by AnDerecco
DEMARCUS
Where is she?
ZESHAWN
In a group home. I really feel for her. You know, to lose everyone in your family. She is literally all by herself.
DEMARCUS
That’s has got to be hard. She hasn’t been to school in two days.
ZESHAWN
She may be getting adjusted. Damn her dad died. How are we suppose to say that? Did he die or did she kill him?
Demarcus looked at Zeshawn and shrugged his shoulders.
DEMARCUS
On a lighter note, Tuesday of Thanksgiving Break, I am going to tour UK’s campus. You want to go with me?
ZESHAWN
Hell yes. Maybe I will like the campus and might enroll to go there myself.
Keira was sitting in her bedroom at the group home when she was told that she had a visitor. She walked into the conference room where Ms. Adler, an attorney from Las Vegas was standing with a local attorney, Mr. Leslie.
Mr. Leslie was appointed by the state when Alan died. He explained to Keira that she would be at the group home until she graduated high school which was only a few months away. Keira asked about being emancipated from the state.
MR. LESLIE
Your case is very special. Emancipation only occurs with parents. Emancipation can only occur when the child: 1) attains 21 years of age, 2) marries, 3) joins the military and serves full-time, or 4) is convicted of a felony and sentenced to two years or more in which you don’t fall in any of those categories. Even if you have attained the age of 18 years and has discontinued full-time enrollment in school, or voluntarily move from the home of the custodial parent or guardian, establishes independent living arrangements, obtains full-time employment and discontinues educational endeavors before reaching the age of 21, or cohabits with another person without approval of the parent obligated to pay child support.
KEIRA
That is stupid. At 21 I would have moved out on my own anyway. I am a responsible 18 year old with a 3.4 GPA. I want to move back to Vegas.
MS. ADLER
That is one reason why I am here. I was good friends with you mother back in Las Vegas. I handled a lot of matters for her that you kids didn’t know about. She had several life insurance policies on her and your brother. Being that you are a legal resident of Mississippi now, I will have to open a trust to put your funds in.
KEIRA
How much are we talking?
MS. ADLER (thumbing through papers)
A total of $300,000.
KEIRA
What?!
MS. ADLER
Yes ma’am.
KEIRA
So who would be over this trust since I am under age?
Ms. Adler turned and looked at Mr. Leslie.
MR. LESLIE
Well, the home would be over your funds.
Keira was not pleased with that answer. She knew that the overseers would rob her blind without her knowing.
KEIRA
What if I go to foster parents or was adopted?
MR. LESLIE
The state would be over it until you turned 21 or legally adopted.
KEIRA
I need to work on getting adopted by someone that I trust.
Saturday, November 17
Demarcus, Zeshawn, and Cameron rode to the mall together. While walking around they spotted Keira looking at CDs. Walking over to her, Zeshawn called out her name. Keira turned around and embraced them with love.
ZESHAWN
How are you doing, bay?
KEIRA
I am good, just hanging.
CAMERON
You miss me.
KEIRA (smile growing wider)
I miss you most of all Cameron, but I have only missed a few days of school.
DEMARCUS
How are you adjusting to the group home?
KEIRA
It’s different but you know we all have to go through things. This is sad to say at 18, but I hope that I get adopted soon. I don’t want to be in the home long and I don’t want to go from foster home to foster home.
DEMARCUS
We were about to grab something to eat, do you want to go with us?
KEIRA
I would have to get permission from my group parent. I don’t think that she would mind.
They all walked to find the group parent. After searching around the mall for about five minutes they found her in a clothing store looking at a blouse.
KEIRA
Ms. Baker, these are some friends of mind. They want to grab something to eat and I was wondering if it would be ok to leave with them. They can bring me back to the home.
MS. BAKER
You know that I can’t do that. You all can eat here in the mall but when we get ready to leave you will have to go back with us. I am sorry honey.
Keira looked at the guys and they all agreed to eat in the food court.
After ordering everyone talked about the lockdown at school. Keira expressed how she felt being held hostage by her father. Zeshawn wrapped his arm around her and the side of his face met her’s.
Cameron talked about his stint in jail because of Alexis. Everyone gave their entire attention and listened to the depth of his tone. Cameron told them that he didn’t push her. He felt a pain in his chest when he talked about the fight he had in the super center.
CAMERON
She is really going to make me catch a case.
Demarcus talked about his acceptance to the University of Kentucky and that he and Zeshawn were going to visit the campus this week. He was excited about everything. He didn’t want to flaunt his accomplishments and happiness but that’s all he had to talk about.
Keira talked about her life insurance money from her mother and brother. She was to also get money from her dad. She didn’t like the fact that the state and the group home would be over her money. She wanted to be with a family that would love her and take care of her.
After eating they decided to walk the mall. In the shoe store they spotted Mr. Wansley looking over some running shoes. Demarcus was the first to call out his name. They walked towards each other to greet. Mr. Wansley showed great passion and concern for his students even on the weekend. He asked everyone how things were going with them. He expressed his condolences to Keira for the loss of her father.
