Broken Promises and Silent Hearts

9

I had stayed up all night decorating the backyard for the boys. They were excited to have a pool party with their friends, and by 4 PM, guests began to arrive.

"Ma," Juan called out, just as my phone vibrated. I answered it, sensing trouble.

"I'm having a problem with your report," Benson said, his voice tense.

"What problem, Benson?" I stepped outside to escape the noise of the party.

"Ma, have you seen my Jordans?" Juan asked, rushing downstairs. I chose to ignore him for the moment.

"There's no report; I need it now. I'm leaving in a few hours," I sighed, feeling the weight of my responsibilities.

"I'll be on my way," he replied, urgency in his tone.

"Ma!" Juan shouted again.

"What? Damn it!" I snapped, heading upstairs to his room. I opened his closet and found his shoes.

"Is this what you're looking for, huh?" I held them up.

"Thanks, Ma," he said, kissing my cheek. I rolled my eyes as I changed my shoes and grabbed my car keys and laptop.

"Jaquan... Juan!" They both walked out of their rooms. Jaquan shook his head disapprovingly.

"Look, I have work, so please, I need everybody out of my house by ten. And no funny business!"

"Ma, you can't be serious," Juan protested, looking upset.

"You better fix your face," I shot back as he walked away.

"Ma, why do you have to work?" Jaquan followed me as I headed for the door.

"Because I have to. Please keep it PG in any of your rooms, and everyone out by ten!" I got into my car.

"I got you, Ma. Have you eaten since morning?" Jaquan asked as I started the engine.

"I'll eat when I'm at work later," I replied curtly.

"Ma!" he shouted just before I drove off.

### The Evening Unfolds

Later that evening, the twins were enjoying themselves among their friends. Laughter filled the air as they splashed around in the pool.

"Babe, let's take this to my room," Juan whispered into his girlfriend Cindy's ear. She took his hand as he led her inside. Meanwhile, Jaquan was outside chilling with his friends Tk and Chris.

"Wanna smoke?" Tk asked casually.

"Nah, I'm good. Plus, Ma would kill me," Jaquan replied with a chuckle.

"That's true; your Ma is sweet but scary at the same time," Chris agreed just as they spotted two men riding bikes towards them.

Juan glanced out the window and rushed to the front yard when he saw them approaching.

"You Juan?" one of the guys asked.

"Nah, Jaquan—who's asking?" Jaquan answered coolly from behind him.

"What's going on", Juan asked shirtless Jaquan shook his head at his brother he knew what he was up to.

"Shar said happy birthday", they face them the key the twins looked at each other.

"That's what's the fuck up", TK cheered happily.

"Fuck yes", Jaquan said excitedly getting on the bike Jaun followed they started to form a crowd around them as the started to stunting enjoying themselves.