CHAPTER 1

Waking Up to the Beginning of Unsolved Business

Monday, August 25, 2008 Detroit, Michigan 6:00 a.m. Claude! Troy! Youll get up! Its time to get ready for the first day of your last year of high school! Charles Daniels said as he turned on the lights in Claude and Troys room with a bright smile. Charles was feeling proud of himself because his youngest son, Claude, had worked so hard in school, especially during the last three years, to earn and maintain a strong grade point average. Charles was proud that Claude was keeping up in school even though hed grown up keeping bad company, which included Claudes older brother Troy and friends. Often, Claude came home dirty, scratched or ripped up from a fight with a schoolmate, or with people who just hung around the high school looking for girls to talk to at the end of the school day. Charles always believed that his self-motivated son would continue to make him proud, no matter what obstacles appeared. Claude Daniels was seventeen years old, born February 1, 1991. He was an Aquariusfriendly, honest, inventive, a humanitarian, loyal, independent, unpredictable, and intellectual. A handsome young man, who kept his hair

cut, body in shape, and clothing style up to date with the help of Troy. He has a nice smile which all the girls hed meet love about him as well as his desire to make them happy. He loved going out partying, dancing, and drinking but never got into smoking like his older brother. However, he hated to be messed with but loved to fight, because thats all he grew up doing not really to prove he wasnt someone to mess with but to show how much of a man he was. Surprisingly in his life only one thing he was really, fearing at the moment and that was losing his best friend Kelly from out of his life because of the amount of love he had for her. He hated and never wanted to see another guy kissing her lips or either holding her hands or touching her nice round, not to big but not small ass that so many women nowadays wish they had behind them. Desiring deep inside of him, however hiding it, to have her for himself, but only wanting a real man to be in her life to bring her happiness all throughout the rest of her life. Claude felt he had to first step out of the kind of life he was living and into a new person. Claude told his father that he dreamed of becoming a businessman with his own multi-million-dollar company. First he wanted to work with other companies to learn from them how to help his company grow and become the strongest and most well known throughout the world. He even wanted to own his own National Football League and National Basketball League team and only allow the best of the best to play for him. Troy, Claudes older brother, was twenty years old, a muscular young man with dreads, always wearing jewelry to show he had money but was still in high school. He was bad like how his father use to be on the streets, always getting into trouble, always stealing and then selling it on the streets, basically he was all about hustling on the streets to make money for him and Claude. He had been in a couple of life or death situations and kept putting himself in situations like that for money since Charles kept claiming he didnt have any to buy them what they wanted for school. Charles or Susan knew what he was doing but never really told him to stop because he was doing something positive with his money. He needed four more credits in math because he struggled with numbers. He also felt that each and every one of the math teachers hed been assigned throughout his high school years were too demanding of him, which he assumed meant they didnt like him. However, this year, hed requested an older female teacher who had a reputation for being supportive and helping and tutor all of her students to

victory. Troy felt that with her help, he would be able to graduate in the same year as his younger brother. Charles and Susan were very, understanding parents whom wanted the best for Claude and Troy. However after seeing that they couldnt change Troy they gave up and just basically at least wanted him to get his high school diploma before moving out on his own. Their relationship had blossomed into a very loving one however the past still troubled them as well as all of the secrets that their hiding from their children. I already know Claude will graduate, just as much as Im guaranteed to graduate this year, Troy said to his father with his head still on his pillow and his eyes closed. He wanted some more time to sleep. I want you two to make me proud and make me feel like an excellent parent! Charles said loudly and proudly to his two sons. However, his words of encouragement were focused mainly on Claude. Claude and Troy were feeling ready and motivated for the start of their day. Their mother, Susan, was also happy and proud of them. She had risen early to start cooking a special breakfast for her boys. Every year, Claude and Troy had always had to share clothing because their parents only made enough income to pay the mortgage and utility bills. However, whenever Troy made money on the streets of Detroit, he would put half toward making more money and the other half toward clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other things for him and Claude or toward helping his parents pay their household bills. He usually paid the water bill because he and Claude would take thirty-minute showers twice a day, treating themselves as if they were stars going out to walk on the red carpet for all of their fans, as the press were taking their pictures. Claude and Troy hadnt decided yet who would have the right side or the left side of their clothes closet. However, what always happened is that one would have one side for two weeks, and then they would switch sides because in school, everyone watched what everyone wore, more than they read or studied their schoolbooks. They figured it would have been weird to be seen wearing the same clothing as the other week after week. Claude and Troy decided on their different sides of the closet for the start of the school year, and began getting dressed and gathering their school materials. They knew supplies didnt matter the first day; but, they wanted to make their parents, especially their mother, feel good and proud of them

by seeing them walk out of the house with their folders and pens in their hands, like they were both on their way to their first day at a good college. Looking at Claude while folding his folder and putting it inside of his back right pocket, Troy decided to say some words to Claude to inspire his younger brother, just like what his father was doing for the both of them. Thats what older brothers are supposed to do in these times, Troy thought to himself. Troy approached Claude, looked him in the eye, and said, Time for your big brother to give you a few words of wisdom, if you know what I mean. Let me have it then, brother, Claude replied with surprise while getting ready. This is your year for the girls and all the parties. I already know that you have plans for you and Kelly. But, until your time with each other comes, enjoy the life of being single and having freedom bro. I couldnt see myself being put on lockdown straight after high school like how I see youve planned it out for yourself. Kelly was Claudes number one best friend, sister and everything else that you can think of. Born July 16, 1992 Kelly was beautiful, amazing, nice, adorable, hot, gentle, kind, smart, very loving, responsible, and the list can go on and on. She always revealed Claudes flaws to him because she wants him to be a better person. So she was also very protective of him even though Claude never liked her always wanting to stand up for him. Over the years Kelly grew allot of love for Claude, introducing him to her father, mother and sisters while she was desiring a special friend in her life. Claude always was buying her things to keep her happy with him but just his time alone was enough for her. Taking the role as her older brother Claude never wanted to see Kelly with a boyfriend because of how he knew guys use girls, just exactly like how he was doing for pleasure and Kellys mother was happy for that. Kelly had two sisters Evette and Shellion whom are in college that always use to tease the both of them telling them that they were going to be boyfriend and girlfriend one day. One thing about Kelly though that many people has loved but many feels she needs to change about herself is that she desires other people happiness in life more than hers. Yeah, I know that already fool. Thats why when you get that one girl pregnant by accident again, like how you had said, shes going to put your ass on child support, and thatll have you begging her to be your girl again

after you start seeing the amount of cash youll be paying for child support, Claude replied and laughed. Ha-ha, very funny. But let me tell you that wont ever happen to a man like me because I play all my games right, and of course, Im always going to be there for my child whenever that time comes. And the mother, she wont ever have to worry about money and food for my child, because theyll already be getting it every night and day, Troy replied with a serious tone. Well, I didnt see you saying that when you begged Monique, to have that abortion because you couldnt afford or handle a child then and there, Claude said, wanting an explanation. I wanted to finish school first, thats why. Plus, I couldnt see her being my first babys mama, with her mother on drugs and father on steroids trying to be Detroits all-time backyard fighting champion as well as a drug dealer. While at the same time running from the cops because he has a outstanding warrant out for his arrest, Troy said. Oh, so thats why you always dropped her off at the stop sign instead of in front of her house? Claude asked, laughing. He hardly ever there anyways because if he was the police wouldve been locked his dumbass up. Anyways, I also want to encourage you to always try and do your best at every challenge that comes to you in life. And from now on, Ill handle all brawls that come, and you just handle all of your challenges toward your goals, Troy said nicely. Come on, you guys, lets have breakfast. And dont think that Im going to allow you to be late on your first day of school! Susan called out to her sons. They wont be, darling, because Im taking them both to school for a little bit of good luck today, Charles said, loud and proud, so that the three of them would hear him. Really though it was because he knew they never went straight to school after leaving home every morning. Troy always had his to go and pick up what he was going to serve out to the crowd every day by his friend Keith house. Walking out of their bedroom, with a surprised face because of what he had just heard his father say, Troy was not happy. Im a grown man, so Im going to take myself to school, Troy told his father.

Well then, go and get your own place because while youre still in my house, youre still my responsibility or should I say my little child, Charles replied meaningfully. He maybe but Im no ones little child anymore. Claude said as he came out of the bedroom. Of course youre not, son, because youre my Susan then immediately put her hands over Charless mouth and looked him in the eyes, telling him not to start anything up because she wanted her young mens minds focused 100 percent on school only, and not on family problems. The dining room table was set; Susan across from Charles and Claude across from Troy, King across from Queen and Prince across from Prince. Okay, everyone, enough arguing. Its time for a word of prayer, giving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ thanks for all that he has brought to the table this morning, Susan said. Everyone sat down with a smile on their faces and, with their eyes on their plate, wondered to themselves how long it had been since she cooked a breakfast like this for all of them. Hold hands and close your eyes, everyone, as I pray for us today, Susan said after she sat down around the dining room table. Father God, as we come to you today, we thank you for bringing us this far in life as a strong and loving family. Father, I pray that a blessing may come up on us this year as our children are now young men and are about to graduate from high school. Keep them strong and help them to stay out of all the trouble that I know may come their way. Protect us and bless us, Father, on this special and wonderful day that what we are all feeling will brighten this familys goals of achievement and future hopes and dreams. Everyone around the table now say Amen Claude, Troy, and Charles had then said Amen. Opening up her eyes, Susan put her hands over her mouth in shock seeing her family, whom she was just praying for one second ago, already eating their breakfast. Sorry, Ma, but having the smell of this food in my nose without being able to touch it was too much for me. But I still, and always will, love and respect you, but of course, my Father God the most, Claude said with his mouth full.

