Master Mojo

Zhane came home and flopped down on his bed after a long day from school and overheard his mom talking to Vitani about the incident at the mall.

"Poor Vee. She may be annoying sometimes but there is no way she's a thief. I gotta help somehow."

Zhane's cell phone rang, and he saw his friend Tommy calling.

"Dude tell me it isn't true. Please tell me you did not join Roman's gang", pleaded Tommy.

"Where did you here that", asked Zhane.

"It's all over the school Z, just about everyone knows."

"I'm not in Roman's gang. Not exactly. He didn't give me much of a choice."

"Ugh, Zhane. Your dad died because of gang violence."

"I know that, Tommy. But I'd be in stitches right now if wasn't for Roman. I have serious Trayquel problem remember?"

"Yeah? Well, you're gonna have two thugs on you back if you don't back out of this."

"Okay, okay I'll squash this right now. Maybe I could just be a banger cheerleader or something".

Zhane received another phone call.

"Hold on Tommy someone else calling me".

"Hello".

"Yo, Zhane a big party at the construction lot. We're taking care your problem now", said Roman.

"Wait Roman I have to--".

Roman hung up.

"What did I get myself into", Zhane asked himself.

Zhane walked to the construction lot and saw Roman and his gang scoping the area.

"What's going on", asked Zhane.

"There's gonna be a major throwdown tonight between all the crews in Miami Zhane", said Roman.

"Hmm interesting party. But Rome we have to talk".

"Shh take a look".

Roman handed Zhane his binoculars and saw a rival gang led by Trayquel running towards the center of the lot.

"Trayquel. This isn't gonna be pretty".

"In more ways than one Zhane. Here you'll need this".

Roman gave Zhane something wrapped in cloth.

"It's showtime little bro. This way".

Zhane unwrapped the cloth and his jaw dropped when a pistol was revealed.

Zhane ran to the riverbank and threw away the gun.

Zhane tried to run home but he got caught in the middle of a huge brawl between Roman and Trayquel's gang.

Trayquel knocked out one of Roman's thugs and saw a terrified Zhane.

Zhane backed away and struggled to figure out what he was going to do next. Then a light flashed in front of everyone.

"This is a restricted area, all of you are under arrest", yelled a police trooper.

"Dang MPD", someone screamed.

Everyone scattered as Miami cops stormed the construction area.

"Oh man, oh man. I gotta get out of here", said Zhane.

Zhane saw police officers tackle and arrest gang bangers one by one. Some were being tazed and pepper sprayed. He even heard a gunshot that made him trip.

"If I live through this, I will never deal with gangs again".

"You! Stay where you are", a cop yelled.

Zhane didn't turn around because the police would learn and remember his face if he did. Instead, he ran through the heavy machinery with the cops in hot pursuit until he made to the riverbank.

"I didn't plan on going for a swim, but if I stop here, I'll be in the back of a police car."

Zhane took a deep breath and jumped in the water before the cops saw him.

"Did anyone see where he went", asked one cop.

"Nope look around he's hiding somewhere", said another cop.

Zhane struggled to catch his breath and thought out loud.

"Man, that was close. That's it I'm dealing with gangs ever again! Forget Roman and forget Trayquel. I'll just have to figure out how to make Bull back off myself."

Zhane ran home in his wet clothes and sighed in relief when the house was quiet.

"Phew. I escaped thugs, cops and made it home in one piece", he thought himself.

"What do you mean you escaped thugs and cops?"

Zhane eyes stretched and turned around to see Vitani smugly staring at him with her arms folded.

"Oh Vitani. Well let's just say that I'm not cut out to be a gang banger".

"What?! You joined a gang? And you got in trouble with the cops", asked Vitani.

"Shh not so loud. No, I almost got maimed by Trayquel Thomas and the cops never saw my face. I was lucky to make it out safely. So, I'm not in trouble or anything".

"Well, you're gonna be. You know mama hates gangs. That's what killed daddy."

"Don't you do that to me Vitani. I don't know I even thought about it, but I'm done with gangs".

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't", she asked.

Zhane paused for a minute.

