The Journal Of T.J. Thompson – The Lost Series

Chapter 1: T.J./Tarik/Nyisha/Farrah/Marvin

After the birth of their first child, Tarik and T.J. moved in with the Lanes family. Jerrod and his wife, Julia, welcomes them in with open arms. “Hey, babe…how are you feeling,” Tarik asked. “I’m good,” T.J. replied. He started kissing her on the neck and chest. “Hey-hey-hey! Enough of that! How do you think that child got here,” Julia interrupted them. “Aww, Mom,” he said. “Get out of here…these two need their rest,” Julia told him. “Okay, Mom…see you later,” he said, then left the room. “Thanks for letting us stay here, Mrs. Lane,” T.J. said. “I know all about the situation with your folks…that will not fly here…one slip up and you’re gone…no second chances…you hear me,” Julia said. “Yes, ma’am,” she said. “Besides, I wouldn’t let my grandchild live on the streets…my son needs to learn a lesson about life and so do you…get some rest…dinner’s at six,” Julia told her. Hours later, T.J. woke up to her son’s crying. “Hey, bud…what’s wrong,” she said. While this was going on, Tarik and Jerrod were arguing in the next room. “You really made a mess of yourself this time…getting that little girl pregnant and bringing her here…how stupid can you get, hmm,” Jerrod yelled. “You don’t have the right to dis my girl or my kid like that, Dad,” Tarik yelled back. She pick up Tyrese and went down the hall to see what was going on. “Uh-uh! It’s not right to eavesdrop on other people! Go to the kitchen,” Julia spoke up. T.J. did exactly that as Julia walked in on her husband and son arguing. “You think you can do better than me, hmm? Get the fuck out my house and don’t come back,” Jerrod growled. “Fine…we out,” Tarik yelled. Julia was shocked by what she heard. She walked back to the kitchen and said, “You cause this…you tore my family apart…I want you out right now!” ” I won’t stay where I’m not wanted…come on, Tiff…let’s get out of here,” Tarik said. The two of them packed up their stuff and left the house. Meanwhile at the Johnsons house, Randy and Dee Dee were having a late dinner in their kitchen. “You know we shouldn’t let that child leave this house like that,” she said. “I know…she thought she was causing problems with me and Nyisha…she felt guilty for our fight,” he said. “Then you gotta find our goddaughter and prove her wrong,” she said. One month later, Dee Dee drove up to the house to find T.J. and Tarik on the porch with their son in tow. Once Tarik left, Dee Dee and T.J. went inside. “It’s good to see you…is everything okay,” she asked. “Yeah,” T.J. said. “Don’t lie to me, honey! What’s going on,” she said sternly. “No, it’s not! Tarik’s uncle was coming on to me! I told him about it but he doesn’t believe me,” T.J. said. As the two of them talked, Nyisha and Farrah was playing with Tyrese. “Want do you think is going on down there,” Farrah asked her twin sister. “No idea…it must’ve had something to do with Tarik…let’s not think about it…at least we get to see this little guy…it’s been so long,” Nyisha said. Moments later, they heard their father’s car pull up outside. They sneaked down to the kitchen stairs to hear their parents’ conversation. “Sidney did what? Stupid old man! Tarik is stupid enough to believe him! We promised Sheryl to watch out for her daughter and we’re going to honor that! First, I’m going to give that man and his nephew a piece of my mind,” Randy said to his wife. “I agree…that man shouldn’t be around anyone’s children,” she said. Then they heard a noise in the living room and went to investigate it.

The next morning, T.J. woke up to the smell of breakfast. She got up and went into the kitchen to see Dee Dee cooking at the stove “Good morning,” she said. “Good morning…how did you sleep,” Dee Dee asked her. “It was good,” she said. “That’s to be expected…you know I had to tell my husband what happened yesterday,” Dee Dee said. “I know, Mrs Johnson…you guys don’t keep secrets from each other…I felt so ashamed with what happened that night…I thought Tarik would take my side like he did with his father…everything is so messed up now…he’ll never speak to me again,” she said. “Now you listen here…if Tarik doesn’t see his uncle for who he is, then he’s not worth crying over…you and your son are safe here…forget about him, you hear me,” Dee Dee told her. “Yes, ma’am,” she said. Nyisha and Farrah came downstairs to join them. “Good morning, Mom,” they said. “Good morning, girls…hello, Tyrese,” Dee Dee said to them. “Hey, T,” they said. “Hi, guys…hey, cutie,” she said. “Okay…put the baby in the highchair and get some of this breakfast,” Dee Dee said. They did exactly that. After breakfast, the four of them went out to the backyard to play. Randy was at the breakfast table drinking some coffee and reading the newspaper. “What are we gonna do about this situation with our goddaughter,” he asked his wife. “What else can we do? Terrell is so stubborn! Hopefully, he’ll come to his senses and reclaim his child before she gets hurt,” she said. “What are you gonna do about Tarik,” said Nyisha. ” I’m not sure…seems like he made up his mind when it comes to his uncle Sidney,” T.J. said. “What kind of name is Sidney? Ain’t that a girl’s name,” Farrah said, “Does he wish he was a girl!” The three of them laughed. “But seriously, Tarik ain’t no good, T,” Nyisha said. “That’s what I’ve been telling y’all…kick his–I mean kick him to the curb…you and Tyrese are better off without him anyways,” Farrah said. Once she said that, a set of footsteps came into the yard. “Now now now! It’s not right to disrespect your elders,” a voice said. “Sidney Lane,” the girls said. “You have no right to be here, sir,” Nyisha said. “This is family business, little girl…why are you keeping my little nephew from his father,” Sidney said, grabbing T.J. by the arm. “Get off of her or I’ll tell my dad,” Farrah said. “Back off, you…let’s go, Tiffani,” he said, pulling her from the ground. “Let me go, Mr Lane,” T.J. screamed. Farrah walked up to Sidney, kicking him in the shin. He screamed in horror as the girls ran away from him. “Daddy! Dad,” Farrah and Nyisha called out. Randy and Dee Dee heard the screaming from the backyard. They went outside to see Sidney chasing after the girls. “What are you doing here, Sidney,” Randy yelled. “Reclaiming my nephew’s child from this little hussy,” Sidney yelled back. “You don’t belong here, Sidney,” Dee Dee said, comforting her two daughters. “Shut up, Deidre! This has nothing to do with you! Just this one here,” he growled as he held onto T.J.’s arm. “Girls, go into the house…I’ll handle this,” Randy said. “But Dad…,” Nyisha said. “Go, all of you…get the baby out of here,” he said. Dee Dee took the girls and Tyrese into the house, leaving Randy and Sidney alone with a very scared T.J. in between them. “This doesn’t have to go too far…just let my goddaughter go…the littlest things could cause her to seize up…I know you don’t want that to happen, do you,” he said to Sidney. While they were talking, Randy reached out his hand to T.J. “What does it take for my nephew, huh? This kid destroyed my brother’s family! Maybe I should kill her right here,” Sidney said. “I can’t let you do that…I promised my friends that I would watch out for this kid…you don’t want to go to jail for murder,” he said, slowly pulling T.J. behind him. “What’s gonna stop me from killing the kid, huh,” Sidney said. “This,” he said before he punched Sidney out. Then Randy grabbed T.J. in his arms and ran into the house.

“Oh, my God! We need to call the police! That man lost his mind,” Dee Dee said. “Dad, we thought we was going to lose you,” Farrah said. “This is my fault,” T.J. said. “No, it’s not! That man shouldn’t have been here in the first place! Don’t blame yourself for this,” Dee Dee said. “Hello…we need the police…there’s an intruder on my property…Sidney Lane…we’ll be here,” Randy said through the phone. “Nyisha? Are you feeling okay,” Dee Dee asked her daughter. “Hey, kiddo…your mom is talking to you,” Randy said. Suddenly, she passed out in his arms. Hours later, the doctor came to the house and examine Nyisha. Randy and Dee Dee waited in the hallway. Farrah and T.J. sat quietly in the den. “This is my fault, you know,” T.J. finally said. “You heard my mom and dad…we knew that Nyisha had this heart condition for years…you didn’t cause this, okay,” Farrah said. The doctor came out of the room to talk with them. Randy went to the den to talk with the girls. “Is Nyisha okay, Mr Johnson,” T.J. asked him. “Yeah…she’ll be okay…all this excitement got the best of her…it’s all we expect from someone who has a serious heart condition…she’s resting for now…and as for you two, the backyard is off limits…don’t go outside unless one of us are present, you hear me,” he said. “Yes, Dad,” Farrah said. “Is it because of Tarik’s uncle,” T.J. questioned. “Yeah…Jerrod bailed him out so it’s not safe…stay away from that man, okay,” he said. “Yes, sir,” she said. “Honey, how did you get that bruise,” Dee Dee asked. “Oh this…it’s nothing,” T.J. said. “This isn’t nothing…what happened to you, kiddo,” he asked. “Well…,” she said softly. “Sidney Lane did this to her…he’s very evil, Dad,” Farrah spoke up. “Dee, get the doctor back here please,” he said. “Okay,” Dee Dee said. “Did this happen today or while you and Tarik were living with him,” he asked his goddaughter. “While I was living with him…he does this when Tarik goes out to work,” she said. “The doctor may need to take a look at these…can you trust us with that,” he said. “Yeah,” she said. “What seems to be the problem here,” the doctor asked them. “Our goddaughter has this bruise on her arm…we don’t know how long it’s been there…she might have been abused by the man that she was staying with,” Dee Dee said. “Okay…I’ll check it out,” the doctor said, “Hello, Tiffani! How are you feeling today?” “I’m ok, Dr. Jones,” T.J. said. “Your godparents are very concerned about this bruise that you have on your arm…can you tell us how did this happen,” Dr Jones asked her. “He twisted my arm behind my back as punishment,” she said. “Could you tell who he is,” Dr Jones said. “Sidney Lane, sir,” she said. “You understand that it’s my job to report any kind of abuse, right,” Dr Jones said to her. “Yes, sir,” she said. “I would like to see Jerrod get his brother out of this hole that he dug himself into,” Dee Dee whispered to Randy. “Okay…this should do it,” Dr Jones said, wrapping up T.J.’s arm. “So, Doc! Is everything okay,” Randy questioned. “Yeah…no broken bones…she’ll be fine,” Dr Jones replied. In a matter of minutes, the police came to Jerrod’s house and arrested Sidney. “What is this about,” Julia asked the officers. “Your brother-in-law is being charged with assault on a minor, ma’am,” one of the officers told her. “It’s Terrell Thompson’s daughter, isn’t it,” Jerrod yelled. He didn’t get an answer. The officers put Sidney in the squad car and drove away. Tarik was standing on the curb as this was going on. Back at the Johnsons house, Dee Dee was on the phone as the girls slept in the den. “No answer,” Randy said. “None…I wished our friends knew what was going on with their daughter,” she told him. “We’ll have to wait until everything blows over in that house, Dee,” he said. “Hi, Dad,” Nyisha said. “Hey, kiddo…aren’t you supposed to be resting,” he asked his oldest daughter. “I heard the sirens outside…what’s going on,” she asked them. “The police got ahold of Tarik’s uncle finally…they may hold him this time,” Dee Dee said. “For what he did to T.J.–I heard everything from upstairs,” she said. “You knew about that, too,” Randy questioned. “Yeah…she was afraid to tell you guys,” she said. “I understand that…rest assured that your friend is safe now, okay,” Dee Dee told her daughter. “Okay,” she said. “Since you’re up, how about lunch, huh,” he asked them. “Sure, Dad,” she said. “Round up the gang and meet us in the kitchen,” he said, sending his daughter on her way. Then they went into the next room.

