Chapter 3: December 23, 1960

"You know why I'm here."

"I don't actually," Ingrid says placing her hands on her hips.

 "December 23, 1960. On that day you showed your true self."

 Ingrid closes her eyes clasping her her hands together. When she opens them she exhales heavily.

 "That was eight years ago, besides I did what I could."

 "If that helps you sleep at night, but we both know that's untrue."

 "I'm not discussing this with you now leave," Ingrid says turning on her heels.

 "Givens Insurance is a subsidiary of Denmon Inc. So, you work for me and I can screw your life up."

 Ingrid turns and walks towards him.

 "If you interfere with my income, I will take you to the woodshed." Ingrid threatens to which Troy laughs.

 "You don't scare me."

 Ingrid turns and walks back through a black glass door.

 Troy smirks before leaving.

 Carol is in her office at Kingthorn Medical Center in the emergency room. Kingthorn Medical Center is rooted in downtown Kingthorn. It is a property that consists of three white medium size facilities. One is an emergency room; another is a maternity ward and one is a general surgery and recovery center.

 Carol is in her office going over paperwork. Carol's office walls are purple and are covered in certificates and licenses. There are two cushion chairs in front of her oak wood desk. On her desk is a nameplate that reads "Registered Nurse Bradshaw." Also on the desk are a lamp and a small pot plant. Behind the desk are two filing cabinets.  

 "Hey Carol you're needed in room fifteen. The patient is refusing to give a urine sample." the woman says nervously.

 "Okay, I'm on my way," Carol says getting up and going to the patient's room.

The walls are painted peach with white baseboards. In the center of the room is a hospital room with chrome rails.

Laying the bed is a middle-aged man named Jasper Haines. He has fair skin that is sunken. His gray hair is disheveled and unkempt. His light brown eyes are doused in the forest of confusion. He has a thick mustache and rugged gray beard. He is clutching a large manila blanket near his chest. When he sees Carol, his guard is immediately let down.

"Good morning Mr. Haines how are you?" Carol asks sweetly approaching his bed.

"I-I'm doing fine. They want to put needles in me and take my pee. Well, I'm not giving them a damn thing!" Jasper says angrily.

"I understand your frustrations Mr. Haines I really do. We just want to make sure you are healthy and fed" Carol says calmly touching his shoulder comfortingly.

"Are you sure they're not going to hurt me?" Jasper asks frightened looking Carol in her eyes.

"I'm positive, I'm going to go and get the urine cup myself," Carol says before leaving.

Carol heads to the nurse's station. She goes to a beige cabinet and opens it. She grabs a specimen cup and closes it. She returns to Jasper's room and hands him the cup.  

"There's a bathroom right outside in the hallway," Carols says smiling at Jasper.

 "Okay, I'll have it ready for you," Jasper says softly.

 "Alright, thank you again, Mr. Haines," Carol says before leaving.

 Jasper gets out of bed and goes into the hallway bathroom.

 Carol sits down at the nurse's station. A few minutes later Jasper comes out and sets the cup on the counter.

 "Thank you so much, Mr. Haines," Carol says sweetly.

 "You're welcome," Jasper says before heading back into his room.

 Carol puts on some blue gloves and writes his name and medical record number on the cup. She gets up and heads to the elevator. She presses the button for the first floor.

 Chasity is at the Downtown Kingthorn Courthouse. The courthouse is a two-story Greek Revival building with four Corinthian columns. Upon entering there are several statues and portraits of law officers lining the walls. The walls are oak wood with black lines. The floors are white marble.

Chasity is in courtroom three standing in front of the witness stand cross-examining a defendant.

 "I'm telling you I didn't do anything." the defendant says on the verge of tears.

"According to the statements obtained you blackmailed my client for one hundred thousand dollars. In return, you wouldn't murder him, his family or usurp his business. Is that not true?" Chasity asks sharply looking the defendant in his eyes.

"That's false. I didn't want to murder him or take over his business. My business was already profiting nicely." the defendant explains.

"According to state documents, your business went bankrupt recently. Are you telling me that that's not true either?" Chasity asks.

"That is true but I turned things around. I didn't blackmail him because of that. He slept with my wife. I only did what any logical man would have done."

Chasity stops in her tracks and glares at the defendant icily.