Suddenly they all looked at one another.
ZESHAWN
Mr. Wansley, you don’t have any kids do you?
MR. WANSLEY
No. I thought about adopting before but I am not sure about it.
ZESHAWN
Well, I think you should reconsider it.
MR. WANSLEY
Why?
DEMARCUS
Everyone needs children to carry on their name.
MR. WANSLEY
I have a few cousins, nieces, and nephews that keep me busy.
CAMERON
But you don’t have your own.
MR. WANSLEY
What are you rug-rats up to?
KEIRA
They are speaking for me Mr. Wansley. You know that I am in foster care and what they are beating around the bush with is you adopting me.
Mr. Wansley stood there. He knew of Keira present situation but was not sure if he should get involved.
MR. WANSLEY
Well. Hummmm.
KEIRA
I understand if you don’t want kids right now, but I don’t like living there. I just want to complete my senior year and go back to Vegas. I am moving.
MR. WANSLEY
Keira I am not going to push the idea out of my head. I will think about it but I can’t make any promises.
DEMARCUS
Mr. Wansley, think long and hard on it.
CAMERON
Yeah, real long and hard. This is something that will help the both of you.
MR. WANSLEY
How Cameron?
CAMERON
Well I don’t know but I know that you won’t regret it.
>
Tuesday, November 20
It was five o’clock in the morning when EJae went into Demarcus’ room to wake him up. She heard the water from the shower running. When she looked into his room, she saw that his suitcase was at the door and his outfit was laid across his neatly made bed.
EJAE
Oh, he is really excited about this trip.
Twenty minutes later Demarcus came into the kitchen where he found breakfast on the table. EJae was sitting there with her fingers intertwined. He walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
DEMARCUS
Good morning. You didn’t have to make breakfast.
EJAE
Yes I did. I wanted you to have a full stomach when you got on the road to UK. Plus I wanted to do something special for you. To make you think of home when you are eating breakfast on campus. What time are you leaving?
DEMARCUS
Six. I am going to go by and pick Zeshawn up.
EJAE
I am glad that you found someone to go with you. You can take turns driving.
DEMARCUS
Yeah, he is cool.
Demarcus finished his breakfast and started to put his bags in his truck. He and EJae hugged once again before he got in his car.
Demarcus merge onto I-40 E toward Nashville. Zeshawn was in the passenger seat reading a brochure about UK.
ZESHAWN
Do you want me to drive?
DEMARCUS
Naw I got it. How do you like the information about UK?
ZESHAWN
Everything sounds good. I really like their Communication and Information Program. I have always wanted to go into journalism.
DEMARCUS
I never knew that.
ZESHAWN
Yeah. I like speaking.
DEMARCUS
I may look up and see you broadcasting the news one day.
ZESHAWN
You never know.
Zeshawn pulled out his web tablet and connected to UK’s website. He decided that he would do an online application.
ZESHAWN
Done!
DEMARCUS
What did you do?
ZESHAWN
I filled out an application for UK.
DEMARCUS
I know that you will get accepted. With a 29 on the ACT you are cooking like fish in hot grease.
ZESHAWN
Boy, you stupid.
It was five p.m. when they arrived in Lexington, Kentucky. They headed to the hotel to check-in. Demarcus suggested that they go eat. He asked Zeshawn what he had a taste for. Zeshawn was not a picky eater. They looked through the Visitor’s guide and decided upon Mediterranean. They found Oasis Restaurant.
When they completed their dinner, they decided to tour the city before it was too late. Zeshawn drove around looking at the different places.
ZESHAWN
This is definitely different from Jackson.
DEMARCUS
Yeah, I know. I think that I am going to like it here.
Demarcus told Zeshawn to stop abruptly. He jumped out of the truck and ran over to a cart that had apartment guides in it.
ZESHAWN
Why did you get that? I thought that you would be staying on campus.
DEMARCUS
Just in case. See “when” you get accepted we can get an apartment together. We won’t have to stay on campus. We will have our own privacy, come and go when we please and we really will be living the college life.
ZESHAWN
Yeah but college life is living on campus.
DEMARCUS
Not for everyone.
Wednesday, November 21
Demarcus and Zeshawn pulled up to the entrance gate of UK. Demarcus told the attendant that he had an appointment with the admission counselor. The attendant gave them directions and Demarcus drove off.
They sat in the waiting area until Mr. Stinson came out of his office. He took Demarcus and Zeshawn back and talked to them about everything that UK had to offer. Zeshawn explained that he filled out an application online and would mail the necessary paperwork when he got home.
Mr. Stinson took them on a tour of the campus in a golf cart. Driving around, he explained the history behind some of the buildings, the different departments, and the dorms. After several hours of talking, he took them to the cafeteria for lunch.
The group home parent invited Keira to the conference room where Mr. Jones and Mr. Wansley sat. Keira was shocked to see them there. She sat in a chair beside Mr. Wansley.
