Episode 35

Caffeine, Francesca

 

The sun is beaming bright and hard.  Francesca feels her skin starting to burn from the sun.  Caffeine, is covered with scarves and coated with the highest SPF sunscreen.  After running away from the warehouse located in an industrial area, they stop look back.  They see a woman running away from the building. 

 

"Could that be…?" Caffeine asked.

 

"Sharalonda." Francesca answered but unsure.

 

"You better hope that she don't go to the police or bring any type of negative attention to our family," Caffeine warned.

 

"I'm not done with these people yet.  You don't know what I have been through all these years of torment," Francesca said.

 

"Woman, it has been ages that has passed and you are holding on to school yard bully shit.  Move on.  It's a new day and look at you running around like Uma Thurman from Kill Bill," Caffeine said.

 

Francesca thought to herself, 'I don't care.  They must pay.'

 

"Do you hear what I'm saying to you?  Or do we have protect our family reputation by any means necessary, and you do know what I am talking about," Caffeine warned.

 

"I hear you Caf, loud and clear."

 

"Let's get out of here.  Boy's let's go!" Caffeine summons her guards.

 

A Range Rover pulls up near them and they get inside.  As they are riding down the dirt road, they see a woman with dust covering her clothes.  "That's her, Caffeine!  That's that bitch!" Francesca yelled.

 

"We just talked about this, Fran."

 

Francesca elbowed Caffeine in the nose without a second thought, climbed on top of her, and continued to punch her in the face.  Caffeine feels helpless so she screams for the driver to stop, but under the spell of Caffeine, he was overwhelmed and kept driving but now faster.  Caffeine feels the bruises on her face swelling and blood flows out of her nose.  Francesca proceeded to choke her while kneeing her in the ribs.  The Range Rover swerves left and right on the road throwing the two around in the back seat.  The driver is out of control and the engine is revved up to it's full capacity. 

 

An oak tree off the road brought the vehicle to a fast and hard halt.  Francesca has a surge of energy while Caffeine lays defeated in the back seat.  The driver of the Range Rover died on impact of an air bag and a tree branch that shattered the windshield and penetrated his lung.  Francesca climbs over Caffeine and opens the door.  With no injuries, she is free to pursue Sharalonda and continue to collect the rest of these parts.  The parts that make up the torment that she suffered tremendously and affected her adult hood.

 

Francesca looks around to find her prey, but Sharalonda is nowhere in sight.  Passing vehicles honk their horns as they are passing on the road but do not stop to help.  She hears sirens in the distance, "somebody must have called emergency," Francesca mutters to herself.  She walks through the wooded area not wanting to be seen by anyone so that she would not have to answer any stupid questions.  As she is walking, the weeds are growing the size of NBA players and every other living thing is running rapid and loud at whatever noise that Mother Nature has provided them.  This is driving Francesca more insane than she already is.  She is fanning and slapping her face and body from flying insects and weeds that wrestles with her.  She no longer has the energy to fight nor the visual to see where she is going.  It is extremely hot and her skin sweating and she is beginning to feel tightness from the burn.  Francesca legs collapses and she passes out right next her prey, Sharalonda.

_____________________________________________

 

Sirens blare and emergency workers voices are getting closer.  She can hear them but her body won't allow her to speak loud enough.   A whisper barely escapes her voice, "over here, over here".  The tall weeds being chopped down and slowing grows back.  One of the rescue workers asked, "What kind of plants are these?  They just keep growing."

 

Meanwhile…

 

A stretcher carries the dead driver and another one carries Caffeine.  "I'm okay!  I'm okay!" She screamed.  The EMS workers energy is surged from the spell and they are moving in a rapid pace. 

 

"We need to take you in for observation.  What is your name?"

 

"Caffeine, and I don't think that will be a good idea," Caffeine says as she tries to lift herself off the gurney.

 

"Caffeine?  That's your name," the EMS worker asked unsure that maybe Caffeine just wanted some coffee.

 

"Yes, that's my name," Caffeine answered and the back of the ambulance door closed.

 

The further the ambulance drove away the weeds stopped growing.  However, the ambulance and all the equipment were going haywire.  The paramedics seemed confused and high at the same time.  The medical equipment is malfunctioning and the emergency lights suddenly burst leaving broken glass on the road.  An EMS worker shots Caffeine with a sedative once he got his balance.

