Tough Life

“Jeff, its 10:25(pm) I feel like we’ve walked a mile already, tell me where were going!” Nicki yelled squeezing his hand. “Calm down” Jeff assured her “Were almost there and when you see it you’re going to be real happy” they were deep in the forest; already there wasn’t anything around. “OK, close your eyes, and don’t peek” Jeff said covering Nicki’s dark black eyes, with his hand Her blue hair was tied back into a bun. “Jeff this better be good, I’m going to be late for my curfew,” she complained. As Nicki and Jeff kept walking she began to hear people talking, which confused her because they were deep into the forest. “Jeff, just let me see, already,” Nicki said in a restless tone “Nick, your going to ruin the surprise, were almost there, wait one more minute” he said. Nicki huffed, but did as she was told; She was walking on the side of her handsome boyfriend who was about 4 inches taller than her. It was she and her twin brothers 15th birthday today and she had just met up with her boyfriend (Jeff) and he said he had a birthday present that she would die for.
Nicki recognized one of the voices, as they got closer; it was… her cousin, Vicki. Nicki wasn’t allowed to see her anymore when Nicki's aunt had learned that her daughter was smoking pot with Nicki. “Jeff is that Vicki?” she said ripping his hand off her eyes. “Maybe” Jeff replied flirtatiously. “Hey babe” she herd Vicki yell as she came running toward her. When she looked around she realized that she was at the CRIPS hangout. Vicki was 13 now. The last time Nicki saw her she was only 10, Vicki was much taller and more beautiful then ever. She had dirty brown hair that fanned out when she turned her head.
“Happy birthday!!” Jeff said kissing her neck Nicki was still astonished at what was happening “Thank you” She managed to respond “WOW, Vick you’ve grown up so much” Vicki blushed and stepped back to take a long glance at Nicki “WOW, Nick you haven’t changed at all” Nicki looked at Jeff and felt herself blush then she realized where she was.
“Jeff why are we here?” Jeff straightened out his back and started telling the story. “Well Vicki called my cell phone, which I have no idea how she got the number” he said shrugging “anyway she told me how you two haven’t seen each other in so long” He put his arm around Nicki. “Well from there we made plans for you two to get together” Vicki hugged Nicki  “I’m sorry I had to meet you so late but this is the only time I could sneak out of the house” Nicki shook her head and squeezed Jeff. ”Why are we meeting here?” Nicki said giving Vicki a curious look. Dude like this is my new hangout, since Max introduced me to all his friends I just chill here almost every night of the week” Nicki shook her head in approval “Max! Max aint in a gang Vicki what are you talking about, what are you high or something” Nicki said getting frustrated. Max wasn’t in a gang, he never has been, why would he hang out at the crips, hangout?
“Happy birthday” came Max’s voice from behind Vicki, Vicki moved out of the way when she saw Max coming “MAX, you aint in a gang what are you doing here??”  Nicki yelled almost freaking out. “Well so much you know about me” Max said almost in a yell. “Ever since you met that trash” Max said glancing at Jeff “You don’t care about me anymore, you could care less if I get jumped on the way home from school, wanna know why, because you have Jeff to give you a ride” Nicki could tell Max was planning that sentence “Shut up” Nicki yelled stepping closer to him, there faces were so close they were almost touching. “Screw off man” Jeff said stepping out from behind Nicki. He pulled her away form Max and put his arm around Nicki then just to piss Max off he started sucking on Nicki's neck. “You like that don't you?” Jeff asked to top off the anger point. “Jeff, I wouldn’t start with me if I was you. Did you forget you’re in my territory?” Jeff rolled his eyes and began to say something, but Nicki grabbed him by the arm.
