THE UNKNOWN

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

New Beginnings

Joyce was busy getting ready for her birthday party. She asked her parents not to cancel this event because it was the only good thing in her life right now. Kim was upset because she wanted her daughter to stay home for this night; so many people would attending this party that Kim was worried she wouldn't be able to keep an eye on Joyce. As Joyce was getting dress, she could hear her parents talking about the security for tonight. Joyce knew that her parents were still scared and worried about her; she wanted to prove to them that she was a big girl and was able to take care of herself. Joyce planned to show her parents that she was no longer a baby, and they had nothing to worry about regarding her life.

Joyce, are you coming down yelled, Najee. We're all waiting to see what you have on the girl; someone said, Aunt Mika. As Joyce walked out, her room Chase was standing there waiting for his big sister. He was smiling from ear to ear with her birthday gift in his hand. Joyce, I wanted to be the first to give you a present said, Chase. Chase handed Joyce a small box when Joyce opened it her eyes got big, and she smiled. It was a White Gold Tennis Bracelet with the word "Family" engraved across the front; on the back read "No Matter What I Have Your Back." Joyce looked up at her baby brother with tears in her eyes, she loved Chase more than life itself and remembered that's what she whispered in his ear when he had his surgery. Joyce thought that he was too out of it to hear her voice, but she now knows her little brother has been listening all these years. Chase, I love this so much, thank you, little brother, said, Joyce. Can you please put it on my wrist? Yes, big sister, I can, now let go party said, Chase.

As the sister and brother walked down the steps, Kim and Chuck looked at their children and knew right then and there they no longer needed their protection. Chuck was more worried then Kim because his children were still so young, but they have both seen a part life that has changed them for the better, so he thought.

Joyce and Chase had the same colors; Joyce was wearing her Dark Blue Jeans with a Black Top that had her picture on it her Black on Black Shell Top Adidas. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail curled. Chase had on Black Jeans with a Blue Top that had his sister picture on it with his White on Black Shell Top Adidas. As the sister and brother approach the bottom of the steps, Chuck stepped forward and hugged them both. His children were growing up, and he never thought he would see this day. Kim, on the other hand, was crying like a baby because she knew her babies had a life that she never experienced as a child and worried they would end up doing her and Chuck's side job. Kim wished times never changed, that her children were able to grow up without worrying about someone trying to hurt them. No matter what happened, Kim was proud of her children and knew that her new babies would always have protectors as she had with NeNe and Tamika.

Three limos were waiting to take the family and friends to Joyce and Malachi's birthday party. Everyone was excited about this night and felt that nothing would go wrong.

Joyce and Chase were quite; Joyce was thinking about the conversation she and Chase had the night before. She never wanted her brother to feel like he had to protector her in life because she was the oldest child. Joyce, for the first time, seen her brother as her right-hand protector; she reflected on everything her brother said to her. Chase told his sister that he never thought they would have to worry about living from day-to-day because their parents were well-known people and always helped everyone out. Joyce & Chase promised each other that anyone that tried to hurt them or their family again would have to die at their hands only. Chase looked over at his sister and then at Malachi and made a promise to himself that he would protect them with his life.

Chuck was riding with his son, daughter, and nephews, and he wanted to make sure they were protected no matter what. Chuck had his favorite gun with him tucked tightly in his side holster. He looked over at Joyce and again noticed the look in her eyes and knew she was growing to protect herself and her family. Malachi and Khasir were busy talking about the party and laughing at the same time. When Chuck looked over at his son, he noticed a look that he never saw before in his eyes. Chase was not saying a word just looking out the window. He had a blank look on his face, but Chuck knew that his son was thinking hard, and he was starting to carry the world on his shoulders. As Chuck continued to watch his son, he remembers where he first saw that very look at before. It was the day his parents died; Chuck immediately placed the world on his shoulders, and from that day forward, he vowed to protect everyone he loved no matter if it took his life in the process. Chuck knew that he would be able to change his son's mind because there was no one able to change his mind when he was younger. All Chuck could do from this moment on, was to teach and train his son to become the man he wants to be one day.