Just as long as youve given your Father God thanks for this day and all of the food that he has been providing for us, its all right with me, son, Susan replied with her hand still over her mouth. Susan, how come you dont cook for me? Usually its your mother cooking a wonderful breakfast and dinner like this for us? Charles asked. Sweetheart, whats to celebrate? Your paychecks still arent enough for all of the bills for this house, which Im mostly paying for by myself or are you getting more than I think, youre getting nowadays. You did come out of nowhere with that new car that I see out there in our driveway? replied Susan as she took her first bite. Well, thats true, Momma, said Troy. Charles looked at Troy and said, Stay out of this little boy and let us adults talk this out with each other. Charles eyes had then gone back on Susan. Even though its their time right now, Im feeling curious right now to find out. What havent I done for you? Charles asked nicely Youve never taken me out on our anniversary, but you have the money to go out and buy a new car that you see other people driving. Where did that money come from? Susan replied hoping to hear finally where he got the money for the new car from. Well talk about that later, Charles replied. Leaving Susan wanting a husband and wife talk later. After they had finished eating, and talking about what they were all hoping for this school year. They all got up, put their dishes into the sink and immediately began walking towards their rooms. However, Susan stopped them from walking out of the kitchen. Who is going to clean up and wash up all of the dishes? I was the one that cooked and served our breakfast. We dont want to be late, Charles, Troy, and Claude replied in unison. What are you going to be late for, Charles? You dont go to work until 9:00 AM, Susan said with a serious face on her. I planned to drop them off to give them some good luck this year, so that they could feel that Im going to be there for them and with them through every important time in their lives until they are on their own, Charles replied slowly so that Susan would know that he was serious about it. Im guessing then that when you come back home, you will wash up the dishes and clean off the table before you go off to work today? Susan asked Charles.

Well I got some runs to make afterward, and, Im going into work early today to make some extra money so that I could have you living and looking luxurious, Charles replied, grinning. Claude and Troy began laughing out loud. But you dont even have on your work clothes or shoes, Susan said. Shit! Thanks for reminding me, sweetheart, said Charles as he looked down on what he had on, feeling guilty now about the lie he was telling. Charles ran inside of their bedroom to get his work clothes and then out of the house and inside of his car screaming out, Hurry up Troy and Claude lets go, before youll frigging mother ask me to do something else. Claude and Troy began running out looking back feeling disappointed in themselves because their father was not allowing them to give a proper thanks and goodbye to their mother for the wonderful breakfast. All of this is nothing new in this household that I live in, Susan said to herself as she turned around to go toward her dining room table to start the process of doing the dishes. She wanted to have the kitchen looking and smelling clean just like how her mothers was. Susan and her mother, Mrs. Anne, had such a strong and well-connected relationship. They had always felt that they were like sisters even though she still called her mom. Since they only had each other, theyd developed a strong relationship, always able to talk to each other. They talked about God, nature, different cultures, finding and keeping that right man, the difference between right and wrong, sex, and just about any other topic that caught their attention. Susan and her mother had talked about it all with each other; thats how she became such an understanding wife and mother.

***
On Claude and Troys way to school, the music was loud, and Charless rims were spinning. He drove a fully loaded BMW 7 Series. Where and how he had gotten such an expensive car, no one in the household knew, but all they knew was that it was in his name, and the police were not looking for the car or him. Charles, though, had been pulled over and given a number of tickets for speeding. Unlike his fathers car, Troys 2004 Impala was stolen and then sold to him for a very cheap price, so cheap that if Claude worked at McDonalds for

a month, he could have bought it himself. The Impala was somehow put into Troys name after he paid a good amount of money to someone at a tag-anddealership place. Claude and Troy finally reached the front of their high school, seeing everyone greeting one another happily and then talking together. Claude and Troy felt like this year wasnt going to be any different from all of their other years in that high school because of the same faces and the same groups. All right, boys, go up there and get those good grades for your family, and I may even let you take a girl out in my car for a date or two this year, Charles told them. Claude and Troy only laughed because they knew that no one could ever have the privilege of driving their fathers car, and they knew that for a sure fact. Whenever they would have a family night out, they would always have to drive their mothers Suburban, not their fathers BMW. Dont go back home or else she might have you sweeping and mopping the floor since you didnt want to wash the dishes like she told you to, Claude said to his father, laughing and stepping out of the car. Claude got out of the car and closed his fathers car door and walked up to his friends. Whats up?! How was everyones summer break with the girls? he asked. Their father drove away slowly, watching them, to make sure that they were not going to go and pick a fight and that nothing was going to happen to them on their first day back to high school. Beep, beep, beep, beep. A man with a 2008 Tundra truck behind Charles began blowing his horn, telling him to drive the hell up. However, Charles kept driving slowly and ignoring him until . . . Bam! The mans truck slammed into the back of Charless BMW. Charles got out of his car with his mind set on going to the mans truck window to break it and then to punch him in the face for hitting his baby. Without even knowing who the man was, Charles bent down, picked up a rock, and threw it, busting the mans front windows. Luckily the rock went in between the passenger and drivers seat hitting the back seat. The man then got out of his Tundra, looked at his broken window with an angry expression on his face, saying son of a bitch Afterwards he bald up his right hand fist, began walking up

to him with the intentions to make this man wish that it was only his car that had gotten hit hard and threw his fist at Charless face, but Charles dodged it and then threw his own right hand fist at the mans face hard and knocked him down to the ground and on his back. Charles started kicking the man in the face as if he wanted to murder him for hitting his baby. The mans son got out of the car and started to run after Charles to hit him. The boy punched Charles in the back of his head as hard as he could for hitting his father. Claude and Troy looked back to see if their father had left right before they walked through the high schools front doors with their friends. Oh Shit Troy said after seeing his father getting pounding on. They turned around immediately and began running toward the fight to help their father because he was getting kicked in the face, back, and neck after he had got knocked on the ground. The man had gotten on his knees and started punching Charles in the face, saying that he was going to make him wish that he had never put his damn hands on him. Claude pushed the boys father off of Charles, and Troy punched the son in the face. Claude gave the man a hard shot to the head and, after that, started beating him badly down to the ground. Claude and Troy picked their father up and brought him back to his car, putting him in the backseat and then Troy began driving off as fast as he could before the police arrived. The other father and son had been helped up by another man that was dropping off his daughter and told them to go before the police or the school security arrived to arrest them. What an event on the first day of school. All of the students and parents that had watched said, however, they loved it. When security finally reached to where they heard the fight was taking place, they asked everyone around what was going on and what had happened. A husband and wife just got into an argument with each other about who was going to pick their daughter up after school because they didnt want their daughter following home one of this high schools security guards again this school year, some man replied and then began laughing. The school security guard looked at the man and told him that they only talk to girls eighteen and over. She is eighteen, another man said

***
Away from the school, Troy began to slow down because they didnt want any cops to pull them over and see their father beaten and bruised. They knew that their mother had left already to go to work because she was always the first one there and the last to leave. They took their father home and called his office to tell his manager what happened to their father knowing that he would be cool with the incidence because he was no different himself. Claude and Troy then made sure that they cleaned up every drop of blood out of their fathers car. Luckily, Charles had leather seats so it was easy to clean it all up. After that, they cleaned up all the blood off their father and threw away the clothing that he had on so that their mother wouldnt know anything about what had happened. Momma is going to see all of the bruises and cuts that you have all over your body from the fight some way or another, Claude told their father. I dont care! Dont tell your mother anything about what happened today, Charles told Claude and Troy. We already know that, Troy replied. Claude, come over here and sit down. I want to talk to you, son, Charles said. Yea Im coming, Claude replied. What went on today, Im sorry for it all. I never meant for it all to happen and end up the way that it did. I shouldve been a mature man and just kept on driving, but instead, I stopped and released anger over something that couldve been easily replaced. Im asking you not to look back at this day again. Thats why Im going to find out whoever that man and his son was, and I am going to apologize to them for it all because, son, your dream of becoming successful is all that matters to me right now. So please keep that same focus in your life because Im sure Ill start doing better from your success and all your achievements in life. I understand, and Im not going to want to start something up with that boy again because he wanted to help and defend his pops in the same way that I wanted to help and defend my father. So Im sure, if hes a real fool, hell understand that, Claude said.

