Crossroads

By Chris Ward

Reader, what an exciting opportunity you will have to unravel the mind of the two main characters Kane and Xavier as you follow these main characters who both struggle with life lessons and growing up in the inner city project life. As things build to a climax in these young characters’ lives, both struggle with their versions of morality and what’s real. Throughout the story, reader, you too, of course, will be able to relate to certain situations that the characters are faced with throughout their different paths to the crossroads. That’s right—the Crossroads, the same place in time that the most important paths are chosen. However, in the case of these characters, every decision, every word, and every thought affects the other character’s path to the Crossroads. Reader, brace yourself for the first of a two-part series of an exhilarating, mysterious, exciting, and thrilling story of two paths to one destination. Prepare for twists, turns, and betrayal which will captivate your attention. I hope you will not just read but relate to the transparency of the characters and the deep connection to their own realities as the series continues. Thank you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781649526137

Book preview

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Crossroads

Chris Ward

Copyright © 2021 Chris Ward

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books, Inc.

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2021

ISBN 978-1-64952-612-0 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64952-613-7 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 1

I never could imagine my life actually starting after I reached my thirties. As I sat on my deck sipping Jack and Coke, I was just thinking about how far along I have come. Maybe I should start from the beginning. My name is Kane. I am thirty-three years old, Black King. I own a five-bedroom house in a couple acres of land. I am an eleven-year military vet, and I own a couple of barbershops. I work part-time as an employment specialist for a nonprofit supporting urban community. It is funny to me even hearing that statement. It’s crazy how life has a way of humbling the prideful, despite the undeserving of such pride. Please, please let me explain. Well, allow me to start at the top of this journey. Please understand as I untangle years of my life that this was my journey, so don’t judge me too hard till you see the result.

I started the ninth grade with my sisters’ hand-me-downs which were men’s clothes. My mom did her best supporting five kids. Well, let’s just say we’re good for living in the projects. She tried. She worked a lot of hours as a CNA for a local VA hospital. However, what my small family lacked in money, we had in strong character and morals. My mom, if not anything, provides that. In my small mind, my family was awkwardly weird on our block. The Dboys surprisingly looked out for us as kids. In real life was not allowed to go on certain corners or be outside too late because I if was, the Dboys would tell my mom or take me home to a certain proper butt whooping. Back then, I was confused like why the Dboys snitch on certain neighborhood kids and not others. My mom was well-respected in the community. She wasn’t giving out no buns to no local. Can I borrow some sugar, negeros? I came into high school with the mentality that this is the beginning of the rest of my life. Boy was I wrong! On the bus ride to one of the most overpopulated Baltimore City schools, I always make sure I say my morning prayer to God for protection for myself and family. Despite my gear, I was popular with the ladies. Not super popular with a few dudes from other neighborhoods. I just figured they was hating because they could not figure out why females like me so much. I really had no idea either. Honestly, I didn’t trust females, and I looked at females as pawns for what I needed done in life. All I had to do is whisper sweet nothings. On the rare situation when a female caught on to my game, I would either make her my girlfriend or a close friend. I mean physically, I wasn’t bad-looking. I was lean, dark-skinned, and athletic, with waves in my hair. I was cocky, smart, and a real smooth talker. I was quick on my feet. I realized early on that I treated chicks like my mom always told me. I treated them like a gentleman should, despite my lying ways. I listened to females and sensed their weakness to use to my advantage.

Well, to start my freshmen year with no confidence, I acted like I had all the confidence in the world. I remember walking into my first block which was my homeroom. I walked in like I owned the room and isolated myself to a far-corner desk just checking out everybody’s gear and the cuties in the class. Then my eyes met with my best friend from the neighborhood, Samone. Now Samone was from the hood, but her parents had money. They were in the medical field, so they moved to a way better area; but Samone still had her loyalty to her beginnings, simply meaning she was still hood. Samone and I shared a real bond. She