Chapter 7: His Real Friends

Samantha looks Chasity over in disgust. Chasity is wearing a dark green suede long-sleeve dress. Around her stomach is a black leather belt. On her feet is a pair of black leather pointed-toe slingbacks. In her ears are black studs. Her face is made up of light powder, black eye shadow, black eyeliner, and burgundy lipstick. Her hair is pulled back into a large bun with a swoop. She stares at Samantha with disdain.

"What the hell are you doing here at my husband's office?" Chasity asks clutching her purse straps.

"We were discussing business. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go take care of it." Samantha says coolly walking around Chasity.

Chasity looks back at her sharply scoffing and entering Darwin's office.

"What can I do for you, Chasity?"

Chasity slams the door.

"What was your first whore doing here?" Chasity asks jealously walking to his desk.

"Firstly she's not a whore she's my friend. Secondly, we were catching up and discussing business."

"Are you sure that's all you did? She didn't get on her knees and go under your desk?"

Darwin exhales sharply.

"I don't have time for this. What do you want?!"

"I came to tell you I wanted to cut a piece of my check with you."

Suspicion immediately consumes Darwin's face.

"I don't need your charity. I have more than enough money to live off of for the remainder of my life."

Chasity chuckles.

"That's right you're a big shot defense attorney. You're too good for your wife's money. Maybe you're hoarding checks from that bitch."

Darwin stands to his feet and comes from behind his desk.

"I'm not too good for your money I just don't want it."

Darwin leaves his office leaving Chasity speechless.

Samantha arrives at Kingthorn Hospital. She parks her car across the street and heads inside the lobby. The lobby has beige tile walls with pictures of flowers and important donors of the hospital. The floor is marble with two large pot plants on both sides of the large room. There are multiple white and brown leather chairs facing back to back on both sides of the lobby. There are opposite restrooms with brown doors that say women and men respectively. There is a visitor elevator around the corner near the women's restroom.

In the center of the lobby is a mahogany desk with a Caucasian woman sitting behind it. She has long platinum blonde hair that is styled a flip with fake eyelashes. Her brown eyes are enhanced by her black eyeliner. She is wearing a pink skirt suit with a white blouse and a pearl necklace. When she sees Samantha she smiles warmly at her.

"Good morning and welcome to Kingthorn Hospital I'm Rachel how may I help you?" Rachel asks in an inviting southern California accent.

"Good morning Rachel I'm District Attorney Samantha Van Buren and I'm here to speak with Carol Bradshaw," Samantha says kindly presenting her badge.

"Yes ma'am if you go through those double doors her office is the first door to your right," Rachel says pointing at the double doors.

Samantha follows the directions and heads through the double doors. She then turns right where she sees a nameplate with Carol's name and title on it. She knocks on the door softly.

"Who is it?"

"District Attorney Samantha Van Buren."

"Come in."

Samantha heads in shutting the door softly behind her.

"I'm the person that Attorney Tansworth was speaking to when you called," Samantha explains walking to her desk.

"Yes, ma'am thank you for coming," Carol says as Samantha sits down setting her briefcase beside her.

"I hate to be so rash and forthcoming but could you explain why Gregory Collins was here?" Samantha asks taking out a notepad and a black ink pen.

"I thought he was here to be seen but I strongly believe he was here to deliver a message."

"Do you know the reason behind it?"

"He didn't give me a reason exactly but his actions were speaking incredibly loud. It has to do with our daughter. He had placed his hands around my throat and shoved me against the wall. I managed to get him off with my right forearm."

Samantha jots everything verbatim.

"Could you explain your history with Mr. Collins?"

"Yes, ma'am I would but I'd rather you come to my house. It's more private and comfortable."

"That's perfectly fine. Whatever makes you feel more at ease."

"Thank you."

Carol then writes down her address and hands it to Samantha.

"Okay, I can come over this Friday at three o'clock."

"That's perfect."

Samantha places her notepad inside her blazer.

"Sounds good," Samantha says standing to her feet and shaking Carol's hand.

"Again thank you for coming. I really appreciate it." Carol sniffles before their hands part.

