Charm: This shall be the last chapter. I had a spiffy (heh love that word) idea for it. Lalala ::watches Secret Window again:: I WANNA READ THE BOOK NOW! ::pout::
Squid: Oh you're watching that again!?
Charm: Yes, and you're gonna sit right here and watch it too!
Squid: Uh no... ::edges to door::
Charm: ::pulls him back and forces him to sit down:: WATCH! OR BE DUCT TAPED! ::calms down and begina writing the chapter:: Nikki I know you're going to be crying since I think... you are the only fan of Mad Dog... And yeah!
Disclaimer: I do not own the song "Soar" from Christina Aguilera. It belongs to her and other people. Just not me...
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Chapter Twenty-Nine: Spread Your Wings And Soar
Brianna, Squid, and Richard arrived in New Orleans around three in the afternoon. Brianna took a deep breath as they walked outside the airport. Looking around the city she grew up in, memories began to flood within her mind. "Bri?" asked a voice she had not heard in years. Brianna turned to see her younger brother... Jason.
"Jason?" Brianna cried out, hugging her brother and dropping her baggage. Jason gave her a cheesy smile as they seperated from their long hug. Picking up her baggage, Brianna could not help but start letting happy tears fall down her face.
Jason looks over at Richard, and Jason's eyes become big and confused. "Who's this, sis?" asked Jason, his gray eyes looking into Richard's face.
"My oldest son... Alan's step-son, Richard. You were very young when I had him. I was only fourteen," Brianna explained. She had left out certain details about Richard, knowing how embarassing the fact he was a rape child was for Richard. "So he's your nephew," Brianna added, smiling.
Jason still remained confused at Richard, making Brianna laugh. Jason shook his head and led Richard, Squid, and Brianna to his car. Richard and Squid got the backseat and Brianna sat in the front passenger's seat. Looking out the window, memories began to flash within Brianna's mind. She sighed. So many memories she kept here. So many secrets...
"Brianna, you never told me why you guys were coming here..." Jason said, as he drove back to his house.
Brianna took a deep breath and moved her attention to Jason. Brianna felt burning tears in her eyes. Even though she hated Mad Dog for all the pain he had caused her in the past, she still thought there was something in him that was just a little sane. She knew the real him, before he went insane... Before he had become a rapist... One event changed Mad Dog though...
"And it was my fault," Brianna said, silently in her head.
:: Flashback ::
"Marcus! I think I've got what it takes to win! Why don't you show your girlfriend some fucking support!!" screamed Brianna, her green eyes flashing dangerously. Mad Dog rolled his eyes. "You don't care do you?! I've gotta see if I have what it takes!" Brianna cried out.
"You should be focusing on the gang, Bri," Mad Dog said, calmly. "Not some stupid singing contest." Brianna glared, and Mad Dog, of course, noticed her deadly glare. "Brianna, it's not that I don't believe you can't sing... You have the most beautiful voice I've ever heard, I just wish you would care for the gang more than for yourself..."
Brianna snorted, "Like you have room to talk."
Mad Dog glanced at her out of the corner of her eyes with a smirk placed upon his lips. "Watch it..." he muttered at her. Brianna pouted, angrily. "I know you're pissed but I need you at the job we've gotta pull today," Mad Dog wihspered, putting his arms behind his head and leaning back on his chair.
Brianna growled, "I'm going to get into that singing competition wether you like it or not, Marcus!" After that, Brianna kicked the chair from under Mad Dog, making him fall hard onto his back. He cursed loudly, and commanded for her to remain in the room, but she stormed out, not caring at all.
"FUCK!" sweared Mad Dog, loudly as he stood up from the ground, his back throbbing with pain.
:: End Of Flashback ::
Brianna sighed loudly as she stared out of the window. Silent tears laced down her cheeks, as she looked out into the horizon. New Orleans had changed so much since she was a teenager... She hardly saw any gangs walking around, huddled in groups. Jason glanced at his older sister, and saw the amazed look plastered on her face. He smiled, slightly out of amusement.
"You won't find many gangs anymore, Bri..." Jason whispered, his voice so much deeper than what it used to be. He had grown up just like her... You can't be a child forever...
"Why?" she asked.
