Chapter 10: In Case You Aren't Aware

  Danny heads down to the cafeteria where he goes to the lunch line. He manages to get a bag of potato chips, a green apple, and a ham and cheese sandwich. He sees Kimberly, Alvin, and Deena in the distance. He sees them laughing at Alvin making exaggerated motions with his hands. He sighs and exits the cafeteria. He goes down the hallway to the boy's restroom and heads to the last stall. He locks the door sits down on the toilet and bites into his sandwich.

 Tears begin streaming down his face as Alvin's fight replays in his head. He swallows his food and clutches his sandwich. Minutes later he calms down and resumes eating his food. When he hears the bell he leaves the stall and throws his trash away. He washes his hands and dries them. He then heads out to the blacktop. He goes to a secluded area and sits down.

In the cafeteria, Kimberly, Alvin, and Deena throw away their trash and head outside to the blacktop. They go to the staircase and sit on it.

 "So KB what will you be doing this summer?" Alvin asks.

"I'll be here all summer. Hopefully, we can polish up on our harmonies. Even though I'm pissed at Danny we need him. He's the only one who has an ear for vocal harmony and arrangement. It's just really hard for me to accept that some people just aren't the take-action type."

"I was hoping you could look passed my asshole tendencies. I'm truly sorry for making you feel isolated and alone. I hope you both can find it in your hearts to forgive me." Danny says appearing before the trio.

 Alvin gets up and goes to stand before the blue-eyed teen.

 "Whether you like it or not you're my friend Danny. As far as forgiving you it's already been done, man." Alvin says happily before hugging him.

 "Thank you," Danny says sniffling and returning the hug.

 When they separate Alvin retakes his seat at the bottom of the staircase. Danny locks eyes with the golden-eyed soprano. A few moments pass before Kimberly gets up and goes in to hug him.

 "The next time one of your friends is in trouble you better not stand by. You better jump in or I'll be beating your ass alongside them. I forgive you." Kimberly says seriously squeezing him before separating.

 "I will and thank you," Danny says as Kimberly takes her seat.

 "The reason I didn't take action was because I was made to believe and feel I was powerless. I felt that standing by would give me some sort of empowerment. But in truth, it didn't do anything but paint me as a coward which I am not. But you have my word that from this point on I will defend you all if the situation demands it." Danny explains

 "God put everyone here to tell their stories. Not hearing someone out is just as judgmental as shooting off at the mouth." Deena says.

"That's something I have to constantly work on. I'm a work in spiritual progress." Kimberly says somberly looking down at the ground.

"No need to get down on your self Kim we all are," Alvin says encouragingly placing his left hand on her right knee.

 "I also wanted to come to congratulate you on beating Lucille's ass," Danny says getting everyone's attention.  

 "Why?"

 "I broke up with her during lunch. I refused to stay with her knowing she hurt you."

 This brings tears to Kimberly's eyes who stands up.

 "So Danny what will you be doing this summer?" Alvin asks.

Danny places his hands in his pockets.

 "I was hoping we could work on our harmonies and hopefully get a summer gig."

 "I have no doubt that we can accomplish both," Kimberly says thrusting her fist in the air.

 "All that means is we better get blowing," Alvin says.

 "We can start rehearsing again today after school," Kimberly says happily.

 "But we don't have any new material. However, there is this song that I dreamed about recently. It's Four Friends One Dream. It's short and climactic complete with harpsichord and horns. It also has the four of us contributing lyrically." Deena says.

 "Wow, Dee you are just full of surprises. When we get back to class we can work on the lyrics and combine them." Kimberly says making Deena blush.

 "I try to help out in any way that I can," Deena says modestly looking away from Danny.

 "You should have more faith in yourself. You have a great voice and great ideas." Alvin says giving her a thumbs up.

Deena returns the smile while stealing a glance from Danny who's looking off in the distance. She catches herself and looks down at the stairs feeling her cheeks heat up.

 The bell rings and the gang goes to join their classmates at the blacktop entry gate. They head inside to their classroom and when they arrive they start working on the lyrics to their newest song.

