Chapter 13: March 17th

"I thought you were never going to talk to me again," Carol confesses as tears run down her cheeks.

"I wasn't but I thought about how selfish I was acting and I was convinced to make things right with you after talking to my friends," Kimberly says going to sit adjacent to her mother.

"Well, whatever the reason I'm glad you came back. The reason I didn't tell you was because I didn't want your opinion of me to change. I knew that this conversation would have to be had but not in a secret-blowing way." Carol says clasping her hands together.

"Since you put it that way I can see why you didn't. When I heard my father say what he said I felt distrusted. That you didn't think I was worthy to know what my matrilineal lineage is. With that said I want to apologize for being disrespectful. Whether you wanted to tell me or not I should have not stepped out of line. So you can punish me how you see fit."

"I accept your apology and I'm not going to punish you. I'm the only one to blame for this situation. If I had been a stronger woman and remained with your father this wouldn't have happened." Carol says as tears drop onto the table.

Kimberly places her right hand on top of her mother's.

"You did what you felt was right. You can't allow yourself to feel regretful for past actions. After spending time with him as a toddler I see he's not parent material. Now if push comes to shove and he has to be handled there won't be any unanswered questions." Kimberly says squeezing Carol's hands.

"You're just fourteen but you're speaking as if you've had several relationships," Carol says making Kimberly laugh.

"Let's just say I've seen things at school and it's a good teacher," Kimberly says making Carol chuckle.

"I'm glad things are back to normal between us," Carol says relieved making Kimberly smile.

"So am I. I'm going to go and unpack. I love you." Kimberly says getting up to hug Carol.

"I love you too," Carol says returning the hug.

When Kimberly's gone Carol wipes her eyes and goes to the kitchen to make dinner.

Gregory is at Mable's Mart in the card section when Samantha approaches him.

"Hello, Mr. Collins I'm District Attorney Samantha Van Buren. I'm here to give you some court documents. They pertain to you receiving sole custody of your daughter. Everything you need to know will be inside this envelope." Samantha says handing the envelope to Gregory.

"I can't believe Carol had a change of heart so quickly," Gregory says looking at the envelope.

"Well, when you come from the background she does you have life decisions to make. What better time to be there for your daughter than now."

"You're right but don't you think handing me this in a store is a bit out of place?"

Samantha shrugs her shoulders.

"I know it's unorthodox but you just moved here and I wasn't sure if you had secured residency yet. Plus I figured why not surprise you."

"Thank you so much," Gregory says thumping the envelope.

"You're welcome," Samantha says before walking away.

Gregory screams joyously jumping in the air. He continues browsing the card section.

Darwin returns home and heads to the living room and sits down on the couch. He exhales heavily when his back makes contact with the cushion.

After a few minutes the telephone rings. Darwin reaches over and picks it up.

"This is Darwin Tansworth Attorney at Law."

"Hey Darwin it's Samantha. I delivered the warrant to Mr. Collins."

Darwin sits upright swiftly.

"Already? Man do you work fast!" Darwin says making Samantha laugh.

"You know me. Well anyway, he's going to be in for a real surprise when he finds out what's inside the envelope."

A chill runs down Darwin's spine.

"I just hope things don't get out of hand."

"If it does then KPD will handle it."

"I hope you're right about that. Thank you again."

"You're welcome," Samantha says and the line goes dead.

Darwin gets up and goes upstairs to his bedroom and changes.

Around nine Alvin comes out of his bathroom and into his bedroom. He is wearing a white t-shirt and royal blue silk pajama bottoms. He goes under his bed and pulls out an adult magazine. It depicts a semi-naked male. He has fair skin with toned muscles. His hair is dark brown and combed over. He has blue eyes and supple lips.

He is wearing military green pants and black combat boots. His hands are resting on his gray metal belt buckle. He is biting his lip with lowered eyes. Alvin looks at the magazine licking his lips before opening it. As he does a knock comes on the door. He places the magazine under his comforter.

"Come in."

The door opens and Ingrid comes in wearing a purple silk nightgown with white slippers. Her hair is wrapped in a white bandanna.

"Hey, honey I'm just here to give you some pocket money and money for a suit," Ingrid says handing him seventy dollars.

