Best Friend

By T.L. Johnson

Chad and Sidney are lifelong inseparable friends. The fact that they are of different races had never been a factor until the they stumble upon a U.S. government program and unwittingly becoming one of its participants. Due to their misfortune, a not so kind past is now their present, as the two find themselves in the 1800s, a time in American history where the color of man's skin meant privilege or hellish servitude.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. L. Johnson
• Release date: Feb 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215088685

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Standing perfectly erect, Sidney waited while his mother put the finishing touches on the suit, she had chosen for him to wear. Momma, can I go outside when you finish? Sidney asked.

Not if you know what's good for you, she replied.

Sidney did not have to ask what the answer to his question meant, he knew. Sidney watched through his living room window as a large moving van passed by and parked in front of the vacant two-story house next door. All he could think of while gazing at it and the beautiful day it seemed to have brought was, what had he done to warrant the punishment of going to a ballet recital in Clayton County, on the one day that mattered the most within the seven provided, Saturday! Sidney would be the first to admit that in his eight years of existence fibbing, was not his greatest attribute -on the other hand-mischief was.

Explaining why he had disobeyed his mother was the least of his worries at that moment, as he found himself outside peaking around the corner of their front porch, trying not to be noticed by the two movers exiting their truck. However, convincing her that the devil made him do it would be quite the task. Seeing that momma used that reference on numerous occasions, Sidney felt it would be his chance to get some usefulness out of the exhausted expression.

Chad sat quietly while his father drove. His young mind was full of questions that seemed to have no definitive answers. Who would take the chill of the night air off his slumbering body with the gentle readjustment of his favorite blanket? Who would kiss the fresh bruise on whichever portion of his anatomy the boo-boo fairy chose to place it? Who would make the french toast he loved to eat every Saturday morning while watching the Looney Toons? Why did mom have to die?

Chad never noticed his father parking their car behind the moving van or the two men emptying it of its content. His deep thoughts were interrupted only by his father's sympathetic voice.

Well, here we are sport, what do you think? Mr. Harper asked.

Chad did not want to say anything. He just wanted his unpretentious life to be restored to its happier time. A half-hearted smile was the only response he could muster for his father.

Ah, come on sport, it always seems bad at first, but once you meet some new friends around here and at school, it'll be fine. I think your mom would've loved it here. 

Mom would have loved it anywhere, Chad thought to himself. No matter how hard he tried- Chad could not think of a time when his mother was sad or upset about anything. That thought alone assisted Chad in following his father from the car to his new home minus the mother whom he loved so dearly.

Once inside, Chad took a seat on the second step of the staircase that led to the top floor of the Victorian-style house he would later learn to call home. He watched while his father directed the movers to where he wanted each of the larger items placed.

Come here buddy, Mr. Harper said, then gesturing with his hand as he noticed Chad in his somber state. Why don't you go upstairs and pick a room for yourself. While you're doing that, I'll help the guys bring in some of the smaller things. 

Chad, without saying a word, turned and began to walk slowly back towards the narrow staircase, step by step, he made his way to the top.

The room Chad chose was directly across from his father's. His dads' whereabouts were a priority as of late. He watched for a moment as the two movers entered his father's room and began to assemble his dad's bed. The sound of children playing outside piqued his curiosity more so than the movers as he heard them from the center of the room for which he was standing. Chad turned and walked to the window perpendicular to the tree-lined street to get a better view of the faces belonging to the cacophony of glee-filled voices filling the day's air, an emotion that had eluded him for quite some time.

He watched while the neighborhood kids played with one another. Balls were being tossed. Bikes were being ridden, and the little ones played haphazardly under the watchful eyes of mom and dad. He observed as an over-zealous ball-tossing child misjudged his playmate's position and overthrew him, following the ball as it rolled out of his eyesight, between his house and the neighbors. Neither child moved as the ball somehow rejoined them, allowing them to continue their nameless competition.

Curiosity led Chad to the window in his room facing the alleyway, finding himself feeling obligated to solve the mystery of the returning ball. Standing on his tiptoes and looking straight down, he saw Sidney with his ear pressed against the side of their house.

Chad, are you up there? Hearing his father inquire from below, Chad shouted back as he continued his intense gaze at the strange kid pressed against the side of their house. 

Yeah, Dad.

What are you doing?

Nothing, Chad replied. Can I go outside?

Sidney's mind, along with his heart, was racing as he attempted to listen to the goings-on in Chad's house. Backing away for a moment, he gives the pearl-white three-piece suit a good once over. Ensuring there were no discrepancies that would deface its pristine appearance.

Once again, Sidney places his ear to the house, this time hoping to hear something of lasting value. Something to help him with the mental escape he would need to deal with the soul-sucking festivities the day had in store.  Sidney had no idea at that time, that what he was about to hear would change his life forever, which would be the voice of, his Best Friend.

Sidney was still pressed against the house when Chad came around the corner from his backyard.

What ya doing? Chad asked, causing a startled Sidney to spring up from his crouched position. 

Sidney quickly turned around to see who had apprehended him, responding immediately.

Who me?  Sidney said, not wanting to let on that he had been caught red-handed. 

Yeah, you, Chad shot back, as they both stood searching for something to say in their improvised dual of small talk.

I'm looking for something.

What? Chad enquired.

Umm...my bike, Sidney said.

That bike? asked Chad, pointing in the direction of Sidney's backyard.

Oh yeah, great, there it is. Thanks! Sidney said.

Sidney began to walk towards his backyard. Feeling he had successfully accomplished his adolescent