"Thank you to Gigi, Christine, Shirley, Lasharette, Jusan, and Ebony for helping me create magic!" – Tyrah Chanell

Chapter 8: Turn the Page

One month later…

Location: I.A.T.T building

The big day finally came. It was finally here after all of the obstacles DJ endured to get to this day. It was a warm summer day with crystal clear skies, not a cloud in sight. The day flowed in harmony, positive vibes swirled in the air, and I.A.T.T was finally complete.

"Wow…I'm here. I did it…I can't believe this. I'm here." He mumbled as he held both sides of his face in awe. DJ gazed across the oval shaped lobby with eyes like glass. A layer of water covered them, not from sadness, but from the joy and relief of finally seeing the result of his hard work. This year had not been good to him. The tremendous grief and pain he carried and still continues to carry has permanently changed him forever. DJ stood up on a chair left by the lobby door to get a clearer view of who came to support him on his special day. He started from the left of the room and then slowly turned to the right, seeing more than several familiar faces in the midst of the lively crowd. Seeing the people who supported him from childhood to adulthood triggered nostalgia. DJ stepped down from the chair and sped walked out to the hallway nearest to the entrance. Overwhelmed, he crouched down and put his head between his knees. His heart went rampage, pounding against his chest. He struggled to elongate his breaths with every thought. His jaws clenched as he lifted his head to see if anyone was witnessing his panic attack. Suddenly, a hand rested on his shoulder, making DJ's body shudder. He blew out air and chuckled in relief when he realized it was only his dad.

"You alright man? You over here squattin' like you at a Jodeci photoshoot.. What's up with you?" Deondre's eyebrows lifted with confusion and worry. He crouched down beside him and folded his hands. "Talk to me." He demanded. DJ eyed the floor, trying to collect this thoughts. He released a short sigh, clasped his hands together, and began to speak.

"Nothing's wrong. Everything is right…" Taken aback by DJ's answer, Deondre stood up stared at him with squinted eyes.

"Sooo you're trying to tell me that you're okay? I just walked in here a 30 seconds ago and saw you shaking." DJ stood up slowly.

"You don't understand what I'm trying to say." DJ shook his head in complete frustration.

"Well clarify for me."

"Everything is right…that's the problem. Everything is TOO right today. One, I haven't had a "right" day in a long time. Two, every time something right happens in my life, it's not too long before "wrong" slithers right in front of it and pushes it back. I mean…ever since I was a kid. My 8th birthday, literally the best, fun filled birthday I've ever had. Look at how it ended…in flames. The day Duron got killed was the most exhilarating and enjoyable day of my life…and it ended with me losing him. I'm panicking because I'm waiting for something wrong to happen. Out of all the things I've accomplished in life, THIS is something I actually wanted and 100% of my heart was put into this. Now that I actually conquered this goal, I'm letting thoughts about the future ruin the now." DJ shook his head and looked up at the ceiling.

"All the work and time and passion you put into this…no. You've come TOO FAR for this. You lost sleep and relationships over this. Don't let nothing come between you and your happiness. You deserve this, you deserve this moment, and guess what? It's yours to own. Own it. YOU did this and made it happen. Out of the 365 days in the year, give yourself this one, please. Okay? Enjooooy yourself. Everything will be okay." Deondre patted DJ's shoulder.

"Ok. I'm going to do this." DJ rubbed his face and spun on his heel, making his way back to the lobby. Deondre followed. As they got closer to the lobby, the vibrant sounds of laughter and chatter grew louder. DJ pushed the lobby entrance door open to see a full house of friends, family, teenage boys and girls, and their parents socializing. DJ stepped onto a mini stage set up to the right of the entrance. As he walked towards the podium, a rush of adrenaline and nervousness shot through his veins, sending muscle spasms to his hands and arms. A stampede of excitement and joy followed behind the adrenaline, making him fold his hands for a sense of control. He approached the microphone and replayed his father's words. Then he thought about whose day it really was; Duron's. DJ stood in front of the mic and closed his eyes.

"This is for you. I did this for me as well but I did this mostly for you. You know that. I hope you're pleased with what I've made for you. I know it was always your dream. I just want to make you proud and nothing less. Nothing less at all." DJ thought to himself. He opened his eyes then began to speak.

"Good morning everyone. Let me re-introduce myself in case you don't quite know who I am or what I do. I am DJ Williams, the CEO and founder of "I.A.T.T".A lot of you are wondering what I.A.T.T stands for but I'll touch on that later. So where do I start? I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Always had a lot of dreams and aspirations. I was a very creative kid. I loved to dance, I loved to write. I loved to help others but I…I was troubled in more ways than one. As I grew older, I became more troubled which led me to Truth University in Atlanta. From there, with hard work and dedication, I received my B.A. and my M.A in psychology and worked as a child therapist…but then I became troubled within my personal life again and unfortunately, it affected my job. I hit rock bottom and in hitting rock bottom, I became confused, frustrated, hopeless, and tired. Weirdly, I also became inspired…inspired to do something great, something big, something that would change lives." DJ glanced at the ceiling with wonder. "I always wanted to own this building. I had a special reason why I wanted it but I didn't know what I would do with it. It wasn't until I hit rock bottom again that I found out what I wanted to do. I wanted to give back and help like my late brother always did. Back to the name, I.A.T.T simply stands for "Inspiring a Troubled Teen". Troubled means issues within thy self, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, a goal you're having a hard time reaching, a change your trying to make, even trying to persevere through the obstacles of school. There so many ways in which a person can be troubled. I just wanted to make that clear. I.A.T.T is a program where we study and teach arts like dancing, singing, playing instruments, drawing, sculpting, writing, and acting while keeping the main focus on S.T.E.M education. S.T.E.M education will allow them to study science, technology, engineering, and math. So not only will they get to explore and master the arts, they will be academically challenged and pushed to new heights which in due time, they will excel. There will also be group therapy sessions and individual therapy sessions given throughout the program. During the summer, they will attend Monday thru Thursday, 11am to 5pm. Out of the first 3 days, two will be designated to academics, and 1 will be designated to an art of their choice. Thursday, group and individual sessions will be held and they will be confidential. During the school year, they will attend Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3pm to 6:30pm. During the school year it will be the opposite of the summer schedule. 2 days of art, 1 day academic. Then on Saturday, sessions will be given. I want to also mention the registration age. It is from ages 13 to 19. Once I get comfortable with this, I will have something for my 8-12 and my 20-25 age groups. Food and drinks will be provided and transportation so parents won't have to worry about a thing and that's about it. My colleagues and I are so ready to go on this journey with these young men and women and dissect their minds. With the help and support from my amazing Truth alumni brothers and sisters, I'm very confident in the quality of I.A.T.T and what we will accomplish.. I want to thank God for waking me up every morning, protecting me, helping me overcome obstacles and fears, and just being everything that I need and long for. To my late brother, Duron, thank you for watching over me. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for being my light and my best friend when I was thrown into a dark, lonely room. To my dad, thank you for giving me the chance to see myself in you, in such a masterpiece of a man. I hope that as I grow, I can at least be half as dope as you are. Lastly, like my brother would always tell me, it's not about you. It's about the team. It's about how we can all work together to make a difference in people's lives. Thank you." The crowd thundered with applause and cheers. DJ stood there absorbing all of the love and support being poured into his spirit. Relief tranquilized him. His recent paranoia and anxiety faded and time stopped. He was only in that moment, heart racing with exhilaration, eyes holding back the same tears that were held in and saved from the last dagger thrown in his back. His joy sped through his veins and released through his eyes and his smile, making it oh so bright. He suddenly snapped out of it when Sylvester tapped his shoulder.

"Congrats bro!" Sylvester and DJ shook hands then hugged.

"Thank you man! And thank YOU for everything you've done for me. I'm grateful to have you as a brother and a best friend. You've been there for me since 19 and now here we are, damn near 30 haha." DJ and Syl laughed.

"You know, after all you've been through, you deserve every ounce of blessing that comes your way." Sylvester blinked seriously.

"Nah man. I don't deserve any of his blessings…yet he keeps blessing me anyway."

"Alright T.D Jakes, I didn't ask for a sermon. You know what I meant haha."

"Haha you stupid man."

"Ha, you know what I meant. You deserve it more than most of us, is that better?"

"Ehh...well-"

"Okay bruh. Imma about to go chop it up with a few people. Congratulations again. You worked hard for this. I'm proud of you. I can't wait to start working with these kids. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of greatness." said Sylvester as he walked in reverse off the stage. DJ nodded, then stepped off stage to greet his guest.

Meanwhile at the I.A.T.T entrance…

Kye stood at the main entrance, chomping on some Doritos he bought from the vending machine. Suddenly, a chocolate man walked in without acknowledging him and stood in the middle of the hallway. The man seemed to be lost by the way he frantically peaked and squinted down the hallway.

"Hmm…should I be petty and not help him? I mean…dude didn't even speak when he bombarded up in here and I know he saw me with all this marshmallow white on. Rude as hell. I KNOW he hear me smackin'." Kye thought to himself. He side eyed the man while tearing up his chips. "MHM! YUM. YUM. YUM. YUMMY. YUM." Kye teased. He started to smack louder and louder to get his attention and it worked. The man spun around, irritated, and began to scold Kye.

"Daaaaaamn brotha! Is the chips THAT good? You wanna give me dollar so I can get me a bag?! Shit! So I can taste for myself!"

"Oh, you can see me?" Kye looked around. "I thought you couldn't see me so I continued to tear these chips up like you wasn't here. We're even." Kye smirked.

"Look, my bad man. Alright?" The man walked closer to Kye, making a friendly approach. Kye chuckled and threw another chip in his mouth. Then, he dusted the cheese residue off his fingers and sucked them.

"Kye…as in RYE bread, not ky-YEE. Just a heads up. I'm sick of people getting it wrong. Nice to meet you." He stuck his non cheesy hand out and shook the man's hand.

"Gotcha…I'm Burke. Burke Lenton." Kye was going to lick his fingers but he stopped mid lick. That name sounded familiar. DJ had spoken to him about a Burke before.

"Burke?" Kye eyed him suspiciously.

"Uhhh yes. That's my name." Burke put his hands in his jacket pockets.

"No like…why are you here? Just curious." Kye folded his arms and stepped closer to Burke.

"DJ and I used to dance here together when we were teenagers. I live in California, I heard about it, and I came out here to reconnect. We lost contact after his brother passed. Man…I'll never forget that horrible night. Everybody in our crew left but me. The crew ain't have no loyalty but…I'm here. That's why I was so compelled to make it here today." Kye knew the name sounded familiar. One of the guys who ditched DJ and his dead brother stood before him, fibbing and looking thirsty. A knot of disgust and bewilderment formed in Kye's stomach. His foot fixed itself to walk away but his heart and tongue stood its ground.

"A horrible night? For you or for DJ, the one who held his dead brother until the cops came…ALONE? Yeah, you sure had a horrible night, safe and sound in the comfort of your home, just like the rest of them bitches. Yeah, you had a HORRIBLE night alright. I bet you did." Kye looked in disgust and disbelief. "How dare you, nigga?" Kye's nose flared with anger.

"Lil homie, don't speak on situations you know nothing about. Stay in your lane and stay in a child's place." Burke hissed.

"I'mmmm not your little homie and THIS ain't your place." Kye shook his head.

"This is my place and guess what? This blood will never come off my hands. I lost my friend and you tryna switch shit up? Who are you to be questioning me lil boy? You don't know me. DJ know what it is. I don't have to explain to you." Burke nervously looked Kye up and down, trying to look angry but instead, he looked guiltier than anything.

"Awww man. Damn…I'm sorry bruh." Said Kye as he sympathized sarcastically. "I am sooo sorry that nobody ever punched ya lying ass in the chest. I know he specifically mentioned YOU. Uh huh! Yup! HE said YOU DIPPED along with the rest of his crew. And for you to lie and say you got Duron's blood on your hands AT a function that's in HONOR of him…you SICK bruh."

"Nigga, hush. I wouldn't come all the way here if the story was different…man, get out my face. You don't know nothing. Mind ya business!" Burke tried to walk pass Kye but Kye stepped in front of him.

"Yeah, you may be here. For what reason? I don't know. But you know where you should've been that night? You see outside? About 100 yards north by them train tracks? You should've been there with DJ doing WHATEVER you could to help but nah! You a straight punk and you left him there. Don't come up in here with that bull bruh. You know what? That's probably why I was out here in the first place. I ain't even want chips. I was really supposed to be out here to catch ya coward ass at the door. You ain't going inside the MAIN spot if that's what you think you about to do." Kye slowly started to step backwards while sarcastically grinning.

"Who you supposed to be? The National Guard? HA. Imma go inside when I'm ready to go inside." Burke huffed and laughed.

"Oh really? Well help yourself. Go right along. There's a lot of people in there that would be sooo happy to see you! Big homie, Mr. Williams SR is here in the flesh, his Aunties, an uncle, a couple of CLOSE friends, 200 others, and your favorite man, DJ. Seeing your face, especially on a day honoring Duron would just add the cherry to their sundae." Kye said in a baby voice. "Nah let me stop playing with you. Unless you want a whole congregation stomping on you, I suggest you stay as far away as possible. Then again…..ehhhhh that plan ain't too shabby. It kind of sounds like a great idea. Come on in so they can do the electric slide on you!" Kye waved for him to follow but Burke slowly walked his way back to the entrance. "You not coming in? Welp, it was not nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by though. I'll definitely let your homie know you came through." Kye turned to walk back to the event. Burke stood there embarrassed, ashamed, and in guilt all at once. He was so humiliated that he stuttered to walk out the door. He was in denial for the longest about his lack of loyalty as a friend. He knows the truth and he knows he messed up. His guilt hasn't let him rest for years. To deal with the guilt, he made up a lie, studied the lie, and used that lie to lie to himself. You know what they say, sometimes you can lie to yourself so good, you will start believing it. Sometimes our minds are our worst enemy.

