Saturday, February 28, 2009

Chapter One: Six Down To One: A Story of Us page 3

Shanell dropped down to the ground, with tears falling down from her eyes, as she began to scream.
"Diamonds, drop the gun, the police are coming!" Shanell screamed, in a bit of a raspy voice. Diamonique continued to press the front in of her gun, up against the unknown males chin. He continued to laugh, as the police quickly made their way out of their police vehicles.
"Drop your weapons....NOW!!!" One of the officers shouted. Another officer had shouted for them to get down to their knees. Fontaya and Shayla had both been watching from a distance, as they then began to run over toward Shanell. Shayla then proceeded to help Shanell to her feet. Diamonique removed the gun, and then tossed it to the ground. She then raised both of her hands behind her head, and then proceeded to drop to the ground, falling onto her knees. Two tall and heavy, African-American police officers placed handcuffs onto the two unknown males wrist, and then pushed and shoved them into the back of a squad car.
"You've should of killed me when you had the chance...." The shorter unknown male shouted, sarcastically at Diamonique, before the police officer closed the squad car door.

Diamonique hung her head, as a medium sized, tall Caucasian police officer began to read her her rights, and then he began to place handcuffs on her wrist. Shanell began to weep louder at this point. Shayla began to tug forcefully onto the police officers shirt.
"Hey...hey...come on what are you doing? She didn't do anything wrong!! hey....answer me!!" Shayla shouted, as she continue to tug on his shirt. The officer ignored Shayla's attempt to prevent Diamonique's arrest. Nonetheless, he continued to haul Diamonique to his squad car.
"Get my aunt Shay..." Diamonique shouted to them, as the officer then closed the door.
"You can't do that!!!" Shayla shouted, as the police vehicle began to drive off, leaving Queenbridge. Shayla tossed a small rock at the back of the police vehicle. Though the hit was unsuccessful, as the vehicle was no longer within reach.

Ronny sat comfortably on his couch, laughing occasionally, as he was watching an episode of America's Funny Home Videos. Lionel laughed as well.
"Dude, this is some funny stuff. I should like really send my stuff in to this show...maybe I'll win some money!" Lionel stated, as he laughed hysterically. Ronny leaped off the couch, as his front door swing open. Ronny studied the girls facial expressions. Shanell then ran toward Ronny.
"What in the world is going on?" Ronny shouted, as he held Shanell in his arms. Shayla attempted to catch her breathe, but could not. Fontaya took a deep breathe, and then turned to face Ronny and Lionel.
"Diamonique got arrested....she save Shanell from these creeps...then she put a gun to them...the police came..." Fontaya held her chest, as her heart began to pound.
"What? Do you have the gun? Oh man, this is really bad." Ronny stated, as he began to pace back and fourth around the room. Fontaya had nodded her head, as she then placed the gun in Ronny's hand. Lionel placed his hand over his forehead.
"That's your gun right Ronny?" Lionel had inquired. Ronny nodded his head. Lionel then added, "We got to tell your aunt Shay. She will know what to do, she is a Lawyer or something." Lionel suggested. Shay, whom had been asleep upstairs, came running down the stairs. She walked into the living room, and noticed everybody staring back at her.
"What is all this? I heard police sirens...wait...where's Diamonique?" Shay asked, as she gazed around the room, and there had been no sign of Diamonique.

Diamonique sat in a small chair inside the interrogation room, at the Queens Police Department. She covered her face with her hands, as she refused to speak or look upon any of the two detectives that had been in that room.
"Diamonds, you got basketball coming up soon. You can't be doing this. How did you get yourself in this mess?" The tall slender built, young Caucasian, police detective inquired. Subsequently, this had been the same police officer whom had arrested Diamonique in years passed. Officer Tom Reynolds, had arrested Diamonique when she was twelve on processions of Marijuana, with the intent to sell. She had finished her middle school in a youth detention center, and had been released six months prior to this day, in which she sat in yet another police interrogation room. "You promised to get your life straight, and focus on playing basketball. You got the talents Diamonds." Tom added. Diamonique starred into his eyes.
"I'm telling you, I was only trying to save my friend. I left all that stuff alone. I'm not in a gang or nothing. I'm just playing basketball, and hanging with my friends. You guys gave me a second chance by not letting me finish my time, and let me out. I'm not trying to mess that up. Its my aunt gun, she got a permit, honestly." Diamonique plead. Tom folded his arms tightly together. Tom had grown quite fond of Diamonique, as he was solely responsible for allowing her to be released, and giving another chance. The other police officer walked over to Tom, whispered into his ear, and then back away. Tom nodded his head at the officer, whom then turned to open the door. Shay, whom had been in law school, and just made a lawyer at a prestige firm, walked into the room.

