SEVEN

The young man's brown eyes scanned through all the food that was set in front of him. He could hear his stomach calling for food as he waited for the family to settle and say, Grace.

It was a new year and Seven was ready for new beginnings and a smoother year coming forward as his previous year was quite hectic. January was already off to a great start, even though it was only the second day. There were yet to be any fights, everyone seemed to be minding their business and came together with the same intention – to celebrate life and a new year.

"Alright, everyone is here and seated, let's say, Grace, shall we?" Lenaya called out with a smile on her face, gathering everyone's attention. That sentence silenced the mouths of the hungry as everyone closed their eyes.

Lenaya wasted no time leading the Grace and clattering and the moving of utensils could be heard the minute everyone said Amen in unison. There were some leftovers from Christmas, like Mac n' Cheese, honey-baked ham, and some collard greens. Lenaya never cooked too much on Christmas because it was more of a party day – drinks and snacks.

It was post-Christmas where Lenaya stayed in the kitchen, cooking food for the family full of love. Lenaya's food was something special, she knew how to throw it down in the kitchen. For New Year's and moving forward, she decided to make some stuffed cornish ham, potato salad, cornbread and, sweet potato pie.

"You never fail to impress me, you took all the cooking genes," Joseph, Lenaya's younger brother, complimented.

"All you need to do is learn how to cook. Chicken and rice won't suffice forever," Lenaya commented. "You leave all the cooking to Chantal?"

Chantal, Joseph's wife, nodded her head stiffly as she dug into her food. She made sure to finish chewing before chiming into the conversation and saying, "Of course he does. Don't remember the last time he was in the kitchen.. doing anything."

"Oh come on, don't throw me under the bus babe," Joseph chuckled.

Seven pursed his lip up in disgust, annoyed by the conversation happening in front of him. He never understood why his mom allowed Joseph to spend Christmas break over at their house, Joseph was so full of himself and made such insensitive comments.

Joseph's family was also too large to be spending that many days over – Seven's opinion.

Jospeh and Chantal had three kids together: Jazmyn (20), Jaliyah (17) and, Jospeh Junior – JJ (14).

Seven had a lot of aunts and uncles and he disliked Joseph the most. Seven didn't care to engage in conversation with his uncle and always seemed to rub Joseph the wrong. Joseph would purposefully make comments to try and get into Seven's head and Seven would ignore them every time. Seven had no idea why Joseph would do things like that, Joseph was a grown-ass man trying to get into it with a twenty-four-year-old.

"Well it's true, you can't even fry some fries," Jazmyn decided to speak as she continued to scarf down the fresh and flavourful food. Joseph only gave his daughter a side-eye, wondering who was speaking to her.

"Ain’t that what air-fryers for?" Solé questioned out loud as she had her fork in the air. "I mean we got an air fryer and I do everything in there. Shit, even steak goes in there."

"Language," Lenaya scolded her daughter she kicked her leg under the table. Solé rolled her eyes mentally as she continued to eat.

Joseph pushed out air through his nose, feeling ambushed by all these comments. He stabs his food for a bit, thinking about something to say back or switch the subject.

"Well, it shouldn't be any of your business whether I cook or not. Let's not come for my character.. because, at the end of the day, I fulfill my duties as a father. Right JJ?" Joseph grinned.

"Sure," JJ replied with a slight shrug, not interested in the conversation the grown-ups were having.

Seven was full and in need of a burp to release all the gas that was trapped inside his body. He was also ready to head back home, the week-long break was very much needed but Seven had a lot of work on pause that he'd like to get through and out of the way.

He was seated at his desk in his old room, trying to figure out some financial plans for himself since all the banks were closed so it wouldn't be possible to reach a financial advisor at the moment.

He was looking for a bigger apartment for himself and his younger sister, Solé since they lived together. Seven was a breadwinner and his childhood was the reason he was where he was at today.

King Knowles.

Lenaya's husband and father of her three children: Seven (24), Solé (19) and, Samira (15).

If it was possible to see the aura of someone, King's aura would be dark and send shivers to a body. King was a man who got whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. He grew up on money and his illegal business on the side didn't help his ego either. Once King and Lenaya were pronounced husband and wife in 2015, King got Lenaya to quit her job and become a stay-at-home mom which she gladly agreed to since King was the love of her life and making triple the amount she was making.

Their relationship was always rocky, hence why they got married so late into their relationship. They had been together (on and off) for years and Seven was seventeen when they finally decided to tie the knot. Seven never agreed to them getting married because of how poorly his mother was getting treated as a girlfriend, fiancé, or baby mama, whatever she was to King at the time.

King was manipulative and narcissistic. He had moved out of the house four months into their relationship because he was always on the streets trying to provide for the family. That's what he'd say every time. He was abusive to everyone in the family except Samira, who was blindsided by his behaviour since everyone decided it was best to keep the horror stories of King a secret from her.

Things got bad when King found out what Seven was doing to get money and he immediately disconnected himself from the family, blaming it on Seven. He viewed Seven, Solé, and Lenaya as snakes because they stuck together when King decided to disown Seven. King wanted to have full control over his family which is why Lenaya couldn't get a job or do anything on her own since she depended on King.

