A/N- Here's chapter 10, this will be about Brain.

Brain

I was at home doing my usual thing of practicing my calculations. I was at my desk rigorously checking my answers. I had to because I wanted to make sure it was correct.

Math, Science, along with a few other activities were the only things that I had control over and kept me from mentally slipping since the reality of my life was no utopia.

That's not to say that family doesn't hold me down and encourage me to be the best I can because they do. Before I was born, my parents had their own ice cream shop in the nicer part of Elwood city. They prospered and made good money until the economy went downhill and they had no choice but to close the shop when I was four. In other words, there was a time in which I lived in a decent neighborhood. So, unlike most of my friends, I wasn't born in the projects. Still, it doesn't matter at this point in time because I barely remember living in that safer part of the city; the projects were all I knew now. I honestly hope to graduate early from high school in a several years and l leave this trash heap hell. And that's the nicest way I'll say that.

My parents never have to worry about me hanging on the corner selling cocaine or anything that would land me in the system. They are my role models and urge me to stay on track. Sadly, that sort of thing was practically pushed on kids even younger than me to be involved. Some kids sell, others joined gangs, either by force or due to their families being affiliated by certain gangs. That was what I hated the most about living in the ghetto. People expect you to be hardcore, violent, and willing to do anything. I have no desire for such a terrible lifestyle.

Anyway, in addition to my parents, I also have an aunt named Amari, an Uncle named Abdou, and a younger cousin named Chiekh. They lived with us and have been for nearly two years. I know what you're thinking, how did they end up with us in the ghetto? Well, my Aunt and Uncle are from Senegal which is in West Africa. When they arrived here, they worked very endlessly and eventually found a house in the good part of Elwood. They had planned for me and my parents to move in with them until things took a turn for the worst. My Uncle had an accident at work and because of all the medical bills they could no longer afford the house. My parents suggested they move in with us, at first they rejected the idea; they didn't want to be a burden. But my parents insisted and ever since then they been with us and not at all have they been a burden.

My Uncle finally recovered from his injury and eventually found a job at a supermarket with my mother. My Aunt works as a receptionist somewhere down town. My Father works at a carwash. None of the jobs make a lot of money but we keep afloat, we're able to eat, and the bills are paid on time so we're better off compared to most people.

Still, it hasn't been simple because life has a way of changing people's luck. One time, we had the water and electric cut off all at once before for nearly two weeks and it was horrible. Never say it will never happen to you because it can!

Suddenly, I heard a light tapping on my door.

"Come in." I said not even bothering to look away from my math problems.

The guest who came to my room was none other than Chiekh, my six year old cousin. If I didn't mention already, I have no siblings so he's the closest thing to one. I was also his babysitter, especially today since my Aunt and Uncle went to their jobs as soon as I got home from school.

Chiekh shares a room with me, which is okay although he has a tendency to leave toys all over the floor. I nearly broke my neck once because of it, especially when I was fumbling in the dark.

"Hello Alan!" He greeted and went to his side of the room and lied on his bed.

"Hey Chiekh! How was school today?"

"It was ok, except for the Tibble Twins, they're so mean sometimes. I thought they would be nicer after Pre-K. I was wrong."

I was tickled by this.

"Well, I don't think they'll ever change."

My cousin got off the bed and went into the drawer for some paper and pencils.

"I thought the older someone gets, the more mature they become."

"Well, some people never become mature. Some people are born fools, become old fools, and then die as fools." I chuckled.

"Wow. I never thought of it that way." Chiekh said in honesty as he began doodling.

"How was your day Alan?"

I literally shuttered at the question. I didn't even know how to go about it.

"Well, my teacher ended up being beaten by a kid around my age."

Chiekh's eyes grew wide like melons.

"No way! How did that happen?"

I went over the incident and throughout the whole time, he shook his head in disbelief.

"That's crazy! So is that kid expelled?"

"I believe so, which is fine by me."

Chiekh and I conversed some more talking about insignificant stuff like T.V. and the weather. It was better than worrying about whatever was going on outside in the streets of our harsh neighborhood.

Then we heard the sound of locks clicking. We both dashed out of the room and saw the door open.

It was my father but what was so weird was that he had a child in his arms.

"Uhhh…hey dad…umm who's the kid?" I had no clue where to go about asking. It was such an awkward moment.

I got a better glimpse of the child. He had to be no older than two. He had kinky light-brown hair, wore a green shirt and jean shorts.

He seemed to resemble my father…maybe too much…

"Uhh hey Alan and Chiekh…" My father sounded just as uncomfortable as I did.

"Look you two you have to promise me you all speak nothing of this to anyone. Okay?"

We both swore although we still were bemused.

"Alan…this…this is your brother…"

I could not believe the words that came out of his mouth.

Brother?

This can't be life.