“Miami,” Kat suggested. “Now hurry up, let’s go pack!”

Tender always wanted to go to Miami. She grew up watching Miami Vice reruns on cable. Something about that city captured her imagination. Yet she never dreamed she’d go under these conditions.

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER
9

KAT, GOLDIE AND TENDER secured last-minute reservations on standby. So they had to wait around the airport for hours. It was Memorial Day weekend and Miami was the latest hotspot where players played. Like a magnet, it attracted thousands upon thousands of young black people on this weekend. It was just like the Freaknik in Atlanta, Georgia, used to. Even record company moguls, artists, models, movie stars and professional football and basketball players showed up.

“At this time we ask all passengers to turn off any and all electronic equipment …” the scripted message requested. This was Tender and Goldie’s first plane ride ever so they were attentive to every safety instruction. They had seen and heard about too many airplane crashes on TV to ignore their flight attendants. Kat, a veteran of countless flights, simply ignored it all. It was routine to her.

As the airplane began to taxi down the runway, preparing for liftoff, it moved at such a speed, it pinned some passengers to the back of their seats. The jet engines roared to life and lifted the giant aircraft off the ground.

Alone in her thoughts, Tender stared out her window. As the plane began to ascend, it reminded her of a roller-coaster ride. Only there were no sharp turns or sudden dips. The plane gently began to level off and the message was that it would be safe to unfasten their seat belts and move about the cabin. Continuing to look out her small port window, Tender marveled in amazement at Philadelphia down below. It was a tough town but from this bird’s eye view, it looked so inviting and tranquil. This was a side of Philly she never thought she would see.

Midflight, Goldie had an anxiety attack. She began to hyperventilate and shake. A shot of Jack Daniel’s calmed her and she fell asleep. Tender could have sworn she saw Kat slip Goldie some sort of pill in addition to the liquor. Goldie calmed down and it was nothing but smooth sailing afterward.

Some odd hours later, the coastline of Miami could be seen. From these friendly skies, Tender could see the natural beauty of the landscape: crystal clear, emerald green waters and sparkling sandy white beaches. It was truly breathtaking. She wished the whole hood could see what she saw. And appreciate God’s green earth like she was.

Tender’s mind drifted back to last night’s deadly events and why Goldie was such a nervous wreck now. She hoped this excursion away from the streets of Philadelphia and all the drama would settle her down. Right now, she wasn’t herself.