"I'll help you clear your name at the mall. Remember mom is already crossed with you about that. Do you really think she wants to hear the gang incident too."

Vitani thought to herself.

"You really don't think I stole from Forever 21", she asked.

"Vee you may be annoying sometimes but I know you're not a thief."

"Fine. If you can prove I'm innocent of stealing from the mall. I won't say a word about you being in a gang war".

"Deal", said Zhane.

The two of them shook hands sealing their deal.

"By the way bro. Take a shower you smell like fish".

Zhane frowned at his sister as she walked upstairs giggling.

It was Friday and Vitani couldn't wait for the school day to end so she, Ruby and their new friend Kimiko could head to the mall and find outfits for the fall formal.

"Girls we are just three weeks away from the dance", Vitani said excitedly.

"I know Vee, but I don't know what to wear. What about you Kimiko?", asked Ruby.

"Oh, that's an easy one, my qipao".

"What's that?", Vitani asked.

"It's a Chinese dress my grandma is seamstress, so she is making me one".

"Cool, I can't wait to see it".

"Oh, and thanks again to both of for backing me up against Rachel and Brianna."

Kimiko bowed in respect and gratitude.

"No problem, they're just a bunch bullies", said Vitani.

"I couldn't stop laughing when Vitani pushed Rachel into the desk. The look on her face was priceless!", Ruby squealed cheerfully.

"I don't think we'll deal with them anytime soon", said Vitani.

The final bell rang to go home, and the three girls raced through the hallways.

"Zhane and his friends are having Pokémon tournament at our house, so we don't have to worry him coming to the mall with us", said Vitani.

"Good last thing we need is a boy complaining about us shopping", said Ruby.

"We should at least give him a chance", Kimiko protested.

"Kimiko, we have a lot to discuss with you".

Before the girls reached their bikes Vitani stopped and her eyes stretch.

"Oh no! I forgot to get my bookbag. I'll be right back."

"Hustle, Forever 21 is having their weekend sale", Ruby shouted.

Vitani ran to her locker and grabbed her bookbag. As she raced down the hallway, a foot suddenly flashed in front her, and Vitani fell on her wrist.

"Hehehe. No running in the halls Vitani".

"Rachel, you tripped me!", Vitani yelled.

She struggled to hold back tears due to her throbbing wrist and embarrassment.

"Did you really think I was gonna let get away with pushing me?", Rachel asked

Vitani eyes were filled with tears of anger as she got up.

"Rachel, I'm gonna--".

"What? Tell on me? Go ahead I dare you. It's not like I can stop you or anything. But everyone will know you as snitch if you do", Rachel said mockingly.

"You're gonna regret this", Vitani said coldly.

"I have no regrets", said Rachel.

Rachel walked off laughing heavily at her misdeed while Vitani angrily headed outside.

"Jeez, what took you so long", asked Ruby.

"And why are you holding your wrist", asked Kimiko.

Vitani did her best to straighten her face, but her friends could tell something was wrong.

"What happened in there, Vee?", Kimiko asked.

"Nothing", Vitani replied.

"No, don't nothing us. Something went down in the hallway. Let's hear it", Ruby insisted.

Vitani let out big sigh.

"Fine. I was running back to you girls after I got my bookbag and Rachel came from a corner and tripped me".

"She tripped you", Kimiko shouted.

"Yeah, and I hurt my wrist, but it's not broken though."

"Are you sure you're okay Vitani", Ruby asked.

"I'm fine, Rachel is gonna get what's coming to her very soon. Now let's go."

The three got on their bikes and made their way to the mall.

While looking around in Forever 21, Ruby and Kimiko attempted to get Vitani to open up about being tripped by Rachel.

"Vee, you can't let Rachel get away with tripping you", said Ruby.

"Ugh, would both of you stop. My mom always taught me not to get riled up because of fools. and only take action when it's absolutely necessary".

"Yeah? Well, my mom always taught me to not suffer fools gladly", Ruby said scornfully.

"Rachel had no business tripping you or spitting in my face for that matter. You can't let her get away with that", said Kimiko.