"You're welcome. You enjoy the rest of your day". Samantha says grabbing her briefcase.

"You too," Carol says and Samantha leaves.

When she's gone Carol sits back down in her chair and begins sobbing.

It's lunchtime and Alvin, Kimberly, and Deena are in the line with their blue trays. Deena has strawberry milk while Kimberly and Alvin have chocolate.

"Hey, Kim if you don't mind me asking, what happened?" Alvin asks placing a small foam plate of apple pie on his tray.

"I was jumped by two girls in the girl's restroom," Kimberly says placing a corn dog and nachos on her tray.

"That's jacked up. If you ask me that's a cowardly thing to do. They should have fought you one on one." Alvin says placing some spaghetti and a slice of white bread on his tray.

Deena places a chicken salad and a packet of orange dressing on her tray. She then goes to catch up with Alvin and Kimberly.

"Don't worry it will be handled soon enough," Kimberly says as they leave the corral.

"Well, I hope I'm there to witness it," Alvin says excitedly.

"I hope you're in a better place emotionally and mentally before revenge consumes you," Deena says as they approach their table and sit down.

"Look Dee I hear what you're saying one hundred percent I do, but I can't let them get away with this," Kimberly says opening her milk carton.

"Okay," Deena says opening her milk carton.

"So how are you guys feeling about the Winter Formal?" Alvin asks changing the subject.

"Pretty good but I have to handle this situation first," Kimberly says before biting her corn dog.

"Hopefully it's as dazzling as we're imagining it to be," Alvin says before taking a bite of his spaghetti.

"Maybe it will be," Deena says spreading her dressing over her salad.

"I hope so," Alvin says dreamily before Danny joins them.

"You look like hell," Danny says looking at Kimberly's face.

"Oh, not how hellish those two twigs will be when I snap them in two," Kimberly says sipping her milk.

"You know you're way too confident," Danny says folding his arms.

"I'm nowhere near as confident as you were when you usurped leadership from Alvin."

"Well, I don't like being under the leadership of others. I'm the only one who decides my actions." Danny says closing his eyes.

"If that's your thought process then this band will never work. As I said you have to be open to disagreement and opposition. Every leader faces it during their tenure." Kimberly says before taking another bite of her corn dog.

"I guess it's something I can endure as long as I'm calling the shots," Danny says opening his eyes to meet Kimberly's.

"You're so full of yourself," Kimberly says shaking her head.

"Isn't every leader like that?" Danny jokes with a small smirk.

"Not even close," Alvin says licking his fingers.

"So did that bimbo want some alone time away from you?" Kimberly asks now changing the subject.

"What makes you think that?"

"I'm a girl and I know how we think. When we want some alone time we will get it. In the meantime the boyfriend if he has friends or acquaintances he'll mingle with them to pass the time. But before there was her you were with us. So again did that bimbo want some alone time away from you?" Kimberly says finishing off her corn dog.

"No, I was the one who decided we should take a break."

Kimberly laughs heartily while wiping her mouth.

"Okay if that's what you think then I'll leave you with that," Kimberly says placing her napkin on her tray.

"It's the truth."

Kimberly purses her lips.

"I'm not going to argue with you about this. You're always right and I'm always wrong." Kimberly says before getting up and taking her tray with her.

Danny watches her closely before sighing heavily laying his head on the table. When Kimberly returns she smirks at Deena who looks at Danny curiously before eyeing Kimberly again.

Twenty minutes later lunch ends everyone heads outside to the black top. Danny, Kimberly, and Deena head to the staircase while Alvin heads off alone.

"Where is he going?" Danny asks looking in Alvin's direction.

"He wants to spend time with Sadie Porter before the Winter Formal. I think it's cute because not too many guys will do that." Kimberly says admirably getting Danny's attention.

"Yeah well, I can't wait for this to end so my summer of solidarity can begin."

"Wait a minute I thought you wanted to polish our harmonies?"

"I do but when I'm not with you guys I enjoy solidarity."

Kimberly chuckles.

"Look now that you're around people I think you should cherish it," Kimberly says earning a look from Danny.