Chasity is at home in the living room watching television when she hears the doorbell. She heads to the foyer and gathers her composure.

 "Who is it?"

 "District Attorney Van Buren."  

 Chasity rolls her eyes annoyed but plasters a fake smile and opens the door.

 "What are you doing here?" Chasity asks folding her arms.

 "I came to speak to you about Gregory Collins."

 "No, you came here to lose your life."

 "May I come in?"

 "If you steal anything I will prosecute you," Chasity says stepping aside.

 After shutting the door Chasity looks at Samantha as she looks around the foyer.

 "Stop acting like you've never seen the inside of my husband's home."

 "I haven't. This is my first time in years seeing him. Is there anyone else here?" Samantha says looking back at Chasity.

 "No, it's just you and I," Chasity says before leading her to the dining room.

 "Would you like some tea?" Chasity asks as Samantha sits down.

 "No thank you."

 "Okay, so what is it you want to know about Gregory Collins?" Chasity asks sitting down at the tail of the table.

 "What is your relationship to him?"

 "He's a client that I defended in the past for murder charges."

 "Well, I have reason to believe you're omitting information," Samantha says making Chasity chuckle.

 "You may have been a district attorney in several states but you don't know a damn thing about me. If I tell you about my relation to a former client then that's exactly what it is. You're trying to build a case against me to spite me for marrying Darwin. Quite frankly it's pathetic." Chasity says folding her arms.

 "This is not about Darwin this is about you and Gregory Collins. If you don't tell me the truth then I can't help you."

 "You've seen my legal career in the papers and in person. I don't need any help, especially from a bottom feeder. But if I did accept your help tell me what information have you gathered?" Chasity asks clasping her hands.

Samantha opens her briefcase and places a brown folder before Chasity who opens it.  After reading the document she looks up at Samantha speechless.

 "I do my homework before I question suspects. So do you still want to lie or will you allow me to help you?"

 "Who have you been speaking to? Darwin?" Chasity asks closing the folder.

 "Not at all. These are sources that provide one hundred percent facts. Apparently, he's here to pick a bone with Carol Bradshaw. You tie into this because you represented him back in June of 1955 in a domestic abuse case against her."

Chasity swallows a lump in her throat.

 "That's true."

"Well since you have a solid reputation then you should be fine."

Samantha reclaims the folder and places it in her briefcase.

"Why are you going so far to help me?" Chasity asks as Samantha stands up.

"I believe in upholding the law."

 Chasity shakes her head unconvinced.

"There's more to it than that. You want Darwin to yourself." Chasity says standing up.

 "It's not that at all. We are all legal officers and fraternization is not allowed."

 Samantha walks to the foyer with Chasity on her trail.

 "Don't try to go all legal on me now. You know full well that you want my husband. Hell, I stole him from my sister and you attempted to steal him from me." Chasity says as Samantha opens the front door.

 "I'll keep you updated as the case develops. You have a good day Mrs. Tansworth." Samantha says stepping across the threshold and shutting the door.

 Chasity goes to the door and locks it before pressing her back against it sighing heavily.

"I'll get out of this without her help," Chasity says confidently before going back to the living room.

At two fifteen Amory Lotus Middle School dismisses and Danny and company head down to Kingthorn Dock. They set their backpacks along the edge and line up according to vocal range. Kimberly is on the far right with Deena next to her then Alvin and lastly Danny.

"Alright let's see how we sound with our newest song. We'll sing the chorus together and then we'll sing the verses separately and then come together."

The others nod their heads. Danny then starts snapping his fingers.

"Four hungry souls are what we are. That unquenchable hunger is what got us this far. Like wolves, we weren't loved by society yet we still stand strong and mighty." the quartet harmonizes.

 "Hold on for a minute. Alvin nice ascension with your mid-range. Kimberly, I want you to sing in your chest voice. Deena, I want you to sing from your lower register. I'll compliment Alvin and sing in my mid-range too. Alright, let's try it again." Danny says and the others nod their heads.

