"dl" THUG PASSION 7 OLD TROUBLES/NEW BEGINNINGS

“dl” THUG PASSION VII

OLD TROUBLES AND NEW BEGINNINGS

BY: CEDRIC D BUTLER


PART ONE

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Why is it that when things go wrong or something bad happens we immediately want to seek revenge? In most cases it only causes a chain of events that we are not capable of handling. Most people are not ready for what lies beyond that door. My friends and I had kicked that door wide open. We were not ready for or expecting what was on the other side. Damn!

The hospital was dark and quiet at this hour of the night. Inside room 617, the only sound to be heard came from a heart monitor. This machine, along with a few others, was connected to a lifeless body that lay in the bed. Hakim Shabazz, whose birth name was Darrell Johnson, lay motionless and in a deep coma. He was a thug to the fullest. He wasn’t just a hardcore nigga, but he was the type that didn’t give a fuck about anyone or anything. He was a member of a gang called “Bad Rep”. This dude had a real short fuse. A few months ago he had caused my friend Mike to be killed. Then a couple of weeks ago, my cousin Terrelle had almost killed him. That’s why he is lying here now.

In the far corner of the room sat his god-brother James Proctor also known as Baby J or The General. Baby J sat and watched as Hakim’s chest rose and fell. Since they were younger he always thought that Hakim would be killed at a young age. Hakim was a real hot head and caused trouble wherever he went. He was the bully type and always had friends who would back him. Over the years he had made a name for himself and was someone that most people feared. When Baby J had formed his own crew, Hakim was the first to come aboard and bring his flock with him. Although him and his boys made the crew stronger, they were a pain in the ass to deal with. Hakim usually bit off more than he could chew. Baby J would always have to get him out of some tight situations. Still, it surprised him to be sitting here not knowing whether his god-brother would live or die. He rose from his seat and went to stand by the bed.

“Damn Hakim. This time you’ve really done it. You never seem to listen. You think that you can create chaos and not suffer the consequences. This time the shit caught up with you. Still, you know that no matter what happens, I will avenge you.”

The funny thing was that Baby J felt bad about the death of Magic Mike. He had enough knowledge about our crew to know that we were not troublemakers. Deep inside it ate at him to know he would have to get his hands dirty on this one. Still, as the leader of Bad Rep, he had an obligation to his crew. If he simply let this episode slide, his ability to lead would be questioned. It seemed funny how things had come around full circle. We were playing a dangerous game by taking the law into our own hands. That’s how it was in the streets though. We all know that in this world there is no such thing as fair.

“Hakim if you make it out of this one you are gonna owe me big time.” Baby J said as he returned to his seat. He began to formulate his plan. So far he only knew that Terrelle must be the last victim. It was important for him to watch the rest of us suffer first. An example would be made and then everyone would know that you don’t fuck with Bad Rep.


PART TWO

It’s funny how you can go from loving yourself to hating yourself in a short time. I know a lot about that. After I was bitten my life seemed as meaningless as it did before I met Q.

It was senior year. This was supposed to be the happiest time of my life. My mind should have been on SATs, graduation and college. Instead I was stuck in my room, afraid to face the world. Until recently I had been the type that could overcome anything in time. Now I only felt trapped.

Inside the confines of my room the only visitors I allowed were loneliness, pain and self-pity. I felt like a monster. How could I go to school? I couldn’t face my peers looking like this. How could I visit colleges now? It would be hard enough just being a freshman. My life was in turmoil. I was stressed out and depressed. In the two weeks since I’d been home, I had barely left my room. I was ashamed of the way I looked. I even went as far as to refuse to see my boys. I hadn’t even seen Quentin. I couldn’t bear for him to look at me.

“The nigga is going to leave me anyway.” I often thought to myself. “Like Tina said, “What’s love got to do with it?”

I wore a surgeon’s mask at all times to hide my shame. As the days passed by, my depression only seemed to worsen. I spent most of my time staring at the face I no longer recognized as my own. On several occasions I had taken out my gun. I would load it with one bullet and put it to my temple. It seemed like pulling the trigger would free me from the emotional struggle I was going through. Of course I was too smart to really believe that shit. Yet and still, it took all of my being not to end my suffering. Fear of hell didn’t stop me. Neither did the fear of God’s wrath for committing one of mans greatest sins. No, in the end it was the love of my family and friends that kept me from doing it. I only wanted to hurt myself. I knew if I committed suicide, it would be like taking a part of them with me. So instead I wallowed in my misery alone.

One afternoon I was sitting around feeling sorry for myself. Then I heard someone attempting to unlock my door. I knew it was Quentin. He had come by everyday to check on me. At first he had respected the fact that I needed to be alone. Lately though he was becoming frustrated. I had sent my little sister out to purchase a new lock for me. I heard him curse when his key didn’t work. Finally he gave up and knocked.

“Whoever it is go away!” I said.

“Open the door Ced. It’s Q.”

“What part of go away don’t you understand?”

“I haven’t seen you in almost two weeks. How long do you plan to stay locked up in there? You are still the same nigga to me. I don’t care if you have a million scars. To me you will always be sexy.”

In a small way that made me feel good. At the same time I was scared that if he saw me he’d think I was a monster. He had actually only seen my face that first night things happened. That is why he couldn’t understand my reasoning. The more I looked at myself the uglier I felt and the more I thought he would hate me. I wanted to cry but I couldn’t. All the tears were gone now. There was only anger to take their place.

“Come on Ced. How can I be there for you if you keep me locked out? I made a promise to always be there for you but you are making it hard for me to honor that. Will you please just open the door?”

I wanted to tell him no. I wanted to send him away and tell him to leave me alone. I couldn’t though. Truth be told, I missed him more than the chunk of flesh that had been ripped from my face.

“Ok Q. Hold on.” I said while thinking how I had wasted my money on the lock.

I made sure that my mask was on properly and walked over and unlocked the door. Before he could enter the room I had made my way over to the window and stood peering outside. I had to fight the urge to turn and look at him.

“Damn this is foul Ced. First I have to talk to you through the door and now you give me your back. On top of that you changed the lock that I put on your door. I must not be a very good boyfriend.” He laughed trying to lift my spirits.

“Yeah I guess so.” I said not really hearing what he had said.

“Come on playboy. Snap out of it. This should be the happiest time of your life. We just started senior year and soon we’ll be headed off to college. Plus you have a pretty good looking nigga who loves you to death.”

