The Ballad of Sidney Hill 2

By Khali Raymond

After the events of The Ballad of Sidney Hill, the responsibility of cleaning up a mess left by Sidney's enemies now rests on his shoulders. As Sidney embarks on a journey to save his loved ones and repair a city devastated from rioting and destruction, he will be faced with challenges along the way. Sidney looks to transform himself and regain his humanity. Could Sidney be able to slay his personal demons? Will he succeed in getting his life together or will he succumb to the obstacles around him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Khali Raymond
• Release date: Jun 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310667350

Khali Raymond

Khali Raymond is an exceptional individual who had published a lot of work at a very young age. His serious and realistic writing style is just the icing on the cake when you’re indulging into him. Not only he’s into writing, but he has a muse for music and a whole lot of other things as well. Khali Raymond was born on December 22, 1998 in Newark, New Jersey. Ever since then, Khali has been working at refining his craft in the writing field.Learning how to read at the age of two, there were bright things ahead for this wise man. After going through a lot of life-changing experiences throughout his years, it’s inevitable that he’s doing this. As Khali writes book after book at a rapid rate, you can’t help but wonder how he does it. His continuous efforts to put out riveting and mind capturing work arouses a lot of people’s interest. People are curious as to what goes on in the head of this reclusive genius.Khali’s love for his city and community is extremely strong. That alone is a primary influence for his work. His continued humbleness and strong work ethic will carry him into places that the average person can dream of reaching. A lot of mystery shrouds this genius author, but Khali is more than genius. As he makes a vow to write until he dies, the good work will keep coming your way.When you do happen to read Khali’s work, the themes and vocabulary he uses is extremely strong and provocative. You will feel drawn into the power of his sword, and that sword is his pen. Be sure to follow Khali on all social media platforms you can find him on so you can see what he does next.

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Copyright

The Ballad of Sidney Hill 2

Khali Raymond

No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Any names or characters, businesses or places, events or incidents, are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Suggestive and graphic material is presented in this novel. Discretion is advised.

Copyright ©2015-2020 YTER/x Surreal Dreamz Inc. All rights reserved.

ISBN (eBook): 9781310667350

Eighth Edition, 2020

For Tharyn, Kenny, Earl, Chip, and Nuke

Chapter 1-Aftermath

June 16, 2013

I looked to the south. Nothing but the bay. I looked to my right to see a city torn by violence, rioting, and political corruption.

I looked to my left. For some reason, I was hopeful—despite my family being torn apart, my best friend Michael still in the hospital fighting for his life and knowing that my future is uncertain.

Allow me to recap the events that have taken place amid my final year of high school. For starters, I had to leave my hometown of Flagha because the government wanted to bulldoze the homes of thousands, just so they could create meaningless ass jobs.

I had to move to Badlands because my dad was too cheap to look around for a house. As a result, we had to move into this dump.

Not all was okay here. In fact, the only wonderful thing about living here was that I got to see most of my old friends, or what’s left of them anyway.

I was being used as a pawn for Finnigan to do his dirty work because of his own motives to get back at Michael.

I would eventually take a stand against him, but that only made things worse.

I pissed off Rapael Jacobs, one of the most feared criminals in the world and the number one draft pick on the FBI’s most wanted list.

Rapael insistently harassed me and those that I know. My Uncle Mario exposed Rapael and killed Finnigan, which was Rapael’s only child.

That isn’t even all of it. Due to Rapael running his mouth, everyone in the city started fighting each other. Rapael wanted me eradicated. He insisted on instigating everyone’s motives, therefore causing the riot.

Rapael and his henchmen shot up my school, killing and injuring most of my friends and fellow classmates out of retaliation.

I went back to Florida temporarily because Badlands became too chaotic. While I was lying in that Floridian sun, things up here in Badlands worsened. Eventually, the riot ceased, but that didn’t mean Rapael was still out there plotting.

Jet, a highly dangerous accomplice of Rapael who was affiliated with the Jacobs Crime Family, went on the hunt for Michael.

The two exchanged blows, but the tables turned when Jet shot Michael several times, putting him into a coma with a slim chance of surviving.

My plot for revenge slowly unfolded in the coming months. I spent three of them getting back at my enemies. First, I took out that asshole Jet. He was an easy target.

Next were Finnigan’s old friends. Finally, I killed that son of a bitch Rapael. He almost had me at my death, but Cat came in and saved my ass at the perfect time. After Cat saved me, I did the deeds by putting that prick Rapael out of his misery.

Enough of the reminiscing.

I have obstacles standing in my way. I must reconcile with my family again. I’m also counting on Michael to recover.