Seven felt bad for his mom but as long as King was alive, he couldn't do anything about it – he had tried plenty of times. King had been in the game too long so he wasn't new to all these tricks and games that Seven tried to play with him. Even though Seven was making money for himself and his lifestyle, he was working on breaking his mom out of the shackles.

Lenaya deserved the world and so much more and Seven wanted to be the one to provide that for her since her husband couldn't.

Seven was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard his room door burst open, causing him to turn around with a visible frown on his face. He looked at his younger sister, Samira, and waited for her to speak.

"Mom's calling you, she wants you downstairs.." Samira placed her hand on her hip. Seven narrowed his eyes over at her and pushed out an annoyed sigh.

"Samira, I know you know why she wants me downstairs. Stop tryna be secretive and tell me," Seven retorted as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Sure. It'll cost you five bucks though," Samira grinned evilly as she put her hand out and pointed at it. Seven chuckled as he shook his head, getting up.

"In your fuckin' dreams," Seven scoffed as he reached into his sweater that was on the back of his gaming chair. He took out a wad of cash and counted through the bills as he exited the room.

Samira's mouth dropped as she watched Seven walk past her and he laughed evilly. She rolled her eyes and called out, "Well that's just rude."

"Is it?" Seven taunted as he turned around and stuck his tongue out at her. "Here."

Seven placed three hundred dollars in her hand causing her to smile wide. She followed behind Seven, heading downstairs, ready to show off to her cousins.

If it was one thing Seven was going to do, it was spoil Samira.

Seven laid his eyes on his friend, Elijah. Elijah was busy speaking to Lenaya as he scanned through the food that was placed neatly on the table. Solé managed to catch up to Seven before he could get into the dining room.

"Elijah's here," Solé smirked as she looked over at the tall caramel man who stood next to her mother. Seven made his face up as he eyed his sister, disgusted with her interest in his friend.

Solé would never hide her attraction to Elijah, because in her head they were married. Elijah was her childhood crush, and childhood crushes don't go away. It was worse that Elijah was Seven's friend because Elijah would snake his friend and fuck with his little sister.

The attraction was mutual though and Seven hated it. As much as Elijah would deny it and claim he saw Solé as a little sister, the lingering eyes proved him otherwise.

The 6'3 caramel-coloured man had his signature smirk on his face as he spoke to Lenaya casually. His hair was braided back into six cornrows with a clean and sharp lineup. His eyebrows were full and arched, complimenting his hooded-shaped honey-coloured eyes. His nose was narrow and button-shaped, stealing that from his mother. His pink juicy lips were surrounded by his clean-cut goatee that complimented his triangle-shaped face.

He was a natural flirt and his deep dimples and muscular shape didn't help him either. His dimples weren't scared of the spotlight, they were there in your face anytime his mouth moved. His brawny build wasn't usually shown off since Elijah stayed covered up in tracksuits, but he was in great shape– his diet and regular gym visits helped with that.

"I can see that.." Seven replied with a slight attitude causing Solé to roll her eyes and let out a scoff.

"You're so sassy. Why are you giving me an attitude?" Solé pursed her nose up.

Seven didn't reply to her, instead, he just walked into the dining area and looked over at Elijah. Elijah had a plate in his hand and noticed Seven, causing him to place his eyes on his friend.

"Wassup," Elijah nodded his head as he dabbed his friend up. Lenaya watched the interaction with a small smile on her face.

Seven and Elijah could've been blood brothers in their past life. Their relationship was very close and they'd do anything for each other. It was rare they'd bump heads even though they had completely opposite personalities. Their personalities are what made them click and grow closer together throughout the years of their friendship.

"Seven stay downstairs and accompany your friend, you don't need to be locked in your room all day," Lenaya told her son as she excused herself from the dining area and went to join the rest of the family who took their seats in the living room.

"You said you'd be here for dinner," Seven cut his eyes over at his friend who was serving himself a hefty plate.

"Look nigga, we got different dinner times.." Elijah drifted off as he took a seat, along with Seven. "And I'm not tryna sit down and eat with your stupid ass uncle again."

Seven grinned as he eyed Joseph who kept stealing daggers at the two as if he was uncomfortable by their presence.

"He likes to get all scared when I'm over here. He thinks I'ma walk in here with my Glock out, threatening to kill him or something," Elijah smacked his teeth.

It was true. Joseph acted like Seven and Elijah were previous inmates or delinquents that needed to be watched at all times. Joseph knew the two were businessmen but also knew they were street niggas and he feared those.

Thugs. He'd call them from time to time. Elijah and Seven didn't bother to entertain his little jabs because it was easy to pack him up but it wasn't worth getting worked up over.

Elijah was able to eat peacefully before the two were interrupted by a foul spirit that was formed into a tall burly man. Joseph decided to join the two men in the dining area with an unreadable look on his face.

