The Five of Us: The Beginnings

The Five Of Us

Book 1

The Beginnings

Sean Conway

Copyright Page

Five Of Us: Book 1 The Beginning

Published by Sean Conway at Smashwords

Copyright 2013 Sean Conway

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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of this author.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank first and foremost God for providing me with the talent, energy and ability to write this book and accomplish another goal.

I would also like to thank my wife Clarissa for giving me the courage and support to write and pursue my goals. My wife not only delivered our healthy child but keeps me whole when I feel that my back is against the wall.

I would also like to thank all the people who support me every day. From my family, close friends and co workers…

Thank You All

About the Book

Martin’s Apartment Complex is a housing apartment building located in Brooklyn, New York, in the Crown Heights area, also known as The Block. This is where most of the main characters live. The neighborhood is filled with crime, gangs, and, now possibly, a new threat. The events start off on the first day of school. This story features five characters. Richard, a high school genius; Terrence, a jock who plays basketball for his high school; and Jacob, a neighborhood slickster/thug, have been living in the Martin’s Apartment Complex all of their lives. The other two main characters are Marcus and Will. Marcus is from Memphis, Tennessee, and wants to play football for his school. Will is from New York but lived the high life before his family went bankrupt and had to move into one of the housing apartments. In this book, you will see how five teenagers deal with a threat that can possibly destroy them, the planet, and even their friendship. They all deal with difficult decisions about life, death, and the use of power.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Life Before This

Chapter 2 - 2213

Chapter 3 - Saving Your Own Skin

Chapter 4 - Game Day

Chapter 5 - Terrence’s Big Day

Chapter 6 - Travel Light, You Travel Far

Chapter 7 - Just Another Day

Chapter 8 - No Home for Heroes

Chapter 9 - Is The End Near?

Chapter 10 - Working Together

Final Thank You & Credits

Chapter 1

Life Before This

September 3, 2012

The Block

Martin Apartments

7:51 AM

All Jacob could do right now was breathe heavy in his small room and panic, watching the clock, waiting for the cops to break down his mom’s door, wake her and his sister up before she went to school

Cops get me if I'm lucky, he said repeatedly in his mind. He had flashbacks of last night: the loud music, girls everywhere dancing, having a good time.

We was all having a good time. Everybody! Then all of a sudden-BAM! Jacob stopped talking to himself and pushed away from the sink. He then put his head between his legs, trying to think, trying to scheme, and looking for a way out.

Should I run? Yeah, run, take what I got and bounce. Nah, they’ll find me. I’ll just go to school and act normal.

Jacob, who last night was enjoying the party of a lifetime, had just witnessed something his eyes and mind won’t let him forget. His back and forth criminal past, all the dark events in his life can’t prepare him for what he is about to face. It’s bad enough he suffers from a mild case of night terrors, a condition he never wanted to seek real treatment for, which was coming back to haunt him in his sleep. The ticking clock in the bathroom didn’t help calm his nerves either. He closed his eyes. Took a deep breath. Suddenly, his nerves were calm and he started to get ready for school. As he was washing his hands and face, he was hoping to bump into his neighborhood friend, Marcus.

Marcus lived in the same building as Jacob, but on a different floor. Marcus and his family originally moved to New York a year ago. They came from the city of Memphis, Tennessee. He lived with both his parents and was an only child. Marcus was a big guy; not tall enough to play basketball, but big enough to play football. This year, he was going to make his father proud by trying out for the football team. Marcus was excited to go to school this year and wanted to start it off with a good breakfast.

Mama, where the milk at? You didn't go to da stow? asked Marcus. No, hun, use water.

Water! Mang, how the hell you here all day an’ ain’t no groceries in this mutha— Watch your mouth, boy, before I help you watch it, his father said while getting his paper and coffee and preparing to leave. Make sure you take out that trash before you leave here.

Yes, sir.

His father was waiting for the coffee to finish before he left. You gonna try out for football this year?

Prolly so. The formation different here. They run a prevent system. It’s too much. I'm used to a 3-4 blitz.

This ain’t Memphis, son. They don't play rough here; they play for college. Most good schools run a prevent nowadays. Learn it and master it. Don't make excuses. Okay, boy?

Yes, sir.

All right, son, you be safe out here. You country, but people still treat us funny. Oh, nobody mess with me out here, Pa. I'm a tank.

Ha ha. Okay, son. Stay out of trouble. No bail money for you and me, ya hear me? Yes, sir. Bye, Dad. The door slams. Mama, you gonna make me something to eat, or what?

After a long enough routine of begging, his mother caved in and made him his favorite breakfast platter of French toast, bacon, and eggs. As he was chowing down, his mother took some time to sit down and drink her coffee.

So, son, how are you adjusting to the neighborhood? she asked. It’s OK. I meet a few nice guys from school.