Hours later, the girls were on the front lawn when Jerrod drove up. “You can’t leave well enough alone, could you,” he said, getting out of the car. “Don’t even think about it, man…this child has been through enough,” Randy said. “The police set my brother’s bail at a million dollars…how the hell am I supposed to get him out,” he yelled. Dee Dee kept all three girls close to her. “First of all, you should let your little brother own up to what he’s done…he’s a grown man picking on a little girl…stop fighting his battles for him,” Randy said. “Just keep Terrell’s kid away from my family,” he said angrily. They watched Jerrod get into his car and drive away. “Girls, go inside…all of you,” Dee Dee said before rushing to her husband’s side. “Okay, Mom,” Nyisha and Farrah said. As the three of them goes in the house, T.J. looked outside and watched her godparents in the yard. “I didn’t mean to bring all this trouble to your doorstep, you guys,” she finally said. “It’s not your fault…Tarik cause this…he’s no good,” Farrah said. “He didn’t lift a finger to help out when his uncle hurt you…my father was right to send him to jail…you and Tyrese are safe now, okay,” Nyisha said. T.J. shook her head in agreement. Later that evening, Randy and Dee Dee went into the den to talk with the girls. “I’m sorry for the trouble that I’ve caused your family,” T.J. spoke up. “We know you’re not to blame for everything that happened…this feud with the Lane family went on long before you guys were born…sorry you were caught in the middle of that considering your son is a member of their family,” Randy said. “Even though things are rough with your dad, I would really appreciate it if you were telling us what was really going on between you and Sidney…we’re here to help you just like we would do for our children…don’t shut us out on this,” Dee Dee said. “You can trust us…there’s no judgment here, honey,” Randy said. ” I think we should tell them what’s going on,” Farrah said. “Yeah,” Nyisha agreed. T.J. shook her head, took a deep breath, and told them everything. Moments later, they all went to bed. “It’s a big burden that our goddaughter had on her shoulder since she moved in with Tarik’s family, Randall,” Dee Dee said, “Julia blames her for destroying their family…and on top of everything else, Sidney was physically assaulting her!” “We can’t let her go near those people…there’s gotta be some day to get our friends to take their daughter home before something else goes wrong,” Randy said. Then they continued talking.

Months later, Sidney was sentenced to seven years in prison. The Lane family steered clear of T.J. and their grandson after the trial. She is now pregnant with her second child. Tarik came by whenever he can. He was living with friends while waiting for his new place to be fixed. “Are we interrupting something here,” Dee Dee spoke up. “No, ma’am,” T.J. and Tarik said. “I advise you to cool it…that’s how you created the little one in her stomach right now,” Dee Dee said. “I swear if they go at it again, that boy will be thrown out on his butt,” Randy said. While they were talking, Tarik got up and peeked through the door. “You need to get from beneath the Johnson family…we need to find someplace with privacy,” he said. “I can’t, Tarik! They promised my mom that I would be safe here especially after the situation with your parents and your uncle,” T.J. said. “I wanna apologize for that…my parents shouldn’t treated you like that or my uncle…once my apartment gets fixed up, the four of us are out of here…I promise you,” he said. Later that evening, Farrah came into the den to talk with T.J. “You sure you should trust Tarik after the crap his family put you through,” she asked her friend. “He apologized for everything…we won’t let them near our son or this little one inside me…no one would ever keep us apart,” T.J. said. The two of them hugged as Dee Dee watches from afar. “Hey, Nyisha…heard what happened a while ago with my uncle…are you okay,” Tarik asked his friend. “Yeah…I had to protect T.J. besides you should’ve known how bad off he is,” Nyisha said. “You’re right…I gotta make it right with our friend somehow…once I get the place set up, you could be our first guest,” he said. “I might have to think about it…I’ll let you know when that time comes,” she said. “All right..I gotta head out…hope to get that answer from you,” he said, kissing her on the cheek. Randy cleared his throat, startling them. “Hi, Dad…didn’t see you there,” Nyisha said. “Hey, Mr Johnson…sorry about my dad and uncle…when I heard about the things that they did, I cut ties with them…I would like to prove to you that I can take care of Tiffani and our son,” Tarik said. “I’m listening,” he said. The two of them talked as they head downstairs. Later that evening, T.J. was getting ready for bed when Randy knocked on the door. “Hi, Mr Johnson,” she said. “Everything okay in here,” he asked. “Yes, sir,” she said. “Heard that Tarik has a new place…even said that he wants you and your son to live with him…sure you can trust him with everything that happened,” he said. “Yeah…he didn’t like what his family has done…he promised to protect me and my son, Mr Johnson,” she said. “I’ll take your word for it but if he gets out of line, we’ll be right here…you hear me,” he said. “Okay,” she said. “Try to get some sleep, kiddo,” he said. “Okay…good night, Mr Johnson,” she yawned. Then he tucked her in and left the room.

After their second child was born, Tarik brought his small family home to their new place. “Pop-pop,” Tyrese said. “Hey, kiddo,” Randy said. “Welcome, everyone,” Tarik said. “Hey there! I see that you have the little one here,” Dee Dee said. “Yes, ma’am,” T.J. said softly. “Haven’t you sleeping at all today,” she asked. “A little,” T.J. said. “Why don’t you head in the room and take a nap, okay,” she said. “I’ll help her, Mom,” Farrah said. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll check up on you before we leave,” Randy said. “Okay,” T.J. said as she went to her room. “That’s my fault, sir…they were up all night talking…get some rest, babe,” Tarik said, kissing her on the cheek. “You do know that she just had a baby…she needs her rest,” Dee Dee said. “I know…just so new to this parenting thing…I’m just excited, Mrs Johnson,” Tarik said to her. “I get it…it wouldn’t hurt for you to get some sleep as well…you guys are gonna need it now that you have two little boys to take care of,” she told him. “You get some sleep…we’ll look after our little godson,” Nyisha said. “Uh-huh,” T.J. said. “She does look tired…I don’t think I could go through anything like childbirth,” Farrah said. “Me neither…don’t let her hear that,” Nyisha said. “I doubt she could…at least we get to meet this little guy,” Farrah said. Nyisha looked over at T.J. and tapped her lightly. “Iz! What’s wrong,” Farrah asked her twin sister. “Mom…Dad…something’s wrong with T.J.,” Nyisha yelled. Randy, Dee Dee, and Tarik rushed into the room to see what was going on. “Farrah, go call 9-1-1…any idea what happened before she closed her eyes,” Randy questioned. “She mumbled something a while ago…we thought she was very tired,” Nyisha said. “Take it easy, kiddo…we may have to help your friend if the ambulance doesn’t get here on time,” Randy said. “I’ll take the baby in the next room,” Dee Dee said. “What should I do, Mr Johnson,” Tarik asked him. “This would be the time you would prove that you can save this girl’s life,” Randy said. “I don’t think she can wait for that ambulance, Dad…she stopped breathing,” Nyisha said, “Tarik, did you remember what the PE teacher taught us about CPR!” “Um…yeah…couldn’t forget it if I wanted to,” Tarik said. “We may need to use it if we want to save T.J.,” Nyisha said to him. “I don’t think that you should, kids,” Dee Dee said, coming through the bedroom door. “We gotta try, please,” she said. “You know what to do, kids,” he said. “Yes, sir,” said Nyisha and Tarik. “What do we got to lose, Dee,” he said. “Go ahead,” Dee Dee said. The kids started right away to save T.J. While this was going on, Farrah came into the room out of breath. “Hey, kiddo! You okay,” Randy asked. “Yeah…the ambulance is on the way,” Farrah said. “Okay…you can take a break now,” he said. Seconds later, T.J. started coughing. “Thank God,” Dee Dee whispered. “Easy, kiddo,” Randy said. “Welcome back, buddy,” Farrah said. Suddenly, they heard sirens. “Now they show up,” Dee Dee said. “I’ll go let them in,” Randy said. Then he went out of the room as the EMTs came up the driveway.

Later that evening, everyone was in the living room as T.J. slept. “Dad, is T.J. gonna be okay,” Farrah asked. “Yeah…thanks to your sister and Tarik,” Randy said. “I’m so proud of you, honey,” Dee Dee said. “If it wasn’t for her quick thinking, that young lady back here would’ve never made it…your daughter could have a great career in medicine…you have a good night, everyone,” one of the EMTs said to them. “He’s right! You’re a hero,” Farrah said. “But what about the family business…you said that we would have to step up and join it someday,” Nyisha said. “No worries! I believe you found your calling, Iz! Your mom and I will support you every step of the way,” Randy said. Dee Dee went to check up on T.J. “Hey, you…how are you feeling,” she asked. “I’m okay…didn’t know what was happening,” T.J. said. “So we’re going to head out…got back to sleep…I’ll check up on you tomorrow,” she said. “Okay…can I see Nyisha before you leave,” T.J. said. “Of course you can,” she said, “Nyisha, come here please!” ” Yes, Mom, ” Nyisha said. “You girls take your time,” she said to them. “Hi…how are you doing,” Nyisha said. “I’m good…heard that you’re the one who save my life…thank you,” T.J. said. “It was those CPR courses in PE class that Ms Jackson was teaching us…I was afraid of losing you,” she said. “You won’t lose me…I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you…I owe you my life,” T.J. said. The two of them hugged as Randy watches from afar. “Dad, I know it’s not much to ask but can I spend the night here…we could help out Tarik and T.J., please,” Nyisha asked him. “I don’t know, kiddo…your mom may not like it,” he said. “I promise if anything comes up, I’ll call you guys right away,” she said. “I guess it could be okay considering she saved her friend’s life,” Dee Dee said. “It’s a big job…are you sure you can handle it,” he asked his oldest daughter. “Yes, sir,” she said. “If it’s okay with your mom, then it’s okay with me,” he said, “Call us if anything comes up no matter what it is, you hear me!” ” Sure, Dad,” she said. “Can I help out too,” Farrah asked them. “Why not? Be careful out here,” he said. “I’ll watch out for your daughters, Mr and Mrs Johnson…it’s the least that I can do,” Tarik said. After their parents left the apartment, the girls went into the kitchen for some snacks. Tarik was watching some TV as the three of them chattered in the bedroom. In no time, they were fast asleep. Tarik peeked in the bedroom and saw T.J. feeding their youngest son. “Hey, babe…are you feeling okay,” he asked her. “Yeah,” she replied. “I thought I was gonna lose you…glad you’re feeling okay,” he said. Then he kissed her on the lips as everyone slept.