 

"What is that!?  What…is…that?"  Caffeine manage to speak just before her body drifts to sleep.

 

_______________________________________________

 

Francesca vision blurred as if she is looking under water.  She sits in the corner of a classroom.  The teacher stands in front of the chalkboard, her mouth is moving but sound like men talking on CB radios.  Francesca is snatched up and lifted out of the classroom; she looks up at the familiar men.  One looks more familiar than the other does and she realizes it her father.  He looks angry and takes no mercy on the 9 years old Francesca.  She once again feels humiliated.

 

"Ma'am! Are you alright?" a rescue worker asked.

 

Francesca slowly comes to.  She realized she had a dream and it made her feel small and powerless.  When her eyes completely opened, she only had one thing on her mind and that was to kill Sharalonda. 

 

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you," Sharalonda answered.

 

"Why did you run all the way out here?"

 

Francesca slaps his hand from touching her.  He was only trying to help her off the ground.  "There was a girl here.  Where did she go?"

 

"Oh the ambulance already took her to a hospital."

 

Francesca starts to growl and the three men looked at her with fear.  She looks around at the men and tells them she feel faint.

 

"Boy's, let's get a gurney over here.  What's you name lady?" the worker asked.

 

"Jaliska.  My name is Jaliska Brown," Francesca lied.

 

Francesca lays on the gurney and the men transport her to the ambulance.  "What's the name of the hospital were going to?"  Francesca asked.

 

"Central State Hospital."

 

"Is that the same hospital that girl went?" Francesca asked.

 

"Were not sure ma'am.  Maybe.  Why?  Was she in the vehicle that was involved in the accident or was it just the three of you?"

 

"She was in the vehicle too, she's my sister.  Is she okay?" Francesca asked.

 

"Yes she was okay.  She checked out of the hospital.  She had no injuries and we couldn't keep her due to population.  Maybe she's waiting on you."

 

The ambulance pulls up at Central State Hospital.  Francesca jumps out of the back as soon as the doors opened. 

 

"Jaliska! Jaliska Brown!" the worker yelled and looked confused.

 

 

To Be Continued…

Episode 34

SHH, ITT

Shy and Itt takes Robert advice and retreat to the apartment upstairs from 'What's The Skinny' pastry and bakery store.  As soon as they entered the apartment, they flopped down on the sofa.  They were tired from the days events and don't know what else is to come.  Shy told Itt that Robert would be calling in 10 minutes.  "I guess once my dad calls we can sort things out," Shy said.

"What type of things?" Itt asked.

"Well with the shooting, how long will they keep the store closed and stuff?  And I haven't spoken with Jordan since I got here," Shy said.

"Oh, yea Jordan," Itt said rolling his eyes.

Shy ignores Itt and changes the subject, "have you thought about contacting Stacy?"

"I thought about it, but I really wouldn't know what to say to her."

"She's at your aunts' house Itt, in addition, she is getting her life together.  I think you should call her."

Shy picks up the phone and dials a number.  "Hey, how are you?"

"I'm good.  I just arrived in New York for some business and I was gonna try to hook up with you.  I got a surprise for you, but you have to wait.  You and your friend will like it very much.  I'll give you a hint, 'I was paying attention'."

"So not fair," Shy said.

"Well, such as life.  How are you doing?" Jordan asked.

"Well…it hasn't been a great day…"

"Shy, you didn't cu…"

"No, I didn’t cut myself.  It's a long story.  When I see you, I will fill you in.  When you said 'friend' did you mean Itt?" Shy asked.

"Yup, I did.  But I will talk to you and you tell me how you feel about it, okay?  No more questions; tomorrow, we get together and catch up.  Tell Itt, I said hello.  Bye Shy."

"That was Jordan, huh?  What did he have to say about me?" Itt asked.

"He said hello to begin with, and he said he has a surprise for us," Shy answered.

"Us?" Itt asked surprisingly.

"Yes, us.  He said it’s a surprise so I have no clue to what it is," Shy replied.

"Hmpt…yeah okay," Itt said with irritation in his tone.

