I Am Your Brother

by Jaimy Reynolds

  SEVEN: Hello there, my name is Seven. I don’t believe we met before.

  DESTINY: … Hello, my name is Destiny.

  SEVEN: I like that name. Hey this might sound weird, but do you mind if I join you for this movie?

  DESTINY: (Looks around the empty theater and smiles) Sure, I would like that. But only if you don’t like to talk the whole movie.

  Seven grins while holding out his hand, “nice to meet you Destiny.” She shakes his hand back, “nice to meet you as well.” There was a great silent satisfaction of seeing one another and playing the role of a strangers. It felt right, so they rolled with it. They spoke as cool movie watchers until the previews ended. No matter the act, the energy was felt. They didn’t speak the whole movie, only glanced at each other a couple times. The brown eyed, natural hair wearing, melinated woman was gorgeous in the most unwanted need for attention type of way.

  They walked out of the theater together sharing thoughts on the movie. She couldn’t help but to notice how nice they looked together when seeing their reflection in the class door exit. Once outside the building, they stopped and turned to face each other before going their own separate ways. A light drizzle of rain began to fall from the sky. He didn’t hesitate by asking if he could continue hanging out with her. Just the words she wanted to hear. To his surprise, she opens Sevens door and let him in. That happened to be a first for the natural charmer who shows his appreciation.

  Seven didn’t have plans of bringing up the loss of King until she was ready to. She was now alone in this world with options of doing whatever she wanted. When driving closer to her home she notices an unusual car parked near her house on the opposite side of the street. Seven was preparing himself to see the very spot where he last saw King take his last breath. But Destiny kept driving once she noticed the steak out man being the big muscular guy from the north side. She specifically remembers him from the night that everything changed. She was used to feeling numb the last month of her life to where seeing the man didn’t startle her. She mentally accepted it right away and knew it was time to think of a plan. She kept driving while looking straight ahead hoping the north side guy didn’t see her. She turned onto the nearest street to get out of sight.

  SEVEN: Are you okay?

  DESTINY: One of the north side boys were back there steaking out.

  SEVEN: I figured that’s why you kept driving. We can go to my place if you like, until you decide your next move.

  DESTINY: My goodness, I thought that was the end of those guys. Well, it comes with territory. Once I get passed these guys, I’ll be free of all of this past life of mine. I’m done with that life style.

  SEVEN: We.. when we get passed it. I’m here, you don’t have to do it alone.

  Seven was a breath of fresh air to her. He put his hand over her hand and said that everything was going to be okay. The light drizzle turned to rain, and rain back to a light sprinkle when traveling to their destination.

  DESTINY: I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to be over at this time of night, I don’t think your girlfriend would approve.

  SEVEN: You speak of the woman I caught with another man. She no longer matters.

  DESTINY: Okay, I’m just ready to lay down.

  Lightening illuminates the sky when Seven gets out of the car and takes over the driving duties. Once they made it on his side of town, things got more interesting. Seven whitnesses a police car parked near the section of his apartment building. He continues to drive closer to the entrance way of his building. While strolling closer, he sees the officer wearing an eye patch standing in the breeze way. Low and behold it was the policeman he made eye contact with when leaving the emergency room. To avoid driving passed the cop, he quickly turns into the first open parking spot. He stays calm to not make it look obvious that he was dodging the cop. He puts the car in reverse and backs out of the parking spot while watching to see if the officer noticed them. Destiny can see that the officer was eye balling her car all the way to exiting the parking lot.

  DESTINY: Is he looking for you?

  SEVEN: Possibly. We walked passed each other after leaving the hospital. But then again, things happen over here all the time, could be just a coincidence.

  DESTINY: I can’t take this, it’s too much right now.

  SEVEN: Don’t worry, I’m not going to let anything happen to you.

  DESTINY: They are looking for the both of us.

  Seven could tell he was dealing with a different Destiny now that King was out of her life. She finally showed signs of not being indestructible.