Six months later, T.J. and Tarik got into a big fight. Tyrese covered his ears to drown out their yellling. Suddenly, he heard the door slammed loudly. He came out of the room to see T.J. on the floor crying. “It’s okay, Mama…I’ll protect you,” he said to her. The next day, the two of them had breakfast. “I know you mean well but you don’t have to protect me,” she said. “Somebody has to! I hate how Daddy is hurting you,” he said. “I’ll make a deal with you…we’ll protect each other…I got your back and you got mine,” she said. “Okay,” he said, then put a spoonful of cereal in his mouth. “Slow down, bud,” she said. Later that day, Randy came over to the apartment to check up on the kids. “I don’t know why Tarik borrowed money from that guy…now he left because we had this fight…I don’t know what to do,” she said. “Until we know for sure that this guy doesn’t come back here, you and the kids can stay with us,” Randy said to her. As the kids slept, Randy got on the payphone down the street and called Sheryl. “Hey…glad I caught you…your daughter needs you…more than you know,” he said. “Of course I’ll be right there,” Sheryl said. Once she got off the phone, she meet up with Dee Dee outside. They got into her car and drove away. The women came to the Johnson house and talked with Randy. Sheryl went into the den to see T.J. fast asleep on the couch with Tyrese right next to her. “I know the situation with your seizures and everything that happened since you’ve been here…I’m sorry that I didn’t fight hard for you…it wasn’t my intent to have you leave our home…I wanna make things right between us, you understand,” she said. “Yeah, Mom,” T.J. said back. “Mama…who is this,” Tyrese asked. “Hi, Ty! I would like you to meet someone! This is your grandma, bud,” T.J. said. “Hi, Tyrese,” Sheryl said. “Hello,” he said. The three of them continued talking. Hours later, Sheryl and Terrell were outside arguing as T.J. watched them. Suddenly, she heard a noise from the den. She went to check on Tarik Jr and screamed. Everyone rushed to the den to see T.J. holding her youngest son in her arms. As the times goes by, the two families waited for some good news. Randy looked over at T.J. and Terrell talking in the hallway. Suddenly, she passed out in her father’s arms. “You need to know that she had a little issue with her breathing a couple of months ago,” he said to his friend. “Yeah…thanks, man,” Terrell said. He carries his daughter to the ER. Months after the incident with her son, T.J. and her friends were graduating from high school. “Feels good that the girls got through everything that happened with the Lane family,” Randy said. “Of course…now I can keep my daughter and grandsons safe from Tarik Lane…he’s just like those people and I’m gonna make sure that those boys don’t be like their father,” Terrell said. “Hi, Dad…Mr Thompson,” Nyisha said. “Congratulations, kiddo! I heard you saved my daughter’s life a while back! My wife and I are very grateful for that,” he said. “It’s no problem,” she said. “Randy, you should be proud! You might just have a future doctor in the family,” he said. “Yeah…you’re right…let’s go find your sister, kiddo,” Randy said. Hours later, the Thompson family went home. “You guys go ahead…got to have a talk with the graduate,” said Terrell. “Okay, honey,” Sheryl said. “So much time has passed…we haven’t discuss your future,” he said. “Only because we were fighting about Tarik…I get it now that he’s a big problem to you guys…I’m sorry,” T.J. said. “Don’t sweat it…that’s the past…right now it’s about you and those little boys in there…I hope we could stick to the plan with the family business before we had that big fight,” he said. “Yeah, Dad…but if it’s all right with you, I rather not talk about Tarik,” she said. “Okay…something that we agree on,” he said, “The reason that I was so tough on you is because I love you…I thought I was going to lose my little girl…you understand that, right!” ” Yeah, Dad…you wasn’t gonna lose me…I’m right here,” she said. Then she gave her father a great big hug.

Months later, T.J. was recently married to Tarik. After their wedding, there was a recent change in the new groom. “Yeah…I’ll get to that soon…it’s my wedding night,” he said to the person on the phone. Once he hung up, Tarik snuck up on his new bride and kissed her on the neck. “You’re done with business tonight,” she asked him. “Yep…it’s just us,” he said, laying her onto the bed. They started to make love. While this was going on, Tarik was thinking about what happened between him and Nyisha in the Johnsons shed. “What’s up…you scared of this,” he remembered telling her. “I never did this before…I’m a virgin,” Nyisha’s voice echoed in his head. The more he thought about that event, the harder he grunts. “Ouch! That hurts,” T.J. said. “Quiet! You should get used to this by now,” he mumbled. “Not this…stop it, Tarik,” she said. Tarik covered her mouth and said, “Quit your whining…give me what I want!” He held her down and continued grunting. The next day, she woke up to find Tarik standing over her. “Bout time…get us some food…the kids and I are hungry,” he growled. Without question, she got up and head to the kitchen. While she was reached into the cabinet, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. “What the hall are you doing,” he yelled. “I don’t feel so good,” she moaned. “What is it? Is it your seizures? Tell me,” he said. “It’s my stomach…something doesn’t feel right,” she said. “You playing games with me? Huh,” he yelled at her. “No,” she yelled back. Suddenly, they heard a knock on the door. “You stay quiet until I say you can speak, got it,” he grumbled. “Got it,” she said softly. Tarik went to the door and opened it. “Well hello, officers…may I help you,” he asked the men in front of him. “We’ve received a call from one of your neighbors saying about the yelling over here…is everything okay,” one of the officers asked them. “Hey, Tiff…come here a minute…these officers have a question to ask us…it’s all right,” he said. “Is everything okay, ma’am,” the second officer asked her. “Yes, sir,” she said softly. “Sorry about the noise…we’re newlyweds…guess it got out of hand…we try to keep it down for you,” he said. “Okay…we’ll let you guys off with a warning this time…congratulations, newlyweds,” the first officer said. While the men were talking, T.J. stood there in a daze. The second officer noticed it and said, “Ma’am? Are you sure you’re okay?” She didn’t say a word. Suddenly, she passed out. The first officer went to the squad car and radioed in an ambulance. While he was doing that, Tarik whispered something in his new wife’s ear. “You better wake up or I will kill you right here,” he said softly. Hours later, T.J. woke up in the hospital. Tyrese was laying next to her. “Hi, bud,” she whispered. “Mommy,” he said, “I thought I was gonna lose you!” “Hey, babe! You okay, ” Tarik said to her. “Yeah…I’m okay,” she said. “You see why we gotta stick together…you, me, and the boys…one slip up and the cops could tear our family apart…we gotta get our stories straight cuz they wanna talk to us again,” he said. “The cops are here?” she asked him. “They were tipped off by your little dizzy spell at the apartment…they cannot know what really happened this morning,” he said. “I don’t remember what happened,” she said. “Good…stick to that story…maybe the cops would get off our backs once and for all,” he said. “What story, Daddy,” Tyrese asked him. “We’re gonna play a little game…when the cops come in here, they gonna ask us some questions…you’re gonna tell them that you were in your room the entire time and nothing happened to your mom…she was just sick when she passed out,” he said. “I’m not sure we should tell them that, Tarik,” she said. “Son, why don’t you head over there for a bit while I talk with your mom,” he said. “Okay, Daddy,” Tyrese said. Then he did what he was told.

“What you tryna do, get us all pinched? I said we go with the story we planned! One slip up and I’ll give you the beating of your life! You hear me,” he growled. “I don’t wanna lie to the cops,” she said. “Well you better figure out what’s important…this family or your death cuz the only way you’re leaving me is in a pine box…I will take the boys and leave this state, got it,” he said. “Got it,” she said. Suddenly, the police came in to talk with them. Weeks later, Tarik constantly pound on his wife. Each beating is worser than the last until one day it caused a miscarriage. T.J. was recently pregnant with her third child until Tarik knocked her unconscious. With being reminded that she could lose her two boys, T.J. kept the abuse from everyone. It wasn’t until that fateful night when Terrell burst into the room and saw the unthinkable. Tarik went out of the apartment, got into his car, and drove off. Terrell picked up his daughter and took her to his car. Randy grabbed the kids and joined his friend. “Hang in there, honey…we’re almost there,” Terrell said to her. Tyrese watched his mother as she moans in pain. Hours later, T.J. woke up to find Terrell sitting next to her bed. “Dad?” she mumbled. “Hey, kiddo…how are you feeling,” he asked her. “I’m good…where’s the boys,” she said. “They’re with the nurse…should be okay…right now we need to talk about you…starting with these sudden hospital visits…the dizzy spells, the cracked ribs, and the miscarriage…when were you gonna tell me about this,” he questioned. “I couldn’t, Dad…he said that he would kill me if I talked,” she said. “We’re gonna put an end to this…the lawyer is drawing up some papers to get you out of this marriage…the kids are coming home with us until you get better enough to take care of them yourself…the three of you are not going back to that apartment…that boy is still on the loose…I don’t wanna end up burying you on the count of it,” he said. “Okay…I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you about this,” she said. “No worries…at least your mom and I know about it now…even had my cop friend watching out for you and the kids…Jim told me that there was something off about the statement you and Tarik gave him a while back,” he said. “I wanted to tell him the truth…that’s when Tarik threatened to take our sons away from me…you were right…I shouldn’t have married him…just didn’t know what I got myself into, Dad,” she said. “I know, kiddo…you and the kids are safe now,” he said. A few days later, T.J. was thinking about everything that happened including her toxic marriage to Tarik. Terrell was drinking his coffee when he suddenly heard a knock on the door. It startled his daughter. “Easy, honey…coming,” he said, then answers the door. “Hey, man…how’s the patient,” a voice said to him. “She’s good…should be back on her feet in no time, Randy,” he said. “We’re just passing through but this one wanted to visit with her friend for a bit,” Randy said. “Sure…go ahead…she’s in the den there,” he said. T.J. heard the footsteps coming towards the den. “Hi,” she heard the person say. “Hey, Nyisha…what brings you by,” she said. “Just came to see you…our dads are in the next room…so how are you feeling,” Nyisha asked her. “I’m good…um, sit down…we need to talk,” she said. “About what,” Nyisha asked. “What happened that day I pushed you out of the apartment…you’re probably the only one who caught on with the situation between me and Tarik…he was beating on me…I was so ashamed…he kept putting me down saying that if something was to happen to you, I would’ve been to blame for it…he beat me again after you left,” she said. “I heard it…if only I had went back in there to stop him…,” Nyisha started to say. “He would’ve killed us both…I couldn’t live with myself knowing what he was capable of…that’s why I got you out of there,” she said. “You were protecting me from him? I don’t think I could live with the fact that Tarik could have killed you! I was afraid of losing my best friend–you’re too important to me,” Nyisha cried. “I was afraid of losing you, too,” she said. Then the two of them hugged.

