The Streets Keep Calling by Chunichi Page B

was out.
    â€œWhat a hell of a night,” I said to no one in particular as I drove off.
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    The next morning, I went to see my parole officer. The more I showed up for appointments and my piss test was in good standing, the more he began to loosen up. Plus, my P.O. mentioned that O.G. had put in a good word for me. As I was on my way to pick up my check, I started thinking about how different my life would be a year from now. I knew I was about to be on the come up and nobody was going to stop me.
    â€œMorning,” I greeted the O.G. as I walked in.
    â€œGood morning to you too,” he responded before looking me up and down. “So, son, how you doing?” he inquired.
    â€œA’ight.” I nodded.
    â€œHere’s your check,” he stated, handing it to me.
    â€œThanks, and I appreciate you putting in a good word for me with my P.O.”
    â€œNo problem. Boy, you’re at a crossroads. Now, don’t make me tell that parole officer of yours that you’re fucking up.”
    â€œI ain’t been late or not showed up for work one time, O.G. man, what are you talking about?” I questioned, getting a little pissed off. O.G. was always in my ass for something and I was getting tired of it.
    â€œWhat? You think I haven’t noticed the new clothes on your back and the jewelry on your wrist and neck? You can’t buy none of that shit on what you make, son.”
    â€œOkay, I picked up a few things. So what!” I barked.
    â€œListen, I couldn’t care less if your ass is mad at me. You hustling again! Don’t try to insult my intelligence or cut me off. I got the motherfucking floor right now! You need to take the right path. Otherwise, you will end up back in jail or in a coffin. I’ve been down that path, so I’m just trying to warn you. You have been given a second chance and you have the potential to do something great. Don’t fuck it up. Get the fuck off the corner, son!”
    I didn’t want to disrespect the O.G., but I had to wonder what the fuck I could possibly do so great by pushing a fucking mop. “I’ll see you at six,” I replied and walked off, heading to the car. The O.G. was tripping, and since a nigga couldn’t smoke, I needed to get a drink.
    After I stopped at Marvin’s, a local bar where no one dares to bother you, I decided to give Tanisha a call. I knew hearing her voice would get me out of the slump I was feeling.
    â€œHey, you,” she said as soon as she picked up.
    â€œWhat’s going on?”
    â€œOh, nothing much. Just sitting here at work. I forgot I have to close tonight because I gave two of my customer representatives the afternoon off,” she explained.
    â€œAren’t you a nice manager,” I added.
    â€œI know,” she laughed.
    â€œWell, I was trying to see if you could meet me for dinner tonight. You pick the place,” I offered.
    â€œWhat about the Cheesecake Factory around eight o’clock?”
    â€œYeah, that’s good for me. I’ll see you then. Enjoy the rest of your day,” I replied.
    â€œYou as well,” she responded before hanging up the phone.
    As soon as I hung up with Tanisha, I called Maria.
    â€œWhat is it, Breeze?” she answered after I called ten times back to back.
    â€œYou know exactly what it is, Maria. I want to see my kids,”
    â€œI don’t know who the hell you think you’re talking to. Don’t mistake me for one of your little ghetto chicks.”
    â€œI’m not even trying to argue with you. I just want to see my kids.” I pleaded.
    â€œBreeze, I can’t stand the thought of you let alone the sight of you. The only reason I am willing to allow you to see the children is because they keep asking about you. I can’t understand why or how they even like you in the first place. You’re lucky my facial was rescheduled so I have a little bit of free time today. I’m picking