The Rose That Grew From Concrete

chapter one

Janet's pov

It has been a long tiring day so I'm finally relieved we arrive in New York City . Mom does not look as excited as Deshawn and I and dad too has a neutral face. I try to push off this thoughts and concentrate on the beautiful view of the emerging city, New York. My heart comes to a jolt as I drink in the mesmerizing sight of the tall towers that go straight to heaven, bridges that run on top of the singing rivers that flow in every direction and lavish restaurants and malls headed by tiny expensive cars that drive everywhere. The city is beautiful. I look over at my dad again and he does too but he says nothing.

"Dad,can you say something,"I say as I look him into the eyes. Something seems to be bothering him and I know that because he always looks like that when something has happened.  "Jane, you're just like your nana,you worry too much," he says with a light chuckle and I smile back reassuringly.
Momma too smiles at us and Deshawn rolls his eyes. "Y'all are acting Wierd. Dad can you just tell us where we're going?

A moment of silence passes by and later dad begins to talk. "Guys, I know that this was so sudden but I hope you'll understand. We moved from  Africa because I don't want you all to experience what our brothers and sisters are experiencing there. I want you to live a normal life,go to school and make a future. You know well that black people there are not getting those things. Until apartheid ends, then we can go back." He says and looks over at all of us. We all nod and don't say anything else because we agree with him  in our hearts. Inside I want to cry and hug him tight and show him that I am forever grateful to him.

After a full hour of watching New York City, we drive down a crowded road which kind of gives me flash backs from Africa. Many  people move about in different directions and I realize that we are in a Black people's neighborhood. New York City is divided ,I realize, into neighborhoods.wow.
"Ghetto like seriously? Dad you brought us to the ghetto? I'm sorry but I prefer If you left me in Africa," Deshawn complains as the car stops at a small house sorounded  by old battered buildings.

"Mind how you talk to your father De," mom warns him and he keeps quiet but furry is still evident in his eyes. We get out of the car and dad motions us to  follow him. Nobody says anything until we reach the door. Mom opens it and we are revealed to a small living room with brightly colored sofas, book shelves and a beautiful fluorescent bulb hanged on the ceiling. I do the first thing I and Deshawn do and run to the rooms. He realizes what I'm doing and beats me to the first room. It is a small room with a middle sized bed covered with pink sheets. Growse. Deshawn laughs loud and runs to the next to room. I follow behind him and we enter a blue walled room with a tiny white bed In the corner. Deshawn frowns at the realization that this might be his room and I run out laughing loud. I find momma and dad in the hall way watching us. "I know you are always happy about everything Jane. Thanks. This is the little I could do for you and your brother." Dad says to me and I walk to him and hug him. I wish he didn't think this way because honestly even if I wasn't happy, I would never show it.

Deshawn then comes from behind me and dad pats his shoulders too. "Dude, I know you don't like it in here, but where else do you want to be? We are in New York,yes, but that doesn't mean that we are gonna forget about where we come from. We belong here,in the ghetto life..you understand?" Dad says and Deshawn nods.

Mom smiles at all of us and we all go back to the living room. It's beginning to feel homely now, so I don't really mind how tiny it seems. "So where are we going to school?" Deshawn blurts out and I give him the shut up look. Momma laughs and daddy slaps him on the back. "Ok,I wondered when I'll tell you guys. Your mom's gonna be working at a school down the street..I'm still looking for a job and y'all are gonna school at a school in town."daddy announces and we and we all stand up to get our luggages from outside.

I guess, it's a new life and a new beginning for me. In New York City.