Robin, From the Hood

Prologue “Mama, tell me a bedtime story, P-L-E-A-S-E?” - Jean’s five year old son Robin implored. “I don’t have time right now Sweetheart, Mama has to go to work”, she said preparing herself for the ordeal of her job. “Please Ma, just a short one!?” -Robin pleaded. “Okay, Little Man, one quick one. But first put on your jammies, and get into bed while Mama uses the bathroom.” “Thanks Ma! - You’re The Best!”-Robin said as he rushed excitedly to get ready for bed. His mother told the greatest stories in the whole-wide-world! – They made his imagination soar to fantastic magical heights! Although Jean had only gone up to the eighth grade in school, she was an insatiable reader, and she passed her love of books to her beloved son, Robin, who only in kindergarten, had a reading level of a junior in high school. While her son readied for bed, Jean closed the door of the bathroom and fortified herself with a shot of heroin…her comforting escape from the harsh reality of her world as a drug addicted prostitute. “Mama, I’m in Bed!” Robin yelled in anticipation of another wondrous story of beautiful damsels in distress and the handsome heroes who rescued them. “I’m coming Little Man”, Jean said as she exited the bathroom and sat on his bed. She began, “Once upon a time” - then they heard a loud banging on the front door and an irate screaming voice, “Come On Bitch! Let’s Go! – I Ain’t Got All Night!” It was her pimp, Roland Peters. “Oh, Baby, Mama’s sorry”, Jean said-sounding terrified, “I have to go now; I promise I’ll read you a really good story tomorrow, one of my favorites called ‘Robin Hood’…A real hero with the same name as you”. Tucking him in, she kissed him “Good-night”. “Come On Bitch! I Ain’t Gonna Tell Ya Again!” -The pimp yelled as he pounded on the door. “Be careful Mama”, Robin pleaded with his mother, knowing full well the scope of dangers her life-style presented. “I will”. I love you!” -She said leaving his bedroom. “I Love You Too Ma!” -Robin hollered…the last words he ever uttered to his darling mother.