  SEVEN: Before you know it, this is all going to be over soon. This is just a part in your movie.

  The rain gradually comes pouring down harder. It was late and Seven could feel that Destiny was very tired. She didn’t ask any questions by following his lead. He took her to a place where he knew they would be safe. He drives to the library that is not too far from his apartment. The rain is pouring down, mixed with the occasional sounds of thunder and lightning. He parks in the back of the building, takes her hand and they run to the back door of the building. Soon as they enter and close the door behind them, the sound of loud rain has now become the instrumental of stormy night. The smell of books, fresh plants, and wooden shelves filled the air as Seven walks her to his spot. She stays close by his side from barely being able to see in the dark room. He lit a candle and tells her to wait there as he stepped away for a moment. He returns with a T-shirt, a pillow and a thick comforter that doesn’t make laying on the ground so bad. He made sure he had what he needed from the many nights he would sleep in the library.

  Just as Seven seen another side of Destiny, she too was seeing another side of him. He took charge with consideration. He was direct and sure of himself with his actions. He walks her near the row of tall book shelves. Seven stands on one side of the book shelf so they wouldn’t see each other change clothes, while Destiny stood on the other side. Seven removes a section of books so he could see Destiny’s face from the other side. Rain drops tapped on the roof on the building while the candle lit dims the scene.

  SEVEN: There you are.

  DESTINY: Hey big head.

  SEVEN: Hey beautiful.

  DESTINY: (Blushes) What I tell you about beautiful being overrated?

  SEVEN: That was before I got to know you. And beauty is what I see.

  DESTINY: Do you want to know more about me?

  SEVEN: Since the first time I laid eyes on you I’ve wanted to.

  DESTINY: … I’ve been so alone.

  SEVEN: Me too.

  DESTINY: I don’t know what to do from here.

  SEVEN: Let go and trust me.

  DESTINY: What does that mean Seven?

  SEVEN: You know that feeling you have right now towards me?

  DESTINY: Yes.

  SEVEN: Just go with it.

  They stare into each other’s eyes from the opposite sides of the book shelve that separates them. Seven leaves from where he stood standing and Destiny follows his lead. Once they meet at the end of the book shelve, they fall into each other’s arms and passionately kiss. He lifts her up and she wraps her legs around his waist. He walks her to the blanket and gently lays her down. They kissed each others lips, while holding each other close. Destiny was on one accord with the frequency of being in the moment, but the considerate soul of Seven remembered her saying how she wanted her first time to be, and so he respected her wishes by keeping that dream alive and not taking it further. His spirit was leading him to be patient with her, and by doing so will be key as they grow together. Besides, the moment felt priceless, being the best he has felt in a long time. He thought that he would never be able to see Destiny again. The two held each other until she fell asleep in his arms. The sound of rain, the ambience of candle light, and the two laying together being surrounded by a world of books was the movie scene. The candle goes out while Seven thinks of his master plan.

  Chapter

  11

  THE
DEGREELESS HEART SURGEON

  Seven works a rubik’s cube while sitting at his desk. His chair faces the bed with the backpack full of money. He thought of the brilliance and bravery of King. From owning his house, cars, and still have so much money left over. The discipline it would take to go all in and execute his plan. The freedom to fly to different states and be with beautiful women whenever he chose. Being your own boss and going by your own rules. His heavy heart added more fuel to his fire. Something you could feel when looking into his eyes. He sat like a sniper hours before the attepted kill, just as King would. Without noticing, Seven was moving similar to King, but yet still being himself. Despite the financial increase, he chose not to buy a car right away. He calls an Uber driver to assist him to buying a ladder and basketball net. After buying the net and ladder, he returned home and prepared to execute the mission. Readiness was in his eyes, like a boxer making his way down the entrance to the ring. He stands by the front door, “God, may your will be done,” and walks out.