***
Late that afternoon the house phone rang. Troy answered, Hello. Susan asked, Troy, how was your first day back to school, son? Troy said, It was great. Susan asked, How was Claudes day? Im sure his day was wonderful too because hes still telling Dad all about it. Hes also telling him about all the new classes he got now. That doesnt sound like something Claude would do. But anyways Ill be staying late at work tonight because a couple of people are paying me extra money to get their hair done for some party. Theyll be taking a lot of pictures, so they want to be looking glamorous. All right, Ill tell them. Make sure any dishes that get used, you wash them all up and keep my kitchen looking clean. Okay, Ma, Ill tell them that too. Bye. All right, Troy. Bye. Troy hung up the phone. That was Ma youll, and she said any dishes that youll use, clean them. Also, she said that shell be staying late at work tonight. So by the time she comes, well be sleeping and not getting questioned. So Im going to do what I got to do today, then Im going to come back home and take a shower and then go straight to bed early for the first time in twenty years because if any argument starts up, I dont want to be a part of it. Mainly, Im trying to say, I dont want anything to do with anything bad in this house this year. Im twenty years old, and I could get kicked out of this house anytime by her. Im glad that you finally figured that out. I think that I might stop calling you a little boy now and start calling you a teenager, Charles said and laughed. Night came, and they all were sleeping. But then when Susan came in and saw her husbands face bruised up as he slept, she put a mad look on her face because she was suspicious that something bad had happened, but they werent going to tell her no matter what she said or how many times she asks.

I hope it didnt have anything to do with Claude and Troy, thats all Im hoping even though I already know whatever Charles gets into Troy follows and also gets into it, she said to herself. Wake up, Charles, and tell me what happened to you, and dont tell me nothing happened today because I know something had to have happened. I didnt see you run out of the front door today looking like this! Charles wouldnt answer even though he was awake with his eyes still closed. So Susan poured some alcohol on some of her husbands scratches on his arm. Aww, why the hell did you do that for?! Charles screamed out. What happened to you today? Susan asked him again. Damn it! I got into a fight at work, and why are you waking me up like that for? Dont get me mad up in here, Susan! Do you hear me?! said Charles. Susan just turned back around and then lay down and went to sleep, praying to God that what she had just seen, her two sons were not involved in. She knew the boys loyalty to their father would bring them to his defense, and they would be willing to seek revenge on his behalf, but she was frightened that Claudes dreams would be harder to achieve with trouble constantly coming their way.

CHAPTER 2

My Best Friends Enemy

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 6:00 a.m.

That next morning, Claude and Troy got up early to get ready for school. They were planning to leave as early as possible to avoid a run-in with their mother and then have to talk to her about what had happened to their father the day before. Lets allow Father to handle it because hes the man of the house anyways, unless hes scared nowadays, Troy told Claude. He might have already done it last night because I heard him screaming, Claude said. About what? Troy asked. I dont know because I heard silence after he had said a couple of words, said Claude. Im ready, are you ready? Yea, almost, Ive just got to find my wallet. Well, Ill meet you outside in my car. All right, Claude said. On the drive to school, Claude hoped that the fight yesterday wouldnt start anything for them that would grow into something big, as fights tended to in that high school. If so, problems for him and his brother would last until the end of the school year. Claude didnt want anything messing either of them up this last year in high school. When they got to school, Troy told Claude to get out of his car and go do whatever he wanted before school started. Ill be back before school starts, Troy told Claude. Where you going? Claude asked. I had some plans of making some money yesterday, but never got the chance to. So now I am. And I never knew that I had report to you about my plans for the day. But since it seems like it now. So is it alright if I go out and make some money captain? Troy asked. Yea, if you say so, Claude replied. Claude then turned around and started walking toward the schools cafeteria for some breakfast. However, the schools cafeteria workers were still getting breakfast ready, so he just sat down on an outside bench to just relax and waited for all of his friends to show up, including his best friend, Kelly.

***

At home, Charles and Susan began talking about what had happened to him because she wouldnt leave the subject alone. I got into a damn fight with a customer because he kept on screaming at us and saying that we didnt fix his car right. He threatened us saying that he was going to take us all to court if we didnt give him his money back, Charles told his wife. So why did you have to fight him for then? she asked. That man started throwing our stuff around. I wasnt going to just sit down and let him do that to our workplace, he replied. Well, you shouldve just called the police and let them handle it instead of getting yourself in more trouble. What if he really decides to take it all to court now? What do you think is going to happen to your job? Susan asked. If he does, all that we have to say is that he started it because he was throwing our supplies around and even threw them at us. So I decided to defend myself and my workplace because thats just the kind of man I am, he replied. Okay, whatever, just as long as no one got locked up, and my children werent somehow involved in it and wont be because I already know how much they love beating up every man that puts their hands on you, Susan replied, smiling.

***
Troy had gone to his friend Keiths house to pick up his work for the day and Keith and his girlfriend, Amanda, and dropped him off to his workplace, which was close by the school. Amanda stayed in the car to get a ride to school. She had heard the whole story before Troy dropped him off at work and was feeling disappointed about the fighting incident. Amanda had jumped in the front seat after she had kissed her boyfriend goodbye to talk to Troy about all she had just heard from him. When are you going to develop a mature mind, Troy? Think about it, all thats going to happen is trouble for you and your brother. Be smart this year, Troy, and think before you react, said Amanda. Thats easy for you to say, right? Because I dont see you saying and reacting like how youre telling me to react with this problem Im having.

Whenever you have problems with another girl up in school, dont you give that girl pain while youre giving her a piece of your mind? said Troy. But youre older and have a younger brother that Im sure looks up to you along with big dreams for not just him, but also for his entire family. Think about it, Amanda said. True. Troy decided not to go looking for that boy whom they fought with yesterday, because his friends seventeen-year-old girlfriend was in the car, opening up his mind and telling him that all that was going to happen was just trouble for no real cause for him and his brother. All right, Im going to listen to you, Ms. Wright. But if that boy ever starts anything up again with me or my brother, Im going to finish it, said Troy. Yeah, I already know that, but then youre going to get yourself and your brother in trouble which could lead to you getting kicked out of your parents house for being stupid and such a bad influence toward your younger brother, Amanda said.

***
Sitting down, talking, and chilling with friends waiting for the school bell to ring, Claude saw the same Toyota Tundra truck that the man was driving yesterday pulling up. The same boy came out of the truck with a black eye. He got out of the truck without saying goodbye to whoever had just dropped him offmost likely his father. Claude didnt hide his face, but the young man never looked his way. He just kept on walking straight with an unhappy, mean look on his face. I better not have no classes with that boy, Claude said to himself. Claudes good friend had snuck up behind him to surprise him. Whats up, Claude? I didnt see you all summer, bro. Whats up with that? Thomas asked. Thomas was like another brother for Claude because he had Claudes back 100 percent, and Claude had his back 100 percent in any situation, no matter what. Plus, they had gotten to know each other from church because both of their mothers went to the same one. When they were young, they both used to be in the churchs day care.

Thomas was cool, loved to joke around at times but mostly laid back, half church boy whenever he was around his family but then half bad boy when he was on the streets but deep inside he wanted to be neither. Even though he believed in God he didnt see himself being in church for the rest of his life because he felt that life would be to boring for him. He wanted to live a fun and exciting life, not a life with people telling him what and what not to do. A personal relationship with God is what him Claude agreed on one day that they both needed to have to make it to heaven. Fool I was chilling all summer with my brother and his friends, going to party after party and having girl after girl every week and doing grown man things. Do you understand what I mean, or maybe you havent been there yet in life, church boy? Claude asked. Ive been there way before you were born, he replied. How are you going to experience all of that way before I was born, when we were born in the same year? Everybody laughed as Claude told Thomas, Dont say anything else fool because all that youre doing is making yourself sound uneducated right in front of the high school that youve been attending for three years now. The school bell rang. Where is Kelly at, Thomas? As a matter of fact, where has Kelly been all summer long because I havent tried reaching her lately, and she hasnt been calling me either. She better not has been doing anything un-good girl like, Claude said. Kelly who? Thomas asked. You know who Im talking about fool. Dont be trying to play no mind games with me, Mr. Uneducated, Claude replied. Your number one best friend, Kelly Brown? Or your 100 percent future wife Kelly Brown? Or are you just meaning the beautiful, sexy body, long hair, influential, inspirational-toward-you, and all-about-fashion Kelly Brown thats all of that I just said in one? Thomas asked Yes, the Kelly Brown thats all of that in one and more, Claude replied. Oh, shes probably with her other friends, he replied and turned his head. What other friends? Claude asked, grabbing his shoulders to turn him back around toward him.

