In the middle of it all

June 8th '59

Tyrell settled in his new crib. He already had a home but he lived there alone most of the time as his father was always out.

"Is he the leader ?" asked Tyrell. Him and Shawn were sitting on pivoting chairs by the kitchen counter, side by side on the first floor of the Rox crib. There were gang members around but none in the same space as them, nevertheless they spoke in a quieter tone.

"No."

"Who's the leader ?'

"Shadow. No one besides Naveen knows him personally." Shawn turned himself to Ty, frowning his brows. "Why are you asking so many questions ?"

"I want answers, isn't that clear ? Ask me some' for a change.." He looked away.

"Why'd you join ?" asked Shawn, regaining his calm tone.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"That's how you wanna answer questions ?" Shawn pivoted his chair back. "I joined because I had nowhere else to go and I couldn't stay after what happened with Tamika... Now you. What's your reason ?"

"I needed to prove my worth."

"Couldn't you do that over there ?"

"Nisha wouldn't see it. She didn't want to see my worth..."

"How are your parents ? How is Tanisha and everyone else ?"

"My parents are divorced. They separated soon after the gang's clash. Cash went MIA, Ray passed away, Diego is still in a coma.... Everyone else is still recovering from everything."

"Oh... Shit a lot happened."

Tyrell nodded silently, slowly turning himself towards Shawn. "You still care about her ?"

"Whom ?"

"Tamika."

"No, I don't."

"Yes you do. Look." He lifted his hands up, pointing at Shawn's head. "You still kept your locs.  Y'all got them together-"

"I'll cut them." interrupted Shawn sharply as he stared sourly at him. They stayed in silence for a minute.

"You don't have to do that...I won't tell Andrea-"

"It's not about her ! Stop mentioning anyone from my past !"

"I'm on your side, you can trust that. I won't tell nobody, you know me Quann-"

"I'm not that guy anymore ! I'm Keshawn ! Quannell Johnsonn is gone bro... Forget about it."

Heads started turning into their directions. Roxs slowly neared themselves towards the kitchen. A man came forward and spoke to them. "Is there a problem ? If you guys want to fight, do it downstairs. You know the drill, Shawn."

"We ain't fightin', fuck off. I'm takin' him home, let's go T.Y." Shawn got off the stool. He bumped his shoulder on the man and walked out. Ty took a glance around him then got off his stool and followed Shawn outside.

"I'm sorry..." began Tyrell. Keshawn kept his eyes on the road. " I just don't see a difference. Keshawn is the first one I met and Quannell is the one who stayed and became my brother.-" he stopped noticing no reaction out of Shawn. "Say sum' !"

"There's a difference... It doesn't matter if you see it or not. I'm Keshawn, that's all that matters. I'm not your brother..." Tyrell's facial expression began to gloom. He turned his head towards the window, placing his chin on his fist. "Like you said..." continued Shawn. "Quannell is the one who stayed and became your new brother but I can also become your brother as I am now..." A slight grin appeared on Ty's lips. They continued to drive, silently listening to music from the radio.