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Location: Mya's House

April's heart raced and raced and raced as she watched the live stream of the I.A.T.T opening. Her hands grew clammy as she held the laptop on her lap. Her foot tapped frantically as she stared at an episode of DJ's happiness. When DJ and April first broke up, the split had not hit her right away. She spent time sulking in the effects of the break up on her instead of taking accountability and fixing herself. All while doing that, the reality of DJ being gone did not hit her either. She was so used to breaking glasses, leaving the pieces shattered on the floor for a couple of days, then having DJ sweep the pieces under the rug. This time, there was no more room for more broken glass under that rug. Shards of glass eventually started to penetrate that rug. Even though they split, April didn't worry about him moving on too much because she wasn't around to see things happening but when she saw the livestream, her anxiety grew. She didn't grow anxiety because she saw that he was happy, she grew anxiety because she saw that he was happy…without her.

She paused the livestream after DJ got off stage. As she closed the laptop, a knot grew in her throat as she contemplated whether to watch the rest. She had already watched the first thirty minutes in agony. She bit her lip as she held in the tears that were ready to free fall down her face. As she replayed the ending of his speech in her mind, two single tears escaped from her eyes. Reality had finally hit her today. He was gone and she wasn't a part his happiness anymore.

April began to cry hysterically. She balled up her fists and hit the laptop off her lap in frustration. She then held her head in her hands and sobbed. So many emotions ran wild in through her veins. She felt anger, jealousy, sadness, and regret. She was so furious with herself. The fact that she let her demons mess up such a great thing infuriated her. April's eyes continued to flow with salty tears and pressure grew in her forehead. She grabbed her purse from the floor and took out a photo of her and DJ on their engagement night. She began to rip and tear the photo into pieces until she had a handful of photo bits in each hand. She threw the pieces at the bedroom mirror. Heaving and crying, she looked at herself in the mirror, slowly walking up to it.

"Who is this person? I don't know this woman…" April thought. She squinted and turned her head in the mirror as if she could change her image. Dark circles gripped her bottom eyelids, drooping her eyes into a saddened shape. She examined her tear stained cheeks and her puffy eyelids. Suddenly, a shiver tip toed down her spine and her arms. A strong energy directed her focus to the mirror. April stood still, focusing on her image until another brown woman took her place. It was her mother, Andria Palmer.

"Mommy…?" April put her hand up to the glass, awestruck.

"My dear April…what have you done to yourself? Sweetheart, why have you caused such turmoil in your heart? You know I didn't raise you to be like this."

"Mom! How are you he- what?! I'm losing my mind. This isn't real, April. No way. I'm dreaming. April, wake up." She said as she rubbed her face.

"You're not sleeping and I am real. April, look at me." April hesitated with agony but gave in and turned to the mirror.

"Mommy…what is wrong with me? I don't know what's going on with me..."

"You know? Your dad has some ways about him that he should've let go a long time ago. I love your dad very much but please, my love, don't become him. You still have time to change. Be better than him…and me. Your father is a good man at heart but he could destroy everyone around him in the drop of a dime when things don't go as he planned. Sounds a little like my little girl in front of me. Don't be the one to destroy. You may fix it, but you can never erase it."

"I think it's too late mom…I've already destroyed people that I love. I'm already him…"

"No. You have some of his ways but you aren't him. You still have a chance to step into your own and figure out who you are. Your heart is more pure. You still have time to change the direction of the story. Your father does too but he's too stubborn."

"Mom, I lost the love of my life because of my ways. I don't know if I can get this one back. I made history with this person."

"Mr. DJ. Yes, I know about him. Heart of gold. I see the way he looks at you. That look is a look I've always wanted a man to give you. Maybe you're not ready to have someone who will give you their all. If you're trying to find your father in DJ then forget it because DJ is far from him beloved."

"Sometimes I hate the fact that he's not. When I want to be bad, I'm constantly reminded about what I shouldn't be doing. I know it sounds absurd but in a weird way, sometimes I wished that he was more like him. Sometimes, I wish he would just cheat or mess up in some way so I won't be the only one with a chip on my shoulders so…..so I wouldn't feel so guilty. This guilt…."

"You don't really want that. Don't lie to yourself. You say that because you're at your lowest. When you climb back to your highest, you want a man to fit you and having a palmer man would not fit you. You're low so you want someone low with you. That's not a good way to think. It is not healthy."

"I know. I just don't know what to do about anything anymore. I'm stressed. Everything is hitting me at once. I just…I don't even know what I can do at this point. How do I fix this? How do I get the love of my life back? If not, how do I move on from him? How do I love again when DJ was my rock? I don't know…"

Baby, if it's meant to be, it will be. If DJ is meant to be in your life and you're meant to be in his, it's already written. BUT you have to do some work on your part. Somethings won't be handed to you. If you really want it, you have to work for it, you have to fight for it, and you have to struggle and sometimes hurt for it but when the day comes for you to take it, make sure that it's your last time letting it go. Most people aren't given multiple chances to make their mistakes right. If you're given that chance, don't play with it no more."

"Yes mommy. I won't. I promise." April lazily smiled.

"Don't make promises you can't keep and in the meantime, work on yourself and live your life. Don't let your father live through you anymore." Before April could respond, Mya walked through the bedroom door, startling April.

"Hey boo, who were you talking to?" said Mya as she flopped on the bed. Still dazed about what just took place, April was slow to answer.

"I-I just…got off the phone with uh…with um…a co-worker." April stuttered.

"Why are your eyes so puffy? Have you been crying boo?" April frowned and pointed to the laptop on the floor. Mya grabbed the laptop and looked at the screen. The screen was paused on DJ's smiling face.

"Ohhhh my gosh…why are you torturing yourself like this?"

"I deserve it. I made my bed, now I have to lay in it."

"Yeah but nobody is forcing you to watch this. You're just hurting yourself even more. Stop. Instead of looking at this livestream, you should be getting prepared to move in a few days."

"You're right…you're absolutely right. I'm a mess." April sighed as she rubbed her face.

"Hey, what's going on with that guy at your new place? You said you met him a couple of weeks ago at the condo complex? What's his name? Harry? Henny?"

"His name is Henry. We're just talking. He's the one who convinced me to move there. He said it's a quiet area and it's close to work so."

"Hmmm…soooo how is he? Do you think that he has some potential?"

"Well, he's a very sweet guy and he seems like he has a good head on his shoulders. He reminds me of…never mind. He's just very sweet and intelligent."

"I think you should go for it. You know? A little test drive. You're single now. Have fun. Hey, it'll take your mind off of things in the meantime. He just might be DJ 2.0."

"Shut up, Mya…"

"I'm just joking girl. BUT I really think you should just test the waters a little bit. You're SINGLE now. He's doing his thing, you do yours."

"You think so? I mean…I thought about it but I'm not sure." April smirked.

"I'm positive. You already been through hell. What's the worst that could happen? You're fully aware of what to do and what not to do now. Just remember to put yourself first and have fun. It's not serious." April sat down next to Mya and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you for everything. Thank you for being real with me when I can't keep it real with myself."

"April, you know I got your back girl. You're my best friend, my sister…I will always be there for you even when these niggas ain't, okay?" They both chuckled. "Okay, enough of the mushy shit. Let me help you pack up boo."

"Alright girl."

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Location: DJ's Condo

6:32 pm

Evening had come and it was time for DJ's personal celebration for the opening of I.A.T.T. His dad and Kye were there to celebrate since everyone else had to catch their flights back to Atlanta. All three of them sat at the dining room table eating, conversing, and laughing.

"These wings…Wheww these wings are good." DJ enthused. Everybody agreed.

"I'm glad you like em'. Kye, pass me the hot sauce. I got one wing left. Imma give this last one my all." Deondre said. Kye slid the hot sauce across the table while eating a piece of chicken of his own. Deondre stared at Kye devouring his wing and began to chuckle.

"What?" Kye said with a mouth full of food.

"That piece of chicken is screaming, bruh." Said Deondre. Kye laughed then looked to DJ for help.

"Oh I'm not in this, brotha. I told you I wasn't gonna let my em' get you yet because he didn't know you but now….." Said DJ.

"Okay, if you want the fire, that's up to you Mr. Williams Sr." Kye said.

"Oh don't do it Rye bread. You see what he did there? He said Sr. to remind me about my age. Ask your mother if I'm a senior. Boy, you do not want it."

"Your hairline does though and my mother don't mess with teapot built negroes like you…" Said Kye as he bit into his wing. DJ spit out his juice and turned from the table snickering.

"Dad, don't start!" DJ warned.

"Oh hellllllllll nah, I'm getting em'. He wanna talk all that hoopla. Imma elder. Niggas just don't have ANY R-E-S-P-E-C-T, do they?" Deondre leaned in to the table and folded his hands. "My hairline? At least my barber is real. Who did ya edge up? Cousin skeeter?"

"Cousin skeeter? Tsss! You need to come to my barber so they can cut that cotton candy off your head."

"Please! If I wanted to look like Stephen A. Smith, I would."

"The cut would be better than what you got now. Beach erosion hairline."

"You can't talk until you take them two s'mores off ya feet."

"I know you not talking Missy Elliott, all that Adidas on."

"How do you have the GULL to speak about anything I'm wearing when you wearing that waist training shirt?"

"Yeah and that snug cap you got on is taking a PET scan."

"Nah I think you need one so we can find out why you always squinting."

"How old are you? 48? Don't you have a prostate exam to go to?"

"Yeah! I actually do. Your motha is conducting the exam."

"Yeah and your sister is conducting my sports physical next week."

"Wait a minuteeeee boy. Don't bring lil K into this now. Alright now sir. Young man."

"You brought my mother up haha."

"Yeah but you said what you said with too much spice."

"Haha OKAY. Can ya'll stop coming for each other so we can talk about something else?" DJ interrupted.

"Yeah, for now…" Deondre grinned at Kye and stuck his hand out. "Truce?"

"Truce." Kye shook his hand and smiled.

"Okay. Now. "DJ turned to Kye. "So…we know your birthday is in two days. My dad and I wanted to take you out. Is that okay with you?"

"Of course! Thank you. I'm excited."

"The big 1-8 huh?" Deondre said as he sipped off his iced tea.

"Yup. It's definitely a blessing. I thought I'd off myself before I got here the way my home is set up haha." Kye laughed but Deondre and DJ took it seriously.

"You're an amazing young man. You got so much potential. I wish I was more like you at that age. You have so much confidence. You're sure of who you are and where you want to be."

"Just like you."

"HA! Thank you. I'm not always sure of that but yeah it took a long time for me to get to this point. That's why I'm amazed because you're already there at 18."

"Thank you. Wow. That's a first." Kye lowered his head.

"Yo." Deondre put his hand on Kye's wrist and tapped it. "You need to know that. Something told me you needed to know that." A chill shot down Kye's spine making the hairs on his neck stand up. "You alright?"

"Nah I'm fine."

"…Alright. If there's anything you want to say, you can say it. You can speak your mind here. It's just us. No judgement here. Anything you say here stays between us and only us." Deondre reassured.

"Yeah, you already know. We're here for you, always." DJ interrupted." Deondre and DJ got up and gathered the dishes off the table.

"Hey, I'll be right back. I gotta change my clothes." DJ said as he walked down the hall. After Deondre put the dishes in the sink, he motioned for Kye to come in the living room. They both sat down on the couch. There was a silence for a minute and then Kye broke it with a question.

"Mr. Williams?" Kye said in a hesitant manner.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"This is probably gonna be a weird question." Kye twiddled with his fingers.

"Tsss. No. Absolutely not. You can ask me anything." Deondre turned towards Kye.

"Do you believe in…destiny?" Kye asked curiously.

"Well, what made you ask that?" said Deondre with a look of concern.

"I was just sitting here thinking about how I got to where I am right now. Yesterday, I was thinking about my life before Atlanta, before you and DJ. Back then, I would've never thought I'd be sitting here with you in California. Do you think that this would've happened no matter what?" Deondre twiddled his thumbs and pondered on the question.

"Yes. If this is what God has written, it will happen. Even before you knew or I knew, it already was and nobody on planet earth could've changed it no matter what happened. Let's just say…you never came to Atlanta and were never my son's client. Some kind of way…you would've found your way to us or…we would've found our way to you. Everything happens for a reason, Kye."

"You think so? Nothing can change it?"

"Nothing in this world can change what will be. It is already written."

"So…my father was supposed to not be in my life?" Deondre stopped moving and froze. He had never been asked a question such as this in his life. He gathered his thoughts first, then he began to speak.

"Wow…um…okay. It was already written that your father wasn't going to be present BUT he was supposed to be. Things happen to us in life that are supposed to teach us lessons and better us as human beings. With absent parents specifically, I feel that it's a part of your destiny, but I like to call them life errors or glitches. A parent is always supposed to be in their children's lives because they created them. Your existence started with your parents. I'll put it like this. Life errors are things that naturally should've been but failed BUT it can always change. At the end of the day, it's all part of YOUR destiny, your specific life path. Does that makes sense or are you sick of me rambling on?" Deondre lifted an eyebrow.

"Nah, nah you're not rambling. It's interesting. I never heard this before. So my dad being absent is a life error?"

"Yes. Absolutely. Perfect example. Me and DJ. I wasn't present for a lot of his life and look? I was supposed to be there but…unfortunate events made an error. Before we reunited, the thought of it felt like a dream. There were times where I sat on my front steps with the hope that I just might see them. DJ was probably just like you…wondering…curious and now, we're here. I don't think neither one of us saw THIS a year ago."

"Was it hard rebuilding your relationship? I'm sorry if I sound nosey."

"Yes." DJ said as he walked into the living room and sat on the floor. Deondre and Kye diverted their attention to DJ. "Yes, it was really hard for the both of us. It was odd because although what we were trying to build felt "new", I felt like I've known him for a million years. I still had memories from when we were together that worked as a base. Even though he was ready to come into my life, I wasn't sure if I was ready or prepared for him to come into mine. That's what made it hard. One side of me yearned for his love and his guidance. The other side of me was afraid. Another part of me was angry. I didn't know what having him in my life would do, how it would change me. I was so used to being without him, I was afraid. I was also afraid of it failing. I was afraid that if I grow to love this man and he leaves me, it was going to feel like Duron is leaving me for the second time. Out of all my reasons, that one was the most terrifying."

"What made you give in even though you were afraid?" said Kye.

"God. I prayed about it. I said if this should be and if this is for my good, then take my fears and worries away. I slept on it. The next morning, the fears and the worries I had about my father were gone. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that this wasn't supposed to happen. Have you ever prayed about it, Kye?"

"Yeah. I've prayed about it since I was little. I'm still not sure what the answer is though. Maybe I'm just not listening closely…" Kye sighed.