"Don't get the wrong idea girls. Rachel is not going to get away with tripping me, but I'm not going to snitch either because that's the last thing I want to be known for", said Vitani. You know this isn't how I pictured 7th grade year to turn out."

"Hey Vitani!"

Vitani turned away to see Zhane and his buddies Michael and Jose approach them.

"We had stopped at the mall to get something eat first". What's with you sis? You seem irritated.

"It's nothing".

"Rachel Owens tripped her in the hallway", said Ruby.

"Ruby!", yelled Vitani.

"Say what!", yelled Zhane.

"Ooh Rachel Owens? She's hardcore; you never want to get on her bad side", said Michael.

"Yeah, but don't trip anyone and get off scott free", said Jose.

"Not to mention Vitani hurt her wrist when she fell", Kimiko replied.

"No, no, no. It doesn't matter if Rachel is hardcore. I know what mom always told us, but you gotta get her back Vitani", said Zhane.

"Enough already! What is this an intervention? Karma is gonna hit Rachel, and Zhane I appreciate the concern, but you worry about your own problems alright. Now move it we have shopping to do."

Zhane and his friends walked off as Ruby and Kimiko confusingly stared at Vitani's harshness towards her brother.

"Zhane was only trying to help you know", said Kimiko.

"Yeah, you didn't have to cut him down like that Vitani", said Ruby.

"Ugh, I know but I'm just not in a pleasant mood right now, and I want take my mind off of being tripped. So, let's find something for the dance okay."

Little did the girls know that Rachel and her friends walked into Forever 21 noticed Zhane and company leaving the store.

"Hey Rach, wasn't that Vitani's brother," asked Brianna.

"Yeah, boys don't shop at Forever 21. The only reason he would be here is if his sister was here", said Rachel.

Rachel's second friend Kelly noticed Vitani looking around the dresses.

"There she is", said Kelly.

"Ooh this too perfect. I almost feel bad about doing this to Vitani", said Rachel.

"What are you going to do", asked Brianna.

Kelly took a perfume bottle off a rack and showed it to Brianna and Kelly.

"Vee is going to get a special 5 Finger discount."

"Don't you think that's a little harsh? No girl should ever be banned from Forever 21", said Kelly.

Rachel quietly walked over to Vitani, who was too busy browsing through clothes to notice her, and quietly snuck the perfume in her jacket pocket as walked backed to the other end of the store.

"Alright girls get ready to enjoy the show in a couple minutes", said Rachel.

Meanwhile Vitani purchased a lush light green dress while Ruby bought a sky-blue version of the dress.

"We are gonna look so fly at the dance", said Vitani.

"Oh, you know it and I can't wait to see your qipao, Kimiko", replied Ruby

"Yes, there's absolutely nothing that can ruin this", Kimiko shrilled.

"Hey, let's get something to eat", said Vitani.

The three girls made their way out of the store with Rachel's group anxiously watching. When they walked pass the sensors the store alarm went off.

"Whoa! What's happening", Vitani yelled.

The store manager approached the girls with a huge frown on her face.

"Alright which one of you is stealing from my store", she said angrily.

"None of us. We brought our items. See the receipts."

The mall security guard walked in with his wand.

"Alright ladies I'm just gonna do a quick a scan if the wand doesn't beep, you're free to go."

The security guard scanned Kimiko and Ruby and the wand stayed silent. As soon as he scanned Vitani the wand beeped so loud everyone in the store could hear it.

"You brought everything huh", she asked.

Vitani heart and mouth dropped with Kimiko and Ruby staring in shocked.

"Ma'am, I swear I didn't steal it. I didn't even know it was in my pocket someone is trying to frame me", Vitani pleaded.

"Lame excuses. No one steals from my store. Enjoy that dress because it's the last thing you'll get from here."

Vitani began to cry.

"Please I promise I didn't steal it. I'm too scared to do anything like that!"

"Come with me miss", said the security guard.

"Don't worry Vee, we know you didn't steal that perfume", said Ruby.

"Just hang tight, we'll go find Zhane", yelled Kimiko.

Rachel and her friends laughed at the top of their lungs as they watched Vitani being escorted out of the store.

