Chapter 9

Monday Morning, Cindy and I get off the bus and head into school. The rest of the weekend went without incident. Cindy told mom, dad and I what happened Saturday night. Apparently, Megan’s boyfriend disappeared. Megan went looking for him and found him in Amy’s room with Amy having sex.

Megan ran out into the front yard and started crying. After getting dressed, Greg followed her out, where she started yelling at him. Apparently, someone had called the police, because they pulled up as Greg and Amy were trying to calm Megan down. And of course, the officer called for backup, because he smelled pot smoke coming out of the house. Amy and Megan were put into a police car and Greg was cuffed and sat on the curb until two other police cars showed up. Everyone was rallied outside and searched. Andrew and Greg were found with Marijuana and other drugs.

“Courtney and I were so scared,” Cindy explains, as mom and dad gave her the look. “We ran upstairs and hid in the closet.”

“Why did you hide,” mom asked, getting into Lawyer mode. Cindy knows that mom is a lawyer, but Cindy never learns. I smirk as Cindy bows her head. “I smoked some pot.”

So my life is a living hell, because Cindy is grounded for a month and I’m suppose to keep her out of trouble. That is an impossible task.

Amy is also grounded for having a party while her parents were gone, and letting people smoke pot in the house. I don’t know and don’t care what happened to Greg an Andrew, however. I am concerned about Megan. Yes, she betrayed me but I still care about her.

We walk into school as Cindy and I head to our lockers. Everything seems normal. But, this is a big school and rumors don’t spread as fast as in smaller schools. I see Courtney standing by my locker.

“Hi Joe,” Courtney gushes. This is not what I need. I saved Cindy and Courtney from being arrested along with everyone else. “So ... Good luck at basketball tryouts today,” Courtney finishes, trying to act shy.

She grabs my hand and we walk to our first class as I see Megan look at us and start crying.

“Did you hear about the cops arresting Greg and Andrew for drugs at Amy’s party,” Sheila asks. I wanted to ask Bailey about her brother, however she skipped lunch to study for a test. And we don’t have any classes together. “They’re in juvenile detention.”

“Have you talked to Megan,” I ask Sheila. She was absent in one of my classes, so I’m assuming she went home.

“I tried talking to her this morning,” Sheila answers. “But she won’t talk to me.”

I make a mental note to ask Damian how she is doing.

After school, I head to Basketball tryouts as someone walks up beside me.

“Good luck,” Bailey gushes.” She is already in gym clothes, heading towards the old gym that is in the main school.

“Good luck to you,” I return. I don’t have time to talk to her as I head out the door and to the main gym.

I change and head out to the court. I see that there are not a lot of students trying out. It looks like the same amount as last year, where some JV players will also need to play varsity as second string. I see Coach Taylor talking to the other coaches. We are sent upstairs to the indoor track to run ten laps I remember Coach Taylor making a comment that we have the best training facilities, but no one wants to play sports.

After our laps. Coach Taylor tells us that he is disappointed in the turn out, but he will ensure that we are placed accordingly.

We are split into two groups, where one group practices ball handing as the other practices shooting. After thirty minutes, we switch. After practice, I feel good at how I played

After practice, Damian offers to drive me home since mom said that she and dad were going to be busy. I dread the ride home, knowing that Damian is going to talk about Megan.

“Megan is a wreck,” Damian informs me as we drive towards my house. He and I knew this was coming. Damian’s concern was that if I was going to be Megan’s friend or not. “The only thing that she talked about was how she screwed up by leaving you.”

“That was hurtful,” I admit as I remember her not talking to me and flirting with Greg. If she would have told me that she didn’t want to be with me, I would have been fine. Andrew nods. “I will never take her back. She didn’t even tell me that she didn’t want to be with me anymore. And I really didn’t want her to go through the heartbreak that she put me through. The best that I can do is be her friend.”

“That’s all I ask,” Damian smiles.

I get home and drop my book bag on the table leading to the stairs. I want to go to the basement and meditate before dinner. I hear the vacuum going in the family room so I’m assuming mom is home. I walk in the family room and see mom sitting at the dining room table reading the paper. I look in the family room and my heart stops as I see Cindy vacuuming the living room.

I grab my heart and fall to the ground. I try to act like I’m having a heart attack as mom laughs and Cindy smirks. Cindy gives me the one finger salute as mom adds another week to her punishment for being rude.

“Welcome home,” mom gushes. “Mom seems to be in a really good mood today. She is always in a good mood, but today there is something different. “I ordered pizza and chicken wings. Go down stairs and do whatever you do and your dad is on his way home.

I get to the basement, remove my shoes, and flip the light switch. The light doesn’t turn on so I get into Zen. I feel someone crouching in the far corner. Mom said that dad was on his way home. I can tell that whoever is in the corner is not dad.

I walk onto the mat as I feel a spear thrown at me. I drop and roll to the corner. I am in Zen and my senses are on full alert. Whoever is in here is not dad. I can tell, because he is sloppy. He isn’t quite like dad, I feel him run to me and send a combination of kicks as I block them all except one that caught me on the chest, however I made my body like steel the way dad taught me. This person is fast, but not as fast as dad. We exchange punches and kicks as I got a good kick to the side of my head, but I got some good kicks in myself.

