Similarly Jusdifferent

By Gerome Jones

Similarly JUSDIFFERENT is a riveting, thought-provoking tale about an adventurous child coming up in the treacherous streets of NYC, named Lil HIstory. Born in East New York, Brooklyn and then relocating to a Far Rockaway, NY, without a father around he's forced to take the male guidance as it came growing up in a single parented home with his older sister Wynter. Seeing his family make due to amist poverty with the ever-present dangers of everyday living wasn't enough to quench his thirst for learning all that life was willing to show him. Armed with a craving for knowledge, yet influenced by his surroundings, Lil History's coming of age, leads him directly into the path of the dangerous streets of NYC in search of consistent male guidance. Along with his journey, History finds himself running head-on into a slew of danger-filled adventures of survival.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gerome Jones
• Release date: Jul 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781733283953

Gerome Jones

Ignorance is only bliss to those unwilling to teach. This novel has been a long time coming ( took me close to 5 years to complete).FINALLY, I'm estatic for you guys to be able to check it out. With every page turned there are life lessons to be learned so I know you guys won't be disappointed...AT ALL! I just want to solidify my spot on this earth and also contribute to the next generation a tool of sorts to have to combat negativity.

Book preview

Similarly

Jusdifferent

A NOVEL BY: GEROME JONES

SIMILARLY JUSDIFFERENT

Copyrights © 2019 by Gerome Jones

All Rights Reserved.

1 of 1 Cover Art design by: Benjamin & KooziArts, LLC - ALL RIGHTS TO COVER ART, ARE FULLY OWNED BY AUTHOR.

This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, organizations, and events are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, both living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without prior permission.

CONTENTS

The Prelude: F.E.A.R.

Chapter One: Bedroom Eye's

Chapter Two: Playin' Wit Fire

Chapter Three: The Mix-Up

Chapter Four: Seven Kisses

Chapter Five: Sak Pase, Unique?

Chapter Six: Two Ears, One Mouth

Chapter Seven: Smooth Operator

Chapter Eight: Waves and the Water

Chapter Nine: Tough Love

Chapter Ten: Pigeons 2 Seagulls

Chapter Eleven: Discovery Channels

Chapter Twelve: Loss 4 Words

Chapter Thirteen: The Graduate

Chapter Fourteen: Felony Favors

Chapter Fifteen: Keep It Thoro

Chapter Sixteen: Bitter Sweet Memories

Chapter Seventeen: Friendship Rewards

Chapter Eighteen: 15 Minutes of Fame

Chapter Nineteen: The Crossover

Chapter Twenty: Money & Mistakes

Chapter Twenty One: No Testimony

Chapter Twenty-Two: True 2 Self

Chapter Twenty-Three: Decisions & Honorable Deeds

Chapter Twenty-Four: Systematic Warfare

Chapter Twenty-Five: Rikers Island

Chapter Twenty Six: Dumb - Smart

Chapter Twenty Seven: Karma's Place

Acknowledgements

Contact Information:

About the Author:

I Humbly, Thank you.

P.S.- If you're reading this

Thank You too.

For at least picking me up

(Smile)

To whom my love is sent,

From the love received.

You are appreciated,

My immortals.

God Bless.

The Prelude: F.E.A.R.

Y

ou want that toy, Lil History? History's dad asked him as he continued to walk around the toy store in his Ultimate Warrior onesies, looking around in amazement at the Transformers shapeshifters, Heeman, G.I. Joe's army figurines. Lil History walked past the basketballs and thought to himself how he wasn't really into sports mostly because of his height. But he loved to watch cartoons like Heathcliff and Dennis the Menace. The grown up shows were the best to him though because the adults getting hyped up was always contagious to him. Showtime at the Apollo, Video Music Box and boxing, especially those Mike Tyson’s fights always brought the living room to life. Grown-ups yelling and cursing at the t.v. after a while started to make sense to Lil History to the point he would get yelled at and sent back with the other kids for being in grown ups faces. That's mostly how he found out things about his dad. Boy, whatchu in la la land or somethin'? I said do you want those toy's, Son?" Big History asked followed by a chuckle.