“Your territory?” Nicki asked looking at Jeff laughing, Jeff stood in front of Nicki, “Max I would fight you anytime, anywhere, but not if your friends are going to jump in. I could kick your ass!” Max’s face got all red “OK, right here, right now” Max yelled at the top of his lungs. He whipped his jacket off and tossed onto the ground. He stepped closer to Jeff so they were face to face. “NO” Nicki yelled in protest “There aint gonna be a fight between my brother and my boyfriend, especially on my birthday” She yelled
A few of the people behind them turned their head to see what was going on. When they saw the two boys getting ready to fight they came running over. “A, Max what’s going on?” one said “Yea this fag aint messing' with you is he?” said another “Go screw your mother” Jeff said to the boy who called him a fag “See your gonna get your friends to beet me up, I’m out!” Jeff said turning to walk away “I know Im a good fighter but I aint gonna fight 20 people who carry knifes, when Im unarmed
Nicki grabbed his arm and said, “Wait a sec will ya? Let me talk to my cousin for a little bit, babe, because nobody’s going to fight!” Nicki pulled Jeff by the arm over to where Vicki was sitting Nicki hit shoulders with everyone in her way and when she walked by Max she hit him extra hard. “NICK, what’s up with that?” Nicki kept walking toward the fire where Vicki was sitting. “NICK, don’t walk away from me in my territory!” Nicki spun around fast “What do you mean your territory! You’re my brother, what are you going to beet me up? Go ahead, see if I care, wimp!” Nicki said while starring into his eyes.
Max seemed amazed by this remark. “YEA, I think I will, or are you going to tell DAD!” Nicki’s face turned red fury than said “Bring it on, bed wetter till he was 11” every one laughed some fell to the floor laughing “you whore!” Max said turning all red and flushed. Nicki turned around and kept walking. “Wow” Jeff mumbled laughing hysterically. She felt a little bad for embarrassing him like she did but she kept walking to where Vicki was sitting.
“BITCH” Max yelled pulling her by the hair to the ground. When Jeff went to go hit Max he was tackled and getting beat up by 3 boys about his age. “You little slut” Max yelled smacking her in the face. “My eye brow!!” she yelled kicking Max off her “I just got it pierced” she yelled standing up and holding it, she could see blood running down her cheek. She looked at Max on the ground; he was on his back holding his forehead. “Are you okay?” she asked forgetting about her eyebrow.
Ever since Max was little he would get awful migraines so bad that he would have to go to the hospital if it got worse. “MAX” she yelled kneeling down at his side. “Common Im going to get your pills” She said pulling him up. “RAID!!!!!!!!!!!” someone screamed, everyone looked up and saw a row of cops stampeding into the hangout. “RUN!!” people were screaming. Nicki covered Max because if she didn't people were going to step on him. “Max” Vicki said kneeling at his side. “Nicki what's wrong with him?” She asked holding his arm. “He has a migraine,” Nicki said pulling him up with Vicki. Max moaned, “My head” Nicki put his head into her shoulder so the flashlight rays wouldn't go into his eyes. “Vicki I don't know what to do” Nicki cried. “I’ve never been alone with him outside when he gets them. He need his pills” Nicki added Holding her brother up. “Is he asleep?” Vicki asked rubbing his back “I don't know” Nicki said crying.
A cop approached them “What's going on” he asked looking at Nicki and Max. “He has an awful migraine,” Nicki said holding her brother. “I can’t hold him any longer” Nicki said almost dropping him. The cop grabbed Max. “What does he need?” the cop asked a little dumbfounded, Nicki shrugged. “His pills” She cried. Vicki hugged Nicki. “Don't cry,” She said. The cop picked up Max and walked to a cop car with Max in his arms. Max was leaning against the cops shoulder to block out light. “Where's Nicki?” He mumbled. “Im right here” she said grabbing hold of his hand. Nicki opened the cop’s car door and the cop put him inside. Max put his head in his hands. “Get in” the cop demanded to Nicki and Vicki. They ran around the car and both hopped in the back.
Nicki had been in a cop’s car before…she had got caught with drugs and she was still on probation. “Thanks” Max mumbled when he felt Nicki at his side. “No problem” she said resting his head on her shoulder. “Where do you live?” the cop asked. Nicki gave him the address and put her head back. “Are we in trouble?” Vicki asked. “No…not really” he said driving down the path That Jeff and Nicki had walked in on.