Alvin and Sadie are off on another part of the blacktop. They are sitting on some metal bleachers watching blankly as the male students play basketball.

"So there's something I want to tell you, Alvin," Sadie says.

"What is it?"

"I know this may sound creepy but I'm going to say it. I've been eyeing you since sixth grade. I just never found the courage to tell you that I liked you." Sadie says as her face turns tomato red.

"Sadie."

"It's better late than never. Besides I have a confession to make also. I never thought you would give me the time of day because everyone thinks I'm a two-timer." Alvin says shocking Sadie.

"The reason I didn't approach you sooner was because I was afraid of the stigma. You're mixed heritage would have caused a heated uproar and I didn't want that. However, the only thing that showed was how much of a coward I was. Any girl or man who likes someone should go for it even if they are rejected in the end. I allowed my insecurity and society to get the better of me and that's inexcusable. I hope you don't think any differently of me because of it." Sadie says shamefully looking away.

"I don't look at you any differently. I mean my home life is both peaceful and chaotic due to my mixed race. It's something that I've learned to combat in my own way."

"I'm so sorry Alvin. I can only imagine what that must be like for you." Sadie says taking hold of his hand.

"But my personal strife is not of importance. What's important is that I get to know you."

"Don't take this the wrong way but this street is two-way. Both parties have to want to get to know each other if the relationship is going to work."

A look of surprise overcomes the beige-skinned teen.

"Relationship?"

"Yes. I didn't keep myself away from you just because of your heritage. I also stayed away because of my nervousness."

"That's why I stayed away too," Alvin reveals surprising Sadie.

"I don't believe that. You look so confident." Sadie says folding her arms.

"Looks can be very deceiving."

Karl Pinecut and his gang then approach the bleachers.

Karl is thirteen years old with pale skin and a lanky build. He has short brown hair that is styled in Spies. He is wearing a white t-shirt, gray sweatpants, and white tennis shoes. His blue eyes are cast in quiet rage. His friends are also wearing white t-shirts but with different colored sweatpants and tennis shoes.

"What are you doing talking to our kind boy?" Karl asks rudely folding his arms.

"Why don't you and your friends go get some business that minds you," Alvin says defensively making Karl chuckle.

He walks onto the bleachers and up to Alvin and Sadie. He grabs Alvin by his collar and slams him against the metal gate. Sadie sits in shock and horror as Karl assaults the boy. In the distance, Kimberly hears yelling and a rattling gate. Kimberly stands to her feet sighing and cracking her knuckles.

"I am not going to stand by and listen to this," Kimberly says before running to the bleachers with Deena at her side.

Danny sighs heavily before going to join them. When they arrive Alvin is punching Karl but is kneed in his stomach. This allows Karl to throw him down the bleachers and then sling him to the ground. He and his friends begin punching and kicking him. Kimberly arrives and grabs Karl by the back of his shirt and slings him to the ground. She straddles him and grabs him by his shirt and pulls her fist back.

"You know you and your friends are real cowards for attacking a boy in front of his lady," Kimberly says before punching Karl in his face.

Deena meanwhile is helping Alvin up and helps him to the bleachers. Sadie comes down and sits on his left side. Kimberly is pulled off of Karl by one of his friends. For his efforts, he is hit in the face by her head. Danny is standing off to the side with folded arms observing the incident. Soon P.E. Coach Granger Pierce appears.

Coach Pierce is in his late forties with fair skin and green eyes. He has a black goatee with gray streaks. He is built for his age with slightly hairy arms. He is wearing a white long-sleeve shirt with red stripes on the sleeves, white sweatpants, and white tennis shoes. On his head is a white and red cap with the letters ALMS which stands for the school name. He pulls the other boys away from Alvin panting.

"Go to Principal Hawthorne's office now!"

The group begrudgingly leaves the blacktop.

Coach Pierce goes to Alvin and kneels before him.

"Are you alright Goldsteen?"

"I'm okay," Alvin says as blood trickles from his nose.

"Deena, can you take him to the nurse's office?"