"The police got smart and finally nailed most of them... The Scorpions were really nailed bad, most of them went to prision. But Mad Dog... was," Jason was stopped by Squid clearing his throat, trying to get Jason to shut up.
Brianna sighed, "He was shot and killed. Me and Richard are here for the funeral. Alan just came because he thought he should." Jason's eyes widened as he drove.
"I didn't know you cared so much about him," Jason admitted.
Brianna smiled sadly. "I didn't know it either. But everything happens for a reason, right?" she whispered.
:: Flashback ::
"Mom! I MADE IT! I GOT IN THE SING COMPETITION!" cried out Brianna, happily running into the house through the front door. Her mother stared at her, shocked.
"You actually got into it?" aske dher mother, excitedly.
Brianna nodded, jumping up and down excitedly. "I can't believe it! I got in!" Brianna cheered, hugging her mother tightly in her arms. Brianna ran around the house, annoucing she had gotten into the competition for the next five minutes, makingher mother laugh.
Jason walked in, looking confused. "What's going on?" he asked.
Brianna smiled, hugged her brother and went off to her room, skipping happily. "I got into a singing competition!" she cheered.
Her mother called out after her, "When is the competition Brianna?"
"Next Friday!" Brianna shouted.
"Oh ok!"
:: End of Flashback ::
Never change who you want to be... Brianna was a huge supporter of being yourself and no one esle, she still is... She never cared what anyone thought about her. If she was happy with herself, that was all that mattered to her. Nothing else until life gave her a reality check.
Brianna saw the cemintary, and a weeping group of people crowded around a grave. "Marcus..." Brianna whispered, weeping now herself. Jason pulled over, letting Brianna and Richard get out of the car. "Alan stay here. This is something I hafta do for myself," Brianna said, stopping Squid. He smiled, knowing what she meant.
"You ready mom?" asked Richard, looking uneasy. Brianna nodded as they walked out to the group of people.
A female who looked about the same age as Brianna glared dangerously. Brianna only smiled lazily. "Hello Josephine," Brianna said, calmly.
"You little bitch! How dare you show up to this!" screamed the woman, Brianna had called Josephine.
Brianna snorted, "I have as much right being here as you... At least I'm not a murderer..."
Josephine glared deathly. "Don't call me a murderer. Your brother was asking for it! He owed Marcus money!"
Brianna smirked, "What ever you say... Diamond..." Richard looked confused. "She's nothing but a dimestore whore, Richard," Brianna added, making Richard laugh. Brianna had Richard follow her to the casket. Brianna placed her hand over the beautiful wooden casket. She knew he was dead for real this time... Brianna finally knew why he did everything he had done...
He loved her...
Brianna closed her eyes. The memory that caused him to go over hte edge, flashed through her mind like an endless movie.
:: Flashback ::
"Why can't you let me make my own choices Marcus!?" screamed Brianna, getting ready to go out onto the stage for her performance. Mad Dog glared at her intently.
"You went back on the Scoprion's Code Of Honor dammit!" Mad Dog shouted, wanting to strangle her but held back his violent streak. Brianna rolled her eyes and started to step out onto the stage. Mad Dog stared angrily. "YOU GO OUT THERE BRIANNA AND YOU'LL REGRET THE DAY YOU EVER HEARD THE NAME MARCUS "MAD DOG" SHELDON!" roared Mad Dog, watching her walk onto the stage in front of many people. Brianna ignored Mad Dog's warning and grabbed the microphone as the music for the song she would sing came on the speaker. Her school choir stood behind her waiting for their cue as well. Brianna's beautiful singing voice began to ring throughout the school assembly room.
