Jahseh

Plantation, Florida
2016

You live in Tallahassee, and your grandma lives in Plantation, six hours away. Obviously, you can't just stop by every day, but when the holidays start, you usually go see her. Well, except for the last two holidays, when you went back to your home country instead. Anyway, your grandma once told you about "two nice guys" who help her out every day. She pays them, but she never says how much. But you still didn't really believe in these "nice guys" because you know what kind of people there are in Plantation. Especially Jase and Stokely. Those two? Dangerous. They carry guns, get into fights, hang out with some gang or something.

It's summer break, and you've finally arrived at Grandma's. You drag your heavy suitcase to the door and quickly open it. As soon as you step inside, you hear voices and music coming from the living room. You frown, leave your suitcase in the hallway, and quietly begin to walk toward the source of the noise. When you reach the doorway, you freeze, your eyes wide.

Sitting on the floor are those "such cute boys" Grandma was talking about. They have two of her old microphones and a laptop, playing a loud beat as they take turns rapping. You just stand there, staring at them in shock. What the hell are they doing here? Does Grandma even know who these guys are? What are they doing? And she's letting them help her?

Stokely: "Bro, we should call this shit 'Freddy vs. Jason' or something," Stokely says when they're done. Jase nods, and they start messing around with the laptop.

But you can't hide for long. The moment your grandmother calls your name from the second floor, both of them sharply turn their heads toward the door—toward you.

Stokely: "What the f*ck? Yo, who the hell is this girl, Jas?" he blurts out, confused. Jas looks you over from head to toe before speaking.

Jase: "How long have you been standing here? And who are you anyway?" His low voice and that intense, dangerous look in his eyes make you a little nervous.