Lil History screamed out, Yeah, Pop. Can I have them all, pleaaase? Lil History pleaded, hoping that his dad would say yeah.

From what the grown ups would say about Big History is how Lil History learned about his father's ways seeings how he wasn't around much.

Big History's a cool, educated, charmin' ass ladies man who was good with his words. He could talk the panties off of a woman who wasn't even wearing any and sell game to a pimp, yeah he was that good! Lil History would hear the adults say sometimes.

Son, you can have anything you want not only out this toy store but out of life if you put your mind to it. Never lose sight of your goals. And always remember, son, there ain't nothing wrong with following ya dreams cuz that's what leaders have to do! He continued. Program ya mind, or it'll be programmed for you!

Big History often spoke to his son like he was already a grown man and gave wisdom to him the same way he had obtained it himself, raw and from his own life experiences. Knowing that kind words would only be setting Lil History up for the harsh reality check life had waiting for his son if he didn't.

Lil history listened as his Pop talked but was more focused on filling up the shopping cart with his favorite wrestlers and cartoon characters. The Ultimate Warrior figurine, Ninja Turtles, and damn near every new toy he saw like the Nintendo game system and The Mario Bros game all went in the shopping cart without Big History saying anything as the two walked. At that moment, Lil History was feeling glad that he had the best father in the world!

I know, Pop, but right now I can't wait to go home and play with my new toys, Lil History replied, as the two shared a moment of great laughter.

Lil History didn’t look up at his father, but he heared his father’s words with a funny feeling growing in his stomach that he chose to block out because of his excitement. The two made their way to the counter with Lil History swinging his little frame from the shopping cart handlebars as he ran with it like Superman toward the cashier to make the final purchase with his pop not far behind him. As they waited in line Big History began to Lil History, who's attention was everywhere but his dad.

Son, you know I never meant to let you down all those times when I told you I would be by your mom's crib to see you or bring you something, right? You know I love you, son. I'm only saying this because I know that you understand because you're special, Son!

I know Pop! Lil History replied but continued playing with his new toys. The feeling in his stomach now feeling familiar to him. Not wanting to look up at his dad as he tried to make himself believe his words.

Big History continued speaking.

When you go from being a boy like I was to a man like I am now, it becomes easier to admit that you were wrong about a few things like I often do in reference to raising you, Son!.

Big History finished talking and the two got closer to the register. Still not looking up at his father, Lil History shook his head and replied

Yeah, Pop, I know. And Mom always says that nobody's perfect, so I love you too.

Still trying hard to ignore the nervous feeling in his gut as they approached the cashier’s counter together. Big History starts to empty the shopping cart with Lil History anxiously helping him.

Lil History began thinking to himself.

This is too good to be true. He ain't change, History! The inner voice said to him. With Lil History shaking his head and replying to himself, This is my dad, he did change! Look at all these toys he just got me. Shut up, Self.

The inner Voice replied, Okay. I'll shut up, but you gonna be sorry that you believed in him again.

Finally silencing out the Inner voice hoping no one heard him out load as he looked around. But not at his father's face. Lil History just continued to unload the toys.

You just saying that is all that matters to me, Son! You never cease to amaze me, boy that's how I know you gone be special!

Big History enthusiastically replied to his son.

Lil History's grown up like responses always shocked the adults listening. Lil History paid very close attention to people, especially to his dad. Whenever Big History decided to come around and show him some love. Lil History was only five years old and was very curious as well as intelligent for his age and he wasn't afraid to show it. Lil History, had already experienced all types of challenges that made his little self a big thinker and very unique in his own way.

Born in Brookdale Hospital located in Brooklyn, NY is where Lil Historys challenges began. With the umbilical cord wrapped twice around his neck which forced the doctors to perform an emergency C-section on his young mother, Paige, to save his life Lil History came to be. He was also born in the month of February, a cusp baby possessing two zodiac signs: Aquarius and Pisces. Part-lover and part-thinker.

