Kenny Enjoys his Day
Kenny rolled out of bed, his mind already racing with possibilities. He couldn't wait to tell Arell and start the application process. As he made his way to the kitchen, he found Malik and Devon already up, along with Cam who had crashed on the couch last night.
"Morning, y'all," Kenny said, unable to keep the grin off his face.
Devon looked up from his cereal. "Someone's in a good mood. What's got you cheesing so hard?"
Kenny grabbed a bowl and joined them at the table. "I made my decision. I'm going to apply to Morehouse."
Malik's face lit up. "For real? That's what's up, man! I told you Morehouse was the move."
Cam nodded approvingly. "Smart choice. Their business program is top-notch too, if you're thinking about life after ball."
As they ate breakfast, Kenny filled them in on his research and reasoning. The more he talked about it, the more real it felt. For the first time in years, he was genuinely excited about his future.
"We should celebrate," Devon suggested. "How about we hit up Arell? See if he wants to hang out?"
Kenny hesitated. "I don't know, man. He's probably busy with his new place and all."
"Nah, come on," Malik insisted. "He'd want to hear about this. Plus, I'm dying to see this mansion he copped."
After some gentle persuasion, Kenny agreed. They decided to clean up, get ready, and head over to Arell's new place in the afternoon.
The warm water seemed to wash away years of doubt and frustration. He found himself humming a tune - Fair Trade - as he styled his hair.
When he emerged from the bathroom, Cam was waiting to use it next. "You look like a new man, Kenny," Cam observed with a smile. "It's good to see you hyped like this."
Kenny nodded, feeling a little self-conscious but pleased. "Thanks, man. It's been a minute since I felt this good about something."
As they all got ready, the apartment buzzed with energy. They joked around, played some music, and even started a mini dance battle in the living room. Kenny found himself laughing more than he had in months.
"Yo, we should grab some food before we head over," Devon suggested as they were about to leave. "Can't show up empty-handed to a man's new crib."
They all agreed, deciding to stop by their favorite local spot for some wings and sides.
As they walked to the restaurant, Kenny felt like he was floating on air. The sun was shining brightly, and the warmth felt like a good omen for the day ahead.
They reached the restaurant and placed their order, chatting animatedly while they waited. The smell of fried chicken and spices filled the air, making their stomachs rumble. After grabbing their food, they headed back to the car.
Just as they were about to get in, Kenny spotted a convenience store across the street. "Hey, y'all go ahead and get in the car. I'm gonna grab some snacks real quick," he said, heading towards the store.
"Alright, man. Don't take too long," Malik called after him.
Kenny jogged across the road, the sound of traffic and distant conversations filling his ears. He reached the convenience store and pushed open the door, a small bell tinkling above him.
The store had a distinct smell—a mix of cheap air freshener and gasoline from the nearby pumps. Kenny nodded at the clerk, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a friendly smile.
"Morning," Kenny said cheerfully, making his way to the snack aisle.
"Morning, young man. How can I help you today?" the clerk responded.
Kenny picked out a few bags of chips, some candy bars, and a couple of bottles of soda. "Just grabbing a few snacks. Got a big day ahead," he said, placing his items on the counter.
The clerk scanned the items and made small talk as he worked. "Big plans, huh? What you up to?"
"Heading over to a friend's new place. He just moved into a mansion, so we're gonna check it out," Kenny replied, handing over some cash.
"Sounds like fun. Enjoy your day, and be safe out there," the clerk said, handing back the change.
"Thanks, will do," Kenny said with a grin, grabbing the bag of snacks and heading for the door.
As Kenny pushed open the door and stepped outside, the sound of the bell tinkling once more, he felt a sudden, inexplicable chill run down his spine. He shrugged it off, attributing it to the blast of cool air from the store's AC.
He started walking back to the car, humming to himself, but his attention was suddenly drawn to a car pulling up slowly a few yards away. The windows were tinted, and the car's engine idled ominously. Kenny, lost in his thoughts and excitement, didn't think much of it.
As he continued walking, he noticed another car pulling up, this one from the opposite direction. Something about the way the cars were positioning themselves started to feel off. Kenny's pace quickened instinctively, his senses heightening as a feeling of unease settled over him.
"Yo, Kenny! Hurry up!" Malik shouted from the car, his voice tinged with urgency.
Kenny picked up his pace, now almost jogging. Just as he reached the edge of the convenience store's parking lot, the sound of screeching tires and revving engines filled the air. His heart raced as he glanced back over his shoulder.
The doors of the first car burst open, and masked figures emerged, guns drawn. Kenny's eyes widened in shock and fear. Time seemed to slow down as adrenaline surged through his veins.
"Get down!" someone shouted, but it was too late.
Gunfire erupted, the deafening sound of bullets whizzing through the air. Kenny's instincts took over, and he darted towards the side of the building, trying to find cover. He felt a sharp pain in his leg but pushed through it, adrenaline dulling the sensation.
