Noa Black

(The People of Gold)... His skin quickly adapted to the ice he leaned against. The sun was no match for the Chilling winds that blew across the Arctic tundra. Winds so cold it would chill the bones of a normal person. But, not him. For his skin possessed the ability to make his body adapt to any climate. Noa hid silently with blood running down his face. The very blood they were after. Honey gold, just like his eyes. Eyes that one can use to identify his people in a crowd. The very thing that reminds him he was cursed. Or so he felt. Always hunted. Always on the run. Never feeling like anywhere can be home. Because anywhere he laid his head could turn into a battle ground in an instant. He thought he hid far from danger this time. He was safe for a while, he thought he was done running. That he could finally live in peace. After years of being in one place and seeing it all crumble in a flash, he learned trouble will always find him, no matter where he went. A mixture of anger, confusion, and sadness consumed him on the inside. But, there was no time to let his emotions show, he had to use his mind to escape or he wouldn't live past the day. He peered around the corner of the ice he was hiding behind, and saw his chance to escape. He needed to find out how they found him, if someone was caught and forced to give his location, if they always knew where he was. He needed answers and he would get them; by any means necessary. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1pH25IHJNT/?igshid=1s0eq10s6rn8h

(Continued)... "How's my favorite daughter-in-law?” His father asked. "I'm about to find out right now. I'll talk to you later, okay?" “Alright, go handle your business. Call me back if you want to talk." He hung up. But, before he switched to the other line, he made sure to mask his fear a little bit more. "Hey, w-where have you been? I've trying to reach you all day." Trying to sound more worried than nervous. "I'm sorry, I've been in the wo-- I've been with Beth." Remembering she told her to not tell anyone where she lived. "Where are you? Cause we need to talk when you get home." Bobby felt his guilty conscience tie a knot so big in his stomach, he felt a little nauseous. "Um, I was uh, with Tony in a dea- a business meeting." Correcting himself quickly. "We met with someone who would like to contribute money to our business to help us out." He finished. Realizing there was something off about him, she concluded to ask him when he made it home. "Oh really? That exciting, who is it?" "Elliott Shaw." "Wait, THEE Elliott Shaw? The business tycoon that lives in Fox Chapel?" Bobby nodded his head, “That's the one." "That’s— amazing. But, how did you--" "H-Hey, babe, Tony's callin' me. I'll talk to you when I get home, okay?" "Is everything okay? You sound… different." "Yeah, I'm great. I love you." "Love you too. Bye." #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #BlackInk #Miniseries https://www.instagram.com/p/BuC3rctggaQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y4s76dv88ydv

Bobby dropped off Tony at his house that night without much to say. The whole car ride was silent. The only voices heard were the artists on old hip hop songs and the DJ talking in between the songs played. When Tony opened the door to get out, Bobby just noticed the night was a little colder. Fall was moving into winter and the shift was appropriate. Because he was moving into a different season of his life. When Bobby started his day off, he didn't know it would end like this. He went from just being a Real Estate Agent, to now accomplice in drug laundering. It wasn't something he could put on his Linkedin profile and definitely not something he could tell Mary-- His heart quickened and he could feel himself getting a little hot. He knew he had to face his wife. He knew he had to keep this a secret, but didn't want to. He never hid anything from her. And the worst part about it was, he couldn't tell anyone. He felt trapped, he felt caged, like he locked himself in a room and threw the key away. He started breathing heavily, his mind was racing, his heart was beating faster, he started sweating, he-- The phone rang. He felt around the passenger seat after taking a couple deep breaths. He picked up and glanced at the phone. He took one more deep breath, then he proceeded to put on a show. "Hey, you don't usually call me unless there is something late unless there is a problem." "Hey, have some respect for your old man. Bobby chuckled, trying to sound less nervous. "How is retired life treating you?" "Like it should. I have no complaints at all son. But, I'm callin' cause you crossed my mind and wanted to see if you were okay." "I'm- I'm okay, dad." "Is that right?" "What do you want me to say?" "The truth. Since you got on the phone you've been fakin' like you're okay. Son you know you can talk to me. I've seen it all. Being a husband, being on the force, heck, I bet it can’t be worse than telling me you took her last name.” He said with a chuckle. Bobby shook his head. He paused for a second. "Dad I--" His phone vibrated, Mary's name flashed on the screen. "Dad, I gotta go, May's callin' me.".... (Continued) #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #Miniseries #BlackInk https://www.instagram.com/p/BuC3NucAHpi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1w9iwucwpmgmd