Q had a way of making me feel better at any given time. For some strange reason his humor had no affect on me right now. I could tell that he was slowly approaching me. I must have looked like a wounded animal to him. He stopped when he reached my dresser. My gun and the single bullet lay on top of it. I turned just enough to see what he was doing. I could feel the temperature rise as his blood began to boil.

“What the fuck is this Cedric? Are you planning to use this or something?” he yelled at me.

I didn’t say anything but I knew that I was about to get the third degree.

“This shit is unbelievable. You are a lying ass sorry nigga Cedric. You made a promise to me or don’t you remember? You have conquered so many things in your life. You are going to college and can do whatever you want. I am still here everyday sweating your stupid ass but you want to end it all right?”

I still didn’t respond. He was speaking the truth but to no avail.

“Damn Ced. Don’t you see what the problem is? You are sitting here alone in this room trying to face these demons on your own. Who the fuck are you hiding from? It can’t be me or the rest of the crew. We’ve got nothing but love and respect for your ass. Or has this little episode caused you to become a coward?” Q said.

“What nigga? What the fuck do you know? You are not the one wearing this fucking scar on your face! You don’t know shit about what I am going through!”

“You know what Ced? You are not going through this alone. If I don’t know what you are going through that’s your fault. You are one the hiding behind locked doors. But it seems that you are on some selfish shit and your eyes are glued shut. You are only seeing what you want too. If you want my opinion you are acting like a little bitch.”

Now I turned around and faced Q. I looked him dead in the eyes. If looks could kill, my nigga would have dropped dead on the spot.

“Quentin I think you’d better watch your mouth. I am not really in the mood for this shit right now.”

At this point he picked up the gun and bullet. He seemed to be loading it. At first I thought he was going to just shoot me and end it all. There was no fear on my part. To this day that is a scary thought. I believe in GOD and all but why I don’t fear death I could never explain.

“I know. You are not in the mood for anything but death it seems. You have loss the will to live right? You want to try and kill yourself again? Do you think that would put you in God’s favor? Have you ever thought about how much of a mortal sin that is?”

“As a matter of fact I have thought long and hard about it.”

He walked over and handed me the gun.

“So you want to do God’s work? Will dying make you happy? Then go ahead and do it while I’m watching.”

I looked at the gun and then back at Q. I put the gun to my temple and pulled the trigger six times.

Click! Click! Click! Click! Click! Click!

The gun was empty but each time it dry fired Quentin jumped as if it had gone off. His mouth dropped open and he stood there in disbelief. The single bullet fell from his hand and rolled across the floor. He knew that I could be dead right now.

“Oh my GOD! Are you crazy nigga? Is this shit affecting you that much?” he said attempting to touch my face. “Baby just tell me what I can do to help.”

I just stared into his eyes, showing him that this life was sometimes more than I could bear.

“Ced listen to me. Help me out here baby. What can I do to help? It doesn’t matter because I’ll do anything.” He pleaded with tears starting to flow from his eyes.

“Then get out.” I calmly said.

“What?” he asked.

“You heard me. I said get out. If you want to help me then get out and leave me the fuck alone.”

Q looked at me as if I was a stranger. I saw his heartache double as my words hit home.

“Come on baby. This is Quentin you are talking too. I’m your ride or die nigga remember? You can’t expect me to leave while you are feeling and acting like this. I’m not leaving this room unless you leave with me.”

I don’t know what had come over me. I was feeling so hateful. Part of me wanted to grab Q and hug him. Another part wanted him gone. I went to my closet and grabbed a handful of bullets. I loaded the gun and turned to Q.

“The only thing I expect is for you to do is get the fuck out of my room and my life. Your nigga Ced doesn’t live here anymore and neither does love. Now for the last time, get the fuck out!”

We stood there and looked at each other for a while. I could tell that if I had said that while not holding the gun, we would be fighting right then. He was determined not to leave this room without me. I was determined that he would. I raised to gun to my temple again.

“If you are still here by the count of three then there will be nothing left to talk about.”

“Well if pulling that trigger will make you feel better, why don’t you go ahead and shoot me. I can’t live without you. I may as well be dead too.”

“Q, if I did that it would be murder. I’m only out to end my own suffering. I could never physically hurt you. One….”

“Ok you win. You want me gone? I’ll leave. When your brain starts to function again just remember that you have people who love you. Pulling that trigger will hurt them as much as it will you and maybe even worse.”

He continued to stand there as if awaiting an answer. I gave him one.

“Two….” I said in response.

He turned and ran towards the door. As he was closing it I saw the tears and pain in his eyes and realized that I alone had caused the grief in his heart. Everything I had just said played back in my mind as the door closed.

What had I said and done? Did I really say all that to my boy? Was I really being a selfish coward? I wish I could take it all back. I knew that if I called him back right now that all would be forgiven. I was too stubborn though. Part of me wanted everyone to hurt like I was. Still, as I heard Q walking down the hall, it felt as if I had sunk to my lowest depths. I could have just ended the best thing that had been placed in my life. The anger in me swelled to new heights. I can remember the phrase that went through my mind at that moment.

“Fuck the world!”

PART THREE

Terrelle was back to his old self once again. He was still smoking weed but had given up drinking. He looked so handsome and happy. He had broken things off with Tisha. The truth was, after they had sex, T no longer felt attracted to her. It was like that for him with females. He liked girls but knew that there was nothing beyond sex with them. After Mike died, he swore he would never be with another man. Now he realized that he was only fooling himself. He didn’t simply dismiss Tisha though. He cared about her too much for that. He sat her down and explained the whole thing to her. She was shocked to say the least but she said that it all made sense to her now. She promised to keep the secret and became the only female that wasn’t family to share our secret.

T was cleaning his room one-day and came across a phone number he had recently misplaced. He stared at the number and debated whether or not to make the call.

“Fuck it.” He said picking up the phone and dialing.

“Hello?” a voice answered.

“Hello, can I speak to James please.”

“Speaking. Who is this?”

“What’s up Baby J? This is Terrelle.”

“Oh what’s good T? How have you been?”

“Well I was going through some shit for a minute but I’m good now. You have been on my mind since the last time we talked.”

“Oh really? Good thoughts I hope.”

“No doubt. Nothing but good thoughts.”

“So, what’s going through your mind when you think about me?”

“Mostly the dance we shared at the party. You had a nigga open with those moves.”

“Oh for real? Well I seem to remember that you left me hanging that night. You promised to dance with me again but then you just disappeared. I asked Darius where you went but he didn’t know.”

