In A World Of Struggles, Never Judge A Book By Its Cover. No Appearance, Wealth, Or Fame Can Mask The Battles We Silently Fight. Behind Every Facade Lies A Story Of Resilience, Reminding Us That Everyone Carries Their Burdens, No Matter How Well They Hide Them.
- 𝒥uan Collins
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𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐈 | VOLUME ONE. ❝ I WOULDN'T BLAME YOU. ❞ [ HARLEM, NY ]
The distant chatter of others conversing, laughing, and savoring their meals resonated, accompanied by the clinking of plates and forks as people enjoyed their food or servers delivered orders. The aroma of a delightful morning breakfast wafted from the kitchen, greeting their senses on this splendid sunny day, casting a warm glow inside the restaurant. This wasn't just any dining establishment; it was Juan's preferred brunch spot where he had chosen to treat Jade to breakfast. It was a chance for them to reestablish a deeper connection and set things right, away from the chaos that surrounded them.
Jade opted for a light strawberry pancake, while Juan indulged in the house's signature French toast accompanied by a flavorful omelette, a beloved dish he had cherished since childhood. This special plate was a highlight of the restaurant's menu, a testament to its longstanding reputation. For Juan, this place held sentimental value, as it was where he used to dine with his family every Sunday after church, back when his parents and grandfather were still alive. Occasionally, Malik and his family would join them, reflecting the close bond they shared. It's safe to say that this restaurant held a special place in Juan's heart. "So tell me, what does Juan likes to do whenever he's not present at school?" Jade initiated a conversation, expressing her curiosity about Juan and wanting to delve deeper into his life, especially since he seemed absent from school lately.
Juan glanced up from his plate, meeting Jade's gaze with a knowing smirk, acknowledging the direction of her question. Their eye contact elicited a soft chuckle from Jade before she returned her attention to her food. Juan relaxed slightly in his seat before responding to her question, "I be around, you know? Still focusing on my future, just in a different lane than school education." Juan provided a vague response, refraining from divulging any personal details, as he believed in maintaining boundaries and didn't want to open up too much just yet, preferring to focus on his food. Jade understood his reluctance and nodded, continuing to chew her food. Despite his guarded demeanor, the numerous flashes around his neck and the ring on his finger hinted at involvement in something deeper, possibly of questionable legality.
Juan's pager incessantly beeped, drawing his attention away from their date. Glancing at it, he saw a message from Rico, indicating an urgent matter at Sosa's office. He then noticed some of his crew sitting discreetly at the back of the restaurant, subtly signaling for him to hurry up. It was a characteristic of Juan never to be alone; he always had someone by his side to ensure he was never caught off guard. Jade immediately sensed his distraction and observed how his gaze shifted towards a group of similarly dressed men, engaged in silent communication. This sparked a sense of unease in Jade. "You know them?" Jade questioned Juan about the sudden distraction, her concern evident as he turned his attention back to her, exhaling a calm sigh, indicating his reluctance to leave so abruptly.