“So before I bring you kids home do any of you have any drugs or weapons on you? Don't lie!” he asked looking in the rear view mirror. “I do” Max mumbled reaching into his pocket. “What do you have?” Nicki asked curiously. “My knife” he said squinting. “They can’t take that!” Nicki yelled. “Grandpa gave you that before he died” the cop watched them in the mirror. “Can I see it please?” The cop asked. “NO” Nicki yelled holding it in her hands. “Our grandfather gave it to him when we were 7” She rebelled. “I just want to see it I collect myself,” he said getting offended. She held it up. “Wow…that’s a nice one, if it was me I would have it put away” he said still looking in the mirror. Max didn't look up. She stuck the knife back into his pocket for him.
“Location on car 119?” the radio in the car said. “Im bringing a kid that is ill home” he said into the microphone “10-4” they said and the cop drove out of the woods and turned on to a street. Max moaned again. “Were almost there” Nicki, said rubbing his head. “Wanna sleep at our house?” Nicki asked Vicki. She nodded. “No its okay…my Moms gonna kick my ass anyway I might as well get it done now rather that wait till tomorrow” I smiled.
“Is Uncle john home?” she asked as we pulled up to our house. “I hope not,” Nicki, said “He's going to freak when he sees Max didn't have his pills with him” Vicki looked at Nicki funny. “You have blood all over your face” she said pushing away from her. “Where am I cut?” she asked trying to see into the mirror. “On your eyebrow, your lip, and your temple” she said. “Whatever… Im going to get Max fixed up before I worry about that. “Love ya,” She said kissing Vicki's cheek “Call me tomorrow. Max open the door” Max moaned and opened it slowly. “Bye” Nicki said waving at Vicki. “Thank you” Nicki said thanking the cop “Bye Vick” Nicki said slamming the door. “Good luck with your dad” she yelled out the window.
Nicki walked Max up the stairs slowly. “Nick is dad home?” he asked leaning all his weight on his sister. “Yea” She said looking at his car. “Shit” he mumbled. “Its okay” she assured him. “He aint going to hit you” she added. “Its past curfew aint it?” he asked “Yea” she said looking at her pager quick.
         Nicki opened the door and walked into their house. As soon as she stepped into the house she was smacked. “What the hell” She said letting Max walk away. “Don't back talk me!” he yelled pinning her against the door “What do you have all over your face” He said smacking her again. “I don’t know,” she said pushing him away. “Where's Max?” he yelled. Looking around the house. “He aint getting away with no punishment” John screamed. “Leave him alone” Nicki yelled grabbing his arm. “He doesn't feel good,” Nicki said looking up at her father.
“You want his beating!” he yelled pushing Nicki off him and walking to Max’s room. “Yes” She yelled following her father. “Fine…you’re pissing me off anyway,” he yelled smacking her in the face again and pushing her so hard she tripped over the coffee table. Nicki screamed. Her leg was stuck under the couch. “MY LEG” she screamed even louder. She was laying half on the table with her leg stuck under the couch. “DAD!” she yelled trying to maneuver herself out of the position. He just stood there and watched his daughter struggle. Nicki cried “What the hell!” she yelled looking at her dad. “You wanted his beating,” he yelled walking away. “You’re a dick head! I hope you die!” Nicki screamed, she felt her leg going numb and she couldn’t move Max came out of the room and when he saw his sister he ran over to her. “Are you okay?” he asked helping her up. Nicki was crying freely, “I cant move my ankle” she cried. “Max lifted her up and carried her to there room.
“Thanks” he said laying her down on her bed. “I heard what you did for me,” he said kissing her forehead. “How’s your head ache?’ Nicki asked looking up at her brother. “Hurts like a bitch” he said rubbing his head. “Go lay down” She demanded. “Are you sure your going to be okay?” he asked. Nicki nodded and watched her brother walk to his bed. Nicki remover her sneakers and tried to move her ankle. She layed back and fell asleep as soon as she turned off the lights.

“Wake up” Nicki heard her brother yell hitting her over the head with his pillow. “Im up” she yelled looking up at him drowsily. “No your not” he said slamming her head with the pillow again. “MAX STOP!” She yelled covering her face with her hands. “Get your ass up then,” he yelled throwing his pillow onto his bed. “Im not going to school today” Nicki moaned sitting up. “Yea you are,” he yelled throwing a pair of his jeans at her.