"Hey Tom, you're going to have to release her...." Shay stated, as she paused. Tom had motioned for the other police officer to leave, and once he had done so, Shay began to speak once more, "I am asking you to do me a favor. She had been trying here, and they are plenty of people who say she was acting in self defense. She got basketball Tom. Don't take that away from her." Shay pleaded with Tom. Shay and Tom had indeed been great friends, it had been rumored that they had been secretly dating.
"I don't won't to see you again Diamonds. Those creeps are wanted on way more charges, so I will let you go...but I don't want to see you again unless it is the basketball court." Tom replied. Diamonique stood up and embraced her aunt, and then turned to embrace Tom. Diamonique then walked out of the room to join her friends.
"Thanks Tom." Shay stated.

Diamonique walked through the halls, as she was making her way to the police station waiting room. She turned around and walked in the back where the temporary holding cells had been located.
"Hey..." Diamonique shouted. The man walked closer toward the bars, and stared into Diamonique eyes. "If I see you again, you want be in here, you will be there.." Diamonique stated, as she pointed toward the ground. The man still continued to laugh. Diamonique then turned to walk out.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Chapter one: Six Down to One: A Story of Us page2

Diamonique had flapped down onto the couch, next to Fontaya and Shayla. Shayla wore a half smile upon her face, as she stared in Diamonique's direction. Fontaya continued to stare at Diamonique as well. Lionel then walked over, and ran his hand across Diamonique's braids.
"She'll come around. We start Freshman year in about two weeks, and I'm sure she'll be cool by then. But you know I got love for you no matter what.." Lionel stated embracing Diamonique. Lionel then turned to face Ronny," You ready man?" He added. Ronny had nodded his head, and then the two turned to walk out of the building.

"Love ya sis, I'll holla at you at home!" Ronny had shouted, as he walked out of the building. The news had not come as a surprised to Ronny, as he had been the first to know about Diamonique's sexuality. He had been the only one to know, since Diamonique had been in the seventh grade. Diamonique sat sandwiched in between Fontaya and Shayla. Her mood had been dampened, as she feared Shanell would never speak to her again. Shayla grabbed Diamonique's chin, and then began to gaze into Diamonique's sadden eyes.
"Hey, Diamonds, you my girl, and you gonna always be my girl. Like Lionel said, you know you and Shanell been through so much more crap then to let your sexuality break that up. You didn't have to tell me though, cause I knew you were that way without you even saying it, I just think that Shanell was in denial." Shayla stated, as she too, embraced Diamonique. Diamonique then let out a half smile. Fontaya then embraced Diamonique as well.

"Yeah, I seen that one girl, what was her name....oh yeah, Corena Moore around you house one night. So I knew too, that is why I was trying to get you to just tell the trust. I'm glad you did, cause the truth always sets you free. Beside, you know I'm cool, you been my girl since like way back in the days." Fontaya assured Diamonique. Diamonique had in fact been in a secret relationship with a sophomore girl named Corena Moore. Corena had been on the high schools cheerleading squad all her freshman year, and expected to be a member on the cheerleading squad this year as well. Corena was slender in body structure, long black silky hair, green eyes, carmel complexion, very attractive feminine girl. Corena sexuality had not been a mystery, as she was open with her homosexuality. Fontaya and Shayla both were also members of the cheerleading squad, and has spoken with Corena during practices. Though Corena had withheld the information about her being involved with Diamonique, to protect Diamonique's feelings.

"Yeah, I know everybody already knew things or thought they knew things, so I just want to make it official, you know. I don't care what anybody thinks of me, I only care what Shanell thinks, and I wasn't ready to let her know...cause I knew she would take it the way she just did." Diamonique replied. Diamonique then began to stare at her tattooed right arm, as if to take her mind off of the days events.
"Well, since you all tough and what not, since it dark, can't you like walk us home?" Shayla inquired. Diamonique stood up, and then released out a deep sigh.
"You know it ladies. I know how this neighborhood gets." Diamonique replied, as the three friends made their way out of the building, and on their way three blocks, back to their neighborhood.