He jumps and sends me a spin kick as I drop to the floor and disappear behind him. He turns as he is confused and throws a punch at me. I put his arm in an arm bar and take him to the floor as I hear someone come down the stairs. I have the guy wrapped up as the lights come and I hear the familiar words.

“Release,” dad orders in Chinese. I see a proud look on his face. I release the person and stand back. The guy stands up and I figured out why mom was in such a good mood.

“It was an honor fighting with you,” Bao said bowing to me as I bow back. I remember mom saying that her brother was coming soon, but I didn’t know he arrived here today. “You great warrior.”

We sit down and talk for a bit. Apparently, Bao and his new wife will be staying for a while until things cool down with the Triads. Apparently, the Triads are trying to figure out who took out their two top men and what happened to Bao, who was undercover with another name.

“They think that I’m either dead or left the Triads,” Bao reveals in Chinese. “So far they do not think I’m undercover detective.”

We get upstairs and see that the food is here. Mom’s eyes light up as she sees her twin brother. I also see another lady there. I’m assuming that she is Bao’s wife, because she looks Chinese. She is 5’10”, tall for a Chinese woman, but she is very skinny.

“Joe, this Bao’s wife and my sister-in-law and your, Aunt,” mom points to her. “Chunhua.”

“Welcome to our home,” I welcome her in Chinese, which surprised her. She bows and I bow back and then embrace her in a hug. “I am proud to have you as my Aunt.” I release her as she smiles.

“You speak very good Chinese,” Chunhua informs me in very good English, which surprise me. “I teach English at the local university, but have never been to America until now. Did you do that to my husband?” She points to the cut Bao’s chin.

“He started it,” I whine as everyone laughs. I pull my long hair back and show her the cut on my on my temple. “Everyone laughs as we sit down to eat.”

“Hi Joe,” Courtney chimes walking into Home Ec and sitting across from me at our table. It’s Friday and the week went without incident. Greg and Andrew are back at school, however both of them are not allowed to play sports. Rumor has it that they got thirty hours of community service and the conviction is off their record after they graduate high school.

Greg and Amy is officially a couple even though Amy is grounded. Knowing Amy’s reputation, I don’t think that relationship will last long.

I haven’t seen Megan all week and Coach Taylor and Damian have told me that she wants to go to another school rather than face the friends that she betrayed to be with Greg. I haven’t had a chance to call her, but I plan to visit her this weekend.

“Did you make the team?”

“The roster is up today,” I answer. “But I haven’t had a chance to look at it. Coach said that everybody made either JV or varsity.”

“I bet you made varsity,” Courtney observes. I look at her as she is staring at me and smiling. “Want to hang out this weekend?” I am saved by the question when class starts.

After class, I head to the back door down the shortcut hall that few people use after school. There are no lockers and a stairway that leads up to the second floor that is close to the school library. At lunch time, it is used as a make out area. I round the corner and hear a familiar voice.

“Come on Emily, we can get you out of those ugly clothes,” Greg begs. He has Emily pinned up against the wall. “You don’t have a boyfriend and I can make you feel so good.”

Emily looks over his shoulder, sees me and smiles. I cringe as she smiles and I see her green eyes turn red.

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” Emily smiles an evil smile. “But I have a Soul Mate.” She points over his shoulder as he turns around, sees me, and grins. I don’t know what came over me as I grab his neck and shove him against the wall. I am so angry that he would try anything with Emily. I know she isn’t my girlfriend, but I do feel a connection with her. “Now you know that I have someone that will look over me for all eternity.” I look at her fire red eyes as she smiles and walks away.

“You do not touch her again,” I order still holding him against the wall. “If you touch her again, not even god or Satan will find your body or soul.” I let him go as he runs away in fear.

What just came over me?

I snap out of it as I get to the locker room, look at the basketball roster, and see that I made varsity. Shooting Guard, first string. Wow, I made varsity first string. Willy, who is a senior is Point Guard and Damian is varsity Center.

Everyone is hyped up and ready for practice. The first game is the first Friday in December after Thanksgiving, and everyone is excited. Coach Taylor gathers everyone around on the court.

“Okay men,” Coach Taylor starts. “Everyone knows their positions. We are going to win state this year and finally get some colleges to start recruiting from this school. We have the talent this year. The only thing we need to do...” Coach Taylor pauses for effect. “Is win!” Everyone is shouting our school name. “Now give me twenty laps!”

After our laps, we are separated into groups and practice our positions. The coaches cheer every time I make a three-pointer.

“He never misses,” Coach Taylor brags.

I head out for my morning run as Uncle Bao follows me up the mountain trail. It is Saturday before Thanksgiving. Basketball practice is going great. Megan returned to school last week, but will not talk to her friends or me. During lunch, she sits at the rich kid table and is trying to join another clique.

It started snowing last night. And is still snowing. We get to the first cliff and sit down to meditate.

“You should be police detective here in America,” Uncle Bao startles me after thirty minutes of meditation. I never thought about what I want to do when I graduated from high school.

“What’s it like,” I ask Uncle Bao.

