one of me.
“Thank you, ladies. I wish you all nothing but success and longevity. Don’t let anyone dim your light. Shine until you can’t anymore. Please excuse me,” I said gently pushing my way through the crowd.
I headed in the direction of my private dressing room with my best friend behind me. Toneshia was someone I took with me from day one. It didn’t matter who I left behind, she wasn’t one of them. Knowing how to handle those around me and making sure I was safe. Many thought we were lovers the way I clung to her.
Entering the room, she closed the door behind me. I began removing the expensive thread immediately. Being a special guest meant I only had to model one piece. Having status put a thick stack in your pocket for giving up an hour of your time. I took a seat once I was free and let my head fall back. I wasn’t exhausted, but I was a bit overwhelmed.
“Here. Drink this.”
Lifting my head, Nesh had a cup of tea extended in my direction. I grabbed it from her and took a small sip before closing my eyes. I didn’t know how bad I needed that. “Thank you, bestie.”
“You know I got you. How you feeling?” she inquired.