“Yeah some shit came up with my cousin.”

“Well I hope everything is alright now.”

“It is. Everything is cool now.”

“So when can I get that dance?”

“Anytime, but I don’t go to those parties anymore.”

“That’s cool. I was thinking of a more private setting anyway.”

“That’s even better for me. Just tell me when and where.”

“Well I get out of class at 1:15. Then I have to visit a sick relative in the hospital. So let’s get up around 7 p.m. tomorrow night.”

“That’s fine by me. We can chill here at my house if you’d like.”

“Oh. Do you have your own place?”

“No, but my mom works nights and is seldom here when she’s not working.”

“That’s perfect. Hit me with the address then.”

T gave him the information. They said their good-byes and hung up. T lay back in the bed and smiled. Baby J’s image was etched is his mind and for good reason too. The nigga was fine with a capital F and an exclamation point. He was about 6 feet even and 185 pounds. He had a slim but solid toned build. His skin was smooth and a dark honey brown complexion. He had the prettiest brown eyes that sparkled brighter than the stars. His hair was black, short and curly. His lips were nice and full. It seemed as if they were only made for kissing.

The phone rang breaking T from his thoughts. He looked down and realized that his dick was brick hard. The phone continued to ring and he answered it.

“Hello.” He said sounding agitated. “Oh what’s up Q?”

He listened as Q explained what was going on.

“What? He actually did and said all of that? Calm down Q. I’ll handle this shit. I already know what to do. Meet me at his house tomorrow after school. Keep your head up. You know in your heart that he will always love you. Ok see you then Q.”


“Damn Ced. You are really tripping.” He said to himself.

T was red hot now. He had given up trying to get me out of the room. He had decided to let me come out on my own. I had gone too far though. He took the only course of action he could think of. He picked up the phone and called the only person he knew who would be able to talk some since into me.

PART FOUR

Jayson (Lil Bit) had developed a jealous streak the world could barely hold. Q had told him that there would be no more threesomes and his heart had turned bitter. He must have thought the session was leading to a three-way relationship. Or maybe he thought the ass was so good that I’d leave Q. Either way he was wrong. But he had finally gotten a taste of what he wanted and now he wanted it all. He wanted me and was willing to do whatever it took to have me. He sat and thought of ways to sabotage our relationship. Finally he came up with what he felt was the perfect plan.

Jayson knew about everything that went down on the streets. He knew what crew Hakim belonged to and that Baby J got down. He also knew Baby J would be looking for revenge. Lil Bit had set up a meeting with him today. He was given a free pass into Bad Rep territory to meet with the General.
They met in a park on the north side of town. Jayson was sweating uncontrollably as he walked up to the bench where Baby J was sitting. On each side of him stood the biggest, blackest niggas you will ever see. Although Baby J was only a teenager, most of his crew consisted of grown men. It was a sight to behold. This young black man possessed so much power.

“Have a seat.” Baby J told Lil Bit.

“I think I’ll just stand.”

“Suit yourself. Now, what the hell do you want?”

“I want to talk some serious business with you.”

Baby J and the bodyguards laughed.

“What kind of business does a weak, pathetic, West Side nigga like you want to do with me?”

“It concerns your god-brother.”

Baby J glared at Jayson. He was almost eye level with him sitting down.

“I’m listening and it better be good too.”

Lil Bit swallowed hard before going on.

“Well, I sort of hang with the niggas he got into it with at the party.”

The two bodyguards started towards him but Baby J raised a hand to stop them.

“Let’s hear him out fellas. There’s no rush.”

Lil Bit was sweating so hard he looked as though he had been caught in a rainstorm.

“Well I think the next part of this conversation should be between the two of us.”

“Ok, frisk this nigga.” He told his goons.

Lil Bit was searched more thorough than if he was about to enter the White House.

“He’s clean General.” One of the goons said.

“Good. Now take a walk boys.”

Both looked hesitant to leave him there alone.

“Now!” he yelled at them.

They both walked off after giving Lil Bit the killer stare down.

“Anything you say from here out better be legit. I only agreed to meet with you because Darius is my nigga.”

“I think you will enjoy what I have to tell you.”

He told Baby J all that he knew about us. He explained where we worked, went to school, hung out and even whom our other friends were. By the time he was done Baby J’s smile was a mile long.

“Ok little man. Why are you telling me all of this? What’s in it for you?”

“I will help you get all of them. All I ask is that you leave Cedric out of it.”

Baby J thought for a second.

“Cedric is the nigga that got bit in the face right?” he didn’t wait for an answer. “What’s so special about him?”

“Let’s just say for the same reason you are special to his cousin Terrelle.”

Baby J was quiet for a while. He wanted to slap this nigga. Like most of us, he hated a snitch. He had to keep his cool though.

“Ok. We’ll see what your info leads us to and go from there. If everything pans out, so be it. Otherwise your little genius boyfriend will be in the same boat as the rest of them.” He said.

“Don’t worry. I know every move those niggas make. They will never know what hit them.”

“I’m not worried about anything nigga. All I know is that if they ever find out what you’re doing, you will be the one with something to worry about. Darius or no one else will be able to save your little ass.”

“Once you finish with them, I can deal with Ced. He’ll need me when they’re gone. You’ll see. I have it all worked out.”

“That has to be the stupidest shit I’ve ever heard. It’s time for you to dismiss yourself because the sight of you disgusts me. You know how to get in touch if anything comes up. Oh yeah, if I were you I wouldn’t be caught around here when it gets dark.”

With that Baby J and his goons left Jayson in the park. He quickly got into his car and headed for home.

“Fuck Q!” he said to himself. “He ain’t got shit on me. I’ll be a better nigga to Ced than he could ever be. Plus Ced loved being up in this ass. Deep down I knows he wants more.”

PART FIVE

The next day was pretty much the same. I sat in my room all day. I could tell my wound was healing because it itched like crazy. I stared at myself and struck a couple of poses. I was looking for the young man I use to see. He was no longer there.

Little did I know Q and T were sitting in my living room at that moment. My mom brought them some pop (soda), and chips.

“Good luck trying to get that boy out of that room.” She said. “He is dead set on staying in there until he gets the surgery.”

“Don’t worry auntie, he’s coming out of there today. He has been acting so stupid that I had to go and get Nana on him.”

“You went and got mama on him? Oh lord. I’m glad I have to go to work. If he pisses her off, that scar is the last thing he has to worry about.” She laughed.

“Yeah your mom could make Mike Tyson run for cover.” Q said. “She doesn’t play any games.”