The bullets tore through the air, hitting the ground and walls around him. Kenny stumbled, nearly losing his footing, but managed to keep moving. He could hear Malik and the others shouting, but their voices were drowned out by the gunfire.
As Kenny rounded the corner of the building, he felt another searing pain, this time in his shoulder. He cried out, the pain overwhelming, but he kept moving, determined to get away.
He reached the back of the building and pressed himself against the wall, panting heavily. His vision blurred with tears of pain and fear. He could hear the assailants shouting and the sound of their footsteps drawing closer.
Kenny's mind raced. "Think, think," he muttered to himself, trying to come up with a plan. He glanced around, spotting a stack of crates nearby. Summoning all his strength, he crawled towards them, using them as a makeshift barrier.
The footsteps grew louder, and Kenny's heart pounded in his chest. He could feel blood trickling down his leg and shoulder, but he forced himself to stay focused. He knew he couldn't give up now.
The attackers rounded the corner, their guns raised. Kenny held his breath, trying to make himself as small as possible behind the crates. He heard one of them speak.
"Where'd he go? I saw him come this way."
Kenny's heart sank as he realized they were closing in. He pressed his back against the crates, his mind racing with fear and desperation. He knew he had to find a way out, but his options were limited.
Just as one of the attackers stepped closer, Kenny spotted a narrow alleyway to his left. Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, he sprang to his feet and dashed towards it, ignoring the pain that shot through his body.
The attackers shouted in surprise, and more gunshots rang out. Kenny felt a bullet graze his arm, but he didn't stop. He sprinted down the alleyway, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
He emerged on the other side, the busy street offering a fleeting hope of safety. He stumbled into the road, waving his arms frantically at a passing car. The driver slammed on the brakes, honking in alarm.
"Help! Please, help me!" Kenny shouted, his voice hoarse with desperation.
The driver, a middle-aged woman with wide eyes, quickly unlocked the passenger door. "Get in!"
Kenny threw himself into the car, his body trembling with exhaustion and pain. "Drive! Go, please!" he urged, his voice barely above a whisper.
The woman didn't need to be told twice. She hit the gas, speeding away from the scene. Kenny slumped in the seat, his vision fading in and out. He could hear the woman frantically talking on her phone, but her words were a distant echo.
As the car sped through the streets, Kenny's thoughts became a hazy blur. He couldn't tell if the attackers were still following or if he was finally safe. All he could focus on was the searing pain and the overwhelming fatigue that threatened to pull him under.
"Stay with me, honey. We're almost at the hospital," the woman said, her voice filled with concern.
Kenny tried to respond, but his mouth wouldn't form the words. He closed his eyes, praying that he would make it through this.
<>
At the mansion, Arell was directing the moving crew when Geoffrey's phone rang. After a brief conversation, Geoffrey's face went pale.
"Arell," Geoffrey called, his voice tight. "We need to talk. Now."
Arell excused himself from the movers and walked over. "What's up?"
Geoffrey took a deep breath. "It's Kenny. There's been an incident. He's in the hospital."
The world seemed to tilt beneath Arell's feet. "What? You're joking, right?"
But Geoffrey's grim expression told him it was no joke. Arell felt his chest tighten, memories of all the times he and Kenny had shared flashing through his mind.
"How bad is it?" Arell asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"We don't know yet. Malik and the others are heading to the hospital now."
Arell nodded, his mind racing. Without a word, he turned and walked to his Subaru, Geoffrey following close behind.
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the rage simmered just below the surface. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white.
"Was it Reese and them?" Arell asked, his voice low and controlled.
Geoffrey nodded, his expression grim. "Definitely. All signs point to them."
Arell's jaw clenched. "I'm not letting this slide, Geoff. I can't."
Geoffrey looked at Arell, understanding the depth of his anger. "I won't stop you from doing what you want to do."
Arell's eyes hardened. "You wouldn't be able to."
Geoffrey took a deep breath, knowing that Arell was dead set on his path. "Alright. I'll put the word around. Thirty thousand for Lil Reese's location."
Arell didn't respond, his focus unwavering. His thoughts were consumed with thoughts of vengeance and the desire to protect those he cared about. He had to make sure Kenny was safe, but after that, there would be a reckoning.
As they arrived at the hospital, Geoffrey continued, "I'll get Cam, Jamal, and Tariq. They'll go with you. We'll make sure everything is covered."
Arell parked the car and stared at the glock in his hand. The cold metal felt heavy. His mind flashed back to all the times he and Kenny had shared, and his resolve only hardened.
Geoffrey looked at him, concern etched on his face. "No," he said softly. "You'll need something bigger."
Arell's eyes met Geoffrey's, a silent agreement passing between them. This was a line they were crossing, and there was no turning back. He nodded, understanding the gravity of what lay ahead.