"You'll figure it out." DJ patted Kye on the knee. "It took me years to get to this point. I'm almost thirty. Look at these bags and wrinkles under my eyes." DJ pulled his face down. Deondre suddenly butted in.

"Your bags and wrinkles? Look at mine! Brotha been stressing since 10 B.C. You don't know nothing about bags and wrinkles. I got enough for this whole neighborhood."

"Mr. Williams, you and DJ look like brothers so to me, ya'll about toe to toe with the bags and wrinkles." DJ and Deondre stared at him in silence. "What? What ya'll looking at? What?"

"Beeecaaauuse we were just playing about the bags and wrinkles…We really got bags and wrinkles to you? Daaaaannngg you serious?" said Deondre as he looked at his face through the coffee table glass. DJ felt his face while side eyeing Kye.

"Dang, I was just playing too…..Black don't crack…remember?" Kye played it off with nervous laughter.

"Yeeeeaaaaahhhh." Deondre said slowly and sarcastically.

"Riiiiiiight." DJ added.

"Group hug?" Kye suggested.

"Group hug?!" DJ and Deondre said in unison.

"He said we 'toe to toe' with bags and wrinkles…." Deondre smirked. Kye butted in before DJ spoke. "Well that's actually a compliment considering that DJ is 20 years younger than you."

"Ohhhhhhhhhh so now we're bringing up age? Ya'll youngins love bringing up age. Why is it that when you hit your 40's, age is the number one target? Ya'll young folks act like ya'll not right behind us in line to the nursing home. We gonna be cashing our social security checks together. Watch. Rocking in rocking chairs and being nosey together."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Location: Vivian's House

"What the hell was that?!" said Uncle Nate as he walked in Vivian's house.

"What do you mean what was that? It WAS what it WAS. I made a grand entrance and a grand exit like I always do. You know there's no party without me being there. I AM the party." Nate looked at her as if she had 3 eyes. He placed one hand on his hip and used the other hand to rub his forehead.

"Are you seriously going to do this right now?" Nate raised his eyebrows.

"Whatsoever do you mean, Nate? We had a lovely time." Vivian made a devilish smile and chuckled as she reached for her wine glass on the coffee table.

"I'm not finna play with you. You came to my get together UNINVITED and started at fight with DJ and Dre. Are you kidding me? You too old for this daycare B.S." Nate snatched the glass of wine out of her hands and sat it back down on the table.

"Look, I'm your SIS-TER so imma roll through when I feel like it. Secondly, THEY had the issue. DJ is a bitter little boy and Dre is an even bigger bitter little boy."

"Okay, let's get some things straight. You're my half-sister. We've never been that close. We don't rock with each other like that okay, sweetheart? Two, you came uninvited like I said before. If I wanted you there, I would've asked. Obviously I didn't want you there. Take the hint. Three, don't get me started on who's really the bitter one. We both know who that is. We both know what you did." Vivian smirked and flopped on her couch.

"Soooo then why are you here….in my house? I'm this and I'm that but you found me important enough to visit?"

"I came here to check you on ruining my get together, try it again."

"Okay, get out before I get my man to beat your old, dusty ass. I'm not dealing with this crusty shit you bringing up in here. I'm done talking." Vivian got up and opened her front door.

"Beat my ass?" Nate looked around under her couch pillows and in her coffee table drawer. After, he looked back up at her. "Who? Neither him nor you can beat my ass. I would LOVE to see that. I gotta put some paper view money away. That was a good one. While you're dreaming about the day that he could beat my ass, leave my nephew and my brother alone. Stop the madness." Nate turned around, stepped out on the porch, and made his way down the stairs.

"Tsskk! Why don't you stop talking and worry about getting well done? Ya medium rare, broiled chicken ass. Somebody need to put you on 350." Nate stopped in his tracks.

"Yeah Viv… I'll do that when you get a proper wax. There's no reason you and Pablo Escobar should be squaring up for the last Gillette. Go handle that."

"Oh please. Your wife, Jackie Chan knows more about Gillette than me with them howlin' wolf arms. She got more hair on one armpit than you got on your whole head. Please."

"Oh? You wanna talk about my wife? You lucky it ain't raining. If it did, everything on your fake ass would slide off and down the street just like that toy boat on 'IT'. Snuffaluffagus lashes and all. " Nate walked back up to the porch where Vivian stood. "All them skid marks on that couch. Was there a car accident or is that your eyebrows?" Nate licked his thumb and swiped Vivian's left eyebrow. She quickly swatted his hand and nudged him down the stairs.

"Get the hell outta here, Nate!" Vivian yelled. Nate walked away with a smirk on his face.

"Rat." He mumbled under his breath.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Location: I.A.T.T, Room 300, Freedom Room

"Whoaaa this room is huge! This is amazing bro." Kye exclaimed as he walked in with DJ. It was a big white room with nothing in it but paper, pencils, and pens.

"You've never seen this? I thought you've already been in here."

"Nah. I didn't get a chance to. Why you name it the Freedom room?"

'Because this is a place where you can express yourself. Whatever you say, whatever you feel, whatever you need to let off your chest can be released but it stays in here. Anything written in this room will be posted on the walls until this room is filled with words."

"That's dope!"

"Isn't it? How about we be the first ones on the wall?"

"Yeah man. Let's do it." Kye dropped his backpack at the door while DJ grabbed the pens and paper. They sat in the middle of the room, back to back.

"Sooo what should our topic be? You choose."

"You want me to choose? I don't know."

"What's been on your mind lately?"

"…..My father? Ever since that discussion at your place, I haven't been able to get it off my mind. I forgot to mention this when we were talking but…I use to have dreams about this unknown man almost every night since I was a little kid. I always thought that is was my father in the dream because the man always had a fatherly presence about him. Over the last couple of months, they've stopped completely. The last dream I had was a couple of months ago."

"Do you mind me asking what was happening in the dream?"

"Nah….The dream always starts out in a hallway, a white hallway. The walls seem like their giving off a light which makes it very bright. There's a man in front of me walking and I'm following him to a room that looks like a kitchen. I guess it's a kitchen because we stop at a counter. We're at opposites sides. It's very bright so I don't see his face, I just see his arms and hands. In every dream, he says, "Are you thirsty?" I say, "Yes, I'm very thirsty. I've never had a drink." I guess in my dream, I've never drink anything before? I don't know but….yeah so then he says, "You've never had a drink before? Ever?" I'm like "No, never". He says, "Well I guess this'll be your first time. You'll love it. Trust me. I wouldn't offer you something that would hurt you. I would never do that." DJ looked at Kye confused.

"This dream is ODD, bro. You're having a dream about a man offering a drink? What happens next?"

"Well, he slides a glass across the counter to me. I don't know what type of drink it was but it was sweet. It was the best drink I've ever had. I don't know whether he got the drink from the Garden of Eden or what but the drink was slammin'. That drink GOES. When I drank the drink, I started glowing just like the walls I walked pass. Then he started glowing. Now, for some reason, we're cracking up, having a great time, like just cracking the hell up and then all of the sudden, a dark ball of whatever appears on the counter. When I realized it was there, I froze because it scared me. The dark orb was yelling at me, cursing at me. Whatever, whoever it was angry at me for some reason. The darkness kept getting bigger like every second. I looked down, my heart is literally on my sleeve. My actual heart is pumping on my arm. The man I was with walked over to me and pushed me away from the darkness. He's also covering my literal heart with his right hand. He used his light to make the darkness disappear. His glow was way bigger than mine. He kept walking towards the darkness and as he's doing that, it's getting smaller and smaller until it disappears. After that, he turns around for about like 2 seconds and asks me if I'm okay and when he does that, I see his eyes. For a split second. After that, I wake up. I always wake up after that. I never get to stay in the dream long enough to see his eyes or face." Kye rubbed his face in deep thought.

"Wow Kye. Thank you for sharing this with me. I know it's very personal to you". DJ tapped his shoulder. Kye nodded. "So you truly think that it could be your father in your dream?"

"Yeah. I guess because….in the dream…he was so caring and concerned about me." A passionate Kye placed his hands on his chest and gripped it gently. "I felt at home. The way he defended me, no questions asked. I don't know…the way he covered my heart literally…No one has ever defended me before like the way he did. I don't know, man. This sounds so cheesy, man. I don't know." Kye sighed.

"Nah, it doesn't. Maybe your dreams stopped because you'll find out what it means soon? Maybe your dreams stopped because you already have all the keys to figure it out? Everything is for a reason. You'll figure it out." They both silently pondered on it, then Kye broke the silence.

"You're right, man. Thanks. Should we get started writing?"

"Yeah. How long you need?"

"How long you need?"

"I'm asking you how long you need. I'm on your time."

"No, I'm on your time, bro."

"Nah, you choose. You're my guest."

Nah bro. You're the oldest. The oldest always makes the decisions." DJ threw his head back in laughter.

"The oldest? HA! Don't use that bullshit rule on me."

"Welll looky here, we gonna have to use it today because I'm not choosing." Kye jokingly side eyed him.

"Alright. Fine. 30 minutes?"

"Now, hold up now. You know I'm not Shakespeare. You know I can't get decent piece in no 30 minutes."

"Bruh, you said I could choose!" DJ chuckled.

"Yeah, I said what I said but be considerate. Not everybody on the same level as you when it comes to putting a pen to paper or doing anything for that matter." Kye playfully sucked his teeth.

"Man please. Don't gas me. Kye, you're the creative genius. I honestly don't think you know it yet."

"Okaaaaay, NOW you're gassing."

"Someone is a dope singer, writer, and dancer." DJ said in a cookie monster voice while he placed his hand on Kye's shoulder. Kye's eyes widened in shock.

"Wait….how'd you know that?!" I mean, I've danced in front of you but…"

"Yeah well that day we went to the basketball court, you were listening to music when I walked up. You were singing and I heard you."

"What? So when were you going to tell me that you heard me? Dude."

"Well I was going to mention it when you mentioned you liked to sing but you never said that…."

"Oh….well dang, you catch everything. You and your dad. Whether you trip, fart, get strangled on juice, ya'll going to be there to see it. It never fails."

"Yeah you right haha. We always end up catching something. My father is wayyyyy worse than me. He catches everything in the book. He catches you slippin' literally." They both cracked up. "Alright, let's get this writing going."

"45 minutes?" Kye suggested.

"Deal".

45 minutes later…..

"Yo you done bro?" DJ said as he reached for sky and stretched.

"Yeah I'm done. I think I got a pretty cool piece. How about you?"

"I did alright. Freestyle writing is the hardest and easiest writing there is. If that makes sense? Haha."

"You right about that! I'm not going to argue with you about that one. What's yours called?"

"It's called 'I'm Here'. What about you?"

"It's called 'Where Are You?'"Kye said. DJ smirked.

"Were you looking over my shoulder while I wrote?" DJ side eyed him.

"Nah bro. You felt my back against yours the whole time. What the he-" Kye's voice trailed off.

"You had to look because dude…Our poems are playing telephone like this is not just a coincidence". DJ's eyed widened.

"Bro I don't know. This some crazy ish."

"Why don't we read our poems together? You read a line from yours, then I'll read a line from mines. We can rock like that. Let's see where it goes."

"Cool, let's do it. Let's see how it sounds."

"You can start when you're ready. Whenever you're ready." Kye took a deep breath then begin to read his first line. DJ followed.

Kye: "Where are you?"

DJ: "I am you…"

"…I'm out here trying to make sense of this world alone…"

"…I know I'm not with you physically…"

"…Chains of the untaught and unknown things weigh down on my shoulders…"

"…I'm sorry that I let you figure this world out alone…."

"…I have an empty box in my soul and your nowhere in sight to fill it…."

"…I'm sorry that you carry the burden of my mistakes. I'm sorry that I allowed your heart to bleed on the floor that I made you on…."

"…My heart is heavy with the hopes that you just might be out there thinking of me…."

"…If I could take the pain from your past, your present, and your future for myself, I would…"

…"And my heart is heavy with the thought that you just might be happy without my existence…"

"…There isn't a day that goes by that you're not on my mind. 24 hours isn't enough for me…"

"…Am I the missing key in your life or am I the hidden gun in your drawer?"

"…You're the reason why I wake up in the morning…"

"…You're the reason why I feel worthless…"

"…You're the reason why I lay my head down at night instead of putting a bullet in it…"

"…You're the reason why I feel unprotected everywhere I go…"

"...You're the reason why I get on my knees and pray for better days…"

"…You're the reason why I'm starving with a belly full…"

"…You're the reason why I walked out of the darkness…"

"…You're the reason I'm in the dark…"

"Thank you for walking me out the darkness…"

"You left me in the dark with no tools and no instruction guide…"

"I am with you in spirit and my heart is with you everywhere you go…you ARE me…"

"Days and nights, I wished you would've came and rescued me from this thing called life…"

"I'm sorry that I couldn't be your superman…"

"You were supposed to be my superhero…"

"The best job I could've had in life would've been being your guide…"

"I would've been the best son to you, but you lost the bet…"

"But you slipped through my fingers like sand and water…"

"I hope you are living a life that was worth me not living in…"

"I love you more than life itself…."

"Are you happy with yourself? I always wondered…"

"I wish you a lifetime of true happiness…"

"I will have an amazing life with or without you."

"You being happy in life is a gift that I truly don't deserve…"

"My heart says it would've been better if you were here…"

"You're forever a part of me…"

"But you weren't and that breaks my heart and soul…"

"But you don't know that and that breaks my heart and soul…"

"I hurt…"

"And I cry…"

"And I punch holes in the wall…"

"And I shut down…"

"And I put up a guard…"

"And I stay to myself…"

"And I stay angry…"

"And I fill myself with regrets about the soldier I could've been for you…"

"And I fill myself with what-ifs, dreams, and fairytales of you standing beside me…"

"And I starve myself, deprive myself of water, and beat myself up over abandoning you and that will never equate to the hurt I've caused you…"

"And that will never satisfy my longing for you…Where are you?"

"Just know, I'm in that beautiful DNA of yours."

"Where are you?"

"I'm in your walk. I'm in your tone of voice. I'm in your glowing brown skin. …"

"Where are you?"

"I'm in your curious eyes of imagination. I'm in your beautiful smile. I'm in your tightly coiled strands of hair. ."

"Where are you?"

"…I'm in your blood."