"You just admitted to blackmailing my client. My client had no reason to sleep with your wife. They were old college roommates. That's all the questions I have your honor." Chasity says before returning to her table.

"Wait that's not fair!" the defendant says and the judge slams his gavel.

"Sir you are excused." the judge says authoritatively.

The defendant leaves the stand glaring icily at Chasity.

"I don't need any deliberation. I am going to rule in the favor of the plaintiff. The defendant is to pay one million dollars in emotional distress. Court is adjourned." the judge says slamming his gavel and leaving the bench.

Chasity smiles at her client before leaving the courtroom.

Darwin is at his sister-in-law Victoria Lansing's house in West Kingthorn. Victoria's house is a white bungalow with a gray one-door garage. Victoria and Darwin are in the living room. Darwin is sitting on a dark green chaise lounge with peach trim. Victoria is in her late thirties with blonde hair, green eyes, and supple lips. She is wearing an ice-white long-sleeved dress and white kitten heels. Her face is made up with nude lipstick and black eyeliner.

Her entire house is furnished with antebellum furniture. There are champagne gold curtains veiling the windows. There is a round coffee table in the center of the room. A couch and a loveseat are sitting adjacent to each other. Darwin and Victoria are having a cup of sweet tea. In the background, a jazz instrumental is playing.  

"How are you doing Darwin?" Victoria asks happily in a Floridian accent.

"Not so good. Your sister and I are fighting again. She's being difficult." Darwin sighs before sipping his tea.

"Chasity's always been a prissy little thing. Growing up she was manipulative and conniving." Victoria says annoyed before sipping her tea.

"I guess there's no reason for me to vent then," Darwin says looking into Victoria's eyes.

"Venting is good especially when you're enduring hell from the devil." Victoria quips making Darwin chuckle.

"I just don't understand her. When we first began courting, she wasn't as extreme." Darwin says confused looking down at his teacup.

"That's because she knew you could find better than her. But since you were foolishly in love, she held onto that. Your undying love is your greatest weakness. However, it's not something that can't be overcome." Victoria says sweetly.

"I'm such an idiot for not getting out sooner," Darwin says irritably.

"It's never too late to leave a bad situation," Victoria says going to sit down next to Darwin.

"Do you remember when we were teenagers and we went to that drive-in movie? Chasity tried so hard to ruin our time date. She's always been vindictive." Victoria says annoyed sipping her tea.

"We could have been together but we always thought friendship was better," Darwin says softly smiling at the blonde fondly.

"I know and I think that's how things should remain,"

"I agree and besides I should be discussing this with her," Darwin says shamefully.

Victoria nods her head in agreement crossing her legs.

"You most certainly should. So, how's my niece doing?" Victoria says changing the subject.

"She's in a bad place. The physical, emotional, and verbal abuse she's enduring is unfathomable." Darwin says looking Victoria in her eyes.

"That's horrible and it's not Deena's fault. Chasity has always yearned for control. I think she fantasized herself and unfortunately, her daughter is the reality." Victoria says angrily sipping her tea.

"That may be but Deena doesn't deserve what Chasity is putting her through," Darwin says angrily.

"No, she doesn't but she's going to realize sooner than later that Chasity is toxic. When that happens, I hope I'm a witness." Victoria says chuckling setting her teacup down.

"I hope you are too. Well, I'm going to head to the office." Darwin says standing to his feet.

"I'm sure the halls of justice miss you dearly," Victoria says standing up.

 She then walks Darwin to the front door.

"I'm sure they do. You take care, Vicky." Darwin says hugging her and opening the door.

Once he's gone Victoria returns to the living room and resumes drinking her tea.

It's eleven thirty and Alvin, Deena, and Kimberly are at lunch. Alvin has a hoagie on his plate with potato chips and a pineapple soda. Deena has pepperoni pizza, peach slices, and a carton of milk. Kimberly has a hamburger with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, French fries, two chocolate chip cookies, and a carton of chocolate milk.

"I swear our school cafeteria is like a buffet sent from heaven," Alvin says licking his wet lips.

"There is a lot of selection. I'm shocked the state allows us to go up for seconds." Kimberly says looking at her tray.

"I personally believe the founders knew some students would come from working-class families. I think it was a brilliant idea." Deena says before taking a bite of her pizza.

Danny comes and joins them.

