A New Beginning

A New Beginning

By Roslyn Moon

All rights reserved to the author Roslyn Moon

Copyrighted 2016 and 2018 by the U.S copyright.

Duplication of any kind without the author permission is not permitted. The contents of this work may not be posted on social media without the consent of the author. Violators will be persecuted and sued.

Table of contents

Chapter 1 - Tina

Chapter 2 - The Move

Chapter 3 - The Kitchen

Chapter 4 - Revelation

Chapter 5 - Forever, But Kate

Chapter 6 - A New Life with Zana

Chapter 7 - New Editions

Chapter 8 - Welcome

Chapter 9 - Reunion

Chapter 10 - Friends Help Friends in Need

Chapter 11 – Evil within the Perimeter

Chapter 12 – Family and Blood

Chapter 1

Tina

Life is hard enough dealing with life. Knowing who you are and where you come from helps you sustain sanity. One can only assume that growing up with no one but the system can be devastating, if you lose hope. Seems to me, if you do not show emotions, then it is difficult for people to analyze you. Is there someone that is alive, in their right mind, and breathing that does not show emotions? Is that humanly possible, not happy, not sad, no care within? The next logical question would be, why? Maybe it is a way of coping. When people do not understand something or someone, why is fear usually the next feeling?

Navera was only five years old when she entered the system. The family who had adopted her was okay. However, it was always that odd feeling of not belonging, loneliness, and depression, mad at the world. You name it, she felt it. Once upon a time, Navera was blamed and punished for something she did not do. She was sent to her room. The person responsible for it never got in trouble. Nevertheless, he was not an adopted child. His parents always believed him. That night she stood in her room by her window with her fist balled up, eyes tightly closed, angry, frustrated, and confused with life. Emotions overwhelmed her. She felt like her chest had exploded and the world she once knew had ended. Her mood finally grew tired and she went to sleep. Upon awakening, she felt better.

When she came out her room her brother David was standing silently, staring at her with a look of satisfaction on his face. At that moment, she realized he had the upper hand. He had won. Suddenly, it began to thunder storm. Lightning bolts ran across the sky, the earth roared, and raindrops turned to ice before hitting the ground. She returned to her room and gazed out the window, screaming on the inside, motionless on the out. Suddenly, she regained her composure. Relieved of anger, as she became one with the universe.

Navera never grew close to her adopted family. Never caused any real trouble so they kept her. She was like a family pet. Time passed, her emotional independence forced her to mature faster than her peers. Mr. and Mrs. Cross never threatened to put her out, but she was preparing to be on her own. Her real mother would always tell her, No one can take care of you like you. She would say that when Navera would whine. One day, her mother just disappeared.

Well, Navera is all grown up now. Transitioning from a child to a woman becomes more difficult when forced to do it earlier than normal. Navera’s mother had a good point; self-care is more important than any other kind.

Good morning Navera Mrs. Cross said as she gathered her things for work. Good morning, Navera replied, finishing her breakfast.

Listen, um, I’m going to need you to start helping a little more on the rent. Mrs. Cross said quickly grabbing her briefcase, rushing towards the door. How much more? Navera said. Quietness surrounded the room. Mrs. Cross exhaled. Before walking out the door, she replied, At least three hundred a month.

Navera sat in the kitchen for a minute before leaving for school. Thinking to herself, I have to get out of this house. As she drove to school her friend, Kevin flagged her down with hopes of getting a ride. NAVERA STOP he said smiling from ear to ear, he was so happy to see her. Get in, she said looking straight ahead.

Why the long face? he asked.

Same stuff different day. She replied.

OOOkay, guess I’ll leave it at that. he said.

Quietness came about as she drove to school. Kevin adapted to her mood swings. When she did not want to talk about anything, he respected that. Finally, they arrived at school. They were seniors this year. Running a little behind, they scurried to class. When she arrived at her first hour class, she noticed her neighbor James coming in her direction.

Hey, she said smiling at him.

Hey, I’ll catch up with you after fifth hour, I need to talk to you, James said with a serious expression on his face.

Yeah, sure. She replied.

Fifth hour came around and Navera was looking forward to seeing what it was that James wanted. She went to his class, but he was not there and she did not see him coming. She went to her class and there he was, standing in the doorway looking for her.

Hey. What’s up? Navera asked.

Look, tell David Imma kill him next time he goes in my garage looking around! James said upset.