"Where the fuck are you?!"

"…..I'm in you. I AM you…."

DJ and Kye sat silent for a while and then turned around and looked at each other.

"Yep, you definitely looked at MY paper!" Kye said. They both were stunned.

"Kye, I swear I didn't look at nothing….this is insane." DJ held his head and looked back and forth at the papers.

"How'd you do that?!"

"How'd I do what? How did YOU do that?"

"This is some of the freakiest ish I've ever experienced bro…."

"This ain't the freakiest for me but it's close to some things."

"You still want to post our pieces on the wall?"

"Hell yeah. Besides the freaky cohesiveness, this is fire. I loved it. It's from the heart and it's powerful. You were very candid. I love candid writers. I really connect with you, Kye."

"I'm candid because I'm just comfortable around you. My closest friends don't even get all of that."

"Well I'm very honored that you feel comfortable enough to share this with me, Kye. I'm honored. I truly am. Feel free to express yourself anytime you want. I will always listen and write with you."

"Thank you so much, DJ. I needed this. You don't even know. Let's put these babies on the wall. Right in the middle."

"Lead the way." DJ and Kye walked to the wall in the middle back of the room. They took tacks and tacked their papers next to each other. They then signed their names on the bottom of it with the date.

"That should do it." Kye high fived DJ. DJ smiled with gratitude.

"Yup, amazing job. Now, let's go do my all-time favorite thing."

"And what is that?"

"Eating. Let's go eat. My stomach about to fall through my butt."

"Yours? Mines! I ain't eat since 8 this morning."

"Shit, I ain't eat since yesterday. Don't ask. I'm not a breakfast person."

"Me either but my cousin forced me to eat something because she's a breakfast person."

"Don't you hate breakfast people? Always up early eating and ready for the day. Sometimes I don't even wake up until lunch time."

"You too?! Broooooooo me too."

"You too?! Yo I can't stand bright eyed, bushy tailed people. It's not even because I don't like mornings. It's because of how people act in the morning. My ex was one of those. All up and energized. Perking coffee for no one to drink it, rattling dressers, looking under the bed for shoes, running the sink water like HUSH."

"Bruh! Hahahahaha!"

"Oh snap." DJ froze. "Somebody's 18th birthday is tomorrow."

"Yeahhhhhhhhhhh! The countdown begins."

"Don't forget that we gonna come get you."

"Oh yeah. I know, I didn't forget."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Location: Deondre's Restaurant

It was 5 in the evening and Deondre had been cooking since seven this morning. He was exhausted so he decided to grab a Monster energy drink and take a break outside.

"Yo Will? Can you make sure all the orders come out? After, you can go take a break. You been on your feet all day." Said Deondre as he walked towards the front door. Once he got outside, he made his way across the boardwalk and sat on its fence. He popped open the top of his drink and took swigs of it. He put his head down and enjoyed the breeze from the beach. The warm gusts of wind blew under his black chef jacket. As he enjoyed his peace in a daze, he was suddenly pulled out of it when he heard a woman's voice.

"Umm excuse me, Mr.? Hi! I'm sorry to bother you but-" the woman said nervously. Deondre looked up and their eyes locked. Standing before him was a beautiful, brown woman, in her early 40's, 5'6, dark brown eyes, skin smooth as butter, natural hair in a twist out fashion, about shoulder length. She wore a strapless, peach sundress, nails painted white, and she smelled like coconut oil and brown sugar. She had the posture of a queen and she glowed. The setting sun laid a rich, warm, orange light on the side of their bodies. The sun acted as a stage light, beaming down only on them. They definitely had the spotlight. "I'm so sorry to bother you, Sir." She hesitated to continue asking for help.

"You're not bothering me…" said Deondre as he shook his head slowly. He jumped down off the fence to stand in front of her. He gave her a light smile. "Can I help you, Miss?"

"Yes please! If you don't mind?" She gave him a nervous smile.

"No, not at all. What's the problem?" Deondre glared over her shoulder to view the parking lot. The wind blew Tamia's hair towards him. He took a deep breath in and inhaled the sugary scent of her mane. He then put his hands in his pockets and looked down at her, meeting her sweet gaze.

"Well, I think my car needs a jump. Do you think you can give my car a jump? I really need to get home before dark." She said.

"Absolutely. Let me go get my car and the jumper cables. Which car is yours so I know which one to pull up at?" said Deondre as he began to walk away.

"It's the black Chevy Malibu on the right side of the parking lot." She said. Deondre stopped for a moment and looked back at her as if she called his name. His eyes were dark and electrifying once he stepped in the shadow of the restaurant.

"Okay, give me a minute and I'll be back." He gave her a reassuring smile and she melted for a little. She still had a whiff of his scent when he walked away. He smelled like vanilla and barbeque sauce. A peace ran over her as she realized she was going to be home before dark, thanks to this gentlemen.

"Thank you Sir. Thank you so much. Your name?" she yelled out.

"Deondre….and you?" he said as he walked backwards.

"Tamia."

"Tamia…Nice to meet you, Tamia. It's a pleasure." He nodded. As he walked away, Tamia focused on his smooth, gorgeous strides that required no effort. His wide neck that met up with his crisp fade. His flawless, golden brown, muscular, veiny, forearms that poked out of that perfectly fitted, black chef jacket. And those cupcakes sitting nice in those black Dickies pants. He was definitely a perfectly built specimen but that wasn't all there was. He was beautiful. Period. You see men that are cute, sexy, even FOINE, but it is rare that you see a man that is beautiful. Beautiful is on a whole other level than 'sexy'. Sexiness is strictly surface and will probably…..just make you feel horny. Beautiful though? Beautiful is the whole package. It is inside and out. It is their voice, their smile, their presence, their light, their energy, their soul. It'll make you feel….unexplainable at times. Tamia senses that Deondre is a beautiful man in many ways than one. She just hopes that she sees him again so she can find out why.

6 minutes later…

"So where are you from, Tamia?" said Deondre as he connected the jumper cables to his battery. Tamia stood by his passenger seat window. He raised his left eyebrow as he questioned her.

"I was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. I moved here 5 years ago."

"I knew it." Deondre chuckled and pointed at her. His deep laugh shook the air.

"How'd you know?" Tamia raised her eyebrows in a playful way as she peaked around his lifted hood.

"You uh…you aren't wearing any make up." Deondre looked up and glared at her, almost as a child would.

"Haha gotcha…. It's east coast thing. We don't have time for all of that."

"Yeah I understand. You'll miss your bus tryna be cute on the east coast. Everybody looks like they're going to the Grammy's all year round." They both giggled". "And that's not to say you look like you're not of course-"

"Oh no! I know what you meant. I didn't hear it as negative". Deondre peaked around the hood and looked at her.

"Yeah I didn't mean it like that. You're just a naturally beautiful woman without…like all the… artificial aesthetics." He said as he took the other end of the jumper cables and attached them to her car battery. She stared at his back with the focus you'd get from Adderall. She was so intrigued that she forgot to say thank you.

"Aww well…thank you so much." Said Tamia. Deondre looked back at her and smiled. He knew she was getting her views in."Wait, so you an east coast boy?" Tamia smirked and put her hand on her chest. Deondre jerked his head back a little.

"Hell yeah…..Born and raised in Harlem, New York. I'm an east coast boy at heart but I've been over here for a while. Almost 30 years. But yeah, Harlem until I die. The place of culture and the best mutherfuggin food on the planet." He said as he walked from around the hood with his hands in his pockets.

"Oooo a New Yorker. I always wanted to visit to Harlem."

"Yeah?! Why'd you never go?" Deondre put on a fake baffled face.

"I don't know. I never got to go. Every time I went to NY, I only visited Times Square and Brooklyn."

"Really? Well you should go. You'll love it."

"Gotta try the food, right?"

"Hell yeah. You have to. The food is no joke."

"Yeah?"

"Yes. Trust me. I know what good food is."

"Yeah I can see that with your black chef jacket. A food enthusiast." Dre looked down at his jacket and sucked his teeth.

"A food enthusiast? I didn't know that was on my list of occupations but I like it. Food enthusiast. Hmm. The name sounds more important than it actually is but okay. I guess I can add that to my résumé." They both laughed.

"How long you been cooking?" Tamia asked inquisitively.

"Basically…technically…all my life."

"Wow! You must really love food."

"Yes ma'am. I knew I wanted to be a chef professionally since I was like 6. I begged my parents to buy me a little toy kitchen and everything. I was serious about it. Haha I call myself a foodie. I love to cook just as much as I love to eat. I love to thrown down. Everybody who knows me knows that. Anything you love to do, Tamia?"

"Yes! Well, I'm a 12th grade English teacher. I love it. I've always been an artist who loves to write and paint so it definitely helps me in the classroom."

"Really? Okay, Miss Teacher. I can write but…I can't draw a lick." He leaned in and whispered a little. "Not if my life depended on it."

"Haha well hey! One day, maybe I can teach you how to be Picasso and you teach me how to throw down?"

"Sounds like a deal." Deondre shook her hand before squatting by her car. Tamia leaned on his car and crossed her legs.

"Soooo you work here?" She pointed at the building behind them.

"Yes ma'am. I work here." He nodded.

"So tell me, chef. How's the food? I've never been here before."

"The food here? Uhhhh it's alright I guess. Not too shabby. Just bring your own salt and hot sauce."

"Really?!"

"Nah, I'm just messing with you. The food is amazing. You should try it one of these days. You won't be disappointed."

"Definitely. How long you been here? I know chefs have long shifts."

"I've been here since about 7. I got another 9 hours to go until closing."

"9 hours?! How do you do it?!"

"Well, I love what I do so I don't really mind. I'd rather be tired because I'm doing something that I love than to be tired because I'm doing something I hate. The achy back and feet is all worth it. I'm passionate about this. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

"Wow. That's a very positive way to look at it. The owner must love you. How is he or she?"

"Well, he is a very dope person. You'd love him. He's a food enthusiast like myself. This has always been his dream. I'm beyond happy for him. He's been through quite a lot in his lifetime to get here."

"Well I wish him and you the best. This place is beautiful. It's on my to-do list."

"Thank you. Thank you so much." Deondre got up and walked towards the jumper cables. "I'm going to need you to turn on your car." Tamia got in her car and turned the ignition. The car cranked up like normal this time.

"Aah! Thank you so much, Deondre! Thank God! I thought I was going to be stuck here! I was so scared. I've never been in this city before. I usually drive pass it on my way home. I felt my car conking out so I took the exit here. This was the first place I saw. Thank you so much!"

"No problem. It was my pleasure." Tamia reached in her clutch and pulled out money to hand to Deondre.

"Here's for being an angel. It's all I have right now but I want you to have it." Tamia went to hand him the money but he gently pushed her hand away from him.

"No, I can't take that." He shook his head and clenched his jaws.

"Why not? You deserve it. You helped me."

"I didn't help you to get something from you. I did it because as a man, I don't want to see a woman stranded. You don't know this city, you're by yourself, it's almost night time like what kind of man would I be if I sat here and didn't do all I can? It's okay. You're good. Don't worry about it." Deondre said in a stern voice.

"I get that. I just-I have to give you something. I mean- you went out of your way to help me. You didn't HAVE to do that but you did. I took you away from your job. You could possibly get in trouble. I-" Tamia said in a slightly panicky voice.

"Look, you don't have to give me anything. I promise. Don't worry about it. Knowing that you can get home safely is enough for me. And trust me, you're not going to get me in trouble. The boss doesn't mind. He'd do the same thing. He's not quick to anger. He's veeeeery patient. I'm good. It's okay."

"You sure?"

"I'm 100% positive. No, I'm 1000% positive. I'm gonna be fine."

"Okay. Well, thank you again, Deondre. You're an angel." Said Tamia as she hopped in her car. Deondre closed her door for her.

"Thank you for being so kind…but I'm far from an angel. Just a regular, shmegular man, jumping cars." They both laughed.

"You stopped being regular when you said you can cook. Any man that can cook is not regular in my book." They both chuckled. "But in all seriousness, thank you and…not be weird or anything… I don't know you but…I'm into chakras and I pick up on all types of energy…and your energy is like…off the wall! I can't explain it. Your energy is one that I've never been in contact with before."

"Uhhhhh is that a good thing or a bad thing?" He lifted one eyebrow.

"I don't know. I would have to know you a little better but I feel like it's a good thing?"

"Mhm yay me." He clasped his hands together.

"You really don't get this chakra stuff do you?"

"No I-I don't really know about it that much. I mean I've heard of it and I've always been intrigued by it but I've never got to really learn about it."

"When I see you again, I'll teach you all about it. Okay?"

"Yes. Sounds like a plan. Remember, if you're in the area and you're hungry, come eat."

"Yes, I promise I'm coming back here. When I come, you'll be here?"

"Yes, I will be here."

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I'm always here."

"Okay because when I come, I want to see your skills, chef."

"Okay. If you come, I'll cook for you." Deondre and Tamia locked eyes and smiled at each other. "Nice meeting you, Tamia. I'll see you. Drive safely." He tapped her car door and stepped back.

"Thank you. Nice meeting you as well, Deondre. Thank you for all your help. I will see you soon. Have a good night, okay?"

"Okay. Thank you. You too." Said Deondre as he picked up the jumper cables and closed both hoods.

"And oh! Soak in Epsom salt."

"Huh?"

"Epsom salt. For your aches? After work? Epsom salt is key. It works wonders."

"Okay, I'll try it. Thanks."

Tamia backed out of the parking spot, waved, and pulled off.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Location: DJ's car (10 a.m., 20 minutes to Six Flags Magic Mountain)

It's finally Kye's 18th and he decided to spend the day with DJ and Deondre. The first stop was Six Flags. No matter how old Kye gets, he will still have a love for amusement parks. Amusement parks have been one of his favorite places to go since he was a kid.

DJ drove, Deondre rode shotgun, and Kye stretched out his long legs in the back seat.

"I'm telling ya'll right now, I ain't rolling with no weak stomachs. If you got a weak stomach, you might as well make a U-turn and drive to Chuck E' Cheese." Said Deondre as he slid his shades on.

"Rollercoasters are my thing. Ain't gonna be no problems with me." Kye reassured. Deondre reached in the back seat to give Kye a high five.

"What about you?" Deondre looked at DJ. "If you ain't no rider, speak now or forever hold your peace because if we get there and you become a pussy lip, you gonna be the bag holder the whole time."