"What are you doing here? Lucy the floozy made it clear that you were one of the cool kids." Kimberly says frankly looking at the blue-eyed teen.

"I can't sit with some acquaintances?" Danny asks shocking the trio.

 "Oh, we're acquaintances now? I thought you wanted to go on your way after the project was completed?" Kimberly asks confused before biting into her hamburger.

"Just because I'm courting Lucille doesn't mean I can't hang with other people." Danny rebuts annoyed.

"We're glad you're joining us, man," Alvin says placing a hand on Danny's shoulder.

"In a weird way, I am too. So, uh we can harmonize together after school?" Danny asks hopefully smiling at the beige-skinned adolescent.

"Did she put you up to this?" Kimberly inquires skeptically cleaning her mouth.

"No, hell she doesn't even know I can sing. Only you guys do and I want to keep it that way." Danny says softly looking down at the table.

"Are we getting some character development from the loner? It must mean that the world is about to end. Let the apocalypse begin." Alvin jokes making the others laugh.

"If we're going to do this you have to be open to opposition and opinion," Kimberly says seriously looking Danny in his eyes.

"I know and I need you to know that I am the leader," Danny says domineeringly.

"Of course." Kimberly sighs rolling her eyes.

"Kim's right Danny. You have to be open to disagreement. Sometimes that can lead to a greater solution." Alvin says agreeing with Kimberly.

"I'm a work in progress like everyone else. With that being said we're going to need several things. A group name, individual stage names, tight harmonies, and written material." Danny says looking around the table.

"How about The Lone Wolves. I mean we're ostracized from our peers due to our appearance. But we're also strong due to our home lives." Deena chimes in.

Danny looks at her deep in thought and nods his head in agreement.

"That name fits perfectly Dee. Now we need individual stage names. I'm going with Peach Bauer. I love the color peach and Bauer just easily rolls off the tongue." Kimberly says happily raising her eyebrow.

"I'm going with Black Wolf,"

"I like Flirty Al. I'm flirtatious and it sounds better than saying Flirtatious Alvin. Plus, all the ladies are going to love it."

Kimberly chuckles rolling her eyes.

"I'm enamored with the name Nerdy Nervosa. I love reading books and I'm always nervous."

"Before we do this, I want you all to know that we are business associates, not friends," Danny says looking around the table.

"That's fine by me," Kimberly says resting her chin in her left hand.

"Wow and here I thought-" Alvin stops himself looking away from Danny.

"Danny you're not being truthful with us but more importantly yourself," Deena says observantly.

"You don't know a damn thing about me!" Danny yells slamming his hands on the table and leaving.

"Dee, how are you so sure that Danny views us as friends?" Kimberly asks curiously.

"Eye language is far more telling than the human tongue," Deena says philosophically looking in Danny's direction.

"Alvin you were about to say something but stopped, what was it?" Kimberly asks looking at Alvin.

"It's nothing important," Alvin says smiling at the corpulent soprano.

 "Okay," Kimberly says unconvinced.

 The remainder of lunch is eaten in silence. When the bell rings the trio dumps their trash and head outside to the blacktop.

 They go to the staircase and sit down. Alvin and Deena are in the middle and Kimberly is at the bottom on the far right.

"Feeling alone in the world can be scary and how you handle it will vary. You can scream, punch the wall, or just allow yourself to fall. Whatever you decide to do there's one person you could always count on." Kimberly sings jovially snapping her fingers and tapping her foot.

"Her name was Brave Mary. She would help you carry your load up the mountain and let you have first dibs at the drinking fountain. During the cold nights of December after the world would cast you aside, she always carried an endearing coat of cowhide. That's who Big Brave Mary was. She could always make you feel warm, love, and a hint of fuzz."

"During her last days when her memories were nothing but a distant haze all Mary could muster was a smile. She had her best friend go and get an old file. In it, she left instructions for her friends and foes. It seemed weird to her best friend but Mary knew that even her enemies had internal woes. She left each of them tens of millions. Mary joked that they could attend hundreds of southern cotillions. With that, she took hold of her best friend's hand and told her dreams of a new land." Kimberly says somberly.

"Her name was Brave Mary. She would help you carry your load up the mountain and let you have first dibs at the drinking fountain. During the cold nights of December after the world would cast you aside, she always carried an endearing coat of cowhide. That's who Big Brave Mary was. She could always make you feel warm, love, and a hint of fuzz." Kimberly sings optimistically at the top of her range.