"Yes sir. Come on Alvin." Deena says as she and Sadie help Alvin up.

When they are gone Coach Pierce looks at Kimberly.

"Kimberly, are you alright? Did those boys hurt you?" Coach Pierce asks with his hands on his hips.

"No sir I'm fine," Kimberly says flashing a confident grin.

"Alright." Coach Pierce says and walks off.

Kimberly glares at Danny panting before storming off to which Danny pursues her.

"What the hell was that about?"

Kimberly chuckles rolling her eyes and ignoring him

"Are you listening to me?"

Kimberly stops and glares back icily at him.

"You don't get to ask that question especially when you willingly stood by and watched those bastards attack us. You're nothing but a punk who hides behind a masculine facade and it's pathetic!" Kimberly hisses before storming off.

Danny is left speechless and misty-eyed.

Alvin is in the nurse's office lying on the bed with an ice pack on his forehead. Deena and Sadie are sitting in the chairs across from the bed. Deena looks worried while Sadie is still in shock over what transpired. They are torn from their thoughts when Nurse Knox enters the room.

She is wearing a short-sleeve teal dress with white stockings and white tennis shoes. She walks over to the bed and places her hand on Alvin's right shoulder with tears in her eyes.

"What happened Alvin?"

"I was attacked by some boys for talking to a white girl. The real reason they attacked me is because of my mixed race." Alvin says sadly looking at the wall.

Soon Kimberly enters the room getting everyone's attention.

"Where's Danny?" Deena asks.

Kimberly exhales heavily.

"That punk is not coming and I don't ever want to see his face again!" Kimberly says before walking over to the bed.

"Al, are you okay?" Kimberly asks softly.

"I'm okay. Thank you for coming."

"Of course, I came. I wasn't going to let those boys hurt you."

Alvin's smile quickly dissipates.

"Would that have been such a bad thing?" Alvin asks earning a punch from Kimberly.

"He's hurt, Kimberly!" Nurse Knox scolds assessing Alvin's left cheek.

"I know but he needed it."

"Well you have no broken ribs thank goodness. I'll leave you all to talk." Nurse Knox says leaving when she stops in her tracks.

"You guys have another visitor." Nurse Knox says getting everyone's attention.

"Get outta here. You've done enough damage!" Kimberly snaps looking at Danny.

"Is he the one responsible for this?" Nurse Knox asks with her hands on her hips.

"No, but he is guilty of being a willing bystander."

Nurse Knox nods her head.

"I see." Nurse Knox says into her office and shutting the door.

Kimberly walks over to Danny with her fists clenched.

"Get the hell out of here. Alvin doesn't need you here! His real friends are already here!" Kimberly says tearfully in a cracked voice.

"Alvin, are you okay?" Danny asks looking over Kimberly's shoulder.

"I'm alright. Thank you for coming." Alvin says with a small smile.

Kimberly looks back at him.

"You don't have anything to thank him for! This bastard stood by and did nothing! He asked what happened after the fact!" Kimberly says disgusted looking back at Danny.

"I really am concerned."

Kimberly laughs and clasps her hands together.

"You don't give a damn about him. The real reason you're here is because you're a opportunistic son of a bitch!" Kimberly hisses inches away from his face.

"You need to back up."

After a few moments, Kimberly backs away.

"Alvin get well soon," Kimberly says before walking passed Danny.

"You probably had your reasons, Danny," Deena says sweetly.

"Get well soon Alvin. "Danny says softly before looking at Deena.

"You're right Dee. I did have my reasons." Danny says before leaving.

Deena gets up and walks over to the bed and places her hand on his shoulder tightly.

"We'll come and get you after school. Don't worry about your class work I'll get it plus jot down plenty of notes and bring you your backpack." Deena says before stepping away.

"I'm sorry Alvin you can't be with someone like me. A coward for a girlfriend is someone you don't need to have in your life." Sadie says before running out of the office.

Alvin tries to get up but a sharp pain surges through his back forcing him back down.

"You cross that bridge when you get there. Right now all you need to worry about is recuperation." Deena says softly before leaving.