“Hold those,” he said walking to there closet. “Black or blue” he asked pulling out two shirts. “I don't know,” She mumbled standing up and stretching. It was still dark outside and they both knew their father was already off to work. She looked at Max; he was in boxers and was trying to figure out what to wear. “Wear the green,” She laughed. “Really?” he said pulling out a green shirt. Nicki rolled her eyes. “I was only playing wear what you want,” She said pulling a pair of pants out of her dresser draw. “Im wearing black pants with my KoRn t-shirt. She said slipping her pants on. “Im so tired” he yawned. “Lets skip today then” Nicki suggested. “No!” Max yelled. “Were already on the verge of Chins order as it is” he yelled slipping a t-shirt over his head. “I decided on white,” he said smiling. Nicki and Max finished getting dressed and walked to school together for the first time in over a year.
“Later” Max said when they approached the school. “Later” she said kissing his cheek. Nicki didn't want to admit it but it felt good to be close with Max again. Nicki and Max parted and went there own ways. Nicki searched for Jeff and Max searched for the basketball team (of which he was a part of). Nicki went straight to her locker. She grabbed her first block book and re did her hair in the mirror she had hung. When all of a sudden there was a sudden Nicki felt a strong sting on her ass.
“OWWW” Nicki yelled turning around to see Jeff standing there, Jeff had smacked her ass. “That hurt!” she yelled turning back to the mirror. “You know I love you,” he said pinning her against the locker to give her a good morning kiss. “Im doing my hair,” she moaned pushing him away. Jeff looked stumped “Are you mad at me?” He asked. Nicki shook her head “Not at all” she said kissing his chin and smiling. “What happened to you last night?” He asked leaning against the next locker over so he could see the side of her face. “Max got a migraine when we started to fight that the cop drove Max, Vicki and me home” she said biting her lower lip. “Lucky you,” Jeff said putting his hand on her stomach. “I got arrested and I have court later today” he said looking all pissed off. “That sucks” Nicki said finishing her hair. “Your so sexy” He said pulling her close to him. “Nicki you know I want you so bad don't you?” he asked. “Im not having sex with you” she said pulling away and slamming her locker shut. “Please!” he begged like a little kid. “Jeff you know virginity is something I want to wait for” she said grabbing his hand and pulling him with her. “I know I know,” he mumbled, looking down in defeat. “Jeff don't give me that look,” She said squeezing his hand. “Im sorry” He said kissing her neck. “I love you so much” he said as they began walking again. “I love you too,” she said turning a corner.
Nicki went through her day as she usually would. And met up with Jeff at the end of the day. “Want a ride?” he asked pulling out his keys. “Sure” Nicki said never turning down an invitation for as ride home. When Nicki got to her house she brought Jeff in with her.
“Your so sexy” Jeff said grabbing her leg, as she walked past the couch he was sitting on. “Yea okay” Nicki said sarcastically. Nicki walked away to the kitchen to get something to drink. “Stop teasing me!” he yelled covering his eyes. “What am I doing?” Nicki asked coming back with 2 cans of Coke. “You’re so perfect…you shake your ass perfect, you have the most beautiful body I have ever seen. I want you so bad!” he yelled opening his soda. “Umm…. Thank you?” Nicki said not knowing what to say. “Ohh my god!” he moaned leaning his head back. “Are you okay baby” She said sitting on his lap. “Now I am,” he said kissing her neck. “That feels good” Nicki moaned as Jeff rubbed her back while sucking on her chest.
The door swung open and Max came walking in. Nicki was still sitting on Jeff's lap and Jeff's hand was under her shirt. Nicki jumped up fast. “Hi Max” she said fixing herself a little bit. “Get him out!” Max yelled throwing his backpack onto a chair. “Im serious Nick!” he yelled “Were going into my room anyway” Nicki said grabbing Jeff's hand and pulling him towards her room. “Don't touch my shit” Max yelled plopping down on the couch. Nicki saw Max put on his headphones and start his homework.