  The sound of screeching sneakers on a black top and a ball bouncing becomes louder as Seven approaches the court in his apartments. With a ladder in one hand, and a net in the other, he stands on the sideline and watches the pickup game. The game being played by all teenagers stopped play and begin to watch Seven. “You brothers mind if I put up this net?” “No we don’t mind, go ahead,” the smallest players on the court responds back. Seven places the ladder and steps on to reach the netless rim. The teens just stare at him. “Mr, do you work in these apartments?” “No, I just thought maybe you guys would like to play with a net on the rim.” The teens look a little confused. “I’m taking the first shot when the net is up,” one of the youngsters said while shooting the ball in the air to himself. Seven climbs back down and looked at the group of teens.

  YOUNGSTERS: Good looking out man.

  SEVEN: You are welcome. Who was winning the game?

  YOUNGSTERS: Were up by two.

  SEVEN: Alright will check this out. I have a one hundred dollar bill for each player on the winning team, and fifty dollars for each player on the losing team. And I’m going to sit back and watch you ballers get down from the side.

  YOUNGSTERS: Whaaat, are you serious right now! Don’t be playing with us man.

  SEVEN: (Took out some cash from his pocket) Let’s play some ball. 0 to 0, let’s go.

  The youngsters got excited and started while a few shouted, “heyyy,” and “let’s go!” A few began to tighten up the laces in their shoes.

  SEVEN: But wait a minute now, I want to see some balling. I’m not trying to see a bunch of arguing and crying over calls. If so, let me know now.

  YOUNGSTERS: Naw were good sir, won’t be none of that. Hey, you heard the man, so don’t come with all of that crying. Yall mess my money up and were gonna have problems!

  Seven carried the ladder off the court and had a seat on the bench. The competitive drive stepped up once money was on the line. He wondered if these kid’s knew what it felt like to get an allowance of any kind. If they have received money for making good grades. If not, he wondered if that ever affected their performance in school. He wondered while watching white on rice defense on every possession. A talented bunch indeed, the heart and skill was evident. The game was tight all the way until the end before the game winning bucket sealed the deal. The winning team cheered amongst themselves while the losing team showed their disappointment.

  SEVEN: Get your head up young men. That was a good hard fought game. You guys come here and let me ask you something.

  They gathered in front of Seven and gave him their undivided attention. Seven pulls out the money in his pocket and hands out one hundred dollar bills to both the winner and losing team. The smiles on their faces touched him so much that chills ran through his body. The youngster’s interest in Seven deepened when receiving their reward. The respect caused them to pay more attention to what he was about to say.

  SEVEN: Think of how you were playing the game before there was no money involved, and now think of how you started playing the game once you found out the winner would win money. That feel you had, once you realized you could gain something by going hard to get the victory. If you take that same drive you had once the money was involved and apply it to making good grades in school, you would all make straight A’s. If you just apply some of the efforts and put it towards being a good brother, son, student, and friend your journey through life will be so much easier. By doing so, you will avoid getting grounded, suspended, whooped, put in jail, and having setbacks that won’t be fun. I know life is about learning and we will make some mistakes, but if you know and have the knowledge and wisdom beforehand, you can prevent a lot of drama in life. You don’t have to get put in prison to learn your lesson, you can gain it right now. Read and ask questions so you can gain wisdom.

  Look at your friend next to you, see that friend as your brother. Be loyal and trust worthy. Treat him how you would want to be treated. I am assuming you all go to the same school. This thought came over me when watching you guys play. What if this group right here played on the same team all through grade school and end up winning the state championship? Because your teamwork, chemistry and bother hood. That is great, but you know what will make it even greater? When people read the articles about how exceptional of young men you are. How they didn’t become a product of their environment. How they made A’s and B’s all through high school. There not just great athletes, but they are great student athletes. Man, you will have all kinds of colleges coming to watch you play. They are looking for student athlete’s to give full scholarships to. It don’t even have to be for basketball, you can apply it to anything you want to be. You feel me?

  YOUNGSTERS: (silence and taking everything in) Yea I feel that sir. That’s real respect right there.