"Four hungry souls are what we are. That unquenchable hunger is what got us this far. Like wolves, we weren't loved by society but we still are howling almighty. We found each other and we put on our best cotton, plaid, muumuus, and leather and banded together." the quartet harmonizes.

Danny cracks a smile.

 "Great job guys. Now let's go on to the first verse. Alvin and I will sing this verse then Kimberly and Deena at the end you will sing the lyrics one dream." Danny says excitedly.

 "We found each other and we put on our best cotton, plaid, muumuus, and leather and banded together. Like a sunbeam, we're four friends with one dream." Alvin and Danny sing in their mid-ranges.

 Alvin sings with a velvety smoothness while Danny compliments him with a brooding masculinity.

"One dream." Kimberly and Deena counter with a warm and husky unison.

"That was perfect guys. Let's keep going." Danny says.

"The cold and rainy days were brutal and unforgiving, but we knew this is how we wanted to make our living." Kimberly and Deena harmonize.

Kimberly sings with soaring happiness while Deena maintains her smoky heartache.

"Nice Kim. You brought optimism and joy while Deena brought sorrowful heartache. Your guy's voices mixed with Alvin and I's will undoubtedly get us a record deal." Danny says encouragingly shocking Kimberly who looks at him smiling.

"If we keep it up we'll have a record contract by June," Kimberly says proudly.

 "All the arguing and disagreements were not of our precious lord but here we are getting our groovy reward." Danny and Alvin sing with suaveness and masculinity.

 "Four hungry souls are what we are. That unquenchable hunger is what got us this far. Like wolves, we weren't loved by society but we're howling almighty. We found each other and we put on our best cotton, plaid, muumuus, and leather and banded together. Like a sunbeam we're four friends with one dream." the quartet sings in anti-climactic unison at the top of their ranges.

"Oh man guys that was really spine-chilling. The hair on the back of my neck is standing up." Alvin says beams.

"I agree. Maybe we should start practicing using my acoustic guitar. I know I said that you couldn't come to my house but I've changed my mind. We can start rehearsing their every day." Danny says and everyone high-fives each other.

"Okay, now we can start practicing those songs I heard you guys sing at recess. We can start with Kimberly's song Big Brave Mary. But before start Kimberly there's one thing I want to ask. How do you want to classify this song genre-wise?" Danny asks.

"Soft rock," Kimberly says clasping her hands together.

 "Alright," Danny says coolly before looking out into the distance.

 Soon Kimberly begins swaying from side to side while moving her feet in a smooth zigzag fashion.

"Feeling alone in the world can be scary and how you handle it will vary. You can scream, punch the wall, or just allow yourself to fall. Whatever you decide to do there's one person you could count on." Kimberly sings hitting a high C2.

"Her name was Big Brave Mary. She would help you carry your load up the mountain and let you have first dibs at the drinking fountain. During the cold nights of December after the world would cast you aside she always carried an endearing coat of cowhide. That's who Big Brave Mary was. She could always make you feel warm, love, and a hint of fuzz." the quartet sings in upbeat harmony.

"Okay, okay not too shabby. Everyone I think we all want to be at the top of our ranges for this song while maintaining optimism. Let's try that and see how it pans out." Danny says.

 "During her last days when her memories were nothing but a distant haze all Mary could muster was a smile. She had her best friend go and get an old file. In it, she left instructions for her friends and foes. It seemed weird to her best friend but Mary knew that even her enemies had financial woes. She left each of them tens of millions. Mary joked that they could attend hundreds of southern cotillions. With that, she took hold of her best friend's hand and told her dreams of a new land." Kimberly sings with a somber sadness.

 "Feeling alone in the world can be scary and how you handle it will vary. You can scream, punch the wall, or just allow yourself to fall. Whatever you decide to do there's one person you could count on." Kimberly sings hitting a high C3.

"Her name was Big Brave Mary. She would help you carry your load up the mountain and let you have first dibs at the drinking fountain. During the cold nights of December after the world would cast you aside she always carried an endearing coat of cowhide. That's who Big Brave Mary was. She could always make you feel warm, love, and a hint of fuzz." the quartet sings with unwavering optimism.

