Chapter 2: I Am

The convertible comes to a sharp stop at the stop sign. The man looks at Danny smirking.

"You're really sexy." the man says huskily licking his lips.

"Where are we going to do this?" Danny asks looking out the window.

"At my condominium."

Thirty minutes later they arrive at his condominium. It is twenty floors high. It is light brown with dark brown trim. The man parks his car in the underground garage. He gets out and opens the door for Danny.

Danny gets a good look at the man. He is in his late twenties with short blonde spiky hair. His eyes are blue and filled with raw lust. He is wearing a white t-shirt, a red and white letterman jacket, blue jeans and white tennis shoes.

"Let's get upstairs." the man says extending his hand.

Danny gets out of the car and looks around the garage. The man shuts the door and leads the teen to a steel elevator. He presses the up button, and the doors open. They enter the elevator, and the man presses the button for the tenth floor. The elevator car has oak walls with thin handrails. When they make it to the tenth floor Danny is amazed to see the floors are marble. There are pictures of important figures along both walls of the hallway.

When they make it to the man's condominium, he looks back at Danny smirking arrogantly. Danny looks at him blankly with his arms folded. They head inside where the man turns on the lights. Danny is even more blown away by the floor plan.

There is a large balcony at the back of the living room. There are two white leather couch sets in the living room. There is also a matching lazy boy a few feet away from the loveseat. There is a television resting on top of a medium black table.

The kitchen has marble countertops with luxurious appliances. He leads him to his bedroom. The man flips the light switch, and the spacious abode comes to life. There is a king-size bed resting in its center. It is decorated with navy blue and black pillows with a dark gray comforter. On both sides of the bed are black nightstands with diamond doorknobs. On top of them are white lamps. To the left is the bathroom and to the right is the closet with a black dresser and a body mirror not far away.

The man looks back at Danny before going over to his bed and undressing. When he finishes, he sits down in the middle of his bed.

"Go ahead and strip down. I want to see you in all of your glory." the man says excitedly looking Danny in his eyes.

Danny quickly strips down walks over to the bed and climbs in. He pushes the man onto his back. He pins his hands above his head while looking in his eyes emptily. Danny crashes his lips against his. The man tastes of mint. When they part for air the man has a glazed look in his eyes. He releases his hands and begins attacking his neck leaving hickies in his ravenous wake.

He kisses his way down to the man's brown nipples. He looks at the man and sees he's completely consumed by lust. He brings his tongue back out to play with each nipple teasingly. Danny licks his way down to his erect member. He takes the pink mushroom head into his mouth. He licks the underside causing the man to moan elated. After several sucks Danny removes his mouth leaving a saliva line.

When the man feels the bitter coldness slap his member he glares down at Danny.

"Why did you stop?" the man asks irritated.

"I'm not fucking you without a condom."

The man reaches over to his right nightstand and pulls out a golden wrapper. He hands it to Danny who examines the size type before placing it on himself. He then places his index and middle fingers inside the man's mouth. The man knowingly licks them for a few seconds before Danny harshly removes them. He then places them at the man's waiting puckered entrance. He slowly inserts his index finger inside. The man's breath hitches before a girlish moan trails behind.

A minute later he adds his middle finger and starts scissoring him.

"Put it in now!"

Danny aligns himself with the man's pink abyss. He slowly inserts his eight-inch member inside the man. Once he's inside fully he slowly removes himself before ramming it back in. The man bites his lip looking up at Danny. As Danny's thrusts increase and become rougher the man screams lustfully. Danny rests his chin on the man's left shoulder.

"Who's Daddy's little whore?" Danny asks domineeringly.

"I-I am." the man whimpers and Danny squeezes his wrists.

Danny flips the man onto his stomach and switches to more soft passionate thrusts. He places the man's hands on both sides of his head. He then leans down into his right ear and licks his earlobe.

"Who does this belong to?" Danny asks while thrusting becoming rough again.

"You." the man moans submissively.

