Mirage

[Goodie Bag] 4

Under the soft dawn sky, Xavion and Darius walked into the bodega. The morning air smelled like fresh bagels and coffee—a regular start to a New York day. They scoped out the aisles, grabbing snacks as a cover for their real game, while outside, Trey, a street-smart senior, leaned against the wall, puffing on a blunt.  His easygoing demeanor and confident posture exuded a laid-back charm that drew people to him effortlessly.

"Yo, toss me a bag of those chips," he called out through the open door, his eyes on the snacks. The surplus of chips the boys were buying definitely caught his attention. Darius glanced at the swirling smoke around Trey, instantly recognizing him.

"Man, it's not even 8 am, and you already on cloud nine." Darius joked.

Trey smirked, nodding. "Got them munchies, bro." He mentioned, ashing in the process. They shared a laugh.

Darius, ever sharp, caught on. "We're taking orders too, you dig?"

Trey raised an eyebrow. "Orders? Like what—"

"Anything," Darius replied, sliding him a small bag of chips concealing the real product underneath. "Our stuff's better than what you having for breakfast now."

Trey's grin widened picking up the product and chips. "Say less." He said, heading in the direction toward the school.

"Bruh, you gotta watch how you talk out here," Xavion warned handing the clerk their cash. Darius sucked his teeth, placing their snacks on the counter. "Trey cool, bro. Trust me."

Xavion let the situation go, knowing what was done was done and that there was no need to cry over spilled milk.  He was filled with nothing by nerves, the worry of being discovered by the wrong person was all they needed for this operation to be cut short before it even got a chance to thrive.

The morning rolled on like every other day, the sun climbing higher as Xavion and Darius spent their early hours shooting hoops on the basketball court. They savored those moments, not just for the game but also for the conversations that followed with their classmates. Today was no different. Amidst the dribbles and shots, they strategically spread the word about their in-school store, knowing Trey's role in reaching out to a broader circle of students. Trust was all they had; trust that Trey would work his magic and make things happen.

Eventually, the school bell announced the end of their outdoor fun. They trooped back into the hallways, their backpacks slung over shoulders heavy with textbooks and merchandise. As they navigated the crowded halls, they casually nodded and exchanged pleasantries, all while keeping an eye on the flow of students, gauging reactions to their new enterprise.

Finally, at their lockers, they set about their small enterprise, arranging and displaying their products discreetly. Xavion's voice cut through the murmurs of passing students. "Man, this is dumb, bro," he muttered, his frustration evident in the way he arranged the merchandise. Their feelings about the situation were mixed, a blend of uncertainty, excitement, and a hint of dread, as the day unfolded before them.

"Chill, give it time. Maybe they're sorting out their cash. You never know," Darius replied, trying to ease Xavion's nerves.

"It feels too obvious, though," Xavion grumbled.

"Just relax, the plan's solid. Look!" Darius nudged Xavion as Trey approached with two senior girls known for their fondness for getting high.

"What's good, ladies? Need some?" Darius greeted them, causing the girls to stifle laughter.

"Trey mentioned you guys got snacks and stuff?" one of the girls asked.

"Check our menu," Darius handed them a coded inventory and price list, piquing their interest.