The Neighborhood

Sadiya entered the automatic sliding doors into the lobby of a hotel. It was the first one she spotted in the town she would sojourn in for a week's time, and it appeared to be a decent place to settle. It smelled like a peaceful home, rather than the usual cheap coffee and mothballs that accompany small town motels.

“Hi, welcome in!” She was greeted by a chirpy voice, which belonged to a woman behind the counter. She had a dentured smile, and round bug-eye glasses sitting atop a pile of stiff cherry colored hair. Sadiya grinned and wheeled her luggage towards the counter. “Hello..thank you” she cheekily murmured, rummaging through her purse for her identification. The little old lady sat patiently with a perennial look of amusement. “I’d like to check in” Sadiya broke the silence, sliding her ID across the counter. “Of course dear, do you have a reservation?” she responded, lowering her glasses to her eyes. Sadiya could see that her name tag read ‘Charli’. She felt a safeness, and thought that Charli could be of help in her plight.

“No ma’am, I’m looking for a medium sized suite to book through April 10th, enough for 1 person.” Sadiya answered.

Charli quickly typed something into her computer. “I have a room available, including a bed, sofa, and a fully loaded bathroom for $62 a night, darling, does that sound okay?” Charli declared after a moment, removing her eyes from the computer screen to give Sadiya an innocently hopeful look. “Fully loaded eh?” Sadiya quipped, handing her credit card to the lady. “Bathtub comes with jets.” Charli responded, only half serious. Sadiya let out an innocent chuckle as Charli processed her payment. And with that, Charli briefly informed her of the amenities then sent her on her way. “Jacuzzi away!” she laughed as Sadiya approached the elevators, and Sadiya could imagine that Charli often cracked jokes to combat the boredom of being alone behind a counter for several hours a day.

She made her way to her room and plopped onto the bed of over-starched white linens, trying to imagine what her venture might have in store for her. But with one glance at the digital clock on the nightstand, she was on her toes again.

She knew there was no time to waste and she was also somewhat excited to begin her hunt. To begin and to finish were always the times that she felt an explosion of endorphins, and everything else in between consisted of the full spectrum of emotions.

So while the sun was still fixed just above the horizon, she proceeded into the congestion of the town. Everyone was making their way home from work, dinner was being prepared, children were being summoned inside to freshen up, and the night-goers were coming out to play.

Sadiya followed her gut as she cut corners from block to block until she arrived in front of what seemed to be some kind of lounge. The sign, benevolently radiating an enticing hue of violet, read ‘The Neighborhood’. Of course she had to check it out. Upon walking inside, Saidya was met with the blatant smell of cigarettes and essential oils. An odd combination, but alluring nonetheless. Adults from all walks of life were scattered about, exchanging conversation or ducked off alone, enjoying the live music. Sadiya’s focused observation must have become apparent as she was gently approached by another woman. “Is it such a shock?” The lady humored, crossing her arms over her chest. Sadiya took note of the natural charm the people here seemed to adorn. “Not in shock, just looking around.” she responded, turning her attention to the pianist who had become enthralled by the rhythm of his keys. “And who might you be? This is not where the delinquents reside, for your information.” The woman responded candidly, a little louder to eclipse the loud music and chatter. “It’s Sadiya. I’m just looking for some fun. And you?” She responded vaguely, finally turning her eyes back towards the woman. “You can call me Ruby. I’m the proprietor.” Ruby answered, outstretching her hand towards Sadiya, and she shook it with an air of respect.

“You kidding? That’s really dope. Is it just you?” Sadiya was delighted at this point, ready to make the most of her first night. “Yeah yeah, it’s just me. I’ve got 2 boys

at home with the help of my mother, and apart from them, this is my pride and joy.” Ruby rejoiced. Sadiya could feel how proud Ruby was and she somehow knew that she had come a long way. “That’s beautiful. What made you want to open a lounge?” She asked Ruby in a genuine manner. Ruby’s eyes relaxed into a gaze as she recalled her purpose. “Well, it started with me being an only child, and having a complicated role during my school life. I never really fit in anywhere and I’ve always dreamed of creating a place where the outsiders could thrive in a social setting that resonates with them. Whether they enjoy mingling with new faces, or find peace in this energy alone.”

“I wanted to make it a space where everybody felt welcomed, no cults, no hierarchies. Your social rank is nonexistent upon entering those doors.”

