Chapter 30

“Alright class, that’s all I have for now. Don’t forget to actually read the chapter over break.” Mr. Boyd shouted to the classroom of fleeing children.

Quan gathered his belongings, the jansport bookbag falling over his shoulder as he stood from the graffiti ridden desk.

“Daquan, let me speak to you for a second.” Mr. Boyd said making sure to catch the young boy before he darted out the door.

Quan checked the time on his phone, hoping whatever the man wanted to say to him didn’t take long as he had plans with Sasha and Ty to go to the mall right after school. The bus ride there was an hour long – something he didn’t look forward to however he knew he had to fulfill his promise.

“Whats up Mr. B?”

“I have to say, I was surprised but pleased to see you in class today. Great participation.” Mr. Boyd said taking a seat on the edge of his desk, “With that being said, it’s not enough to pass this class. You have to start showing up.”

“I know, I know,” Quan nodded stressfully, “I promise after break, I got you.”

“You got me?” Mr.Boyd chuckled, “Do you got you?”

Quan looked down, as even in a joking matter he knew Mr. Boyd had posed a question he couldn’t answer. He believed he was doing what was right by spending his time making fast money, especially now that his family needed it.
Contrary to popular belief, Quan liked school – biology definitely being his favorite subject. Mr. Boyd wasn’t too bad of a teacher either, and if it wasn’t for the block Quan would be in attendance every day.

“I do, but I also got other things on my plate right now.”

“Are these other things as important as your education?” Mr. Boyd spiked his brow.

“Some would say so” Quan shrugged, “…Is that it? Because I have to —”

“You’re failing my class, Mr. Swedenburg. As you know, you need this class to graduate. Six more months until the year is up, what are you going to do to change it?”

Mr. Boyd sure was persistent – a regular motivational speaker to his students as he tried to encourage them to finish strong instead of jumping on the chance to fail them.

As a man that was a product of the streets himself, Mr.Boyd understood the mindset of most Black teenage boys. Stuck in a cycle – one he was determined to break even if that meant getting on their damn nerves.

“What can I do?” Quan asked.

“I’m glad you asked.” Mr. Boyd smirked, causing Quan to roll his eyes over.

“I created a packet of all the major assignments you missed, finish it and you get a passing grade that you will still have to maintain, of course.”

He reached into his desk, pulling out a thick packet of worksheets and handing it to Quan.

There goes my winter break. He thought to himself.

“Cool, I’ll get started tonight.” Quan said as he threw the work into his backpack, “I can go n-“

“Before you go, I would like to see your parents as well when you return. So that they are aware of your current average and how imperative it is that you stay on track.”

“Should’ve known there was a catch.” Quan snickered, “Sure, I’ll let em know.”

“Alright, good to hear.” Mr. Boyd smiled satisfied, “Now, you’re free to go”

Quan nodded, taking off before Mr. Boyd changed his mind. He was confident that neither of his parents would be showing up to that conference, but he would definitely let Mr.Boyd know they were extremely upset that they just couldn’t make it.

As he headed out of the classroom, he ran into yet another distraction – this one he didn’t quite mind.
Leaning on her locker, Heaven cradled a handful of books as she talked to one of her friends. Quan smirked, watching her from a small distance as he didn’t want to interrupt her. He watched for a few more seconds until her company waved goodbye, next deciding to finally make his move.

“So how many more phone conversations until you move your seat next to mine?” Quan smirked, falling back against the lockers.

Heaven squinted her hazel eyes, “For what, so you can distract me? Besides I like the front.” she brought her cheek to a smile.

“So you telling me you’d rather sit next to the bull who coughs to cover up his farts, than me?” Quan raised his brow causing Heaven to double over.

“I ain’t gon lie, that shit is gross” Heaven nodded, “…Fine. After the break, maybe I’ll sit next to you. If you’re good.”

Quan chuckled, “Define good.”