Shayla, Fontaya, and Diamonique casually made their way into their neighborhood. Diamonique had lurked within an inch behind Shayla and Fontaya, and had kept her head down throughout the duration of their walk.
"Oh my God, Diamonds....look...Shanell's in troubled!"Shayla shouted, pointing a couple of feet away, in the direction Shanell had been in. Diamonique quickly lifted her head, and then proceeded to run into Shanell's direction.
"Shanell....Shanell..." Diamonique shouted, as she ran. Shanell had been screaming, as two unknown men, all dressed in black clothing, attempted to pull Shanell into their car. Diamonique had quickly arrived to attempt to come to Shanell's aid. The driver had notice Diamonique, and then quickly stepped out of the car, and ran over to Diamonique. He then took out a gun, and then placed it firmly to the back of Diamonique's head. Shanell erupted into more screams. The unknown male carrying the gun, instructed for everyone to be silent. Shanell, weeping, covered her mouth to attempt to silence her screams. Diamonique released her firm grip, which was around the other unknown Male's neck. She then turned to face the one with the gun, whom was much larger than Diamonique. A single tear fell from Diamonique's right eye, as she stared into the hateful eyes of the unknown males.

The gun was now placed underneath Diamonique's chin. The male instructed Diamonique to get down onto her knees. Shanell continued to weep.
"No..." Diamonique replied, as she quickly reached her hand down her shorts, and pulled out her black colt 45 Magnum, and then proceeded to place it onto the right side of the unknown males temple. "You get down, punk, you ain't real. One of us is gonna pull this trigger, and walk away, and I'm telling you it's gonna be me!" Diamonique shouted. The unknown male released out a sarcastic laugh, as he clinched his trigger. The moment Diamonique began to pull her trigger, the police was making their way to the scene.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Chapter One: Six Down To One: A Story of Us

Diamonique sat comfortably on her front porch, as she appeared to be in a deep trance. The weather had been a bit chilly, as it was nearing the start of the school year. Despite the chilly temperature, Diamonique wore only a Micheal Jordan jersey, and basketball shorts. She had her red socks pulled up to her knees, and had Micheal Jordan shoes on as well. Diamonique was starring off into space, when she was approached by Shanell. Shanell had been dressed more fitting for the chilly weather.

"Hey girl, you okay? You look lost in space or something." Shanell had joked, brushing herself up against Diamonique. Diamonique then chuckled, to acknowledge the facetious situation. Once the laughter had subsided, Shanell added, "Are we still bout to go meet at our group meeting place, and if so, are you still going?" Diamonique then picked up her basketball, and began to twirl it around her finger. She then stood up to relax against her front porch poll.
"Yeah, I'm going. Just got a lot on my mind, you know. But yeah I'll be there....you here for Ronny?" Diamonique then asked. The six friends had all chipped in to pay for an abandon old shack of a house, which was located about two block away from their neighborhood. Once they finished paying for it, about four years ago, they had painted it, and place nothing but sofas inside the building, which was about 600 square feet. Diamonique had spray painted their faces on the walls inside the building, as she had been an outstanding artist. The friends had labeled that place their meeting place, and had met their everyday since they had bought the place.
"No, Ronny had left already with Lionel this morning, they are already there silly, and i told them I would go and get you, so come on!" Shanell stated, as she then pulled Diamonique off her porch. Diamonique allowed a smile to arise onto her face. Shanell then added, " So tell me what is wrong..." She said taking a moment to pause, she had just noticed Diamonique's choice of clothing, "Aren't you cold?" Shanell had asked. Diamonique let out a fake laugh, and then proceeded to dribble the basketball between her legs.

"Naw, I'm not cold, I just been playing with the boys this morning, at the park...besides I got much more important things on my mind to be worrying about if I'm cold or not, you feel me." Diamonique replied. She then stopped dribbling the basketball, and then went back to twirling it on her finger. Diamonique then stopped walking, and then turned to face Shanell. "Fontaya told me that like people be hassling her about me. Like they won't to know if I'm gay or straight. Like because of my baggy clothes, and my tattoos, that I got to be gay or something." Diamonique stated. Shanell stared down at the street, as if she had refused to make eye contact with Diamonique. Diamonique had never been linked to any form of relationship with a man, and thus resulting in lesbian speculations. Although, she had been Shanell's best friend, Diamonique also knew how Shanell felt about homosexual. Shanell held strong to her christian beliefs and thus far looking down on anyone whom associated themselves as a homosexual. Diamonique had denied being one, in fear of being rejected.