Danny then roughly captures the man's lips and bites his bottom lip slightly. Feeling himself reaching his climax Danny removes himself and ejaculates into his condom. He then gets out of bed and gets dressed. The man looks at him with hurt. His expression changes to happiness when he looks at Danny's glistening abdomen.

"You definitely showed me a spectacular time."

"Do you have my money?"

The man sits up and reaches onto his nightstand and grabs ten one-hundred-dollar bills. He gets out of bed and walks over to Danny who has his left hand open. The man then retracts his hand confusing Danny.

"What's your name?"

"Howler."

 The man sighs before handing Danny his payment.

 Danny counts the money and puts it in his right pocket.

"I'll let myself out," Danny says before leaving.

The man remains there with arms folded.

Danny heads down the hallway to the elevator. When it arrives, he heads down to the lobby. Upon entering the lobby, he heads out the front door to the bus stop. Not long thereafter the bus arrives. He pays his fare and heads and finds a seat in the front. When he reaches his stop, he walks for a few seconds to his house.

It is a white bungalow with a dark gray roof. He walks up the pathway and heads upstairs. He unlocks the door and goes inside. Upon entering the foyer, the hardwood floor creeks under the new pressure. The walls are painted dark blue with white baseboards. To the left is the foyer closet. The living room entrance is to the right.

The living room is furnished with old yet sturdy furniture. There is one couch with a beige leather lazy boy adjacent to the couch. A few feet away from the couch is a dark brown mahogany coffee table. On it are magazines. Behind the couch is one large window. The walls in this room are dark red.

Straight ahead is a hallway that has a hall bathroom. It also leads to the master bedroom. Danny heads to the master bedroom. The master bedroom walls are black with white baseboards. There is a full-size bed against the wall facing the bathroom. It is decorated with white pillows and a black comforter. In the corner is an old oak wood dresser with a mirror sitting on top.

Danny takes out his money and places it inside a silver shoe box. He then goes to the bathroom and turns on the shower. The walls are beige with white baseboards. The sink is creamy with caramel swirls. The wall surrounding the tub is white glass tile. After stripping down Danny goes back into the bathroom. When he steps in he lets the hot water beads hit his body.

He grabs a burgundy washcloth off the rear rack and a bar of soap off the mantle. He wets the washcloth and covers it in soap. He begins scrubbing his body. With every scrub, the dirtiness of his nightly activities is cleansed. He rinses his body for his sins and washes his hair. When he finishes, he turns off the shower and steps out. He dries himself and puts on a black terrycloth robe and goes to the kitchen.

There are two medium white counters and a bar. The oven and refrigerator are separated by a counter. The refrigerator is swamp green with a silver horizontal pull lever. In the center of the kitchen is an island counter. Up above is a skylight. The gas stove like the refrigerator is old but strong. It is all black. The cabinets are white with dark gold knobs.

Danny goes to one of the cabinets and pulls out a white glass saucer and a small glass. He places them on the island counter and goes to the pantry. He sighs at its near emptiness. All there is canned vegetables and a jar of peanut butter. He grabs some peanut butter and closes the door. He sets it on the island counter and goes to the refrigerator. He gets a jar of grape jelly and a half gallon of milk.

He pours the milk into the glass and gets a loaf of wheat bread from a brown bread box. It is located on the counter near the stove. He grabs a butter knife from a drawer and returns to the counter. He opens the bread bag and places two slices on the saucer. He retires the loaf and opens both jars. He spreads the condiments over the bread and puts them away. He puts the bread away and goes to the dining room.

The dining room looks like a diner in every respect. There is a two-seat table with a shiny dark blue leather surface and chrome trim. There are two silver chairs with shiny dark blue cushions and chrome trim. A few feet away is a booth with shiny red cushions and chrome trim. On top of the vanilla surface are condiments and a chrome napkin holder.

Danny goes to the table sits down and indulges himself. After finishing he washes his dishes and retires for the night.

