Who Can You Trust (The Break Down)

By Keosha Gowins and Anita Pittman

"Trusting another is showing the most vulnerable part of yourself, and if you can't trust, you can't find happiness.", In this fast paced fiction story written from different point of views we see the lives of six high school students unfold with lust, turmoil, family clashes, relationship mix-ups and much more. Friendships will end, relationships will blossom some for the best and some for the worst. Their stories are intertwined together and in the end they lead to each other's anguish. As each of them prepare for life in the real world, the big question in each of their minds is 'Who can you Trust?'.

• Language: Gàidhlig
• Publisher: eBookIt.com
• Release date: Apr 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781456608576

Book preview

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Dedications

Dedicated in loving memory of Roderick Solomon, my uncle, and Horace Gowins, my grandfather, who were both very supportive throughout my life. Even at a young age, they both pushed me to achieve greatness, saying the sky is the limit.

Dedicated to Sylvia Gowins, my mother, for making this book possible, and for always encouraging me to keep writing.

Dedicated to all my friends and family for believing in me. I will never forget all the constructive criticism given because it only made me a better writer.

Special thanks to Anita Pittman, and Eli Blyden.

Preface

You ever been angry? I mean really angry. Angry enough to kill. So angry you see red and black out? Angry enough till everyone's voice is nothing but mumbles. Pure anger. Everything in me wanted to kill him. I grabbed the gun with every intention on shooting him. I wanted to because I felt like I should have known. I should have never left her alone with him ever. I should have known how he was. That shouldn't have ever happened. If I was being a good brother, it never would of happened.

I wanted to kill him because of all the pain he brought to her. I figured it wasn't the first time that happened because those were the same scared cries from her sleep. He gave her nightmares. He made her have low self- esteem. It was all him. He was a monster but I was just as bad by failing as a brother. Worrying about some cigarettes and something for Erika, my sister was almost raped.

I should have killed him.

I recalled how I felt while in the backseat of the police car. Seeing red were small words compared to how I reacted to his actions towards my sister. Without even thinking, I had clenched my fist and pulled back to smash his face wide open. The fury that raged through me. It was worse than any other fight I had ever been in. I couldn't stop. Even when I stopped to go in my room, anger buzzed around me. I grabbed the gun out my drawer and as I was walking back into the living room where he was laying, all that kept running through my mind was the terrified look on my sister’s face as she saw me half kill him. I hated him for what he did but I also hated him for what he made me look like through my sisters eyes. I looked like more than a druggie at that moment, more than a thief. I had become a murderer.

Introduction

If teenagers had no drama, liars, fakes or backstabbers, the world would be a better place, but it would also be a boring one. Represented in this book are the cheater, the conceited one, the fake one, the sneaky one, the druggie, and the backstabber. All of which are searching for something rather it be attention, or love, they get it from the wrong place and end up worst then they ever expected.

They face jealous backstabbing friends, and even family lies. In a world like this the big question is who can you trust?

Chapter 1:

Joe’s Girlfriends

Angelique

Come on y’all...5 minutes!!! Mrs. Morrison yelled at the students as they rushed to get everything ready for our morning show. She then turned to me and said, Angie, you can go now the balloons and certificate are over there, she said pointing at the edge of her desk.

Gotcha Mrs. Morrison, I said as I grabbed the balloons and certificate. Terry and Daniel come with me, I said motioning to them to follow me and we ran out the door to Mr. Carter room. He teaches History, one of the most boring subjects, but he makes it fun and interesting. I had him last year so I was happy to be giving the teacher of the year award to him.

We quietly walked into his portable on the east side of the campus and stood in the back of the class while he talked. We then presented him with his award and left.

We got back to the classroom and Daniel put the equipment up as Mrs. Morrison gave us our next assignment. The bell rang just as she stopped talking. I left the classroom and went to my locker. As I was putting my last book in I felt familiar arms wrap around my waist.