Alvin closes his eyes and begins sobbing.

At two fifteen Deena returns to the nurse's office with Alvin's backpack. She walks into the room and sees Alvin resting up against the wall eating a hoagie with a pineapple soda.

"Hey Alvin how are you feeling?" Deena asks going to give him his backpack.

"A little bit better but once I take a bath and get a good night's sleep I'll be fine," Alvin says putting on his backpack.

Deena helps him off the bed and wraps her arm around his neck when Olivia enters the room.

"I've never seen the four of you together in a room before but I have one thing to say. Don't let what happened today destroy any chance of your friendship strengthening. You're young and friends fight but what would friendship be without arguments and disagreements. Everything will be okay when everything comes full circle, I promise. Alvin make sure you get plenty of rest and take a good bath tonight." Nurse Knox instructs.

"I will. Thank you, Nurse Knox."

He and Deena then leave.

When they head outside they see Kimberly standing at the entrance and they head over to her. Kimberly hugs Alvin sniffling before separating. When they turn around Kimberly sees a man across the street leaning against a gunmetal gray car. Her breath begins to labour and Alvin looks at her concerned.

"Hey KB is everything okay?"

Kimberly looks at him and smiles.

"I'm fine. I thought I saw someone I knew." Kimberly says as they begin walking home.

Upon getting to their block the trio hug each other.

"I'll see you guys tomorrow for another soapy episode of Amory Lotus Chronicles." Alvin jokes making the girls laugh.

They then head to their homes. When Alvin gets home he heads upstairs to his bedroom and locks the door. He lays down on his bed and thinks about Sadie. Soon tears fill his eyes and he begins crying.

Deena comes inside and looks into the music room and living room and sees they're both vacant. She breathes a sigh of relief as she heads upstairs to her bedroom and shuts the door. She goes to her bed and gets on her knees. She presses her hands together and allows tears to fall down her cheeks.

"Father God I'm coming to you right now for Kimberly and Danny. Show them that anger and venom are not of you and that estrangement is unbecoming. Please help them to repair their friendship. I don't want to be stuck in the middle. God, please bring my new friends back together. I know all things are possible through you. I'm also coming to you right now for Alvin and Sadie. Please lay your healing hands on Alvin and give him a new renewed faith in you and himself. I'm also asking that you allow Kimberly to see that physical vengeance is not the answer. These prayers I ask in Jesus's name, amen. "

Deena stands to her feet grabs her backpack goes to her desk and starts her homework.

That night at seven forty-five Ingrid places a peach cobbler inside a gun metal cake pan. She sets it on the counter and goes to her bedroom to put on some perfume. Four minutes later she comes back out and heads upstairs to Alvin's bedroom and knocks on his door.

"Honey, are you decent?"

"Yes ma'am."

Ingrid opens the door. She sees Alvin sitting on his bed and walks over to him. She sees the bruises on his face and quickly assesses them.

"I'm fine Mom."

"No, you're not you have bruises on your face," Ingrid says sternly with softness on the rear of her voice.

"I'm fine, really," Alvin says avoiding her gaze.

"If you were fine you wouldn't be avoiding my eyes. What happened?"

Alvin finally musters the courage and looks her in her eyes.

"I was attacked by a group of boys for being mulatto. They claimed it was because I was talking to a Caucasian girl. I tried to fight but there were too many of them. Thankfully my friends showed up and helped. Coach Pierce broke it up and sent them to the principal's office. If it were one-on-one I would've beat the crap out of them." Alvin says angrily clenching his teeth and fists.

"You did your best and you had friends there to help you that's what matters"

Ingrid places her right hand on his left shoulder and squeezes it.

"You're right. So what's going on?" Alvin asks meeting his mother's eyes.

"I wanted to go across the street and introduce ourselves to our new neighbors. They live in that pretty bungalow."

Alvin's eyes instantly light up.

"We can go right now," Alvin says carefully getting up and taking Ingrid's hand.

They head downstairs where Ingrid grabs the cake pan and Alvin grabs Ingrid's keys near the door. Alvin locks the door and the two head across the street.