The following morning Deena awakes with her novella resting on her chest. She gets up and sets it on the nightstand. She gets out of bed and makes it up. She places the novella back on the bookshelf and goes into the bathroom. After washing up she gets dressed and goes to her body mirror to assess her reflection. She is wearing a sable coat, a white long-sleeve turtleneck dress, brown tights, and flat knee-length brown leather boots. Her hair is styled in a bouffant with a swoop. She grabs her backpack when a knock comes on her door.

"Come in," Deena says looking at her bedroom door.

When the door opens Deena's father Darwin comes in. He is in his late thirties with fair skin and short chocolate brown hair. It was nicely quaffed in a gelled comb over. He has light brown eyes and pink supple lips. On his face are black rectangular eyeglasses. He is wearing a navy blue suit, a black tie, and black dress shoes. On his left wrist is a silver diamond watch.

"Good morning, Ladybug," Darwin says affectionately in an East Texas accent going to hug his daughter.

"Good morning, Father," Deena says happily returning the sentiment.

"How are you doing this morning?" Darwin asks warmly as they separate.

"I'm blessed," Deena says avoiding his gaze.

 Darwin notices her bruise and cups her face.

"Deena, what happened to your face?"

"It's nothing I just ran into a door." Deena sniffles wiping her eyes.

"Your mother did this to you didn't she?"

"Yes, but she didn't mean to. She's just stressed out."

"You don't have to protect her," Darwin says before leaving.

Deena follows behind him shutting her door. They go downstairs to the dining room. The dining room is decorated with a long black table with six chairs. The walls are gray with white baseboards. There is a set of double doors that lead to the backyard.

Chasity is having breakfast. She is wearing a blue snakeskin dress with black pumps and a black necklace. Her hair is styled in large curls. On her plate are eggs, sausage, bacon and biscuits. When she sees them, she chuckles softly while placing some bacon in her mouth.

"Good morning sweetheart," Chasity says sweetly looking at her husband.

"Why did you hit Deena?!"

Chasity glares at Deena who averts her eyes.

"Did she tell you that?"

"No, the bruise on her face did!"

"I had to exercise my role as her mother. She came home late last night." Chasity says before sipping her orange juice.

"How late was she?"

"An hour," Chasity says before placing some eggs in her mouth.

"So that constitutes you to hit her?"

"I can discipline her how I see fit."

"Abuse is not discipline," Darwin says before looking at Deena.

"Why were you late coming home last night Princess?"

"I was working on a school project with some classmates and I lost track of time," Deena explains meeting her father's eyes.

"That's a perfectly logical reason for being late. In the future just call and inform us that you will be home late."

"Yes sir. Well, I better be on my way to school. I love you two, have a good day." Deena says sweetly before leaving.

When the front door closes Darwin looks at Chasity in disgust.

"You are not the type of woman that is fit for motherhood."

"But you're meant to be a father? That's the pot calling the kettle black" Chasity says smugly before biting into her biscuit.

Darwin shakes his head before going to the foyer and grabbing his briefcase.

Chasity rolls her eyes and resumes eating her breakfast.

Across the street, at the Goldsteen residence, Alvin is at the dining room table. He is wearing a blue poolwater t-shirt, and white jeans with white and blue tennis shoes. His hair is styled in a wavy mop style. He is eating a bowl of cinnamon-flavored oatmeal and two slices of toast. As he indulges himself Jason enters the room.

He is wearing a white T-shirt with a black button shirt over it, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. His hair is styled in a comb-over. He walks over to Alvin and grabs Alvin's bowl. Alvin gets up and attempts to grab it. Jason shoves Alvin to the floor and throws it to the ground. Alvin gets to his feet and shoves Jason.

"What the hell is your problem?" Alvin asks furiously clenching his fists.

"You're my damn problem. Why can't you just disappear?!" Jason asks

putting up his dukes.

 He goes in for several blows that daze Alvin and cause him to tumble backward. When Alvin's vision clears, he charges towards Jason and tackles him to the ground. He straddles him and begins punching him.