What's up girl? I ignored him and pulled out of his embrace. As I turned around I was surprised by the hurt in his eyes. I was not going to let him turn this around on me so I glared at him. What's wrong with you?

I am not about to get into this with you right now, I'll see you later, I said as I started to walk away but I was grabbed from behind into a hug.

I didn't have my phone with me, he said sadly. I knew what he was referring to. It didn't change anything. I'm sure he was around a phone at some point this past weekend.

Where were you? I said as I turned around in his arms. He looked guilty and reluctant to tell me the truth. I always liked how he couldn't hide his expressions. He's an open book.

I was at...um---,

Don't lie to me Joe. It'll only make it worst, I interrupted him.

I was playing basketball with Ciara, He said in a long breath. I really do not like her. Ciara has been his best friend since forever. Joe and I started dating last year and I was always jealous of his closeness with her. He spends more time with her then he does with me. It makes me think something else is going on. He assures me that it is platonic and that they are really close. Their parents are practically brothers and sisters. It doesn't help that my parents don't like Joe because he plans to be a NBA player instead of what my dad considers practical like a doctor or lawyer. Yea I know everything is against us.

You know how I feel bout you being round her, I said to him with a pout.

So, I'm supposed to give up all my friends that you don't like? He said with anger in his eyes. He scrunched his eyebrows together and waited for my answer.

No, it's just that…you were supposed to be with me. Not her! This always happens. You're always with her.

What you want me to do? She's my best friend

I'm your girlfriend! I half-yelled at him just as the bell rang.

I know and I'm sorry. We didn't keep track of time and I ended up being out passed my curfew. he said not looking at me.

You could have called and told me that. Why were you over there anyways? I asked in disgust. I wasn't mad at him I was mad at because she does this on purpose. She knows Jie will give her whatever she wants. I couldn’t believe that her boyfriend doesn’t mind them spending so much time together.

I live like two houses down from her, I needed to waste some time since you were taking a test, so I went over there to play some ball and we lost track of time. We stood there quietly for a minute before he leaned down and kissed me. We were interrupted by a clearing of throat; we stopped immediately and saw Mr. Mac, the meanest AP standing there.

Last time I checked this was not a class? he said rudely.

We were going to class now, Joe said as he grabbed my hand and started to walk away.

Umhum, my office now you two, he said as he walked in front of us. Have a seat, he said motioning to the chairs.

One day of ISS for you two, he printed out the paper stating we had ISS and put one in front of each of us.

Why? Joe asked rudely.

For Skipping, He said clasping his hands together.

We was going to class, Joe said not signing the paper put in front of him. I picked up the pen to sign my slip, but Joe stopped me by taking it. Don't sign that. We weren’t skipping. You ain’t even my AP, He said challenging Mr. Mac like that has any effect on this situation.

I can give you another day Mr. Noels, Mr. Mac threatened as I again picked up the pen only for it to be knocked down again by Joe.

You can't give us ISS, he said almost in defeat.

I sure can! You weren't in class. The bell rung minutes ago and you were showing PDA

Are you serious man okay. Write me up. I was keeping her back. She tried to go but I didn’t let her. Give me two days. She didn’t do anything! he said looking down at the floor.

That's commendable that you would take the blame but you both were in the wrong so you both get the days

Days? Joe questioned.

Yes. Another day has just been added for willful disobedience

Man what the---, Joe sneered.

Joe! I whisper-yelled reprimanding him. I picked up my pen and signed it then waved the pen in Joe face. He reluctantly took the pen and signed his paper. We both got up and left the office. We hugged, and then parted ways to our classrooms.

Joe

I knew she was gone be mad, I just knew it. It’s always like this. She doesn't like Ciara, but Ciara is my best friend. Angie always wonders why I have a bunch of guy friends, yet my best friend is a girl. Point being, I was around CC before I was even able to talk. It's always been her and I. We went to the same daycare and we go to the same schools. We will probably go to the same college if we both get this basketball scholarship.