Shy walks over to Itt, grabs his chin and looks him dead in the eye, "don’t be that way okay?"

"Alright Shy, with all that happened today, I will give you that.  But he better not be pulling a fast one," Itt said.

"Shut up," Shy said and gave Itt a kiss on his lips.

The lock on the entry door started to unlocked, Shy, and Itt rushed away from each other.  The door opened and there stood Percy.  Percy walked in and looked at the boys.  "What are you guys up too?"

"Nothing!" they both yelled.

"It's okay guys, I already know.  I'm okay with it.  You both are grown young men.  Just be careful.  I'm gonna go to my room and rest.  Shy let me know when your dad calls, okay?" Percy said.

Percy walks inside the bright room and dive face down on his bed.  He is confused about the days events and don't know what to make of anything anymore.  Even though Layla betrayed him, he was willing to listen to her side of the story.  He knows that she had information that could harm Robert and himself.  He just wanted her to suffer a little for the betrayal but now she's gone and he is afraid that more trouble is brewing.

___________________________________________

A limo pulls up in front of 'What's The Skinny' bakery. The back door on the passenger side opens and there steps a pair of black Gucci loafers.  "I'm already out!" he told the chauffer so that he didn't come around to open the door.  "Just wait on me and I don't know how long I will be," Jordan informed his chauffer.  He looks up at the building and is impressed.  The building has character, that old New York character is what he thought to himself.  He rings the door bell.

"Who is it?" blasted through the speaker box.

"It's Jordan McQueen, Shy's friend!"

There was a bit of a long pause.

(INSIDE THE APARTMENT)

"Did he just say Jordan?" Shy asked Itt who is standing at the intercom.

"What is he doing here?  I thought you said he wouldn't be here till tomorrow," Itt said aggravated.

"Chill with the jealousy, it don't look cute on you.  Well I guess he decided to surprise us.  Well don’t have him waiting, buzz him in," Shy said as he watched Itt walk away from the intercom.  Shy walks to the intercom and pushes the speak button, "Sorry, Jordan, come on up…first door on your right."

"Itt, don't be rude," Shy warned.

Shy is sprucing up the apartment while Itt sits with his arms folded.  They can hear the footsteps coming up the stairs.  Shy opens the door and sees Jordan's figure through the glass-frosted door that separates the staircase.  The door opens and Shy couldn't contain his happiness as Jordan's face appears.  He runs up to Jordan and gives him a tight hug.

"Surprise!" Jordan said with a big grin on his face.

"You said tomorrow?"

"Well, this is big and I couldn't wait.  It seemed as if you could use some good news, so hear I am."

"Well come in.  You remember Itt?" Shy asked.

Itt walks over to Jordan and extends his hand, "Hi, Jordan."

"How are you Itt?  Good seeing you again.  Well listen guys I have great news for the both of you," Jordan said.

"Both of us?" Itt asked surprised.

"If you both have a moment and ride with me someplace and we can discuss," Jordan said.

"Who is at the door!?" Percy yelled from the bedroom.

Shy told Jordan, "That's my dad's partner…I mean his business partner."

"It's Jordan.  Percy, a friend of mine!" Shy yelled from the living room.

Percy raised himself up off the bed because he knew that the voice sounded familiar.  Percy stands in the doorway of his bedroom and sees Jordan from the back.  "Jordan, Jordan PB?" Percy asked with laughter.

Jordan turns around to look at Percy, "Thunder? Thunder is that you?  Man look at you, you are swole!"

Jordan and Percy embraced each other with hugs and stared at each other for a moment.

"Umm hmmm," Shy clears his throat.

Jordan and Percy breaks their stare, "Oh yeah, Shy, he is a friend of mine from way back," Percy says.

"Apparently." Itt said sarcastically.

"Yeah, we go way back (he grins at Percy).  You go by Percy, huh?" Jordan asked.

"Yup, Thunder retired long time ago.  So just call me Percy, my govna name, hahaha."

"You got it.  So, what's going on?  There is a lot of commotion outside," Jordan asked.

"A friend of mine was killed today in front of the store, well somebody I thought was a friend," Percy answered.

"Aw man, I so sorry to hear that, that's serious.  Are you guys okay? I mean is there anything I could do to help?" Jordan asked and was truly concerned.