"I don't think we'll be seeing Vitani in Forever 21 anymore", Rachel said arrogantly.

As she was being taken away by security, Vitani sobbed and thought to herself.

It was the end of 4th period, and everyone was going to lunch. Zhane was putting his stuff in his locker when his friend Tommy showed up.

"Z Man", greeted Tommy.

"So, how's 7th grade working out for you so far", Tommy asked.

"Gotta say its smooth for the most part. Our science teacher Mr. Hawkins is a stickler for class work, and this girl Gabriel is a little annoying, but other than that I like it", said Zhane.

"Sounds like you have everything clear this year. I'm still getting my classrooms mixed up".

"Oh, you'll get used to it bud. I also promised Alyssa, I'll help her with the Fall Formal decorations."

"So, are you hoping she asks you to the dance? Remember its girl's choice", asked Tommy.

"I know that I just have to play it cool and not seem anxious that's all", said Zhane.

"Well, let me hear that charm when asks you".

Zhane cleared his throat.

"Well Alyssa I'd be happy to accompany you to this glorious event, and I hope we have a wonderful--".

"Yawn. Happy to accompany you? Dude you sound like the Queen of England. That's not gonna sound co--".

The two saw Alyssa approaching them.

"Hey Alyssa", Tommy said awkwardly.

"Hey guys, guess what, Ms. Charlotte said we can put up the decorations for the Fall Formal early this year!

"Awesome. Hey I gotta go eat. I'll catch you guys later."

Tommy walked away with a hopeful smile.

"Where were you this morning Zhane? We need to talk about the preparations for the dance. Plus, I need your advice," said Alyssa.

"Yeah, you know Jaylen the Quarterback, I heard he doesn't have a date to the dance. Then there's this boy Bobby in math class who's been eyeing at me, and then Megan gave Daniel Walters from the track team my phone number. Isn't it a wild I'm juggling three hotties; I don't know who to choose", Alyssa said excitedly.

"Well Alyssa those guys are no slouches. In some cases, knowledge in history and witty charm still count for a lot. There's a certain guy who wouldn't mind accompanying--."

"Hey Alyssa, looking good!"

Alyssa and Zhane turned around to see Trayquel Thomas, who approached them and shoved Zhane out of the way.

Alyssa scornfully glared at Trayquel, then Zhane got up and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Body language 101 Bull, hers says never gonna happen", Zhane said smugly.

Trayquel grabbed Zhane by his shirt and rammed him into the lockers.

Then a big 8th grader named Roman grabbed Trayquel's wrist and slung him into the ground.

"Yo, I know you ain't sweating my homeboy Zhane, Trayquel", asked Roman.

"Nah Rome, we were just playing".

Alyssa comforted Zhane as Trayquel got up and eyed down the three kids.

"Catch you later Zhane", he said snidely.

As Trayquel left, Zhane walked up to Roman.

"Thanks, Roman."

"Don't mention it, everybody gets one."

Later that day Zhane, Michael, Jose and Tommy decided to walk home together instead of taking the bus. Vitani was bringing her friends over and he didn't want to hear their giggling and gossiping during the way home.

"Tangling with Bull!? Are you crazy? That guy makes Bobby Lashley look like Kevin Hart", said Tommy.

"Tell me something I don't know, but he was messing with Alyssa, and I couldn't just stand there and let him do that," said Zhane.

"If you keep crossing him, you're not gonna make it to 8th grade", said Michael.

"Remember the old saying amigo, you mess with the bull, you get the horns. It's ironic his nickname is Bull too", said Jose.

"Do you wanna know what else is ironic? I'm a Taurus, that makes me more bull than Trayquel. But if it wasn't for Roman, I'd be looking for a good plastic surgeon right now."

"Yeah, no kidding", said Michael

The four friends walked to the intersection; Zhane's house was in the opposite direction of the three other boys, so they went their separate ways.

"Hey Zhane if any more heat breaks out between you and Bull, we got your back", said Tommy.

"Bet on it", said both Michael and Jose.

"I appreciate that guys, see ya", said Zhane.