--When they push, when they pull
Tell me can you hold on
When they say you should change
Can you lift your head high and stay strong
Will you give up, give in
When your heart's crying out "that is wrong"
Will you love you for you at the end of it all
Now in life there's gonna be times
When you're feeling low
And in your mind insecurities seem to take control
We start to look outside ourselves
For acceptance and approval
We keep forgetting that the one thing we should know is
Don't be scared
To fly alone
Find a path that is your own
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know
All the answers you will unfold
What are you waiting for
Spread your wings and soar
The boy who wonders, is he good enough for them
Keep trying to please them all
But he just never seems to fit in
Then there's the girl who thinks she'll never ever be
Good enough for him
He's trying to change and
That's a game she'll never win
In life there will be times when you're feeling low
And in your mind insecurities seem to take control
We start to look outside ourselves
For acceptance and approval
We keep forgetting that one thing we should know is
Don't be scared
To fly alone
Find a path that is your own
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know
All the answers they will unfold
What are you waiting for
Spread your wings and soar
In the mirror is where she comes
Face to face with her fears
Her reflection looked forward on to her
After all these years
However how she's tried to be
Something besides herself
Now time has passed and she's ended up
Somewhere else with regret
What is it is that makes us feel the need
To keep pretending
Gotta let ourselves be
Don't be scared
To fly alone
Ooooooooooh!
Find a path that is your own
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know
All the answers you will unfold
Don't wait no more
Spread your wings and soar
Find your road
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't look back in the window, you'll find your way
Always know all the answers will unfold
Oh don't wait
Spread your wings and soar
Don't wait no more
You've got to soar
Spread your wings and soar
Don't wait no more
No don't you wait no more
Spread your wings and soar
You've can soar
So what you waiting for
Don't wait, Don't wait
Soar--
Brianna finished the song and saw her mother and little brother, Jason, standing up cheering wildly. She smiled, blushing slightly. The others in the assembly room cheered wildly as well. Brianna bowed and thanked everyone, her face red from happniess. She slowly walked off stage, but saw the flashing and deadly glare of Mad Dog.
"You'll regret this..." he growled.
:: End of Flashback ::
Brianna wept for the loss of Mad Dog. Tears streamed down her face, and at the same time no one ever expected her to weep for the man who raped her. Brianna could never forgive him for what he's done to her, but at the same time... She had finally gotten the closure she had always needed. She looked up at the sky, tears shining on her cheeks, and smiled.
Brianna suddenly felt two hands on her shoulders. She turned to see Squid standing behind her, smiling. She should have known better than to think he would listen to her. "Are you ok?" he asked Brianna.
Brianna smiled and kissed Squid on the mouth. "I'm fine..."
"Good," Squid said, kissing her back.
"Marcus," Brianna whispered up at the clear, blue sky. "Spread your wings and soar..."
Squid: Oh you're watching that again!?
Charm: Yes, and you're gonna sit right here and watch it too!
Squid: Uh no... ::edges to door::
Charm: ::pulls him back and forces him to sit down:: WATCH! OR BE DUCT TAPED! ::calms down and begina writing the chapter:: Nikki I know you're going to be crying since I think... you are the only fan of Mad Dog... And yeah!
Disclaimer: I do not own the song "Soar" from Christina Aguilera. It belongs to her and other people. Just not me...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Spread Your Wings And Soar
Brianna, Squid, and Richard arrived in New Orleans around three in the afternoon. Brianna took a deep breath as they walked outside the airport. Looking around the city she grew up in, memories began to flood within her mind. "Bri?" asked a voice she had not heard in years. Brianna turned to see her younger brother... Jason.
"Jason?" Brianna cried out, hugging her brother and dropping her baggage. Jason gave her a cheesy smile as they seperated from their long hug. Picking up her baggage, Brianna could not help but start letting happy tears fall down her face.
Jason looks over at Richard, and Jason's eyes become big and confused. "Who's this, sis?" asked Jason, his gray eyes looking into Richard's face.
"My oldest son... Alan's step-son, Richard. You were very young when I had him. I was only fourteen," Brianna explained. She had left out certain details about Richard, knowing how embarassing the fact he was a rape child was for Richard. "So he's your nephew," Brianna added, smiling.
Jason still remained confused at Richard, making Brianna laugh. Jason shook his head and led Richard, Squid, and Brianna to his car. Richard and Squid got the backseat and Brianna sat in the front passenger's seat. Looking out the window, memories began to flash within Brianna's mind. She sighed. So many memories she kept here. So many secrets...
"Brianna, you never told me why you guys were coming here..." Jason said, as he drove back to his house.
Brianna took a deep breath and moved her attention to Jason. Brianna felt burning tears in her eyes. Even though she hated Mad Dog for all the pain he had caused her in the past, she still thought there was something in him that was just a little sane. She knew the real him, before he went insane... Before he had become a rapist... One event changed Mad Dog though...
