Brothas

Death Becomes Them

Ichiban: Let's revisit the previous chapter of "Brothas..."

Kebo: Tony, is that really you? I can't believe this!

Tony: Yes, it's me! I'm thrilled to see you after all these years. Can you believe it's been a decade since we were in school and college together? It feels like a lifetime ago

Kebo: Yeah, it's crazy how time flies.

Mr. Tanaka: Life has its own plans for each of us. Your grandfather would be proud of the person you've become.

Leslie: It's been a whirlwind of emotions, Nat. I love Aaron, and he has been an amazing father to our children. But this revelation has shaken me to my core. I can't help but question everything now.

Kebo: Ever since Tony joined the group and replaced Aaron, I can't shake off this feeling that I made a terrible decision. It feels like I betrayed my friendship by pushing Aaron away and bringing Tony in, I feel like such a lousy friend.

Ichiban: o the incredible life we've shared, the successful paths we've walked in our careers, and to all of you who are the best friends I've ever had!

All: Cheers!

Kebo: What are you doing here? And who are you?

Natasha: I'm Leslie's older sister, Natasha. We're staying here until I get the truth out of you. If all of you leave, it's going to bring bad luck upon you. You'll end up getting your asses kicked tonight.

(Continue the story perspectives)

[As the clock strikes 3:15 A.M. in Salem, Illinois, the once quiet cityscape transforms into a dazzling display of lights. The buildings, apartments, restaurants, and nightclubs all come alive, casting a vibrant glow across the streets. Amidst this nocturnal symphony, the entrance to Moonlight Lounge shines like a beacon, beckoning those in search of excitement and revelry.]

Brotha Circle and Natasha's perspectives at Moonlight Lounge at the parking lot:

As the night wore on and the club prepared to close, I tried to reason with my friends, warning them that we needed to leave soon.

But they were too drunk to listen, and Mike, Tony, and Ichiban argued with me as I attempted to steer them towards my car.

Just as we were about to leave, Leslie's sister Natasha appeared out of nowhere, blocking our path and leaving us stranded in the parking lot.

Natasha stood beside her car, confronting me and my friends. Her two brothers joined her, and my anger began to simmer. I seethed with resentment towards Natasha for what she had done to my friend Aaron.

I couldn't hold back my anger, "What truth? You're the one who's messed with Aaron's life, you manipulative liar!" I spat out.

"Oh, come on, Kebo, don't you want your friend back in your life? Well, it's too late for that now. He doesn't want to see you anymore. Aaron told me that you've been a terrible friend to him all these years, and he knows it too," Natasha sneered, her words cutting deep.

"That's not true, and you know it! I've been there for him through thick and thin, and now you're telling me he wants nothing to do with me? That's complete rubbish!" My anger threatened to boil over, fueled by Natasha's sabotage of Aaron's life.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How could Aaron, my childhood best friend, suddenly want nothing to do with me? Natasha's words felt like a stab in the back, a twisted knife in my chest. But I refused to let her get under my skin.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm raging inside me. "Natasha, you can't just come here and make these accusations without any proof. Aaron and I have shared countless memories together – we've laughed, cried, and supported each other. There's no way he would just cut me out of his life like that."