I must fix my life period. I must get my high school diploma, attend college, and start a new life for myself.

What do I do from here? I asked myself.

I left the roof. I found a boat parked by an underused dock and drove back to Badlands. The water sprayed the boat.

Things felt like they were moving slowly.

I looked at the city’s skyline as I came into it.

The boat was running at a reduced speed. All the water from the Badlands Bay gleamed like a diamond in the rough. My thoughts began to race at this point. I had to sit here and think about how far I’ve come.

Not once have I ever been through the stuff that I had to endure over the past year. I had to sell drugs, cry my eyes out every night, commit murder, break the law, and dishonor my beliefs to save my life.

I approached the marina where all the boats in Badlands would usually be docked and sat my boat there. I climbed out of the boat and walked into the city square.

As I walked around the square, there were still likenesses of the riots. There were posters posted everywhere saying CEIZE THE LAW and FUCK THE POLICE.

Storefronts hung up mosaics of people who perished during the vicious riots. People were standing at the storefronts crying, praying, and playing sullen music from their phones.

Firemen and policemen remained at the scene, clearing out the riot zones. I looked up at the skyscrapers. They were pitch-black with no doors open or lights on.

Billboards were shut off. Cars were turned over, buses were coated in graffiti and destruction. Dead bodies littered the streets. You’d think that it was an episode of The Walking Dead.

It was a horrible sight. I couldn’t stomach it. Everything was out of order. Nobody knew who to trust anymore. There were no feelings of safety and security amongst this community.

My phone rang. It was an unknown number. I was hesitant to answer it, but something told me that I should answer this call.

I picked up the phone. Hello?

Sidney. It’s your dad. How have you been, son? Dad said tiringly.

I was shocked to hear my dad’s voice. I thought that I would never get to hear his voice again.

Dad? Is that really you?

Dad laughed a little. Yeah, Sidney. It’s me.

Dad! It’s good hearing from you, I mean… are you alright? I replied.

"I’m trying to be, son. Listen. I’m sorry about all this. I should’ve found us a better place to live, we shouldn’t have moved to Badlands in the first place.

I know what you went through was hard and I’m extremely sorry that I couldn’t be there to support you son, Dad said glumly.

It’s not your fault, Dad.

It is my fault. I should’ve listened to your mother. She told me not to bring us here. I need to stop being selfish and learn how to make sacrifices. But, I’m glad you’re still okay. Have you taken care of that Rapael guy?

Yeah. I sure did, along with his useless associates. It’s all over now. You won’t be hearing from him again.

"Great. Not saying that violence is a good thing, but I’m proud of how mature you’ve become. Your mom and I came a long way from raising you and Seth. I have to say that it was a job well done.

It was difficult raising two children, it really was. I’m glad that you boys have now become men. I’m proud of you, Dad said.

Hearing those words from Dad almost made me want to be a little kid again and cry my eyes out.

Thanks, Dad. Those words mean a lot. Anyway, where are you staying these days? We have to regroup, I prompted.

Dad cleared his throat.

"I’m here in NYC, holed up with your retarded ass uncle. He’s not here right now, so I get to use the phone. I don’t have to sit up here and listen to him talking to those skanks he fucks almost every damn night.

I mean, all your uncle does is watch television, get drunk and high, make love to the PlayStation, and he brings home about fifteen different women. He doesn’t know how to keep his dick to himself. If you want, you can come here. I’ll have him come there and pick you up, Dad explained.

Nah, its fine. I need to stay in Badlands for a while. I need to take care of Cat and Michael. I’ll come up there once I get the time.

Okay, son. You look after yourself. Be safe out there and remember, I’m proud of you. Bye, Sidney.

Okay dad, you stay safe too, I said, ending the call.

June 17, 2013

The sun rose, marking another day of recovery from citywide mayhem. I’m still staying at the same house that my dad bought here in Badlands.

This place just isn’t the same after Rapael done came along. The television would be on, playing an interesting show.

Mom would be in the kitchen cooking up a heap of breakfast, Dad would be at the table doing some algebra problems, Seth would be walking around with a smug look and I would just be walking through the foyer, enjoying life.

That is now over.

Every room in the house is pitch black. The windows are all boarded up. There is barely any furniture inside of the house.

I have to use a lamp for light. I’m sleeping on an inflatable mattress rather than my actual bed, which is still in Florida at the second house that we relocated to during the riots.

I lied on the inflatable mattress, just thinking about my life. I wondered what I’ll do to pull myself from out of this situation.