"I'm sick of you and your crap!" Alvin yells as he lands blows to Jason's face.

Ingrid comes downstairs in a maroon blouse, black slacks, and black pointed-toe pumps. Her hair is styled in a messy yet professional bun with a swoop. She rushes into the dining room and pulls Alvin off Jason.

"Stop it you two!" Ingrid says getting in between them.

"He started it," Alvin says furiously.

 Ingrid shoots him a glare.

"I don't care who started it I'm finishing it. Now what the hell is going on here?!" Ingrid asks looking between her sons.

"Jason walked up to the table took my bowl of oatmeal and threw it on the ground," Alvin explains.

"Jason, did you do that to Alvin?" Ingrid asks seriously.

"Yes, I did because he's a nigger." Jason says bitterly before expectorating in Alvin's direction.

Alvin prepares for round two when Ingrid steps in between them.

"I have to go to work. Jason, clean this mess up and stop harassing your brother. You need to start treating him with respect." Ingrid pleads looking at Jason.

"I will when you stop laying down with niggers and making mongrels." Jason hisses earning a slap from Ingrid.

"You will not talk to me like that boy," Ingrid says sternly staring Jason in his eyes.

Jason glares at Alvin before going to pick up the overturned bowl. Ingrid walks over to Alvin and ruffles his hair smiling.

"I'm so proud of you sweetheart. Your mixed heritage is something to be proud of." Ingrid says rubbing his cheek.

She then kisses his forehead.

"I love you, sweetheart, have a good day at school," Ingrid says going to the foyer and grabbing her purse and coat.

"I don't know what the hell she's congratulating you for. You will always be a bastard in my eyes." Jason says icily going into the kitchen.

Alvin shakes his head shamefully before grabbing his toast and clearing the table.

Kimberly is at the dining room table. She is wearing an orange and purple long-sleeved psychedelic top, blue jeans, and orange suede go-go boots. Her long straight copper hair falls seamlessly over her shoulders. There is a flipped swoop on her forehead. Her face is made up with orange eye shadow and orange lipstick. On her half-eaten plate are buttermilk pancakes, sausage patties, bacon, scrambled eggs, white rice and biscuits. In her glass is pulp orange juice. As she indulges herself Carol enters the dining room.

"Good morning Kimberly," Carol says getting Kimberly's attention.

"Good morning Mother, how are you?" Kimberly asks as Carol sits down.

 "I'm doing fine, how about you?" Carol asks filling her plate with food.

"That's groovy and I'm good," Kimberly says before sipping her orange juice.

 "That's good," Carol says pouring apple juice in her glass.

Carol is wearing a white short-sleeve dress, white stockings, and white tennis shoes. On her head is a pillbox hat with a red cross in the center. She goes and sits at the opposite end of the table.

"So how did things go last night?" Carol asks placing bacon in her mouth.

"We finished our project but something else happened and it was magical," Kimberly says looking up at the ceiling.

"What happened?"

"We harmonized for the first time. It wasn't crisp but it is definitely worth exploring."

"Do you think you four can work together musically?"

"Despite Danny and I having strong personalities, I think it is. Alvin is more outgoing and Deena is very shy." Kimberly says placing more eggs in her mouth.

"Well, hopefully, you guys can work things out," Carol says sipping her juice.

"I believe we will," Kimberly says smiling at her mother.

Ten minutes later Kimberly finishes her breakfast and washes her dishes. She goes to the foyer and grabs her backpack.

"I'll see you tonight, I love you," Kimberly says walking out the front door.

She heads down to the corner where Deena and Alvin are standing.

"Good morning guys," Kimberly says warmly.

"Good morning KB," Alvin says happily.

"Good morning Kimberly, I hope you slept well," Deena says sweetly.

"I most certainly did. I dreamed about us being onstage together singing for thousands of fans."

Alvin and Deena look at each other confused before looking back at the rotund teen.

"Do you honestly think we would work as a band?" Alvin asks.

"Hell no. That's a recipe for disaster." Danny interjects getting the trio's attention.