"Mom, are you sure about this?" Alvin asks looking down at the money.

"Of course. I know that the Winter Formal is coming up soon and I want to make sure you go in style. No need to worry about the bills that's my job. Your job is to go to school and have tons of fun." Ingrid says sitting down on the edge of Alvin's bed.

She studies Alvin's eyes but doesn't pry.

"Thank you for this Mom I really appreciate it. I was actually going to go suit shopping tomorrow." Alvin says placing the money under his pillow.

"You're welcome. So are you guys going shopping together?"

"We'll be at the same store but separated."

Ingrid nods her head before kissing his forehead.

"Okay well have fun and stay out of trouble. You have a good night." Ingrid says getting up and going to his door.

"You too, I love you."

Ingrid looks back at him smiling.

"I love you too sweetheart," Ingrid says before leaving.

Once she's gone Alvin takes out his magazine and opens it to the first page.

Out in the hallway Ingrid is laughing to herself and going down the hallway to her bedroom.

The following morning at ten the four teens meet up at the corner. Danny is wearing a black T-shirt, blue jeans black tennis shoes and a black leather jacket. Alvin is wearing an orange poolwater shirt, a blue jean jacket, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. Kimberly is wearing a purple angel-sleeve top, tight white jeans, and purple suede go-go boots. Her hair is down and with a swoop that is secured with a hair clip. Deena is wearing a chocolate brown turtleneck, blue jeans, and chocolate brown knee-length boots. Over her turtleneck is a chinchilla waist-length coat.

"Good morning everyone!" Kimberly says perkily looking at the others smiling.

"Good morning Kimberly," Deena says softly returning the smile.

"Hey, hey, hey," Alvin says flashing a grin with an accompanying wave.

"Hi," Danny says coolly with his hands in his pockets.

"So we're going to go shopping for our outfits for the Winter Formal. After that, we'll go to Jade Monopoly." Danny says looking at everyone.

"Alright." the others say in unison and they cross the street.

They head to Deidra's Empire. Deidra's Empire is a sand-brown two-story standalone building. At the top of the building in red cursive, it reads Deidra's Empire. The windows are clear and the double doors are pulled open. The quartet heads inside. They are instantly welcomed by the scent of lavender. On the first floor are racks for dresses.

Along the walls are women's shoes. In the center of the floor is a staircase that leads to the second floor for men. Danny goes and stands in front of the others.

"Okay, I think an hour should be long enough for us to find something we like. When we're finished we'll meet back here." Danny says looking at his friends.

"I think that's reasonable for everyone," Alvin says earning a head shake from Kimberly.

"Have you guys forgotten that Dee and I are girls? We need more than an hour to find exactly what we're looking for." Kimberly says folding her arms.

"I won't need an hour. I know exactly what I want to wear." Deena says getting their attention.

"Okay well Kimberly we'll give you an extra hour to search for a dress," Danny says meeting her golden eyes.

"Fine," Kimberly says unfolding her arms.

Immediately the quartet disperse with Danny and Alvin heading upstairs. Kimberly and Deena head east towards the formal wear section.

Carol is at work in her office going over a patient's paperwork when a knock comes on her door.

"Come in," Carol says looking up at the door.

When the door opens her coworker smiles at her.

"You have a Gregory Collins in the lobby wanting to see you."

Carol exhales heavily.

"Alright, I'll go out there right now."

Her coworker shuts the door.

Carol exhales heavily looking down at her desk.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Carol asks herself before leaving.

When she reaches the lobby she sees Gregory standing in the middle of the lobby. Gregory is wearing a dark brown leather coat, a gray sweater, blue jeans, and black loafers. On his head is a dark brown beanie. Carol walks over to him with her hands clasped together.

"What do you want Gregory?"

Gregory smiles happily.

"I'm glad you're seeing things my way."

Carol shakes her head.

"What are you talking about?" Carol asks folding her arms.

"I received a visit from a D.A. named Samantha Van Buren. She told me that you signed your parental rights of Kimberly over to me." Gregory says enraging Carol.

"I never signed any documentation about my parental rights."