“Your so hot” Jeff said sitting down on her bed. “Okay” Nicki said sarcastically. Nicki knew that Jeff wanted to have sex but Nicki wasn’t ready yet. She wanted to make sure that she really loved Jeff. “Nicki please” he begged getting down on the floor. “I can’t wait any longer,” he said going into a preying position. “I appreciate your patients, but I’m not ready for that step yet” Jeff looked like Nicki had slapped him. “Okay” he said lying down on Nicki's bed.  “Just come and lay with me for a little bit, your brothers in the other room, and I don’t think that he’s going to be checking in on us... He doesn’t trust me but he does respect your privacy” Nicki knew Jeff was speaking the truth, so she sat on the side of him. Nicki and Jeff had been going out for almost 3 years already, and she was only 15, Jeff was 16. Most of the girls in her class were really jealous of her and Jeff.
Jeff assured her he would do everything that all she had to do was lay there Nicki still refused. “Nick just lay down for a little bit, and close your eyes I want to try something” Nicki layed back onto the bed and closed her eyes. She felt the tips of Jeff's fingers going up her stomach to her breasts. “Jeff wait a second” Nicki took off her sweatshirt and then pulled off her t-shirt. She was only wearing her bra and a pair of Jeans. “See babe this is much easier” Jeff played around a little more then he reached behind her back and undid her bra. Nicki still had her eyes closed. He played a little more then he reached for the button on her jeans he undid them and slipped them off. All the while Nicki was lying back with her eyes closed. Jeff slipped his hand down her panties then he slipped them off. Nicki’s heart began to beat faster. Nicki kept her eyes closed then Jeff held her hands and raised them above her head she opened her eyes. He had nothing on!!!!
“Jeff no!” She said in a loose voice her voice fading out. Jeff slipped his legs in-between hers “Jeff NO!” She screamed in even a lower voice her throat felt so swelled that it hurt to even talk, she was so scared! Nicki closed her eyes. Jeff was invading her. She felt the male part slip into her she yelled as loud as she possibly could she begin to cry because it hurt and she didn't want to have sex with him. And now she didn't even want to be in the same room with him. “Max!” she finally yelled louder. He went in and out, and every time he moved Nicki cried harder! She was in so much pain! After 10 minutes he stopped Nicki couldn’t cry any louder. Where was Max? Why wasn’t he coming? Nicki covered herself with her sheet while Jeff got dressed. “Jeff I hate you! Get the hell out of my house, and never come back” Jeff left her in the room and walked out not saying anything, which pissed Nicki off even more. Nicki closed her eyes and she cried harder than she had ever cried before. There was a knock on the door. “Nick? Are you alright?” Max asked through the door “NO, Max Im not” She yelled and layed back down. Max opened the door and walked in. “Nicki what happened? Tell me what I think happened didn't” Nicki tightened the grip on her sheet and looked down. “Nicki what is that on your neck he said raising his finger and moving it over her neck. “That’s a hike,” He said and there’s another one on your shoulder” Nicki kept her head down to embarrassed to look up. “Max can you leave me alone” Max looked at her weird then said “yea, I guess but ill be waiting for you in the parlor be out there in 2 minutes or Im coming back in.” Max walked out of the room and slammed the door Nicki heard the front door slam. She got dressed quickly and walked out of her room. She was alone in the house. That scared her. What if he came back for more? Nicki layed down on the couch waiting for Max’s return, Max came back 15 minutes later and sat down with her.
“Where did you go?” she asked him. “I had to go to my friend, Mad Dogs house” Nicki brushed it off and Nicki told him the whole story and then when she began to cry again Max embraced her into his arms, Nicki was surprised at how strong he was, his chest was so strong and his arms were so muscular “Max why didn't you come, where were you?” Nicki asked after a while “I was listening to my cd player, I shouldn’t have let him take you into the damn room, I knew I shouldn’t have” He held her until she cried herself to sleep.