The other friends that dont forget about her each and every summer, time after time, again and again. Also, the ones that wont always be telling the same response to her question of when youll spend a summer with her, Thomas said seriously. Im guessing youve been in contact with her, if you see her before me, tell her I said hi and ask her why she hasnt called or e-mailed me either, and that Im sorry for not spending any time with her this summer. As a matter of fact, Ill tell her myself cause you might forget, said Claude. I dont think youll want to hear that answer from her, Claude, because shell probably end up breaking your heart after shes finished saying all that she has to say cause you were supposed to be there for her as much as she has always been there for you, Thomas replied. Whatever you say, Mr. Uneducated, who seems to know more about friendships and relationships more than his education and future career, he replied laughing and walking together to their first-period class. First period for Claude was like going to another country because it was French II, a language that he had no clue about and did not want to learn since French I ended, but his French teacher was a beautiful woman who seemed very nice with a sexy body and long hair. That made Claude want to pay attention and suck up to her in class for a little bit of private tutoring. Class, Mrs. Green said out loud, today, before I resume where you left off in French I, my objective is to teach and for you to learn and experience something new in your life. Some of you may not be interested, but I want you to be able to say, yes, Ive learned a different cultures language to help me in a career here in the United States of America, which is a country of many kinds of cultures and people. And we all are one with one another, no matter the ethnicity or race, Mrs. Green said. I would love to experience something new with you in detention one day, no matter the time or place and dont worry I have money, a student named Willis replied. Mrs. Green laughed with the class and then said, This is going to be your second strike, young man, because yesterday you came in screaming at your classmates to get out of the class so that you could be homeschooled in school and have private sex classes with me. That was very immature of you, and it seems like Im going to be having problems with you throughout each quarter. So you know what Im going to do, Mr. Willis?

What? You cant do nothing else but love a young man like myself, baby, Willis replied. Third strike, Mr. Willis. Im calling security and your administrator because youre interrupting your classmates education time, Mrs. Green said. Now even though its day two you know youre going to miss me, boo, if I leave Especially, my bright smile that I know has you wanting to know why its so bright, he said. Yes, I will, because I love teaching young people. However, this is the best decision I can make to help out your classmates, Mrs. Green said. Security had come and took Willis out of Mrs. Green class right away. Bye, sweetheart, smirked Willis as he left Mrs. Greens class. Security looked at Willis and asked him, Why are you trying to be a pimp at such a young age? Because flirting with a woman like her, you need to be a man like me and be sweet and tasty with your sentences because its not just about pretty boy looks nowadays. You havent developed a mature and fully understanding mind yet. So leave all of these beautiful middle-aged women in this school alone, for me, okay. Plus shes married, so it will take a man who has had many experiences with married women to get her. When you get one, then you can talk all right? Because I love older women, and thats all I get, Willis replied. What? You want to compete with me this school year? the security guard asked Willis. I would love to, and also, I would love to put my money where my mouth is, Willis replied to the security guard as they walked into the schools main office. After first period, Claude walked the halls looking for Kelly while trying to find his second period. However, he didnt find her anywhere. Second period was Claudes world geography class. For Claude, it was a piece of cake because all he had to do was study before a test. In class, the teachers mainly lectured and asked questions, giving grades for class participation, so no matter what, Claude felt like he was going to pass. Claudes third period was a journalism class he did not need to take, but he still decided to stay in it for the experience and to be familiar with it when he took it again in college. The teacher, Mrs. Hyman, also told Claude and some other classmates that they would be getting some college credits for

staying in it. Claude had been assigned B lunch, so he had to go to fourth period before he could go to lunch. Claude never ate the schools lunch anyways because he and Troy had always ordered pizza or some kind of other fast food for them and included Kelly and Thomas. He always remembered about Kelly even if they were mad at each other because she was just so special to him. Before lunch, Claude had calculus with Ms. Gusby. She was known as one of the meanest teacher, but also the most valuable teacher because she was the principals girlfriend. Claude knew the class was going to be hard for him, but even if he didnt pass, he could still graduate because he passed Algebra II already. When class was over and lunchtime came, all that was on Claudes mind was how Kelly was doing because he didnt want their friendship to suffer. Looking and walking around the cafeteria, Claude was finding every friend but his best friend. Claude began to think that Kelly was hiding from him because she knew how mad and aggravated he would become. Okay, this is entirely my fault. I shouldve spent some time with her like how she had asked me to on the last day of school, Claude said to himself. Claude sat down at an empty table outside and watched as each person passed by him. Ten minutes before lunch was over and time to meet his next new teacher, Claude spotted Kelly getting flirted with by some guy. He didnt care because before any guy couldve talked to her, they would have to go through him first. Kelly! Claude screamed out. Kelly looked back smiling, but it wasnt because of hearing Claude say her name. Inside, she was still happy to see Claude, her best friend, walking up to her. Just to get Claude mad, Kelly kissed her teeth and turned back around and started talking to that same boy, who, in Claudes mind, was probably trying to get her as his girlfriend for his last year of high school. I know youre not saying forget me, and that you dont want to be my friend no more, said Claude as he walked up to Kelly. The guy turned around and eyed Claude and said with a surprised look on his face, You that same despicable motherfucker from yesterday, right? That was trying to beat up my fucking father and trying to be your fathers lifesaver? Yeah, and youre that dumbass boy that was beating up on my father and brother yesterday. I cant believe it. Claude laughed. You better go

and try to find some other damn girl to talk to this school year. Claude said. Claude stood there, still and not moving, only looking deep into his eyes as if he wanted to fight him again. Bitch! Payback is coming real soon I promise you. And dont worry, my father remembered who your fucking father is, the boy said. Tell me who my father is then, and how does your father know who my father is? Claude asked. Ask your father, Charles Daniels, who used to make fun of him about wanting to be a Purple Gang member, the boy told Claude. He turned back around and looked at Kelly with a smile on his face and said, See you again soon, Kelly, and I am sorry for all of this thats happening right now in front of you between me and your no good, dumbass, friend. Ill talk to you later since weve been rudely interrupted. As a matter of fact, hopefully, Ill be able to take you out to the movies this Friday night or whenever youll be wanting to, if thats going to be all right with you? Ill think about it, Robert, Kelly replied and looked at Claude to hear what his response would be. Oh, so Roberts your name, slick mouth? And hell no, Kelly! You arent going out with that fool, Claude said furiously. Why not? Is it because your father and his father dont like each other? Kelly asked. I dont like him, and a person thats not my friend cant be your boyfriend, right? Claude asked Kelly. Kelly looked at Robert and then looked at Claude and said, Yeah. Robert looked at Claude wrathfully and said, Im going to make you fucking hate me more than youve ever hated another man in your life, for this! Its too late, I already hate you, Claude replied. Robert stepped up into Claudes face and said while looking menacingly into his eyes, You need to make sure you and the rest of your family talk to your fucking father about my father and get to know who youre starting things up with because my father is not an actor and neither am I, unlike a lot of you nowadays. One of Troys friends began to watch what was going on between Claude and Robert and then started texting Troy.

Someone wants to fight your brother for his best friend, and I think its that boy you were telling us about. As soon as Troy read the text message, he ran out of class and toward the cafeteria, ready and feeling eager to fight. Face to face, Claude and Robert stood, not moving. Kelly said, You two need to stop before you start fighting for no real reason at all. Out of nowhere, Troy jumped over a table and punched Robert in the face and began beating him up. Kelly was going to try to break it up, but Claude held her back so that she wouldnt get hit. All the students at lunch began to crowd over Troy and Robert as they continued beating up each other. They looked as if they wanted to slay each other. A security guard came around and saw it but called for backup first because he already knew it wasnt going to be smart to go through the crowd by himself. A couple of students in the back of the line heard him calling for help, so everybody began screaming out, Security! Claude looked back and saw the guard standing there and turned around and kicked Robert in the face. He picked up his brother and dragged him in the opposite direction of where he had seen the security guard standing. When all of the security guards finally arrived, they only saw Robert on the floor with blood all over his face and clothing. Claude and some of his friends had taken Troy into the boys bathroom so that they could clean him up. Troys shirt had too much of Roberts blood on it, so it wasnt going to be easy to just wash it all out. One of Troys friends who were with them gave Troy his shirt because he had physical education class next and would just wear his undershirt for the remainder of the day. When security had taken Robert to the school nurse, they kept on asking him who was responsible for beating him up like that. I dont know because I was jumped from behind, Robert replied. Were you involved in the fight that happened yesterday before school? You already had a black eye. security said. No, I wasnt able to make it to school yesterday, Robert said. We hope youre not lying to us because we already have the police reviewing our cameras, security replied.

How about you just shut the fuck up and clean me up. Someone go and call my father so that he can come and get me from this damn school Robert said.

***
Claude walked Troy to his fifth period before he went into his next class. Sorry for all of that, just now, he told Troy before he had walked through the classroom door. Youre my little brother, and Ill die for you, no matter what the reason is. And its my job to fight for you whether I like it or not. Plus, you already know that I wanted to get back at that boy for touching our father, Troy replied. Claude told Troy to go in his class, and that they would talk about it all later when they got back home because Troy was sounding like he didnt care anymore about his actions in his life. It must have been because of a hard hit to the head, thats why hes talking like that, Claude said to himself while walking to his classroom. The school called Roberts father, Stanley, to tell him about the fight involving his son and that Robert wanted him to come and get him right away. Fifteen minutes later, Stanley rushed through the schools office doors and saw his son looking as if he was down and couldnt get back up. What happened to my son? Roberts father asked the administrators and security guards. Stanley saw Robert was scratched up with blood all over his shirt. They wanted to settle the score. And I guess the kind of payback that they thought would be the best was to get me while I was by myself Robert said. So they all want to start something up? Fine then. Were going to give Charles and his two sons something to remember us by, Stanley said. Stanley thought that it was all planned out and meant to happen to his son. He said to the school administrators and principal, You want to just stand back and see my damn son get abused and beaten up like that and not have any information or do anything about it? I want my son out of your school. Now! The school gave Stanley all of his sons transfer papers, and he said, Well be back to do something about what has happened to my son today!