He stares across the valley as if he is thinking. “Very satisfying taking bad people off the streets. The world is better place without bad people. You do good as policeman. A lot of law enforcement in America. You do good in FBI or CIA.” I look at him surprised. “I am policeman, I know America law enforcement.”

I think about it as we run back down the mountain. I make a mental note to look into a law enforcement career.

After breakfast and a shower, I decide to walk over to Megan’s house and talk to her. Dad had to run into work and mom and Cindy took Bao and his wife to see some of the local shops. Mom took Cindy along after I told her that I was walking over to Megan’s house to talk to her. Cindy is still grounded and mom knows what would happen if she left her home alone.

I get to Megan’s house and am surprised to see a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of her house and a moving van in the driveway. This surprises me, because Damian never mentioned to me that they were moving. Then I see Candice walk out carrying a box. I remember meeting Candice last year. I smile as the memories came back to me. Coach Taylor met her last year after advising her to put her juvenile delinquent son in a private reform school.

“Hey Joe,” Candice greets. “Go grab a box and load it on the truck.” Why do I get the feeling that I’ve been recruited?

I walk in the house and see Damian packing some boxes.

“Hey Joe,” Damian greets me. I pick up a box as Damian chuckles. “Candice recruited you huh?” I give him a confused look as he explains what’s going on. Candice and Coach Taylor are getting married and they are selling the house and moving in with Candice. Damian is moving into the mini-apartment since he is a senior and Tommy, Candice’s son is a senior and is only home during holidays and summer. “Candice will probably kick him out after he graduates since he hasn’t grown up yet and still acts like he always did.”

“Where’s Megan,” I ask. Damian points to her room.

“She’s not taking the sudden change well,” Damian explains. “She’s been acting like a real bitch lately. Maybe you can talk some sense into her.”

I grab a box and take it out to the truck. I pass Coach Taylor on the way back in the house as he is carrying a box out of the house.

“Hi Joe,” Coach Taylor greets.” Thank you for the help”

“I didn’t have much of a choice,” I whine as I point to Candice, who smirks at me.

I get back into the house and see Megan carrying a box down the stairs. She sees me and freezes.

“Hi Megan,” I greet her. I wait for her to say something, but she says nothing. She drops the box, which rolls down the stairs in front of my feet as she runs in her room. I grab the box and take it out to the truck. Coach Taylor gives me a light smile and shrugs.

“You need to stop acting like a bitch,” Damian shouts through Megan’s door.

“Get him out of here,” Megan shouts through the door, obviously crying. I grab another box and take it out to the truck. I put it on the truck as Coach Taylor and Candice look at me.

“I guess I’ll leave now.”

“I’m sorry, Joe,” Coach Taylor sooths. “That dumb-ass Greg really did a number on her.” I smile and decide to head to Saturday Karate practice early.

I take the bus since it is too far to walk. I keep my Karate uniform at the Dojo since I really don’t like bringing it home ... Since things didn’t work out, I decide to take the bus. I am getting bored with Karate practice. I’m not learning anything that I don’t already know. Coach Marcos only wants me so that I can win the competition under his Dojo’s name. The only thing good about it is that Greg no longer attends since his parents took him out after he was caught with drugs.

I get off the bus and walk the two blocks to the Dojo. I walk in and the place is empty. The only classes that are conducted today is for everyone that will compete in January.

I see Coach Marcos’ office door open so I walk in to tell him that I am here early. I walk in and see that it is empty. I have been in Coach Marcos’s office before to use the phone. There is a window that I can see out front and a window on the side that is the side of the building. The office is the same as before except for a large filing cabinet that is pulled away from the wall. Behind it is a small door. 4’ tall with light coming out of it.

Curiosity killed the cat as I bend down and enter the door. The room is large with shelves of clear plastic bags full of what I’m assuming is Marijuana. There is another shelf with bags of powder. I know that I’m a dumb teenager, but I know what drugs are and I know a lot of kids at our school take drugs I am standing in the source of their supply. This is how a shop teacher keeps his Dojo and has a large house.

I freeze as I hear someone walking in the office. I hear them talking as I recognize the voices. Coach Marcos and his son Andrew. The two voices that surprise me are Greg and Tommy. Tommy, the drug dealer, Candice’s son who is probably home from reform school for the Thanksgiving hoiday. Now I know where he received the drugs that he sold.

I don’t have time to think about Coach Marcos as a drug king-pin, because they entered the office. The door is too small to hide behind. I don’t want to fight them and lose the chance of turning them in. I look up and see ceiling tiles. I think fast and walk up the wall and push through a tile. I grab a pole and slide the tile back into place just in time.

“You guys are falling down on your job,” I Hear Coach Marcos complain. “Get your shit together. I teach you Karate so that you can sell. If you don’t want to do, it anymore then let me know and I can terminate you.

“Woe,” I hear Greg complain. “I’ve been grounded.”

“You know my situation,” I here Tommy complain. “Give me what I need to sell for the week and more to sell at my shitty school.”

I hear them filing bags and they leave as I hear the door close and the filing cabinet pushed up against it. I wait for a while until I hear the class practicing. I work my way over to a tile that is over the office. I open the tile and jump down into the office. I grab a chair and place the tile back in place

“Where the fuck is Wang,” I hear Coach Marcos shout as I slip out of the window.