"Well apparently she was a real bitch and had some shady shit going on and we believe that it's not over, so we don't know what to expect from here on out," Itt answered.

"Itt!" Shy said shocked at the way Itt was speaking.

"Sorry man, but that's the truth.  It could have been either one of us and you acting all jolly because Grandpa is here.  Yeah, I think I will call Stacy," Itt said annoyed and walked into Roberts' room.

"Sorry Jordan…" Shy said.

"No need.  Maybe I should come by in a couple of days when things have calmed down a little bit.  I am truly sorry about what's going on Percy.  Shy, can I talk with you in the hall for a minute?  You don't mind Percy?" Jordan said.

Jordan walks out to the hall with Shy following, "Shy, are you truly okay?  I know you don't need this type of stress with your condition."

"Honestly Jordan, I'm not okay.  It just has been one thing after another and I just want normal, I want things just to be normal.  I can't lie and say I haven't thought about cutting, but I didn't.  It's times when I just want to be by myself but I feel that Itt needs me.  He seems strong but I think it's all a front.  He needs to speak to his mom and patch things up…"

"Look, here's the thing, in order for you take care of others you have to take care of yourself first, your mental health is very important.  People don't realize how serious cutting can be and how dangerous it is.  I know you want to help but just steer them a little.  Don't try to take on other people problems, cause no one is going to take on yours.  I want you to be careful.  Come here."

Shy moves closer to Jordan and Jordan give him a big hug and whispers in his ear, "I will take care of all your needs but I need you to take care of yourself first."

The floor squeaked and they turned around only to see the back of Itt walking back into the apartment.

As Jordan cuts the visit with Shy, he realized that the actions Itt displayed leaves him in a awkward position.  He is now rethinking the surprise for them both and only want to include Shy alone.  But is Shy ready for something this big? 

____________________________________________

As Jordan's limo driver dodge in and out of the busy New York traffic they finally arrive at a building.  The building has a 'Under construction' sign on the door.  There is construction trucks parked in the lot next to the building, and it is obviously in progress of renovation.  The lead contractor and designer inside the building escort Jordan from one room to the next.  This project has been planned for several months and Jordan is more than pleased with the progress.

__________________________________________

Percy and Itt is in the kitchen having small talk when Shy walks back into the apartment.  "You need to call your mom," Shy said.

"My what?" Itt replied upset.

"Your mom! Your mom! Your mom! Cause that is what she is.  You should learn to accept that.  You have an anger problem and you have to work it out.  It's not okay…point, blank, period!" Shy said annoyed.

"I told you…" Itt said. 

"You told me what?  It don’t matter Itt.  You are going to let this anger ruin your life and think you gonna take me with you, I don't think so.  You call her or you leave, today," Shy said.

With a chewed apple in his mouth trying to speak, "Shy that was kinda harsh." Percy managed to say.

Percy and Shy watches as Itt leaves the room, not muttering a word.  "What?" Shy shrugs his shoulders to Percy, feeling a bit guilty that he may have hurt Itt's feelings.  Percy shakes his head but don't say a word.

10 minutes later

"My aunt is on her way to pick me up.  I'll wait outside," Itt said as he walks out the apartment with a duffle bag.

Shy gestured to stop Itt but Percy grabbed Shy's arm and told him to 'let him go'.

______________________________________

Tom and Jackie pulls up in front of the Robert's building.  Jackie jumps out the car and gives Itt a tight hug, "Look at you, I missed you so much.  This is my husband Tom.  Stacy is at the house cooking your favorite meal.  C'mon get in," Jackie said excited to see her only nephew.

"It's good to meet you Itt," Tom says as he drives off.

"It's good to meet you too.  Jackie, how is my mom doing?" Itt asked.

"Itt, ahhh she is doing very good.  She is always talking about you, how much she misses you.  She can't wait to see her baby," Jackie said.

"Hmpt," Itt said.

The trio arrives at Tom and Jackie's.  Itt's heart is racing rapidly.  He don't know if he should be upset, mad, angry, happy, or whatever.  He stands on the porch watching Tom and Stacy enter the house.  He hears in the distant, 'where's my baby?  Where's Itt, did he come?'  Itt knows that the familiar voice is the lady that once betrayed him, stole from him, and made him inherit the anger that boils in his blood.