"I'm good. Me and Kye worried about you. Did your doctor even give you clearance to go? It might be bad on your heart. We don't want you passing out or nothing. We in the middle of Six flags, we don't have time for none of that." Kye snickered in the back seat, holding his bookbag to his face to smother the laugh. Deondre almost snapped his neck to see Kye laughing.

"What you laughing at? It's your birthday but you can still get it. You stuck now. We in the middle of the highway. Ain't no escape. I will light you up in this car. Back there cracking up all on my neck." Kye continued to laugh.

"I'm sorry. That was hilarious. I knew the senior citizen jokes were coming. I just knew haha."

"I just find it funny that he talking about age but he's an iceberg tippin' to thirty. He's not that far from me but he always wanna talk about age. I'm not even that old. You better hope you get to live this long. It's a blessing to be old if you wanna call me old. To be honest, I'm probably having more fun than both of ya'll." DJ and Kye snickered.

"Reeeaally?" DJ questioned.

"Yes. When you get to this age, you stop caring about the things you use to worry about. When you get to my age, you just don't give a fuuuuuh. You don't care about people's opinions, what people think of you. You do what you want and you do things when and how you want. You just don't care anymore. You have more fun when you don't care and you live when you're free. You get my drift, boys?"

"I mean since you put it like that, I guess you are having more fun because I'm worried about a million and one things." DJ said.

"Why are you worrying? Is it going to change or help your situation?"

"No but-"

"Okay so stop. Stop worrying. In 20 years, you're going to look back and ask yourself why you put up with so much, why you stressed over so much. I try to live with no regrets but that's one regret I have in my life that I wish I could change. I stressed and worried so much. I stayed in situations that were damaging to me too long. If I could do it over, I would only be where I loved to be, with who I love, doing what I love. Period. Boys, don't make my mistake."

"Yes Sir." Kye and DJ said in Unison.

"If you don't love it, I don't care if it's a person, place, thing, job, or outfit. If you don't LOVE it, abandon ship. Don't let nobody make you feel wrong for doing what's best for SELF either."

"Thanks pastor Williams." Kye leaned in between the front seats.

"I had to get that off my chest. That been on my mind for a minute. I see so many young people and older but mostly young people, wasting their lives away in things that don't make them happy. Then once you're older, you're too damaged to turn it around. By that time, it's too late…..Okay I'm done preaching. That was my sermon for today. I'm through. I promise."

"I needed that. Thank you. We appreciate it, Iyanla." DJ said.

"Iyanla? Ha! Speaking of her, you need to write her up so you and your 'Entenmann's honey bun' ex can fix ya'll lil fling. You know what? Let me shut up because I need to be on there too. Kye, you can come and do a cameo. Everybody need they life fixed."

45 minutes later…

It just happened to be the perfect day. It was a beautiful 80 degree day, no clouds in sight. The park was filled with laughter, screams, and excitement. The air smelled of funnel cake. DJ, Kye, and Deondre stood on the metal platform, waiting for the gates of Goliath to open so they can board the ride.

"Speak now or forever hold your peace. Going once? Going twice?" Deondre said looking between the both of them.

"I'm ready. Are you?" said DJ.

"Uh yuh. Kye, you ever been to Six Flags in Jersey?" Deondre side eyed him.

"Heck yeah!"

"Okay, so you and I both know that nothing in this park got nothing on nothing."

"You right! If you been there, then nothing here should startle you." Kye enthused. Deondre laughed.

"Kingda Ka, Nitro, and El Toro shits on everything in this park. Kingda Ka ALONE shits on every other Six Flags there is. That's why I'm not sweating baby."

"See I've never been there so I don't know." DJ explained.

"Well look, we gotta go one day and you'll see." With that, the gates to Goliath opened and it was time to board the rollercoaster.

"Okay so I guess I'll sit by myself back here." Said Deondre as he sat down in the left rollercoaster seat. DJ and Kye occupied the two seats in front of him.

"Excuse me, Mr.?" Deondre looked to his left and there stood a little black boy, looked about 10. "Can I sit with you? I'm riding by myself…" said the boy. Deondre looked around.

"Where's your parents, man?" Deondre said in a concerned voice.

"They're scared of rollercoasters so I'm by myself."

"Well sure man. I'll move over. You sit right here."

"Thank you, Sir!"

"No problem, man. What's your name?"

"My name is Caleb."

"Nice to meet you, Caleb. I'm Deondre. Is this your first big rollercoaster?"

"Yes Sir. I'm really scared."

"Don't be scared. We strong boys. We got this." Deondre fist pumped the boy and the boy smiled. "You ready?"

"Yeah!" The six flags workers went down the line, checking everyone's bar. Suddenly, the ride engineer begin to speak.

"Hey everybody! Welcome to Six Flags Magic Mountain! You are about to ride Goliath. For everyone not yet riding, stay behind the yellow tape and the silver gates until opened. For a safe ride, remember to keep hands and feet to yourself, keep any loose items such as flip flops, earrings, electronics, and beverages off the ride, don't throw up, and try not to scream your lungs out. You ready?"

"Yeah!" Everyone yelled in unison.

"Okay! Enjoy your ride on Goliath and enjoy the rest of your day at Six Flags Magic Mountain!" The cart jolted and started its journey to the top.

"Now wait…wait a minute. Uhh we're above the trees, we can drop now…" said Kye nervously.

"I think this one is as tall as Nitro…I ain't know that and we still going up" Deondre added.

"Oh I thought ya'll wasn't scared. This ain't nothing right?" DJ lifted his eyebrow, taunting them.

"Oh we ain't scared! We just making observations." Deondre gripped his safety bar. "Oh no, we're at the top!" said Deondre in a British accent.

"Tell Beyonce, I love her!" Kye shouted before the rollercoaster cart tipped over the edge and down the long drop.

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhh!" They all screamed in unison, including the little homie, Caleb.

4 minutes later….

"Uh huh. Ya'll niggas ain't talking now." DJ joked as they walked off the ride exit stairs.

"We good. We ain't tripping. That was iight I guess." Kye said in denial.

"Dad, how you feel about it?" DJ turned to Deondre snickering.

"I feel…..nothing. It was nothing. NEXT!" said Deondre as he put on his shades and book bag. They all chuckled.

"Ya'll are so in denial! Both of ya'll was stunned." DJ said as they began to walk through the park.

"I am almost 50 years old. Nothing can stun me anymore, baby. I'm straight. Stunned is for young folks. Ya'll ain't seen nothing yet."

"Oh really? Okay….then let's go on the sling shot." DJ insisted. Deondre choked on his spit and started coughing obnoxiously. He pulled down his shades.

"I beg your damn pardon?! The sling shot?! You must be outta your MIND if you think I'm getting on that foolishness!"

"Why not? It'll be fun!" DJ laughed.

"Yeah so those Barbie swing set wires can pop and splatter us all over this park? Hell too di no. See, I knew I shouldn't have come to the park with ya'll negroes. Ya'll want to be dare devils and kamikazes now. "

"We're getting on. The entrance is right there. C'mon!"

"Yo, I'll hold ya'll things. Hell no. Ya'll can have this one." Kye took their bags. "I'll be over by the arcade." Kye walked away.

"C'mon dad!" DJ grabbed Deondre's wrist and pulled him in the flash pass line.

"Yo, get me outta this line, son." Dre leaned over the waiting line bar. He wiped the right side of his face and sighed.

"It's too late now. We're next haha." DJ chuckled and put his hand on his shoulder. Dre swatted his hand away.

"It's not funny. I can't believe you got me going on this crazy ish." Dre side eyed him.

"Yup. Oh! It's our turn!" DJ and Dre climbed up the stairs to the platform. DJ immediately sat down and put the harness on. Dre hesitantly climbed in his seat and slowly pulled the harness down. The Six Flags worker came over to secure their harness and then walked back to the side.

The sling shot slightly pointed towards the sky so it felt as if they were laying in the sky.

"Dad, you okay?" DJ looked over at him. Dre's eyes were closed as he gripped the harness. "Dad?"

"DJ! Shut up! I'm trying to concentrate." Dre thundered.

"…..Dad, do you remember the last day of school when I was 7?" Dre slowly zoned out.

June 22nd, Last day of school, DJ, 7 & Duron, 4

It was a hot, June day and the sun was blazing. It was 2:30 pm and Deondre waited under a tree in front of the school for DJ. He already had Duron and held his little superman backpack while holding his hand. Two minutes later, a crowd of kids busted out of the school doors and ran to their parents. Deondre lowered his cap to block the sun as he walked up closer to search for DJ. As he looked over the crowd, DJ came running towards him at full speed smiling. He slammed into Dre, almost knocking him over.

"Whoaaa!" Dre tumbled back a little.

"Dad!" DJ exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around his waist. Deondre embraced him back and lifted him a little.

"Hi baby! How was your last day?!" said Dre as he held his face and kissed his forehead.

"Good! We played all day!" said DJ as he grabbed his dad's hand.

"Well guess what boys? Daddy got a surprise for ya'll." The boys' eyes lit up in excitement. "What is it, dad?!" They both exclaimed.

"It's in the car. Let's go!" The boys ran over to the car, dragging Dre across the field. "Wait! Before you open the car door, I just want to say that I'm so proud of you two. Ya'll had a great school year. Ya'll are what?"

"Kings!" They yelled in unison.

"Always." He said as he opened the backseat car door. Two big, boxes laid on the back seat with their names on it. Deondre bought Duron the Hot wheels triple loop racing set and he bought DJ the Hot wheels car service center play set. They begged him for months for it but he couldn't afford it then. When he got a raise on June 1st, he immediately put the money aside for it.

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhh! Oh man! You got the car set I wanted!" DJ looked at the box in awe. Duron bounced up and down in his seat. Deondre bent down by the car door.

"You like it?"

"Yes!" They screamed in unison. They wrapped their arms around Dre's neck and squeezed tight.

"I can't wait to take this home!" said DJ.

"Yeah um…we're gonna keep this in the car for a while. Okay?" Their eyes filled with confusion.

"Why dad?" said Duron.

"Will mommy get angry again?" DJ said. Dre was taken aback.

"No, look, mommy doesn't know yet so we're gonna keep the surprise between us, okay?"

"But how will we play with it?!"

"You are going to play with it. Just not there right now. Don't worry about it. You're gonna play with it. I promise. Alright? I love you guys soooo much." He said as he rocked them side to side. He held them tighter as he tried to shake the fear out. The more he tried, the more fearful he became. Dre was in the beginning stages of an anxiety attack.

Later that night…

8:03 pm

After they got home from school, Deondre and the boys ate a snack, took a bath, put on their bed time clothes and took a nap on the couch for about 3 hours. When they woke up at 6:15 pm, they played a board game. At 7:15, Dre began cooking homemade cheeseburgers and fries while they watch cartoons. As he placed the boys' food on the table, the front door opened. He looked and it was Vivian.

"Hi." Said Deondre as she sped walked pass him to the kitchen sink. She didn't respond to him. She just kept heaving and sighing in annoyance. He started to feel sick to his stomach. He could feel the acid bubbling in his esophagus. He knew what type of night it was going to be. Not because of her silence but because of her eyes. She walked out of the kitchen and down the hallway and then stopped.

"What the hell is this?!" Vivian yelled as she came walking in the living room holding the new toys. Dre turned around in the kitchen chair and froze for a minute. He nervously chuckled and rubbed his face. His heart dropped to his lower intestines but he kept a cool exterior on the outside. He turned back to the boys.

"Did you guys go outside without my permission? You never leave the house without me." Dre said in a soft tone.

"We're sorry dad…" DJ murmured.

"Don't be sorry." Dre leaned in. "It's okay. Take your brother and go to your room. Hurry." He said sternly. Deondre stood up and led the boys to their room. That moment quickly came to a halt when Vivian yelled out again. He couldn't even get halfway to the hallway. "Go." He said as he pushed them towards their room. "Don't yell in front of them, Viv." She completely disregarded what he just said and continued to be loud.

"Why is there new toys up in here?" She held up the toys and dropped them. Fury, fear, and confusion swept through his veins all at once. All he could do was stand there and stare her down. There was so much adrenaline pumping through him, he didn't know whether he wanted to faint, cry, shoot her, or shoot himself. He tried to keep his composure for the sake of the kids and himself. Did it matter? Eh not really. She would lie anyway.

"I bought them. They had a great school year. They asked me for it. They deserved it so I got it for them." He said slowly. Deondre's jaws were clenched together so hard, he heard his teeth grinding together.

"Didn't I tell you to not buy them anything, you idiot?! They're already spoiled. That's money down the drain! You know we're trying to save. You're so fucking dumb!" She scolded. Dre put his hands behind his back because the reflexes in his arms were ready to go if she lunged and he didn't want to hurt her.

"They begged me for it for months. They fucking earned it. I'm their father. If I want to buy my sons something, I will."

"No, nigga! You run that shit through me first! Who do you think you are?!"

"You don't even talk to me so why tell you anything?! When I talk to you, you don't even say anything. You came in here and didn't even look at your sons but now you wanna stand in my face and fake care like you give a fuck?" Dre roared. Veins popped out of his neck and forehead as he steamed.

"Watch your mouth, faggot!" Vivian thundered as she got in his face. "Buy them shit without telling me again and see what happens."

I'll never not give to them. Not you nor anybody can stop that. You'll just have to kill me."

"Oh really?!" Vivian smiled.

"Yup. Over my dead body." He said as he looked down at her in disgust. Vivian laughed as she wiped sweat from her forehead. Her edges became stringy and wet. Her eyeliner was slowly melting.

"You know…me and my sister will beat your ass. Don't make me call her. We will kill you and dump your ass in the backyard. Don't try it." She pointed in his face.

"Okaaaay and what?! You act like I don't have a sister. I got one too. Wassup?"He shrugged his shoulders.

"The difference between my sister and yours is the fact that your sister is all the way in dusty ass New York. You here all by yourself. My sister will roll up here in two seconds. She's a heartbeat away."