I run down the side of the building and into the alley as I’m grabbed from behind. I see the Chinese guy standing in from of me as I flip the guy over my shoulder and get my arms ready to snap his neck.

“Joe, NO!” The guy from the Zoo orders. He has no Chinese accent so I’m assuming he is Chinese American. “Releas him. We’re on your side”

I let him go as I see that he is wearing a black jacket with yellow letters that say, ‘FBI’. I notice several cars and a lot of FBI agents surround the building.

“My name is Gary,” the guy from the Zoo introduces.

“Come on Joe,” Gary continues. “Let’s let the FBI do their job while we go for a ride and talk.” He motions me to a car as I hesitate. I don’t know what he wants with me and I do not trust him. Does he think I’m in on Coach Marcos’s drug selling business. “Relax Joe. I’ll explain everything when we get out of here.” I give in and get into the car.

We drive out to a mountain road that leads up a canyon. I am really getting scared at this point, however Gary reassures me that we need privacy. We get to a lake and drive across the dam and park in a small rest area. I follow him up to a small ledge and he sits down.

“Relax,” Joe, Gary assures me as he motions for me to sit down. There is snow on the ground and it is cold. I start to ask a question, when Gary cuts me off. “We can’t talk in the car in-case it is bugged.” Now I am really wondering what’s going on.

The view is nice from up here. I can see the whole lake from here. It is frozen and I see people out on the lake ice fishing. On the other side of the lake, I see the ski resort with multiple ski lifts and people skiing down the slopes. I’ve never been skiing before. I make a mental note to ask mom and dad to take me skiing.

“We’ve done a full back ground investigation on you,” Gary starts to explain, which startles me. An investigation on me? And why? “There is no birth certificate for you, your twin sister, or your birth parents. In fact there is no record of your past from the time you and your sister were found in the woods.” I start to interrupt when he cuts me off. “The murder is still unsolved and there is no record of who you are or where they come from or even if they were your parents.” I’m silent as I think about that night and shiver.

“So...” I start, trying to figure out what he wants from me. “Is that why you want to talk to me?”

“No,” he smiles. “I didn’t get interested in you until I saw you catch a bullet in your bare hand.” I look at him surprised as he continues. “Before I say anything else, I want to let you know that I work for the CIA.” I look at him surprised. I’ve learned about the CIA in school and watched television shows. “I was assigned to get intelligence on a Charles Buckner.” I remember that name I saved his daughter and my cousin from being kidnapped while I was in China.

“Mr. Buckner is a very bad man...” Gary pauses to let me think. “We knew your Uncle was undercover, but we didn’t know about you and your mother’s relationship to him until later. Most of Mr. Buckner’s money comes from national gangs such as the Triads. He arranged for his daughter to be kidnapped along with your Uncle’s daughter. The scam was for your Uncle to turn over his business to the Triads and have Mr. Buckner take it over.” This really sounds like something from the movies.

“But...” He pauses for effect. “You interrupted his plans. I didn’t know where you learned to fight like that, until I looked into your fathers past. I know that scum-bag Marcos didn’t teach you.”

“Okay,” I answer trying to figure out what’s going on. “You know everything about my family and I. But what do you want with me.” Gary smiles.

“You’re a smart kid,” Gary smiles. “Exactly what we need in the CIA.” I start to protest, when Gary stops me. “You know Chinese,” Gary startles me speaking perfect Chinese. “Mr. Buckner offered you an internship at his company for this coming summer.” Before I can ask how he knew that. He cuts me off. “We are the CIA. We know everything. We also know that Brittany Buckner fancies you enough to have a little fling with you.” I blushed as Gary laughs. “Sometimes CIA agents have to take one for the team. We also think that Brittany knows more about her father’s business than she lets on. Her brother is being groomed for the business.”

“You are still not telling me what you want from me,” I whine getting impatient with him. I really just want to get out the cold and get home.

“Okay,” Gary finally gives in to my question. “It is obvious that you can handle yourself and have many skills. Mr. Buckner funds a lot of the national gangs for protection,” Gary continues seeing my frustration. “He is into a lot of illegal activities that are unknown. He has been deemed a national threat. Even his own country knows and can’t bring him down.” I’m still getting frustrated waiting for him to make his point.

“We need you to accept the summer internship,” Gary continues finally making his point. “Befriend his son and daughter and gain Mr. Buckner’s trust. And gain as much information on him as you can.”

“Like an undercover cop,” I bud in.

“No! Like a CIA agent,” Gary adds sternly. “We gather information and let the law enforcement take him down. Mr. Buckner will probably have you investigated, if he hasn’t already and he will gladly let you into his business. So what do you say?”

What do I say? I’ve been wondering what I wanted to do with my life. Will this lead to something? Was I meant to do this. A million questions are running through my head, but if this Mr. Buckner is a bad man, then I should help.

“I’m in,” I answer as Gary smiles.

“Great! Remember this conversation never happened. You don’t tell anyone. All conversations between you and I will occur in only a secure room or where no one can bug the conversation. Continue your life as normal. We don’t need Mr. Buckner or anyone else getting suspicious. I’ll contact my boss and let him know. Call Mr. Buckner and let him know that you accept the summer internship. It would probably be a good idea to start talking to Brittany Buckner. We will be in contact with you.”