"Of course you did. She gave me a document with your signature on it." Gregory says pulling a white envelope from his inner pocket.

He opens it takes out the document and shows it to Carol. After looking at the signature line Carol shakes her head and looks at Gregory.

"That's not my signature and you know it."

Gregory places the document back in the envelope.

"Well you better lawyer up because Kimberly is going with me." Carol steps into his personal space with an icy expression.

"If you think my daughter is going with you you're sadly mistaken. Get the hell out of here and don't ever come back!" Carol hisses before storming off.

Gregory scoffs smiling before exiting the building.

Back at Deidra's Empire, the four teens meet back up where they did earlier. Their outfits are covered by a white zipper bag.

"That was sooner than expected," Alvin says looking at Kimberly.

"Well the dress immediately stood out to me and I had to have it." Kimberly beams.

"Deena, are you satisfied with your outfit?" Danny asks.

"Yes," Deena says sweetly.

"I take it you two didn't take long to find your outfits," Kimberly says looking between them.

"Not at all. Being a guy seems so much easier." Alvin says looking at Danny.

"I agree. You guys have no idea what it's like to be a girl. Be thankful."

The two boys nod their heads in agreement. They then go to the cash register pay for their outfits and leave the store. They then head to their homes to put their outfits away. When they met back up they headed to Jade Monopoly.

Jade Monopoly is a white building with tinted windows and push-open doors. The sign was green with stones outlining the letters. Upon entering the establishment there is a soda bar straight ahead. The top of the counter is sparkly with chrome trim. The bar stools are orange with chrome trim. To the right are two-seat tables. The tables have green cloths with napkin dispensers and condiments. A few feet away from the table area is a stage.

They head to the bar and sit down. Immediately a seventeen-year-old boy comes out of a silver swing door. He is wearing a white-collar shirt and black pants. He has brown skin that is complimented by baby oil. He has short black hair that is gelled back with hazel eyes. He looks each of them in their eyes.

"Welcome to Jade Monopoly I'm Cody and I'll be your bartender. What can I get you for you guys?" Cody asks taking out a notepad and pencil.

"I'll have an orange soda," Alvin says coolly looking at Cody with interest.

"Alright and for you sir?" Cody asks looking at Danny.

"I'll have a pineapple soda," Danny says and Cody jots it down.

"What can I get for you, ma'am?" Cody asks sweetly looking at Kimberly.

"I'll have a strawberry soda," Kimberly says tapping her fingers against the countertop.

"Very good and for you ma'am?" Cody asks meeting Deena's eyes.

"I'll take an iced root beer," Deena says making Cody raise his eyebrows.

"Wow, you're the first female customer to request a root beer," Cody says making Deena blush.

"I love the taste of root beer is all," Deena says looking away from Cody.

"No need to feel ashamed. Everyone has their favorite beverage of choice."

"Thank you," Deena says smiling at him.

"You're welcome. Your refreshments will be prepared momentarily."

Cody says then goes and gathers some glasses.

Meanwhile, Kimberly looks over at the stage. A sixteen-year-old girl comes out onstage. She has fair skin with short blonde hair that is styled in a pixie cut. Her eyes are blue and vibrant with life. She is wearing a white sleeveless romper and pointed-toe slingbacks. She opens her mouth and starts singing.

"Wow, she has a powerful voice," Kimberly says.

The others look in her direction.

"Here you guys are," Cody says handing everyone their drinks.

"Thank you so much," Deena says sipping her root beer.

"You're welcome."

"This is really good," Kimberly says happily setting her glass down.

"I'm glad you like it. We make our sodas right here at Jade Monopoly."

After being at the teen establishment for three hours the quartet leaves and heads to Danny's house. They go to the living room where they stand in front of the couch.

"How about we practice singing Sweet Ol Jenny and Four Friends One Dream," Danny suggests.

"Okay," Alvin says.

"Singing is all that matters to me," Kimberly says smiling at Danny.

"That's fine with me," Deena says sweetly.

They all then line up.

"I miss sweet old Jenny, the libertine jelly bean who never asked you for a penny. She had dark brown eyes with long brown tresses. It didn't even matter that she was clumsy or made messes. She was always the kind, loving girl next door. Bubbly and serene down to her core." Alvin sings blissfully in his luscious tenor voice.