  SEVEN: Hey, before I get out of here, let me ask you guys a question. How many of you young brothers have a single parent mom at home?

  Six out of the eight signaled that they did indeed. That is when Seven opened up his backpack and pulled out eight books.

  SEVEN: Do you think your parents could use some extra help with bills or food?

  YOUNGSTERS: Seem like we could use some extra help all the time sir. It’s a constant struggle out here, we just maintain and deal with the hand we have been dealt with.

  SEVEN: Can I trust you brothers to give this book to your mothers?

  YOUNGSTERS: Yes you can sir, she would be happy if I gave her some money.

  Seven took two hundred dollars and put it inside each book and handed it out to every youngster that stood in front of him. The teens were lost for words before one broke the silence. “Yo who are you sir?”

  SEVEN: I am your brother… now, I want you all to pass the integrity test and make sure your mother’s get that 200 inside that book.

  YOUNGSTERS: Yea yea we got you. And we thank you for everything my brother.

  Seven: I’ll see yall around, much peace and love family.

  Seven mentally says a prayer for each teen when shaking their hand. He could see the appreciation in their brown eyes. The group of teens stood there and watched Seven walk away. The teens wore a look of being stunned, confused, and amazed. For Seven, just knowing the memory will be remembered for the rest of their days was a priceless feeling for him. He wanted to make sure the words he spoke were key.

  Seven walks the neighborhood with his senses on sniper mode. His discernment was on high voltage, frequency fully charged, and laser beam radar reader in place. “Lead me God, lead me,” he spoke in his mind, while traveling with no specific destination in mind. It wasn’t long before he spotted out the neighborhood prostitute sashaying around the street corner. He did not see her as that name, he saw a sister who has become a victim. Seven was good at leaving the judging up to God. Who knows the root problem that led the woman to be a prostitute. He believed that he would have to walk in her shoes in order to do so. The only thing that mattered was the present time.

  P
rostitute named LEXUS: Hey daddy, you looking for a good time?

  SEVEN: No thank you Queen. How are you doing?

  LEXUS: Oh so nice of you, he called me Queen. I’m doing good babe.

  SEVEN: Are you really good though? With all due respect, I find that hard to believe.

  LEXUS: And why so?

  SEVEN: It’s Just something I feel. And unfortunately, I don’t think you are happy about being out here on this corner. But what if I told you a change could happen at this very moment.

  LEXUS: Oh is that right? Well, I’m all ears.

  SEVEN: I don’t want to have a good time, but I do want to pay you for your time. Not only will I pay for your time, I’ll pay you to be honest to me.

  LEXUS: That sounds like a deal. How much are we talking because my time ain’t free.

  SEVEN: Whatever you make in a day, I’ll double if you hear me out over lunch. I know this diner that’s pretty good. I’ll put half in your hand now, and give you the rest after we eat.

  LEXUS: Let me see the money. I need to make sure your not just slick talking me.

  SEVEN: I don’t want to flash money out in the open, follow me.

  After they walk out of sight Seven hands her the money. Satisfaction mixed with a bit of confusion, “let’s go eat, I’m all ears babe,” she responds back. Seven calls an Uber driver for the ride. They arrive at the same diner that King took him to. Once they were dropped off, Seven puts a fifty dollar bill inside a book and tells the Uber driver to read page eleven. He noticed a reddish rash on the forearm of the driver.

  Seven knew he was going to need consistent rides, so he wanted to build a good rapport with just one driver. Especially, after finding out the main area that the driver covered was in the vicinity of his apartment. He wanted it to where, at anytime the driver sees Seven’s number pop up, that it was understood that a big tipper was calling. He didn’t want several Uber drivers wondering about his business. He didn’t want the suspicion, or the idea of him continuously needing rides to go buy things floating around. Seven learned that when a drug addict doesn’t have enough for the next hit, things can become savage. And loose lips can lead the very one in need to Seven. With wanted less chatter in the streets as possible, his plan was to get in good with just one driver.