As the three walked away Zhane mumbled to himself.

"If only they were the power rangers".

Zhane strolled down the sidewalk in deep thought until he heard a voice yell out to him.

"I thought those three punks would never leave!"

Zhane looked up and saw Trayquel leaning on a light post who started to stomp towards him. He tried run away but two of Bull's goons stood in the opposite direction to block his path.

Without any hesitation Zhane ran through an alley and hopped over the fence while Bull and his gang chased after him like wolves.

Before he could make it through the opening, a heavyset guy jumped in front of him that knocked Zhane to the ground, as two gang bangers grabbed him.

"I'm picking up where I left off pussy", said Trayquel.

Bull approached Zhane and glared at him as he struggled to break free.

"Zhane the comedian. See if you can make jokes out of this smart ahh."

Bull cracked his knuckles and threw hard punches into Zhane's stomach and jaw.

One of the goons who was keeping watch saw Roman and his friend walking down the sidewalk.

"Yo Bull! Rome and his homie are coming our way!"

Bull who was enjoying his assault gave one last kick to the gut before reluctantly running away with his gang who dropped Zhane on the ground.

"You'll be seeing me alot Z, believe that", Trayquel taunted.

Zhane laid on the ground for a couple seconds and when he regained senses, he looked up saw Roman and his friend Leo staring at him.

"Roman. It's all good I had them right where I wanted them dude."

"Meet me at the old Marathon station in a half hour, we need to talk", said Roman.

"A half hour? But I gotta get home for dinner in a half hour".

"In a half", Roman said coldly.

Zhane nervously gave the two a thumbs up.

The hurt and confused boy strolled down the hill, talking to himself, as he was approaching the abandoned gas station.

"Say, son where have you been all day? Well Mom the nice gang bangers invited me for ice cream. Zhane don't know you hanging around thugs will lead you down a dark path. With all due respect Mom; duh", Zhane thought out loud.

Zhane made it to the marathon station to see a big guy in a bandana guarding the entrance.

"Um, I'm here to see Roman", Zhane said nervously.

"Ah Zhane, welcome to our crib and you're here on time. I like that", said Roman.

"Hey, it's beautiful sunset outside, it's a shame to be indoors", said Zhane.

Roman smirked.

"(Humph), I like you Zhane, you're funny and smart. But keeping Trayquel of your back is taking way too much of my time."

"No offense, but I didn't ask for your help Roman".

Roman's crew gasped and griped in shock.

"Say what?", said Leo

"Dissing Rome?", said the girl thug.

"Look that sorry punk Trayquel is trying to play bigshot, and since you got on his bad side, he's not gonna let up.

"So, what are you getting at Rome", asked Zhane.

"I want you to roll with my crew."

"Me? For real? Look at me, I'm too scrawny to be a banger. I wouldn't be any good", Zhane pleaded.

"You got potential. This is Miami young brother, one day I won't be around to stop Bull from whooping your butt, and who knows what else he will do. However, you can get guaranteed insurance if you join us.

"Tempting, but if my mom finds out I joined a gang she'll lose it, and a 12-year-old can't be homeless."

"This is a one-time only offer Z and your mom can't beat up Trayquel for you. I always said you were smart, don't prove me wrong. So, think about."

Today was August 25th, the first day of school, Zhane was waiting for Vitani to finish making breakfast.

"Come on Vitani is breakfast ready yet? The bus we be here in 20 minutes!", exclaimed Zhane.

Zhane who usually took his bike to go to school and was a stickler for being on time, hated waiting on his sister who would often procrastinate when getting ready.

"Why yes master! Your wish is my command!", yelled Vitani.

Zhane thought to himself. "The female species such an enigma!"

Vitani rushed out with two paper plates in her hands and placed one on the table for Zhane.

"What is up with these pancakes?" asked Zhane.

"What's the problem?", Vitani replied.

"There's still batter coming from them".

"They're buttermilk pancakes."

"Well, there's more milk than butter; and how come you have more bacon?"

"One I'm the one who cooked and two I'm the oldest, so I get more."