Heaven placed her index finger to her lips in a thinking manner, her dimples caving in as a closed smile stretched across her face. Quan playfully rolled his eyes – his attention solely on her and failing to realize the intrusion he was soon to be experiencing.

“Girl, I don’t know why you just don’t leave it alone.”
“I didn’t ask you, sis. Excuse me, Quan?”

Quan cut his eyes at the familiar voice.

“What can I do for you?” He asked, turning around only slightly to see Shamira and her friend.

“We need to talk. Why haven’t you been answering my calls?” Shamira demanded an answer with crossed arms.

“Girl, as you can see he has someone else on his line now.” Her friend mumbled.

“Listen to your friend.” Quan snickered, turning around.

Heaven laughed uncomfortably, ready to escape the scene because she had too much to lose to be caught up in drama at Fel’s high. She knew how girl’s could get – and while she wasn’t scared of the biggest of them all that didn’t mean she had to prove it every chance she got. Or at least that’s what her counselor told her, and she listened.

“Hoe, you find something funny? Face bout big as hell.” Shamira cackled, making fun of the girl’s mixed features.

Heaven gave Shamira an amused smirk, her eyes slit with venom.

“I was laughing right, so yeah it was funny.” Heaven challenged her, “Now what?”

“Now, nothing” Quan shook his head, “Don’t worry about her, I’ll call you later. Aiight?”

Heaven kissed her teeth, next looking up to Quan who was smiling down at her attitude. She was feisty, he liked it. Every other girl allowed Shamira to say whatever the hell she wanted, but Heaven wasn’t having it.

“Aiight.” she laughed it off, “Oh wait, can I laugh yet?”

Shamira rolled her eyes, deciding not to respond as the girl sized her up once more before turning away.

“So that’s who you’ve been playing me for?”

“I played you?” Quan laughed, “Come on Shamira stop it. You’ve entertained half of the niggas in our grade, and the whole time we were together it was all for material shit. Now, you’re coming to me with this lie —”

“It’s not a lie. I am pregnant” Shamira mumbled, in an attempt to hide her secret from the kids still walking the halls.

“Okay, well good for you and the father.” Quan scoffed.

He made a beeline for his exit, not wanting to waste anymore time. He was sure Sasha and Ty were at the meeting spot by now, and if they were lucky they could still catch the bus.

“This isn’t over!” Shamira shouted after a fleeing Quan.

“Where is he?” Ty sucked his teeth as he kicked an empty can into the street, “Probably lied about taking us.”

Sasha chuckled, shaking her head at her little brother whilst spinning a basketball on her pointer finger, “Chill out, Ty. He’s probably just taking his time, you know Quan.”

Sasha didn’t want to admit that she too was wondering of Quan’s whereabouts, but she stayed positive. While in the past he was far from her favorite person, something in him had switched and for once Sasha could say she felt like she belonged to her very dysfunctional, now broken family.

“I’m here.” Quan said finally approaching the corner, a bit out of breath from his speed walking.

“Finally, what took you?” Sasha asked.

“I got held up, but we’ll make it.” Quan gestured for his siblings to pick up their feet, “What’s up T? How was school?”

Ty rolled his eyes over. He knew what his big brother really wanted to ask, and that was if his bullies finally fell back from teasing him.

Unfortunately, the answer was no, but instead of letting that be known he just shrugged – putting his head down and picking up his pace.

“So, you ready to be back in D.C?” Sasha scoffed, looking over to Quan.

“I’m not going.” he replied.

“What do you mean you’re not going? Is that even an option?” Sasha squinted her eyes.

“I have no other option, I can’t miss out on work because Mom wants to have a family reunion. It’s only two weeks, I’ll manage.”

Sasha furrowed her brows, wanting to genuinely see Quan pull off staying home alone for two weeks. And if her mother agreed to it, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask could she stay as well.

While at first she missed D.C, she would rather spend that time with Lux – and if she was being honest she could live without seeing her nosey aunts for a few more months.

