"Journee! Girly, where's that article? We need that article now, girlfriend."

The thoughts in my mind immediately vanished at the sound of the editor calling for a certain report from me. She would put me on a story dealing with racism and get the details on the story. Stereotyping.

She probably chose me because she thought it would be easier for me to report on it. You know, since it's about racism, right? It was all in good conscious, right?

Let me tell you all something. Black people do not want to talk about racism all the time. We're tired of talking about the same struggles that practically everybody knows about nowadays. We just have to because there's still those people out there that don't know what they're talking about. Loud and ignorant. It's on you if you chose not to listen but you can't say we didn't do our job.

Pass me the story, assuming this is a topic I should talk about because of my skin color. Sis, I will expose this author on everything she's been doing and grow tired. You don't think we're tired of dealing with racism?

Anyway, this author was well-known, a plethora of her books are on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and some have been adapted into movies. She's made money from merchandise and has multiple series for her books.

However, this author is being 'cancelled' on social media for her recent remarks against a black book enthusiast. The Caucasian author is being exposed for profiting off black readers and writers. Plus, she's sent extreme messages to the black book enthusiast, calling her the N word and telling her to 'go back to picking cotton' as her day job. Y'all, Monica stays stepping on this author's head and won't let up until she is held accountable. I'm here for it.

Not only am I shining light on another situation on racism but this story will be my biggest break. This story will put more change in my pocket and display my name to the public. Hopefully, this is a stepping stone for me to do my own thing. Starting my own magazine for readers and writers. More diversity, more culture.

After finishing the article, I sent it to the printer and turned it into the editor as my way of ending my day at the office. Wiping my hands clean of this story because I've said what I needed to say. Maybe Chanel can do the next story on someone else that showing their racist colors. I's tied, boss.

Speaking of the office, it's so standard. It's as if you're working in a corporate office with their dull colors, blocks for desks, foam blocks for ceilings, florescent lights that come on once someone enters the office, and popcorn floors. Nobody can communicate with anybody because we're all working in boxes. Dry carpet filled with red, black, and white.

Perfect place to fall asleep while attempting to do my work. Not to brag but, compared to everyone else's desks, mine was the most relaxing and had some life to it. The earthly tones of browns, blacks, dark greens and blues with low lighting. Pictures of my family with a few inspirational notes to keep going and have a fabulous day. That popping blue covering was old and tired. Reminding me of my granny's old couch she always told us to stay off of.

Cleaning up my desk space and preparing for an exit, I run into my work neighbor as she smiling at me and looking me up and down.

"I know you did not come stepping out in these heels, girl. You better show off with your bad self! I like that!" Cassidy encouraged in her neon green ensemble. These heels are practically stepping on me right now though.

"Thank you but what's bring you to my desk on this fine evening?"

"Girl, Mandy's in there being picky with our articles like we're all on America's Next Top Model and she's Tyra! Get your head shot ready, girl, because tomorrow will not be pretty."

So, I've heard. I've been a journalist here for almost a year now and this is my first big story. Solo project on a difficult but controversial topic. Though Mandy gave it to me for other reasons definitely known, I knew this was the story that would take me higher up the ladder. This was the article that will ignite a fire in the reading and writing community.

I just believe in myself that much and whoever doesn't believe in my vision can stay mad. This was my time and I'm going by each step. Despite Mandy's narcissistic nature, my plan was to win around her.

After overthinking Cassidy's comment, we shut down everything at our desks and walked each other to our cars in the parking garage.

Cassidy was that one co-worker that knew everybody's dirt and the recent gossip. People went to her for updates on what was going on in the office. Once she found a friend in me and we set boundaries, we grew closer and I found out someone was feeling me.

Her small height and curved stature made up for her loudness. At about 5'2", she made everything else about her stand tall, loud, and proud. She was the definition of BBW and wore it proudly in her designer neon green jumpsuit. She looked beautiful from her lengthy black wig to her neon green heels. She dripped with style and this is why she's on the fashion column.

"Girl, you marching in those shoes like a female soldier. You better rock them shoes, girl! You killing them!" The office hype woman and good friend of mine spoke.

More like they're killing me. These were new shoes I just bought myself last week in celebration of this new chapter in my life. A little present for myself, if you will. Bad idea to get heels though. Maybe some sandals or boots but nothing like this ever again. Even when sitting down, they hurt my feet. I had to go home and soak my feet.

"I think they rocked me instead. Tired is an understatement and I believe the sole is scratching against the bottom of my foot. Walking here was the hardest thing to do. Thank goodness we're going home."

As soon as we got into our respective cars and started them, Cassidy rolled down her window to call me out. "So...after you get yourself together tonight, you're going on that date, right? You said you would!"

Nodding my head in agreement, I struggled to get comfortable in my own Jeep. Lies, lies, lies. Well, maybe not lies. It'll happen but, tonight, it won't.

First of all, the guy cancelled on me this morning because he had some kind of crazy excuse about seeing his dog at the vet. This late in the day though? It wasn't my business to go into detail and, honestly, I didn't care. He can enjoy his time in the vet waiting room while I go back home and take these shoes off.

Second, if he still wanted to go, we would've met in a spot that I felt uncomfortable at. So, it was best for us not to go anywhere together. I'll risk being judged for not going.

"Alright, girlfriend. Have fun, get your back broke, and don't back out this time. I love ya and I'll see ya on Monday!"

You better believe I'll have fun by myself in my night gown, eating my own food, watching murder mysteries. Sounds like an eventful evening to me.

****

What's up, everybody?

How'd you like the chapter?

What do you think about Journee and Cassidy's friendship? I know we got a while but I just want to know your thoughts.

See you guys next time! Thanks for reading!