He stands up and I follow him back to the car.

Gary drops me off at the entrance to our neighborhood and I head home. It’s almost dinner time when I get home.

“Joe!” Mom screams running to me and hugging me as I walk through the door. I wonder what is going on as she sighs in relief. “We thought you were at Karate practice.” I look at her confused. Then I remember the FBI agents. “It’s all over the television. Coach Marco’s business was raided by the FBI. They found a room full of drugs and Coach Marcos is under arrest for drug trafficking.”

“Oh. I got there late and saw all the police cars so I walked home,” I lie as she squeezes me tight.

We eat dinner and I head upstairs. It’s been a long day. Megan won’t talk to me and I’ve been recruited into the CIA.

It is the first Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday break. We are getting our pep-talk from Coach Taylor after the JV team lost 48-22, before we head out to face the varsity team. Coach Marcos is in jail facing drug trafficking charges. I’ve talked to Bailey and she and her mother are surprised that Coach Marcos was a drug trafficker. Apparently, he was working with a larger group. Andrew, Greg, and Tommy weren’t on the FBI’s radar so they were never questioned. Andrew and Greg are running scared not knowing if the FBI are going to find out that they were selling for Coach Marcos.

Megan is still not talking to her friends or me. It’s like she is blaming us for her mistake with Greg. Damian said that she has changed. I haven’t told anyone about the CIA as ordered. I called Mr. Buckner’s office and left a message with his secretary that I will accept the summer internship.

“We have a chance to become champions this year,” Coach Taylor starts as we listen. The practices have been intense and I think we have a good team. I feel confident with my playing and I hope that I can contribute. “Remember, teamwork and execution is the key to our success.” “Now, get out there and show the Darts that we are the new state champions.” We head out ready to fight.

The bleachers are packed and the cheerleaders from both teams are getting the fans hyped up. Apparently, word got out that we might have a winning team this year so people are actually coming to watch. We walk out on the court as we get ready for the game to start. The Darts were in the playoffs last year, but lost in the second round.

We head out for the tip-off. I look in the bleachers and see Uncle Bao and his wife, along with mom and dad who are smiling at me. My heart stops when I see Eve jumping up and down cheering us on. I forgot that it’s our weekend together. I smile and wave at her as she waves back.

The Darts look like they have some tall players. The center looks to be about 6’5”. Over the summer, I grew to 6’1” weighing 160 pounds I am thin, but my body is hard and muscular, because of working out with dad.

The Darts center out jumps Damien and tips the ball to their point guard as we head down the court and get into position, however the point guard passes it to their forward who lays it in for the first score of the game.

I pass the ball into play to Willy and head out. I get into position as Willy gets to half court and passes it to Damien. The Darts have our basket covered as he passes it back to Willy, who sees me open as I pull my elbows in and put the ball in the basket for a three. I get a standing ovation. I look up and see dad smiling at me with pride.

At halftime, we are behind 37-32. The Darts are a good team, but we are holding our own, which surprises them. We get out of the locker room and are back at our bench, when I feel someone grab my hair. I turn around and see Eve.

“Stand still,” Eve orders. “Your hair is getting in your eyes out there.” She is right, my hair is long and down to my shoulders. As long as I can remember, I have had long hair. Most foster parents would try to drag me to the barber with me kicking and screaming. Mom doesn’t care. She asks me to keep my hair parted in the middle and asks that I keep it trimmed, which is fine with me.

Eve pulls my hair back in a low pony tail and ties it with a rubber band. She kisses me on the cheek and walks away as I hear whistles from the team.

“That’s my sister,” I chastise the team. “Hands off.”

They laugh as we head out for the second half.

The second half is the opposite of the first half. It is clear that we have a winning team this year. I’m hitting three point shots and Damian is rebounding along with the rest of the team blocking shots. Two minutes into the fourth quarter, Coach Taylor sends in the JV team with the score 78-50.

“Do you want to hang out tomorrow,” Courtney asks as I’m walking out the door to meet my family.

Courtney has really been aggressive the past weeks. Bailey has stopped talking to me. I’m not sure, if it is because of what happened to her father or if she doesn’t like me anymore.

“I’m spending the weekend with my twin sister,” I answer as she smirks knowing that it’s another excuse.

“Well,” Courtney fires back as I return the same smirk. “I’m having a small party at my house. Bring your sister.”

I start to say no, when I hear, “YES we’ll go” I hear from my two ex-sisters, Eve and Cindy.

“I wanna play,” my mysterious intruder purrs as she crawl into my bed at 2am.

After the game, we went to a burger joint as Cindy went on a date with Damian. Uncle Bao and his wife want to experience the American life. We had a great time and Bao and his wife adore Eve. Who doesn’t like her? Chunhua commented that we are identical like Bao and mom.

Eve climbs under the covers with me and we start kissing. I don’t remember how our relationship got this far. I know that my love for my twin sister is greater than anything. We have been through a lot and I will do anything to protect my twin sister.

Seven years ago...

You two, belong to us now, Mrs. Atwood smiles as she turns the swing that Eve is chained to towards her naked body. Eve needs to be disciplined.