Chris and her didn’t speak nearly as much as they used to, and she was sure that she was the last person he wanted to see.

The two had gone from best friends that spoke on a daily, to a casual like on social media if they happened to see eachothers picture.

A silent hello, or I miss you as far as Sasha was concerned. However she was aware that things were different, that she was different.

Chris definitely didn’t hold back on telling her that, as he was adamant that her new environment was changing her for the worse.

Sasha no longer wanted to talk about her favorite literature piece of the week, and that was simply due to the fact that she barely read.

On the weekends the two would video chat while watching Anime, that stopped too. The weekends were for Lux. Or Zay. Or whoever else in her new circle that wanted time with her. Chris quickly caught on, and before Sasha knew it she was out of a bestfriend.

While still in deep thought about her return to D.C, Sasha followed her brothers as the three finally approached the bus stop just in time.

“Told you we would make it.” Quan smirked as he hopped on.

“What you get caught up with anyway?” Sasha chuckled, “Let me find out, you actually like school now.”

“Funny.” Quan said finding a seat in the back, “Mr. Boyd held me up. Gave me some extra credit, and wants Mom and Dad to come to a conference.”

“Good luck with that.” Sasha gave him a knowing look.

“What, you don’t think Dad will show? I always thought I was his favorite.” Quan tittered painfully.

Sasha snickered as an awkward silence fell over them. Quan just shook his head, diverting his attention to the traffic passing by. Sasha did the same, plugging her headphones in as the long ride had just begun.

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

“Okay, what about this one?”

Kelly hung the dress in front of her as she danced in the mirror, the heavy price tag the only thing that Joseph had his eyes on.

“Kelly, that dress is four hundred dollars. It’s only dinner.” he said adjusting his eyes to the print on the tag.

“It’s not just any dinner, it’s at my parents and my entire family will be there. We have to look good, so they can finally take me serious.”

Kelly pouted her lip, hoping her baby face would sway the older man. Anyone with eyes could see Joseph could be her father – his bad eyes and graying hair telling his age. Kelly was a young twenty eight, beautiful with expensive taste.

At first Joseph could give her whatever her heart desired, since he had been working overtime to score sales to wine and dine his girlfriend whilst taking care of his wife and kids.

However once he lost his job due to Kelly’s brother – the president of the company finding out, he was living off of his 401k and couldn’t afford the luxury of a double life. With that, he made a decision. Kelly made him feel young again, whereas Myda never wanted to touch him and when she did it barely got him aroused. She was a beautiful woman, but years after having multiple kids she let herself go and was no longer the woman he fell in love with.

“Alright baby, I’ll buy it. Now hurry up so we can go get lunch.” Joseph said checking the time on his watch.

“Okay, thank you baby. Oh my gosh, I love it.” Kelly squealed, checking herself out once more before grabbing the rest of her items.

Joseph twisted his mouth at the designer shoes Kelly placed on the counter along with the sequined dress, and he knew that would be a good chunk coming out of his savings.

“$750 sir, cash or card?” The cashier smiled.

“Card.” Joseph responded, pulling out his wallet.

He swiped his card, his eyes furrowing only a few moments later as the declined message popped up.

“Sorry sir, do you have another card? It seems this one has insufficient funds.” The woman said handing the card back.

“Try the mastercard.” Kelly rolled her eyes over, seriously not wanting to put the dress back.

Joseph pulled the next card out of his wallet, only for that one to decline as well.

“It’s fine, I got it,” Kelly sucked her teeth as she dug into her purse.

Joseph wasn’t only embarrassed, but worried about the fact that both of his major credit cards were maxed out.

“That can’t be right, I’ll make sure to call them once we sit down for lunch.” Joseph said attempting to save face.

Kelly rolled her eyes, accepting the bag from the cashier and thanking her before hurrying out of the store.

“What are you hungry for?” Joseph asked catching up.

“Chinese, do you have cash? I can’t bare another embarrassment.”

“Yes, don’t worry baby. I’ll take care of it.”