 "Wow, Kim that was phenomenal," Alvin says impressed.

 "Thank you. I didn't know if I would get that song out of my head." Kimberly chuckles.

"Why not?" Alvin asks.

 "It was something I had written in response to the death of my paternal aunt. She was really sweet and generous. When I was younger she would babysit me while my mother worked. She died when I was ten years old,"

Alvin takes her hand and squeezes it,

 "I'm sorry. Well, you know when you lose someone life has a way of helping you gain someone new." Alvin says encouragingly.

 Deena comes down and places her hand on Kimberly's shoulder comfortingly.

 Kimberly glances at them smiling tearfully.

"Thank you, guys." Kimberly sniffles wiping her eyes.

"You're welcome," Alvin says warmly.

"You're welcome," Deena says sweetly.

"Al, are you going to sing for us?" Kimberly asks disconnecting her hand from his.

"Yes, there's a song I wrote called The Good Old Days," Alvin says before standing up and clearing his throat.

"I remember a time of brotherhood and love. We would play outside in the street even in the eye of June's blistering heat. If anyone wanted a fight you wouldn't leave without giving them some plight. When we ate Chinese you would use your chopsticks as swords and scream freeze." Alvin sings sorrowfully in his luscious tenor.

"The good old days are gone. Gone are the days of protection. Now I feel like a nasty infection. These days we're at each other's throats and it's killing me. I thought being family was supposed to be free. But now I know that I'm just like snow. One crush from you will deliver the finishing blow." Alvin sings sadly with an underlying roughness.

Deena and Kimberly listen on with tears in their eyes.

"I don't know where mom went wrong but I know why I wrote this song. You're nothing but a bully who's been on his high horse for too long. I know I'm the only one that can knock you down. That is if life doesn't cause you to drown." Alvin sings sullenly.

"The good old days are gone. Gone are the days of protection. Now I feel like a nasty infection. These days we're at each other's throats and it's killing me. I thought being family was supposed to be free. But now I know that I'm just like snow. One crush from you will deliver the finishing blow." Alvin sings as tears run down his face.

Deena and Kimberly go and hug Alvin from opposite sides.

"I had no idea you had such a troubled home life," Kimberly says sadly.

"I'm sorry Alvin. I hope things get better for you." Deena says softly before releasing him and returning to her place.

Kimberly holds on for a moment longer before looking the angry teen in his eyes.

"We're here if you ever want to talk or get away," Kimberly says reassuringly.

"Thank you guys I really appreciate it," Alvin says before Kimberly releases him.

"Dee, are you going to sing for us?" Kimberly asks looking up at the brunette.

 "I don't have anything prepared," Deena says nervously.

 "It doesn't have to be. Just sing what's on your heart." Alvin says encouragingly.

Deena stands up and clears her throat.

"I thought I knew what it meant to be a daughter. It turned out I hadn't done anything but make things hotter. From the moment I laid eyes on you I thought we would be an inseparable force. But instead, I feel like a newborn wild horse. From that day on I've been belittled and cast aside like a stone. But God up above blessed me with a father who loves me to the bone." Deena sings in her booming contralto with her fists clenched tightly.

"You are not worthy to allow the title of mother to fall from your lips. Looking at me with disdain while your hands rest arrogantly on your hips. You always turned the knife in deeper with your sassy hair flip. My excuses for you should end here but I'm too submissive and ruled by goddess fear." Deena belts in her melancholy contralto.  

"When I'm alone I sometimes wonder why I was born. Being a mother, you're supposed to make me feel loved and wanted. Instead, you left me depressed and forlorn. Every dog has their day and when yours comes I hope God permits you to voice your say. I thought my life was destined for disaster because I was your daughter. For years I thought I was such a painful bother. But ooh I thank God for my loving father." Deena croons as tears run down her face.

Danny is behind the staircase sobbing.

"Now here I am at the confusing age of thirteen. I thought after years of abuse and neglect I'd turn to a life of mean but God keeps my heart warm. I hope hearing this song gives you alarm and helps you to find your old buried charm." Deena sings in a wishful tone as tears continue streaming down her face.