The twins mother walked into kitchen preparing to leave for work.

"Now Zhane your sister went through all this trouble to make breakfast the least you can do is give it a chance".

Zhane stared at his sister intensely.

"Trust me Vee, bacon is the last thing you need".

Vitani frowned at Zhane.

"I know you didn't just call me fat! While you're worried about my size you need to eat for someone so small!"

"Oh, ha ha, real funny", said Zhane.

"Hush, both of you!", said Mom. I gotta go to work don't miss the bus okay."

"Yes ma'am", said the twins.

Then both of them heard this bus coming and hurried out the door.

"See ya Mom", both of them exclaimed.

Zhane and Vitani got on the bus and headed off to school.

Vitani was greeted by her best friend Ruby, who was Native American.

"Hey Vitani. Are you ready for 7th grade?", asked Ruby.

"Definitely, I love my brother, but a whole summer with him is like getting gum out of your hair. I cooked breakfast this morning and all he did was make fun of it" replied Vitani.

Ooh, well at least you don't have to deal with him at school too much".

"That's the truth, we're officially out of the newbie stage of middle school so let's make the best of it".

The school bus arrived at Franklin Roosevelt Middle School, and before the kids entered the school Vitani approached Zhane.

"Hey bro I got something to tell you!", yelled Vitani.

Zhane turned and Vitani gave him a big slap.

"OW! What was that for?!", he yelled.

"That's for calling me fat", she replied.

Vitani and Ruby walked into their homeroom class that had three-person seating arranged by her new teacher Mr. Simmons who hadn't shown up yet. The two covered their spot with one seat available.

"Hey, we have homeroom together sweet", said Vitani.

"Well, we're already off to an awesome start", Ruby replied.

Soon a relatively tall Asian girl who was listening to music on her headphones walked in and approached two other girls at one of the tables.

" Kon'nichiwa (Hello), I'm Kimiko mind if I sit here?", she asked.

The two girls glanced at each other confusingly and the brunette spoke.

"Kon'nichiwa? This is America, we speak English here girl. Besides we're saving that seat for a friend, and we don't need a giant taking up all of our space."

"That's not even the worst part Rachel. Her hair and fashion sense need some serious work", said Brianna.

"I know you're not talking with all that nasty weave your hair Brianna!", yelled Vitani.

"They're lame anyway Vee. If they had better jokes, then maybe everyone would laugh", said Ruby.

"OOOOHHHH", yell everyone in class.

Rachel and Serena shamefully sat in silence as the class mocked them.

"How about you mind your own business Pocahontas", said Brianna.

"Kimiko, right? You're good to sit with us", said Vitani.

Kimiko's face lit up with happiness.

"Thanks"

Rachel frowned at the three girls.

"Maybe now she can teach you how to use chop sticks and wear ugly kimanas", mocked Rachel.

Kimiko turned around and glared at Rachel.

"It's called a kimono, and you better watch your mouth about my culture you freaking retard!", yelled Kimiko.

Rachel rose from her seat and spat in Kimiko's face.

"Aaahhh gross", she screamed in disgust.

Ooh, you got her good," shrieked Brianna laughing.

The whole class watched in shock, and Ruby gave some sanitizing wipes to Kimiko clean the spit off her face. Vitani walked up to Rachel.

"That's not cool Rachel, you need to your sor--"

Rachel grabbed Vitani's face shoved her away.

"Shut up", she yelled.

Vitani's face was filled with rage as she gave a strong push to Rachel that caused the brunette to crash into the desks.

Before Rachel could react, the class heard footsteps in the hallway and the disgruntled girls scrambled to their seats to avoid suspicion.

Vitani and Ruby comforted their new friend.

"Are you okay Kimiko?", asked Ruby.

"Yeah, that girl is gonna pay for spitting in my face and calling me a giant", Kimiko replied.

"Don't worry about Rachel, her ponytail is pulled to tight. Her and Brianna are just a bunch of skanks don't know anything; but we got your back," said Vitani.

Kimiko smiled with gratitude as Mr. Simmons walked into the class and greeted everyone, while Rachel coldly stared a hole in Vitani's head.