Nicki woke up in her room at 12:30am by a hard knocking at the door. She was in her own bed and when she looked over Max was laying on the side of her with his arm around her He jolted up. “Max who’s that?” Nicki asked standing up “its Jeff” she assumed backing up into the wall. “Nick, sit down. I’ll go check” Max got up and left the room. Max must have carried her into her room, Nicki thought. Nicki followed Max She stood in the doorway of the parlor. Max opened the door then made a look the way he does when he is pissed. “Max who is it” Nicki asked stepping closer to see whom it was. Nicki stepped behind Max there were 2 police officers standing there. “Are you Nicki and Max Alves,” the taller one on the left said “Yea why” Nicki said in a cocky voice. “We have to take you two down to the station for questioning.” The shorter one said Nicki backed away and so did Max. “NO, I didn't do anything this time” Nicki yelled out then sat down on the couch and folded her arms, as a spoiled child would do. “Common you don't want us to cuff ya do ya,” Said the short one Max walked toward them and the short one followed him out. Nicki continued to sit down. Not budging “Nicki lets go!” Max yelled from the cop’s car the taller policeman stepped closer to her Nicki jumped up and ran to her room she slammed the door and locked it. “Common your not in trouble” The officer said “So why do I have to go” Nicki yelled. She hated being in a cop car. “The cop pushed open the door and grabbed her arm. He swung her down to the floor and sat on her back he hand cuffed her and pulled her out of the house. “Nicki why’d ya have to do that?” Max yelled “Let go of me” Nicki yelled at the cop. He shoved her into the same car as Max and she relaxed a bit. “Nick you always have to over do things” he said putting his arm around her. She rested her head on his shoulder and dozed off.
She woke up at the police station Max walked along side of her and then she was un cuffed and they were put in a questioning room with a big table and 5 chairs 2 on one side and 3 on the other Nicki and Max sat down in them and waited. About 3 minutes later 2 men walked in one was holding a binder and the other free handed. After they entered a medium sized woman walked in she was holding a couple of books and a binder. Nicki looked at Max who had the same look of confusion on his face. All three of them took their seats. Finally the man with the binder said “hello, Im sure you two are very confused and are wondering why we brought you here this late at night. Well the problem is, your father has just been arrested with the drug heroine.” Nicki's mouth dropped and Max’s eyes bulged open. “Yes” The lady, said opening her folder. “And his court case will be tomorrow afternoon, we’ll have to keep custody of you two because your minors.” Nicki shook her head no “Yes, Miss Alves we will, weather you approve of it or not!” Max looked at his sister who had an attitude, because no one of higher authority had ever talked to her like that. “Yea, ok” She said when she saw Max looking at her. “Yes well if you have any family that would be willing to watch you then-“ “All our family lives in Georgia” Max said before she could finish. “Well Mr. Alves then you and your sister will have to stay at a local child care center” “Hell No!” Nicki yelled out in protest She stood up and walked to the door and walked out “Nick-“ Nicki herd Max yelling Nicki ran down the corridor and slipped out a side entrance. She began to run as fast as she could.
“Frig that” Nicki said to herself “I aint going to no orphanage, I’d rather live on the streets.” Nicki kept running. She had no clue where to go, she couldn’t go home and she had no other siblings. At that time Vicki popped into her head. Nicki stopped at a payphone next to a drugstore and she called a cab. 10 minutes later a cab arrived and Nicki slipped in. She still had the $20 that her father had given to her before the court case. Nicki gave the driver the address and sat back. She was so tired. She closed her eyes and drifted off.
The cabdriver awaked Nicki a half hour later. Nicki paid him and got out of the cab. Nicki snuck over to Vicki’s window and knocked softly on it, then again she knocked again. Finally Vicki sleepily opened the window. “Nicki” She said getting all excided. “Hey Vick” Nicki said in a low whisper. “What are you doing here?” She said leaning out her window. “Long story” Nicki said “But I need a place to crash, can you hook me up?” Vicki looked around her room then shook her head. “Yea but you got to leave before 10:00am, ok?” Nicki smiled “Yea thanks Vick” Nicki said. “Go around back”
When Nicki entered Vicki's room, she was astonished to see a boy her age in her bed. “Vicki, Who's that?” The boy was wearing only his boxers and was out cold in her bed. “Ohh that’s just George” She said like having a boy in your bed was normal at a girl her age. “Who is he?” Nicki asked. “My boyfriend” Vicki said rapping a robe around her body. “Does Aunt Chris know?” “HELL NO!” Vicki said in a whisper. “So, forget him. What are you doing here?” Vicki sat down on her little sofa that she had in the corner of her room. Nicki sat down and told her everything that had happened since she last saw her.