Ruby finished with a sharp smile, taking in the success of her creation. “That’s just- wow. I wish they had one of these in every town, though I’m sure yours is one-of-a-kind.” Sadiya complimented. “Thanks.” Ruby responded, slightly wary of Sadiya’s level of flattery, although still smiling. “Yeah of course, I definitely respect the vision...and it’s been a real pleasure meeting you, but I think I’m-.” Sadiya started, hooking her thumb behind her to point towards the stage. “Be my guest.” Ruby happily obliged, then walked away. Sadiya scanned the room to find a black book on the floor just below a man sitting alone. He had on a baseball cap, gripping a bundle of neat loc’s which cascaded down his back and he seemed to be enjoying his solitude between the calm chaos. She picked up the book, placed it on the table in front of him, then casually took a seat next to him. He gave her a bewildered look without saying anything and his eyes glowed in a discreet manner, showing no desire to connect. However Sadiya gave him a sincere smile anyway, to which he gave one back, albeit more mellow, then turned his eyes back to the stage. She decided not to speak, to maybe give him the opportunity to do so should he get the inclination.

After two minutes of a shared silence, he finally did.

“Haven’t seen you here before.” He murmured over the music, in a flat voice. “Oh yeah, I’m just visiting.” Sadiya responded, holding eye contact with him for longer than he felt comfortable, yet his eyes remained. “Yeah you don’t look from around here either. They usually know to leave me be.” The man chuckled sarcastically. Sadiya laughed with him, just so that she showed no offense. But she could sense that he needed someone to talk to. “I’m Sadiya. Your name?” She asked politely. “It’s Jerrod.” He responded without even looking at her. “Nice to meet you. Would you like me to leave you alone, Jerrod?” She asked and shot him a tempting look. He didn’t respond, instead he proceeded to bob his head to the upbeat jazz music spewing through the room. She sat for a minute or so before deciding it was a waste of time, then climbed out of the barstool. “Wait” Jerrod spoke up, clenching his jaw and still refusing eye contact. “I have a lot of trouble communicating with others. But you feel...safe. You could stay, if you’d like.” He said very quickly, then almost seemed to retract in regret immediately after, but Sadiya took a seat once again. Her mind was telling her that dealing with Jerrod would be a waste of time, but her heart was intrigued by his contradictory nature. She didn’t even say anything and Jerrod began to spew out his life story, all the things he’d been through up until now. He went on about being held hostage by his own father who forced him into a street lifestyle for their own survival. He spoke on the many sacrifices he’s had to make, and he also admitted to his many faults which he felt were keeping him in a cycle of self destruction. Sadiya had no clue how her mission turned into a therapy session, however she sensed that she was being called to another level of mastery and that a higher power was challenging her. So she stuck it through. She listened to Jerrod speak intently and she only said what her intuition led her to say. “So what do you think is stopping you from breaking the cycle?” She questioned, genuinely riveted by his monologue. He paused for a second to navigate his thoughts.

“It’s like my brain is programmed to do what it’s always done. It’s always in survival mode, and fear of change is what holds me back...I think. Plus I owe my dad a lot of money, so It’s like a never ending loop of trying to get back on my feet.” He responded, fidgeting his fingers for the first time since they’d been interacting. Yet she knew he would be repulsed by pity. She quietly admired his willingness to explore his thoughts and emotions, especially as a man who already admitted to his lack of social skills. She could sense that he was on the right path to creating the change he desired in his life. “It’s great that you’re aware of that. You need that awareness in order to be the best version of you that you could be.” She assured him, choosing her words carefully. Silence enveloped them once again, aside from the loud music which still hardly penetrated the bubble they created. “Yeah yeah...thanks for reminding me of that.” He recognized Sadiya’s willingness to actually uplift him and that made him slightly uncomfortable considering he was accustomed to being belittled, and he realized he was craving validation and to hear someone else find anger in the things that had his emotions in a knot. But this was his experience to live through, and his problems to sort out. “Yeah, no problem.” Said Sadiya, and she began to analyze her thoughts critically, feeling a sudden jolt of energy as Jerrod got ready to get up and leave. Normally she would allow the entire week to unravel before jumping to a decision, but there were voices in her head guiding her to do what she did next. “Wait, Jerrod. Are you ready for your life to change?” She stumbled over her words, still feeling urged by the unseen energies. With his feet planted into the ground, ready to make his exit, Jerrod sheepishly nodded with a spark of hope twinkling in his eyes. Sadiya rummaged in her tote bag to pull out a hefty envelope and held it to her chest as she swallowed down the nervous lump in her throat. “This is for you.” She declared, and handed him the envelope as a robust ocean of security reassured her of her choice. The envelope wasn’t sealed shut so Jerrod slowly opened it and peered inside, then read the label. It was 20k in cash, within one of the many envelopes Sadiya had stored for moments like this. Her desire to give back to the people who deserved it most led her to take on these colorful missions, but this time she felt the importance of compassion and seeing through one's shadows, flaws, and shortcomings. She felt it in every fiber of her being that this mission was over. Jerrod looked up at her with silky eyes and said one thing.

“Make my words, this will be the start of something greater for the both of us.”