"Are you really gonna let her get away with pushing you into the desks Rachel?", Brianna asked.

The final days of summer vacation shrouded the atmosphere of Miami, Florida. The jaded kids in the area were not looking forward to another year of school and mountains of homework. But over on 235 Lomaky Drive, there were two 12-year-old twins clashing for the controller to their Xbox One.

"Knock it off Vitani, Super Mario Universe is single player only and I grabbed the controller first!"

"In case you forgot, you spilled iced tea on the other controller playing Fortnite! Besides I was born first", said Vitani snidely.

"Only by 8 minutes and remember I'm taller and stronger!" yelled Zhane, as he began to overpower his cheeky sister.

Vitani kept pulling, but then she paused to think for a minute. "Oh, hey Michael", she said looking over brother's left shoulder.

Zhane slightly loosened his grip on the controller and turned around to see his best friend, only for no one to be there. Then Vitani snatched the controller out of his hands.

"Gotcha little bro," Vitani gloated.

"Hey that's not fair you tricked me!" protested Zhane. "Girls can't be gamers anyway-and don't call me little."

"Too bad, so sad. Now beat it I'm playing on the Xbox now!" demand Vitani, as made a fist at her brother's face.

Then the bickering brother and sister's mom, Jasmine Archer, walked into the den to break up the two.

"Vee, Zhane, both of you stop before I slap black off both of y'all!" yelled Ms. Archer.

The two closed their mouths and glared at each other as they knew their mother was not one to make idle threats.

"Lord, y'all need to learn how to stop fighting so much. I'm doing all I can to provide a nice for us, so I expect it to be peaceful," said Ms. Archer.

Ms. Archer being a single black mother of two strong willed twins, as well as being an English professor at the University Miami-had to be just as tough and focused to keep both her kids and students in line.

"But Mom I had the controller first and Vee just walked up and tried to take it from me," said Zhane.

"Only because you got to play the Xbox all day yesterday and-".

"Enough! Both of you! I can't wait till school starts in 4 days, so I don't have to hear this bullcrap!" exclaimed Ms. Archer. "Now Zhane you did spill tea on the second controller and made it short circuit, as well as played all day. So, find something to do outside like boys are supposed to."

"Ah what?", said Zhane.

"Don't make me ask again", said Ms. Archer firmly.

Zhane reluctantly headed out the front door and turned around to see his sister taunt him by blowing a raspberry.

"I'll get you later Vitani", whispered Zhane as he bitterly went outside.

Zhane got his bike and mumbled to himself. "Vitani isn't even a hardcore gamer and I'm the one who bought Super Mario Galaxy".

"Hey Zhane!"

Zhane looked back to his friend Michael approaching on his bike.

"Oh, hey Mike."

"Vee tricked me thinking you showed up and snatched the controller out of my hand, and my mom let her play the video game I bought, when she's not even a gamer. I was gonna livestream Super Mario Universe on my YouTube Channel Dragon Fire Network," said Zhane.

"Wow, you really let a girl play you like that?" replied Michael.

"You see right about now I'd slap you in your head, but you're my bro so I'm gonna let it slide", said Zhane.

"Come on guys knock it off! Give me back my basketball, por favor!", pleaded Jose.

"We no speak spanish here ese. It's monkey in the middle bruh, you gotta try and catch it." Trayquel mocked.

"Do...you... understand...what..we...are...saying?" said Rontravious. The boy in the Miami Heat jersey.

"Old Eddie Guerrero looking ahh", said Kentrez.

"I think he's getting mad guys we should.... Not!", said Austin.

Zhane and Michael made their way to the basketball court to help their friend, only to see Jose yell at his tormentors in frustration.

"All of you are a bunch Cabeza de pingas!"

The four bullies stood in silence as they glared at Jose, who was shocked he said that out loud.

"What did you call us?" demanded Trayquel.

He grabbed Jose by his throat and started to choke him. Trayquel was a hostile but rather dimwitted boy who was 15 years old but was still in middle school.

"Quit it Trayquel!" shouted Zhane.