(Continued)... Bobby and Tony went outside the office, and Tony wasted no time trying to set Bobby straight. "What the hell do you mean 'what am I doin'?" "This ain't--" "This ain't what? Why don't you trust me, man? I've always been your voice of reason! When you were scared to apply to some of the top colleges, who told you that you could do it? Me. When you were scared to go for your real estate license, who told you that you were going to get it? Me. When you were scared to commit to Mary, who told you it was going to be okay? Me. Stop being so damn scared and take a damn chance. Trust me. "All those things you just mentioned, don't end in dyin' or goin' to jail if they go bad, Tony!" "What about that wholesailin' stuff we do?" “We maybe get fined. But, for Cocaine?!" He fired back, as he pointed to the office door, "We do time, Tony." "This is what I do. I've been in the streets all over, I know what I'm doin'. I've lasted this long pretty boy and don't intend on fallin' off anytime soon. We've been friends forever. I've held you down, why you think I would lead you wrong? "It's different now T. It's not just me, I've got home to maintain for my--" "Where do you think your parents got the money from to help you with the down payment? From me. With the kind money you don't want to get your hands dirty with right now." "You gave them money to help me get the house?" "Yeah I told them not to tell you, cause I know you wouldn't have accepted it." Bobby fell back into a wall and slid down until he was on the ground. He couldn't look at Tony. He couldn't even believe what he was about say. Tony sighed, "If we do this, and things look bad, I'll take the fall." "Things can't go bad. And they won't. I'm going to make sure of it." #BrokenHome #BlackInk #NoaBlack #Miniseries https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs8N9fyg6Bu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15wz3yki8etd5

"Listen, M-Mr. Shaw--" Bobby wanted no part of this. "What would need from us?" Mr. Shaw chuckled, "I'm glad you asked, Tony." He got up from his seat and stood in front of the window with his drink in hand. "In different parts of Pennsylvania, you will hold open houses. At those open houses will be people I'm selling to as well. They will be walking in with bags that have money in them, but when they leave, they will have drugs in them that you will provide in your open houses. It's easy and you never have to touch the drugs." "Mr. Shaw--" "So how does this help us?" Tony interrupted again. Bobby turned and looked at Tony. "You're trying to ask what your cut is?" Mr. Shaw said as he laughed. "I'm a reasonable businessman. I don't believe a gift given should go unreciprocated." Mr. Shaw leaned forward in his chair. "How much do want?" "Nothing. I don't want any part of this." Bobby shot back. "Nothing? Are you sure this is easy money. No one would ever suspect this." "Exactly, which is why this is a perfect opportunity." Tony replied, looking at Bobby. There was tension in the room that made even Mr. Shaw uncomfortable. "Listen, I'm still finalizing the deal with my clients. I'll give you a few days to--" "No is our answer." Bobby Interrupted. "There are two things I dislike the most. People who try to take advantage of me and people who interrupt me. I don't mind cutting your tongue out so it doesn't happen again. Are we clear, Mr. Home? "How do you know my name?" "One of the top rules in business is to know who you're going into business with. Nothing bad, I just want know who I'm getting into a relationship with." Mr. Shaw said with a smile before he took a sip of his drink. "So, like I was trying to say. I'll give you a few days to think this over and come back with an answer." "The answer you want." Tony shot up out of his seat. "Can we have a minute, outside?" Mr. Shaw made a gesture with his hands, then said, "Please do." As he looked at Bobby... (CONTINUED) #BrokenHome #BlackInk #NoaBlack #Miniseries https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs8NsAHg7c0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14o57veay4k15

