More

A humbled beginning is an understatement. Ever felt like you came from fumbled beginnings? Well, that’s how Derrick felt. He didn’t have much to work with, but he made the best out of what he had. He felt cursed that his mind seemed to reach far beyond where he was physically capable of going. But he remained relentless.

“Derrick!” Roberta called to her best friend of over 27 years. “Bring that ass here boy!” She laughs. Derrick walks toward her looking embarrassed on the busy NYC streets. He wasn’t, but in his head was a millionaire, worried that Paparazzi would rush him at any moment, when in actuality, no one was paying him any attention, despite it being free.

“What the hell do you want?” He asks.

“Damn! I’m not allowed to yell for my friend? I’ve been worried about you! Calling and you won’t answer, won’t return my call or even text me back. I was literally headed to your place right now!” She snatches at the lint hanging from his goatee. He jerks back prepared to be smacked at any moment. Roberta was like his annoying little sister. She was extremely unpredictable like that.

“I’ve been laying low sis. This is my year and I’m getting ready for it.” He said.

“Boy you’ve been saying that for as long as I’ve been knowing you! You don’t think its just time to switch gears?”

“Bert, please exit with the negativity. That shit is everywhere and easy to find.”

“I’m not trying to be negative dude. I’m just trying to be realistic.” He stares at her pressing pursed lips. “Okay, okay, never mind me. Where are you headed?”

“Back to my spot. You can come through for a sec. I’ve got some things to show you.” Roberta shrugs and begins to match his swift steps headed in the direction of his loft. He transformed the dump he rented and gave it plenty character. It was a cozy, cool ass spot. It really should have been evidence of how he could turn nothing into something, but after over 25 years of watching Derrick run in all directions trying to make his dreams come true, Roberta had lost faith in her friend and deep down, she felt she knew what was best for him, but he wouldn’t listen. “So, check this out.” Derrick snatches off his shirt and replaces it with one of his own creations. He grins and admires himself in the mirror while Roberta briefly reminisces that one time she got a piece. “So, what do you think?”

“Uhmmm…” Roberta tilts her head to check out the shirt from every possible angle. “I don’t like it friend. It looks like a jumbled up oversized shirt… I mean, it’s different…”

“Exactly! That’s the key these days! I bet this would be a hit. No one has ever seen anything like it.” He can’t contain his excitement.

“I don’t know, frieeennd…”

“You have no vision!”

“No, you’re just blind. No one would be caught dead in that, let alone drop money on it!”

“You know what, I can’t remember a single time you supported me in anything. You are straight ruining my vibe right now.”

“I’m just keeping it real with you. Your ideas always gotta be out of this world. Bring it down to earth just a bit please!

“Let me be clear, baby sis. I AM out of this world. Please leave.” Roberta is surprised at his response, but quietly gets up and walks out. Not even a month later, she is amazed to see Derrick’s shirt as the talk of Fashion Week. She stands confused, staring at flashes of models on the catwalk and his grinning face in Times Square. She would have never guessed.

THE END