Azuri's Way

I decided to wait until everybody was sleeping to go through with my getaway plan. I packed all of my stuff, what was left of it anyway, into a duffle bag and debated on whether or not I would use the window as my escape exit. The other option would be going through the living room and that would cause Mama Junie to wake up. That in itself was one of few risks I wasn't willing to take. If she didn't wake up, Sierra or Sequoia would and they cause trouble I don't need. I weighed my options. If I jumped out the window from this second floor apartment, the most I'd get is a fractured ankle or a sore knee, depending on how I land. If I go through the living room, Mama Junie would probably catch me and beat me and I'd be on lockdown until somebody finds me.

Azuri's life has always been anything but sweet. Well, at least for the last 8 years it has been. Her mother, Rhonda, went into prostitution when she was eight and as for her father, Azuri never knew him. She's not even sure if he's alive or not. Of course, like any other abandoned child, she was forced into Chicago's foster care systems. After being placed in over 20 different foster homes, she decides she's had enough.

Running away through the Southside of Chicago didn't help Azuri's much until she ran into Quincy Kennedy. Quincy aka "Que" , one of "Chiraq's" most ruthless kingpins and a surprisingly successful businessman, helps Azuri find a home away from home while trying not to get attached. Circumstances lead them right into each other's arms though, as two people who thought they didn't need anyone to help them get by, meet their match.