"That bitch ain't welcome here." Vivian frowned at him, then used all her force to punch him in his right jaw. He bent over holding his mouth. Blood gushed from his mouth until he had a mouth full. He walked to the kitchen sink and spit the blood in it. He used his tongue to feel around his mouth to see if anything was missing. His tongue slid over his second molar on the right side. It was literally dangling off his gums. As he leaned over the sink, Vivian continued to antagonize him over his shoulder. A small part of him wanted her to just kill him and get it over with. Every day, that small part of him grew a little. His kids were literally the only reason for everything. The only reason for waking up. The only reason to go to work. The only reason to keep fighting and survive. They were his only reason to fight through all his emotions. He had to keep fighting. Even when he felt like dying, he had to live. He had to live for them. Being a parent is a 24/7 job. There are no breaks, no vacations, or timeouts. As a father, he just couldn't bring himself to the point of giving up.

"My sister can come over anytime she feels like! You ain't no man! How dare you say some bullshit like that? My sister is always welcome." Vivian threw blows to his spine and neck. His neck and back cracked and he grabbed it to cover it from anymore blows. He then looked back at her slowly while leaning over the sink.

"Why should she come over?" he said as gurgled blood. "So she can watch me in the shower again? Or grope my dick when I come out the bathroom?! Oh! Or try to sleep with me when I come in from work?!"He yelled.

"YOU LIAR! DON'T YOU DARE!" Vivian dug her nails in his arm and turned him around. He snatched his arm from her grasp.

"I tried to tell you but every time I try to talk to you, you don't want to be bothered. ! You didn't want to talk to me. That's on YOU. I don't have a reason to lie."

"YOU'RE A LIAR! SHE WOULD NEVER!" Vivian slammed her fists against his chest as she cornered him against the kitchen counter. Dre put up his arm as a shield.

"It's the TRUTH. That's why that nasty bitch IS NOT welcome." Deondre growled through his teeth.

Suddenly, Vivian exploded and went into full rampage mode. She grabbed a butcher knife from the counter and lunged it at Dre's neck. He caught her wrist and pushed her against the stove. She fought to puncture his body with the knife as they tussled and wrestled.

"Stop! Vivian, STOP. Please!" He pleaded as blood seeped through his teeth. She then kicked him in the nuts, pushing him into the kitchen table while he still held her wrist. He moaned in pain. The table slid back. The glass plates of food crashed and shattered on the ground. He lifted off the table and tackled her against the kitchen wall. Vivian's hair covered her face. The hair fluttered up with each heavy breath. Some hairs stuck to her face because it was drenched in sweat. Deondre's faced glistened as he started hyperventilating. He held her wrists with all he had left. Water poured down his cheeks. At this point, he didn't know if it was sweat or tears. His body trembled and his eyes stung. His head pounded and his heart raced frantically. He could feel his heartbeat in his fingers as he held her.

"Get off of me!" She screamed and wrestled to get out of his hold.

"No! Drop the knife!" He pleaded as he tried to catch his breath. "Drop it. NOW."

"NEVER." She gathered enough spit and hulked it at his face. He flinched and turned away from her. He wiped his face with his arm and snatched the knife by the blade, cutting himself. She slid down the wall, surrendering to him…at least for now.

"WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?!" FUCK YOU." Deondre stormed in the living room and slid the knife under the couch. He looked towards the end of the couch and saw the boys peaking, crying. DJ had the phone in between his legs. He had called 911.

"Who did you call?!" Deondre worried.

"911!" DJ said as he breathed hard.

"Oh no…" Deondre grabbed the boys and ran to their room and locked the door. Deondre was happy that his sons knew how to call 911 but it was no use to him now. He used to call the police during incidents like this but the police never helped him. They either made fun of him or locked him up over her lies, resulting in him being separated from his boys. He knew calling the police was not going to help him. He had never felt this level of loneliness in his life until this marriage. His parents and sister were all the way in New York. His coworkers were all men who probably wouldn't even understand or take it serious. The cops were useless. He was trapped, He had to keep this to himself and take matters into his own hands.

"Duron! Grab your shoes, baby." Dre said as tried to catch his breath.

"Daddy, what about our new toys?" DJ cried.

"I'll buy you new ones." Dre hectically walked around the room, collecting some of their old toys. He quickly threw them in one of the two bags he already packed and stashed in their closet. He opened DJ's dresser and took the middle drawer out. He had taped a car key on the side of the inside. A couple of weeks ago, a man about 7 blocks down had sold him a car. He kept it parked at the man's house so Vivian wouldn't have a clue and so he could leave without a trace. He turned around and got on his knees by DJ's bed. He dug his hands in the side of the bed and grabbed 5 rolled wads of money. Suddenly, there was frantic banging at the door. Deondre quickly looked up at his boys and signaled them to keep quiet and move towards the window.

"DEONDRE! OPEN THIS MOTHERFUGGIN DOOR! YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT!" Vivian banged wildly and erratically. The silence was driving her crazy. The boys whimpered in the corner while the streetlight made their tears shine. Deondre tip toed around the beds to where his sons were. There was no time to put on shoes. They had to leave. There's no telling what other weapon she had in her grasp. Dre slid the window up slowly while Viv kicked the door.

"BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!" The door curved in with every kick. The bangs rattled Duron's ears so bad, he covered them and cringed. Deondre grabbed the two backpacks and threw them out the window. Then he put one leg out the window and straddle the window sill.

"C'mon baby…" He whispered. He reached out for DJ and picked him up. He raised him over his lap and out the window. Then, he grabbed Duron and held him. He put his other leg out the window and slid out the window. He held Duron with one arm and used the other to close the window and pick up both backpacks.

"Hold my hand, DJ!" He whispered as they ran down the dark side walk. The sidewalk and rocks pricked at Dre's feet. All he had on was blue basketball shorts. He heaved as he ran with Duron in his arms. Duron laid his head on his sweaty shoulder. After 3 blocks, Dre felt dizzy and he started to slow up. He was hyperventilating. He stumbled to the side and leaned on a stranger's fence. He slid down and fell to his knees. He grabbed the gate for support in case he fainted. He pressed his face against the gate and tried to keep himself alert.

"Dad, we have to go! C'mon!" DJ whispered as he pulled his dad's arm.

"Okay….." Deondre was absolutely exhausted. He didn't have an ounce of energy left but he had to keep going. He had to make sure his sons were going to be safe. "God, help me pleaseeee! I can't take anymore. I can't. Give me strength." He cried out through quiet sobs on the fence.

"Daddy! We have to go!" DJ wiped his dad's eyes and Dre began to stand.

"…ugghhh!" He grunted and groaned as he used the gate to pull himself up slowly. His arms and legs trembled beneath him but he got to his feet. The sounds of sirens started to come about and they began to jog down the street. They finally reached the sixth block and cut through the grass of the house on the corner. The car was parked on the grass. Deondre put Duron down, grabbed the key from the bag, and opened the car door. He threw the bags in the passenger seat. He unlocked the back seat and put Duron in his booster seat. His hands shuddered as he clicked his seat belt and closed the car door. Dre flopped in the driver seat and turned on the ignition.

"Put your seatbelt on DJ!" He said in a frustrated tone. He turned to face the backseat. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah but I'm really hungry." Said DJ.

"Me too, daddy." Duron added.

"I know…" Dre said in a sad voice. He reached in one of the book bags and took out two dunkaroo packs.

"I'm gonna get you food, okay? This is just for now." He handed them the snacks. He put his seatbelt on. He checked the mirror. He put the car in drive and he sped off down the road.

"YO! You did it!" DJ held Deondre's hand. He opened his eyes and they were hundreds of feet in the air after catapulting in the sky.

"Whoaa when did we take off?!" He looked at the ground and all the people.

"Like 20 seconds ago. You kept your eyes closed, then you grabbed my hand."

"I guess I was so zoned out I-I didn't even realize…"

"Well, you looked really scared so I brought up that day so it would take your mind off of this."

"DJ. I'd rather deal with this than to have to think about that!" Said a confused Dre.

"I know. I'm sorry…but it worked though! You did it?!" DJ raised his eyebrows and started to smile at him. Deondre had no choice but to laugh. As far-fetched as his strategy was…it worked. Ugh. Virgos.

"You know what, man? You really crack me up, you know that?" Deondre chuckled and looked up at the sky.

"Well, I'm a psychologist. This is what I do."

"What? You sure you didn't take some hypnosis courses or something? Houdini-D."

"Ew that sound like deadbeat father dick. Here, then disappear D." Deondre side eyed him.

"Um excuse me, what you tryna say? You tryna like-"

"Oh no! Dad, no! Haha it was just a random thought. I'm not talking about you!"

"Oh…and EW! I'm your father! If you don't get outta here with that bull. Don't nobody wanna hear that. Get your mind out the gutter. Get away from me haha." Dre slapped DJ's knee.

"I'm sorry haha."

After coming off the sling shot, Kye, Deondre, and DJ spent the rest of the evening on rollercoasters, at arcades, and taking pictures together. It was 8:20 pm when they finally decided to go sit and eat. They were tired and exhausted from the heat and walking around all day.

"You feel different now that you're 18?" DJ said as they all dug into chicken strips and fries.

"Nah, not at all. I only feel my current age when I turn the next age haha." Kye said as he scanned over his Instagram page.

"True! And you're in your senior next school year? Right?"

"Yup. It's kinda scary to think about. That's why I'm really trying to figure out what I want to and where I want to go to college."

"What places did you have in mind, Kye?" Deondre butted in.

"Well, I have my top three. NYU, UCLA, or Truth." One school in each place I've been." Kye dipped his chicken strip in honey mustard and popped it in his mouth.

"Ooooo nice choices. If you do decide to stay in Atlanta and go to Truth, let me know so I can give you the up and up." DJ said.

"No doubt, bro. You're the first person I'd go to." Kye dapped DJ up.

"So when are you going back to New York? Are you going back for the next school year or are you going to stay with your cousin until you decide which college you're going to?" Deondre asked.

"Well, I was supposed to actually have been back to New York like a few months ago. My mother only sent me to Atlanta for therapy. Of course, I had to enroll in school so I won't be behind. Once DJ left the firm, my mom wanted me to come back home so we could work things out but I refused for the greater good. I asked my cousin if I could stay with her, and she said it was okay."

"Wait, what's your mom's name?" said DJ.

"Janay." Kye said. Deondre looked up from his food.

"Janay? Is she native to New York?" said Deondre as he squinted.

"Yeah. Born and raised. Why?"

"…Nothing. The name just sounds really familiar...but back to your situation. Is it that bad? What the hell?" Dre sipped off of his fruit punch.

"Yes! Like me and mom have a rift because I got a lot of resentment towards her. She purposely didn't tell my father that I exist and that messed me up in a lot of ways. She won't tell me about him, she won't help me find him or anything. All she does is send me to therapy when she doesn't want to confront the issue and then blames it on me. That was her decision, not mine." Kye vented. He sighed and wiggled his straw. "And then she tries to compensate for damages by bringing this low life in the house. She married him when I was 11. He's so annoying! He has this competition complex about him that irks my soul. Nobody's competing with you! You're not my dad, nigga!" Kye blew steam and frowned. DJ rubbed Kye's back. Kye is very passionate about this topic. The slightest mention of them two brings anger inside of him.

"Kye, can I tell you something?" Deondre asked. Kye nodded while he sipped his iced tea. "Um…I can't imagine if my dad didn't know I existed. I can't imagine the pain you feel. Just know that whoever he is, he helped create a king that will later do many amazing things. I'm quite sure if they knew they had such a masterpiece right here, they wouldn't want to be anywhere else but by your side. I'm getting the feeling that when you think about your father not knowing you existence, you correlate that or internalize it as if…someone is saying YOU don't exist. I think that is truly a part of the reason for your intense pain. A lot of fatherless children struggle with feeling like they don't exist or matter in the world. I know for a fact because that is how I made my sons feel when I wasn't present. Fathers are powerful creatures. The lack of a father's presence can make a child feel like their invisible to the whole world! You may not be able to snap your fingers and have him here. I don't know what the future holds for you and him. I truly hope that one day, soon, there's a reconciliation. In the meantime, you're great, Kye." He said passionately, eyes lighting up. "You're such a wonderful human being. You're not invisible, Kye. I see how much of a beautiful soul you are. Your smile lights up the room. You're musically talented. I love your energetic and fiery spirit. You're smart, funny, ambitious, courageous, and a true leader. You don't follow the pack of wolves, you lead them on a path you created. You're not afraid of the unknown. You'll jump of the cliff to reach your happiness, if that's what it takes. I love the way you love and care for others. I love the way you're always looking around, observing little details. I love the way you check your food before you eat it. I love the way you squint when we roast you and you have no comeback. I love your smile and your eyes and your laugh and your intelligence. I love your creativity. I love how generous you are and how willing you are to give a helping hand. I love how you sacrifice for the people you love. I love how you dress free. You dress for you and no one else. I love the way you own every part of you, good or bad. I love the way you're not afraid to walk alone. I love the way you're not afraid to let go of things that are no longer serving you. I love the way you honor yourself as a young, black man. I love how passionate, eager, and hungry you are. I love how you're not afraid to demand what you want. I love how limitless you are when it comes to your dreams and goals but most of all….I love how you love yourself." Kye quickly wiped the tear that fell down his cheek. He folded his hands and stared at Deondre. Deondre glared at him with an innocence in his eyes. "If I just loved myself, I wouldn't have been in half the things I've been through. When I look at you…I see what I could've been…had I only…just…loved myself." Deondre smiled at him. "Imma end it there because I don't want you crying on your birthday but just know…you do exist. You do matter. The world does see you. I see you. We see you. You're special and don't you ever forget it. You're gonna fly one day. I know it! You're going to fly and if you'd let me…I'd love to stay in your life to see it."

"Of course." Kye said after he swallowed to hold back tears. "I would love that. I would love it if you stayed…in my life. Absolutely without a doubt." Kye smiled to stop from bursting out in tears.

"Do you need a minute?" said DJ in a soft tone as he held his shoulder.