“Well if that’s what it takes to get him out of there, so be it.” Mom said. “You boys be good and I’ll see you both later.

She kissed them both and looked at Q.

“Cheer up Quentin. Ced didn’t mean those things. He loves you more than anything I can think of. He just doesn’t know how to deal with the situation. It will all work out.” She told him.

“I know. I just feel so helpless. He won’t let me do anything.”

“That’s all about to change.” T said getting up and looking out the window. “Nana is here now.”

“Oh lord. That’s my cue. Good luck boys.”

She greeted my grandmother at the door and headed for work. Nana came in and looked at T and Q.

“Oh my Lord. You boys are getting so big. Come over here and give Nana her love.”

“Hey Nana. Thanks for coming.” T said.

“How are you Boomer?” her nickname for T.

“I’m doing good now that you are here.”

“And look at Mr. G.Q.” she called Q that because she said he looked like a model. “You are just as handsome as ever.”

She hugged him a little too tight. Q blushed as he always did. He said it felt like she was trying to hit on him.

“Now where is my Man Man?” That was her nickname for me.

“Upstairs in his room.” They said and pointed at the same time.

“God as my witness, if I have to climb those stairs, you know he’s coming out of that room. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

She made it up the stairs and to my room. She knocked on my door so hard that one of my Tupac pictures fell off the wall.

“Whoever it is just go away and leave me alone!”

“Boy who are you taking that tone with? If you don’t open this door I am going to beat the brakes off your ass.”

“Oh sorry Nana. Just a second.”

I hurried to put on my mask and opened the door for her. Everyone knew I was her favorite but she would get in my shit as quick as anyone else. I slowly opened the door and hugged my grandmother. Most people say I act like her and look like my grandfather. That’s why they say I have an old soul.

“Hey baby.”

A hug from this woman could warm the devils cold heart. I needed it too. I hung on to her like I was clinging to life. She could feel the turmoil within me. I felt like I had been returned to the womb. I felt so safe and secure in her arms. I just let the tears flow and noticed that a few fell from her eyes as well.

“Man Man take off that mask and let Nana have a look.” She said.

“Sorry Nana but I really don’t want you to see me like this.”

She grabbed me by the ear and twisted it. My grandparents never had to hit me. That ear twist was all it took to make me comply.

“I wasn’t asking you boy. Now take off that mask or the Lord as my witness you’ll wish you had.”

If this woman used the words God, Lord or Jesus, you knew she was serious. I did as I was told although she had pissed me off. I knew then that something was wrong with me besides my visible wound. I had never had a bad thought or feeling towards her. I had to check my attitude.

“Yes ma’am.” I said exposing my face.

She stood looking at my face for the longest. The longer she stared the uglier I felt.

“It’s not as bad as I thought. It actually makes you look more handsome. Now you look more like your daddy than your grandfather.”

She caught me by surprise with that one. None of my family members ever talked about my dad. I was lead to believe my stepfather was my dad until I was twelve years old. I forgot all about my face for the moment.

“Why do you say that Nana?” I asked.

The look she gave told me she had said too much. I wasn’t letting her out of it though.

“Nana I am a big boy now. I will be leaving for college next year. Don’t you think it’s time for you guys to stop keeping secrets from me? Please tell me about him.”

She thought for a few seconds.

“Well I always thought it was your mamas place to tell you. I’ll make a deal with you though. If you come out of this room I will tell you the whole story. First you are going to let those boys down there know that you don’t hate them. God had blessed you but you are letting the devil whisper evil thoughts in your ear. You have to get yourself together or before you know it you will be lost.”

I thought about it and weighed my options. I was treating T and Q like enemies. What I had said and done once again played through my mind. I felt so bad about it. Plus the curiosity about my dad outweighed the fear of them seeing my face.

“Ok. You have a deal. Could you ask Quentin to come up here for a second first? I was really nasty to him and need to talk to him alone.”

“Just make sure you bring your behind downstairs when you’re done. Don’t make me come back up here. I’ll make you boys some dinner and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

She kissed me and left the room. I tried my best to look like the old Ced and waited for Q. I walked into the bathroom and gazed into the mirror.

“I guess it’s not all that bad.” I thought to myself. I desperately searched to see the face of the man I had never known. There was a knock at my door and this time I didn’t hesitate to answer it.

There on the other side stood Q. He was smiling like it was Christmas morning. I just handed him my mask. He ripped it to shreds. He then took the shredded pieces and flushed them down the toilet.

“Q, I can’t begin to tell you how sorry….”.

He grabbed me in his arms and looked deep into my eyes.

“Just shut up for a minute.” He said.

He leaned in and gave me the most passionate kiss my lips had ever felt.

My dick got so hard that I could have held up a pyramid with it.

“Tell me that you still love me Cedric.”

“I love you Q. Always have and always will. You know that.”

“Good. Then that means you will forgive me for this then.”

He drew back and punched me in the stomach so hard, I almost shit on myself. I fell to the floor clutching my gut. I knew I deserved it though.

“If you think that was for treating me the way you have you are wrong. You promised me that you would never try to kill yourself again. I would rather have died than to live without you nigga.”

I was in so much pain I couldn’t say anything. I tried to speak but only managed to mouth the words “I’m gonna fuck you up”.

“You’re not going to do shit.” Q said helping me to my feet. He pulled my shirt up then bent down and kissed my belly.

“Is that better?” he asked.

I shook my head yes and tried to smile at him. He kissed my scar and backed up to look at me.

“Tony Montana eat your heart out. I’ve got my own sexy Scarface. Just remember that you owe me. If I would have told anyone about your little gun episode, you’d be wearing a straight jacket and be all doped up right now. Plus you owe me two weeks worth of that good dick. But right now we have to get downstairs before Nana comes to crucify your ass.”

I didn’t feel whole again but part of my sanity seemed to return. Q still looked heartbroken. I knew he would always worry now when I got stressed out. I don’t know if he’d ever trust me not to hurt myself. He had been right all along. I had been acting so selfishly. I’d have to find a way to make it up to him.

We went downstairs and Nana was telling T one of her down south war stories. He almost ran out of the room as we entered.

“Boy sit your narrow ass down. Do you have something so important to do that you can’t sit and talk to an old woman?”

Her back was to Q and I, so she couldn’t see us pointing and laughing at T.

“Actually Nana, I was just happy to see that Ced had finally come out of his room.” He was trying to put me on the spot. “Plus I can’t stay for dinner because I have a date.”