What! What are you talking about? she asked.

He knows what I’m talking about. Just tell him!

James walked away upset. He rolled his eyes at Navera. She felt like she was the one who did something wrong. She was confused. She had a crush on James for a long time, but never had the courage to speak up. Now because of her brother, James was more distant than ever before. Navera skipped her sixth hour class and drove down town to an Island. The Island was a well know park surrounded by water. It was not too far from her home. She often visited the park when she needed to clear her head, the birds, water, and breeze was a relief from reality.

She sat by the water until it was time for her to go to work. She worked at a restaurant close by. Scurrying home to change for work, she saw her brother David. She walked up to him, staring him in the eyes, wanting to punch him so bad. Instead, she just stood there for a minute.

Is there a problem? He uttered shamelessly.

Yeah, you.

I ain’t did nothing to you yet. I suggest you get out my face! David said backing up.

Next time you decide to sneak into James garage, try covering up your face. I don’t want people to know that you are that dumb, and have anything to do with me!

She walked away. David had never seen her that upset about anything. Usually when he does something to her, she just ignores him and blows it off. Nervousness filled his heart. All the games and lies have finally added up he thought. Uncertainty was silent, but there.

She could not put her work clothes on fast enough. Grabbing everything needed, she headed to work. On her way to work, she saw James’s car approaching in her rearview mirror. He drove a midnight blue suburban truck. It had twenty-four inch chrome rims; leather interior, with visible TV’s installed on the back of his seats. He was fine and so was his truck. She swerved to the far right lane so she could be parallel to him as they stopped at a red light. She looked over at him. He looked back, turned his music up, and rolled his eyes. She proceeded on her way to work. When she arrived, her boss greeted her with a write up.

What’s this?

Your register came up ten dollars short yesterday. I’m taking it out of your check, said Mr. Brown.

That can’t be right, I didn’t have any trouble or refunds, and I surely didn’t take it.

One more time and you’re fired!

Can we at least figure out what happened first?

Punch in and get to work, that’s all. Mr. Brown said as he walked away.

Therefore, she did, making sure all orders were correct and change was precise down to the penny. It was Friday and the restaurant stayed open until twelve A.M. Mr. Brown asked her to stay and help close up, so she did. As they cleaned and closed up, Navera noticed a blue minivan sitting outside. It wasn’t anything unusual about the van. She just felt weird when she had seen the van. She stared at the van shortly before turning to Tina and asking, Tina, do you know who is in this minivan?

No, but a van like that has been sitting there every night around this time. I think it’s for someone at the diner across the street.

Oh, let’s get out of here. I need to use the restroom right quick I’ll be out shortly. Navera replied.

Okay sweetie, I’ll see you later. I need to pick up my son before my babysitter charges me a million dollars per hour for one extra hour and a half.

Okay bye, call me when you get home, she said laughing.

Navera needed to walk to her car. This time by herself through the deserted parking lot that reaped of sewer and fresh baked cookies mixed together. She made it to her car that wouldn’t start.

I cannot believe this, of all nights. She said

Exiting the vehicle, she popped her hood to look. As if she knew what she was doing. Examining her engine, she heard footsteps approaching slowly. Quickly looking around, she did not see anyone. She got back into her car, pulled a nine millimeter from the glove compartment, and proceeded to look at her engine. Looking around to see if she saw anyone, she heard a voice say excuse me. Startled, she quickly turn around pointing her gun in the face of a strange man. The man put his hands up and backed away slowly, apologizing for startling her.

Who are you and what the hell do you want! She said aiming at his chest.

Take it easy with that gun. My Name is Aaron and I was just about to offer my help… Because I am a mechanic; and, it appears that you need some mechanic help. If you got this I’ll leave you alone. He said, as he took a deep breath.

Navera thought about it and said, It won’t start, still pointing the gun in his face.

Okay, but I can’t help you if you shoot me.

It’s late, I don’t trust you. She paused and weighed her options. You’re a mechanic you say… go ahead and check it out, she said as she lowered the gun. However, she did not put it up. She watched his every move waiting for him to try something. However, all he did was help her. He examined her engine and told her to start it. She did, but it still would not budge.

Your charging system is failing.

What does that mean? she asked.

You definitely need a new battery and possibly a new alternator.

How much we talking?

