After All

Chapter 1

~Just make the decision Ray...

...stay or leave...

...do something for yourself for once...

Minute One

Ray and April felt it, the wind changed, was it time? It was inevitable and they knew it was something they'd actually have to go through. The loyalty test. It has been in the back of their minds ever since Mr. K and Garrett told them the story of how every member became a part of Chang Gang, especially since they became a part of the gang so fast and were given their chains with barely any challenge like the rest of the gang. Ray having connections from the get go being the Randy Bullet. April being such a social butterfly that she pulled the core to become her sugar daddies. Maybe their test is the one they've feared the most happening. What would it be? Or worse...who would it be? For April, would it be Ramee or Bleach or Lucas or maybe even Ray? The people closest to her. For Ray, would it be Randy or Yuno or Max or maybe even April? If Ramee, Randy, and Bleach, and they shoot, would that be considered as them betraying the gang internally? If the assistants, then both bosses would never be able to forgive themselves forced under, especially after all they've been through. If Yuno, Ray's world would come crashing down and who knows how long she'd stay sane after that. If they were pitted against each other, who would shoot first or would they even shoot at all? Maybe it's not that, maybe they just have to sell something in a limited time. Or maybe she has to face her fears and have to kidnap a cop and bring him somewhere to torture and get over her fear. Even when the boys say they have their backs, only the girls know that they only really have each other when it comes down to it and if something happens at least they're in it together.

"You can have the G-Wagon." Ray broke the silence as they both were deep in thought sitting on the ledge of the cubby rooftop watching the sunset. "I know you've always wanted one."

"No, I know what you're thinking. I'm not letting you go through this alone. We'll be okay together. We can just run, leave." But they both knew that if they ran, everyone would look for them. Be it Chang Gang themselves, or Street Team, or even Hydra,  under the gang leader's orders.

"You know we can't do that April, if I don't do it, or if you don't, who knows what might happen to us. This is our life now, we'll just have to push through..." Ray gives April assurance with a small smile, holding her hand.

"How did we even get tangled up in this." April nudges her, joking.

"We'll be okay." Ray has a plan, not the greatest, but a plan nonetheless.

"You should sleep, you're looking a little...cathartic." They laughed.

"Ha ha, very funny, get some rest too, I'll see you tomorrow." Ray nods and waits for the sky to change.

~Come on Ray, you know it's bound to happen at any point in time. There's really nothing to be scared of. You're trained by one of the best criminals in the city. It's just a loyalty test, nothing else...right?

Minute Two

Hey Claire, when you're free come meet me at the fishing spot. I need to talk to you. She sends a text.

Ray sat in front of the water and waited. Any day now, she knew what was coming for her, she felt it every time they looked at her. That look of knowing that a test was on its way and an impossible task will be dealt. If it wasn't a difficult task, then surely all of her brothers would be the ones telling her there's nothing to worry about it...but they've been quiet...

As the minutes passed, all she could think about was what to say or how to say what she was about to ask Claire. Although not close, Claire was still one of her favorite people in the city and was one of the early friends she has made.