That's another thing Angie don't know, but when she find out she gone go crazy. I know I should choose a school close to my girlfriend instead of my best friend, but I can't stand being away from CC. Ciara wants to choose a school close to her boyfriend, but every time she brings up college, he shoots her down and says he isn’t going to any college. That college life ain't for him. One day she came crying to me after she broke up with him, because she told him that she was going to college with or without him. Well without hesitation he told her to go ahead to college without him. A week later they were back together and they never discussed college again.

Angie's parents wanted her to go to some Ivy League School, but she told me she'd rather go to a small college and become a writer. She won't tell her parents though, which is sad. Her parents think they have this close relationship with her; when really they don't know anything about their daughter’s goals and career choices.

I think deep down, Angie knows that when we graduate that it's the end of us because I plan on going where ever CC goes. There’s no separating us, we’ve been a package deal since forever. I remember when we were in first starting kindergarten.

Flashback:

You can't leave me mommy. CC grabbed on to her mom’s arm for dear life.

Go on sweetie. It's ok Her mom tried to push her towards the classroom. The teacher was patiently waiting by the door with a smile on her face.

No, mommy I don't like people, CC whined.

You don't like me CC? I asked.

I mean, ugh---, she hit her forehead and shook it as if to say you don't get it. She was always so dramatic even at 5.

How about you go in with Joe? my mom asked her.

Joe is a boogerhead. He has cooties mommy, she looked up to her mom.

No, I don't, I defended myself then grabbed her hand. See, she then started crying and wrenched her hand from mines. Why you won't hold my hand CC?

Because you were mean to me the other day, she replied.

If you hold my hand I promise not to be mean and hold it all day, I held out my hand. She looked at it for a while then grabbed it.

We walked in class and sat by each other.

During recess CC and I ran to get on the swings. When I came back a boy was standing over CC yelling at her and she was crying. She had kicked him in the leg and he fell next to her. She twisted his arm behind his back and he started crying. The teacher came over and asked her why she did it and she said that she was trying to save me the swing and Tyler was being mean and trying to take it. The teacher said she had to go to time out. I didn't want her to go by herself so I punched Tyler's friend Malachi in the arm. The teacher gave me a look and to this day I'm not sure if it was of humor, understanding or frustration but she made me go to the corner too. Needless to say, we were the trouble makers of elementary. Teachers actually requested not to have us in their class.

CC and I are still thick as thieves. She's my best friend and I love her.

Yall know the drill ,Coach Johnson yelled.

The team did as he said, running laps.

Line-up!, he shouted. The team got in a line and the first person, Mark, set up for what turned out to be a perfect three pointer, and then ran to the back of the line. The next person approached and made it. This continued until everyone reached ten and we all left.

Practice Wednesday, Coach yelled out to everyone when we were leaving the locker room.

As I walked towards my car, I saw CC leaning against my car talking to Daisha.

Hey CC, I said as I approached them. I gave Ciara a hug and waved at Daisha who was sizing me up.

Can you drive me home? I'm sorry I always do this to you. If you got to go to Angie’s house, I understand, Ciara said.

Not a problem CC, you don’t have to ask and you know that

Yea but---, she started.

Just get in, I said.

Bye girl, she said to Daisha as she got in.

Why Derek couldn't take you home? I asked curiously. She didn't answer me right away, and I knew why. She deserved to be treated better and I've told her that she doesn’t need to be with somebody who treats her like crap. She looked down at her folded hands in her lap and didn't answer me. Ya boy need to get his priorities straight. He wanna be with you, but he can't even do simple stuff like take you home.

He forgot that my car was in the shop and he left school early today. He couldn't come back and get me because he went to see his dad.

Still, I would never leave Angie stranded. What if I wasn’t having practice today? You would have been stuck here, while he out handling his business.

I'm just glad you did, so can we drop this? You always talk down about him. We sat in awkward silence for awhile before I remembered something.

Oh, I forgot to ask you, the basketball game down South is in a few weeks. You down? I asked.