“You had better remember to wear a raincoat if you mess with those fast ass girls. I want you to finish school and make something of yourself before you have babies running around out here.”

“Ok Nana. We don’t need to go there. I’ll see you later. Ced I’m glad you’ve joined the living again. I missed your ugly butt.”

As soon as the words left his mouth he looked as if he wished he could take them back. He looked at me apologetically.

“It’s all good T.” I said giving him the finger. “I have a date with your girl tonight too.”

“Whatever stupid. Anyway I’ll talk to you later.” T caught me by surprise and gave me a hug. Not your average thug hug but the real deal. I hugged him back as I whispered in his ear.

“I know you called Nana on me. I will pay you back later on. Thanks though cousin. I guess I needed that.”

“Anytime playboy. I’m just glad that you are out of that little funk. Things aren’t the same without you around. Are you coming to school tomorrow?”

“I might be there. I’m not sure yet.”

“Ok then. I’ll see you later.”

He hugged Nana, gave Q some daps and was gone.

PART SIX

Baby J was leaving the hospital and headed home to get dressed. He had decided not to bring his gun. He would take the chance of coming to our hood. Besides he had a few inside sources over there. He was still trying to decide how to handle things. He knew that Jayson was now on his hit list as well. He would make it seem like we had done something to Lil Bit. That way he could stay on good terms with Darius. Darius was important to him because they were good friends. Also he was his link to meeting dudes. Things would work out fine for him either way though. He had gone as far as to recruit a few of our enemies to assist him. Nothing would be able to link him to whatever happened. His plan was full proof.

T had made it home. He was in good spirits. He was dying to see Baby J tonight. He stood at his closet trying to decide what to wear. He hoped by the end of the night to be wearing nothing at all. He chose a wife beater and some sweats. He wanted every curve of his body to be visible. He took a shower and got dressed. He threw on some Joop cologne, which was a birthday present from Q. He walked to his nightstand and looked at the picture of all of us with Mike.

“No matter who I’m with on Earth, I plan to spend eternity with you in Heaven Magic.”

He then turned on the television and waited for Baby J to arrive.

PART SEVEN

Nana had prepared us some boneless fish and grits. We sat down to the table and Q reached out to grab his portions.

“Boy if you touch that food before we say blessing, it will be your last meal!”

Q drew back his hand as is she had just slapped him. Nana blessed the food and gave thanks to God for our lives and health. I hadn’t eaten much since my incident and I was starving. Thankfully the fish had no bones because I dug in with no mercy. I was eating like a savage until Nana started to speak. I was all ears then.

“Before we moved here from Georgia, your mother had already met James (my stepfather). I disliked him from the start. He had recently joined the army and your mother loved a man in uniform. There was something about him that just didn’t sit right with me. He was too charming and arrogant. Your grandfather wouldn't even let him come in our house. When he got stationed in Texas, we moved to New York. Your grandfather hoped that we would never see him again. Anyway, your mom made friends with a girl named Willa Mae Coleman. She happened to be from the same hometown as we were. Your mother met and fell in love with her cousin Felton Coleman. He was a top executive at Kodak. He seemed to be a good man and your mother fell for him instantly. When she got pregnant with you, his true colors began to show. He turned out to be a workingman by day but after that he was a stone cold gangster. On the streets he went by the name of Butchy. He left your mom about three days before you were born. Your mother was devastated. The next thing we knew she had sent some money to James. He moved here for good when you were two years old. He loved your mother but he secretly hated the fact that she had a baby by another man.

Suddenly things began to make sense to me. I always wondered how that man could hate me the way he did. I wasn’t even a bad kid and he treated me like shit. I mean I don’t even have one good memory about the dude. When I think about him the only thing that comes to mind is child abuse. Now that I’m older it makes me hate him more. He beat me for anything that went wrong in his life. He was a cokehead and an alcoholic. He beat me with anything he could get his hands on. I have been beat with tree branches, switches, extension cords, etc. He beat me with all things imaginable and I still have the scars to prove it. I would go to school all messed up and tell the teacher I fell off my bike or got into a fight. One day he came home drunk and beat me with a wire hanger. He made me strip butt naked and attacked every part of my body. He even beat my dick and balls. He busted my scrotum. I still wonder to this day if that is the reason I am not able to have kids.

My mood finally turned foul again. All those years and all those beatings made my blood boil. I mean this asshole wasn’t even my dad and my family let him torment me physically and mentally. My mom’s sister was the only one to ever try to help me. He banned her from our house and I use to have to sneak and go see her. Anyway, she was the one who eventually told me that he wasn’t my father.

“What I don’t understand Nana, is why did everyone continue to let him hurt me?”

“You have to realize that we had no power over it. Your mom was so stuck on him that there was no talking to her. She would get beat and act as if nothing ever happened. I often asked her to let me take you.”

“Fuck that! I was a little kid and couldn’t defend myself. If she wanted to stay that’s fine. Why did I have to endure his rage? I didn’t ask to be here. I can’t grasp why no one stepped in to help me. Wasn’t I worth it? Didn’t any of you even care?”

“First of all watch your mouth….”

“No! Tell me what it was. Why did no one feel the need to get me out of that situation? Did you all think that it would just go away?”

“Cedric I know you are hurting but don’t talk to your grandmother like that.” Q said. “The past is the past and he can’t hurt you anymore.”

Q was right and I apologized to Nana.

“I didn’t mean to take my anger out on you.” I said to her. “Maybe I’ll never understand. But Q is right, the past is the past.”

“Well baby maybe one day you will understand. People aren’t perfect. We all make mistakes and sometimes the ones we love the most suffer from them. Right now though I have something to give you.”

She pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to me. The address was for a Felton Coleman Jr., 1432 South Avenue. I looked at her and wondered how long this had stayed hidden in her purse.

“I ran into your father a few months back. He asked me then to give you his address. You have been through so much we felt that you weren’t ready to meet him. Now the choice is yours. When you are ready go and have a talk with him. He’s been expecting you to come around for a while though. Now you can talk to him and at least get some of your questions answered.”

I looked at Q and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I just might do that Nana. As a matter of fact I will. Q will you come with me?”

“You don’t even have to ask Ced. I got your back.”

“Ok then. Tomorrow I will meet my dad for the first time. It’s not about reunions though. I’m gonna let him know what’s really on my mind.”

PART EIGHT

The doorbell rang and T jumped up to answer it. Baby J stood on the other side looking good enough to eat. T just stood there looking at him, and visioning the things they’d do together.