"Yeah…um if you'd excuse just for a minute!" Kye smiled, pushed in his chair, and walked out of the restaurant. The ball in his throat was on fire and ready to explode. His jaws were tight and his head throbbed. He leaned up against the restaurant wall as tears poured out of his eyes. The night time air blew each tear to the right of his face, creating a chill that made goosebumps. He covered his mouth to suppress his cries. The waterfall of tears overflowed his fingers. He gazed around at all the park goers and smiled. He looked up at the moon with a look of appreciation on his face. Only the moonlight could see his tears of joy. Fireworks began to burst in the distance, shaking his chest and throat. He wiped his eyes and looked up at the sky. The fireworks transformed his tears into streams of red, silver, and gold. Kye begin to think, "The moon sits so high in the sky. It sits in its own, never ending realm, waiting to give light to the dark. Waiting to give a path to the blind and the lost. Every night, the moon shines on millions of other people but tonight…..the moon shined on me. Mr. Williams sees me. DJ sees me. The moon sees me. God sees me…and that is enough for me. This is the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you, Mr. J. Thank you for looking out." Kye fixed his tank top and cap, wiped his nose of with a spare tissue from his pocket, and made his way back inside the restaurant.

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It was 10:31 pm and the boys called it a night. DJ dropped the birthday boy off first and he was just now pulling up to Dre's home.

"Whew, well I had fun. I had a blast. I'm going to be sore for the next week or two but I'll manage." Said Deondre as he stepped out the car and closed the door.

"Ughh me too haha. Well I guess I'll call you tomorrow?"

"Yeah! Hit me up. Alright?"

"Yeah. I got you." DJ nodded.

"Okay. Have a good night, a good morning, and a good evening because you gonna sleep all the way through each. You ain't gonna call me until tomorrow night. Watch."

"Haha! Yup! That's probably how it's going to go." They both laughed. Deondre started his way up the drive way.

"Good night, DJ." He saluted him.

Good night, dad." DJ smiled and drove off.

As Deondre walked up his driveway and past his car, he saw something sparkling in the corner of his eye. He stopped and walked backwards until he was parallel with his backseats. He looked down on the seats and there was a huge, pink, rose quartz crystal laying there with a note wrapped around it. He looked around confusingly, not knowing when it got there or where it came from. He opened his car door, ducked in, and grabbed the crystal. It was absolutely gorgeous. He turned the crystal all around in awe. He untied the ribbon that held the note on it. He examined the crystal again as it glistened in his eyes. He quickly unfolded the white paper and began to read the neat, incursive writing. It read:

"This rose quartz is associated with the heart chakra. It is a stone of unconditional love, peace, tranquility, and serenity. It is a very soothing stone, symbolizing love and harmony. It helps open your heart to give and receive love. It helps you forgive others and forgive yourself. It also gets rid of any negative energy you're holding onto, especially from past situations. This crystal is one of the best, typically used for emotional traumas and emotional issues. Take it with you to work or keep it at home.

PS. After I left the other day, I just couldn't not give you anything so I drove back and put this in your car. I felt that you needed this. I don't know exactly why and that's absolutely none of my business. You wouldn't take my money. So, please accept and enjoy this gift from me to you. Thank you for everything, Deondre. Signed, Tamia."

"I told you, you didn't have to give me anything, Tamia." He said to himself and chuckled. He stood there in appreciation and smiled lightly. He can't remember the last time he received a gift. Especially, so meaningful. He folded the note, walked up to his door and opened it. Once he got inside, he dropped his bags and placed the crystal on top of his fireplace in the living room. He placed the folded note next to it and went off to bed.

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2 days later…

April's new apartment complex

2:07 pm

April had just finished unpacking everything in her new apartment. She had tons of cardboard boxes on the floor that she wanted to get rid of. She tied stacks of the boards together and squeezed her way out the door.

"Oh shit." She said as she felt the boxes slipping out of her grasp. The boxes fell one by one, sliding all over the hallway. Suddenly, Henry, from across the hall came out to help her. "Oh my goodness!" she said as she picked the boxes up.

"I got it." Said Henry. She looked up and gazed at his sexiness. Henry was a caramel brotha, about 5 feet 11, nice smile, crisp beard, and nice brown eyes. For a minute, her heart started to skip. He favored DJ. A lot! He had a similar build and a deep voice. If he said he was DJ's cousin, she'd believe him.

"Thank you so much." April said as she stood up and sighed.

"No problem. I'll take these boxes downstairs. Don't worry about em." He said as he took the boxes from her hands. "You done unpacking? If you need help, I can always come over. I don't have nothing to do."

"Thank you! And yeah I'm done unpacking. Thanks for offering help, Henry. You're such a sweetheart." April nervously leaned back on her door.

"The new pretty girl unpacks by herself. You too pretty to have to do all that work."

"Oh am I?" April teased him.

"Hell yes. A pretty girl like you shouldn't have to lift a finger."

"Well, usually pretty boys like you aren't this much of a gentlemen." They both chuckled.

"Who told you that myth?! We the best out here." He smirked.

"Ya'll the best, huh?" She said as she dove into his eyes and floated there. She felt like she knew these eyes. These eyes made her feel at home. These eyes made her feel like she had DJ right in front of her again. "Then, prove it." She challenged him.

"Prove it? Okay. I love a challenge." How you want me to prove it?" He stepped closer to her and pressed her against her apartment door.

"Hmm I don't know. You decide. You're a big boy." April flirted.

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Melonie's (Kye's cousin) Airbnb

Los Angeles, CA

9:34 pm

"Kye, you know we go back to Atlanta next week right? School is starting. You gotta pack." Melonie said as she laid on the couch.

"Yeah I know. Don't remind me of school, please? I'm having too much fun." Said Kye as he put on his Nike sneakers.

"How much fun do you need? You done dragged me out here for the whole summer just so you can turn up!" She scolded.

"Not trueeee Melo. Why the stank face?"

"Because if you're mom finds out we've been in Cali the whole summer, it's a wrap! I did this for you because you seem realllyyyy happy with your friends here so I went out on a limb for you. But when I say it's time to go, be ready to go."

"I know. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I promised you that I'd leave on time so I'm going to honor that. Plus, it's senior year. I'm trying to get out of there."

"Kyeeeeee don't play with me. You know my mom works at that school. If she finds out I didn't have you back in time, she's going to tell Aunt Janay. Then we both are screwed." Kye walked to the front door.

"Melo, have I ever broke any of your promises? No. So stop worrying. When I get back, I'll start packing. We'll leave next week on time and I'll make it to school on time. Everything is going to go as planned. I promise!" Kye opened the front door when he heard a horn. Kye's friend, Jayceon was here to pick him up.

"Where are you going now?!" Melonie sat up.

"A party. A couple friends from the basketball court having a little get together. I'll be back before 1."

"…..Alright. Have fun and be safe! Do not get in any car if the driver has been drinking!"

"I got you, Melo. I don't think I'm that naïve." Kye squinted.

"You can't choose to not be naïve when you're drunk!" Melo called out as he closed the door.

20 minutes later…

Kye and Jayceon arrived at the crowded house party. The lights were dim and the music was so loud, it shook the whole house. People filled the house from wall to wall. Girls backed it up on the guys. The guys grinded on the girls. The atmosphere was smoky from all the blunts being passed around. The house reeked of marijuana and liquor. Kye already felt a little out of place. He went to parties before. He even drank before but this party was something out of 'Friday After Next'. Just 10x's worst.

"Bro, you want a shot?" Jayceon offered. Kye wanted to take one but he didn't feel comfortable for some reason. Something told him not to.

"Nah man. Imma pass on that. You got any soda? Nonalcoholic, unopen, soda?"

"Yeah bro, it's some in that cooler in the kitchen. Ay? You wanna hit this blunt?" Said Jayceon as he grabbed a blunt from his friend.

"Nah." Kye coughed as the smoke stifled him. "I'm Gucci but thanks anyway." Kye continued to cough.

"Nigga, why'd you even come if you ain't tryna turn up?" Jayceon looked at him confused.

"Uh to get out the house and chill, nigga. I'm good. I'll probably be hot boxed by the end of the night by the looks of it." Kye coughed and fanned his face a little.

"Alright. If you change your mind, I'm your boy. We got it all." Jayceon took a puff of the blunt and exhaled, blowing smoke in Kye's face. Kye started to get slightly annoyed so he went to the kitchen to get the soda. The cooler was on the kitchen counter behind 10 people eating white castle burgers. He maneuvered his way through the pack and grabbed a sprite. As he opened the soda, he noticed moaning behind him. He turned around to see a man and woman making out against the wall.

"Where am I?" he sighed and made his way back into the living room. He stood against the wall to observe and enjoy the music. He gazed the room for Jayceon and found him on the couch with some girl and his brother. She was a pretty black girl with long lemonade braids. She had her head slumped over his lap while she held her red Dixie cup. She was fucked UP without a doubt. Jayceon's brother, Keyshaun, took the girl's cup and stared into it.

"Why is he staring in her cup like that?" Kye thought as Keyshaun swished the contents in her cup around and stared at it. Kye continued to observe them through the crowd. He moved his head from side to side to adjust his view. People walked back and forth pass him continuously. Jayceon whispered something to Keyshaun before they both got up, holding the girl by her arms. "Did they give her something?" Kye thought. His heart started to beat a little faster as he started to get a notion that they were up to something. The girl didn't just look drunk. She was literally comatose.

"Yo nigga! Wassup fam?" said Asaan as he fist bumped Kye's arm. Asaan was another guy he met at the basketball court.

"Yo, wassup bro?" Kye said nonchalantly, still focused on Jayceon and Keyshaun.

"Nothing much, just chilling. You?" Kye didn't even hear the question. "Yo! You high as fuck, bro!"

"Nah. I didn't smoke shit."

"I don't know if you noticed but do you see the smoke in here? We ALL high bruh."

"I just got here. I'm good. Let's stop tryna to make fetch happen. YOU'RE high. Not me."

"Alright. Whatever you say. You don't gotta be all stank. Anyways, when you leave for Georgia?" Jayceon and Keyshaun begin carrying the girl up the stairs. Kye followed their every move. An eerie feeling crept up Kye's spine and his anxiety grew.

"I-I leave soon. A week." He anxiously stuttered. Kye's eyes grew wider and concern flooded his body as they made it to the top of the stairs and disappeared around the corner.

"Damn man. I wish we had more time to chill. I-." Kye quickly cut him off.

"Bro, I'll catch up with you later. I gotta-I gotta piss." Kye maneuvered through the crowd to get upstairs. His heart skipped beats as party goers bumped him. Kye was afraid that the worst was happening upstairs. He was afraid that he might witness a rape. He was afraid that the man he's been calling "bro" might be a rapist. His nerves kicked in as he stood at the bottom of the stairs. Kye may be afraid but there's one thing Kye isn't…A BITCH. Kye is a beast! He could be frightened but you would NEVER know it by looking on the outside. Kye jogged up the stairs and walked around the corner. The door at the end of the hall was slightly cracked and Keyshaun's voice came out of it. Kye tip toed towards the door and pressed against the wall. He listened.

"Yo take her panties off bro. Get some before this bitch wake up." Keyshaun said coldly. Kye's heart dropped to his stomach and his stomach dropped to the floor. Kye peeked in the room and his heart broke. He was in shock. Jayceon was mounted on top of the unconscious girl, slapping her face to make sure she was out before he entered her. Keyshaun had his phone out recording. Anger quickly replaced Kye's fear. Adrenaline and lava blasted through his veins.

"1, 2, 3." Kye quietly counted before bussing in the room.

"What the FUCK are ya'll doing?! GET OFF OF HER!" Kye bum rushed Jayceon off of her and off the bed. Keyshaun stood by the bed frozen. Kye jabbed him in the face multiple times before party goers ran in and grabbed Kye. "THAT AIN'T FUCKING RIGHT, MAN! AND YOU KNOW IT!" He said as he struggled for composure. Asaan stepped in front of Kye to make sure him and Jayceon were separated. Suddenly, Keyshaun had the nerve to jump in.

"Yo nigga! You need to CHILL!" said a guilty Keyshaun. Kye looked at him like he was crazy.

"NAH NIGGA! DON'T FUCKING TALK TO ME! DON'T SAY NOTHING TO ME! YOU SITTING HERE RECORDING THIS BITCH WHILE HE TRYING TO RAPE HER! YOU PUSSY! YOU A PUSSY!" Kye was riled up! Veins poking from the neck and everything. He had never ever witnessed something like this before. Asaaan and the other partygoers looked shocked. Jayceon got up off the floor, nose and mouth leaking. Asaan looked scared of Kye as he tried to find a way to deescalate the situation.

"I'LL FUCK YOU UP, YOU LYING ASS NIGGA!"

"PUSSY, SHUT UP! HOW DARE YOU?! YOU GONNA LET YA BROTHER DO THAT SHIT TO A WOMAN?! THAT'S HOW YA'LL DO A WOMAN?!" Kye's voice began to get hoarse and his eyes were red with fury. Keyshaun went to throw a fist but Kye caught it and jabbed him in the stomach. He wrapped his hands around Keyshaun's throat and slammed it against the wall. "GET SOME BEFORE THIS BITCH WAKES UP. DID YOU NOT SAY THAT?! LIE TO MY FACE AND I'LL RIP YA THROAT OUT." Kye seethed with anger. Every part of his body trembled with anger and disbelief. Asaan and others quickly intervened when Keyshaun was losing too much air. They grabbed Kye and struggled to take him downstairs. He kicked and swung at the air. A couple of girls surrounded the unconscious and began to aid her.

"YA'LL AIN'T NO MEN. YA'LL PUSSIES! KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY WHEN IT'S YOUR MOM OR YA SISTER, NIGGA!" Kye yelled as he was led down the stairs. The crowd quickly parted for Kye to get through because they knew what just took place. "GET OFF ME, ASAAN." Kye snatched his arm from him and walked outside. He kicked a bike on the lawn and continued to walk down to the sidewalk. He turned around to see 6 girls carrying the unconscious girl out the house and down to the sidewalk.

"Is she going to be okay?" Kye asked one of the girls.

"I don't know. She's breathing but she won't wake up. She's OUT." The girl's voice sounded shaky. "The cops are on the way."

"Don't let them bitches leave the house." Kye said sternly.

"They not going anywhere." One of the other girls butted in. "My homies in there holding them upstairs in the room."

"My boyfriend and his friend are hiding the weed." Another girl jumped in. Kye and the other girls looked at her and just stared. "What? I heard it's not going to be legal until like 2018. I'm just looking out for us." She said. Sirens flared in the distance and 30 seconds later, the house was swarmed with cops.