Danny is wearing a white t-shirt with a black wolf on it, a black leather jacket, blue jeans, and black and white tennis shoes. His hair is styled in a gelled pompadour.

"A good morning will suffice," Kimberly says irritably.

"You're the one having wishful dreams," Danny says mocks sliding his hands in his pockets.

"Let's get going we don't want to be late," Alvin says and the quartet crosses the street.

"Danny, how long are you going to continue denying that we sounded good together?" Alvin asks.

"Our harmony wasn't anywhere near solid," Danny says meeting Alvin's eyes.

"Dee, are you okay?" Kimberly asks concerned.

"I'm fine,"

Kimberly stares a moment longer before giving her attention to the path ahead.

"So now that we're done with our project can we go our separate ways?" Danny asks coldly.

"I don't think us being paired together was a coincidence. I also don't think us singing together was a fluke." Kimberly says making Danny scoff.

 Soon the teens arrive at school. The foursome walk inside where they are approached by cheerleading captain Lucille Mortenson.

 Lucille stands at five feet six inches. Her platinum blonde back-length hair is styled in a bouffant with a swoop. In the center of it is a black plastic headband. Her eyes are a light shade of blue. Her eyebrows are definitively arched but thin out. On her upper eyelids are black eye shadow and black eyeliner on the bottom. Her girlish lips are thin with slight plumpness.

They are coated in nude lipstick. In her ears are black pear-shaped earrings. Around her neck is a black choker. She is wearing a black leather jacket with a black short-sleeved top, blue jeans, and black leather go-go boots.  

"Hey Danny, can I talk to you?" Lucille asks smoothly in a southern California accent.

She glares at the others in utter disgust.

"Alone?" Lucille asks looking at Kimberly icily.

"Is there something on my face?" Kimberly asks.

"Yes, there is. There's too much damn fat. Danny is too cool to be seen with the likes of you losers." Lucille says looking Kimberly over.

"A pompous blonde like yourself is no exception to the rule. The three of us are normal."

"Save it for the Miss Kingthorn Pageant. Oh wait you wouldn't even make it past the application process." Lucille says chuckling before giving her attention to Danny.

Danny shrugs his shoulders as Lucille takes his hand and pulls him away.

"That girl is nothing but trouble. Danny had better be careful." Kimberly says as they head to the cafeteria.

When they arrive in the cafeteria they go to the secluded table in the back. Deena takes out a notebook and pencil and starts writing while Alvin scopes the cafeteria for girls. When he spots one he smirks showing his braces.

"She's so pretty. I would definitely like to smack lips with her." Alvin says smitten.

 Kimberly looks in the direction of the girl. She has medium-length brown hair that is styled in a comb-over. Her frame is petite with a slight curve. Her olive skin is enhanced by baby oil. She has honey-brown eyes and supple lips. She has on a white long-sleeve turtleneck dress with black leather go-go boots.

"You think Sadie Porter is pretty?" Kimberly asks with her chin resting in her left hand.

"Yes, but I know she wouldn't give me the time of day," Alvin says sadly before meeting Sadie's eyes.

"Maybe if you weren't such a horn dog maybe she would be more enamored of you," Kimberly suggests raising her eyebrows.

"Yeah, you're right," Alvin says winking at Sadie.

"So do you think Danny will ever sing with us?" Alvin asks sadly.

"If he weren't so stubborn and controlling yes I could," Kimberly says before looking at Deena.

"What are you writing Dee?" Kimberly asks looking at her notebook.

"What I'm feeling on the inside," Deena says while closing it.

"You're willing to do that publicly? You are really cut from a different cloth" Alvin says inspired.

"Whatever I'm currently feeling I always write it down," Deena says placing her notebook inside her backpack.

"There's nothing wrong with that," Kimberly says encouragingly making Deena smile.

"Theoretically speaking, if we were to become a vocal group who do you think the star would be?" Alvin asks looking between the girls.

"Don't answer that question," Kimberly says all-knowingly glancing at Deena.