“Well can I come in or are you going to eye fuck me all night? You make me feel like I’m naked.”

“Oh, my bad. Come on in. You just look better than I remember.”

“To tell the truth so do you.” Baby J said honestly. He had forgotten how fine T was. He allowed the thought to flow from his head. After all, for him this was business.

“Well like I said, we have the house to ourselves so make yourself at home. I’m not much of a cook but we can order some food if you are hungry.”

“That’s cool with me. I’ve got a craving for some pizza myself.”

“Ok then. You find something to watch and I’ll make it happen.”

T left to order some food as Baby J admired the house. The huge shelf filled with photos caught his attention. He noticed a picture of all of us with Mike. We all looked so happy. As he was putting the picture back T came back into the room.

“Those are my boys right there. You remember my cousin Ced. That’s his boyfriend Q standing next to him. And the one standing next to me is…”

T seemed to choke up. He started to feel guilty as he stared into Mike’s eyes.

“That was your boyfriend Mike. I know all about it and I am sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how it must have been for you.”

“Yeah he was a good nigga. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. He’s gone now but I got a small amount of payback for him.”

“It seems so sad. So how did you get payback? I’ll understand if you don’t want to talk about it.”

T told him the story from start to finish. Baby J fought to keep his composure as T described how he beat Hakim.

“Now he is in a coma. I thought hurting him would make things better and in some ways it did. I just hate that fact that something so stupid had to go this far.”

The doorbell rang and T left to answer it. Baby J was glad for the interruption so he could regain his thoughts. T returned with the food. They talked some more as they enjoyed the pizza, chicken wings and soda. When they finished they returned to the living room. Baby J stopped T as he began to sit down.

“Aren’t you forgetting something T? You still owe me a dance don’t you?”

“Oh yeah. I did forget about that.”

T went to the stereo and looked through his selection.

“Why don’t you put on something slow.” James said.

T knew the perfect song for this situation. He put on “Stay” by Jodeci.

“Yeah that’s the shit right there.” Baby J said.

T walked up to him and they started to slow dance. At first they danced apart, but as the rhythm set in they got closer. James was amazed at how good it felt to have T in his arms again. He felt like he could dance all night. T held him tight and he felt himself being drawn in. He wanted to push T away but he couldn’t. He looked into T’s eyes and he liked what he saw there. T leaned in and kissed him on the neck and he could have melted. He grabbed T tighter and felt the heat as their dicks mashed together. Before he could stop himself, he had his tongue in T’s mouth. He was caught up in the moment. Terrelle slid his hands into Baby J’s pants and squeezed his fat ass. James moaned, as the touch of T’s hand sent stimulating currents throughout his body. The tongue on his neck and hands gripping his ass had him open. He grinded into T and felt a wetness form in his boxers. He let out a sigh as T whispered in his ear.

“Do you like that?” he asked.

“Hell yeah nigga. You’d better not stop either.”

“I wasn’t planning to.”

He removed one hand from Baby J’s pants and slid it into his shirt. He squeezed his nipples and licked his ears. T whispered into his ear again.

“So will you James?”

“Will I what?”

“Stay!” T sang in time with the music.

“As long as you make the stay worth.”

“In more ways than one.” T responded.

“That’s what’s up then.”

T started pulling off Baby J’s shirt. He took one nipple in his mouth and continued to squeeze the other. He unfastened his belt with the other hand and his pants fell to the floor. James stepped out of his Timbs and then his pants. T started to undress as well. They continued to dance in their boxers. After a while T slowly pulled down his boxers.

“Damn your body is tight.” Baby J said pulling his off as well.

James had a banging body himself. He had a nice nine-inch dick and a fat bubble ass to match.

“Shit nigga that ass of yours is looking right.” T said.”

“What do you want to do to it?”
“Well I don’t eat chittlins but I’ll eat your intestines any day.” They both laughed.

“Do what you gotta do then.”

“It would be my pleasure.”

T grabbed him by the hand and led the way to his bedroom. He told James to lay on his stomach on the bed. He climbed on top of him and began to kiss his neck again. James shivered as T’s dick rested on his ass. T began kissing him down his back. He kissed both of his ass cheeks. His tongue traced Baby J’s crack. He then parted his cheeks and licked the rim.

“That shit feels so good.” Baby J moaned.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet nigga.”

T worked his tongue into the hole and wiggled it back and forth. James almost crawled through the wall.

“Oh shit!” James said. “Nigga your tongue is like gold.”

T has one of the longest tongues I have ever seen. He can almost touch his Adams apple with that thing. He had only been giving James half of it but now he stuck the whole thing in.

“Damn T work that shit.”

And T was working it too. He tongue fucked him until James asked for the dick.

“Fuck me nigga. Let me see how good that dick is.”

“Your wish is my command.” T said.

He grabbed a condom and lube. He got them both good and wet.

“Are you ready?” T asked.

“Nigga shut up and fuck!”

T began to slide his dick in. Just watching his shit being swallowed by that fat ass made him want to bust. He must have been moving too slow because Baby J forced his dick the rest of the way in. James squeezed his ass cheeks and caused T to moan.

“Damn, I should have got with you a long time ago.”

“Let’s do this.” James said.

T began to pump dick into his ass. Baby J matched him stroke for stroke. They both got worked up real quick.

“Let me turn on my back.” James said.

T pulled out to let him reposition himself.

“Now nigga fuck this ass as if it were your last.” He said with a look of lust and evil in his eyes.

“All I can guarantee is that you’ll come back for more.” T said.

T began to fuck long and deep. Baby J’s eyes rolled to the back of his head but he didn’t miss a beat. All you could hear were two young cats moaning and groaning. They were both into the moment. T bent down and kissed James with a passion he’d never felt before.

“Damn.” Baby J thought. “I have to be careful dealing with this nigga.”

That’s when T kissed him again. This time the kiss was longer, deeper and more passionate. This kiss caused him to dig his nails into T’s back.

T was so caught up that the pain only strengthened his stroke. Baby J’s dick turned into a brick. The combination of T’s kisses and that good dick had him off guard. He was starting to really enjoy it. T moved down and started to lick and nibble on his neck. James was falling in love with T’s snake like tongue.

They fucked nonstop for a little over an hour. They both seemed to need and match each other. When T slid his tongue across Baby J’s nipples, James just shot off. His first stream flew up and over his head. The second and third shot followed and repeated. The more he shot, the harder his ass massaged T’s dick. One last shot flew over Baby J’s head. His ass clamped down like a vise on T’s dick. That was all she wrote. T began to come as James’ nutt continued to flow. T’s body began to spasm, as the grip was slowly release from his dick. He collapsed on top of James. They both lay there for a while, breathing hard.