The school principal told all administrators to find out immediately what had happened and to find out who was involved just in case Stanley got a news channel or state involved. They were instructed to ask every teacher and every student what they knew about what had happened during B lunch. Claude was in art class, and all Claude was doing in there was thinking about how Robert knew his fathers full and real name. Claudes next class was physical education. That was what he needed to get his body back into shape after a whole summer of partying and drinking with his brother, and to get ready for college life and the girls. After school, Claude and Troy had planned to go straight home with no hesitations or distractions, but while walking out of the school, Claude saw Kelly walking by herself. Hold on, Troy. I have to go and say goodbye to Kelly real quick because I know she must be kind of upset about today. Walking up to her, Claude had it in his mind to apologize for all of what had gone on in front of her. Sorry about today, Kelly, Claude said. Please, no more arguments and no explanations because my head is already hurting, Claude. I understand that you already had something going on between him. But come on, Claude, its time to grow up and mature in your life like how Ive always wanted you to. Dont you think so? Kelly asked. Yes, I do, but its not just all having to do with me. In some way, it has something to do with my father too, and thats what Im going to go home and find out. Look, I dont want you to worry about it or to be mad and disappointed in my behavior today or to end up telling your mother all about it, Claude said. Okay, and I understand that you want to fix it now, but just make sure that you dont mess yourself up in the process of it all, no matter what. Okay, Claude? Or else I will tell my mother, said Kelly. I wont, I promise you, Kelly, Claude replied. All right and I would love to hang out and spend some time with you tomorrow at my house so that we can talk and forget about it all, she said. All right then, see you tomorrow, beautiful, Claude told her. Kelly gave Claude a kiss on his cheek and a hug and said goodbye to her best friend. Claude and Troy then headed home.

***

After school, the principal called all administrators and teachers to come inside the cafeteria for a meeting. It was to find out who had information for him about what happened earlier. Yes, I think I do, one teacher stood up and said. I remembered when Troy Daniels, the oldest and I heard the most troubling student in the school, ran out of my class without even asking me or telling me where he was going, and he never came back to my class. Whats his full name again? the principal asked the teacher. Troy Daniels, the teacher replied. All right, does anyone else have any other kind of information for me, the principal asked. No one replied. Thank you all, the principal said and immediately jumped off the stage. He went straight to his office to start making plans about dealing with this problem that the school was now facing.

***
Father! Claude screamed out as soon as he walked through their house front door with Troy. Wait, Claude, make sure you throw out the garbage today because we forgot to do that last night. Ma must have seen it, and do me a favor and put my homeboys shirt back in my car so that I wont forget to give it to him tomorrow when we go back to school, because I forgot to give it back to him today after school because I was in a rush, Troy said. All right, he replied. When Claude went back outside, Troy went into his fathers room and woke him up, telling him about all that had happened. Knowing the kind of guy that he seems like, Ive got to start going to school strapped, Troy said. No, get that damn shit out of my ears, Charles answered. I just beat that man up today for messing with Claude, hes going to want payback, Troy replied. Well, then let him bring a gun or some kind of weapon on school campus and then end up getting locked up for it because I know theyre watching him more now, Charles replied.

Walking back inside of the house, Claude decided to ask the question that had been on his mind. Walking inside of his fathers room, Claude said, Wannabe Purple Gang member. Who used to call you that, Father? Charles looked at Claude surprised because he hadnt heard anyone call him that in years. Father, thats what that boy Robert said his father used to call you, Claude said. Oh man, it was Stanley, Charles said with his hand over his face. Who is that? Troy asked. Stanley, thats the man who killed Alans father because of me and then disappeared, Charles replied. Does Alan know that? Claude asked. No, because he doesnt need to know. His mother changed him into a better man ever since his father died for me, Charles said. Revenge. I know thats all on Alans head, you know that, right? Thats why he hardly talks to anyone anymore except for us sometimes, Troy said. Well, I cant tell him anything because then his mother is going to get mad at me for telling him. I heard that she was already planning on telling him who it was when he matures enough. Maybe on his eighteenth birthday shell tell him. Plus I dont even know when was the last time I talked or even saw her, its been years, Charles said. So what are we going to do about Robert and his father? Claude asked. Honestly, all I could suggest us to do is to take him down before he takes us down or move to another state, which we dont have the money to do right now. And Im sure your mother is going to want to know the true reason why I would want to move to another state in a time like this, Charles replied. The house phone rang, and Claude answered, Hi, Ma. Hi, Claude. Is everything all right because you left for school early this morning? I was going to cook breakfast for you again. I know, Ma, but it was because we wanted to go out and buy breakfast this morning. Oh, okay. Well, Im coming in late again tonight so please make sure you eat and clean up after yourselves. Okay.

Youre going to be so proud of me by the end of this week because Ive been making a lot of money since your first day of school and that prayer that I said for us all. Thats good, Im happy to hear that. Now that means you could save up and have money for my homecoming and end-of-the-school-year prom. Maybe, anyways, your father is the one who deals with those kinds of events for you because hes the one that seems to have a lot of hidden money around. All right, Ill talk to him about it then. Make sure your father gets something to eat for me with his bad self getting into fights still. I thought he changed into a grown, mature, responsible man, but I guess my mind was playing tricks on me. We all have fights with others in this house. Well, he shouldnt be the one thats fighting because hes supposed to be a mature role model for you two now that youre soon to be men. I understand, but no ones perfect. All right, I have to go now, Claude. I see my next customer has just arrived and shes paying me a lot of money to do her hair. All right then. Bye, Ma. Susan hung up the phone, saying, And behave yourselves. Does Momma know anything about what had happened yesterday, Dad? Claude asked. No, I told her I got into a fight at my workplace with one of my customers, like how I told you before, Charles replied. Did she call your boss to find out if everything that you had told her was true? Because you should know how she is by now. Plus, your boss will lie to her, but he wont lie to his wife, and I just remembered Ma does her hair from time to time still, said Claude. No. Thank you for reminding me about his wife and my wife talking, Charles replied. Tell us about Stanley, Troy said. All right, but keep it all between you two and me, okay? We will, Claude and Troy replied together. Well first of all, just to let you know, it all started from high school when I was as bad as you, Troy, and always getting into trouble for stupid reasons. Stanley and I were part of two different groups that ended up hating one

another, for no real reason except popularity. We were always fighting one another for props and who should be feared the most on the streets. To make this story all short, though, it all started to get real serious after one of our homeboys got hurt and had to be brought to the emergency room because his head got busted open badly by one of them. So we went for payback and ended up shooting one of his homeboys in the back while they were running from us, but then they came back that same night after Alans eighth birthday, and we were celebrating. They had shot Alans father, Kevin, in the head right after I congratulated him for becoming a real man and parent. They really meant to shoot me, but Kevin pushed me out of the way and wasnt able to move fast enough, so he ended up taking that bullet for me. Then they ran, and I gave more attention to Kevins survival in the hospital than going back out there for Stanley, Charles replied. Well, tomorrow his son better not come at me with nothing else, or else Im going to put him in the hospital, Troy replied. Keep everything calm you two, and dont start anything up. Only defend yourselves if that time ever comes, Charles replied. All right, Claude replied. Charles looked at Troy with a serious expression and said, I mean it, son. Well, I got homework to go and do, and I need time to sleep because me and Kelly are going to be spending time together tomorrow. She loves to walk around her neighborhood and talk, so I need rest, Claude said. Well, make sure you wrap it up all right, son. And Im hoping that the first child will be named after me if it ever pops, Charles replied and started laughing. I wont need to because it wont be that kind of get-together, we both need to finish high school and college before we even think about that, and, she or I havent even thought about a relationship with her and me. Shes one year younger than me, I have love for her and always and forever will, but I dont see it happening, Claude said. Alright then, goodnight, son, and stop with the talk of making yourself sound like an innocent young man because I already know that you must have had at least a moment of feeling for each other before. Plus I already know that its just because theres to much females in your eye everyday to just settle down with one, Charles said.

Goodnight, Claude replied and walked off, shaking his head. Alright, take my gun with you to school tomorrow, and dont show it to your brother or even let him know that you have it on you because, yea, I already know theyre coming back for us. Ill also try to make it out there after school, Charles said to Troy. Alright, Father, but just remember, if anything happens to Claude, Im willing to go down for and with my brother, Troy said. Dont talk like that, Troy, because nothing is going to happen to him. Im not going to let anything happen to Claude. Good night, Charles said. Charles had gotten mad after he heard Troy say that hed be willing to die for his brother no matter what. Those werent the words he had ever expected to hear, since if anyone should get killed, it should be him because he already owed someone his life. I got to finish this all myself without getting them two inside of it. So tomorrow, Im just going to follow him home and try to talk it out with him, and if he doesnt want to, whatever happens is all going to be his fault, not mine, Charles thought.