Mr. Atwood grabs a whip that is hanging on the wall and stands behind Eve. He sneers at me as I’m fighting with the chains. He swings the whip back ready to swing at Eve as I rip the chains out of the wall, run and jump on Mr. Atwood’s back and wrap my arms around his neck. I am squeezing his neck as tight as I can. He falls to the ground as I am still squeezing his neck as Mrs. Atwood is screaming and trying to pull me off him.

Eve crawls into bed with me and we play. I can never resist my twin sister. We have been through a lot and she is the most important person in my life. As long as I am alive, I will protect my twin sister.

I wake up at 4am and peel away from my naked twin sister. We made love last night. The first time was like two wild animals and the second was slow, like two lovers that haven’t seen each other in years.

After my mountain run, I head to the basement and work out. I want to make sure that I’m in great shape for basketball season and ready for track in the spring. I feel my life getting better and I’m grateful for mom and dad. They understand me and took me into their family as their own flesh and blood. Without them, I would be in another foster home never to see Eve again. They are my family and I will always protect them like I will Eve.

I head upstairs after my work out and see mom, dad, Uncle Bao and Aunt Chunhua sitting at the table drinking coffee. Everyone smiles as I walk away. Eve and Cindy are not at the table so I’m assuming that whatever prank they plan to pull on me has not started yet.

I get to my room and see that Eve isn’t there. I grab a towel and head to the bathroom. I get in the shower and soap up. I hear the door slowly open. I step to the rear of the shower and see a bucket being lifted up over the shower curtain. I smile wondering why Eve is using a prank that she has used before. I open the shower curtain before I’m doused with cold water.

It is too late, when I see Cindy holding the bucket that I was dodging, and before I can react, Eve splashes me with a bucket of cold water.

“You bitches,” I scream as I see the rest of the family at the doorway laughing.

“You focus, Zen,” dad chastises still laughing.

I love my family.

We pick up Amy on our way to Courtney’s party. She said it was a small party so I’m not expecting much trouble. I am going keep my sisters safe even though they are the ones that tricked me into going to this party. We round the corner to Courtney’s street as I shake my head. There are cars lined up in front of Courtney’s house.

“A small party?” J chastise Cindy, who giggles. She knew it wasn’t a small party and could have warned me. “You stay out of trouble,” I tell Cindy. “It’s bad enough watching you, along with Eve.”

“Loosen up Joe”, Amy chastises. “Drink some beer and stop being such a stick-in-the-mud.” I give her the stink eye as we walk in the house.

The house is packed with teens. Amy runs off to find Greg and Cindy grabs Eve’s hand and drags her into the crowd to introduce her to everyone, which leaves me alone. I find a place on the couch to sit and watch everyone. I really don’t want to be here and I hate parties.

I see Cindy with Damian introducing Eve to everyone. Eve is a big hit and of course, she is enjoying the attention. Eve has always been the social person between us. She lights up a room when she enters and everyone loves her.

I’m surprised to see Shawna without her boyfriend, Andrew. She is talking with a couple of senior boys as she looks around, as if she is looking for someone ... I am also surprised to see Megan with a senior. I recognize him as the middle linebacker on the school football team. The word is that he received a full scholarship to USC.

“Having a good time,” Brenda asks as she sits beside me. She has a beer in her hand. Of course, most people at the party have a beer in their hand. “So ... What’s your story?” I look at her confused as to what she is asking. “Are you really that hurt over Megan that you don’t want to date Courtney? Or any other girl for that matter?”

I have to think about that for a minute. Am I really that hurt over Megan? Yes, I am hurt. However, it’s not that bad that I won’t get over her. She made that decision to go after Greg. J look up and see her dancing and apparently having a good time. But as long as she is happy I’m fine and will let her live her life. If she wants to be friends in the future, then I’m okay with that.

Before I can answer, Eve plops down on my lap giggling as she spills some beer on me and I smirk.

“Holy shit!” Brenda blurts out looking at my twin sister, “You guys look like twins.”

“We are identical twins,” Eve announces proudly kissing me on the cheek, then drains her cup of beer. Before I can say something, a guy comes up and asks Eve to dance. Eve hands me her beer cup, which is empty and heads off to dance.

“Now I’m confused,” Brenda decides as I know what she is going to ask and cut her.

I spend the next ten minutes explaining the situation between my twin sister and I. I tell her about us growing up in foster homes and Eve being adopted by a family that didn’t want to adopt me. I finish by telling her about being adopted by the Wangs.

“Okay, so...” Brenda changes the subject. “Why won’t you date Courtney.”

“Speaking of Courtney,” I interrupt trying to avoid the question. I’ve been here for almost an hour and haven’t seen her. “Where is Courtney? Isn’t this her party.”

“She’s probably in the kitchen,” Brenda answers as I see a door open down the hallway and I see Andrew walk out and into the main living room where the party is. I see Brenda scowl at her ex-boyfriend, Andrew as he walks over to Shawna.

“There you are,” Shawna greets him with a kiss. “Where were you?”

I didn’t here Andrew’s answer to Shawna, because I’m focused on the person that walked out into the hallway from the same door that Andrew walked out of.

