"Big brother are we really having boil up for tea?"
Two skinny boys are walking down a residential street, the day cloudy and the wind cold. The pathways are in minor disrepair and abandoned broken down cars can be seen occasionally along the road, the houses are of the cheaper kind and most are run down and in disrepair.
"Yeah little bro, that's what mum said yesterday" The older boy says.
The younger boy goes silent but hesitantly asks "Is it... because Dad's coming back?" Fear can be seen in his small eyes.
The older boy shudders and his fists clench tightly, eventually he sighs "Yeah little bro Dad... just got outta jail"
A forlorn expression covers the little boys face "Mum's been so happy ever since dad went away and she smiles everyday.. but.. but now he's coming back" the little boy rubs his eye and sniffles.
The older boy sees his younger brothers sorrow and feels his chest tighten, resoluteness flashes in his gaze "Don't you worry little bro, I'm definitely going to get stronger! I will protect mum"
"Really big brother?" The little boys eyes shine.
The older boy laughs and flexes his non-existent muscles "For sure, look little bro, I've been working out lately and I feel like I can take down a lion!"
The little boy looks at his brother with admiration and he stops sniffling "I believe you big brother, maybe I can help too?" The little boy laughs.
The older boy ruffles the little boy's hair and smiles "You can help by getting some good grades in school"
"Alright big brother, it's hard but I'll try my best!" The little boy replies.
...
*Bzzz, Bzzz, Bzzz*
Woken by the alarm clock, a young man groans sleepily. With his arm flailing about he attempts to hit the stop button, after several unsuccessful tries he finally turns the noisy device off.
As the man rises from his bed, he rubs his sleepy face before opening the curtains close to his bed.
Light shines in from the windows illuminating the dark bedroom. His bare figure can finally be seen, he's a tall young man in his teens. Light bronze skin, black eyes that shine with weariness, black hair in a high fade style, straight nose, strong jawline, light stubble and incredible physique that give off a feeling of sturdiness and strength.
Stunning tribal tattoos cover his back which extend to his arms and chest, buttocks and legs. The patterns are vivid and direct, flowing along his skin like an untamable river.
It's majesty only ruined by the intimidating words "Black Power" on his lower back.
"Such great weather, not moody like.. " He sighs, shaking his head.
A cell phone on the nearby table begins ringing. He picks up the phone and answers "Hello?"
A voice says in reply "You ready yet kawana? I've already picked up Mason and Jensen and I'm on my way to your house now"
"Oh sup Eric" Kawana stretches tiredly "I just got out of bed but I'll be ready by the time you get here"
"Late to get up as usual" Eric laughs "Cool, be ready when I get there otherwise you're walking dude"
"Yeah yeah, later" Kawana hangs up, changes into clothes the new school clothes and putting spares and essentials into a couple bags.
Looking at himself in the mirror he mumbles "They really went all out on the new uniform, truly stylish" Shiny black leather shoes, long black dress pants, white school shirt and a black jacket and blue tie.
After tightning his tie Kawana laughs "I look like a real business man" He grabs his bags and walks down to the kitchen.
"Morena auntie" After greeting his aunt Kawana prepares some cereal, fruit loops to be exact.
"Morning Kawana" The middle aged woman smiles, her skin tone is a little darker than Kawana's, she's wearing a blue apron covering her white shirt, long yellow skirt and slippers.
The few wrinkles she has fail to conceal her modest beauty.
"Why don't you look smart" Arihi giggles before continuing "You missed breakfast, it's not good to stay up so late"
"Don't worry about it auntie, just some part time work" Kawana casually says.
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"I know you're saving up for a plane ticket back home, don't work yourself too hard ok?" She says with concern.
"Thanks for the thought" Kawana looks at her a smiles.
Arihi decides to put her worries to rest "Your school trip is today isn't it? When will you be back?"
Kawana wolfing down his fruit loops replies with his mouth full "Should be back by friday"
"Swallow your food first before speaking, it's bad manners" Arihi scolds and gives Kawana a weak slap on his head.
Kawana coughs and gulps, he replies with a wronged expression "Auntie I've got to hurry, my friend's about to pick me up"
Arihi laughs "Excuses, excuses"
Kawana finishes his cereal and lights up a cigarette.
Arihi sees this and sighs, she shakes her head and continues her chores.
While he puffs on his smoke, Kawana recalls the phone call he got a few weeks ago.
...
"Finally answered your phone huh?" A croaky voice grumbles.
"Sorry old man, I didn't charge the phone. I just needed some time alone"
"I know you've been through some things boy but that's no reason to neglect your child.. "
Kawana is shocked "Wha-what did you say old man?"
"That's right boy, you left in such a hurry with your sister that your girlfriend didn't have a chance to tell you she was pregnant with your baby girl"
"It's a girl? What's her name?" Kawana asks in excitement.