Joseph followed behind Kelly as he held all of her shopping bags in his hands. On the outside looking in, anyone could tell who ran the relationship – however Joseph would never admit he was no longer the dominant man he prouded himself on being. With Kelly, he was a completely different man. A man his family had never seen.

After two long hours of shopping, Quan, Sasha and Ty were finally finished. Quan was thankful that with his new product he was able to make triple as much as he did slangin nicks and dimes, and just like he promised he was able to get his siblings whatever they wanted, including a few items for himself.

With the next bus not pulling up for another forty five minutes, they decided to grab something to eat in the food court before heading home.

“So we’re down by three, last minute. Can you believe Roxy just snubs me and passes it to Mya, knowing she can’t shoot for shit.” Sasha said twirling her fork into the lomein noodles.

“So she’s still holding a grudge about you skipping out on the party to get some pussy?” Quan laughed.

Ty covered his ears, “Nah, I definitely ain’t tryna hear that.”

Sasha chuckled, “I guess so. And don’t say it like that, I was actually trying to save my relationship.”

“If you say so.” Quan shrugged, popping a fry in his mouth.

Sasha continued to dig into her food, “What about you? Shamira’s been pressing me about getting you to talk to her, why don’t you?”

“Because it’s better things out here.” Quan smirked, his mind drifting back to Heaven as he began to survey the food court.

“I’ll be back, I’m going to get a refill.”

Quan stood to his feet, not bothering to wait for a response as he made a beeline for the empty Wendy’s line. With his eyes focused on the fast food stand, he failed to see the couple heading to the line as well.

“After this we need to go straight to the salon I have a late appointment with Avery. Did you take the cash out at the atm like I asked you?”

Quan stopped in his tracts as the woman cut him off. He excused himself, allowing the couple to go before him.

“Joseph, are you listening?” The woman whined to the man with his head in his phone.

“Yeah baby, I’m —”

Joseph’s eyes widened as he looked up, his vision immediately connecting with his son’s.

“Daquan, what are you —”

Quan scoffed, a chuckle leaving his lips, “I’m sorry sir, do I know you?”

Joseph gave his son a look, next turning to his girlfriend who still had no idea about his kids.

“You’re right, maybe I was mistaken.” He said turning around.

“You’re foul, you know that?” Quan spoke up before he could fully see his father’s back, “The way you left my mother, broken like that. My little brothers struggling to eat and now you’re here, spending money on some chick?”

Quan looked down at all of the designer bags in Joseph’s hands.

“Joseph, what is he talking about?” The woman crossed her arms however Joseph continued to ignore her.

“Well you should be able to help em big man, you a man now right? Making your own money?” Joseph laughed, “I tried to teach your ass how to be a man, and you still turned into one of those ignornant niggas”

Quan flared his nostrils, “Yeah? And what are you, father of the fucking year? I’m more of a man than you’ll ever be.”

Joseph laughed cockily, stepping to his son in attempt to intimidate him. He was unaware that Quan wasn’t afraid of him, for many reasons. Within seconds he could end his life, Joseph was at his mercy and he didn’t even know it. But Quan promised to himself that his father would soon see.

“You’re delusional…just like your mother. The moment you disobeyed me in my house, it was all over. You all should be grateful —”

“Oh my God!”

Quan threw a punch that landed Joseph off his feet, and for once in his life he felt like a real man. He would never be his father, and as far as he was concerned – he would never need him again. None of them would.

“Come on, grab your stuff. Let’s go” Quan said hurrying back to the table and grabbing his bag.

The last thing he needed was to get in trouble with the mall police.

“What was that?” Sasha asked, not hesitating to grab her bag like her brother told her.

“I’ll tell you later, just come on.”

Quan didn’t bother to look back over to the spot where his father laid passed out, a crowd beginning to form close by him. He gestured his siblings to hurry, and before he knew it they were out of sight. Still, Quan knew this wouldn’t be the last time he saw his father.