When you hear the word home, what comes to mind? A loving Mom and Dad? A warn bed, happiness, a pet? It must be nice. For me there are memories of late night fights between Mom and her new boyfriend, drugs, struggling to sleep at night, struggling to stay awake during the day, pain being covered by a smile.
I had to grow up at an early age because the boy, Berko, was born and I had to step up. I was only four at the time. I could barely tie my shoes, but I had to take care of someone how now. I had to figure it out, and quick.
Berko was a handful, but if I didn't do it, who else would? But, not too long after we got into the swing of things, another one showed up, but this time, a girl, Zuri. I had to teach her how to get in line with myself and Berko. Not just so it sold be easier on me, but for her own good. It would be great if it would have just stopped there, but it didn't. One final boy, Chukwuemeka, showed up. I had to take him under my wing. I didn't take care of this one alone though, Berko helped me straighten him out. I just hope I wasn't too rough on Chukwuemeka, just because I know I can be at times, and I do it out of love. It's just sometimes, I feel as though they hate me for all the hell I have given them, ya know?
Berko is one of the people who has always been there for me, just as I have been there for him. We protect each other. Everyone has their strong suit, Berko's would have to be that he can find out information. I would describe him as a brother to me, but actually, we're just close friends. The thing is, Berko doesn't have a "family" per se, he has me though, and the rest of our little gang which I see as family. I'm in charge, with Berko as my second in command, because he is the second oldest. He's almost 14 years old and is only 3 inches shorter than me, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna take any crap from him.
Zuri is one of the few kids that doesn't look like they should fit into the gang. She is fragile, and innocent, and only 8 years old. But don't let her small size fool you, she's tiny, but she's mighty. This smart little girl had the mind of a ten year old and had a way of persuading people into getting what she wants. We sometimes take advantage of it. She doesn't mind it though, we see it as a bonus, a way to help the gang, as a whole.
Chukwuemeka, the youngest, reminds me of myself as a child. Some peeled even say we look alike, but I just don't see it. The thing I do see though, is potential. He's only 4 so I can't really say much, but I've seen into his soul. Just look through his eyes for yourself, you'll see what I mean. He has so much love to give which most guys can't show, but he can.