Oh, really? Like who?

There’s Richard; he’s the one that helped me with geometry last year. Terrence, that’s Richard’s best friend; he helped me with history class. And Jacob— Jacob!? That troubled child?

He’s not that bad. He’s the one telling them gangbangers to leave me alone. He’s making sure I don’t get into any trouble.

Well, I guess that’s a good thing. Just be careful out here, son. I know your father wanted a little more than this for us, but he’s trying.

I know, Mom, and thanks again for the breakfast.

No problem, honey, she said. As she took a slow sip from her coffee, she said, Richard? Is he the boy with the mother missing?

Yeah, Mom. It’s been rough on him. He doesn’t show it much, but I can tell. So sad, so sad. I’ll pray for him and his family.

Richard lived two floors up from Jacob. He’s 6'6", with dark skin and a medium build. He was smart and in his senior year. He had dreams of working for NASA one day and going on space explorations. He didn’t care if he was the pilot, co-pilot, or janitor on the ship; he just wanted to travel into outer space. Richard lived with his father and baby brother, Reggie, who had been overly emotional since their mother went missing a year ago. No kidnapping, no body found; just gone. Marcus was right about him trying to hide his real feelings. Richard didn’t act out about it; he just continued to get good grades and be a good friend to his classmates. While at the breakfast table, all three were eating in a semi-silent state.

Ready for your first day of school, Rich?

Yeah, Pop.

How about you, Reggie? Are you all set and excited? I guess, he said, with his head down at the bowl.

Their father didn't see—or acted like he didn't see—a little tear running down Reggie's cheek. Richard saw it and knew he was upset about not having the big breakfast their mother used to cook for them on the first day of school. To evade the focus on Reggie, Richard said, Hey, Dad, what's new at work? Any new stories?

Richard and his father continued to talk before he headed to work. His father worked at a local bank in the city as a bank teller and always had stories of customers losing their bank cards. His father told Richard three good stories before he left for work. Once both Richard and Reggie finished eating, they both got ready to leave for school. Richard’s routine would be to drop eggie off at school first, then meet up with his best friend, Terrence.

Terrence lived on the next floor up. He was a real jock—a real cocky jock. He was a 6'8"

forward for his high school basketball team. His everyday ritual is looking in the mirror, flexing, and knowing he's going to have a great season once varsity basketball starts; he’s just waiting for the big day to leave his neighborhood and move his mother into a big house. Once he’s done admiring himself, he starts to iron his white T-shirt. His mother was in the kitchen where he could see her, and he said, Mama, can I have twenty dollars so I can get this ankle brace?

It’s not even the first day yet, and you want money for something? she said while rushing to go to work, already running late.

But Mom, I need to get my ankle healed and ready for the season. Coach said I'm no good on the bench.

Oh, yeah? Well, what did your teachers say about your ankle?

What?! Psshh! They good. They passing me ‘cause without me, they can't get raises! Haha! Yeah, T Famous, but my last name is Davis.

Well, Terrence Fredrick Davis better: (a) unplug that iron when he's done; and (b) bring back my change and receipt. Bye.

She handed Terrence the money and gave him a kiss goodbye before she stormed out the door.

Aw, c’mon, Mom. School lunch for me and my lady ain’t cheap, now.

After he flashed her a big grin, Terrence’s mother caved in and handed over some extra money for him to spend.

Will lived on the seventh floor. He was a shy kid with not many friends and very insecure about his clothes. Sometimes, he didn’t even like the way he walked. He didn’t have any fear in his heart of the people in his new neighborhood or at school, but he liked to keep his distance. Will was an only child and lived with both parents—parents who don't talk or sometimes don't acknowledge each other. He was liked by some, but labeled a ‘rich kid’ because his father worked on Wall Street before he was fired for fraud. No charges ever stuck, but he was blacklisted nonetheless.

Will woke up to hear them arguing about money again because his mom was promised a better life somewhere else. Will’s father started the conversation.

You know I'm trying here. I got my lawyers really looking at my case. Come on, now. I told you months ago to get out while you can. Why you had to make trouble with those people…

Look! You think it’s that simple? I'm dealing with big money, Katherine, not your little tea party bullshit!

Don't talk to me like that in my house. I pay the rent! Yes, the rent here! Not mortgage, rent!

Okay, okay! So, so, so what-you think you got an edge now, huh? You think—

Just then, Will walked out of his room, and both his parents looked at him as if he didn't hear anything.

His father said, Hey, son. What's going on? He was sweating and out of breath. Nothing, just on my way to school. Love you guys.

Need money, son? his mother said in her disappointed voice as she was handing him her debit card. Should have enough on the card for you.

No, Mom. I have money. I have a job at the market, remember?

Will closed the door while they both watched him leave. He stood for a second, then heard that they were back at it again.