Trayquel threw Jose to the ground as he and his gang focused their attention Zhane and Michael.

Michael helped Jose up and checked on him.

"Are you okay", asked Michael

"Yeah, but they still have my basketball", Jose replied.

"What chou want Zhane!?" yelled Trayquel.

Trayquel gave the ball to one of his friends and got in Zhane's face.

"Who this little jit think he's talking too?", said Trayquel. "Ya'll are a bunch losers."

"Get outta my face dude". "Besides you shouldn't call anyone losers since you're 15 and still in 8th grade." said Zhane boldly.

Suddenly Trayquel slapped Zhane in the face with his gang jeering him on along with Michael and Jose staring in shock.

"Ooooh snap!", screamed Trayquel's gang.

"Stop, you can have the basketball just leave us be!", begged Jose.

Kentrell ignored him began to mock Zhane.

"You think cause you make honor roll and wrote books, you think you better than me?"

Zhane retaliated by shoving Trayquel who almost lost his balance but being a bigger boy, he caught himself.

"I don't think I know I'm better than you!" exclaimed Zhane. "Smell better too."

"I oughta stab yo ahh like Chucky. But let this be a warning to ya-don't ever screw with me again and it's Bull to you. Take their bikes!"

Bull's gang grabbed Zhane and Michael's bikes with Rontravious (his main follower) handing the ringleader Zhane's beautiful emerald, green bike. Before they left Bull did a swift cut to Zhane's right knee as he and his gang leave with one final taunt.

"Ahh"! Zhane screamed in pain

"Pussies"!

Michael and Jose ignored their items being stolen and rushed to pick up their dazed and hurt friend who had a bruise under his right eye, a bump on forehead and a light gash on his left knee.

"Don't worry Zhane, we'll get you home", said Michael.

"Hang tight amigo", said Jose.

The trio gingerly walked the street and arrived at Zhane's house with the banged-up boy's his mother and sister in complete shocked.

"What the heck happened to you?!" yelled Vitani.

"He got in a fight with Trayquel Thomas", said Michael.

"Michael!", yelled Zhane.

"What! Oh no not my baby. I'm a about raise sand!" yelled Mom.

"Mom don't! I already made that psycho's list. I don't need the situation to be even worse", protested Zhane.

"You let that illiterate punk beat you up?" asked Vitani.

"Hey, watch it Vitani, him and Michael were just trying get my basketball back from Trayquel. The dude is grande y loco (big and crazy)", said Jose.

"Well, something's gotta be done, because what he did was assault!", said Mom.

Zhane thought to himself. He was too ashamed to tell his mom and sister the details of the incident, but if he did and Trayquel found out action would be done to him; his whole gang would beat him down.

"Just drop it, let's some get some peroxide on these wounds, and a hot bath going so I can heal up before school."

Ms. Archer sighed in frustration and disappointment.

"Alright son, but here me out if something like this happens again, that Traymel or whatever his ghetto name is, he will have to fight me! As God as my witness!"

Zhane sat on the couch in silence because he knew his mom didn't play around and was all action.

Michael and Jose brought him his food while Vitani got the first aid kit and treated his bruises and the cut on his knee.

"Ahh that burns! I can't stand that!", hollered Zhane.

"This wouldn't have happened if you had just let me stream my game."

"Hey, I have a YouTube Channel too! It was my turn to play the Xbox we had an agreement!"

Michael and Jose stood and watched the two argue.

"I know there this is going, it's getting late so we better go", said Jose.

"Are you kidding? I love it when these to go at it," replied Michael.

Jose sighed. "Vamanos (let's go) and thanks for backing me up guys even I feel lame for needing it."

"Don't sweat amigo (friend)," replied Michael

"Trayquel will get what's coming to him--OW!", said Zhane.

"Ugh, all you men with such fragile egos," mocked Vitani.

Michael rolled his eyes. "Anyway, see you soon bud"

"Adios", said Jose.

The two walked out Zhane's house with the sound of him screaming in agony from the peroxide sponge his sister gleefully applied to him.

"See ya-aaah! You're enjoying this aren't you?"

"A little", Vitani said smugly.