“Damn nigga. You’ve got a good dick game.” Baby J said.

“Shit. You’ve got it going on yourself. You’ve got a nigga feeling you hard.”

“We’ll see how true that is.”

They talked for a little while longer before falling asleep.

PART NINE

Back at my place, Q and I had just finished our own fuck session. (I can hear all of you now. You’re saying Ced knows he’s wrong for not putting that scene in here too. Lol. There will be plenty more so don’t worry.) Anyway, we were laying in the bed play fighting after that immaculate sex.

When Q stopped and stared into my eyes, I turned my head away. It felt like he was looking at my scar. He grabbed me by the chin.

“Don’t turn away from me nigga.” He said. “You are mine until the end of time. So you might as well shake that shy shit.”

“I know but it just feels funny when people look at my face.”

“It shouldn’t though. It really does fit you. If you would have had it when I first saw you, I would have stepped to you right then.”

“Whatever nigga.”

“Are you feeling nervous about meeting your dad?”

“Hell yeah. I’ve hated him my whole life without knowing him. You know how I am. Once I see him I’m afraid I’ll have to let go of that. He was never there for me, but I feel the strongest need to meet him. I know one thing though, Dad is a term he’ll never hear me use.”

“I know what you mean. Shit I’m nervous and he’s not even my father. I’m more nervous about that than our first game tomorrow.”

“Shit I forgot all about the game. Well then let’s wait until the day after to go and meet him. It’s been almost 18 years, another day won’t hurt.”

“Some scouts are gonna be at the game so I have to bring my A game.”

“Well then I’m sure coach wouldn’t appreciate you wasting good energy and proteins with me.” I laughed.

“Shit you give me an energy boost if anything. Listen Ced, I know how you feel about your face and all but I could really use you there for support.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

PART TEN

T woke up around five in the morning to find Baby J getting dressed.

“Sneaking out on me?” he asked.

“Of course not sexy. I just have to go and take care of a few things before school.”

“Ok, that’s cool. So when will I see you again?”

“You’ll see me tonight if you are going to the football game. I have a bet going with one of my friends. He’s rooting for Marshall because his cousin plays for them.”

“Alright then. We are gonna spank those niggas. My boy Q averages 100 plus yards a game. He’ll be really hype tonight because the scouts are out and about. I’m sure this will be his best season.”

“Well the game starts at 7 so I’ll meet you there around 6:30 or so. After that maybe we can go grab something to eat.” James said.

“I’m down for that. I’ll be waiting to see your sexy ass again.”

T jumped up and gave Baby J a long hard kiss while squeezing his ass. James was amazed once more at the passion that flowed through T’s lips.

“Ok. Let me go before we get something started up in here. I’ll see you later.”

PART ELEVEN

The next morning, I woke up in good spirits. I decided to go to school. I won’t lie to you though. I was nervous as hell. Once I arrived I sat in the parking lot for twenty minutes. Finally I mustered the courage to go in and face my fear. The butterflies in my stomach were busy at work when I walked into homeroom five minutes later. Our teacher sat at his desk reading the morning paper. The students were all engaged in various activities. All at once things got quiet. All eyes were on me. My first instinct was to turn and run out of the building. The stares and gawking were killing me. Just as I was about to leave, my classmates jumped up and ran towards me. There were hugs from the guys and kisses from the girls. Some of them commented on me being the first in class to have a war wound. I had to contain myself. All the love and attention from my peers made me want to shed a tear. Jameer and Big D were the only ones still sitting but that made no difference to me. Q Stood at the back of the crowd with T. They both mouthed the words, “I told you”. Even our teacher, Mr. Eagle, walked up and shook my hand.

“Cedric it is a pleasure to have you back in class. I am happy to see that you are feeling better.”

“Thanks Mr. E. It’s great to be back.”

I had pretty much the same response in all my classes. My peers helped me to dissolve the rest of my bitter feelings. It had turned out to be a great day so far.

By the time the last bell of the day rang, I felt rejuvenated. Now I was eager to watch the game and see Q show out for the scouts. I wished him luck as he headed off to the locker room. I set off to find T. He was in the parking lot talking to Jayson. Lil Bit came over and gave me a hug.

“Welcome back Big Ced. Glad to see that you are back on your feet.”

T looked at us as if he were missing something. “I’ll tell you later”, was the look I gave him. We were all hyped about the game. We stood around talking until it was almost game time. We finally headed to the stands and took our seats behind the players from our school. Not long after, Baby J showed up and sat beside T. At first I was kind of shocked. T hadn’t actually told me whom he was seeing. I remembered James from the party at Darius’ house. He looked better than the picture in my memory. One of the things I remember most about that day is the look on T’s face. I hadn’t seen him look at anyone that way since Mike. I felt so happy for him. Finally the team from John Marshall High School took to the field. There were a few cheers from the player’s families and fellow schoolmates. Then came the players from our school. The place went crazy. People were yelling and screaming. You could hear mothers and fathers shouting things to their kids. Not too far from us sat Q’s parents. I waved at them while thinking about how nervous Q’s mom looked. She had hated football at first. Since seeing how good her son was at it, she tried to become a fan. Needless to say she was still terrified for him. I think it’s because he is her only child. My attention was drawn from them once I got a glimpse of my boy wearing the hell out of his uniform. “Damn”, I thought to myself. Those pads made his ass look even fatter.

Once the game got started there was no looking back. Q was running the ball like there was no tomorrow. We were leading by two touchdowns late in the third quarter. Our team had the ball on the thirty-yard line and was looking for a touchdown. The ball was hiked to Jameer and he faked a pass. He handed the ball off to Q. Two defenders ran towards him. Big D and Jameer were the only one there to block for him. Jameer stopped and looked towards the stands in our direction. Then somehow he and Big D tripped over each other’s feet and fell to the ground. Q was left with no one to block for him. He spun to shake off one defender but two more followed. One hit him high and the other hit him low. Q’s body spun in the air before making a sickening thud as he hit the ground. I could tell right away that he was hurt. His right leg was twisted and looked as if it weren’t connected to his body. His screams could be heard outside and down the street. I jumped up and ran towards the field. Some security guards stopped me.

“Sorry son but you can’t go out there.”

“Let me go! That’s my best friend out there you asshole!”