My dad is in NYC, Seth and Mom are still missing, Michael is still in a coma, and I’m wondering how my future will turn out. I didn’t know what to do, so I called up Cat.

Yeah babe, what’s wrong? Cat said.

Cat, I have a question to ask you. Do you mind me asking it? I asked.

You can ask me anything, Sidney. You know that.

How are we going to get back on track? You know, Michael is still in a coma and everything, my family is missing, and the future just seems uncertain. I really don’t know what to do.

Sidney, you have to take baby steps. Not everything is going to fall into place right away. I understand that these events overwhelmed us a lot but tell you what. We are going to go check up on Michael today and if he’s okay, we’ll snowball from there. How does that sound? Cat explained.

Yeah. It couldn’t hurt to go check up on him, right? He’s at the Saint Chelsey Medical Hospital off Monroe Street, right? I replied.

I believe, yeah. I’ll meet you there in less than an hour, Cat said.

Okay, I said, ending the call. I left through the back door of the house, going to meet Cat at the Saint Chelsey Medical Hospital.

Saint Chelsey Medical Hospital

I arrived at the hospital in a taxi. I exited the taxi, walking into the emergency room. The hospital was significantly crowded.

People were sitting there with deep cuts and bruises, doctors were stirring around the room, stretchers were being rushed into ICU, it was craziness everywhere.

Although the riots ended months ago, people were being rushed through here like crazy.

I found my way to Cat. She was sitting by the bathroom door. Her hair was tied up and she wore a t-shirt, track pants, and some running shoes. She smiled and waved as I approached her.

Hey Sidneyyy, Cat said in a flirtatious manner.

What’s good? I replied.

Nothing much. Everything is fine. How about you? What’s good on your end?

Same old, same old. Trying to survive. Did you get the news on Michael yet? I said.

"They told me to wait until the doctor comes out. It’s chaos in here. I think that’s because loads of people been left untreated.

Also, I heard that another riot started in a nearby city. That city doesn’t have the resources to treat all of these people, so they rushed them here instead. Anyways, how does it feel?

How does what feel?

"You know… to do what you did. To survive all of this. The stuff with Finnigan and Rapael. It took guts to do what you did, and I can give you extreme props for that. You’re an incredibly strong person.

I remember the first day we ran into each other. I don’t know, I felt a connection with you in that exact moment. From that day all the way to now, you have changed a lot. I have changed along with you. You’re an amazing person, Sidney.

"I mean, sure. It feels like nothing really. I never thought that all of this would escalate so quickly. I should’ve never tried to help Michael in that fight. None of this would have taken place if I just sat in my seat. I realized my weakness. Intimacy is my weakness.

"If there is any way to lure me out of a slump, intimacy will just do that. I believe that Finnigan and Rapael used that to their advantage, so they could nitpick me.

They knew that I had friends and family behind me, that alone was just too much to risk. It’s why I made those choices, I explained.

Cat nodded.

"Sidney, stop blaming yourself. You did what you did, you can’t change it. It was for the best. Look at where it got you. You survived. We survived.

We got through this. All we have to do is pray that Michael will be okay, and we will plan from there. We’re a family now, Cat replied.

Cat’s words hit a nail on the head. I need to stop blaming myself for trying to help Michael in that fight, but had I didn’t get involved, none of these events would have taken place. I still remember that fight like it was yesterday…

Suddenly, a group of bullies walked up to our table.

Hey, shitheads! You got our money or naw? a boy who bags under his eyes shouted.

Michael turned around, looking at the boy irately.

Screw off, Finnigan! Michael yelled.

You know what, Chaseman? Stop tryna’ be a tough guy. I will break both of your arms into pieces and let’s see how you dribble a ball with your head! Hahahahaha! FACE! the boy shouted, slapping hands with his buddies.

"Listen here, Finnigan! I will stick my size fourteen right up the crack of your ass if you don’t leave this table!

You and your wimpy buddies don’t scare me a bit, punk! Me and my basketball buddies will beat your ass into the dirt right now as we speak! If it’s a brawl you want, then I’ll go get my buds, BUD! Michael shouted.

He got up from his seat, standing his ground and drew back like he was ready to fight. The five boys cornered Michael, surrounding him in an even circle.

I wasn’t going to let those punks beat up on my boy, so I began to get up. However, Cat pulled me back.

Oh no! Don’t think you’re going to go fight with him! Those guys are extremely dangerous, you can get hurt! Cat yelled.

Pfft, how dangerous can these punks be? They don’t look like much. These guys look like they’re strung out on something, I said sarcastically.

"Last year, those guys broke this kid’s neck. He died in the hospital, three hours later! Let Michael fight alone,