(Continued)... The red brick drive way ended in a circle that a water fountain was planted in the middle of. On one side a Ferrari, a Porche, and a Lamborghini truck were parked in diagonal lines next to each other. The red stone designed the sides of the wide stairs leading up to the house. But the stairs themselves were grey stone. At the top of the stairs, stood two tall white pillars, like it was the path way to God’s mansion. They realized they weren't in small business anymore. And they were far from being able to turn around. Bobby's business started off... pure. Bobby was always money driven. But, he was taught at a young age about the importance of family and being happy with the small things in life. But, when he learned of how lucrative Real Estate was, he couldn’t help but jump at the chance to get into it. Because everyone always needed a place to live. Right? "So do you boys want anything to drink? You hungry?" Mr. Shaw asked as they settled into his elegant office. "No thanks, I'm good." Bobby said, his nerves made him forget he didn't eat all day. "I'd like a drink, if you wouldn't mind, Mr. Shaw." Tony answered, always ready to drink. The office had a shiny light brown wooden floor, dark brown walls and book shelves that were made of expensive wood. Lights were mounted on the wall that gave the room a relaxing feel. "You don't know what you're missin' out on Bobby," Mr. Shaw chuckled, "Remy Martin Louis. I got it as a present and it's some alcohol I've ever tasted". Then took a sip. He walked behind his desk and handed the drink the drink to Tony. "So, right down to business. You two have something I want. And I have something you want. "We just sell houses, " Bobby answered, "How can we help you?" "So I am a man of many faces. To some I own a couple car dealerships, to others I am a public figure, and to a select few—I keep traffic moving. "Excuse me?" Bobby asked. Mr. Shaw leaned forward in his chair, "In other words: I have clients that need drugs moved and you two are my answered prayers." #BrokenHome #BlackInk #NoaBlack #Miniseries https://www.instagram.com/p/BsoR9u3AIWc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=xhydsqk5h7ps

"You nervous?" "Now ain't the time, Tony." Bobby said replied up at the evening sky. The air was still moist from the rain the day before. The evening was cool. As the sky was closing its eyes, the setting sun painted the clouds it's favorite colors. Sunsets were calming to Bobby. He needed all he could to calm his nerves. "Come on pretty boy, no need to get all uptight now.” Tony said, being more nervous than he came off. “I’m just worried about Mary, she left without tellin' me and she didn't returned any of my calls.” Bobby replied looking at his phone. “Where did she—“ Before Tony could finish his question, a matte black Porche with black rims pulled up to the front of the steps and stopped right in front of them. “Gentlemen,” A voice called out from behind them. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.” “No, Mr. Shaw” Bobby answered quickly, “You’re right on time.” “Excellent. I’m always running behind.” He said with a chuckle. “Like today, one of my clients tried to twist my arm in a deal, so I had to break his." He said as he busted out laughing, hitting Bobby on the arm. But, Bobby didn't know whether to laugh or run away. So he smiled and looked at Tony nervously, while he chuckled not knowing what to do either. "He'll be fine, that's why God blessed us with two, right? But, follow me up to my office, we have a long term relationship to discuss." As he turned, Bobby threw a look at Tony that said 'I'm going kill you.' Tony mouthed back "I'm sorry", as they walked into the front door of a mansion. They were in a town that was foreign to them. Fox Chapel, was home to some of the richest people who lived in Pennsylvania. Neither Bobby or Tony came from this kind of money. They weren't the richest growing up, but they didn't struggle. And by the looks of it, the person who they were going into business with wasn't struggling at all. (Continued)... #BrokenHome #BlackInk #NoaBlack #MiniSeries https://www.instagram.com/p/BsoPr-wgNp1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3bedyi48kzq8