Well the battery might run you about eighty bucks. What year is this Monti Carlo?

It’s a 2005.

I have these in stock back at the shop, that’s if you want me to do it. I would not charge you much at all. Better yet, I wouldn’t charge you anything if you let me take you out. He said smiling.

Navera began to smile, taking a closer look at him. He stood at least six feet from the ground, muscular built, dark brown skin. Straight edged haircut, with a firm dominant look in his eye.

I would appreciate it if you could fix my car, but this is not a good time for me to date, my life is a mess right now. So just give me a price and a time. She said still holding the gun.

Okay, let me call my uncle so he can tow it back to the shop and we can sort this out tomorrow.

Now, I need a ride home. She said looking around.

I can take you home, as long as you don’t shoot me while I’m driving.

Okay, as long as you show me where the shop is and take me straight home, you should be okay, she said laughing.

As they waited for his uncle to arrive, they talked and reintroduced themselves to each other. They towed her car to his shop. He had took her straight home as she asked.

Thanks, I really appreciate everything, here’s my number. Call me in the morning. She said smiling.

You’re welcome and I will. He said smiling back.

I’m going to need your number, just in case, she said.

Of course He said jotting his personal cell number on the back of his business card.

He left and she went into her home tired and excited about her newfound friendship. She smiled walking up the hallway. Mrs. Cross greeted her at the end of the hallway.

You’re late. Who was that who dropped you off?

My car wouldn’t start after work. I had to get it towed to a shop.

What shop is open this late?

None, I just happened to run into the owner of an auto mechanic shop downtown, he helped me and plans to fix it tomorrow.

Yeah, okay, goodnight. Don’t forget what we talked about earlier.

When is my rent going up, before or after the state cut my check next month? She said sarcastically.

It’s not about that. I just need some extra help with the bills right now and after they do cut you off on your eighteenth birthday, yes our income is going to be a little less. Therefore, you should be happy to assist your family with a couple more hundred dollars a month. You are a grown woman now. You should be able to carry your own weight.

A couple hundred more? You said three altogether, I’m already paying two!

Four to be exact. Mrs. Cross said as she proceeded up the hallway, towards her bedroom door. She had opened it and looked back at Navera.

That’s more than half my income! How am I supposed to survive off that?

This conversation is over. I’ll be expecting this change to go into effect next month, or you can prepare to move.

Mrs. Cross closed her bedroom door. Navera was in total shock. It was obvious to her it was all about the money. Thoughts of being used and manipulated, now confirmed. She had wondered if she would even have a home if there were no money involved. She had thought of herself as a transaction, a purchase at a store. Self-pity consumed her every thought. David came out of his room. He had overheard everything.

She charging you rent? He said walking towards Navera.

She was still standing in the hallway, pondering, her eyes filled with tears. Frustration overwhelmed her spirit as tears poured down her blank expression.

I’m sorry about everything, I’ve been saving my allowance for a pair of new shoes, but I don’t really need them. I want you to take this money and put it towards your rent. David said as he handed her two hundred dollars.

Oh my gosh! Thank you so much. I will pay you back as soon as I get it. Navera said as she accepted the money.

No! Do not worry about it. That is what family do for each other. We may not have the same blood. However, you are my only sister and that is how I see you, as my sister. No paperwork can change that. Well goodnight. He said as he returned to his room.

Navera finally went to her bedroom. Physically and emotionally drained, she attempted to fall asleep. She glanced by her bedroom window, jumping to her feet, startled by what appeared to be a man standing by the window. She turned the light on. It was still there. However, it was not a man. It appeared to be a shadow in the shape of a man. As fear consumed her, she fled towards the door. Suddenly stopping, tired of running from her fears, she walked towards the shadow to investigate what was happening. The closer she came, the more it started to fade away, eventually disappearing as she reached out to touch it.

She laid back down, but could not sleep. She wondered if a ghost came to visit her, maybe it was her mother, father, or just some blood relative checking in on her. Tears rolled as she longed for her family. Suddenly, it began to thunderstorm. The more she cried the harder it rained. Upon fallen asleep, the rain came to a sudden stop.

She awakened the next morning feeling drained. It was Saturday and she needed to be to work by twelve o’clock. She had almost forgotten about her car being in the shop. She had called Aaron, but he did not answer, so she left a message saying, Hi this is Navera, you helped me with my car last night. Can you give me a call back at your earliest convenience, thanks?