"I don't know what I did to deserve a mother like you. But I hope there aren't any children who are enduring the physical, emotional, and verbal pain you're putting me through." Deena sings as the wind blows through her hair.

"When I'm alone I sometimes wonder why I was born. Being a mother, you're supposed to make me feel loved and wanted. Instead, you left me depressed and forlorn. Every dog has their day and when yours comes I hope God permits you to voice your say. I thought my life was destined for disaster because I was your daughter. For years I thought I was such a painful bother. But ooh I-I thank God for my loving father." Deena belts at the top of her range.

Alvin and Kimberly give her a standing ovation while wiping their eyes.

"That's why I said your voice is dynamite!" Kimberly shouts as she and Alvin go to hug the contralto.

"You were awesome Deena," Alvin says excitedly as they separate.

"Thank you, guys, but I'm not sure America will like it," Deena says with uncertainty.

 "Are you kidding? Your voice is one of the best of our generation. If they can't see your talent then they're blind." Kimberly says sweetly before sitting next to Deena.

 "None of those songs will appeal to a record label," Danny says appearing at the bottom of the staircase.

 Kimberly quickly stands to her feet.

 "Get the hell out of here! We don't need your damn negativity bringing us down." Kimberly barks coming downstairs.

 "Don't say I didn't warn you," Danny says nonchalantly before walking off.

 Deena gets up and dashes downstairs after the raven head.

"You said you wouldn't fight if Kimberly minded her business. She was doing that. Please come and join us. We could use your insight,"

 Danny stares into Deena's chocolate brown eyes momentarily before going with her.

 "If we're going to wow a producer, we need to polish our harmonies and write some uplifting material,"

 "The songs you were eavesdropping on doesn't define who we are. Those songs are about how we're feeling. Our usual selves are far more definitive" Kimberly says looking Danny in his eyes.

 "Do any of you have a special talent that would make us stand out?" Danny asks with his hands in his pockets.

 "I can play the harmonica and saxophone," Alvin says proudly.

 "Okay, Deena what about you?"

 "I can read and write music,"

 "What about you?"

 "My name isn't you, it's Kimberly. Anyway, my mother says I can make any song I sing my own." Kimberly says leaning against the rail.

 "I see. I can arrange voices. So if we're going to get a record deal we better get harmonizing and writing."

 "Why are you so eager to get a record deal?" Alvin asks curiously.

 "I have my reasons," Danny says folding his arms.

 "Can we rehearse at your house?" Deena asks.

 "No, you cannot! We'll rehearse at the Kingthorn Pier after school."

 Deena quickly averts her eyes. Kimberly notices and looks at Danny sharply.

 "You need to watch how you talk to people. Someone is going to knock you on your ass or kill you." Kimberly scolds with her hands on her hips.

 "The latter doesn't sound bad at all. I welcome it wholeheartedly" Danny says before walking off confusing Kimberly.

 "Was I the only one who heard him embracing death?" Kimberly asks looking in between the others.

 "No, you weren't and I hope he's not," Deena says worriedly watching Danny.

 "How about we go down to Kingthorn Port after school like Danny suggested," Alvin says.

 "Okay," Kimberly says as the bell rings.

 The trio heads over with the other students to line up.

 It's after one o'clock and Darwin is at Kingthorn Courthouse in his office having lunch.

Darwin's office has oak wood walls and is adorned with certificates and degrees. Behind his large rectangular Cherry wood desk is a tall bookshelf filled with law books. On Darwin's desk is a black desk lamp. Other trinkets include a pen cup and a far filled with lollipops. In front of the desk are two cherry wood chairs with black cloth cushions. There is a black leather couch along the wall a few feet away. A few feet away from the couch is a black round coffee table with a newspaper resting on it. Darwin is at his desk eating a chicken salad with red dressing when a knock comes on the door.

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

When it opens Chasity walks in with a victorious smile. Darwin instantly cleans his mouth and sets the napkin on his desk.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing here?" Darwin asks as Chasity shuts the door.

"I came to tell you about my victory in court today. The defendant didn't stand a chance." Chasity says smugly going to sit down.

She sets her purse in the neighboring chair.

"Congratulations, and actually I'm glad you're here. I need to talk to you."

"About?" Chasity asks crossing her legs.

"Deena."

 Chasity's smile dissolves like a peppermint.