Itt stands on one side of the screened door and he sees a lady with an apron on the other side.  He barely recognized the healthy woman.  Tears raced down her face as the creek of the door opened.  It all seemed to happen in slow motion.  She drops the kitchen towel from her hand and grab the baby boy to whom she gave birth to 20 years ago.

In a broken whisper, "momma, momma, momma," the two embraced which seemed like forever.

"My baby, I'm so sorry.  I think that’s the first time you every called me momma," Stacy cried.

They pull away from each other and stare.  "Happy Mother's day, mom," Itt managed to say and he felt a rush of happiness with a mix of forgiveness in his heart.

The Next Day…

Jordan driver is blowing the horn of the limo, "Shy come down!" Jordan yells.

It is 8 am and Shy haven't even been up to brush his teeth nor wash his face, "What's going on out there?"

"SHHYYY, your gran-pa is down stair making a bunch of ratchet!" Percy said while still waking up annoyed.

"He's not my gran-pa.  Oh shut up man," Shy said as he ran to the front window.

"Jordan, what are you doing?  It's 8 o'clock in the morning!"

"Well, you need to make a move on it Mr. CEO of your own company of what ever you want to name it," Jordan said in excitement.

"My WHAT?!" Shy yelled.

"I told you Shy, I was paying attention.  You earned it," Jordan said.

Percy rolls out of the bed, "own company?" he says under his breath and runs to the window in disbelief.

To Be Continued…….

Episode 33

                          CAFFEINE, FRANCESCA

The warehouse was drafty, damp, and felt weirdly deserted.  The silence of no human, but many noises of air circulation, water drippings, and an occasional squeak from tiny rodents, namely mice, echoed the building.  The pair walked in a bit frazzled and couldn’t understand their condition.  However, neither would let the other in on what thoughts pondered in their head.  Francesca stopped walking, stood and listened.  Caffeine was a few steps ahead not realizing that Francesca wasn't besides her, so she too stopped.  Caffeine turned around to look at Francesca, "what is it?"

Francesca stood in silence "shhhhh, somethings not right."

Caffeine didn't contest her cousins feelings because she too had the same thought.  "Well this is your warehouse, correct?"

"I had a strange dream the other night about a dead man coming back and in my dream I felt a feeling I kinda feel right now.  Somebody is here," Francesca said in a low tone and surprisingly nervous voice.

"You think a dead guy is here, Fran?" Caffeine said sarcastically.

Caffeine turns around and continues walking, "well if it is, us standing in one spot ain't gon make the bastard leave.  We need to get this girl out of here.  Whatever beef and grudges you got, you have to let them go.  There is bigger fish to fry and our family would not be happy to know this is what you are spending the money on, better yet, your time.  You have always been a bit off, you know?"

"Caffeine, who spilled the beans?  Who snitched?  The last person who messed up ended up splattered on the streets of New York.  Tell me or I…"

"OR YOU WOULD WHAT!" Caffeine yelled causing gas and water pipes to burst.

Francesca jumped out of fear.  Her eye lit up and she sternly looked passed Caffeine.

"You bitch, see what you made me do?  Don't ever threaten me.  Now we have to hurry and find that girl and get out of here."

"I think I just saw something," Francesca said.

"I don't have time for distractions for your hallucinations.  C'mon, take me to the girl, NOW!"

Francesca and Caffeine runs to the room where Sharalonda's held captured.  "She's gone!"

"GONE!" Caffeine yelled causing walls to tremble, "You're in trouble.  Let's get out of here."

----------------------------------------------------------

CAFFEINE

In Bronx, New York 1975, was born Caffeine Irish Milano.  Her father is the cousin of Joe Tagliano (Francesca Tagliano's father) his name is Vinny Milano and her mother an albino woman, Rebecca Milano who passed during the birth of Caffeine.  Rebecca Milano grew up with a cursed passed down from generation to generation.  It stills remains a mystery that exposure to the sun will do more harm than good and the energy that surges in their present is unsurpassed.