His face bore freckles like a chocolate chip cookie and through schooling discovered that Lil History was a lefty who like to draw.

One day accidentally, his curiosity almost costed him his life at a tender age. After some how getting his hands on one of his uncles razor blades at no older than three years old, Lil History gave himself a life-threatening gash on his neck. The injury was caused without him making a sound and only found out by his mother when she went to change his diaper. Because the blood squirted out his neck like a fountain, causing Paige to alert the other adults in their house with the scream that she let out after seeing what Lil History had done to himself. The cut barely missed the main artery in his neck which would've caused him to die due to his little frame bleeding out. But doctors saved him with stitches which left Lil History with a nasty scar on his neck. The cashier ringing up the toys stopped Lil History flashback as he watched the cashier ring up the toys.

As they approached the counter, Lil History felt like the luckiest kid in the world, so much so that he was praising his dad all the way there as he did the anxious pee pee dance. His small frame couldn't stop moving. Still not looking up at Big History's face.

Thanks, Pop, you just don't know how happy I am right now! Lil History said.

Big History responded as they got closer to the cashier. I know son, I know. I' ma do my best to never let you down again, pinky swear, he said, sticking his pinky finger out for Lil History to latch onto and pinky swear with him. Lil History wrapped his little finger around his father’s finger with a great feeling of confidence. Trying his best to make the nervous feeling go away. But it wouldn't leave his stomach as he thought of all their other promises that were broken when it came to them. Lil History was used to being let down by his father.

Promises mean everything to a child and nothing to an adult was what Lil History had learned early in life. But he was still willing to give his dad another try. He replied, Pinky swear, Pop.

Still not looking up at his pop's face, only hearing his words and being distracted by the toys that he was already imagining playing with.

Somebody's gonna have a busy night with the best dad?

Big History replied with a flat but nervous Yup, he sure is right, Son?

Lil History replied gleefully Yup! while he finished unloading the toys and listening to the beep beep sounds the toys made as they were rung up. Lil History looked mesmerized with anticipation building up in his small frame as he thought of all the things he would be doing tonight. He was so excited that he began to play with his Who Framed Roger Rabbit figurine at the register. Lil History was in awe as he stood off to the side just staring at his new collection of toys. He thought of nicknames for his green new army men and where he would be putting them in his house. He hoped his older sister, Wynter, would love the Cabbage Patch dolls he picked out for her even though he didn't really know if she would.

She loves these things, he said out loud to nobody in particular, feeling excited as he looked at Wynter’s new dolls. Feeling glad that he also got the games Hungry Hungry Hippos and Operation, just incase she didn't.

Okay, so your total is $759.23 cents, Sir. the cashier politely said to Big History Cash or Credit, Sir? the Cashier continued cheerfully.

Cash!

Big History replied as he shuffled through his pockets like he lost something.

You gotta love your dad a whole lot tonight, huh, Lil man? The cashier asked Lil History who quickly shook his head up and down. Yeah!

He thought about finally having his own Tetris and Gameboy. Now, Lil History didn’t have to bother Paige to play her’s all the time. He noticed that his father still hadn't taken the money or even a wallet out to pay for his toys.

Nervously, Big History spoke up clearing his throat. Ahhh, I know I got it somewhere, Ms. Gimme a second!

With his head hung low Lil History heard his dad speak again to the Cashier.

Did I mention how beautiful you are? Big History asked trying to make light of the current situation and laughing nervously.

Instantly, the feeling of hopelessness that was festering in Lil History's tiny frame, turned into disappointment. He watches his tears hit the stores floor one by one until his vision was blocked by them falling. With disappointment gripping his young heart he hoped he was the only one seeing them fall. Using his shirt sleeve he wiped his eyes but to no avail.

The Cashier started to go in on Big History. She told him off for making a child he called his son cry like Lil History was. He was now crying uncontrollably from embarrassment. A feeling all too familiar. Lil History continued to stand there with his big head hung as low as his feelings now were. Lil History wished he could just magically disappear the more he thought to himself.