Vicki sat back and listened attentively. She didn't say a word just starred and gapped at Nicki as if what she said was a story. Nicki talked for about an hour. “Alright then,” Vicki said slapping her hands together. “Here she said getting up and walking over to her closet and pulling out a blanket and pillow. Sleep on the couch and when you leave in the morning I want to go with you!” Nicki shook her head “I want to see how uncle Johnny is, I haven’t seen him in a while” Nicki nodded and yawned. She set up her bed and dozed off.
Nicki woke up by Vicki nudging her. “Nick! You gotta get up,” She said. Nicki lifted her head and looked around. It seemed late and Vicki's guy friend had already left. Her aunt and uncle were still sleeping. “What time is it?” Nicki asked yawning She sat up rubbing her eyes. “9:30” She said, “Common lets go before my mom and dad get up. Nicki and Vicki got dressed. And they began to walk towards the courthouse. Nicki felt bad about leaving Max like that but she did have a good nights sleep.
After they finally got to the courthouse they were early. They just sat in front and talked about their lives and what was going on in them. Finally Nicki saw Max approaching with the same lady that they were with last night. “What should I do?” Nicki asked her cousin. “Go over there” Vicki replied. “I’ll go with you if you want” Vicki offered “Thanks” She said and they both got up and headed toward Max. When Max turned his head toward them. Nicki saw a lot of anger and worry in his face. “Nicki” He yelled and ran over to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead “Where the hell did you go? Ohh” He said when he saw Vicki standing behind Nicki “Nicole, Maxwell. Please come with me” Mrs. Liddy said “I aint going unless my cousin can come too” Mrs. Liddy rolled her eyes and nodded. Max put his arm around Nicki and they walked together Vicki slipped under Max’s other arm. They all laughed.

As they entered the room, they saw their father on the front bench. He smiled weakly at his kids and turned back to the judge. The three of them and Mrs. Liddy sat down. Nicki and Max watch attentively. The judge called up John (their father) for sentencing. “John Alves” the judge began “This sentence is a hard sentence. I’ve looked over you past record, and you have been arrested 3 times already. And you children have police records also. So usually Im kind and I give chances, but in this case Im a little questionative. Where were you when Nicole and Maxwell were street fighting? Against 5 other kids?” Nicki remembered that fight. Hey had been jumper while walking home from school “And where were you when they were smoking the drug Marijuana? And where were you-“ John interrupted “Judge Sherman, it is very difficult to have 3 jobs and take care of two kids. Im not always around to watch their every move, Ask my children. Im very strict, when it comes to my kids.” Nicki nodded rubbing the scar on her arm from when John had beat the living crap out of her because he found marijuana in her room. Even though it was Max’s she took the beating for him.
         “That’s beyond the fact” The judge continued “Im going to put you in a detoxification facility for 1 year. Your children will be put in foster homes” Nicki looked up. “HOMES!” She said realizing that her and Max would be split up. How could they do this to them, after all Max and her had been through together.
After the hearing Vicki hugged and kissed Max and Nicki and left. Max and Nicki stood together, waiting for Mrs. Liddy to come out. When she did Nicki started to walk away but max grabbed her arm, and she stood. “Lets go,” She said to both Max and Nicki. Nicki rolled her eyes and followed her.
When Nicki and Max got in the car, they drove to their old house, and packed 2 bags of things that they would need. They both packed all their special belongings and left there old home, where they probably would never live again. Mrs. Liddy said all the other stuff would be put into storage until John got out. Finally when they got to the special care facility Nicki realized what was going on. There life had been ruined.
Nicki and Max lived there for that night and the next morning. The bell that signaled breakfast awaked them. Nicki rolled her eyes and got dressed. Nicki ate breakfast and during lunch, Mrs. Liddy came over and tapped her on the shoulder. “Nicki, please come with me” she ordered. Nicki did as she was told and followed her into her office, where there was a couple standing. “Nicki this is Mr. George Green and this is Mrs. Lucy Green” She said pointing them out. Nicki nodded and shook their hands. “Ok, can I go eat now that I have met your friends” Nicki said smirking. “Excuse me!” Lucy yelled out “nun of that freshness in my house, I won’t stand for it” She yelled. Nicki stepped back. She realized that she had to live with these Green people. Nicki backed into a wall. “I got to go,” She said opening the door and running out. She ran down the corridor and turned left into Max’s room. He was lying on his bed.