CHAPTER 3

The Day My Family Began to Fall

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 5:00 a.m. Charles got up early to go to school to search for a hiding spot so that when Roberts father dropped him off to school, he could deal with the

problem. Claude and Troy also got up early for school. Troy didnt want his mother to see all the scratches and swelling on his face from yesterdays fight with Robert. When everyone left and Susan got up, she noticed the empty house. She felt as if she was getting left out of something important that was going on among them. Susan got down on her knees and went to the Lord in prayer, asking the Lord for protection, knowledge, wisdom, and understanding on her household. Instead of dropping Claude off to school first, Troy took Claude with him to his friends Keith house because he didnt want him out of his sight. However, he told him to stay inside the car until he came back out because he was just making a quick stop so he could speak with one of his friends real quick about some money problems. Troy went inside of his friends house to tell them to come out to his school at two thirty, fifteen minutes before school ended, so they could have his back if and when it all went down and also to help keep Claude out of it all for him. No matter what, I want my brother kept out of it all, Troy repeated again to his friends. So youll have my back? Troy then asked his friends. Yes, of course, bro, they all answered. Troy walked out and looked inside of his car, saying, Im doing this for you, brother. What the hell took you so long up in there? Claude asked him as he was getting back into his car. I was just telling my friends that I needed them there after school, thats all, Troy said. Why? Claude asked. Just in case Robert tries to come at me with anything else, my friends will take care of it all for me so that I wont get into any more trouble. Is that all right with you, brother? Troy then asked. Yea, whatever you say, bro, whatever you say, Claude replied. Claude knew Troy didnt usually call on his friends because he always said he was a king who didnt need others fighting his battles for him. Well, thats what he always said to Claude, so Claude knew it had to do with something else. Claude crossed his fingers, wishing for a lucky day without trials and tribulations. When they had reached school, Claudes

friends walked up to him and started telling him that his father was in a corner, watching out for him and his brother. They guessed that he wanted to see if Robert was going to start up another fight. Thats what it seems like, they all said to Claude. My father is just probably trying to make sure were at school and not out there doing something that were not supposed to be doing. Like getting back at that boy Robert and getting ourselves in trouble again. Plus I already know that Robert is not going to come back after us again after he had just gotten his ass whooped yesterday by my brother. I know my father, Claude replied. The school bell rang, and everyone started walking through the school doors and into class because they all were being watched closely by administrators and security guards. Charles didnt see Stanley bring Robert to the school. Unless he decided to drop him off at the schools side entrance and not in the front of the school anymore because of what happened, Charles began to think. Ill just come back here after school to see if I can spot him picking up his son.

***
Hello? Hi, how are you doing? Is this Susan, Mrs. Annes daughter? Yes it is. This is Nurse Vanessa from Memorial, and we are calling you to let you know that your mother has had a heart attack, and she is asking if you could come to the hospital immediately and be here at her side. What! Is she alright? How, what made her have a heart attack?! All right, Im on my way right now, and, please, tell my mother please dont worry herself because everything is going to be all right, I promise, Susan replied. Susan ran inside her room to put on her clothes and shoes and ran to her car, started it up, and backed up fast unto the road. She began to drive as fast as she could to be there for her mother. Crying out loud, No father please not now! Im going to need her here for me after I tell Charles about all the secrets and mistakes Ive made during our relationship. I dont think I can survive without you mom. I need you! I need you in my life! I need your love and encouragement! I need your smile, because other than my

childrens smile and happiness, it has been the one thing that has kept me strong and moving in life.

***
Back in school, the announcements came on in first period. They talked about how strict they were going to make the 08-09 school year. If anyone causes any more trouble on this schools campus, we will no longer ask you to walk through this high schools front doors anymore. There is one person from yesterdays B-lunch incident who will be going home today and will be expelled. To give youll an example of serious we are Everyone heard on the morning announcements. Troy hoped that no one had snitched on him because if someone did, he would make him or her, his second enemy of the year. In Claudes first period, Mrs. Green began explaining to her class that they couldnt get into any trouble this year or else it might hurt their chances for a scholarship and the privilege and opportunity to attend a great college because of their bad behavior. Back in Troys class, they began to hear security at their classroom door. Troys teacher got up out of her seat and opened up the classroom door for them. Troy Daniels, the principal would like a word with you inside of his office, so whoever you are, please stand up and come with us, security said. Troy got up without saying a word and walked out of his class, with an angry expression on his face. Security took Troy to the principals office and told him good luck. Since the principal hadnt reached his office yet, they told him to have a seat right outside of his office door. Sit down there, and dont get up or move without someones permission. He will be here to talk to you about what happened yesterday in B lunch with you and that other boy. Yea whatever, Troy replied.

***
Driving her car as fast as she could, without watching out for the police, Susan finally reached the memorial hospital where the nurse said her mother was. She ran inside of the emergency room.

Hello, Im looking for my mother, Mrs. Anne? Susan said soon as she saw a nurse. Yes, I believe shes in room 4, the nurse replied. Thank you, Susan replied. Looking inside of room 4, Susan couldnt believe her eyes. It was her mother in a hospital bed for the first time since she had given birth to her. Hi, Mommy, what happened to you? Susan asked nicely with a smile on her face however tears began falling down her eyes. She had a heart attack and passed out inside of a store while she was shopping. Luckily a store employee was there to catch her before she hit the ground, said a nurse who came up behind Susan. Is she going to be all right? Susan asked. The doctor said that he doesnt know how long she has to live because of her age and body. Im going to go and call him now to tell him that youre here. Youre her daughter, right? the nurse asked. Yes, I am and her only child too, Susan replied. Susan, Mrs. Anne said softly as she woke up out of her sleep. Yes, Mother, Im here for you. Im here, and I wont ever leave you alone again, Mother. I promise you, Susan said smiling after hearing her mothers voice as well as wiping the tears from her eyes because Mrs. Anne never liked to see her cry. Dont worry, Ill be all right because Im a strong believer in Christ, and when my father calls, I answer. Therefore, I just wanted to see you, my daughter, and my only child one last time. As well as my grandchildren, however I already know their in school right now. I love you, Mrs. Anne said breathing hard and coughing after every couple of words. I love you too, Susan replied. I thought I was going to be here to see our first-ever black president Barack Obama, but it seems my time has come before that time has arrived. However, Ill still vote for him in heaven, Mrs. Anne said coughing and laughing softly. I dont want you to leave me yet. Please dont go, please dont let go, fight back, Momma, fight back! Susan cried. Mrs. Anne closed her eyes, smiled and then said, Ive always dreamed of you being the best in the family. Especially when I was told that I wouldnt ever be able to have a child in my whole entire life, and somehow still I did. I

had you, you are a blessing and now I want you to teach and lead your children the same way me and your father did even though he died early. But now, Im going to be happy to join our Father God and Lord Jesus Christ and also my husband, in heaven . . . I Mrs. Annes eyes closed slowly, and her monitor flat lined. Susan cried and cried as she slumped to the hospitals floor, wishing for her mother to come back to her. The nurses gave her tissue paper to wipe her eyes and told her that they would stay by her side until a family member came to pick her up. A nurse named Jodi was a member of Susans church and called their pastor to tell him about what had just happened. She knew that bringing their pastor to help her was one of the best things for her, other than calling her husband and children to come, but she didnt have their numbers. Nurse Jodi wanted their pastor to come and hold her while praying for her as she cried in pain because she had just lost her mother and best friend.

***
At school, the principal walked back into his office and asked Troy to follow him in. He began explaining to Troy that it was obvious that he was the other person who was involved in the fight that had went on yesterday, but somehow he got away. Plus, he heard that he ran out of class at that same time, and just by looking at his face, it was obvious hed been in a fight. Well, we gave you a chance to graduate at twenty years old because of some reported health problems that you had, and you messed up that opportunity. So now, Mr. Troy Daniels, you are expelled from this high school, the principal said. Troy screwed up his face and slammed his hand on the principals desk and looked at him. Anything that you would want to say to me or explain? the principal asked Troy. No! Troy said with a mean look and then walked out of his office without explaining the cause or asking for another chance. Troy walked out to the students parking lot, went straight to his car, and said, Payback is all his

ass is going to get from me now. Troy went to his friends house and made sure all guns were loaded up and everyone was ready.