"Good job Alvin. You've got the naive boy routine down." Danny says before clearing his throat.

"I miss sweet old Jenny, the libertine jelly bean who never asked you for a penny. She had dark brown eyes with long brown tresses. It didn't even matter that she was clumsy or made messes. She was always the kind, loving girl next door. Bubbly and serene down to her core." Danny sings smoothly in his masculine baritone voice.

"Unknown to the world she had a closet full of internal suffering confessions. Every night she remained a silent prisoner her heart yearned for freedom through chest compressions." Kimberly sings optimistically swaying from side to side snapping her fingers.

"That's great Kimberly. That swaying from side to side and snapping your fingers really gives the listener the image that Jenny wants to confess." Danny says excitedly.

"Thank you, Black Wolf," Kimberly says flirtatiously.

Danny then looks over at Deena.

"Shy Jenny finally found the courage to approach her long-time crush. Once in front of him, her cheeks started to flush. After finding the resolve her mind turned to mush. The brunette thought God had sent his angels to make her hush." Deena belts in her booming contralto.

"Wow, Deena you're really capturing what Jenny is feeling. I hope that when we come back together for the chorus each of our voices can mesh harmoniously." Danny says earning him a node from Deena.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," Danny says giving her a thumbs up.

"I miss sweet old Jenny, the libertine jelly bean who never asked you for a penny. She had dark brown eyes with long brown tresses. It didn't even matter that she was clumsy or made messes. She was always the kind, loving girl next door. Bubbly and serene down to her core." the quartet sings in harmony twice.

When they finish Danny looks over at them.

"That was awesome guys. Now it's on to Four Friends One Dream."

The four teens look into the dining room.

"Four hungry souls are what we are. That unquenchable hunger is what got us this far. Like wolves, we weren't loved by society. We found each other and we put on our best cotton, plaid, muumuu, and leather and banded together. Like a sunbeam we're four friends with one dream." the quartet sings in elated harmony.

"The cold and rainy days were brutal and unforgiving, but we knew this is how we wanted to make our living." Alvin and Danny sing in unison.

"All the arguing and disagreements were not of our precious lord but here we are getting our groovy reward." Kimberly and Deena sing in harmony smiling at each other.

Kimberly moves her hands back and forth while doing footwork. Deena squeezes her hands tightly.

"Four hungry souls are what we are. That unquenchable hunger is what got us this far. Like wolves, we weren't loved by society. We found each other and we put on our best cotton, plaid, muumuu, and leather and banded together. Like a sunbeam we're four friends with one dream." the quartet harmonizes ending it on a grand yet climactic note.

"Good work guys," Kimberly says looking between her friends.

"Awesome work. Now let's veg out and look at television. But first, let me get you guys some water." Danny says before going to the kitchen.

The remainder of February flies by and March 17 arrives. The quartet meets up at the corner. Kimberly has the poster board while Deena has the supplies and food coloring. Danny is wearing a ripped black leather jacket, a black t-shirt, black leather pants, and black tennis shoes. Alvin is wearing a white thermal with an orange collar shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. Kimberly is wearing a peach turtleneck with white pants, a white leather coat, and peach suede go-go boots. Her hair is pulled back into a low ponytail. In her ears are her golden bamboo earrings.

Deena is wearing a black turtleneck dress with a stomach belt. On her legs are black stockings and on her feet are knee-length black leather boots. Over her dress is a black mid-thigh mink coat. Her hair is styled in its usual mod style with a black headband on top.

"Today is March 17 meaning it's presentation day. Let's go and make this A plus." Alvin says excitedly pumping his fist in the air.

"I'm with you Al," Kimberly says wrapping her left arm around his neck happily.

"Yes let's make our teacher proud," Deena says looking at Alvin and Kimberly.

"Yeah let's have a good day today," Danny says coolly cracking a small smile.

A brown car pulls alongside the curb and stops. Two men dressed in all-black with beanies on their heads get out of the car and step onto the sidewalk. They charge towards Kimberly who drops the poster board and puts up her dukes ready to brawl.