Months later, the girls were heading for college. “Now that you are situated, I need a favor from the three of you,” Terrell said. “Dad? I’m going to be okay,” T.J. said. “We got nothing to worry about…I’m sure that our daughters are gonna watch out for each other, T,” Randy said. “I know but it would put my mind at ease considering what happened with you and that boy…as for Nyisha and Farrah, keep an eye on my daughter…don’t let her get into any mischief…I know how college students act once the parents leaves…I know you had a rough couple of weeks…just trust your old man…anything comes up, give me a call and I’ll come running, okay,” Terrell said. “Okay, Dad,” T.J. said to him. Once their fathers drove off, the girls head up to the dorm room. “I thought they would never leave,” Farrah said. “I’m sure they just wanted to make sure we settle in okay,” Nyisha said. “More like watching our every move…we’re grown now,” T.J. said. “Your dad’s worried about you…we don’t have that problem,” Farrah said. Nyisha nodded at her comment. “Thanks for the psychology lesson, girls…I gotta head to the gym and meet the new basketball coach…see you later,” T.J. said, then head out the door. “Typical jock,” Farrah joked. Nyisha giggled. Sheryl was at the park with her grandchildren when Tarik showed up. “Hey, bud,” he said to Tyrese. “Don’t even think about it, young man…while my daughter’s in school, the kids stays with me and my husband…end of story,” she said. “You can’t keep me from my boys,” he said. “Let’s not forget you tried to kill their mother that night…if my husband hadn’t walked in like he did, she would’ve died…you would be in jail for murder…we made an agreement saying you stay 500 yards away from this family…I advised you leave right now or I’m calling the police,” she said. “You’ll never get away with this,” he said, balling up his fist. “Leave Grandma alone,” Sean yelled. ” I’m not gonna take it from anyone…including you precious Thompsons…I’m outta here,” Tarik growled. “I want Grandpa,” Tyrese cried. “Okay, honey…we’re getting out of here right now…come on, kids,” she said, hugging her grandson. Moments later, they meet up with Terrell at the office. “Hey, babe…what brings you by,” he asked her. “Tarik Lane is our problem…he came by the park to see the boys today,” she said. “That damn kid…we had an agreement that says he couldn’t be at 500 yards of our daughter and the kids…you head on home and I’ll handle this,” he said. “We can’t tell Tiffani about this considering it’s her first day of college,” she said. “We’ll hold off on that news until I get that boy out of our lives,” he said. Tyrese tugged on Terrell’s pant leg and said, “Is Daddy gonna take us away again?” “No, sport…he won’t get that chance because we promised your mom that we’ll keep you boys safe…go ahead with your grandmother…I’ll see you at home,” he said. Then he left the office.

Moments later, Terrell went over to the Lanes house where Tarik was staying. “Jerrod? Jerrod! Open this door,” he yelled. “What do you want, Terrell,” Jerrod said angrily. Terrell walked in without giving him a reason. He went up to Tarik and said, “I’ve warned you, boy…stay away from those kids or you will go to jail!” “What are you insinuating now,” Jerrod yelled. “We had an agreement saying that your son stays away from my grandsons…I know you are at the park earlier today,” he yelled back. “Let me handle this…why are you so stupid, boy,” Jerrod said, smacking his son in the head. “He shouldn’t keep me away from my sons,” Tarik said. “You’ve lost that right when you nearly killed their mother…heed my warning: stay away from those kids or you’ll regret it,” Terrell said. Meanwhile, Sheryl were giving the kids their dinner when Shane and Martin showed up. “Hi, Mom,” they said. “Hi, boys,” she said back. “Hi, Uncle Shane…hi, Uncle Martin,” said Tyrese. “Hey, sport,” Shane said to his nephew. “We heard what happened to the park today–Dad told us…I would like to wail on Tarik so bad…,” Martin started to say. “No-no! We got it handled, son,” she said. “A fine time for Tarik for showing his face after what he’s done…especially when our kid sister’s away at college,” Shane said. “We’re definitely not telling T.J. about this…that poor child would rush back here to be with her kids…she’s got enough to deal with out there without having to worry about her soon-to-be-ex-husband,” she said. “Hey, honey…kids…I’m home,” a voice bellows from the front door. “Grandpa,” the kids said. It was Terrell. “Hey, Dad,” Jeffrey said, coming downstairs to the dining room. “Hello, my boy…how’s my future businessman,” Terrell said. “I’m good,” he said. “Grandma, do we have to lie to Mommy about what happened at the park with Daddy,” Tyrese asked. “We’re not lying, honey! She has a lot on her plate right now! The last thing we need is to have her worry about your dad, okay,” Sheryl said. “Tell you what…we can go visit her at school this weekend…a road trip to cheer her up so she knows we’re taking good care of you and your little brother,” Terrell said. “Okay…it’s a bet,” he said. Meanwhile, T.J. was at the gym shooting some hoops until she heard someone come in. “I’ve heard so much about you, Miss Thompson,” a voice said. “Hello, Coach Benson,” she said, turning around to see a young slender man in yellow shorts and white t-shirt standing in the doorway. “I must warn you that this isn’t like high school…we have morning runs, midday drills, and evening practices three days a week…if you are late for any of them, you won’t get to play in the game…is that understood,” Coach Benson said. “Yes, sir…I won’t let you down,” she said. Later that evening, the girls meet back at their dorm room. “I got this flyer about a party tonight…you guys going,” Farrah said. “Nah…I’m not really up to it,” Nyisha said. “Such a nerd,” T.J. said. Farrah chuckled. Nyisha grabbed one of her pillows and threw it at T.J. “I thought the whole college experience would be to get out there…instead of being buried in some books…you did that last year in high school,” Farrah said. “If it wasn’t for the studying, we wouldn’t be here right now,” Nyisha said. “You need to get out and have some fun…it doesn’t have to always be about grades…loosen up, bud,” T.J. said. “Easy for you to say…that basketball scholarship is the reason why you’re here…you can’t goof off like you did in high school…don’t you have practice in the morning,” Nyisha said. “4am…we don’t have to stay long…just get out of this room for a bit,” she said. “Come on, sis…it’ll be fun,” Farrah said. “All right…we’re grown…we can handle it,” Nyisha said. “There you go,” T.J. said. Back at the Thompsons house, Sheryl was tucking Tyrese in his bed as Terrell watches from the hallway. “So…what are we gonna do about Tarik,” she asked her husband. “I don’t know but if he goes after these kids again, I will break his neck,” he said. Then they left the kids’ room and shut the door.

As the months goes by, the girls started to adjust to college. Their parents came down to visit. “Mama,” Tyrese called out. “Hey, kiddo…what do I owe to this visit,” T.J. said. “We’re just here to see how well you’re doing with your classes,” Terrell said. “It’s good, Dad,” she said, hugging her son. “Is everything okay here,” Sheryl asked her daughter. “Yes, ma’am,” she said, “How is everything back at home?” “It’s good…haven’t seen or heard from Daddy in five months,” Tyrese said. “What is he talking about? Has Tarik been near my kids,” she questioned her parents. “Well…,” Sheryl said. “We didn’t want to worry you besides he can’t come near the boys again,” Terrell said. “I won’t have anything to worry about,” she said. “No, kiddo…like we said before, he has no legal rights to your sons as long as your mom and I are protecting them,” he said. “I know, Dad,” she said. “How are you feeling, honey,” Dee Dee asked her oldest daughter. “I’m fine, Mom,” Nyisha said. “Your mother is being a little dramatic…are you taking your medication,” Randy said. “Of course, Dad…nothing to worry about, you guys…I’m good,” Nyisha told them. “Nothing to worry about, you guys…I’m watching out for my sister,” Farrah said to their parents. Moments later, the girls head up to the dorm. “That’s a relief…they do not need to know about the other week when I got sick,” Nyisha said. “That was a dangerous move, Iz…it could’ve gotten worse…you really wanna play it this way,” T.J. said. “You don’t know what I have to deal with…I can’t have my mother watching over me every second…it’s bad enough she did that while we were in. high school,” she said, “I didn’t mention about you having those seizures last week…don’t give me grief about my health problems!” “Whoa! Go easy on T.J.! We’re just worried about you is all,” Farrah said. “You’re right, you guys…I’m just so frustrated—shouldn’t take it out on you, T.J.,” Nyisha said. “We don’t want anything to happen to you, okay,” T.J. said. “I know…you don’t worry about me…I’m fine,” she said, then hugged T.J. and Farrah. “Is it me or something’s off with the girls,” Dee Dee asked her friends. “You worry too much, Dee…Nyisha said that she’s fine…the girls are watching out for her…don’t stress out about it,” Randy said. “Besides you guys raise a responsible young woman…you should be able to trust her,” Terrell said. The girls walked up to their parents and hugged them. “Mom…Dad…I have something to tell you,” Nyisha said to Randy and Dee Dee. Then the three of them started talking.