The only one who didn’t leave for school yet was Jacob, who was now sitting on the toilet in the bathroom. His nerves were stirred up again, and this time he was talking to himself.

Jacob! Jacob, get out. I have to use the potty.

Bang bang!

Jacob stood up.

Mommy said you have to get out when I have to gooooo, Brandi said.

Jacob's little sister, Brandi, was five years old, and he loved her more than anything else in the world. After staring in the mirror for a few moments, he finally opened the door.

Okay, but make it quick. You don't want to be late.

Brandi used the bathroom, but she wanted help from Jacob to wash her hands.

Jacob, can you help me, please?

Aw, just use your stool, silly. You a big girl now.

But big girls need help, too.

I see, I see. Okay, there.

After they were done, she snuck a kiss on his cheek and ran away laughing.

Hehe, I got you!

Jacob smiled. I’ll get you later. You’ll see.

For a moment, while he was kneeling down, Jacob almost forgot about the vicious crime that happened when Ice didn't come home. All he could hear were Ice’s screams and yelling in his head. His last breath. He was running away from the scene in the dark, all by himself. Everyone knew he and Ice didn't get along. Both were crooks with different sets of rulebooks.

Jacob stood up and continued to stare at himself in the mirror.

I don't know what happened, man. I don't know what went wrong, he thought, then he began speaking to himself. Just change my clothes, get ready, and I'm out. Go to class, hit the streets. Not too hard. Just say, ‘What up,’ bing-bang-boom. Yeah, yeah, yeah, man, I got you. Yeah, just show my face, be cool, and I'm good. Nah, officer, I don't know him. Nah, I seen him, but I don't know him. Get your hands off me! Get your hands off me-I have rights!

Jacob? his mother asked. Are you all right? Are you talking to yourself again?

Jacob took a deep breath before answering. No, Mom, I'm just thinking. I…I didn't get enough sleep last night.

His mother looked like she didn't care either way, because he lied all the time.

Hmm. Whatever. You going to school or work this morning?

His mother knew he didn't have a real job, that it was just code to explain why he always had so much money. His sister might have known, too, but she didn't say anything.

Mmm. School, Mom. Prolly work later, ya know, said Jacob while getting himself together in the bathroom.

Well, take your sister to school, please. I have a headache.

Instead of Jacob just saying yes or no so she could go about her business, he said, Why don't you ask your man to take her? He wanna play Daddy in the house.

First off, his name is Brandon, and second, your sister asked me to ask you, so there. You gonna do it or not?

Jacob sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes as if he weren't thrilled that his sister didn't want her father to take her to school. Okay, no problem.

Thank you. Do you need money for her?

No, do you? Jacob chuckled and closed the door to take a shower.

After Richard dropped Reggie off at school, he met up with Terrence. What up, Rich? Mang, I know u ready for school, fam?

What up, T? Yeah, man. One more year, and hopefully a scholarship.

Scholarship? Mang, you good money. They gonna name whatever school you pick after you.

Haha, I hope so. But what about you? Did you get any new offers after that bad buzz about your ankle?

Nah, but my chances at ESU are good. BT Tech told me to work on my form and rebounds if I want to be a forward in their program. Tsk. It’s crazy. I won freshman year, and sophomore-but nooo, a bad junior year, and they treat you funny, man. Horrible how the game really works, ya know?

Yeah, man, but if anything, you can go to school local and kill it there, man. Poor Richard was trying to cheer Terrence up with that one.

What?! Local colleges don't buy you nice cars, you feel me? But that's how it’s looking if I don't get it together this year.

Terrence turned his sad conversation upside down when he saw a pretty girl pass him by. Hey, Keisha, what's good with your cousin? Why she acting like that?

Hey, Rich and T. My cousin don't want nothing to do with you; she know about Debra.

As Keisha left, Richard laughed out loud.

Ha, you got dogged, man. Debra! Hahaha! Debra! Aw, man!

Hey, man, that ain’t funny. She was bugging, man. Big booty don't mean big brain.

As Richard and Terrence continued their conversation, Will came around the corner.

Hey, guys, Will said while holding the straps on his book bag over his back.

What up, Will? What's going on? said Richard.

Terrence just gave him the head nod. Richard and Will were cool because they were both math heads. Will’s last school was preppy, and they were both math tutors. Even with Will's weirdness, he got all the girls’ attention. They were now all walking together. Terrence started the conversion as awkwardly as possible.

Hey, Will, you still a virgin, man?

All Richard could do was shake his head.

No. Are you?

Richard laughed as loud as he could.

Will, you the only dude I know that get all the tail, but gets no tail. I heard Anna was gonna let you rock and you didn't call her back. What happened, Mr. Non-Virgin?

Nothing. I was busy, and I had plans with Samantha.

Samantha?! Richard said in total shock.

