I'd been talking with a black work colleague named Steven at work, who always seemed to wear trendy gear and he mentioned shopping at Brixton market.
Although I'd never been, I recalled that kids at school talked about Brixton market being a good place to find bargain branded goods so when Steven said he was going on Saturday and did I want to meet, get something to eat and walk through, I took up the offer.
He knew quite a lot of people who he would 'high five' or hand clasp and hug.
He introduced me to some colourful characters, both old and young.
We went to a cafe and had an all-day breakfast deal. As we were eating, a couple of blokes Steve knew walked in and after the customary greetings, they started chatting They only had a coffee but picked at food on our plates.
They were different characters to Steve and when a couple of good looking black women were spotted a few tables across, they made suggestive comments and signals.
The girls gave as good banter as they got. On their way out, they stuck up a middle finger, one also nudged me and whispered, "White pussy with black trash." then kissed her teeth as they
Leaving the cafe a few minutes later, they went their separate ways to Steve and I to my relief.
"Don't worry about them; it's taken for granted to be brash around here to survive. They lived in the council estate in the neighbourhood where I was raised.
Back in the market, we bought a crisp white classic Adidas T-shirt each. I'd seen it for twice the price in a sports shop.
Steve said he was going left and pointed right to where I needed to head, regrettably I didn't ask for specific directions.
We parted and I was walking along Coldharbour Lane, hoping to find my way to Brixton station.
As I continued to walk, clutching the plastic bag with my purchase, I realised I'd lost my bearings after taking a few turns.
Being unfamiliar with the area, and as the light faded, I felt uneasy knowing the reputation of the area.
I kept my head down and avoided eye contact. When I saw a group of youths ahead, I panicked and took the next bend then another.
Now hopelessly lost, I was hoping I'd either stumble back on track or encounter somebody non-aggressive to ask for directions.
It was now dark and with few street lights, was dimly lit. I had to ask directions soon I thought. On I walked until I heard loud black female voices.
"Sorry, I appear to have got lost, would you be able to direct me to Brixton station please?" I asked smiling.
"What's in the bag, milky bar kid, let's have a look?" one of them asked, with reference to my spectacles and skin colour. She was wearing a Levis jean jacket and leather skin tight trousers and looked about 19.
Looking past her, I saw that there were at least 5 of them dressed in a variety of street clothes. A couple well into their 20s.
That distinct coconut aroma associated with black women combined with other perfume scents filled the air.
I didn't answer as a taller girl with straight jet black hair, leather jacket and denim skirt darted behind me. Despite me being a bloke, I was intimidated and wary.
Then, a further blow when the third girl stepped forward. "Remember me. No mates with you now, white boy." It was the threatening girl from the cafe and I was now feeling vulnerable. She'd changed into a leather mini skirt since earlier when she was in jeans.
"I didn't say anything or agree with what the two rude black blokes were saying until today, they were old friends of my work colleague, Steven. I respect girls and hope I never see them again" I said defensively.
"All girls, or do you see our colour and think we're trash and beneath you?" She asked.
"I I'm n-not racist. I have lots of b-black f-friends." I stuttered..
"You respect our black bodies, you like black pussy?" One of the others asked.
"Who of us do you like, prove it and kiss me." Challenged a lighter skinned black girl, who I guessed was in her early 20s.
"You're n-nice looking, r-really but there's more to it than looks, In the right circumstances I could hit it off with any of your friends as well." I said.
"Dat good to hear, go on then." She urged.
I don't know how true that was but had no prejudices and kissed her on the side of the mouth. She responded by french kissing me full on.
"Any of you want some too girls?" She asked.
"He can eat my pussy." The girl from the cafe laughed.
"Mine too." Said the taller girl.
"He can tongue me. I'd like that now." said a new voice. She had remained quiet until that point and seemed older than the others, perhaps late 20s.