“Why didn’t you call me when this happened? You girls should let us know about this,” Dee Dee asked her oldest daughter. “I didn’t want you guys watching over me like you normally do…I hated it,” Nyisha said. “It’s only because we care about you, kiddo,” Randy said. “It feels like being suffocated…I don’t want that, Dad,” she said. “She thinks you treat her like a little kid, you guys…it’s always been that way since the heart condition,” Farrah said to them. “Is that true, honey,” Dee Dee asked. “Yeah…you never let me do anything…I want to be able to do something for myself…I’m not a little kid anymore,” she said. “We know, kiddo…maybe for once, we let you make your own decisions…it’s the least we can do,” Randy said. “Thanks, Dad,” she said, hugging him. “I guess it’s okay…don’t worry us like that again, you hear me,” Dee Dee said. T.J. was feeding Tarik Jr when Sheryl came over to her and sat down. “I guess we know who push Nyisha to tell her parents what was going on,” she said. “I didn’t want anything to happen to my friend, Mom,” T.J. said, “Seeing how sick she was that day—it freaked me out!” “Knowing that you care about your friend like that—I’m real proud of you,” she said. “Since the secret’s out, I have something to tell you,” T.J. said. “What is it,” she said, rubbing her daughter’s back. “I had a seizure last week during basketball practice…I was afraid that Dad would pull me out of school because of it,” T.J. said. “No, we wouldn’t…are you okay now,” she asked her daughter. “Yeah…I’m okay,” T.J. replied. “I appreciate that you’re being honest with me but next time, you tell us right away…let me handle your dad, okay,” she said. “Okay,” T.J. said. “Is everything good over here, girls,” Terrell asked them. “Yeah, Dad,” T.J. said back. In the midst of what was going on, Tarik Jr took the bottle out of his mouth and spoke his first word. “Mama,” they heard him say. “Oh my god…he talked,” Sheryl said. “Way to go, little fella,” Terrell said. Then the three of them smiled.

“Aren’t you glad that you told your mom about the seizures? Hey there! What’s going on,” Nyisha said. “Tarik Jr said his first word,” T.J. said. “What? Are you serious,” Farrah asked. “Yep while I was talking with my mom,” she said. “Congratulations…how does it makes you feel,” Nyisha asked her friend. “Real good,” she told them. The three of them hugged each other tight. After Sheryl and Terrell got home, Jeffrey got up from the couch to greet them. “Hey, you…why is my favorite little guy still doing up,” Sheryl asked him. “I had some homework to finish up…is everything okay out there,” he said. “Yeah…your sister is doing okay, bud,” she said. “Once you get your homework done, head up to bed…good night,” Terrell said. “Good night, Mom and Dad,” he said, heading back to finish his homework. As the times passes, the two families went on with their original routines. The men were running their computer business. The women were tending to their household. The children were in their classes. Four years later, the Thompsons and the Johnsons were attending the girls’ college graduation. “I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” Sheryl said to her daughter. “Thanks, Mom,” T.J. said back. “It’s good that we finally got you know who is out of the picture and have a great guy like Marvin Anderson in this family now,” Terrell said. “Seriously, Dad,” she said. “I’m just glad everything worked out for you in the end…congratulations, kiddo,” he said. “Don’t mind your father…he means well, honey,” Sheryl said. “I know, Mom,” she said. “Any plans tonight…we were hoping to do something for you girls tomorrow,” he said. “We’re just gonna hang out at the diner for a bit, Dad,” she said. “Can we go, Mama,” Tyrese spoke up. “I don’t know, honey…we might be out a little late,” she said to her oldest son. “It should be okay, Tiff…I like hanging out with these little guys,” Marvin said to her. “Please, Mama…please,” Tarik Jr begged. “You’re enjoying this, huh,” she said, tickling her youngest son. “I’ll see you guys later,” Sheryl said to the kids. “You’re lucky I love you so much, kid,” she said. “We love you too, Mama,” Tyrese said. The four of them head over to Marvin’s car and drove away. Moments later, they meet up with the girls at the diner. “Hi, guys,” Farrah said. “Auntie,” said Tyrese and Tarik Jr. While the gang were inside, Tarik stood across the street. He was watching his two kids playing with ex-wife and her new boyfriend. “So…is that the kids you were talking about,” a voice asked him. He turned around and saw the girl standing next to him. “Yep…once that little bitch gets custody of them from her parents, I’m fighting for sole custody…ain’t gonna let this chump raise my boys,” he said. Then they kissed and walked away.

Years later, T.J. and her new husband, Marvin, moved into their first new home. Tarik Jr and Tyrese were checking out their brand new bedrooms. “This is the life,” she said. “Just like I promised your parents, you and the boys are safe,” he said. “Sorry about Tarik popping up on the honeymoon with those custody papers, Marv,” she said. “No worries…we knew he would pull this stunt sooner or later…for now, let’s enjoy what little time we have with the boys,” he said. The two of them head upstairs to check out the rest of the house. “I like my new room, Mommy! Thank you, Marvin,” Tyrese said. Moments later, the family of four were fast asleep. They heard a tapping on the door. T.J. got up to see her ex-husband and a guy in pinstripes were standing on the front porch. “Oh? You,” she said after opening the front door. “Good to see you too, newlyweds,” Tarik said. “That was a foul shot sending your lawyer at our honeymoon suite, Tarik,” Marvin said angrily. “You’re lucky I didn’t tell him to bring my kids home on the spot,” Tarik said, “Now that you and the hubby had fun with the boys, I will be taking them back to my place!” “They’re taking a nap at the moment…you can just wait outside until they wake up,” she said. “No can go, Tiff…I want my boys now…remember what it said on the custody agreement,” he said. “Why are you here so early? It’s not 3:00 yet,” Marvin said. “I’m thinking about getting a headstart on getting to know my namesake since your parents blocked me from my kids for months at a time,” he said. “With good reason…you were beating on me…Tyrese was traumatized by it…I don’t want my sons to be like you,” she said. “You don’t get to decide that now, do you,” he said. Tyrese came down as the three of them argued. “What’s going on,” they heard him say. “I’m here for you guys…let’s go,” he said. “Honey, it seems like our plans changed…you and your brother have to go with your dad for the night,” she said. “No…you promised…I don’t wanna go with Daddy…don’t make us leave, Marvin,” Tyrese cried. “Sorry to say this but if you don’t let my clients have the children…this custody case could get ugly,” a guy in the pinstripes said to her. “Sorry, buddy…we gotta follow the law…you have to go with your dad,” Marvin said. Tyrese looked at Tarik and hugged Marvin. “I want you to be my dad,” he said softly. “Go get Junior from his bedroom,” Tarik said to the guy. He did what he was told. “You won’t get away with this,” she said. “I don’t have a rich daddy to fall back on…I will fight you on this until these boys acknowledge me as their father instead of him,” Tarik said. The guy returned with Tarik Jr. in his arms. “I’ll see you guys soon, okay,” she said to her oldest son. Tarik and the guy took the kids out of the house. “It’s gonna be okay, Tiff,” Marvin said. Then T.J. turned to her husband and hugged him tight.

“He ripped your kids out of your new home…is he crazy,” Farrah yelled. “Somehow he orchestrated this after you guys got married…he’s so cruel,” Nyisha said. “Mr. Thompson said he would have his lawyers to it…seems like a long shot to me,” Marvin said. “Hey, sister-in-law…how are you holding up,” Terrence asked. “I’ll be okay…it doesn’t feel real to me…I’m not married to him anymore and he’s punishing me for it by taking away my sons,” T.J. said. “He knew he couldn’t do this when your father and I had custody of those boys…he waited for this chance to take them away from you…we will fight this, you hear me,” Sheryl said to her daughter. “Okay, Mom,” she said. Moments later, Nyisha confronted Tarik. “How could you,” she yelled. “What the hell–my kids are asleep in here,” he whispered. “Why would you hurt T.J. like this? She didn’t deserve it,” she said. “I didn’t deserve to be separated from my children…the Thompsons did that…besides I’m going for full custody of them…your good friend won’t see them again,” he said, “We have a good thing going here…maybe you could help me raise them–be their new mother!” “I’m not gonna betray my friend like that…if you go through this custody case, I want nothing to do with it…I’m out,” she said. Then he watched her drove away.

The nex day, the Thompson family were at the courthouse to support T.J. at the custody case. “No matter what happens here, we got your back, sis,” Chuckie said. “Thank you,” T.J. said. “Between me and you, that punk should’ve never gotten custody of those boys from the start,” Jason said. Tarik was on the other side of the room with his parents and the lawyer. “I just hoped they see things our way and let you keep those boys…the Thompsons needs to be knocked down a peg for keeping them away from our family,” Julia said. Tarik thought about what Nyisha told him and said, “Yeah, Mom! Bout time they got what they deserved!” Nyisha came into the room and saw Tarik with his family. “Hey, you guys…my parents send their best,” she said. “Thank you, kiddo,” Terrell said. “Hey, bud…how are you holding up,” she asked her friend. “A little nervous…Tarik and his family might get away from this–taking the boys from me,” T.J. said. “The judge won’t do that…we all know how good you are with those boys…he’ll be crazy to give them to their father,” she said. “She’s right, little sister…we know what kind of guy Tarik was…the judge would be crazy to give those kids to that madman,” Melissa said. While the judge was in the chambers, Tarik whispered something in his lawyer’s ear. “I know we supposed to be friends and all, but I would never make you choose between me and Tarik, Iz,” T.J. said. “I know but we knew how badly Tarik treated you…the last thing we wanted is for you to lose your kids over it…I’ll always have your back…I owe you this after what happened that day at the apartment,” Nyisha said. Once the judge came out, the lawyer walked up to him and whispered, “My client wants to make a deal!” “What was that about,” Michelle asked her siblings. In a matter of minutes, the custody case was over. “Mommy,” Tyrese squealed. T.J. picked up her son and hugged him tight. “I’m sorry it went this far…just didn’t want my boys to forget about me,” Tarik said. “I would never let them forget about you…Tarik, you’re their father,” she said, “You just have to trust me on this…those boys loves you!” “I know plus our good friend reminded me how selfish I was for taking the boys from you,” he said. They hugged as Nyisha watches them. Months after the custody case, Tarik and Nyisha left town to get married. They had a small ceremony in a nearby chapel after Tarik learned that he was gonna be a father for the third time. Back in town, T.J. has recently learned that she was pregnant once again. The baby that she was carrying was Marvin’s first child. The new couple were overjoyed about this one. Tyrese and Tarik Jr were gonna be big brothers to their newest sibling. In the middle of everything else, T.J. had learned that her best friend is dating her ex-husband. The girls are not on speaking terms considering that Tarik was very abusive during the time T.J. was married to him. Months later, the girls had their babies in two different hospitals. Nyisha woke up to hear Tarik on the phone with an unknown caller. She slowly picked up the other phone and listened in on the call. “Of course…I’ll be there in a minute once my wife is fast asleep…bye,” he said. “Who was that, Tarik,” she asked him. Tarik had a flashback of the night that T.J. asking him the same exact question on their wedding night. He snapped out of it and said, “Nothing, babe…go back to sleep!” “I heard a girl on the other end…who is she, Tarik,” she questioned him. Tarik had the phone cord in his hands and angrily twisting it. “It’s none of your concern who I’m talking to…you’re my wife, dammit…it’s none of your business,” he said, trying to contain your anger. “You better not be cheating on me or I’ll swear to God…,” she mumbled angrily. In a flash, Tarik came up to Nyisha and wrapped the phone cord around her neck. “What you gonna do, huh? You gonna leave me? Take my sons away? I will kill you before I let that happen,” he growled. “Tarik…stop it…you’re choking me,” she gasped. “You’re gonna learn to respect me…how you think I got your good buddy to behave,” he yelled. Nyisha taught back to the day she had that she had the conversation with T.J. in the Thompsons family den. “What happened that day I pushed you out of the apartment…you’re probably the only one who caught on with the situation between me and Tarik…he was beating on me…I was so ashamed…he kept putting me down saying that if something was to happen to you, I would’ve been to blame for it…,” she remembered T.J. say to her. “I will not let you put me in the same vulnerable state that you put T.J. in…not now, not ever,” she whispered. “Huh,” he questioned. Without knowing what she meant, Nyisha hit him hard in the ribs. She kept fighting him until he let go of the phone cord. She fell to the ground gasping for air. He tried for the second time to grab his wife but she kicked him in the face. Then she ran in the kids’ bedroom and slammed the door.