"Well, I know that I am your best friend, and if you were you would of told me by now, and you haven't, so I know you are not gay, and that is all that matters, right." Shanell stated staring into Domonique's eyes. Diamonique nodded her head in agreement, and did not speak another word for the remaining walk. Fontaya and Shayla had been sitting on a sofa engaging in their own conversation. They appeared to be reading a world sexiest men magazine. Ronny and Lionel was sitting on another sofa conversing about their up coming basketball season, when Diamonique and Shanell walked in.
"Bout time!!" They all yelled simultaneously. Diamonique and Shanell then smiled at them, before joining Fontaya and Shayla on the sofa. Ronny then stood in the middle of the room, as too address everyone.
"Well, as you all know that today is me and Shanell's three years anniversary," Ronny paused to acknowledge all the pro founding awes from everyone. Shanell blushed. Ronny continued, "So I want to take this time to say, I love you baby, and I always will...Happy anniversary." This caused Shanell to blushed even more, as she received a kiss to the lips from Ronny. Lionel then stood up.

"Well, ain't that just the cutest array of love..." Lionel said drawing imaginary hearts into the air. Ronny had then threw his basketball at Lionel, facetiously. Lionel caught the basketball, and then proceeded to rest it onto the table he had been standing in front of. He then stated back up, "Well, I don't have no anniversary today, but umm, do anybody else have anything they would like to say today?" Lionel had asked. Fontaya and Shayla continued to congratulate Ronny and Shanell, while Diamonique sat staring down at the floor. She then stood up.
"I have something to say..." Diamonique paused, allowing her time to walk to the front of the room. Lionel the sat down, as everyone stopped their side conversations to listen attentively to Diamonique.
"Umm, everyone had been wondering if I am Gay or straight, and like you guys are my best friends, so I thought I tell you guys first, before I tell..." Shanell had stood up to interrupt Diamonique. Diamonique then stopped to allow her time to speak.
"We already talked about this, Diamonds, you said you were straight, so why bring it up again?" Shanell had asked. Shanell appeared angry, while the rest appeared interested to hear what Diamonique had to say next. Diamonique was reluctant to make eye contact with Shanell, but nonetheless, she spoke.

"No Shanell, I lied, and I'm sorry. But ummm, I am gay...I always been gay..." Diamonique replied. Lionel smiled, as did Ronny, to which they both begin to shout out "I knew it I knew it," simultaneously. Fontaya and Shayla both stared at one another. Shanell walked up to Diamonds, stared her in the face, pushed her out of her way, and then ran out of the building. Everyone's mood grew to complete and utter silence.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Prologue: The Story of Us

Heavy smoke begin to fill the air, Diamonique noticed, as she stared up into the sky. The smoke hovered over the tall building, which stood alongside the highly populated streets of New York. Queens, New York would be the place in which Diamonique and her friends resided in. The six friends reside in the project neighborhood called Queenbridge North houses. That would be the place where their friendship all began, and where it all flourished. The six of them made there way down the streets of Queens, laughing and carry on with their usually conversations. Conversation which often consist of casual jokes on one another, which then could span to sports stories, and often ended with discussing their clothing choices to their shoes. The six of them met when Diamonique an her twin bother, Ronny Matthews', aunt Shay would babysat them, when they were all were walking in diapers.

They all attended the same public high school in Queens, and all had committed to each other, to attend Tennessee University together. Fontaya Williams was the oldest of the six,as she was a junior, and also was the tallest of the girls in the group. Fontaya stood five feet eleven inches from the ground, and maintained her slender figure. She was light in skin complexion, with medium length dark brown hair. Fontaya often wore big round ear rings, stylish glasses, which were prescriptions, and somewhat boyish style clothing. Though, she would designate three days a week to dress prissy. She was attractive in looks, and had long nails, that she would have done, when she dressed up. Fontaya was highly intelligent, with an accumulated GPA of 4.0 as a junior. Shayla Woods was walking next to Fontaya, as she was seen covering her face, with the attempt to protect her face from the smoke. Shayla was extremely prissy, as she often did anything that would make her release any perspiration. That was her unique personality, that separated her from the rest of the group. Shayla was just a sophomore, and held a GPA of 4.0, as she rarely received any grades under a hundred, as she held a desire to become a lawyer. She was described as beautiful by the countless men, that would often throw themselves at her, as if she had been some kind of celebrity. She had long silky dark black hair, to go along with her Puerto Rican ethic background. Shayla often spoke with an ascent that would attract men to her as well. She stood five feet five inches from the ground, although she would always wear high heel boots, that would leave you guessing about her actual height. Shayla pulled her hair back behind her ears, to prevent her hair from blowing in her face again.

