Love Thy Neighbor ~ Part 4

Remember M'Dear's Roast?

Shaka and I walked hand in hand back to the McKellan household. We eventually got back and opened the front door.
Mazzi: "Finally! What took y'all so long, we said 2:00!"
Shaka: "Chill Mazzi, we fell asleep."
He said as we both smiled and I tried to hold my laugh. Mazzi genuinely looked a bit upset so I pushed it down and dropped my smile. I also let go of Shaka's hand and we both looked away awkwardly.
Jade: "Whatever, we have to hurry before M'Dear gets back."
She said leading us to M'Dears room.
Jade: "Okay, spread out and look for any photos or other memorabilia that could be used for the party. But remember, only things M'Dear won't miss."
Shaka: "Oh, you mean like Mazzi?"
He said hitting him. Mazzi hit him back.
Ami: "There's a safe in the closet, but there isn't any money in it."
We all looked at her confused.
Ami: "What I do in my spare time is my business."
She said before following the rest of the kids closer to the closet. I just watched from a distance because although I'm practically a McKellan kid, it still feels wrong for me to go through her stuff. Mazzi opened the closet doors and saw the safe. He opened it and looked back at us.
Mazzi: "I wonder why it isn't locked."
Jade: "Probably because they can't remember the combination."
They all started to pass around papers and documents from the safe while reading them. I just sat on the bed to listen.
Shaka: "Look, it's one of Uncle Daniel's report cards. It has no grades in it. It just says, 'Call me immediately.'"
He said laughing. I smiled a bit with the others.
Y/n: "Sounds like Daniel."
Jade started looking at different pages.
Jade: "Just a bunch of financial forms with Mom and Dad's name on it."
She then grabs another paper and her face drops.
Jade: "Woah...It's a bankruptcy filing."
We all look at each other slightly confused.
Ami: "In Monopoly, bankruptcy's bad."
Jade: "Yeah, it's bad in real life too. It means Mom and Dad are broke."
Shaka: "Aw man, that means we're broke."
Y/n: "Uh, who's we?"
I said and they all looked at me unamused or mad.
Y/n: "My bad..."
Mazzi: "Why didn't they tell us?"
Jade: "Well, they probably didn't want us to gt scared and freak out-"
Mazzi: "Well it didn't work, 'cause now I'm scared and freaking out!"
He said going to pace the room.
Shaka: "You know, this is all your fault Jade. Thanks to those acrylic nails, the rest of us don't have a college fund."
Jade: "Don't blame me. That robotics program you're in is ridiculously expensive."
Shaka: "At least I'm getting an education that will help this family out of poverty."
Mazzi: "Okay, my musical talent will help if we have to sing for our supper."
Ami: "No offense, we're gonna starve."
I just looked between them as they talked.
Jade: "No, guys, Mom and Dad will find a way to support us. We just need to help them."
Mazzi: "Does that mean what I think?"
Shaka: "Don't say it!"
Jade: "I have to. We're going to have to get...jobs!"
They all dramatically sighed, put their hand on their chest, and looked toward the roof. I laughed a little and looked at them.
Y/n: "You guys are fine and are gonna be fine. I mean you've been living just fine without knowing about the bankruptcy."
Jade: "But now that we now, we can make their lives easier just like they made ours."
I shrugged and threw my hands forward.
Y/n: "You know what? Do you."
I said knowing that it's normal for the McKellan kids to not take my advice. Jade immediately called the first place she could think about, a hot dog stand, and scheduled an interview for today. Like today?! Shaka and Mazzi collectively decided to combine their business with Mazzi shining shoes and Shaka cutting hair. I'm pretty sure he does NOT know how to cut hair. Ami decided to use her smarts to give people advice and basically just help them.

~ The Next Day ~

I rose my window up and saw Mazzi and Shaka setting up outside. I woke up REALLY late in the day, like it's 2 o'clock. I was up super late creating the videos and slideshows for the roast and when I sleep, I sleep. I rubbed my face and got on my knees so that could prop my hand up and rest my head. I yawned.
Y/n: "Hey McKellan boys."
Mazzi waved.
Shaka: "Hey Neighbor"
He said smiling up at me. He walked down the stairs and looked up again. I smiled before yawning.
Shaka: "Did you just wake up uthando (love)?"
I smiled. Ever since Shaka set out on his quest to win me back he's been calling me Uthando.
Y/n: "Yeah, I was working on the roast stuff super late just so that I could get it done and over with."
Shaka: "Thank you, again, for helping."
Y/n: "No problem. I enjoyed making the Big Booty Judy part."
I said crossing my arms and leaning on the windowsill.
Shaka: "What?"
Y/n: "You'll see."
I said shaking my head.
Shaka: "Well I gotta set up, are you coming down?"
Y/n: "No, I might just chill right here. You know, pull up a chair and read and watch."
He nodded.
Shaka: "Okay, well just know you can if you change your mind."
Y/n: "Uh huh."
I said smiling.
Shaka: "Bye"
Y/n: "Bye"
I did exactly what I said I was gonna do. I pulled up a chair to my window and opened a good book. Occasionally, I would look down there and see Mazzi cleaning shoes, but nobody wanted a hair cut. He was just on his phone for a while. Eventually, someone decided to take a chance and get their haircut. He sat in the chair as I closed my book. Mazzi was shining someone's shoes and there were two boys waiting on the bench. As Shaka finished up, Jade walked up the porch steps.
Mazzi: "Hey Hot Dog Lady. How'd the first day go?"
Jade: "They made me clean the public restroom. I saw things that I will never unsee! All for what? Maybe $70?"
Shaka: "Forty-five after taxes."
Jade gasps.
Y/n: "Hey Shaka, what do you know about taxes?"
I said furrowing my eyebrows.
Shaka: "Enough!"
He yelled back which caused me to laugh.
Shaka: "All done sir"
He said letting the kid get up. When the kid turned to give Shaka the money I could see his haircut. My mouth dropped.
Shaka: "All right. Who's next?"
He said turning the clippers back on. The other boys looked at each other before they all got up and speed walked away. Jade watched with her mouth open before turning back to Shaka.
Jade: "You know you're cutting hair right?"
Y/n: "Not mowing a lawn."
I said laughing. He shrugged while furrowing his eyebrows. Ami walked out of the house holding two books. She had another little girl following her.
Ami: "Focus on what we talked about, and I'll see you next week. The next time you have a book report, don't be nervous. Just breathe."
She traded the girl her books and report for some money.
Ami: "Life coaching is my calling. Seriously, with my help Jade, you can still graduate high school on time."
Jade: "Wha--um, I will have you know that my counselor said that I could get into Tippano Technical Institute. It's the Harvard of community colleges!"
I just shook my head.
Jade: "All right. So how did you guys do?"
Shaka: "Uh, between the three of us, we made...$8.50."
Jade: "That's not even enough for a corn dog combo. We have to work harder guys. They can't afford to keep us all."
Shaka: "You're right. They'll probably get rid of the weakest link."
He said putting his arm around Mazzi. He snatched his money.
Shaka: "Give me that. Sorry little bro, but we'll keep in touch. I'm sure you'll find a great forever home."
Jade: "Oh, I heard the Gonzalezes have always wanted a son."
Mazzi: "Well, they do have a pool."
I shook my head.
Y/n: "You guys are doomed."
I said laughing and walking away from my window.