MR. JONES
Keira, I have some good news for you. Mr. Wansley wants to adopt you.
Keira was happy about the news. She knew that talking with him in the mall was a great idea.
MR. JONES
Since you both know each other from school, we will expedite the process. I will go ahead and place you in his home today. I will make several home visits to see how you both are adjusting; make sure that you are still in school, and things of that nature. The visits are usually for at least six months, until we can recommend the adoption be finalized by the court. You may choose any attorney you wish to represent you during the adoption proceedings in court. How does that sound?
KEIRA
I am excited. I have an attorney in Las Vegas. But I can use the one she introduced me to here.
MR. JONES
OK, we’ll go and gather your belongings and off you go.
Keira rushed down the hall to pack her things. She was overjoyed about the news. She hurriedly packed her things.
MR. JONES
Mr. Wansley you know the things that Keira has been through. She is very delicate but I think that this is a great move. I will try to make this process as easy and quick as possible.
MR. WANSLEY
Thanks. I know that she is a good kid. I want her to be happy and I think that this will benefit the both of us.
MR. JONES
I am sure that it will.
It wasn’t long before Keira came galloping back up front.
KEIRA
I am ready.
MR. WANSLEY
That wasn’t long.
KEIRA
I never really unpacked my things when I first came here.
Keira and Mr. Wansley walked out of the building and got into the car. It was an excellent ride home. They both were giddy on the inside.
After getting a nap that afternoon, Demarcus and Zeshawn decided to catch a seven o’clock movie. Demarcus jumped into the shower first. Zeshawn looked into his suitcase for something to wear. He didn’t want to overdress for a movie. He turned the volume up on the TV so that he could hear the news. He thought that if he was going to go to school here, he would like to know what goes on in the city.
Zeshawn was holding his travel bag in his hand while his was listening to the weather report. A few moments later, Demarcus stepped out of the bathroom with the towel wrapped around his waist. Zeshawn was so surprised by this that he dropped his bag.
DEMARCUS
Shower’s free.
ZESHAWN
Ah, yeah. Thanks.
Zeshawn picked up his bag and went into the bathroom. He placed the bag on the counter and stopped to think about the sight of Demarcus’ body. Once he regained his thoughts, he got into the shower.
Demarcus dressed in a pair of jeans and a snow-white dress shirt. He waited until Zeshawn returned from the shower before he put on his shoes.
It wasn’t long before Zeshawn finished his shower. When he stepped out of the bathroom he found Demarcus sitting up in the bed, asleep. Zeshawn yelled out to him. Demarcus jumped when he heard his name.
ZESHAWN
Did you get a good nap?
DEMARCUS
It took you forever and a day to take a shower. You don’t have that much to clean.
ZESHAWN
Do you know what you can do for me?
Demarcus jumped from the bed and stood in front of Zeshawn. He was so close that Zeshawn could feel hi
s breathe.
DEMARCUS
What can I do for you?
ZESHAWN
Um, um, have a seat till I get dressed.
Demarcus smiled as he walked away. He sat down at the table that was in the room.
DEMARCUS
I have an idea.
ZESHAWN (while getting dressed)
What?
DEMARCUS
How about we order something and have it delivered and order a movie on Pay-Per-View.
ZESHAWN
Are you sure you don’t want to go out?
DEMARCUS
Yes I am sure.
Zeshawn stopped getting dressed and sat on the edge of the bed.
DEMARCUS
No…finish dressing. We will just pretend that we are at a restaurant.
ZESHAWN
Yes, sir.
DEMARCUS (thumbing through the Pay-Per-View guide)
What genre of movie do you want to watch? Action, Comedy, Drama, or Horror?
ZESHAWN
It doesn’t matter.
DEMARCUS
We can watch “The Vow”. Let’s see…Paige and Leo are happily married newlyweds, but their idyllic life together suddenly shatters when a car accident leaves her in a coma. “The Incredible Hulk” Scientist Bruce Banner desperately seeks a cure for the gamma radiation that contaminated his cells and turned him into The Hulk. “21 Jump Street” When cops Schmidt and Jenko join the secret Jump Street unit, they use their youthful appearances to go under cover as high-school students. Or “Grave Encounters” The crew of a ghost-hunting TV show goes insane after being locked in an abandoned psychiatric hospital.
ZESHAWN
Let’s watch “Grave Encounters”. It sounds interesting. Plus I haven’t seen a scary movie in a while.
Zeshawn ordered Chinese that was delivered in less than thirty minutes.
They began the movie after they finished eating. Demarcus and Zeshawn lay across their beds when the movie started.
Throughout the movie, they both hollered and jumped on certain scenes. Once, Demarcus looked over at Zeshawn. He had his head buried in his pillow. Demarcus went over and snatched the pillow from Zeshawn so that he would watch the movie.
ZESHAWN
Man, give me my pillow.
DEMARCUS
Stop being scared and watch the movie.
ZESHAWN
You are screaming more than me.
