The Struggle is Real

Chapter 1

It was a cold day in Brooklyn, New York, where my brother Jonathan was driving me to boring ole school. Jonathan was the father I never had, he feeds me, takes cares of me, and hell he even whoops me when I'm bad which is sadly often. Since my momma Mariah got addicted to crack, Jonathan has been there to protect me from her abusive ways and the harsh environment of Brooklyn. "So, what's this I'm hearin' about you messin' around in school?" he asked in a firm. At school, I tend to get in lots of arguments with the kids there, but it's not my fault! They purposely anger me to get me in trouble, and sadly I fall for it every time. "It ain't my fault." I said in a low voice "You just better get your act together before I do it for you missy. I don't want you on the streets sellin' dope just to make a living like all these other guys out here." he scolded at me. I didn't wanna get in trouble and whooped again so I nodded at him. He dropped me off at school, only I was ten minutes late to class, detention again!

Surprisingly, the whole school day was actually okay, until Brianna Paft came at me, I spoke to soon. Brianna was the freshman girl's bully, she not tough though, but she always have a gang of girls to back her up. "Sup bitch." she called me and immediately got in her face "I ain't no bitch!" I yelled in her face, "You're right you're not a bitch. You're my bitch!" she uttered and pushed me back . I wanted to break her in two, but I couldn't risk getting in trouble like she wants, so I walked away. "Aww the bitch is walking away!" she exclaimed as I walked away. I can't take it anymore, I'm trying to be civil like Jonathan wants me to, but it's not helping! I'm about to say screw the civil crap and unleash hell on her!

As I walked home from school trying to calm down, I ran into another problem, Christopher Manning. Christopher is me and Jonathan older brother, he is 22 years old, and he is addicted and sells dope. It's been that way since me and Jonathan dad left when I was five, Christopher was only twelve years old. It first started off as a way to earn money for the family, but then Christopher started trying some of it and now he's madly addicted to the stuff. I tried walking quickly pass him, but he stepped in my way, "Aye little sis! How you been girl?" Christopher asked "I'm fine Christopher." I said and tried to walk around him, but again he stepped in my way "Hey! Before you go to the house Alisha, how's about you help your brother out and buy some?" he asked then presenting the dope to me. He always ask me to buy this stuff as I always say no, why can't he get that through his doped up head. "No Christopher stop asking me that already." I said in a annoyed voice and then walked pass him, but then he grabbed me and spun me around I face him "You little bitch! You buy this damn stuff and help me!" he said in a fit of rage "Get off me!" I yelled at him struggling to get free of his grip. He then raised his hand at me, I knew he was gonna smack me, "If you lay a hand on her, you're gonna wish you wasn't born." A mysterious voice said and I turned my head to see it was Jonathan. Christopher immediately let me go when Jonathan came towards him. Even though Christopher was the older brother, Jonathan was the stronger brother. Jonathan put his arm around me and walked me inside the house, also he was keeping his eyes of Christopher.

I walked in the house to see Rodney James sitting on the couch. Rodney is Jonathan best friend from when he was in school, but I personally don't like him. He always flirting with me, it's so weird and annoying. Jonathan made spaghetti and meet balls for us, my favorite! "So Alisha, what are you doing for your birthday?" Rodney asked, and I honestly didn't know how to answer the question. I didn't give much thought about what I would for my birthday in two days, actually I forgot all about it. "I don't know." I finally answered, "You don't know!? Come on girl this gonna be you 16th birthday!" Rodney exclaimed trying to excite me for it "I remember me and Jonathan 16th birthday. That party was popin'!" he uttered and Jonathan laughed at the thought of that party. "Who the hell in my house!?" a voice said, it was momma. Momma came in the kitchen and looked like she had red in her eyes when she saw Rodney in the kitchen "Get out now Rodney!" momma yelled at him and then he got up and walked out the house with no discussion. "Jonathan Kyle Paige! Who told you that you could have company over!" momma scolded at him and all he did was sigh and said "No one momma." "Alisha, go upstairs now so I can have a talk with your brother." she ordered me, but I stayed in my seat. I wasn't going to leave Jonathan alone with her, "Alisha, listen to momma." Jonathan said. I know he did want me to going down with him, but I didn't want to leave his side "You better fuckin' listen to me!" momma yelled at me then started walking towards me. Momma slapped me twice and grabbed me by the hair and threw me in the direction of the steps, "Now get upstairs before I get my belt!" she threatened at me, so I ran upstairs in my room with tears in my eyes. I sat on my bed, hugging my legs, tears in my eyes, and listening to my family fight. All I can think, is why is this my life...