"I think I would. I'm outgoing and personable." Alvin says piquing Kimberly's interest.

"You sound very sure of yourself," Kimberly says looking Alvin over.

"For good reason," Alvin says coquettishly.

"We all have the powerful God-given gift of singing so I don't think that would separate us. It has to be individual traits that the public can easily identify with." Deena says getting their attention.

Deena's face turns as red as a Louisiana bell pepper before looking away.

 "Deena's is right. I think it would be our personalities." Kimberly says pounding her right hand with her left fist.

"Being famous would be a nice change from our mundane lives." Alvin sighs before placing his chin on top of his hands.

 As peace ascends over them Lucille approaches them.

"If you're waiting for Danny to join you, he won't be. He belongs to the cool kids now. You three rejects should be eating your lunch outside on the rooftop." Lucille mocks.

"Why don't you hit the pavement before you're lying face down on it." Kimberly barks back.

 "Looks whose testosterone finally came in. I'm sure you have the testicles to match. Good luck getting any guy to fall in love with you." Lucille rebuts with her hands on her hips.

 Kimberly remains silent while Lucille grins victoriously before walking away.

 "That bitch really boils my blood. She thinks she's all that and a plate of Lo-Mein. I'll show her that I'm the shrimp fried rice, egg roll, orange chicken, and biscuits all packed into one to-go plate." Kimberly says watching Lucille return to her table.

She looks at Danny who looks detached and distant.

 The bell rings and the students head out into the hallway. The three teens head to Ms. Gromlin's classroom. When they arrive they head to the middle row and sit down. Kimberly is on the far right; Alvin is in the middle and Deena is on the far left. They take out their paper and pencil and begin working on their language warm-up. Soon Danny comes in and sits right in front of Kimberly.

"This is new for you. You usually sit in the back." Kimberly comments.

 "I'm only sitting here because I don't feel like being near the brick wall."

 "If you say so."

 "How's Lucille? Are you guys together or what?" Alvin inquires.

 "Yeah, we are," Danny says taking out his pencil and paper.

 "That's groovy man I hope she's the one for you," Alvin says getting Danny's attention.

 Alvin feels Danny's piercing blue eyes burning into his soul. He swallows a lump in his throat.

 "We're fifteen. Marriage is the last thing on our minds." Danny hisses.

 "Alvin was only wishing you well. Besides just because marriage isn't on your mind doesn't mean baking cupcakes isn't on hers." Kimberly interjects earning her a glare from the leather jacket-wearing loner.

 "You talk as if you know her."  

 "Well excuse me for knowing what a whore is."

 "Why don't you go and choke on your damn jealousy."

 "Please don't fight guys. Can't we all just get along?" Deena asks.

Danny looks at Deena and the coldness in his eyes slightly flickers.

 "As long as Kimberly minds her damn business," Danny says before facing the board.

 "If you want to get disrespected go right ahead. Just don't expect me to mend your broken heart in the aftermath." Kimberly says writing something on her paper.

Moments later the other students fill the classroom, and their dreaded day begins.

Ingrid is at work in her cubicle going over a customer's policy when Lisa approaches her desk.

Lisa is wearing a long-sleeved black dress, black stockings, and kitten heels. Her face is made up with burgundy lipstick and black eyeliner. Her hair is styled in a flip.  

"Hey Goldstein, you have a visitor in the lobby," Lisa says before walking away.

Ingrid gets up and goes to the lobby. The lobby has several cushion chairs along the white walls. Hanging on the walls are pictures of beaches and deserts. Large pot plants are resting in between the chairs. Standing in the lobby is Troy Denmon.

Troy is in his late thirties with fair skin. His blond hair is styled in a comb-over. His eyes are light brown and are doused in anger and vengeance. He is wearing a gray suit with a white-collar shirt, black tie, and black shoes.

"It's been a long time, Ingrid," Troy says suavely in a western Pennsylvania accent.

"What are you doing here Troy?" Ingrid asks angrily.