(Continued)... “But, I’ve been curious about something though.” Mary blurted out. “What’s that?” Beth asked. “Did my father ever try to look for her?” Beth looked at Mary, unsure of how she was going to take the answer. “Yeah, but I had friends in high places get your mom a new identity. We changed her look and everything. And I went to go see him.” Mary felt her heart sink. “You what?” “Well, me and a couple of other guys. We cut the power to the house, so he couldn’t see our faces. So when he walked in we sat him down in his living room and had a little talk with him.” “A little?” Mary questioned in disbelief. “Yeah, just warn him if he continued to look for her, he would end up at a dead end." "And that's it?" Still thinking there was more to the story she wasn't telling. "We just knocked him out after the talk. I’m a business woman Mini, not a savage. Though, I've done business with some." Beth said as she took another sip of her drink. Mary didn’t know how to feel. She was conflicted. This was the first time hearing about her father and felt she should care about him. But, didn’t know if it was right of her to care that Beth threatened to kill him. He did hurt her mom and take advantage of her. But, that was her dad. She— “Oh, by the way, how are you and Bobby?” Beth asked as if just remembering she had that question on her mind. Mary quickly grabbed her drink and drank everything she just poured. —————— “Listen Tony, don’t screw with me. I can’t afford any losses here. Are you sure about this?” A voice through the phone shot back, “Bobby, come on. It’s me you’re talkin’ to. Ain’t no one but us in this. I got as much riding on this as you do. Bobby got up from his chair and started pacing, “I got enough going on over here. My marriage hasn’t been the best and my wife even suffered a miscarriage earlier this year. I can’t come back and tell her I lost everything. And she’s gonna ask how. Then I HAVE to tell her everything.” There was a pause as Bobby looked out at the rain from his office window. It reminded him of Mary. She loved the rain. And because she loved it, he grew to fond of it too. "Tony... This better work." https://www.instagram.com/p/BsDuFFJA6wp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10nki6rkg39kx

It began to rain outside. Fall rain was very peaceful to Mary. She loved the rain and could watch it for hours if she could. But, she was preoccupied now. Only noticing it by hearing it, because she couldn't take her eyes off of Beth. There was just silence and a half a bottle of Bourbon gone between them. No words from either side made themselves present at the moment. Her mother escaped an abusive relationship she was in, lived in her car, and Beth is an ex-private arms dealer. But, what jumped out to Mary was that she had her mother all wrong. She would think about kids having close relationships with their moms and how she wanted that too. Even if it was only a little bit. More laughter, more hugs, more I love you's to carry with her as she went about her days growing up. But, now she had a better view of why her mom was the way she was. All this time, she thought her mom didn't like her too much, thought she was too cold, and closed off. "You know," Mary said disrupting the silence, "She wasn't the most open, or warm person, but she wasn't neglectful." She said wiping more tears from her face. "It was weird, because she showed she cared just enough, but I still wanted more." "I know," Beth agreed, wiping her eyes, "she just didn't know how. Nina was a complicated person, but even so, she still loved you. Even if she didn't say it much." Mary sniffled, “So did she work with you?” Beth chuckled pouring her last drink, “I know what you’re trying to ask, but no she didn’t sell guns. She just made sure all my funds were in order. Despite her not having much of an education, she was very good with numbers.” “You didn’t have someone else doing that already?” “Yeah, but one day I was running my own numbers, and found he was stealing from me. When I was leaving to go approach him, that’s when I ran into your mom for the first time.” Beth chuckled again. “It’s funny how life works.” (Continued)... #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #BlackInk #MiniSeries https://www.instagram.com/p/BsDtoqmgQDG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=mvsg0iaukyel