Randy was in the den reading the newspaper when he heard a knock on the door. He went to open it and saw his heartbroken daughter on the doorstep. “Iz? What’s wrong, honey,” he asked her. Nyisha hugged him tight. Once she came inside, the two of them went into the den to sit down. “You wanna tell me what’s going on with you,” he questioned. “Everything is so messed up, Dad…Tarik and I had a fight about some girl he was talking to on the phone…I have no one to talk to about this…my best friend is angry with me for getting involved with her ex…I don’t blame T.J. for hating me…the boys are Tarik’s sons…I had to get out of there or he would’ve killed me,” Nyisha cried. “How long was this going on,” he asked. “A couple months…I was the one who convince T.J. to get away from Tarik…now I’m no better than she was…I might’ve lost my best friend because of it,” she said softly. “Come here, kiddo…you girls have been friends for far too long…I’ll fix this,” he said, hugging his daughter. The next day, Terrell and Randy got their daughters down to the office to settle their differences. Once they clear the air, the girls were best friends again. They went to the diner with the kids in tow. “I really am sorry about everything that happened in the past couple of months,” Nyisha spoke up. “No problem…what are you gonna do now since you left Tarik,” T.J. asked her. “I don’t know…I have to do what’s right for the boys,” she said. “Because Tarik is their father…I said that line myself a couple of times…I had to get out of that marriage because he was hurting me, too…didn’t think he would strangle you with a phone cord because of some chickenhead called to your house,” T.J. said. “I couldn’t let him put me into the same hell that he put you through…I had to fight back,” she said. “Wish I could’ve done that…I was terrified of him…he caused my miscarriage a while back…it was a boy,” T.J. said. “Sorry to hear that…it’s exactly how I felt when he had that phone cord around my neck…I feared for my life as well…what would happen to my sons if I wasn’t here,” she said. “Your dad would’ve killed him if anything happened to you,” T.J. said. “I shouldn’t have never married him…he is so evil,” she said. “We’ll figure it out together…sorry how I overreacted about you guys…I’m not married to him anymore so I shouldn’t judge you on hooking up with him in the first place…I promise to never do that again…let’s not allow Tarik to come between us ever again,” T.J. said. “Of course,” she said. Back at the company, Terrell and Randy were playing a card game in the boardroom. “It’s such a relief that the girls finally made up…they wouldn’t be fighting at all if it wasn’t for that boy,” Randy said. “When we took over custody of Tyrese and Tarik Jr, that boy had to stay 500 feet away from them…once my daughter turned 18, that little punk had the nerve to fight for full custody of them…nearly broke her heart…the world would be so much better if Tarik Lane never existed,” Terrell said back. As the girls was talking among themselves, Tarik showed up at the diner. “Hi, Daddy,” Tarik Jr said. “Hello, my boy,” he said back. “What are you doing here,” T.J. growled. “Hey, Nyisha…Tiffani,” he said. “T.J.? I can handle this, all right—can you watch the boys for me,” Nyisha asked her. “Okay,” she said, “I just don’t trust him!” “I’ll be okay…he’s not gonna try anything with the kids watching,” Nyisha said. “He better not or he will answer to me,” she said. “Stand down, Tiff…she’ll be fine,” he said. Then he and Nyisha went outside to talk.

“I wished your good friend would butt out of our marriage…she has no right, you know,” Tarik said. “She’s worried about me, Tarik…you had no right to hurt me like that…I won’t allow you to put me in the same situation as T.J., you hear me…if you don’t change your way, I will divorce you and get full custody of our sons,” Nyisha said. “You wouldn’t dare…,” he said. “You know who my father is…he would make it happen…until you make up your mind, I’ll be at Farrah’s apartment…bye,” she said. T.J. came outside with the kids and said, “Is everything all right?” “Yeah…I’m good…can we get out of here, please,” she said back. She got into the car and shut the door. “Nyisha, wait,” he said. “I suggested you back off or I’ll call the police, Tarik,” T.J. said angrily. “You wouldn’t dare,” he growled as he balled up his fist. “Don’t do anything stupid…the kids are watching,” T.J. said. Tarik looked over to see the kids in the car with Nyisha. “You win this time…I will get my wife back whenever you like it or not,” he said. “Until that happens, keep your distance…buddy,” T.J. said. She got into the car as well and drove off quickly. Moments later, Farrah meet up with the girls as they came to the apartment. “That jerk! He doesn’t give up, does he,” she said to them. “Nope,” T.J. said. “He wants me back but I told him he has to change his ways…we don’t want a repeat of what he’s done to T.J.,” Nyisha said. “Mama, may I have some juice,” Tarik Jr asked. “Of course…I’ll be right back,” T.J. said to her son. Once the two of them were out of their sight, Farrah confronts her twin sister. “You can’t stay with Tarik…he nearly killed our friend not once but twice…you hear T.J. mentioned about her miscarriage…he’s never gonna change…he might end up killing you in the process…I don’t wanna lose my big sister,” Farrah pleaded with her. “I won’t let that happen…I promise you,” Nyisha said. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” she said. “She’s right, Iz…we don’t want to lose you,” T.J. said as she comes back into the room. “You won’t lose me, you guys…I won’t let him put his hands on me again…I can protect myself,” Nyisha said. “I hope you’re right, Iz…I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something horrible would happen to you,” T.J. said. Then the three of them hugged as Tyrese watches from the next room.

As the times passed, Tarik thought back on that fateful night when he tries to kill his current wife with the phone cord. Nyisha and Farrah were spending time with the boys. “You know you guys can stay here as long as you want…Terrence will be out of town for another week plus I would use the company,” Farrah said. “I know you mean well but we don’t want to burden you…at some point we have to move on,” Nyisha said. They heard a knock on the door. “You don’t have to make a decision right away…I’m good with you being here,” Farrah said, then answers the door. “Hi, you guys,” they heard someone say from outside. “Hey, T.J.,” Nyisha and Farrah said back. “I’m just checking in on the way to work…how are you holding up,” T.J. asked them. “Like I just told my sister many times before, I’m fine…you guys worry too much,” Nyisha told them. “With good reason…you’ve been through a terrible ordeal…Tarik tried to kill you over a stupid phone call…I divorced him for the same reason…you have to get out while you still can…if not for yourself, do it for your sons,” T.J. said. Five months later, Tarik was in the gym punching the bag when Randy showed up. “Easy on that bag there,” he spoke up. “You got your wish, Mr. Johnson…your daughter filed for separation and full custody of our sons…I have nothing left,” Tarik said. “You nearly strangled her to death with a phone cord—what do you suspect? You can’t control your wife like that! Terrell’s daughter divorced you because you nearly beat her to death! I would not let you do the same to my daughter! Get some help or you’ll have to answer to me,” he said angrily. After those chilling words, Tarik left the gym and went to his car. T.J. was at the police station when he showed up. “Tiffani, we need to talk,” she heard him say. The two of them went outside to talk. “All right…what is this about, Tarik,” she said. “I want to apologize for everything that happened between us when we were married…I don’t want to hurt your friend in that way…I need your help…what can I do to get her back,” he asked. “I don’t know what to say about that,” she said, walking away. He grabbed her arm and said, “I’m desperate here…I don’t want to lose my family!” “If you are really sincere, do what Nyisha asked…you need to get some help,” she said, “I don’t want my best friend to die by your hands…that almost happen to me!” “I know…I’ve played that night over and over in my head…I really am sorry for hurting you like that,” he said. “After hearing about what happened with Nyisha, that night came flooding back to me…it was so hard to trust you after that,” she said. “I guess I should get some help…just don’t know how,” he said. “I think I may know someone who could help you…if you’re willing to do it, maybe I’ll convince Nyisha to not go through with the divorce…I really hope you work through your issues for your sons’ sake,” she said. “Of course…you have to know that I didn’t mean to hurt Nyisha that night…I couldn’t live with myself if I kill the mother of my children,” he said. “You’ll have to prove that to your wife and your four sons,” she said, giving him a card. “I’ll do that…for the boys, right,” he said. “Yeah…good luck,” she said. Then she went inside as Tarik head back to his car.

