Aurora

Once school ended, I made sure to get my siblings, and rush home. My mother gave me fifteen minutes to get there and I don't want to be late. Walking along the side walk, every foot step I make feels like I'm walking to my death. Like I'm walking right into the lion's den like a damn fool. I watched as Sydney walked with her head down and I could just imagine what she's thinking about. I wish I could do something to cheer them up. Suddenly, an idea came to mind.

"You guys want ice cream?" Their faces lit up like a stop light. They all said yeah and so we made a stop at Dairy Queen. This Dairy Queen has been running for fifteen years. A guy from the neighborhood by the name Joseph had taken over the Dairy Queen on Joy Road since his dad, the original owner, Jacob died. Ever since then, he's always made sure that we were well taken care of. He's only three years older than me but I couldn't help but think that he wouldn't want to work here forever. You know running a Dairy Queen doesn't seem like it takes you far in life, but I can see the joy it has taken out of Joseph.

I've known him for five years and that was around when his dad died. He had always been his dad's pride and joy so when he died, it really broke Joseph. He didn't know what to do and didn't have much guidance. He became rebellious, skipped school, got into trouble with the law, and eventually had to do time for it. As time went on, he learned how to accept his dad's death, and continued the family business. I'd say that our upbringings have made us who we are today. No matter how rough we had it, we're still here. Once we made it to Dairy Queen, I noticed that there's only three people ahead of us.

Looking down at my phone, I sighed as I realized that we only have twelve minutes to make it on time. As I start to recall what happened last time we were late leaving school, shivers ran down my spine. I didn't go to school for a week after that happened. I took the beatings for my siblings that day and I still do. It was just hard to watch after them while going to school, and trying to stay on my mothers good side. Even though I had to learn how to cover the bruises at a young age, I told my siblings that we would never get split apart.

I wanted to call cps and I still do, but I know that they would just end up taking my siblings away from me. Who knows if we'll ever end up seeing each other again after that and I won't take that chance. But the day that I finally gain the courage to stand up to that monster will be when the truth finally comes out. All of the secrets she so desperately tries to hide which she has succeeded in so far. Looking at my siblings, I could only feel heartache when I think about how everything affects them mentally. My siblings are very strong but they shouldn't have to be scared.

The three people went by quick and we were finally ordering. "Well if it isn't my favorite customers." Joseph said as we all smiled. Ever since we've started coming here, Joe would let us get whatever we ordered free. We wouldn't have to pay anything. Now of course I would insist that I pay and would pay on some occasions, but for the most part, he would suggest that it's free.

"Wassup Joey." Kane said as he nodded his head at Joseph. Kane proceeded to order what he wanted and then Drew, and Sydney followed right behind him. Last but not least, it's my turn to order. We have two nicknames for Joseph which are Joey and Joe.

"I already know what you want. Mix with sprinkles in a cup." I nodded my head and smiled as he winked at me. I started to think back at our time at camp. His dad enrolled just us two as you had to be above a certain age. We played many games and on the same night we got there, we shared our first kiss. It felt like heaven and I was nervous that it would end sooner than I wanted it to.

Joseph started to make all of our orders as I looked at the time. We only have eight minutes left to make it and I started to feel a little queasy. I closed my eyes as I tried not to think about the consequences if we're late. I had to put those feelings aside when I opened my eyes, and saw Joe handing out our ice creams. His light brown skin sparkled in the sunlight as I looked over his tattooed covered arm, and I could feel myself getting hot. There's something about black men that will forever drive me crazy. The way Joey makes me feel is like something I've never imagined at first.

"Here you go little lady. It'll be $9.49." I smiled and said thank you as he winked at me. I proceeded to reach into my pocket to grab out my money when Kane stopped me.

"I can do it." I normally don't let him pay for our ice cream but this time I did. Smiling, I watched as he gave a $10 bill to Joseph. Kane got his change as Joey said goodbye to us. As much as I'm happy that he paid, I couldn't help but think about one thing; where did he get the money from? I didn't say nothing as I didn't want to ruin the mood. We're already walking right into a death trap. Making our way to the house, we only have five minutes to make it. I watched as my siblings ate their ice cream with a smile on their face.

"If there was a zombie apocalypse and you only could save one person out of us, who would it be?" Drew asked us. I didn't answer that question and truth be told, I don't know how to. Sydney stuffed her mouth with ice cream before she eventually stopped once her teeth became cold. I couldn't help but laugh as she covered her mouth with her hand.

"I would save Aurora because she's the only one that likes to play dress up with me." Sydney said and the guys rolled their eyes.

"I played dress up with you twice Syd." Kane said. Sydney laughed as she ate her ice cream.

"You were grouchy about it and stretched out my Rapunzel costume!" Kane waved her off as he didn't give a response. He probably did stretch it out.

"I would save Kane because he's my partner in crime. I remember when we would go sneak in the school at night time to vandalize Mrs. Angie's classroom. She had made us go to the principal's office for fighting and we were so pissed."

"Dad was fucking pissed man. Those were some good times." Kane laughed as started to remember what had happened that day.

"Who would you save Ro?" Drew asked me. I thought a moment before answering.

"I would save all of you in a heartbeat."