"Boy, Kaori is waiting for you to come back so you can name her together. You shouldn't have left in such a rush" The old man reprimands.
"I.. I didn't, it was a spur of the moment thing. Awhina didn't want to stay, with how fragile she was at the time"-
The old man interrupts "Look boy, I don't want to hear your excuses. I know that some bad shit happened to you and your sister with.. your losses and all but you need to harden up and come back. Support your child boy"
"Auntie can't spare any cash so I'll have to work and it'll take me a few months to earn some money. Please look after Kaori for me until I get back"
"I will, she understands your grief boy, but she's angry about you leaving without informing her. Prepare your ass for a beating when you get back" The old man laughs.
Kawana smiles wryly and replies "Old man.. do you think you can send me some pictures"
"Of the baby? sure, now don't dawdle boy. She gets angrier the longer you're gone and you've been gone a while.. " A shiver can be heard from the old man's voice.
"Hold the fort old man, I'll be sure to come back as soon as I can"
The old man grumbles again before hanging up.
...
*Beep! beep!*
Roused from his reverie by the loud honk of a horn, Kawana sighs and puts out his cigarette.
"They're here" Kawana puts his bags over his shoulder and gives Arihi a kiss on the cheek "E noho ra auntie" He says while leaving through the door in a rush.
"Haere ra" Arihi waves goodbye.
Walking to the driveway Kawana sees Eric's car, it's a silver sedan made during the mid 2000's. He walks over to the boot and hears a click, opening the trunk and putting his bags in.
After closing the trunk he enters the backseat of the car, inside Kawana sees Jensen sleeping and Mason texting on his phone.
Jensen has a thin build, black eyes, soul patch, dark skin, long dreadlocks that poke out the hole in his beanie and a piercing on his eyebrow, he's the runningback of Norsbrook High football team, the so-called fastest man with two legs he jokingly says.
Mason has a tall strong phyique as expected of the quarterback, clean shave, long nose, short black hair, brown eyes and tan skin.
Eric looks at Kawana from the drivers seat and grins "Sit back and relax, I've got a new CD mixtape" Eric is the wide reciever of the football team, having mid length light blonde hair tied up in a pony tail, pale skin, thin goatee and stark blue eyes.
"Really? Last time there was a cannibal corpse song that nearly gave me ear cancer" Mason remarks with an eye roll.
Eric snorts "I don't know how that got on there, anyway these are greatest hits for the 2000's" He pushes the play button and pulls out of the driveway, heading to Norsbrook Highschool at a moderate pace.
Kawana sees a cute little face peak out from the other front seat, she's petite, has a cute little nose, wide blue eyes and long platinum blonde hair. Given a few more years, she'll turn into a breathtaking european beauty.
As soon as she sees him looking, she blushes and quickly hides behind the seat.
Kawana smiles wryly paying no mind, ever since he saved her from being harassed by a few perverts, she's been absolutely smitten with him.
Coincidentally, that's how he became friends with Eric, Mason and Jensen, learning that she was Eric's little sister and that her name was Alice.
As the song plays he rolls down the window. His arm resting on the car door, hand gently tapping to the beat of the song.
(Lady, Hear me tonight-
-Can't you see, You're my delight)
Looking at the passing houses in a daze, the song reminds him of a distant memory.
...
"Mum, where are you taking us?" Kawiti asks curiously, the car radio playing in the background.
"To the beach son" Aroha says focusing on the road ahead, beautiful green ferns and trees bathing in the sunlight pass by quickly in a blur, the skies blue with barely a cloud in sight.
Kawana asks "Mum, why are you taking us there?"
"For a picnic! I've made some yummy food for us to eat when we get there" Aroha replies with a gentle laugh.
"We could've eaten at home mum, there's tv for us to watch too" Awhina says in a disappointed tone.
Aroha sighs "Bunny, there's also another reason"
"What's the reason mum?" Kawiti asks eagerly.
"To make some memories son.. some good memories" Aroha's eyes grow moist, a tear silently slides down her cheek.
Kawana feels that something isn't right, he's noticed that his mother has been acting strangely ever since she received that phone call.
"What's the use of memories we're gonna forget in a couple months?" Awhina asks curiously.
"Bunny you may not understand now but in the future you will, anytime you and your brothers feel sad or lonely you'll remember this memory and maybe.. it might just lift your spirits and hopefully you will also think that it wasn't all bad.. " Aroha says feeling like she's trying to convice herself just as much as her children.
Kawana notices the tone in his mothers voice, something about it made him sad "Don't worry mum, we'll make some great memories right?" He gives a little shove to his sister and brother.
They don't really understand what's going on but after a nudge from Kawana, they both nod and agree.
Aroha sees them in the rear view mirror, she laughs and gives her children a brilliant smile, the immense love in her eyes cannot be hidden.
'As long as I have them.. I can get through anything' Aroha thinks feeling a little optimistic about their future.