Why did he have to do this to me again and this time in front of other people? (Tears falling… breathing heavy… snot dripping!) Why does he always lie and let meeeeee down? (Screaming in his head … breathing heavy!) Why does this time have to hurt worse than the others? Why are there even others?(blinding tears… tears and snot nose!) ANGER!!

These were questions he had but knew that he would never get the answers to from the only man that could answer them, his father. The other times he could run in his room to shield his disappointment from the world. This time he couldn't which turned to anger.

Look, if you don't have the money, just leave, Sir! Cant you see She pointed to Lil History just in time for him to lift his head and see making his heart hurt more. She continued to fishin her statement. you’re hurting his feelings even more.

The Cashier tried passed Lil History a Gumby figurine. You can keep it, okay!

Lil History watched as the toy hit the floor. It's okay. Stop crying, Baby! The young cashier said to the weeping child doing her best to comfort him.

He knows I don't mean it. Ahhhhh, I must've dropped my wallet back here somewhere, excuse me! Big History said as he shuffled around some more in his pockets while making his way through the crowded line.

Lil History couldn't even look up at his father because he knew he would burst out with tears. Truly, he didn't want his father to see the side of him that hadn't already been revealed. No emotion a child should ever have to feel.

nally looked up at his Pop face, stunned. To his surprise, the freckles he heard of weren't there. Neither were the glasses he'd heard about. To his surprise, All Lil History saw on the hefty smooth caramel complexion figure was a mouth. Shocked Lil History just stared in amazement. Eyes wide, with no more tears in his eyes or snot in his nose, he just stared up at Big History. The faceless father with only a voice. Confusion now gripped his mind silencing his inner anger momentarily the longer he looked up. Suddenly Big History finds his way through the line, but forgetting to grab Lil History.

Excuse me, SIR! YOU'RE FORGETTING SOMEONE! The Cashier Screamed as people in the line began to whisper at the faceless man moving further and further away from his child.

I'll be back to get you the toys. Stay right here, Son! Pinky swear!

Dashing towards the toy stores exit, bumping and tripping into people.

Assholes and Excuse YOU'S! were heard as he ran and everyone's attention shifted to Lil History. Even with the crowd of concerns still he felt alone as he continued to cry shocked that his pops had just done him like that.

The inner voice suddenly spoke to Lil History again, this time laughing hard and repeating, I told you so … ha ha ha. I TOLD YOU SO, BOY! You ain't wanna believe me, huh? Now look at you. Hurts, right?

Screaming out shut up to the inner voice silenced its words but its laughs remained which suddenly turned into music causing Lil History to keep his eyes closed. The more he tried to make out the sounds the clearer it became.

Lil History, kneeled down to the floor, covering his ears with his tiny hands and crying out to the figure that was now more.

Pop! Pop, you pinky swore to never do this to me again! Lil History begins to feel the vibrations of the beat in his knees that are tucked into his chest.

Tears falling to the floor like his broken spirit as he cried his heart out for a man who his young mind now knew didn't really care about him at all.

1

1

Chapter One

Bedroom Eye's

T

he music had now become so loud to Lil History that he could feel the bass vibrating in his chest. As he raised his head to see how close the vibrations were from him and where the Jamaican music was coming from, he opened his eyes, which were still wet from the nightmare he just had — still feeling the pain as fresh as fruit. The music continued to play louder and clearer the more he awakened. It was some type of Jamaican mix that was all too familiar to his ears due to Paige, Lil History’s mom, who played that type of music daily. The Jamaican vocalist continued to sing, Soon as I met you, I couldn't forget you… The melody and song quickly switched up. Horns blared and the next song came on. Lil History, sat up in his twin bed to look out his bedroom window.

Hey, little girl, each time you pass my way, I'm tempted to touch… Another man began to sing.

The melody, as well as the bass, came blasting through the cracked window in Lil History’s bedroom that he shared with his older sister, Wynter. He was surprised that she was still asleep with all the noise. He went back to looking out the window. The vibrations from the bass were now slamming through his window like a baseball was crashing through it as he peeked out to see two men talking by a car.