(Continued)... So what happened between them?" Mary asked reluctantly. Not wanting to steer away from this romantic love story between her mother and her father. "Well, with her, she blinded herself from all the signs. Not because of anything he did, but because she didn't want to see them." Mary reached for the bottle, and asked "What do you mean?", pouring herself another glass. "She kept herself from believing he was the man he eventually showed himself to be: Abusive, controlling, manipulating; anything he had to be to keep her from leaving him. "Why would she do that? She never took crap from anyone? Why would she-- "It's easy to get trash for your treasure you don't know the value of. And that's what your mom did. Believe it or not your mom battled her insecurities 'til the day she died. Some of the same insecurities you had." Mary, wanted to switch the subject, "So how did she end up getting out of it?" "She found out she was pregnant with you. You were her motivation. Whatever she had to give up to make sure you didn't have to go through what she went through." Mary felt the tears coming and she couldn't do anything to stop them. "Yeah," Mary continued, "her body felt different. She wasn't used to the changes, but she was familiar with what the symptoms could be related to. So, while she was out one day looking for products to treat wounds she got the evening before, she picked up a pregnancy test. And finding out the results changed her life from that day on." "What did she do?" Mary asked, wiping tears from her face. "She waited until he was in his favorite chair, watching his favorite show, eating his favorite food. She waited until the sleeping pills she crushed in his food and drink kicked in. And when he was a sleep, she tied him down, packed what she could and drove out of town. "So she was living out of her car, pregnant, with me?" "On the side of one of my warehouses. By the time I ran into her, she was starting to show." "Wait," Mary said quickly after, "ONE of your warehouses?" "Well, yeah." She said, as she took the last sip of her drink. “I was a private arms dealer." #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #BlackInk #Miniseries https://www.instagram.com/p/Brx69F5gq6y/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=x5e4z2l9n35u

“Excuse me?" Mary asked, not knowing what else to say. Beth's heart was going 100mph. She never found it hard to say anything. She was never one to hold her tongue or sugar coat to spare your feelings. But, today was one of the rare times she found it hard to say the truth. "Well," Mary said, as she took out two glasses and Bourbon from the cupboard. "People knew of your mother. But only a few really knew her." Beth finished, putting ice cubes in each glass. "Apparently, I wasn't one of those people." Mary fired back, watching Beth pour Bourbon into each glass. "She knew you were going to be angry when you found out. But, she didn't want you--" Mary cut her off, in calm anger, "She didn't want me to know too much about her.", then took a sip of her drink. Beth leaned back against the counter, crossing her arms, with her glass in hand, "Well said from someone who barely knew her." Beth leaned forward and shot back, "Who's fault is that?" "Yours right now, cause your stubborn ass can't get past your feelings." Beth growled as she stared at Mary. Mary's silence signaled that she was ready to listen. Beth took another sip and sat at the marble top island across from Mary. "When I met your mother, she was living out of her car. But, she never was too worried about it. And I grew to know it was because she was a fighter. But, being a fighter, sometimes you can convince yourself to fight for the wrong things. And that's where your father came in". Then a smile appeared across her face. "He was SO handsome. Some of the most gorgeous eyes you would ever see. And you have his hazel eyes." Mary, shifted in her seat a little. Expressing a bit discomfort, but she wanted her to keep going. "Nina was drawn in by his looks and his charisma. And the way she talked about him – the way he was in the beginning— you could tell she loved her some Alex." She chuckled. Mary was confused. She was so lost. The woman Beth was talking about, couldn't have been her mother. The mother she knew only told her she loved her during her birthday. She didn't remember too many moments she talked about love. Especially when a man was involved...(Continued) #BlackInk #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #MiniSeries https://www.instagram.com/p/Brx6wfGg5tD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=184ztycsxdgvf