What is wrong with this nigga? Elijah thought in his head as he frowned mentally. He could tell Joseph was sizing him up since he was eyeing him up and down as if he didn't approve of his attire.

Elijah was dressed casually in an ESSENTIALS set with Yeezy slides occupying his covered feet. He had his everyday chain on and his ears were pierced as well.

"Well you two definitely wouldn't get stopped by the police looking the way you look," Joseph retorted sarcastically.

"What?" Elijah questioned with confusion written all over his face. The sentence caught him off guard because he was wondering who would start a conversation like that.

"Don't you guys care about your appearance and attire? As black men, we have an image to beat and shut down and you guys just fit into it," Joseph complained as he took a seat across from them. "I work in a law firm and this... It's so stereotypical to see. You guys look like the people that are wanted for horrible crimes."

Seven smacked his teeth and adjusted himself in his seat before replying to Joseph's ridiculous take. "How?"

"I mean look at you," Joseph pointed at Elijah with a slight scoff. "You guys are dressed like thugs."

Elijah cut his eyes over at Seven but didn't say anything. Elijah had a short temper and everyone knew that, besides the short temper, Elijah liked to be physical instead of sorting things out verbally.

"I feel like I play a coach role because I enjoy educating the youth.." Joseph started. "And it always starts with appearance. We are already looked at a certain way, you don't need to fit into the stereotypes-"

"Look man... all due respect, we don't care. If you enjoy educating the youth, go educate the actual youth. We're grown-ass men and don't need advice from anybody. Especially you," Seven explained in a calm tone.

"This is where delusion starts, Seven. Look at your friend, he looks like a drug dealer. I wouldn't be surprised if you had a criminal record," Joseph opined.

Seven sighed as he face-palmed himself, preparing himself for the rest. Seven's head wasn't even down for three seconds before he heard commotion causing him to look up.

Elijah managed to reach across the table and grab Joseph by his collar, choking him. Elijah didn't speak at first, he only watched the man try to pry free as his veins quickly became visible.

Everyone seemed to hear the commotion and make their way over. Chantal was screaming, trying to get Elijah to let him go.

"Seven, push them apart! Don't let that man kill my husband!" Chantal cried out as she got closer to the altercation.

"You talk too fuckin' much for me nigga, you just think you can talk to people all kind of ways 'cause of where you fuckin' work?" Elijah gritted. "Don't be the reason I get a criminal record either 'cause I will fuckin' kill you."

Seven decided to part the two from each other and Joseph began to cough uncontrollably as he grabbed his throat in fear. He reached out for his wife who gladly helped him sit down with tears surrounding her eyes.

Joseph's children managed to witness the whole altercation in shock, not sure what to do. JJ was furious that some random man had his father in a chokehold and threatened to kill him. He was upset that his father didn't grab a knife from the table to stab Elijah.

Jaliyah was by her mom's side, making sure her parents were good with tears streaming down her face while Solé and Jazmyn continued to watch from afar, not bothering to get involved in the situation at all. Solé made sure to keep a nosy Samira near her side because she'd only get yelled at by her mom.

"Oh, my goodness. Seven take Elijah upstairs for me. This is getting out of hand," Lenaya spoke over all the bickering and screaming coming from Joseph and Chantal.

"Don't keep him in this house any longer! He just assaulted my husband! Kick him out," Chantal shouted at Lenaya.

"Don't speak to her like that," Seven warned. "It's best you guys head down to the basement and calm down so we can figure out what is going on."

"Hell no! I am calling the police and filing a report! He will not get away with this!" Joseph shouted.

"Shut up nigga," Elijah smacked his teeth as he headed upstairs and into Seven's apartment where he paced the room in irritation. Seven decided to sit down in his gaming chair and allow his friend to calm down.

"I'ma pack my shit up and we can all just leave together. I'm not about to stay here any longer with him," Seven informed. "I'ma have to hear his mouth for the rest of the break and... I'm not with that."

"Seven if I go downstairs and see that nigga, I will fuck his shit up.." Elijah commented.

"And I believe you." Seven nodded his head stiffly. He rubbed his beard and thought about what he wanted to do. He knew he wanted to go home so it was best they just did that and let this night go before it got worse.

Seven allowed his friend to calm down completely and made sure Joseph and the family were in the basement before heading downstairs to a stressed-out Lenaya who was stress cleaning. She was mumbling things to herself and looked up at Seven with a disappointed look etched across her face.

"We're going to call it a night. I will explain everything to you when everything calms down.." Seven explained as he kissed his mom on the forehead. "Don't be stressed, I'll figure something out for the two of them. This didn't involve you, you can calm down."

"Well, I can't. Not until everything is situated, Seven. I don't want the cops at my house or your father finding out about this shit!" Lenaya whisper-yelled.

Seven could feel his skin crawl at the mention of his father causing him to scratch his head in irritation. "I got you ma, we're smart. This isn't going to get out because it won't leave this house, alright?"

Hesitantly, Lenaya nodded her head and pushed out, "I need you to call me by the end of the week with a solution."

"Of course," Seven nodded his head stiffly.

TO BE CONTINUED....