His bedroom was on the second floor of the house he lives in with his mom, Paige; his sister, Wynter; his uncle, Uncle Solo and Lil Story’s grandmother. She owned the house and he called her Grammy. Grammy had other children that were older than Paige and Uncle Solo too. But Lil History didnt really know them because he barely saw them.

Grammy had another girl named Dymond and a boy named Jody. Grammy had four kids altogether. Three of them decided to go to the military with the exception of Lil Historys mother, Paige. She choose to go another route to find her way. Lil History had a big family with a lot of cousins that he got to chill with from time to time. But not as consistent as he needed being the only boy.

The violence that went on in Lil History’s neighborhood on the other hand was very consistent. It wasn't uncommon for him to come out of his house to see yellow tape and cops cutting off a section of his block because something crazy had happened the night before.

Lil History watched the two men talk. One of them had long snake like hair and the other a gumby style cut. Lil History was scared of dreads. But Paige use to still bring him near the Jamaicans from around way who had them on purpose.

It was typical to hear loud music, screams, and gunshots coming from the streets of East New York Brooklyn, but it was very rare that Lil History had these noises outside his bedroom window. Then it seemed like only seconds had passed before the calm conversation turned to loud shouts of disrespect as one of the two dudes began to shout at each other angrily to the point Lil History got scared watching.

Mi nuh fear nah, mon. Jah mi only fear, pussyclot! Dis mi bloodclot street a no mon nah eat unless mi belly a fill. The one with the beehive screamed at the guy with the gumby cut.

Lil History watched as the guy with the gumby cut inched closer and closer to the driver's side of a car. The Beehive dreaded guy continued to talk reckless.

Reach for it pussyclot! Beehive head screamed, Ya betta kill mi too before mi a kill you! JAH, fi protect mi, Pussy Bwoy.

That was the last thing Lil History heard the Beehive dreaded guy say before he saw The Gumby Cut Guy, pull out the biggest gun that he'd ever seen from the driver's side of the car. Instantly, words were transformed into thunder as the eyes of The Beehive Dreaded Guy widen in fear as he dashed to the back of the other car.

BOOM! BOOM! The Gumby Cut Guy shot. POW! The Beehive Dread shot back. BOOM! POW!

Lil History, felt the vibrations to the gun fire exchange in his chest as they rang out. Stunned, he looked on paralyzed as the gun fight continued. BOOM! CLAPOW! BOOM! CLAPOW! .. CLAPOW!

The music still played but did nothing to drain out the sounds of their guns going off. Lil History felt like he was standing in front of one of the floor speakers in his DJ Uncle Solo’s job at Empire, roller skating rink as each shot went off.

What's that, History? You farted or something? he heard Wynter ask as he turned to see her now out of bed just as his window came crashing down onto his bed missing him by inches. Lil History landed on his bedroom floor in time to see Wynter standing in her pink and yellow popcorn PJs screaming.

No, ugly, they outside shooting! Causing the two of them to find laughter in a challenging time.

Wynter’s face changed, and she stared back at her brother with a fearful look in her eyes. Duhh! you serious?" she replied getting down too.

BOOM

Another shot exploded, causing his body to jump as his older sister got closer. The two attempted to shield themselves from the gun fight going on outside their bedroom window..

Lil History responded, Shut Up! He was hard headed like that sometimes. Wynter had the complexion of a banana and was skinny like Popeye's girlfriend, Olive Oil. But she had the prettiest smile and personality to her younger brother and many of their friends from around the way. Even though he was the smallest, he was always lionhearted when it came to protecting his sister.

Suck ya muddas could be heard through the exchange of gunfire. Even though only a couple of minutes had passed, it seemed like forever to Lil History. BOOM BOOM POW POW echoed off the walls of his bedroom rocking Lil 'History's world, literally.

Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, scaring the living daylights out of Lil History and Wynter who both screamed out Ma!

Cover y'all ears and STAY DOWNNN! Paige yelled out sounding out of breath as if she had been running. The dudes shooting outside weren't the only ones fighting to stay alive. Inside, his family were too! Paige, positioned herself on top of History and Wynter’s small bodies like some type of human shield, as the shots continued to ring out. Never a calm or easy night in New York City.