(CONTINUED)... They made their way through the Cabin, which was a lot bigger than Mary thought it was. The living room floor looked like it was cleaned and shined every day. The couches were burgundy and the chandelier that hung from a high ceiling, looked like it could light up a small village. As they passed through the living room into the Kitchen, the floor changed from wood to marble. The tan marble tiles matched the marble of the island in the middle of the kitchen and counter tops. The walls were an off-white and the cabinets had a dark brown finish. Beth was half way done making the pancakes while Mary sat silenced by the questions that were fighting their way to be asked first. Beth decided to break the silence, "How have you been Mini? I haven't seen you since the funeral." "I don't know.” Mary, said as she leaned forward on chair, “Sad, confused, lost – I just don't know which one I feel the most of." "Well,” Beth started, “she definitely surprised all of us. I know she suffered from sleep apnea, I just always thought she had it under control." Mary had no response. "She had everything handled.” Beth continued, “You know, one time she owed me $100 and you know what she said to me?" She said with a chuckle. "She told me she would give it back to me after she took it from me in poker." Mary smiled a little bit and asked, "You and my mother met playing poker right?". As she put the pancakes on the plate, she put the pan she used to cook the pancakes in the sink and rested her hands on the counter top. "No, actually." She said turning to meet Mary's confused face, " I know that’s what we always told you. But, the truth is, I met your mom while she was running away from your dad." #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #Miniseries #BlackInk #ShortStory #InstaStory https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgEZx8gQw6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=9p72emiwsb47

Mary sat on a porch of a cabin blowing into her hands to warm them. She sat wondering if she made the right decision to talk to Beth and also wondering if she was in the right place. The cabin was something out of a fantasy in the middle of nowhere. Mary never knew where Beth lived or what she did for a living. But, it seemed Beth did very well for herself – if this actually was her home. At her mom's funeral they had a short exchange that ended with Beth giving Mary her address. Saying "Whatever you need from me, consider it done". And Mary believed her. The only time she remembered Beth to ever lie was during poker. She got up and took another look at the house with eyes full astonishment and admiration. The wood was a dark brown with large windows exposing the luxury interior; as though the person wanted the sun to shine on all that they had accomplished. Light and dark grey stones made up the walk way that led up to the house. The porch she had sat on had few chairs, a swing chair and lights that hung on the wall to keep it well lit. This was nothing compared to what she thought Beth lived like. She wasn't a flashy person, nor did she talk much about herself. As she was still looking in awe at the house she heard a car come up the hill. A wave of anxiety swept over her, engulfing her in it's warm grasp she couldn't help but sweat as the car made its way in front of her. An older woman made her way out of the Toyota Prius and smiled at her, "Hey Mini", she said as she embraced Mary. Mary felt tears coming up, but refused to let them show. Beth was the only person who could call her that. It was short for mini-me because Mary looked exactly like her mother. To distract herself, Mary backed up and turned back to the house, "I didn't know you lived here.". "Yeah,” Beth said smiling, “I like to keep it that way. Come, It's been a while since I made you my special pancakes you always loved."... (CONTINUED)... #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #MiniSeries #ShortStory #BlackInk #Instastory https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgEMo_ANZ2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tackjeao5bz5

(CONTINUED)... One day, Mary got in her car and turned it on so she could think and listen to music. She did this even before she met Bobby. Something about Chill House music helped her think. She looked up through her sunroof and watched the clouds drift by. The draft from the breeze tickled her face as it fought its way through the heat blowing on her from the car. The sunlight finally showed its face again as a cloud slithered by, as memories with her mom flooded her mind. Frame after frame of birthdays, trips, and fights. Looking back, the bad outweighed the good. But, there was enough good to keep her from going off the deep end. She thought about birthdays where Beth and a few other older people would be the only guests. Because Mary didn't really have friends growing up. Trips where they would fight, but be reunited over food and watching funny sitcoms. She would remember Beth usually was the one that had to be the mediator between her and her mother quite often. As she thought about it, Beth was the main person in quite a few of her memories. She sat up and realized, if she wanted to know more about her mother, she would have to get to know Beth more. She put the car in drive and sped down the road to Beth's house. #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #InstaStory #Miniseries #BlackInk https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYLGTMAGx0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lkgwgv2bofi