Often labeled as "The Boys," of the group, Ronny and Lionel, was walking behind Shayla and Fontaya. Ronny and Lionel was both the stars on the boys basketball varsity team, as just freshmen. Though they had only been freshmen, they caught the interest of many different colleges. Ronny, whom was Diamonique's twin, was usually called air flight Mathews, as he usually soared passed the rim. He was an amazing ball player, and carried his basketball every place he went. Ronny stood six feet three inches from the ground, and was extremely built in body structural. He had natural curly brown hair, green eyes, bright complexion, and had a huge tattoo on his back. It was that of a large hawk, with a basketball attached to one of the large wings, soaring to a basketball goal, surrounded by busting flames of fire. Underneath the hawk, it read, "While you're wondering if you could fly, I'll be soaring to the hoop." Ronny did just that, and it was amazing to watch. He was handsome, and extremely conceded about his looks. Lionel Wiggins, Ronny's teammate and best friend, walked next to one another. Lionel went by the name "deadly cross," as opposing teams often fears guarding him, with respect of his deadly cross over. Lionel had been a freshman as well, tough he was the youngest in terms of age. Lionel was not as built as Ronny had been, as he held a more smaller frame. He rarely lifted weights, as he did more running for his strength and conditioning. Ronny felt the need to be protective over Lionel, because he had been so small. Lionel and Ronny favored more in look, as they looked as though they could have been twins. Though Lionel had baby blue eyes, but their hair color, and complexion, as well as facial features were virtually the same. Lionel would keep his hair in long braids. Lionel was more adorable than handsome, as he had more of a baby face. Lionel had self proclaimed him self the "comedian," of the group, as he often was known for his many jokes.

Shanell Wiggins and Diamonique Mathews walked behind the boys. Shanell and Diamonique were the stars of the girls varsity basketball team, and also had been best friends. Shanell was Lionel's cousin, but had grew up as brother and sister. They both had no known knowledge that they had been cousins, as Shanell's mother had adopted Lionel when he had been a baby, from their aunt. Shanell was extremely beautiful, and had been admired upon, by many men. Though, those men, respected the fact that she had been Ronny's longtime girl friend for three years. Although, Shanell had been a sophomore, she held true to her relationship with Ronny, until he had become a freshman. Though she had been a super star on the basketball court, she was as prissy as Shayla, off the court. Shanell had long reddish blackish hair, that hung pass her shoulders, to accommodate her light brown skin complexion, and her baby blue eyes. She was slender in weight, and was five feet six inches tall. Shanell had been extremely close with Ronny's twin sister Diamonique, whom was usually called Diamonds. Diamonds was five feet ten inches tall, and was the biggest tomboy. She often wore clothes that was big enough to place three other people in them. She kept her hair in long braids, as Lionel had done. She was bright in skin complexion, and against her aunt's approval, tattooed her entire right arm. Though she had been slender, she was somewhat muscular, as she often lifted weights with her brother. They often walked the streets of Queens together, as they had built a bond strong enough to withstand the greatest storms.

Diamonds looked at her friends on this day, as they all laughed with one another, and could not escape the feeling that something awful was about to happen. That behind the laughter lurked tragedy. Diamonds knew that to fully understand all that has happen, you have to start from the beginning. That to appreciate all six of them,you have to get to know them. That to witness the end, you will have to witness the beginning. The beginning of six down to one...

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Introduction to Six Down to One: The Story of Us

This is the story that test the bonds of true friendship, that is built to withstand the greatest storms. The story that depicts the most electrifying battles within one young life. This story is told through the eyes of Diamonique Matthews, as she recollects the events from within her life, and those that she hold dear to her heart.

Diamonique had woke up, and slowly made her way to her mirror. She then began to stare at her self, as tears slowly falls from her eyes. It was clear she had been weeping. She begin to grip her hair, which had be in an afro, yelling out, "NO, NO, NO!" Diamonique begin to ask why, before stopping, and attempting to wipe away her tears, as well as the snot that fell from her nose. "I know why.." Diamonique stated aloud to the reflection that stared back at her, from within the mirror. The reflection that saw a light complected, tattooed, baggy clothed sixteen year old child. She then glanced over at the loaded black colt 45 magnum, that rested on the bathroom counter top. Diamonique then begin to ponder...

I take full responsibility for all that has happened. I caused this to happen to us. I wish I could wake up on this day, and undo all that has happened. Then could I trully change what has happened? I remember the last day we all walked together, the six of us. The last day we laughted together through the streets of Queens. The last time I rememeber seeing all of their faces.

Diamonique quickly grabbed the colt 45 magnium, and the clenched it close to her chest.

"This is where it all began, where it all ended, for all of us....."