The day I left Michigan
By: Mike D
Washin’ cars at the car wash I got to thinkin’…Whats a brotha to do when he’s down and out in his growin’ up town. I was graduating from college officially in a day and I wasn’t living the dream. I was detailing this sweet Corvette, turning up the stereo system to really enjoy what I was doing, working at the car wash. So then this kid Kyle comes in, first day on the job. He was a gangster ass kid in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kids at work we’re eyeing him because they’re conservative and shit talking. I spent two minutes and discovered Kyle was a unique character. He had a lot of spirit but no outlet. He came from the depths of Detroit was was searching for the light. He kept talking about Florida. Everyone laughed and told him to get to work, welcome to Grand Rapids. Kids talk mad shit all the time, but they don’t get it. I gave this kyle dude a chance…even though he kept yappin’ about hating work, first day. Cheap talk of a better place, a brighter tomorrow. The kid came from Detroit, he knows shit. Kyle spoke of a better place, a warm place with work and cheap living. I was sold and told Kyle to forget about the plane tickets, we were going to drive my car and he had 3 days to prepare. The following day I finished my Logic Exam and prepared for the journey south.
We pulled out at 11am and 30minutes later i’m getting pulled over in Shelbyville, Michigan. A cop approaches my window and asks for id. I had 2 longboards in the backseat and all of my belongings. Kyle is sitting next to me looking guilty as shit in like a thug from Detroit. The cop asks for ID so we hand it over, Michigan state drivers license, vehicle registration, and valid state insurance card.
“Thank you.”, He said, “Where you headed?”
I looked him in the eye and said, “Florida, sir.”
“Oh yeah? vacation?”, He questioned.
“No, sir, kyle and I start work on Monday in florida.”, I boasted.
“Moving south. Wish I could do that.”, he told us.
“I completed college this afternoon sir, and today I’m headed out.”, I demanded.
“Then you’ll want to be sure to stop at the next exit, take a left and travel 2 miles and renew your tags. They’re expired a full year.” The officer suggested.
“Officer that was my next stop.”, I gulped.
“Do you have any illegal drugs or firearms in the vehicle, sir?” The officer interrogated.
“No officer.”, I replied.
“I travel this stretch all day. If I catch you out here again I’m going to slap you with all sorts of tickets. Travel safe.” Then the officer walked away.
Twenty Hours later Kyle and I rolled into Florida and my life was changed forever…