"And it was my fault," Brianna said, silently in her head.
:: Flashback ::
"Marcus! I think I've got what it takes to win! Why don't you show your girlfriend some fucking support!!" screamed Brianna, her green eyes flashing dangerously. Mad Dog rolled his eyes. "You don't care do you?! I've gotta see if I have what it takes!" Brianna cried out.
"You should be focusing on the gang, Bri," Mad Dog said, calmly. "Not some stupid singing contest." Brianna glared, and Mad Dog, of course, noticed her deadly glare. "Brianna, it's not that I don't believe you can't sing... You have the most beautiful voice I've ever heard, I just wish you would care for the gang more than for yourself..."
Brianna snorted, "Like you have room to talk."
Mad Dog glanced at her out of the corner of her eyes with a smirk placed upon his lips. "Watch it..." he muttered at her. Brianna pouted, angrily. "I know you're pissed but I need you at the job we've gotta pull today," Mad Dog wihspered, putting his arms behind his head and leaning back on his chair.
Brianna growled, "I'm going to get into that singing competition wether you like it or not, Marcus!" After that, Brianna kicked the chair from under Mad Dog, making him fall hard onto his back. He cursed loudly, and commanded for her to remain in the room, but she stormed out, not caring at all.
"FUCK!" sweared Mad Dog, loudly as he stood up from the ground, his back throbbing with pain.
:: End Of Flashback ::
Brianna sighed loudly as she stared out of the window. Silent tears laced down her cheeks, as she looked out into the horizon. New Orleans had changed so much since she was a teenager... She hardly saw any gangs walking around, huddled in groups. Jason glanced at his older sister, and saw the amazed look plastered on her face. He smiled, slightly out of amusement.
"You won't find many gangs anymore, Bri..." Jason whispered, his voice so much deeper than what it used to be. He had grown up just like her... You can't be a child forever...
"Why?" she asked.
"The police got smart and finally nailed most of them... The Scorpions were really nailed bad, most of them went to prision. But Mad Dog... was," Jason was stopped by Squid clearing his throat, trying to get Jason to shut up.
Brianna sighed, "He was shot and killed. Me and Richard are here for the funeral. Alan just came because he thought he should." Jason's eyes widened as he drove.
"I didn't know you cared so much about him," Jason admitted.
Brianna smiled sadly. "I didn't know it either. But everything happens for a reason, right?" she whispered.
:: Flashback ::
"Mom! I MADE IT! I GOT IN THE SING COMPETITION!" cried out Brianna, happily running into the house through the front door. Her mother stared at her, shocked.
"You actually got into it?" aske dher mother, excitedly.
Brianna nodded, jumping up and down excitedly. "I can't believe it! I got in!" Brianna cheered, hugging her mother tightly in her arms. Brianna ran around the house, annoucing she had gotten into the competition for the next five minutes, makingher mother laugh.
Jason walked in, looking confused. "What's going on?" he asked.
Brianna smiled, hugged her brother and went off to her room, skipping happily. "I got into a singing competition!" she cheered.
Her mother called out after her, "When is the competition Brianna?"
"Next Friday!" Brianna shouted.
"Oh ok!"
:: End of Flashback ::
Never change who you want to be... Brianna was a huge supporter of being yourself and no one esle, she still is... She never cared what anyone thought about her. If she was happy with herself, that was all that mattered to her. Nothing else until life gave her a reality check.
Brianna saw the cemintary, and a weeping group of people crowded around a grave. "Marcus..." Brianna whispered, weeping now herself. Jason pulled over, letting Brianna and Richard get out of the car. "Alan stay here. This is something I hafta do for myself," Brianna said, stopping Squid. He smiled, knowing what she meant.
"You ready mom?" asked Richard, looking uneasy. Brianna nodded as they walked out to the group of people.
A female who looked about the same age as Brianna glared dangerously. Brianna only smiled lazily. "Hello Josephine," Brianna said, calmly.
"You little bitch! How dare you show up to this!" screamed the woman, Brianna had called Josephine.
Brianna snorted, "I have as much right being here as you... At least I'm not a murderer..."
Josephine glared deathly. "Don't call me a murderer. Your brother was asking for it! He owed Marcus money!"