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11:51 pm

After he gave a brief rundown of what happened and the cops left, Kye called an Uber. He took the Uber to DJ's town and decided to walk the rest of the way. As he walked down the tilted street to DJ's place, he saw a car parked a couple houses down with the ignition on and door open. Kye slowed up a little as he saw a man on DJ's porch, peeking in his windows. Kye walked in the street and crouched down on the side of the car parked behind the mysterious man's car. Kye peeked around the car and squinted.

"Is that-Is that Burke's triflin ass?" Kye thought. He took a harder look and realized it was Burke, the guy who left DJ and Duron on that fateful night. "Ugh if this night can't get ANYYY worst, man." Kye thought as he peeked at Burke. Burke stepped off the porch and walked to the side of the house, trying to lift the back window.

"Oh hell nah, bruh…you outta pocket. I can't believe these negroes choose to do this in their spare time." Kye whispered as he tip toed forward to Burke's driver seat. "I guess I'm witnessing everything tonight." Kye laid on Burke's front seat and took the car out of park. "I got something for that ass!" Kye mumbled. He repositioned himself in the driver's seat and slightly pressed the gas. He quickly got out of the car and ran behind a car a couple cars back. Burke's car begin to roll down the street and before you know it, another car had Burke's car as a backpack.

"BANG!" the car smashed into the car down the street. Burke peeked around the house and his eyes grew large. He began to tip toe off DJ's lawn and on the sidewalk.

"OOP! MY MUTHAFUGGIN CAR! WHAT THE FUCK?!" He whispered angrily. He put his hands on his head in disbelief. He looked around frantically to see if anyone had seen and then jogged down the sidewalk. Kye kneeled behind the cars, holding his mouth so his laughter wouldn't slip out. He had tears in his eyes from laughter.

"Aaah! That's what you get, niggaaaaaaaa! Aaah!" Kye cackled as he jogged around the corner. He threw his head back, cracking the fuck up. "Whewww!" Kye laughed as he pulled out his phone to text DJ. Burke looked up to see who said that but he couldn't spot Kye. He looked like the 'black man on the phone' meme.

Kye: "Bro. I kno U might think I'm drunk when I tell U this but I almost witnessed a rape, got in a fight, then I caught 'Belt Buckle Head Burke' tryna break in ya house all in a span of 2 and ½ hours. Oh yeah & I crashed his car. Yeah….true shit. I can't even make this up. Call me when you get a chance."

11:59 PM

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Palm Tree Bar and Lounge

12:08 PM

The R&B and soul music flooded the angel white lounge. Glasses clinked and the chatter was nonstop. Birthday confetti covered the floors and colorful lanterns covered the ceilings. The lights shimmered across the floor and onto Tamia's black, off the shoulder dress. Her curly mane swayed with her as she rocked to the music. Her ruby red lips glowed. Her brown skin shimmered under the lights. Tonight, Tamia was out celebrating her friend Ashly's birthday. They shared the v.i.p. section with 20 other friends. She grabbed her silver clutch and turned to her friend, Ashly.

"Girl, I'm about to dip on out of here. I'm sorry. I have this teaching seminar tomorrow. Ugh." Tamia embraced Ashly and frowned.

"Aww well I'm glad you came boo! I really enjoyed your company. You really made my birthday pop. You know you my girl." Said Ashly.

"Aww I love you, beautiful. Again, happy birthday! You're finally in the forty's club! Welcome!" Tamia jokingly raised the roof.

"Ayyyyy! Thank you babe. I hope to still look like this when I get to your age. Four years can change a lot for some people. You look absolutely stunning at 44! Whew!" Ashly gushed over Tamia.

"Thank you but today is about you. No compliments for me today."

"Why are you so sweet and selfless? I love you. I don't deserve you."

"No, my exes didn't deserve me haha." They both chuckled.

"Alriiiight I guess I'll let you go…" Ashly and Tamia stood up and embraced each other.

"I guess I'll call you tomorrow if you're not throwing up from that Tequila."

"Girl, please. I'm 40. I can handle my liquor and if I can't, my husband got me." Ashly sat back down and took another shot.

"Markell tipsy too! What he gon' do?" Ashly smirked at her. "Ew, alright. I get it haha. Ya'll are absolutely too much."

"Girl, you knew we was crazy when you met us. You can't live without us." Ashly playfully rolled her eyes.

"Ughh okay. It's getting late girl. Peace." Tamia chucked up the deuces. Before Tamia stepped away, Ashly grabbed her arm.

"Wait, do you want Markell to walk you out? That creep that was checking for you earlier might be lurking somewhere in the bushes."

"Pfff! I'm good, Ashly. He's probably long gone anyways. I'll be okay." Tamia insisted even though she was really lowkey nervous.

"You sure? I'll walk you out, girl. Let's go." Before Ashly could get up, Tamia stopped her.

"No. I told you it is ooooookaaaaay. I'm from Newark….I got this." Ashly scowled then grabbed Tamia's hand.

"Okay boo…be safe! Have a goodnight."

"Thanks love. You too." Tamia walked down the stairs and made her through the crowded bar area. Once she made it to the lounge lobby, she noticed an ache in the arch of her feet so she took her black stilettos off. Then, she grabbed her car key out of her clutch and made her way to the parking lot. As she walked through the parking lot, she felt as if someone was behind her so she sped up. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She jumped and turned around only to see the 'creep'." He was tall, Russian man with a shaved head. He had a slight Russian accent and a sleeve of tattoos.

"Oh my goodness!" Tamia yelled as she grabbed her chest.

"I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to tell you goodnight." He stared at her intensely.

"Okay. Thanks." Tamia said as she walked backwards. "You have a goodnight as well." She said nervously. She sped walked to her car and departed from the lounge as quick as possible. She lived an hour away and did not have time for mess. As she drove on the highway, she noticed creep's car tailgating her in the rearview mirror.

"What? No…this can't be him." Tamia thought. She looked in her rearview again and the same man she said goodnight to was behind her. "Is he following me?" Tamia decided to test him so she switched to the right lane. Three seconds later, he swerved to the right. She stayed in the right for a little then she switched to the left lane. Three seconds later, he switched to the left. She switched back to the middle lane and he followed. Now she was nervous and her anxiety began to kick in. She decided to speed up a little bit, hoping that would separate them. She was sadly mistaken. He began to speed up behind her. Now, he was on her tail. His headlights penetrated the back window of her car. All of the sudden, her car jolted forward.

"BAP!" His car hit the back of hers. Tamia screamed and started to breathe really hard. She beeped the horn for him to stop but he would not let up.

"STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE!" She screamed as she started to cry. In her panic attack, she begin to think about whether she was going to try to make it home or take the next exit and find somewhere safe. She looked up at the next exit and it was the same one she had took when her car broke down the other day.

"Deondre." She immediately thought of when she saw the exit. The restaurant he's at is right off the exit which would be the closest place for her to get help. Her hands shook as she made a turn on the exit. The creep was still following her. She was so nervous. Deondre mentioned that they closed at 11 the first time they talked so she was making a dangerous decision. If she stops at the restaurant and no one is there, she is in grave danger. This was a risk she was willing to take. She saw the restaurant coming up on the left. She saw all the shades pulled down so she couldn't tell if any lights were on. She could not see any cars from her view of the building but she knew that there was a parking lot on the side that she couldn't see. She made a left turn into the parking lot and drove all the way to the front by the boardwalk. The creep pulled in behind her, blocking her in. She froze in the car. The creep did not get out his car. He was simply staring her, waiting for her to make her move. She was so scared, she didn't know what to do. Tears poured out of her eyes. And it was dark? Which she was also afraid of. Do I make a run for it or stay in here, blocked in by his car? Is Deondre or anybody in there or not? All these thoughts ran through her head. She gripped the steering wheel as she contemplated her options.

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Deondre sat in his restaurant office on his MacBook, doing some finances and listening to soothing jazz. He sipped some of his green tea from his NY Giants mug and sighed. Suddenly, he heard a small bang. He took one of his earphones out and paused for a minute. He thought the bang was probably from the song so he continued to listen to his music. As he listened some more, he thought he heard a woman's scream. He took both earphones out to realize there was a woman screaming from far away. The bangs were coming from the front. He quickly got up and pulled out his gun from his office drawer. He walked out of his office door into the dark kitchen and the bangs and screams got louder. He heard a woman screaming "Help me!" but he didn't quite know where it was coming from yet. Once he made it to the restaurant area, he turned on a small desk light by the registers.

"DEONDRE! DEONDRE! HELP ME! PLEASE! RIGHT HERE!" Tamia screeched when she saw Deondre's body in a white undershirt tucked into black, Dickies pants. She screamed and pleaded for him, eyeliner running down her face, and barefooted. Deondre ran closer to the front, following the screams. He looked at the front door and saw the silhouette of a woman. The boardwalk light shun on half of her face as he tried to make out who it was.

"Deondre, please! Please!" Tamia screamed for him. Her heart pounded out of her chest as she saw the creep getting out of his car and making his way over to her. She leaned on the door, griping the handles.

"TAMIA?! Tamia!" Deondre ran between tables and opened the inner door. He quickly flicked on the entrance light, then opened the outer doors. Tamia rushed into his arms, almost knocking him over. She gripped his back, squeezing out all the safe energy he possessed. She dug her nails in his back. She sobbed in his chest as he held her with one hand, pointing the gun outside with the other. He was taken aback and confused but all he knew was that someone really scared her. He moved to the middle of the door and glanced to the left to see the creep running back to his car. I guess the creep liked to fuck with women but didn't have that same energy when it came to men.

"Wait here, okay?" He said sternly, jaws clenched. She cried and nodded as she backed herself in the corner of the entrance. Deondre walked towards the car with his gun.

"YO! WASSUP?!" Deondre angrily yelled out while he spread out his arms, flailing his gun. Deondre walked in front of the creep's car as he tried to back out. "Is there a PROBLEM?!" he yelled as he sarcastically smirked. Deondre banged on the hood of the creep's car.

"BITCH." He banged his fist on the car again. "HOW BOUT YOU FOLLOW ME? HUH? YOU CAN FOLLOW HER, FOLLOW ME. COME ON. FOLLOW ME AND I'LL GUT YOU LIKE A PIG." He roared. Veins popped out of Deondre's neck as threw his threats. His eyes were low as he furiously stared the stalker down. He pointed the gun at the front of the car as the creep backed out, screeching his tires. Deondre followed the car until he drove around the parking lot to the exit and pulled away. Deondre stood there for a minute to make sure the creep was completely gone. Then, he made his way back inside. Deondre locked the front door the turned around.

"Are you okay?" he said with concern as he walked closer to her. She went to embrace him but he beat her to it. He knew she wanted to be held by the way she kept her arms away from her body. She was still shaking and startled. He embraced her and held her against his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist tightly. The restaurant was cold but he was unbelievably warm as if he'd been on oven preheat. His arms firmly held Tamia together. He held her so tenderly, she thought she'd fall apart if he let go. Tamia snuggled her head on his chest as she sniffed from all the crying. His body aroma smelled like vanilla again but this time, it had a hint of manly spices. The power puff girls said it best, 'sugar, spice, and everything nice'." She closed her eyes as her ear played telephone with his heartbeat. He caressed her back, erasing her nerves with each swipe of his hand. Her heartbeat gradually slowed down, almost syncing perfectly with his. She melted in him like chocolate over fire. The silence in the room wrapped around them like a soft blanket. Peace, tranquility, empathy, and safety oozed out of Deondre's embrace. He could cure diseases with his hug. As she swam in his ocean of care, she felt the heat from him staring down at her. She looked up and caught his gaze. She thought his eyes were electrifying before but it was nothing like seeing them up close. His gaze passed through her soul.

"Are you okay?" He said softly.

"Yes. I feel a lot better now. I'm calm now." They pulled apart from each other after what seemed like eternity.

"I guess you uh? You might need that Rose Quartz back?" Deondre and Tamia snickered. "Thank you for that by the way. I love it." He smiled at her.

"You're very welcome. It's the least I can do. Thank you for helping me AGAIN. I don't know what I would've done had you not been here. I'm SO sorry for all this. First, I interrupted you for my stupid car. Now, I interrupted you for some creep. I'm so sorry I keep bothering you, dragging you into my mess. I'm so sorry." She apologized. Deondre looked mind boggled.

"Why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong. Nothing. You're not bothering me at all nor are you dragging me into anything. I made the conscious decision to help you. That was my choice. I'm actually glad that you came to me. That asshole could've really hurt you…" He paused, looked away, and then looked back down at her. "The only one who should be apologizing is that Lifetime movie creep I almost killed." Deondre pointed outside.

"Alright, I'm sorry. I won't- oops!" Tamia chuckled as she slipped up and apologized again. Deondre turned around and put his forehead on the wall.

"Can you do me a favor and promise me that the next time you see me, you won't apologize for anything? Can you promise me that?" Deondre turned back towards her. "Pinky promise?" He raised an eyebrow and a pinky. Tamia took her pinky and wrapped it around his.

"I promise." She said confidently.

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You've made it to the end of chapter 8! I hope you all enjoyed it every second of it. PLEASE help me out and leave a review and your predictions! Share this story with your family and friends. There is something in this sequel series for EVERYONE to relate to. Thank you all for your continued support! I love you!

Next chapter: Chapter 9: I'm Chasing After…

New Feature:

I will now list playlists of songs based on the chapter at the end of the story! Music is the 2nd best storyteller! Please listen and enjoy these beautiful songs…

"Chapter 8: Turn the Page" Playlist

April's songs:

"Over (When We Said Goodbye) – Thirdstory

"I'm Coming Round" – Thirdstory

"Too Far, Too Fast" – Brass Tracks

DJ's Songs:

"WIN" – Jay Rock

"Ring" – Cardi B ft. Kehlani

"Shattered" – Chris Brown

"Searching for a Feeling" – Thirdstory

Deondre's Songs:

"Have You Ever" – June's Diary

"I Want You" – Chris Brown

"State of the Union" – Chris Brown

"Let Me" – Zayn

Tamia's Songs:

"Bed Peace (Cover)" – Zayn

"No Fear" – Dej Loaf

"Naked" – Ella Mai

"Take Me" – June's Diary

"Thank You To Your Ex" – Chante Moore ft. June's Diary

Kye's Songs:

"Night Time" – Trevor Jackson

"Man Down" – Rihanna

"I Needed You" – Chris Brown

"GTFOH" – Execs

Vivian's Song:

"Breaking Dishes" – Rihanna