“I’m sorry sir but return to your seat or you will be ejected.”

“Fuck you nigga!” I said and cocked my hand back to hit him.

Someone grabbed my arm from behind.

“It’s ok Lawrence. He’s with me. That is my son out there and we need to see what’s going on.” Q’s dad said.

“Sure thing Mr. Brooks. I hope that your kid is alright.”

He let all three of us out onto the field. Q’s mom was crying harder every time Q screamed.

“Coach I think my leg is broken!” he yelled.

That was the understatement of the year. His bone was actually sticking out of his skin.

Coach turned to Q’s parents.

“We are going to have to take him to the hospital. His leg looks pretty bad.”

“Do what you must Coach.” Mr. Brooks said.

It was all too much for me. I couldn’t stand to hear Q screaming like that. I told Q’s parents that I would meet them at the hospital and walked off. I walked towards our team’s bench and saw Jameer and Big D slapping each other up. Unlike the rest of the team they didn’t look too concerned. My blood started to boil immediately.

“It was a fucking set up!” I said to myself. “They planned for this to happen.”

Big D looked at me then gave me the finger. I charged towards him at full speed. Once again I was grabbed from behind. This time I turned to see T, Jayson and Baby J.

“This is not the time or place for that shit Ced. Lets go make sure Q is alright then we’ll handle those niggas.” T said.

“Fuck that shit! Those niggas set Q up. I’m going to beat both of them down.”

“Later big cousin. All you will end up doing right now is jeopardizing your scholarship. If you cause a scene out here the school won’t take it easy on you. You have to think of what could happen with all these people here.”

“T, I swear to granddads grave that those niggas haven’t seen my bad side yet. I am going to get them for this. All the mercy shit is out the window.”

Once again I found myself wishing I had killed Jameer when I had the chance. It seemed like my boys continued to pay because I showed him mercy.

“The next time I point a gun at him will be the last.” I promised myself.

We ran to our cars, as the ambulance sped off the field with Q. All sorts of bad things were going through my mind. I prayed to God for Q to be ok. I jumped in the car with T and Baby J and gave Jayson the keys to my car. We rode to the hospital in silence.

Q’s mom was crying as we entered the emergency room. His dad was talking to one of the nurses. I went over to console Q’s mom and she held me tight.

“Everything is going to be ok mom. You know Q is like a rock. He can bounce back from anything.”

I wish I felt as confident as I sounded. We ended up sitting there for hours. The waiting was getting to me. I couldn’t sit still. Finally a doctor came out to talk to his parents. I knew something was wrong when his mom started crying again. I got up and went to see what the problem was.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“Do you mind me sharing the information in front of this young man?”

“It’s fine doctor. He and Quentin are best friends.” Mr. Brooks told him.

“Well as I was saying we had to operate to fix his leg. We had to insert eight pins into his leg. He will be off of it for a while. He will be able to walk again but I’m afraid football or any other sports are not in his future.”

“What! Q will die if he can’t play sports!” I yelled. “There has to be something you can do.”

“I’m sorry but we’ve done all we can for now. Your son will be out for about another twenty minutes but you can see him now if you wish.”

“Thank you very much doctor.” Mr. Brooks said.

“Yeah for nothing.” I added.

We all headed for Q’s room. When we entered he looked so peaceful you would not have known he was hurt hours earlier. His leg was propped up in a sling and was red as fire. His mom grabbed his hand as she cried some more. Q’s dad motioned me to a corner.

“Cedric you of all people know how this could affect Q. He is going to need us big time. All I ask is for you to be there for him as he has been for you.”

“Now you know you didn’t even have to say that dad. I’ve got Q’s back no matter what. Besides he will still be eligible for an academic scholarship.”

“I know that and it makes me proud. But you know he had his heart set on playing pro football or basketball.”

“Well doctors have been wrong before dad. Let’s just hope for the best.”

“I know that’s right,” he said giving me a hug.

“Damn! I am in the hospital for a couple hours and my boyfriend is already hugging another man.” Q said sound tired and groggy. He winced in pain as he tried to move his leg.

“Hey dad tell the nurse whatever they are giving me for pain, I’ll take a double.”

“I’ll go see what I can do son.”

“And mom if you squeeze any harder, my hand will be broken next.”

I walked over and stood next to the bed. It was killing me inside to see my nigga all fucked up.

“Don’t worry Ced. I’ll be back on my feet in no time.”

His father walked in as he was saying this. He sat on the side of the bed and gave Q the bad news.

“Well I still have a shot at the academic scholarship right?”

I envied Q at that moment. I would have gone into the selfish stage at this point.
“What? Don’t ever question that baby boy. You and I are at the top of our class. We are going to college no matter what.”

“That’s cool. I would love to play ball but as long as I can still go to college, I’m good.”

“Damn well I guess I’ll have to wait for you to get better before I go meet my dad.”

“No Ced. Go and see him. Make dumb-dumb over there go with you.” He said looking at T and attempting to laugh.

T gave him the finger.

“Yeah Ced I’ll go with you if that’s cool.”

“As long as I don’t have to go alone.”

The nurse came in and told us we should leave and let Q rest. His parents told him they would be there first thing in the morning.

“Q, I will stay here in the waiting room if you want me too.”

“It’s ok Ced. Go home and get some rest. Let me know what goes on with your dad.”

“You already know baby. I will see you sometime tomorrow.” I bent down and gave him a kiss before I left.

The nurse gave with some sort of medicine as we were leaving. He looked like it worked at once. He was out of it before the door closed. I looked back at him and smiled.

“Everything will be ok Q. I got your back always.”

I had a pretty restless night. It wasn’t so much that I was worried about Q. Seeing my dad was what had me tossing and turning. I think I slept two hours that night.

The next day I picked T up and we headed for my dads. We pulled up outside the house and I suddenly got scared. T urged me to follow through and we got out. We walked up to the door and rang the doorbell.

“I got it.” A voice from inside yelled.

The door opened and T and I both stood in shock. The little boy who had answered door could have been my twin if we were the same age. He stood and stared at us with his mouth-hung open.

“Who’s at the door Trevon?” a man asked.

An older version of the boy and I filled the doorway. He looked at me with slight recognition but still asked if he could help us.

“Well I am looking for Felton Coleman. I think he is my father.”

The little boy looked at the older man.

“Please come in Cedric. I have been expecting you for a long time.

We entered the house and a whole new era in my life began.

To be continued…

COPYRIGHT 2005 COLEY BOI™ INC.