Yeah, she said it like it was obvious.

I-ight, I'ma buy the tickets when I get home, we stopped in front of her house and she got out. Then she leaned down and signaled for me to let the window down.

We balling tomorrow? she asked.

Um, I have to see. I don't know yet.

Well you know where I’ll be at, she motioned outback where her dad had a court built in their back yard.

Okay, see ya, just as I was pulling out her driveway, my phone rang, Angie name popped up on my iPhone. I answered. Hey baby

You coming over to study for finals

At her comment I chuckled. We have awhile before finals. Don't over work yourself

Three months is not awhile,

Chapter 2:

Jealous

Ciara

I know I shouldn't have but I did. I manipulated Joe into staying with me late last weekend, so he had no time to spend with Angelique. I knew for a fact that he could never say no to me, and that he would pick me over her. The reason that he picks me over her however makes me sick to the stomach.

He sees me as his sister, and most guys would pick their sister over their girlfriends because of the simple fact that its family. Every time I need him, no matter what he has planned with his real family, or Angie, or friends, I come first. I use that to my advantage; even though I know it’s wrong and won't last.

I knew he had plans with Angie tonight, and I knew he had plans with her tomorrow that's why I invited him. He didn't necessarily say yes or no, but I knew I would see him today because once again I come first. I internally smiled when I heard the knock at my door.

Hey CC, Joe said. I hugged him then stood back to look at him. He was in basketball shorts and t-shirt with Black and White Jordan's on. When he stepped back he twirled the ball on his index finger and smiled brightly at me. You ready to play?

Yea, lemme go change, I didn't have to change, but I didn't want it to be obvious that I knew he was coming over.

I'm headed outback, he yelled as he ran out our back door.

I quickly changed into a white sports bra and Blue and white B-ball shorts.

He was shooting when I ran out. His set up was slightly off, and I knew that it was not going in so I yelled out, 'Brick', loud enough for him to hear me just as the ball bounced off the rim and fell. I ran to get the ball then stood where he had been and shot a perfect three from slightly behind the line.

You jinxed my shot so that ain't count, he pouted.

Uhmm... sure. Just admit I'm better, I said as I shoved the ball into his chest roughly.

Can't do it, he said as he shot.

Why not? I asked as I ran for the ball.

Cause it’s a lie, and I don't lie, he said as he blocked my shot, took the ball, dribbled it up to the net and did a perfect dunk.

Okay, I admit that was a nice dunk, I said.You got it

Because I'm the man, He shouted.

Yea, I said with a laugh. Let’s play a quick game, first to 21

Okay, we checked the ball and began playing.

Around 5 my mom pulled up with groceries. Joe went out to help her get the bags while I continued shooting. My three year old brother ran out to me and hugged my legs messing up what no doubt would have been a perfect shot.

That don’t count Joe, because Trey messed me up, I said irately as I bent down and picked Trey up.

He looked up at me with sad puppy dog eyes. I’m Sowwy, he said sweetly.

It's alright little man. Yo sista suck, she was gone miss anyways, Joe said as he ran up and took Trey out my hands. Tossing him in the air. Trey giggled and kicked. Joe then took a small basketball from by the small court and gave it to Trey. Then he lifted Trey above his head so Trey could dunk. It was a cute moment.

I laughed when Joe started running with Trey on his back yelling, We're number one, we’re number one. Trey tried his hardest but it sounded like, Wee'd dumba one, Wee'd dumba one, my mom came out side to see what the commotion was and then she too started laughing.

My mom then asked Joe if he wanted to stay for dinner and he said no and that he had to leave soon. I was upset because I knew where he'd be going. I had to think of something.

Joe, you know my mom makes the best curry chicken. How you’re going to pass that up. Come on, you ain't ate with us in forever. Your parents won't mind. I said with a too sweet face. He hesitated. Trey, don't you want Joe to stay?

Yesh, Trey said.

"How can