Caffeine grew up home schooled by her father; a spoiled little girl.  He taught her the basics and advanced education along with that she learned the lifestyle of the mafia world.  It was hard for Joe Tagliano to shelter her from that world by her being home 24 hours a day.  However, it worked in his favor, he able to use her gifts in deals that went astray and she was so happy to help her father out by any means.

______________________________________________________

CARLA/ROBERT

In a rapid pace, Robert luckily is catching all the traffic lights at green.  Carla grips the armrest, as her fingers turn white from the lack of circulation.  Brandy sits quietly in the back of the car, confused of what just happened.

"Robert!"  Carla yells.

Robert seems to be in a trance and fear is masking his face.

"Robert!  You just passed our street," Carla says.

"Dad, are you okay?" Brandy asks.

"I'm sorry…sorry.  I just was trying to get as far away as possible.  I feel like I had caffeine implanted in my head.  I couldn't stay there and let anything happen to my family," Robert said.

The car pulls up into the driveway of Robert and Carla's home.  The children, including Percy Jr. stands and starts to walk off the porch, happy to see Carla and with hopes that everything can get back to normal.

"Mommie, mommie!" the children cried with happiness.

Carla sits in the car and didn’t even attempt to open her door.  Robert and Brandy got out the car.  Robert proceeded to remove his wife belongings from the trunk and he looks up at his children faces.  The children seemed disappointed that their mother wasn't ecstatic to see them.  Robert signals Brandy to come help with the bags and he walks to the passenger side of the car, grabs the handle and opens the door.

"I know honey that you may be feeling overwhelmed but look at your kids.  They are so happy that you are ok and they couldn’t wait for you to get back.  You want to get out the car?" Robert said.

Carla lifts and places her right foot on the ground outside of the car.  "Where is the red carpet?"

"What was that, honey?" Robert asked.

"What was what?" Carla answered confused.  Carla looks at her children faces and it enforced her to smile so big that everyone mood was instantly lifted.

"All my babies, I missed you guys so much!" Carla said as the children ran and gave her hugs and kisses.

Robert looks at the happiness that surrounds him but feels that it will not last forever, but he won't ruin the moment, instead he decided that the family needs to celebrate.  But first he needs to make a call to New York.

TOM, STACY, JACKIE

"I'm happy you got your parent's to sit.  When you contact the beyond, it is very risky and children should not be around unless it is directly affecting them.  (She lights several black candles)  I want you to open your minds and try not to be doubtful," Ms. Sandwood said looking at Tom and Jackie.

Tom and Jackie looked at each other and grabbed each others hand.  Both set of hands were clammy. Ms. Sandwood requested Stacy to stay in another room unless she is requested.  The house is warm and comfortable, not a home that you would think some entity was haunting.

"There is a lot of love between the two of you," Ms. Sandwood said and closed her eyes.

"Honey, I'm scared," Jackie said.

"Shhhhhh.  There is nothing to be afraid of.  Just have good thoughts and relax. (Long silence)  I don't see or feel anything.  Are you sure these things, Tom?"

"I wouldn't have gone to the trouble if it hadn't," Tom said.

"You have three kids, yes?"

"No," Tom said.

"Yes, I see," Ms. Sandwood said seemly unsure.

"I see a little boy.  How many times have you been pregnant?"

"I have been pregnant two times," Jackie said confidently.

"How many children do you have?"

"We have two kids," Tom said aggravated.

"There is another child presence that was in your home from the other side.  Did you loose a child?"

Jackie looked at Tom with tears in her eyes and squeezed his hands tighter.  "Yes, I did.  I aborted a child a long time ago."

Tom snatched his hands from Jackie, "What are you saying?  I knew nothing of this."

With tears streaming down her face Jackie mentioned that when she was young she was raped and her mother made her abort the baby.

Stacy, with her ear to the door, eavesdropping, is in shock.  She had never heard of this either and they grew up in the same home.  How did she not know about her sister being raped and pregnant?

"This child is protecting you.  Have you possibly seen him?"

"The night of the black out I have seen a child…but so much was going on," Tom said.

"He is protecting you.  He says he is protecting you from his bad father.  He is chatting, it, it, it, it, it.  Does that mean anything to you?"

Stacy opens the bedroom door and walks into the room.  "It, is my son.  Could that be what this child is saying?"