BOOM BOOM POW.

Lil History could still feel the vibrations of the gunshots that were flying into the night with another one of them shattering the bedroom window.

Paige screamed out, Lord, please protect us! Embracing the kids tighter as she continued to shield them like a sort of Super Mom. A blood curdling scream came out from outside followed by screeching tires as the shots stopped.

Y'all two alright, y’ all good? Please tell me your good. Talk to me y'all!.

They both spoke back to her in unison, Yea, Ma, I'm good. Lil History spoke, and then Wynter chimed in with a Me too, Ma. It always scared the two children to see or notice when Paige was scared. It was like whatever emotion she went through, the kids also felt. Guess it was that mother-child bond.

Paige screamed out, Ma, you good? Grammy quickly responded, I'm on this cold ass floor in my jammies, but I'm good. You got the kids? And where's your brother, at?

Paige replied. I don't know where Solo at, but Ma, they shot out my baby's window. Now crying as she spoke.. Hearing the panic in Paige’s voice caused the crying to start amongst the children. They were doing their best to hug and console Paige as the three laid on the floor with Lil History tightly gripping his mother’s waist and Wynter holding on to her little brother for her dear life. Paige started to pray

Lord, you said that if I believed in you that you would protect my family and we need you now. Please protect us!

Paige’s body jumped as if a gunshot had went off . But it didn't. Lil History heard Wynter say, Ma, I'm scared. He immediately chimed in, Don't worry, Wynter. God will protect us! He felt another one of Paige’s tears fall on his cheek as they all nestled in closer. Lil History felt his mother's jewelry hitting his forehead as he thought about his mother while he listened to her heart beat.

Paige was young, short in stature and fly as shit. She stayed in the latest fashion like shurlin coats, Bally boots, and whatever else you could name, she had it all. She wore gold on her neck, wrist and had rings on all her fingers, literally! She had this four-fingered ring that even spelled out her name with a matching nameplate that Wynter would always pose with in front of the mirror, singing Salt and Pepper songs imitating Paige. She was always the center of attention around their way. The guys on the corners always showed her the utmost respect and gave the kids money each time they saw the trio out and about.

She drove a burgundy box Maxima which were popular in the Caribbean community in EAST NEW YORK. Paige's fit build came from her being active in playing paddle ball while playing loud Jamaican music in the park, and frequently visiting her older brother’s job, Empire skating rink. Growing up with older brother's gave her skin that was thicker than most females her age. No pushover and about her money Paige didn't play.

She loved to laugh and Be the life of the party. Paige possessed one of the most unforgettable smiles. Stubborn as a Taurus, feisty and would fight anybody if need be, at the drop of a dime. Lil History had never seen his mother do no more than drink a Heineken and smoke a cigarette or two. But she did have an addiction for money though. Paige was a real Brooklynite with the swagger to match it. Most of all, she was Lil History’s Mother and first superhero.

Now she was feeling disrespected and tested by whoever chose to be shooting while her kids slept or so she thought they were.

The saddest day of my life … sounded off as siren could be heard far away.

As dawn made its way into the bedroom where Paige and her children still laid on the floor, so did the chill of cold through the broken window.

A woman's screams broke the second of silence as she screamed, Somebody call an ambulance! Somebody call an ambulance! Lil History listened and felt Paige’s body shift. Forcing him to stand up. Quickly she dashed towards the shattered window. Shock covered her face as Lil History watched her yell

Ma, call the cops. They shot Kirt!

Tears beginning to stream down her face fast as her chest went up and down like she was hyperventilating. NO God, NOOOO! Not him God? she kept repeating over and over out loud, running into Grammy and Uncle Solo as she ran out the kids bedroom frantically.

Uncle Solo had went into the bedroom with the kids. That made Lil History feel better instantly. Then he heard Paige yell out.

NNooooooooooo! From outside which caused Lil History to cry too as he ran to find his mother!

Jamaican music still blasting from the car's stereo system.