“That fucking slut,” Brenda growls looking at the girl as she is straightening her clothes. The girl’ face turns red as she sees me sitting there.

“Joe!” Courtney manages to get out as I smirk at her knowingly. “I didn’t think you were going to come.” She starts to say something as her eyes tear up and she runs past me and into the kitchen.

“Well...” Brenda snorts as I shake my head. “All that work she did to get you two together, and she throws it all out the window for a fling with Shawna’s boyfriend. Who is a cheating scum-bag.” I look at her confused knowing that there must be a story behind all of this.

“When Courtney found out that her cousin Greg was moving here, she devised a plan to get Megan away from you,” Brenda continues. I remember Megan telling me how Courtney and her were childhood friends, until Courtney became popular. After that, Courtney would steal anyone that was interested in Megan. “She asked Greg to take Megan from you so that she could have you all to herself. And she has been putting the word out at school that you belong to her.”

I look over at Megan, who is now making out with the senior guy. I think his name is Jeff. Brenda stands up and heads to the kitchen. I’m assuming to talk to Courtney. I want to leave, however I need to stay and look after my sisters. I smile as I see Eve dancing and having great time.

And that ‘s what matters the most.

“That’s how it’s done,” Coach Taylor screams as I sink my fourth three-pointer ending the game as we win 64-42. I look in the stands and see mom and dad standing and smiling at me. Before my team can get to me, I have my sister Cindy in my arms, wrapping her pom-poms around my neck. It is our third game of the season and we are on fire.

Next week is the last week before Christmas break and I’m ready for the break. School is great, but everyone needs a break. Courtney has been avoiding me like the plague since the Andrew incident. And Brenda told her that she told me about her scheme to get me away from Megan.

Cindy is bugging me to take Courtney to the winter dance next week, however I want nothing to do with her. And I do not want to go the dance.

After I shower and dress, I head out of the locker room to meet mom and dad. We are taking Uncle Bao and Aunt Chunhua to Anthony’s pizza house. They are loving America and want to eat food that they don’t get in China.

I walk out the door and I hear my name called. I look back and see Bailey leaning against the flagpole. She hasn’t said a word to me since her dad was arrested. I was wondering why she was avoiding me.

“Can I talk to you,” she asks. I shrug as I stare at her. She is so beautiful and I wonder how she can be related to Coach Marcos and Andrew. “Will you take me to the Winter Dance on Friday?” I look at her surprised as she continues. “I’m sorry I haven’t been talking to you. It’s just...” Her eyes tear up as she pauses. I embrace her in a hug as she cries. “We’re moving, because of my stupid dad. I will never see you or my friends after this week.”

“I will honored to take you to the Winter Dance.”

She steps back and wipes her eyes and smiles.

“Thank you.”

She kisses me on the cheek and walks away.

I see Uncle Bao and Aunt Chunhua smiling at me as I get in the car.

“My son big ladies man like me,” dad brags as mom slaps him on the back of the head and everyone laughs.

It’s Friday at lunch and I’m standing in line for the daily slop, which happens to be grilled cheese sandwiches. I get to our table, which has grown. Bailey’s friends, Jenny and Kara have joined the table along with some more school geeks. Bailey set up Fred and Johnny with Kara and Jenny for the Winter Dance.

The week went without incident. Shawna has been moping around all week after hearing the news that Andrew is moving to Virginia along with Bailey. Apparently, Mrs. Marcos found out that her husband, Coach Marcos is going to be in federal prison for a very long time. So she is moving to Virginia to be close to her family. I would try to talk to Shawna, but since her transformation, she will have nothing to do with me or her old friends.

“Bailey, we are going to miss you,” Kara whines wiping a tear from her eye.

“We all are going to miss you,” Jenny adds.

Bailey, Kara, and Jenny have been friends since they were five years old.

“You guys better write,” Bailey orders. “And I am going to see if I can visit during the summer.”

While the girls are, talking Johnny is staring at Bailey’s fries that she hasn’t touched.

“Are you going to eat your French fries, Bailey,” Johnny asks hopefully.” Bailey smiles and starts to slide her tray over to Johnny.”

“NO!” Fred, George, and I shout in unison. Johnny’s mother has already threatened to cut our arms off if we let Johnny eat anything that isn’t on his diet.

“Fuck you guys. I’m tired of eating rabbit food.”

“Bailey’s mother is picking me up I answer mom. Then she will bring us home.”

“You can ride with Damien and I,” Cindy suggests.

“No thank you. Bailey was very adamant that I ride with her.”

Cindy starts to protest as we hear the doorbell. Mom answers the door and I see Bailey and her mom standing there. My eyes pop out at Bailey. She is wearing a pink strapless dress. Her hair looks professionally styled. She looks like a model. Mom invites them in out of the cold.

I can’t take my eyes off Bailey. Uncle Bao elbows me in the ribs, when I realize someone is talking to me.

“Pin the corsage on her so we can take pictures,” mom orders as I hear my ex-dad and ex-Uncle laughing.

After pictures and ‘oos’ and ‘aws’ from tine women, we head to the dance.

We meet the gang in front of the gym and walk in together. The gym is set up nice. The far end is set up with a band and a large dance floor. There are tables set up on the other side with a table full of drinks and snacks.