"Have a seat, dear," Ms. Sandwood tells Stacy before rubbing ash on her face.

"He says It is his brother," Ms. Sandwood tells the group.

"That's impossible!" Stacy yelled.

"No, Stacy it isn't.  It's the truth.  Itt is his half brother slash cousin.  I was raped by Charles when I was 9 years old going on 10 and I kept it a secret.  Mommie found out I was pregnant when she found blood in my panties and took me to the doctor.  At first, they thought it was just me starting my period, but I had already started a several months before.  They gave me a pregnancy test and I told mommie that Charles had been raping me and that’s why I had the gun, the same gun that shot him in his, well you know," Jackie told her sister and the group.

"In his dick." Stacy said, remembering the day that her mom and Jackie went to the hospital and Jackie didn’t come home until three days later but never knew why.

JANET

"You got that stupid grin on your face; don’t you know you could have killed that nurse?"  A security staff member says from the institution.

Janet is confused as the security is placing handcuffs on her.  "They told me I don't have a baby no more.  What happened to my baby?

"You have been having bad dreams since you been here.  That medication got you really messed up," a nurse says.

"Come on lets go," a guard says as they shuffle Janet up off the floor.

"Where are you taking me?!  Get your black hands off me!  I demand to be treated with respect!  Do you know who I am?! Let me go!!" Janet cried putting up a fight the whole journey to the solitary cell.

Janet sits quietly in her cell thinking about what the nurses said.  'Was I dreaming this whole time?' 'Or they think because I'm in a crazy house I am incapable of taking care of a child?' 'Did I ever escape to Laurens house and try to kill her and Tracy?

The thoughts and ideas that swimmed through Janet head is making her more anxious and more bewildering that it puts a great fear into her.  Janet is so used to being in control and now that has been taken away from her makes her anticipate what's to come.

"I have to get this together.  I can't go on like this.  I miss Jon and wish that I didn't take him for granted.  How did I let this get so out of hand?"

Janet sits quietly in her cell contemplating a plan to get her life back in order.  She start a list in her head and it is determined that she will climb back to the top.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

PERCY (Thunder)

Percy sits in his office with tears streaming down his face.  Shy and Itt stands and watch in the doorway, not knowing what to say.  The bakery closed for the remaining of the day due to the tragic events.  The crowd out side the bakery is slowly dissipating.  You hear police radios and sirens muffled that constantly reminds Percy of Layla's death. 

"Percy, is there anything you want us to do?" Shy asked.

Percy responded by throwing his hands up and shaking his head 'no'.

"C'mon Shy, lets leave him alone for a while," Itt said just before the telephone starts to ring.

"Hello?" Shy answered.

"Hi son, how are you?" Robert said.

"Hi dad, I'm okay, but Layla is dead (Shy said whispering).  She was shot and we don't know what happened and who did it."

"Listen, I want you to go, you and Itt, go upstairs to the apartment and sit there until you hear from me again.  Where is Percy?"

"Dad, he is really broken up about it."

"Shy, put him on the phone and do what I tell you.  Call me back in 10 minutes."

Shy taps Percy on the shoulder, "it's my dad. Me and Itt is gonna head upstairs."

Percy grabs the phone, "Hey Robert," he says and take a deep breath.

"Hey Percy are you okay?"

"I'm find Robert, I just never saw anything like that before in my life and it's my fault.  I'm the reason she was here in the first place," Percy said while blowing his nose and wiping his face.

"Don't blame yourself, Percy.  She had alternative motives.  I don't know what happened there but I'm sure we will get to the bottom of it.  I have to tie up some things here and I will be back in New York.  We have to do some damage control," Robert said before noticing Carla in the doorway.  "I'll call you later," Robert said and hung up the phone.

"Who was that?" Carla said standing in the doorway.

"It was Percy.  I was just checking on the store," Robert said as he walked pass Carla.

Carla looked at the phone and turned and watches Robert continue down the hall.  She walks to the phone, picks it up, and pressed redial.

"Hello," Percy answered but sounded like a weeping woman.

Carla quickly hangs up the phone and thinks to herself, 'Robert is having an affair with some woman in New York while I lay up in a hospital bed, well two can play at that game'.

To Be Continued