"That was so good I think it only required one take. We can come back to it tomorrow. Now let's move on to Alvin's song The Good  Old Days. Alvin same questions." Danny says looking at Alvin.

"This will be considered soul," Alvin says looking at Danny.

"I remember a time of brotherhood and love. We would play outside in the street even in the eye of June's blistering heat. If anyone wanted a fight you wouldn't leave without giving them some plight. When we ate Chinese you would use your chopsticks as swords and scream freeze." Alvin sings in a melancholic tone looking out at the ocean.

"The good old days are gone. Gone are the days of protection. Now I feel like a nasty infection. These days we're at each other's throats and it's killing me. I thought being family was supposed to be free. But now I know that I'm just like snow. Once crush from you will deliver the finishing blow." the quartet sings in a weary tone.

"I don't know where mom went wrong but I know why I wrote this song. You're just a bully who's been on his high horse for too long. I know I'm the only one that can knock you down. That is if life doesn't cause you to drown." Alvin sings with the same melancholic tone as tears stream down his face.

"Alvin we can stop if this is too painful for you," Deena says looking at Alvin and placing her hand on his shoulder.

"No, it's fine I need to get this out and this is the best way. But thank you for caring." Alvin says sniffling and smiling at Deena.

"The good old days are gone. Gone are the days of protection. Now I feel like a nasty infection. These days we're at each other's throats and it's killing me. I thought being family was supposed to be free. But now I know that I'm just like snow. Once crush from you will deliver the finishing blow." the quartet sings in melancholy harmony and ends the song.

"Alright, Deena you're up next," Danny says looking at Deena.

"I consider my songs blues," Deena says surprising the others.

"We can definitely incorporate that into our sound," Danny says.

The foursome looks out at the sparkling blue water.

"I thought I knew what it meant to be a daughter. As it turned out I haven't done anything but make things hotter. From the moment I laid eyes on you I thought we would be an inseparable force. But instead, I feel like a newborn wild horse. From that day on I've been belittled and cast aside like a stone. But God up above blessed me with a father who loves me to the bone. You are not worthy to allow the title of mother to fall from your lips. Looking at me with disdain while your hands rest arrogantly on your hips. You always turned the knife in deeper with your sassy hair flip. My excuses for you should end here but I'm too submissive and I'm ruled by goddess fear." Deena sings sadly

"When I'm alone I sometimes wonder why I was born. Being a mother you're supposed to make me feel loved and wanted. Instead, you left me depressed and forlorn. Every dog has their day and when yours comes I hope God permits you to voice your say. I thought my life was destined for disaster because I was your daughter. For years I thought I was such a painful bother. But ooh I thank God for my loving father." the quartet sings in melancholic harmony.

"Now here I am at the young age of thirteen. I thought after years of neglect I'd turn to a life of mean but God keeps my heart warm. I hope hearing this song gives you alarm and that you find your old buried charm. I don't know what I did to deserve a mother like you. But I hope there aren't any children who are enduring the emotional and verbal pain you're putting me through." Deena sings in an objective yet hopeful tone.

"When I'm alone I sometimes wonder why I was born. Being a mother you're supposed to make me feel loved and wanted. Instead, you left me depressed and forlorn. Every dog has their day and when yours comes I hope God permits you to voice your say. I thought my life was destined for disaster because I was your daughter. For years I thought I was such a painful bother. But ooh I-I thank God for my loving father." the quartet sings while Deena belts with an accompanying growl ending her song.

"Now Dee is going to be the one not allowing us to get out of the studio." Alvin jokes making everyone laugh.

An hour passes and the sun starts to shine a bit brighter. The group grabs their backpacks and leaves the dock.

"Danny in case you aren't aware I am suspended from tomorrow through next Wednesday," Kimberly says getting Danny's attention.

"That's bullshit. It was self-defense. Well, that won't stop us from rehearsing." Danny says flashing a small smile.

Darwin arrives home and heads inside. He goes to the living room where he sees Chasity sitting on the couch looking at television.

"Good evening Chasity, how was your day?" Darwin asks.

 She looks at him with neutrality in her voice.