The moment I meetchu… I couldn't forget chu…!

Other people's screams drew a crowd that was now standing around the crime scene that just so happened to be in front of their house.

Paige went back inside and closed her door. She sat on the steps and continued to cry as the sounds of the sirens grew closer.

Mommy, don't worry. It'll be okay. God protected us like you asked. Lil History said as he wiped his mother's tears with his tiny hand.

Paige sniffled and said, How did you get down here? Puzzled he didn't reply. He just knew in his tiny heart, she was happy to see him and he would always find a way to get to his mother, no matter what. Paige hugged him and he hugged her back. She then got up and went upstairs to check on everyone else. At the top of the stairs, she was met by her older brother, Solo.

Uncle Solo was reserved, humble tall, and a person who genuinely loves to see other people smiling and enjoying themselves which is the reason he chose to be a DJ at Empire Roller Skating Rink, after returning home from the military.

Although, he dresses nicely people often noticed his good energy before seeing whatever it was he'd be wearing often times. His personality was unmatched! Solo didn't play games when it came to his music or his family.

One time, Paige had requested that he discipline Lil History and Wynter by beating them for being bad. But his love for them wouldn't allow him to get out of character and do it, so when he took the request of his younger sister and closed the door, he whispered to them, Look, she wants me to beat y’all. He shook his head in the no-no motion as the two small children listened closely. so what I'm a need for you two to do is on the count of three, start screaming like I'm killing y' all, okay? Lil History and Wynter both shook their heads in agreement as the countdown began, and their tears were replaced with smiles by their loving Uncle Solo.

One… Two… Three.

Then he hit the bed and the dresser and anything he could other than his niece and nephew as the two wailed like newborn babies for him to stop the imaginary beating he was putting on them. Paige was mad at first. The next she was joining in on the laughter. Lil History loved moments like that with his Uncle.

Uncle Solo, stood at the top of the stairs looking at Paige with concern all over his face. Lil History ran back into his room but still heard his Uncle say.

I put a blanket on the window for now so the kids can get a little more rest before school. Wynter went back to sleep after a couple of hugs too. At least I think she out like a light bulb butchu know her.

Paige responded sniffling. Thanks, big bro. Where's mommy at? she asked.

Uncle Solo responded, You know this shit ain't nothing new to mommy. She went back to her room. Come here. As he opened his arms to console his little sister for a hug, Paige brought her tiny frame in, and the two embraced. It was new for Lil History to see but needed from the look on Paige's face and the feeling in her big brother's heart right now.

I know … I know, bro! I'm just tired of the bullshit! Let me go and check on these kids.

As she made her way into their bedroom and Uncle Solo went in his room. But before he could fully close the door, Paige called out to her big brother.

Solo!

He quickly responded, What's up, Lil sis?

She replied. Thanks.

As if Bubba already knew what his little sister was referring to, he quickly said to her, Anytime, Lil Sis … anytime!

Entering his bedroom and closing the door with Lil History watching every minute of it from his twin bed, Paige turned to speak to her kids. As she noticed that her brother had already cleaned up the broken glass off of the bed and changed Lil History’s sheets.

She thought, You always do more than you have too. Love you, Solo!

Paige looked down at her watch after realizing Lil History was the only one still up. She went and sat by his side and said, You okay?

Lil History replied, No, Ma, because I know you not okay.

Paige responded, No, I'm not, but I will be, hopefully. Don't worry about me though, History, get some rest. It's been a long night, and you two got school in a few hours. Paige stated before giving her little man a kiss and walking out. Lil History laid in bed thinking about the harsh reality that he was faced with in his dream and his real life tonight.

The red and blue police lights that were flashing back and forth across Lil History’s bedroom walls as put his little mind in a trance as the ambulance sirens became his lullaby. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. The violence that had just occurred became one of the many memories Lil History had trapped in his mind forever.

History, get up. It's time to go to school. Get up. Mommy's calling you. Wynter screamed at Lil History and shook him violently as he laid in bed.

Okay, Okay! Stop. I'm up, Wynter! He responded with an