Samantha?! Dog, you…you lying, Terrence said.

Nope. Honest to God.

Yo, man, she off-limits. That's my teammate's girl.

Hey, she didn't say nothing about him, and don't hate the player; hate the ho.

Richard looked at Terrence and burst out laughing. All Terrence could do was say, Whatever and be silent.

Terrence all-around didn't like Will; he was weird, not hip enough to hang in his circle. Terrence and Richard grew up together, so Richard got a pass, but Will was different. Richard sensed Will was troubled, like Reggie. Will was there for Richard and Reggie when their mother disappeared. Terrence was too busy worrying about making it to the finals to care, but he wasn’t the emotional type anyway; all he cared about was making it big in basketball.

Not too far away, Marcus walked to school with a powder snack in one hand and an apple in the other. He was used to the big city. He missed home a lot, but he was happy to be in the north. He was about six blocks away from school when Big Marquis approached him with two of his goons just standing there and waiting for orders.

What up, big man? Marquis said.

Marquis was younger and smaller than Marcus, but he had street credibility and a little army to back him up. Marcus was in no shape or form intimidated by Marquis, but he was cautious whenever he approached him.

Nothing, just on my way to school. You know, first day and all.

School? Ha, you need to be out here making this money, country boy. Money out here waiting, but it don't wait for too long.

Nah, man, I'm straight.

Marquis had been trying to recruit Marcus all summer, ever since he saw Marcus knock out that repairman who cursed his mother out in the street.

Yo, man. You can be a big soldier in a growing empire. Let's go walk and talk, man. Nobody gonna miss you on the first day.

Before Marcus could respond to his request, Marquis turned his smile into a frown when he saw Jacob in a bright white four-door sedan. The car was very fancy, with an all-white exterior and black leather interior.

What's up, Marcus? shouted Jacob while smiling at Marquis.

Yo, little homie! You really violating on some G shit right now! You don't see me conducting business?!

All I see you doing is wasting Marcus' time. Yo, Marcus, you need a ride, man?

Yeah, I’ll roll with you. Later, Marquis.

Marcus could sense by Marquis’ face that he was embarrassed. He slipped into Jacob’s car. As he looked back at Marquis, he saw a scowl come over his face; he was obviously very upset.

Marquis shouted, This ain’t over, Jacob! Your time coming to a close end!

Marcus was very much relieved at how Jacob had saved him in such a timely fashion. He really wasn’t in the mood to be bothered with hoodlums such as Marquis at the beginning of the day.

Jacob made his turn, with the passenger side power window going up. His cool exit gave Marcus a sign of relief, like the feel of a quick getaway. As they drove off, Marcus started to observe the vehicle. He could tell by the design that car was only a few months old; it still had that new car smell. Marcus vibed well with the music and loved that the AC was on; the outside temperature was 89 degrees, but the inside felt like 55.

Whoa, it’s chilling in here, boy, Marcus said.

Yeah, sorry about that. My sister likes it cold. I just dropped her off. Jacob honked at some girls crossing the street.

No problem, mang. Nice ride, though, said Marcus while admiring the interior once again.

Yeah, it’s not mine. I just move it for my mans in the pen, ya know? Don't want no tickets on it. Anyway, why you talking to Marquis for? All his team do is go to jail. That's probably how he gets his money, man; sends them to do dirt while he collects the reward.

Marcus nodded and chuckled. I don't know, mang. I mean, he seen me hit that punk that disrespected my mom that day and told me I throw a mean punch. Ya know what I'm saying? I don't be looking for trouble, but if some fool mess with my family, I can't help but react.

Jacob nodded and replied, Yeah, man, I feel ya. Not mad atcha at all, bro. One punk tried to play my mom in the street, calling her outside her name. Tsk, can't have that, mang.

So what did you do, homie? Did you press him?

Hell yeah! At night, went up in son’s building with my tool and took his work, his chain, had his car keys, but tossed them. I didn't know what kind of car he drove; I knew it was something I didn’t need, but ah yeah, rocked the chain for a week or two. I was O-Ding. I think I still got his chain in my house. Was going to pawn it, but I heard Malcolm X got busted doing something like that.

Marcus laughed. Malcolm X? How you know about him?

Jacob replied, While I was in juvi, I read about him, but I didn't finish the whole book. I just got up to the part when he went to prison.

Marcus always considered Jacob a good friend. Very trustworthy to him, and always treated Marcus with the utmost respect.

As they both continued to chit chat, their high school was maybe a block away, and Jacob was looking for parking. As he searched for a parking spot, Marcus started to reminisce on when he first came to the city. How he used to get into a little trouble with some local thugs. They were picking on his clothes and accent, making slavery jokes. Jacob stood up for Marcus because he didn't like the fact that he was being picked on because he was different. Marcus felt that Jacob was his only friend