***
After school, Charles was at the side entrance, and Troy and his friends were at the schools front entrance. Claude and Kelly planned to go by her house to talk and connect with each other again. The school bell rang, and Troy and Thomas hadnt seen that Claude and Kelly had left to go to her house already because they were walking in the middle of the crowd together. They stayed out in the front, waiting for Claude to get out of school. Kellys friend Sasha and her mother Brooke saw them walking and offered them a ride to Kellys house. Sashas mother already knew about Claude and Kellys close friendship with each other, and she always teased them about their future. Thank you for the ride home, Claude and Kelly said as they got out of the car. Bye, and dont go in there doing anything that you wouldnt do with each other in front of your mother, Kelly, Brooke said, looking out of the car window and smiling. Bye, Claude and Kelly, Sasha said as her mother began to drive off. Sasha a very nice, shy, soft, but intelligent friend of Kelly, he father and older brother was in the marines so it was just her and her mother Brooke taking good care of one another. Being motivated day and night by her mother Sasha was taught from home what to expect from a young man just wanting sex from her. Which of course she knew didnt always go like how her mother was putting it. With all of what her mother was trying to make her become Sasha was lost in her mind not knowing what kind of career she wanted to go for, wanting to get out and live life on her own now. However after telling her mother Brooke slowed down on all of the speeches that she was giving Sasha and began trying to be more of listener not a commander in her house.

***

While Charles and Troy waited, everyone was holding conversations with one another, football and band practice had just begun, and a lot of people were waiting for a bus at a city bus stop. There he goes, right over there. I dont see his brother though, but Im still going in now, Robert said to his Dad on the phone. Stanley never replied. It made him mad, wishing Cory his older brother was here with him for this. Robert threw down his phone and drove in, with his friends also in the car, not caring if his father still wanted him to do this or not. Lets kill these motherfuckers Robert told his friends. Shots were fired at Troy and his friends, who were all standing by their cars across the street from the school. Everyone around the schoolhouse began screaming and running for cover. Troy pulled out his fathers gun and started firing back at the car where the shots erupted from, busting the windows and hitting one man inside. Thomas began running from the car but went down as two bullets ripped into his back. Charles heard all the gunshots and the screams of the students and parents, so he turned his car around and went toward the sound of the gunshots. The schools security guards called the police, and some of the students ran for cover back inside the school. When Charles turned the corner, he saw a car turning the next corner and his sons body on top of his car with that same gun he had given him sliding down his hands. His eyes were wide-open as if he were still alive and looking at him, asking for help. Troys friends saw that Troy and Thomas were fatally shot. They jumped back into their cars and started going after Robert and his friends. Charles knew that he had to leave the scene because he had a loaded shotgun on the passenger seat, and that would implicate him if the police searched him and saw it in his car. Tears began streaming down his eyes, and immediately jumping to a conclusion he told himself that he was going to kill the man who killed his best friend and now his son. Another car slowly crept up behind Charles, but he wasnt looking back to see it coming. He began speeding up to try and catch up to Troys friends who were following the shooters car. They caught up to the car with intentions of slamming into the back of it while the second car sped up to slam it on the side and began shooting at the passenger-seat windows with guns and shotguns. The car made a quick left turn, and both cars ended up crashing into each other. Troys friends

helped one another out of the car and started running. It was only Charles left to get payback. Charles took his shotgun and shot the back tires so that the car would slow down, and then he shot the cars back window. That made the car crash into another car which was parked on the side of the road. Charles got out of his car with his shotgun in his hand and his mind set to kill whoever was left in that car. It was Stanleys son, Robert, and two of his other friends, and they were all dead already. The other car that had been following Charles came up behind him. The driver pulled a gun out the window and then pulled the trigger several times and shot Charles four times in the chest as soon as he turned around. It was Stanley. Charles saw him before he fell down, and then said his last words which were, son I failed. Stanley got out of his car and ran over to him. I killed your best friend, and then my son killed your son, so you decided to put your life on the line and killed one of my sons. But look at this now, you ended up getting killed in the process by me, your number one enemy. Rest in peace dumbass, Stanley said to Charles as he lay in silence. Then Stanley shot Charles in the head. Stanley decided to run, to leave the scene before he was caught or seen by anyone. However first he looked around, house to house, to see if anyone was watching but didnt see anyone. He went back to his car and rolled up the windows, but before he left, he made sure that he had said goodbye to his youngest son. He just drove off in a black car, a man screamed to the police on the phone.

***
Claude and Kelly were at the house, talking about all that was going on. Please, Claude, dont get into any of what you are telling me about, or else youll make me mad at you. And then, Ill tell my mother so that my mother could go and talk to you and your mother about it all, Kelly said. Okay, I wont, Claude told her. Make sure youre not just doing it for me, but also for yourself Claude, I mean it, she said.

Lets talk now about me and you, and why are you so mad at me still? You left me alone all summer, knowing that I wanted to be there for you and getting you ready for your last year in high school before you left me for college. Plus, you already know my mother wouldnt let anyone in the house except you. So honestly, I was lonely because ever since my sisters Evette and Shellion left for college, its like they dont ever want to come back. Plus, I love your company and all of the fun things that we always do with each other, like playing video games, and stuff. And I didnt go out and get any exercise this summer because you, my stretching and exercising partner, were nowhere around. Well, Im sorry that I didnt come and see you all summer, but my brother just had me going everywhere with him, and I was enjoying it so much that my mind was just set on all that we were doing. I love spending each and every day with you much more, of course, Claude said. Whatever you say. You dont believe that making you happy makes me happy the most? No. All right, to help prove it to you today, before I leave, Ill cook a special dinner for you to show you Im sorry, and well call it our first special date. Okay, Id love that, Kelly said and laughed. Latoya Brown, Kellys mother, walked through the front door tired and hungry. How are you doing, Claude, my favorite son in the whole entire world? Latoya asked. Latoya Brown, Kellys mother was born May 5, 1970 and was a great mother to all of three her children. Even though her past, at one point in her life made her feel down, she kept going after she had her first child whom was Evette at the age of 16 with her ex husband Colin. Whom is nowhere around or either being looked for right now. Growing an understanding and loving personality shes grown up be a mother that many children wish they had in their lives. However, one surprising thing about this mother was that she had one wish that she hopes will come true in the future, and that is for her daughter Kelly to have that one man thatll be there for and with her from the beginning to the end. So that shell never have to experience as much heartbreaking trials and tribulations as Latoya did growing up, from that one man.

Im doing great. How are you doing, my second greatest mother in the whole entire world? Claude replied with a smile. Im doing greater now that I get to see my son after so many months of my daughter unhappy because you forgot all about her, Latoya said. Okay, I apologize to you to for that, Claude told her. Words cant show me that you really mean it, she replied. Thats why, as an apology, Im going to cook a special dinner for Kelly because Ive been practicing after watching my grandmother cook, Claude said. And me, said Latoya. Yes, and my second mother, but youll have to ask Kelly, he said. Can I join, Kelly? Yes, you may join me, Mother, and you already know that you didnt have to ask me. I know, I just asked because Claude asked me nicely to ask. Claude took Latoyas car and went to a grocery store to buy fish, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, onions, cucumbers, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes to make a special healthy dinner because thats the way Kelly liked it and wanted it. On the way back, Claude saw a lot of cops driving around, looking for somebody as if something big had just happened, but he didnt get stopped and questioned. Did you see out there? Claude asked Latoya. Yea, I heard people got shot at a high school and in the middle of the road today. They need to stop all of that violence, Latoya replied. It wasnt at our school because before we left there was nothing going around about a fight or anything else, Kelly said. Claude began cooking. First, he cleaned and seasoned the fish and then steamed it along with a lot of the vegetables. Claude made a nice salad for them as their first course and served it to them. After Kelly and Latoya finished their salad, it was time for their wonderful and healthy-looking dinner to be served on the dining room table. Claude had Kelly feeling special when she saw and smelled the food. Youre lucky my other two daughters Evette and Shellion arent here, or else it wouldve been more work for you, Latoya told him. Claude laughed and said, No, because they have men already for all of this special dinner cooking and treatment.

Claude poured champagne for them both because Latoya said that Kelly could drink champagne and gave them their dish of fish and vegetables and watched them eat, smile, and laugh with one another while giving him orders to get different things for them at the table. After they had finished eating, Latoya started to bring up some funny jokes about Claude but then said to him, I think you should start coming back over my house more often again because whenever I come from work at night, I feel tired and hungry, and I dont like fast food, and my daughter cant cook yet. However, my only son can, so I need you here to feed Mommy, Latoya said and laughed. But Im in school, Ma, so I have to find time to do my schoolwork and study, Claude replied as they laughed. See how much he loves you, Kelly. You better keep a friend like him forever because hes willing to cook for his best friend, but not his mother, Latoya said. You dont have to tell me anything, Ma. Claude isnt going any where. Hes my big brother, so hes in our life forever. But I love and show him more love than you though, thats why hell cook for me whenever Im hungry and wanting him to. After hearing her daughter say those words, Latoya looked at Claude smiling and then back at Kelly, whom had a brighter smile on her face as they looked at one another. Even though their young and still maturing I want Claude to be the love of my daughters love because I dont ever see him wanting to break my little girls heart. Romeo and Juliet, Latoya then said to herself smiling. After they finished eating, Claude cleaned up and walked Kelly up to her room and said to her, I hope youve forgiven me, and that love that you got for me deep inside your heart is back out, and will be shown just like how it used to be. Of course, Kelly replied, and gave Claude a kiss on the cheek and a hug and said good night. Latoya told Claude that shed drop him home because she didnt want him out there walking so far and alone with all those police officers already out there looking for someone. Claude, honestly, I could already see you and my daughter together in the future because I know you like her, or should I say love her, dont you?