We push two tables together so us geeks can sit and have a good time. I pull a chair out for Bailey as she sits. I sit beside her and look around. I see Cindy sitting with Damian and the cheerleaders and their dates. Brenda spots me and waves. Brenda is still mad at Courtney for having sex with Andrew after trying to set us up.

Speaking of Courtney, she is sitting at the table with Willy our point guard. Courtney sure gets around. I am snapped out of my situational observations by a familiar voice.

“Would you like to dance Joe.” I look up and see Shawna standing there. I glance over and see Andrew talking to his friends.

“I’m sorry Shawna. All my dances belong to Bailey tonight.” Bailey tightens her hand around mine.

“Joe, dance with Shawna,” Bailey surprises me. “Then you dance with me and my friends.”

I walk to the dance floor as a slow dance starts. Shawna puts her hands on my shoulders as I place mine on her hips.

We dance in an awkward silence until Shawna starts the conversation.

“I’m sorry Joe.”

I look at her confused.

“Come on Joe,” Shawna continues. “I’ve had a crush on you since I first saw you.” I remember the first time I met her at the bleachers. “I went to my grandfather’s last summer to lose weight. I did it for you Joe. Then...” I wait as she sighs. “You didn’t even recognize me. I got a boyfriend to try and make you jealous. I don’t give a crap about Andrew. He screws every girl he gets his hands on. He screwed Courtney. Oh, and he screwed her, because I am still a virgin and will not give it to him.”

I try to say something as she continues. “After tonight you are mine. Megan and Courtney fucked up by losing you, but once you are mine, I will never let you go.”

Before I can answer, I feel a tap on my shoulder and see Emily. She is wearing her conservative dress. I don’t know what it is about her that attracts me to her. She is so beautiful.

“Can I cut in,” Emily asks Shawna. Shawna nods and leaves me with Emily. Emily looks up at me.

“She will be one of us,” Emily informs me as I try to walk away and she pulls me against her. “Joe it has already been written. I will be your first wife. Shawna, Megan, Sheila, Kara, Bailey...” I walk away not wanting to hear her crazy words. “Oh and the girl that you are visiting this summer will also be one of us.”

What the fuck. I look back at Emily as she smirks.

“It is written in the gospel...”

After an hour of dancing with Bailey and the girls from the gang, she grabs my hand and leads me out the back door of the gym. I see her mother waiting in her car as I wonder what’s going on and why Bailey wants to leave the dance early. We climb in the back seat as Bailey snuggles against me. I start to ask why she wants to leave early as she puts her lips against mine and we kiss. Her lips are warm as she slips her tongue into my mouth. I don’t know how long we are like this when the car stops in front of a motel. I’m still wondering what’s going on when Mrs. Marcos hands Bailey a key.

“I’ll pick you two love birds up in two hours,” Mrs. Marcos said as we get out of the car.

We get inside the motel room. It is one of those cheap motels that are near the main freeway.

“What’s going on,” I finally ask Bailey as she looks at me sheepishly.

“I don’t know if I will ever see you again,” she starts as I look into her beautiful eyes. “So I want you to be my first.” Bailey starts undressing as she stares into my eyes. I am surprised about what is happening. What brought this on? It certainly sounds planned between her mother and her. “Come on Joe, we only have two hours.”

I obey and start undressing. I pick her up and gently lay her on the bed. If this is her first time, then I want it to be memorable. I start to slowly kiss her neck, shoulders and then her tiny breasts. She is a large A-cup with large pink nipples. She moans as I switch back from one to the other as Bailey moans in pleasure.

I move down to her pussy and start tasting her. I notice that she is shaved down there. She is already wet and it doesn’t take me long to bring her to her first orgasm. I move back up her body and give her a tender kiss. I place my cock at her entrance, when she pushes me away and points to her purse on the nightstand. I reach into her purse and pull out a three-pack of condoms.

After putting the condom on, I slowly push my cock into her, being careful not to hurt her. When I tear through her cherry. I stop to make sure that she is okay. She is actually smiling at me.

“Thank you for making this special Joe,” Bailey moans. “Hurry so that we can fill all three condoms.”

And fill three condoms, I did. We lay in bed with Bailey’s head resting on my chest enjoy each other as I run my fingers through her hair.

“My ass-hole of a father had to go and screw everything up,” Bailey starts, sounding sad. I pull her tight feeling sorry for her. I know how she feels being ripped from one home to another, but I don’t tell her that. I just want to comfort her until she has to go. “I can’t believe he did that and hurt my mother. He has always been a terrible father.”

I cut her off, because our time is up and I know that she is leaving tomorrow.

“Bailey, I know that this sounds selfish,” I said. “But I know what you are going through and I want to let you know that if you ever need anything, I’ll be here for you.”

We took a shower together, dressed, and met her mother out in front of the motel. She dropped me off at home, as I gave Bailey a kiss, thanked her mother and got out of the car.

I went in the house, waved at mom and dad as they gave me a sad look. They know that Bailey is leaving tomorrow so they didn’t push the issue as I walk upstairs to bed.

I actually fell asleep thinking about what Emily said to me. How did she know I might be going away for the summer. And would be visiting Brittany.

I need to find out what this gospel is all about.