A little over a year after her mom's funeral, she didn't make coffee every morning like she used to. She didn't feel like herself. She felt a part of her died with her mother. A part of her she didn't know was there, neglected until it left. A void that could no longer be avoided. She didn't know where to look to find the answers she desperately searched for. How could she when she never even knew she needed them. Even when Bobby was in the same room as her, he felt as though he might as well be on the other side of the house. The distance between them grew as time went on. He didn't really know what to do or what to say. Smiles were scarce. Words were few. For him, it was like he could see her, but couldn't touch her. When he held her hand, when he hugged her, when they laid together in bed; the warmth that kept their love from going cold had left. He didn't he think she really heard him either. When he told her he loved her, it was as if those words were like random sounds the house made occasionally. Words said in a language that wasn't meant for her. He desperately sought out how to get through to her, because the glass box of sadness and gloom she walked around in was bullet proof. And he was quickly running out of ammunition as each day passed. Bobby grew up in a home where his hardest day was getting into a car accident—well-- it wasn't really an accident. He was just side swiped while parked outside of a Chick-Fil-A. But, he made it seem bigger than what it was to make it seem more interesting. His mother and father made sure he and his two brothers lived in a loving home. They made sure they were well taken care of and had the best opportunities. He never knew much about struggle. He never knew much about pain. Everything happened, as he thought, when they were supposed to. His grandparents passed at old ages, his brothers moved out when they got older and have families of their own. And he still helps to take care of his parents as they live their lives of a retired blue collar couple... (CONTINUED)... #BrokenHome #NoaBlack #InstaStory #MiniSeries #BlackInk https://www.instagram.com/p/BrYK5KHA8Rr/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ik5888khw5sm

The leaves were changing color again and the sun was setting sooner. As the season changed again, they found themselves in a new one too. Bobby held her tightly, for he knew nothing else he could do. Even after four years, he didn't believe he could be at such a loss in knowing how to comfort her. After all, What words or actions can cure the heart of one who just lost their mother? She wasn't close with her mother. But, close enough to still buy her groceries as a way to make up for not seeing her more often. And phone calls between them were filled with more with silence than words. But, the silence was fine, it let her know that her mom was okay. So when she didn't answer the phone after a couple of days, Mary knew something was wrong. Even though they didn't talk much, her mom would never ignore her. Her mom was not the most loving, but she wasn't neglectful. The day Mary found out her mom had passed had been a couple days after she went to sleep and didn't wake up. She was found by her longtime friend of 50 years, Beth. A small fireball who loved to smoke and loved to gamble. Beth went to get her for poker night, but when Nina didn't answer her door, she called the cops. Even though she had a few friends that knew of her, Nina was a woman of mystery. That's what Mary kept thinking as she sat with her head down at her dining room table. Who was her mom, really? What was her life like before she had child? Was she really ever happy? #BrokenHome #InstaStory #MiniSeries #NoaBlack #ShortStory https://www.instagram.com/p/BrNlYXAggYV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1toc677zhva3s

(Continued).... Bobby was a busy man, dedicated to his work. He worked in Real Estate and every year his business grew, but he always reminded her that he loved her. He felt bad for not being able to spend as much time with her as he did in the beginning, but she always reminded him that she was okay. He would leave her favorite candy, surprise her with a home cooked dinner (meaning his friends would make most of it, since they owned restaurants in town he helped them to get). Even though she knew, she was still grateful anyway. Days turned to weeks, to months, and to years. Nothing about them was wrong. Arguments were scarce. They couldn’t recall moments they ever wanted to be somewhere else than with each other. But, life always has a way of surprising you. Leaving you to wonder how it can be so cruel not letting you in on what it’s plans were. The day Mary got the phone call, is the day everything started to change. #InstaStory #StoryTime #BrokenHome #MiniSeries #NoaBlack #BlackInk https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFWVXyAdMG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17a5uygw5uvr3