Latoya asked Claude while they drove just to hear what he would reply because as they began to get older she began to get suspicious about their feelings for one another. Shes beautiful and my best friend is one thing that Ive always said about Kelly as well as no I dont see me being with my sister in the future. However now its a thought that goes through my mind every once in awhile, which Im sure you already know. If it was to ever happen it for us it wont be anytime soon because Im about to go to college while shes still going to be in high school, Claude said. He wanted to tell Latoya how he truly and really felt about Kelly deep inside of his heart now. But if she wouldve heard it, Claude worried that she would start having both eyes and cameras on them in her house. Well, whenever your mind matures and understands it all for yourself about true love and true relationships, youll understand that distance shouldnt keep two people that were meant for each other apart. Until then, just like you said, distance does make a difference, so nothing at all with my daughter, not even a kiss until you both are out of college, okay? Latoya said. Claude looked at Latoya and began laughing, saying, Yes, maam! Look, theres police at your house. I hope theyre not looking for you, Claude, Latoya said and then looked at him suspiciously. Nope, not me. Stop right here. Stop, so you wont get involved, Claude said. No! Im going to take you in there so that if they ask any questions about where you were all day, Im going to tell them that you were at my house all day, cooking for me, said Latoya. Claude saw the police searching through the house with his mother in her pastors arms, crying and screaming dramatically. Claude got out of the car and asked a police officer what was going on inside of his house. Latoya also got out of the car and wanted to walk him up to his door, but police stopped them and asked which one of them lived there. Claude told them he did, so they only allowed him through but first had a couple of questions for him. Latoya asked the police what had happened, and the officer said, Two people got shot from this home today, and they died. So were looking for evidence and asking questions about what was going on in this home and neighborhood.

Please tell me that youre not talking about his brother, Troy Daniels, and father, Charles Daniels, because hell be heartbroken, Latoya said with watery eyes. Yes, I am, maam, the police officer replied. Well, Claude was with me and my daughter all day at my house, talking and eating with us. So Im sure he had nothing to do with it all, and if youre looking for a shooter, he wasnt one of them, Latoya said. Can I get your name, number, and address just in case we need further information, please? the police officer asked. Yes, of course, Latoya answered. She gave the police officer all her information and was then asked to leave. Right before Latoya turned around she saw Susan running over towards, and then hugged her tightly. Latoya had then hugged her back saying, Im here for you Claude then turned around watching his mother go into Latoyas arms as he was being questioned by another officer about the incident. What the hell is going?! Claude then said I dont know what to do Latoya. My mother died and now my husband along one of my sons got killed. This is to much for me handle! I cant do this! I want out! I want my family back! Susan held Latoya crying and saying Claude walked up to the house door and asked them what had happened and what was wrong with his mother because he see her crying in Latoyas arms. Your father and brother were killed today, and it looked like it mustve started from inside of school, an officer said. The pastor told Claude that his grandmother had died in the hospital as well. Claude had then just dropped himself on a outside chair, saying to himself out loud, I dont believe this, I dont fucking believe this! No! Tears began to fall down his eyes. He had then got up and punched the glass in the front door, breaking it and then went on a spree in the house of breaking things. As the pastor just watched him because it looked like he didnt want to be bothered by anyone right now, and he was scared of getting hit. Police officers went inside of the home and began trying to calm him down. Dont touch me, Claude said to the officers We just want to help you thats all, one officer replied

I never needed no officers help and damn sure dont need it now. So get the fuck out of my face and go protect and serve someone else Claude then said One officer had then put his hands on Claudes shoulder saying were here for you Claude had then immediately punched the officer in the face telling him, Didnt I tell you not to touch me! The other officers had then began telling him to calm down or else theyll be forced to put him down. Put me down, Claude said and then began throwing punches at the officers. It took the officers a little to hold down Claude but they had got him down and held him down saying, we understand how your feeling right now but if you continue well be forced to arrest you Walking back up to her door steps after telling Latoya that shes going to need her help to get over it all. Susan saw police officers wrestling with Claude as he was trying to break free. Get off of my son! Susan began screaming out Their trying to calm him down right now Susan, Ill make sure though that they dont arrest him, Pastor replied. He then helped Susan up to her room to lie down and told her not to worry because he wasnt going to leave her and her son all alone. So he offered to sleep on the sofa in the living room for the remainder of the week to be there for them. Who killed my father and brother?! Claude screamed while the officers held him down. The police told Claude that his father and brother were killed along with five other people, and that guns were found inside the cars. Do you know anything about all of what happened today? And dont lie to us, the police officers asked Claude. I dont know anything. I was with the lady you saw me pull up with just a while ago, Claude replied. Did they have any enemies? the police asked. No, Claude answered. All right, tomorrow we would like for you to come down to the police station with your mother so that we can talk to you about all of this. Dont

worry, well contact your school for you about your absence, the officers told Claude and then began letting him up slowly. Okay, said Claude. After all of the police officers cleared away from his home, the pastor asked Claude if he could join him in prayer for him and his mother. Susan was inside of her bedroom feeling troubled and sadness like she has never felt before in her life. She couldnt handle the pressure and the way she was feeling. It was like as if something had just ripped her heart out of her, chewed on it and then spit it out and walked away. Not looking to see the expression or caring about the kind of expression it left on her face. Not being able to handle laying down in her bed without her husband to hold, she began to shake and have chills. Telling herself, I dont want to live like this Susan had then called her hair salon and talked to one of her workers telling her to take over things for while shes gone for a couple of days, without even giving an explanation. After the prayer, Claude went to lie down on his bed and fell asleep with tears dropping from his eyes. He asked himself why he wasnt there when they needed him the most. The pastor heard his words as he stood by the door to make sure that he was all right. Because it wasnt meant to be that way. Your Father God had someone to guide you in another direction instead of the direction of trouble and death and the rest that went on today. You should be thankful that youre still here for your mother, and not only for your mother, but for yourself. Now I want to encourage you to learn from your fathers and brothers mistakes and know that theyre watching down on you now, hoping that you wont do the same as them. Dont go looking for revenge! Remember, for everything good that you do and learn from in life, there comes a reward, and remember, my brother, the more you strive in life and succeed, the more you will be hated. However, the more you fail, the more they laugh. Your father strove and succeeded from the kind of life that he was in and got a job and a family. The enemy got jealous and continued testing him until he couldnt take it anymore. Learn from your father and be like your father. However, dont let the enemy turn you around when youre almost to another level in life and close to the finish line. Now, go to sleep and let your Father handle all your problems. Also I want you to remember that a sacrifice earns blessings in life.

Thank you, Claude replied after his words. Claude fell asleep with the word revenge still in his head. He dreamed, imagining how his father and brother had died, and every time the word revenge was said to him. Claude ended up waking up in the middle of the night and screamed out Robert. The pastor heard him, woke up, and ran inside Claudes bedroom and asked him if he was all right. Yes, Im alright, Claude replied. Who told you that Robert was one of the ones that was killed? the pastor asked Claude. Claude looked at him and then ran out of the house. I know who Im going to get nowStanley. Because I know hes still alive out there somewhere, Claude said to himself as he ran. Claude ran to Alans house and knocked on his room window and told him to come outside. I heard about what happened today, and I guess now you know how it feels to lose a father, Alan said to Claude as he came out of his house. Thats what I came to talk to you about, and if you want to be in this with me, Claude asked. What? Alan asked. That same man named Stanley that killed your father is the same man that just killed my father, Claude said. Who is Stanley? Alan asked. Roberts father. Roberts the boy that my brother fought with because of me, Claude said. Your father and my father were best friends, so tell me why didnt your father tell me? Alan asked. He didnt want to mess up your life anymore, after you had recovered from your fathers death because we heard you were out of trouble, out of gangs, and into school, Claude replied. No, truthfully, I was doing worse. Many nights I wanted to commit suicide, but I didnt because I still had a mother to look over me. But then when my mother died from stressing herself too much, I dropped into an Idont-know hole, Alan replied. No one ever told me that your mother died too, Claude said. Well, yes, she did. But I never told anyone, and now I feel like I have nothing to live for. No one but myself, and I feel like Im not going nowhere in

life because of it all. My uncle that lives here now with me, he doesnt do nothing for me, said Alan. I feel and understand you, so you in it with me? Claude asked him again. Tell me when, and Ill make sure I find out where hes hiding until then, Alan replied. All right, just be ready when I call, Claude said and began walking back home. He asked himself if the decision would be worth it in the end. When he walked back in the house, the pastor looked at him and said, I hope you remembered my words to you, and that youve decided not to crash into another problem that might have you farther away from that finish line than you already were. Claude glanced at the pastor and kept on walking, not looking back because if the pastor saw all of the tears that were dropping, he wouldve known that he was about to start turning toward a road of revenge. Before you go back in your room, Claude, just know your best friend, Thomas, has also gone to heaven and now wishes for you not to make that wrong turn too. So you have five people looking down on you, hoping and praying for you to use your head and learn, and for you to be the best man that you could be, for them and yourself.