Later that day, Nyisha was having lunch with her parents at the diner. “This is good…we haven’t done this in a while,” Dee Dee said. “Uh-huh,” Randy said. The two of them noticed their daughter wasn’t eating. “Honey, what’s wrong,” she asked. “Nothing,” Nyisha sighed. “It doesn’t sound like nothing…talk to us,” he said. “Okay…I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing here…getting a divorce, you know,” Nyisha said. “Tarik almost kill you a couple of weeks ago…if you don’t end this marriage right now, he will finish the job…we don’t want to lose you, honey,” she said. “That kid can’t be trusted…he nearly killed your friend and you…I don’t want you to be put in that vulnerable position,” he said. “I won’t, Dad, but it’s not about me or Tarik…my sons’ lives could be affected by this,” Nyisha said. “Getting this divorce would mean keeping those boys from being like their father…I don’t want either of them to watch you getting beat down by that horrible man…we’re worried about you, honey,” she said. “I’ll make a deal with you…wherever you decide with your marriage, we’ll support you 100%…no pressure,” he said. “Okay, Dad,” Nyisha said to him. Meanwhile, T.J. was sitting behind her desk thinking about the conversation that she had with Tarik. “Hey, kiddo,” a voice called out. “Huh? Hi, Dad,” she said, recognizing the voice. Terrell came in and sit down. “So I heard that your friend is getting out of that marriage with Tarik…hopefully that little punk gets what he deserves,” he said to his daughter. “It’s a separation, Dad…she could change her mind at any time,” she said. “Hopefully she doesn’t…your godparents do not need to live the nightmare that your mom and I did…you nearly died by that punk’s hands…speaking of Tarik, I heard he came by here earlier,” he said. “It’s not what you think…my marriage is solid…he seems so sad because he’s losing his family, Dad,” she said. “Serve him right…he tried to kill Nyisha with a phone cord…we would’ve been burying her if he had his way,” he said, “Let’s not forget that he tried to kill you as well…don’t start feeling sorry about that boy…no good would come of it, all right!” “Yes, Dad,” she said. Hours later, T.J. meet up with her friends at their apartment. “So how was lunch with Mom and Dad…sorry I couldn’t make it,” Farrah said. “It was good…I should kill you for leaving me alone with Mom and Dad earlier today…I’ll let it go for now…how about you, T.J.—starting your first day at the station,” Nyisha said. “It’s okay considering the ninety-day probationary period…how about you…still struggling with your decision about your marriage,” T.J. said. “Yep…if it wasn’t for the boys, I would’ve end it by now…now I’m not so sure,” she said. “You probably ain’t the only one cuz Tarik came by the station…he was heartbroken over losing you guys,” T.J. said. “That is my cue to leave…gotta wash up…I give you both some time to talk about the worst subject ever,” Farrah said, then step out of the room. “I think she’s jealous of us cuz we both married Tarik,” she said. “Yep,” T.J. said. “So how is he,” she asked her friend. “Not good…he feels badly for how he treated you—the situation with the phone cord…he even apologized for the bad things he did to me when we were married…I have no idea what he would do next,” T.J. said. Then they continued talking.

Tarik was in his apartment looking at pictures of his family. He put them down and went into the closet for a small box. He opened it and pulled out a handgun. He went over to the table with the box and sat at a table. Meanwhile, T.J. and Nyisha got into the car. “I remembered that he told me he would rather die than let me go…this is what the separation did to him…I hope we’re not too late,” Nyisha said. T.J. drove off quickly. Tarik started to put bullets in the gun and closed the chamber. “I’m sorry, everyone…maybe you’re better off without me,” he said to himself. The girls showed up and got out of the car. As he was getting ready to put the gun at his forehead, he heard several knocks on his door. “Tarik, open up! I know you’re in there! Please talk to me,” Nyisha yelled. “Go away…leave me alone,” he yelled back. “You gotta keep him talking…I’ll find a way to get into the apartment,” T.J. whispered. Nyisha nodded her head. “I wanna be alone…why are you here anyway,” he yelled at her. “Can you open the door for me…we need to talk,” Nyisha said. “What’s there to talk about—we’re separated, remember,” he said. As the two of them talked, T.J. went around the corner to find a way inside. Suddenly, she remembered an old vent that leads to his bedroom. She could hear her two friends talking loudly as she reaches the bedroom door. “Your entire family wants me gone—I’m gone…get out of here or you’ll regret it,” he said. T.J. slowly opened the door and saw Tarik with a gun in his hand. “I’m not arguing with you anymore…I’m coming in,” Nyisha said, grabbing for the spare key. “Don’t come in here—I don’t wanna have to kill you,” he growled. “You don’t wanna do anything stupid, Tarik,” T.J. spoke up. Tarik turns around to see his ex-wife standing there in front of him. “How did you get in here,” he yelled. “I need you to put the gun down please,” she said. “Why should I, huh? Nobody wants me here! I was threatened into leaving this marriage just like my last one,” he said. “Only because you were abusive…I nearly died because of you…I thought you were gonna get your life back on track…what happened,” she asked him. “Mr. Johnson—your godfather–bullied me into letting Nyisha go…said she would be better off without me…your dad said the same thing when he had our marriage annulled…they think I’m no good, Tiff, and maybe they’re right…I don’t have to live,” he said as she moved closer to him. “Don’t say that…what would I tell our sons if they lose their father…you don’t want to hurt Nyisha like that…what about Malcolm and Jerome…you don’t want them to grow up without you, do you,” she said. Nyisha opened the door and rushed over to Tarik. “I don’t want to lose you…please let go of the gun, Tarik,” Nyisha said. Tarik shook his head and did what he was asked. T.J. grabbed the box and put the gun in it. Then the girls hugged him tight.

Moments later, T.J. and Nyisha sat down on the couch. Tarik was fast asleep in the bedroom. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if he killed himself,” Nyisha finally said. “Me neither…let’s hope we never find out…how are you holding up,” T.J. asked her. “A little shaky but I’m okay,” she said, “I don’t think I can go through the divorce…not after what happened tonight!” “I can’t believe your dad would do something like that…he’s not a violent man, Iz,” T.J. said. “I don’t know if I can face him after what he did to Tarik,” she said. “That’s gonna be hard considering that you’re Randy Johnson’s daughter,” T.J. said, “You got to face your dad at some point!” “He’s not the only one threatening my husband…your dad had a part in it when he pushed Tarik into ending your marriage,” she said. “We can’t do anything with these men…they love us too much,” T.J. said. “What are we gonna do about Tarik…we can’t just leave him here…suppose he tries to kill himself after we leave,” she said. “He’s gonna have a hard time finding that gun…I locked it in the trunk of my car,” T.J. said, holding the key in her hand. The two of them chuckled. “Good thing you talked him down…I don’t know what we would do without you,” she said. “You’re my friends…I would do anything for you,” T.J. said. “I gotta call Farrah and let her know where I am before she freaks out,” she said. “You know he has to be admitted in the hospital cuz of what just happened…like you said a while ago, he could try to kill himself again,” T.J. said. “Yeah…I know,” she said. As Nyisha left the room, Tarik came out and saw T.J. sitting on the couch. “Hey,” he said. “Hi! Are you okay now,” T.J. asked him. “Yeah…sorry I scared you girls a while ago,” he said, “It wasn’t my intention for you to see me like that, you know!” “You had us worried…I’m not sure I want my sons to see you like this…is it about time you get some help for all our sakes,” T.J. said. “You gotta be kidding, Tiff,” he said. “No, Tarik—I’m not…I just watched you try to kill yourself…I’m not sure if I could handle this…if you really love your boys, you would do what we all ask you to do—get some help or we’re gone, you got that,” T.J. said. Nyisha walked in on the end of the conversation and hugged her friend. “She’s right…you’re a danger to yourself as well as everyone else…if you really love us, you would get some help…please,” she said. “Okay…I’ll do it…I promise,” he said. Months after the suicide, Tarik and Nyisha has gotten closer. Once he came home, Randy welcomed his son-in-law with open arms. The next day, the gang went to the diner for breakfast. “Hello, old friend,” Terrence said. “Hey, guys,” Tarik said. “Since you’re back now, we won’t hear anything about taking your own life again, will we,” Marvin asked. “Nope…I’m through that…the only thing that’s important to me is my family and friends…a good friend told me that I would lose my kids if I didn’t get my act together…that advice got me through it…thanks, Tiff…you and Nyisha showed me the error of my ways…I promise to make it up to both of you,” he said. “Of course, baby,” Nyisha said. Then they ordered their meal.

Chapter 2: Bridget/DeWayne/Kevin/Brandon

Bridget muster up the courage to talk with the kid on the skateboard. “Hello…my name is Bridget and you are…,” she said. “I’m DeWayne,” the kid said. “So…what brings you to our neck of the woods,” she asked him. “My mom and dad think I need a change in environment…that’s why I’m here…how about you,” DeWayne asked her. “I grew up here with my folks and sixteen siblings—well fifteen siblings considering my dad sent my 14-year-old sister to his friend’s house because she got pregnant by her much older boyfriend…he runs this big old computer business with my godfather,” she said. “I heard of this company…your dad is Terrell Thompson, isn’t it,” he said. “Yep,” she said. The two of them continued talking. Hours later, Bridget went home and saw Kevin playing basketball with Brandon. “Hey, guys,” she said. “Hey, little sister…Dad’s looking for you,” Brandon said to her. “Good…I got a surprise for him…I made a new friend,” she said. “Who is this new friend, Bridget,” Kevin said. “You’ll be the first to meet him…guys, I would like you to introduce you to DeWayne Williams,” she said as the kid shows himself. Kevin and Brandon looked at each other as the two of them talked. As the times goes by, Bridget and DeWayne have gotten closer. They became boyfriend and girlfriend on the first day of junior high school. Afterwards, DeWayne started to become obsessive. “I was trying to call you last night…where were you,” he growled. “I was at the library studying with friends…what’s the big deal,” she said. He got mad and slapped her hard. Before he knew what he has done, he looked over to Bridget and kissed her on the forehead. “Oh my god…I’m so sorry about that…I didn’t mean it,” he said. “I didn’t deserve this, D…my big sister was in an abusive relationship…she had to divorce him before he killed her…I can’t be in the same situation as her…please don’t do that to me,” she said. “No problem…it’ll never happen again,” he said to her. Moments later, Bridget was having lunch with Brandon and Kevin. “You know you gotta get away from DeWayne…he’s psycho,” Brandon said to his twin sister. “Don’t worry so much, big brother…I can handle it…he apologized to me after it happened,” she said. “You better hope T.J. doesn’t find out about this or you will get a big lecture from her,” Kevin said. “Please don’t remind me,” she said. The three of them laughed as DeWayne watches from afar. “We’re just saying that we care about you is all…okay, buddy,” Kevin said, holding Bridget’s hand. That sign of affection made DeWayne angry. He walked away quickly. Months later, DeWayne put his plan of abuse to the greatest extreme by getting rid of anyone that has gotten close with Bridget. One evening, she was rushed to the hospital with a dislocated shoulder. Terrell and Sheryl were sitting in the waiting room as their youngest daughter was being treated. “This reminds me of what happened with T.J.! We learned that Tarik was beating on her! Bridget needs to be put in therapy before that kid kills her,” Terrell finally said. “She’s not gonna do that unless she admits that DeWayne is hurting her…it’s gonna only push her closer to him…we can’t lose our baby, Terrell,” Sheryl said. “You know you gotta get away from DeWayne, B,” T.J. said. “It’s not as bad as everyone thinks…I’m not you,” Bridget told her big sister. “He’s just like Tarik…does DeWayne have some kind of hold on you, huh,” she said. “Don’t start comparing my boyfriend to your ex-husband, all right…we’re not alike,” Bridget said, then turns away from her. “He nearly ripped your arm out of the socket…what does it takes for you to get away from him, huh…we don’t wanna lose you–I don’t wanna lose you,” T.J. yelled. “Hey…what is going on in here,” Sheryl asked her daughters. “I had enough of this…I’m done,” she said angrily. “I will never be you…never,” Bridget growled. Then T.J. left the room abruptly.