Brianna smirked, "What ever you say... Diamond..." Richard looked confused. "She's nothing but a dimestore whore, Richard," Brianna added, making Richard laugh. Brianna had Richard follow her to the casket. Brianna placed her hand over the beautiful wooden casket. She knew he was dead for real this time... Brianna finally knew why he did everything he had done...
He loved her...
Brianna closed her eyes. The memory that caused him to go over hte edge, flashed through her mind like an endless movie.
:: Flashback ::
"Why can't you let me make my own choices Marcus!?" screamed Brianna, getting ready to go out onto the stage for her performance. Mad Dog glared at her intently.
"You went back on the Scoprion's Code Of Honor dammit!" Mad Dog shouted, wanting to strangle her but held back his violent streak. Brianna rolled her eyes and started to step out onto the stage. Mad Dog stared angrily. "YOU GO OUT THERE BRIANNA AND YOU'LL REGRET THE DAY YOU EVER HEARD THE NAME MARCUS "MAD DOG" SHELDON!" roared Mad Dog, watching her walk onto the stage in front of many people. Brianna ignored Mad Dog's warning and grabbed the microphone as the music for the song she would sing came on the speaker. Her school choir stood behind her waiting for their cue as well. Brianna's beautiful singing voice began to ring throughout the school assembly room.
--When they push, when they pull
Tell me can you hold on
When they say you should change
Can you lift your head high and stay strong
Will you give up, give in
When your heart's crying out "that is wrong"
Will you love you for you at the end of it all
Now in life there's gonna be times
When you're feeling low
And in your mind insecurities seem to take control
We start to look outside ourselves
For acceptance and approval
We keep forgetting that the one thing we should know is
Don't be scared
To fly alone
Find a path that is your own
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know
All the answers you will unfold
What are you waiting for
Spread your wings and soar
The boy who wonders, is he good enough for them
Keep trying to please them all
But he just never seems to fit in
Then there's the girl who thinks she'll never ever be
Good enough for him
He's trying to change and
That's a game she'll never win
In life there will be times when you're feeling low
And in your mind insecurities seem to take control
We start to look outside ourselves
For acceptance and approval
We keep forgetting that one thing we should know is
Don't be scared
To fly alone
Find a path that is your own
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know
All the answers they will unfold
What are you waiting for
Spread your wings and soar
In the mirror is where she comes
Face to face with her fears
Her reflection looked forward on to her
After all these years
However how she's tried to be
Something besides herself
Now time has passed and she's ended up
Somewhere else with regret
What is it is that makes us feel the need
To keep pretending
Gotta let ourselves be
Don't be scared
To fly alone
Ooooooooooh!
Find a path that is your own
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't hold back and always know
All the answers you will unfold
Don't wait no more
Spread your wings and soar
Find your road
Love will open every door
See in your hands the world is yours
Don't look back in the window, you'll find your way
Always know all the answers will unfold
Oh don't wait
Spread your wings and soar
Don't wait no more
You've got to soar
Spread your wings and soar
Don't wait no more
No don't you wait no more
Spread your wings and soar
You've can soar
So what you waiting for
Don't wait, Don't wait
Soar--
Brianna finished the song and saw her mother and little brother, Jason, standing up cheering wildly. She smiled, blushing slightly. The others in the assembly room cheered wildly as well. Brianna bowed and thanked everyone, her face red from happniess. She slowly walked off stage, but saw the flashing and deadly glare of Mad Dog.
"You'll regret this..." he growled.
:: End of Flashback ::
Brianna wept for the loss of Mad Dog. Tears streamed down her face, and at the same time no one ever expected her to weep for the man who raped her. Brianna could never forgive him for what he's done to her, but at the same time... She had finally gotten the closure she had always needed. She looked up at the sky, tears shining on her cheeks, and smiled.
Brianna suddenly felt two hands on her shoulders. She turned to see Squid standing behind her, smiling. She should have known better than to think he would listen to her. "Are you ok?" he asked Brianna.
Brianna smiled and kissed Squid on the mouth. "I'm fine..."
"Good," Squid said, kissing her back.
"Marcus," Brianna whispered up at the clear, blue sky. "Spread your wings and soar..."