She went downstairs prepared for work. Mrs. Cross was in the kitchen. She watched her walk in and said to her,

Good morning Navera.

Morning. She said in a low, subtle voice.

I hope I didn’t upset you last night.

It is what it is, right. She said walking out the door and closing it behind her.

Seconds later her phone rang, it was Aaron. Relieved to see his number on the caller ID, she took a deep breath and answered.

Hello.

Hey, how’s it going?

Better, now that you have called me back.

Sorry about that, I was just finishing up your car. You can pick it up whenever you’re ready.

Okay, so how much we talking.

Give me a hundred and were even.

Okay, let me find a way there and I’ll see you shortly.

I could come get you, that wouldn’t be a problem.

Actually, that would be great if you could, I can give you gas, that’s not an issue.

Don’t bother; I’ll be there in ten.

You have no idea how much I appreciate everything, thank you again.

You are so welcome. Okay, see you soon. He replied before hanging up the phone.

She stood in front of her house, refusing to go back in. James saw her outside and went to talk to her.

Hey, look I didn’t mean to come on you like that. I was just pissed off. I know that don’t excuse it, but umm, I’m sorry. James said as he stood directly in front of her, as if he wanted a hug.

You’re okay, I would have been equally upset if the shoe was on my foot, don’t worry about it. I did talk to him and I don’t think he will be anywhere near your garage any time soon. She said smiling at him.

Oh, I’m not done with him, but I had no business approaching you about anything. You cannot control what people in your household do. Besides, you’re too beautiful to stay mad at. James said smiling.

So, if you thought I was ugly, would you still be upset with me. She said, slightly blushing.

You funny. No, I have known you way too long. I cannot lose you as a friend over something like this. Who is this? He said as Aaron pulled up. Aaron waived his hand and signaled for Navera to come get in.

Well, this is my ride.

Your ride? Where’s your car? James said with a concerned tone.

I’m on my way to get it, see you. She said as she entered Aaron’s car.

Good to see you. Aaron said staring at James as he pulled off.

Good to see you too. She said smiling.

Is that your boyfriend?

Who James? No, Just a longtime friend. Why? She said laughing.

No reason, just being nosey.

Soon after they arrived at the shop, she started her car and it sounded good.

Thank you Jesus! You must be a blessing in my life to be this good to me. She said looking at Aaron.

Then why don’t you keep me in your life? He said staring into her eyes.

How old are you?

"Twenty two. How young are you?

I’ll be eighteen next week on the fourth.

"Well, let me take you out on your birthday?

Where you taking me? She exited her vehicle and walked closer to him. She had never experienced the feelings that were beginning to surround her heart before.

I guess that’s a yes. To a surprise restaurant! He said joyfully excited.

I guess I have a date for my birthday.

See you then.

Bye.

It was only ten o’clock. Navera had a couple of hours before she needed to be at work. She decided to go to her favorite place on the Island. There she sat by the water with her sweater snugged tight, eyes tightly closed, in deep thought about what it was she had seen the previous night. It was an image engraved in her head. One she would never forget. She had thought to herself, if I only knew my real family. Who am I? Why am I alive? What is my purpose in life? These questions consumed her thoughts. Time passed and it was time for her to go to work, back to reality. When she arrived there were two detectives waiting to speak to her.

Navera, these detectives would like to speak to you. Mr. Brown said.

Hello. What’s going on? Said Navera as she looked around the room.

Hi Navera, I’m detective Gray with the Detroit police department and this is my partner detective Morey.

Hi, how are you? Said Detective Morey as he shook Navera’s hand.

Okay, I guess? What’s this about?

We just wanted to ask you a couple of questions about last night, if that’s okay with you? said detective Morey.

Sure, go ahead.

Tina Sims, do you know her?

Yeah, she’s my coworker and friend.

Did you two close up the restaurant last night?

Yes.

What happened after that?

Nothing, she left before me. Is everything okay?

Tina Sims didn’t make it home last night and the last person who’d seen her was you. Do you remember anything out of the ordinary from last night or earlier in the day?

Yes, there was something. A blue minivan was parked outside. I asked Tina if she knew who was parked in the minivan and she said no. She also said she noticed the van parked there every night lately and she’d thought it was for someone at the diner across the street.

Did she say why she thought that? Said detective Gray.

No.

"Can you