Two months later, Bridget went back to school. She was thinking about the last conversation that she had with T.J. “…we don’t wanna lose you—I don’t wanna lose you,” she remembers her big sister telling her at the hospital. “Hey, babe…where ya go,” a voice said to her. She looked up to see DeWayne standing there. “Um, nowhere…just had a lot on my mind is all,” she said. “I would’ve came to visit you but your folks made some stupid excuse to keep me away…they think I’m no good for you…I wonder if you feel the same way,” DeWayne said. “No…I don’t, DeWayne…no one dictate what I do in my life anymore,” she said. “Just what I needed to hear…listen to your man…the hell with everyone else,” he said, then kisses her on the lips. Later that day, Kevin approached Bridget at her locker. “Hi, buddy…good to see you,” he said. “Hi, Kev…no time to talk…I’ve gotta get to class,” she said. “Don’t worry…this will only take a minute…I have to ask you this…are you really sure you wanna be with DeWayne after what happened,” he said. “Great…you too…my family gave me grief about my relationship…if this is how it’s gonna be, then we can’t be friends anymore,” she said. “It’s not like that…your family are worried about you—I’m worried about you…your big sister has been through this and nearly died by Tarik’s hands…suppose he lose his temper again and kills you…I don’t think I could live with that,” he said. “Then don’t…I can take care of myself…leave me alone, Kevin,” she said. DeWayne showed up and wrapped his arms around Bridget. “Don’t do this, B,” he said. “Ey! You heard her, buddy! Buzz off! This is my girl! Go find your own, punk,” DeWayne said. Kevin walked off angrily. As the weeks goes by, DeWayne became more violent. It has gotten so bad that it puts Bridget in the hospital once again. “You were right…he’s just as bad as Tarik,” she said. “I didn’t want to be right, B…just wanted you to be safe,” T.J. said. There was a knock on the door. “Hi,” Kevin said, coming in. “I’ll be outside, you guys…give you a chance to talk,” T.J. said, then left the room. “Heard you went after DeWayne for what he did to me,” she said. “I hated him for hurting you…I would never make you to turn away from your friends,” he said. “You should’ve hated me for the fight we had a while back,” she said. “I wasn’t ready to give up on my friend…I meant what I said last night when we were in my bedroom,” he said. “I know you did…I never doubt it for a second,” she said. Kevin climbed into bed with Bridget and hugged her tight. Seconds later, they fell asleep. DeWayne was sitting in a cell as his lawyers fought for his release. Six weeks later, T.J. and Bridget were hanging out at the park with Tyrese, Tarik Jr, and Brianna. “Does it get any easier,” Bridget spoke up. “What do you mean,” T.J. said. “Being in a new relationship…having my first child…separating from DeWayne—that kind of thing,” she said. “I don’t know…I would be lying to you if I told you that it was easier…it’s not…I had to fight to get my life back on track after divorcing Tarik…I did it for my kids…why you ask…having second thoughts about Kevin,” T.J. said. “Nope…somehow I wondered why he would choose to be with me after the way that I treated him,” she said. “Because he loves you…it’ll be a hard road ahead of you but you’ll be okay…at least you didn’t marry that jerk DeWayne,” T.J. said. “That is something I wouldn’t do…I saw how your marriage with Tarik turned out…he kept you and the boys away from us for months at a time…I probably couldn’t survive it,” she said. “I was acting like a bitch to you guys as well while I was married to Tarik,” T.J. said. “I’m glad I got my big sister back,” she said, “One question though…do you regret the choices that you made?” T.J. looked over to her kids and said, “About Tarik, yep…but having my boys…I don’t regret that choice one bit!” “Hi, Mommy,” said Tyrese. “Hey, bud…no matter what my differences are, this little one here, his brother, and his sister comes first,” T.J. said. “Ouch,” Bridget winced. “What’s wrong,” she asked. “This little guy’s been kicking me on and off for the past two hours,” Bridget said. “I think my little nephew agrees with me…Kevin is a good guy…you knew him since the first time you guys played in the sandbox…don’t ever doubt about your relationship with him, okay,” she said to her little sister. “Hey, man…how does it feels to be a soon-to-be dad,” Brandon asked his friend while shooting hoops. “Feels good…it’s a little different but we got it under control,” Kevin said. “Good thing my little sister wise up and got away from DeWayne…I always knew you were the right guy for her,” he said. “It was tough but I don’t wanna push her into anything that she didn’t want her to do…DeWayne made her turn away from all her friends to be with him…I would never do that to your sister, man—just taking it slow,” Kevin said. “Don’t take it too slow cuz my little nephew could be born any day now,” he said. Suddenly, the front door opens and Sheryl came out. “Hey, guys…we need to get to the hospital…Bridget just went into labor,” she said to them. Hours later, Kevin and Bridget welcomed their first child. “Hey there, little guy…welcome to the world,” he said. “I see you’re very happy…this baby did that,” she said. “So is his mom…I would do anything to protect this family,” he said. “I know…you proved it to me that day when DeWayne attacked me,” she said. Then the two of them shared a passionate kiss.

As the times goes by, Bridget and Kevin were preparing for college. Terrell was playing with his soon-to-be-one-year-old grandson. “I’m so proud of you guys…finished in first and second of your graduating class…and taking on this challenge of raising this darling little boy,” Sheryl said. “Thanks, Mom…I couldn’t do this without you and Dad,” Bridget said. “I don’t know…it seems like you guys are handling it just fine,” she said to her daughter. “I would take that compliment if I were you,” a voice called out from across the room. “Knock it off, T.J.,” Terrell said. “Your sister and your parents are right…we did all right with ourselves,” Kevin said, then kisses her on the cheek. Meanwhile, DeWayne was sitting outside the Thompsons house. He saw Bridget and Kevin through the window. “You will regret leaving me for that chump…bets believe that, bitch,” he growled. His car pulled off quickly. The next day, Terrell and Randy took their kids up to the college to get them settled. “Remember our talk: if anything comes up, let me know,” he said. “Of course, Dad…I haven’t seen DeWayne in months…I got Kevin watching out for me…you have nothing to worry about,” Bridget said. “Exactly what I wanted to hear…have a good time but not too good of a time,” he said. “Don’t worry, Mr. Thompson…she’ll be safe…you can count on me,” Kevin said. “I’ll hold you to those words, young man,” he said, shaking Kevin’s hand. The men got into their cars and drove away slowly. “It’s gonna be hard to him to let you go, B,” Kevin said. “I know,” she said. Brandon walked up to the happy couple and said, “It’s only because you’re his last little girl leaving the nest…Jeffrey is the last kid left at home!” “I agree with your brother on that,” he said. “Heh? Let’s just find our dorms already,” she said, hitting the both of them. As they were setting up their things in the dorm room, someone knocked on the door. “Who could this be,” Bridget asked. “Dunno,” said Brandon and Kevin. They went to see who it was. “Hey there…bout time you showed up,” Brandon said. “I wasn’t sure if you remember me from high school,” a voice said. “Who could forget? Hi, Miranda,” Bridget squealed. Ever since the fight with DeWayne in the 12^th grade, Bridget and Miranda became very good friends. She even asked Miranda to be her son’s godmother. “So…how is my little godson doing,” Miranda asked. “He’s doing good…he’s with my mom at the moment but she’ll bring him up next weekend,” Bridget said. “That’s good to know…no sign of DeWayne…we can finally enjoy this college life that everyone is talking about,” Miranda said. “Hell yeah,” Brandon yelled. The four of them left the dorm room and head down the hall. Meanwhile, Sheryl and Terrell were having a quiet lunch at home. Their only remaining child, Jeffrey, went out with his friends. “Now that we have Bridget situated at school, we can rest assure that DeWayne will not be a problem for our family ever again,” he said. “I’m sure you’re right…it won’t be like with T.J. and her kids…everything worked out for the best,” she said. Jeffrey was hanging out with Danny and Nigel at the arcade. “I feel so free now that my big brother is out of the house…how about you, Jeff,” Danny said. “It’s cool…my brother and sister are in college now…no one’s here to rat me out on anything, Dan Man,” Jeffrey said. “I’m glad that I’m an only child…let’s go play some games, fellas,” Nigel said. Then they went to the first game and started playing.

Chapter 3: Jeffrey/Danny/Nigel

Months later, Jeffrey and Danny were at the arcade with their girlfriends. “So, girls…what do you want to play…pick any game you want…money’s no object,” Danny said. “Don’t say that, D…April, this is Ashlee and Janet…you remember Danny,” Jeffrey said. “Yeah…hey, Danny…hi, Ashlee…Janet,” April said. “Hi,” Ashlee and Janet said back. “You’re no fun, J,” Danny said to his friend. “Can you excuse us while we get acquainted with J’s little girlfriend,” Janet said to the boys. “Okay, babe…we’ll be by the skeeball tables,” Danny said. “Of course,” Ashlee said. “Come on…we won’t bite,” Janet said to April. The three of them went to a table to talk. “Should I be worried, D,” Jeffrey questioned. “Naw…you’re like family…the girls wanna make sure she’s the right one for you,” Danny said. Meanwhile, Kevin and Bridget were relaxing at the dorm with their young son. “So…what are you thinking about,” he asked. “Not seeing DeWayne since he got kicked out of school,” she said. “What about us,” he said. “Being with you is the best decision that I’ve ever made in a long time…our little family comes first,” she said. The two of them shared a passionate kiss. As the days goes by, the kids went on with their lives. Kevin and Bridget went home for the weekend with Kyle in tow. “Hey, guys,” Jeffrey said to them. “Hey, little brother…you’re just getting up,” Bridget said. “I had a lot of homework this week…hey, lil K,” he said, picking up his nephew. “More like running around in the streets with my knucklehead brother…just saw his car outside,” Kevin said. “Oh…he’s in the back scribbling in some notebook…I’ll go get him,” he said. Danny came into the house as they talked. “Hey, y’all,” they heard him say. “Hey, knucklehead…we need a favor from the both of you,” Kevin said to his brother.