Introduction:

Covering their heads from the rain, a young woman and a boy rushed down the roads of New York City. They stopped at a two story home that had its lights on. Four times the lady knocked until a black woman with slightly gray dreadlocks answered. Shaking her head she let the pair into her home then locked the door. The woman squatted to examine her son’s face. It wasn’t bruised at all, but his ice blue eyes were red from tears. Smiling weakly the mother stroked the child’s greasy black hair. Unable to contain himself, he leaned his head on his mother’s shoulder and began to cry. Tightly his little fingers gripped onto his mother’s hair. The owner of the home folded her arms and started to nag.

“Why won’t you just get rid of the low life, Mimi?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know if I love him or—“

“Look, that bastard doesn’t love you. So why let him stay in your home. Girl you are crazy.”

“Shelia, I am trying to set things right. I just need help.” Mimi whimpered, standing up. “It’s not fair to Riku; I need to get him far away from here. That’s what I plan to do.”

The conversation ceased when they noticed a little girl staggering down the steps. She was dressed in a long silk gown; her hair pulled back in a large Afro-puff. Mimi’s son ran up to her and hugged her tight.

“Sandra!”

“Riku, what are you doing here at twelve in the morning. Are we going to play now?” Sandra asked tiredly. Riku looked over at the two women, waiting for mother approval. They both nodded yes, and the two kids walked up the stairs.

“Now let me see how bad it is.” Shelia sighed, pulling Mimi into the pine scented bathroom. After tying back Ms. Kotara shoulder length hair, the black woman started to inspect her face. There were several cuts on the side of her face and her lip was busted. “That a** hole isn’t worth the time of day. You need to call the police, there is no such thing as an abusive man that loves you. Cause if you don’t call the damn cops, I’ll kill him. And you know me…I am crazy, I’ll cut a fool!”

“Yes I know.”

“If Stephen were still around he—”

“Well you know what Shelia…he isn’t! He left me ten years ago! Pregnant…with no support! The only one that was there was You, Andy, and Victor!” That’s why it’s not easy for me to let go, he’s been there since day one! Where was Stephen? Where was he!? He can be in hell for all I care.” Mimi cried, hiding her face in her hands. “So stop brining him up like he’s been the worlds greatest dad! I hate him! I hate him so much! He ruined my life and Riku’s too.”

“I am sorry. I am just going to leave you alone.” Shelia exhaled trying to contain herself.

“Please don’t go…I am sorry I am so sorry! It just hurts. I work two jobs and it’s still not enough. How many times had you had to help me pay my bills…just so my son can eat?”

“I told you it was nothing. Mimi, you know I am always going to help you. And I am going to help get Riku and you out of this situation. Now you go shower, and tomorrow morning we’ll buy a ticket for Steph Jr.”

“Thank you Shelia…thank you.”

Sitting at the end of a lonely bar was a tall broad shouldered male. His long black hair was twisted into a braid that rested at his tail bone. In his grasp was a half empty glass of scotch on the rocks. Sweat from the drink trailed down between his hairy knuckles and to his over accessorized wrist. Staring deep into the glass of alcohol he tried to recall where the years had gone. Poignant in demeanor he lifted his fingertips to the scar over his right eye. Again it hurt with the painful memory his past. This would be the last drink of the night, so he tried to pull himself together with the final gulps. It burned more than his scar did and he shook his head to cast it away. Loudly he sighed, paid his tab then walked over to the juke box. From his pocket he pulled out dollar bill and slid it in the machine.

“What the hell happened to Mr. Lonely?” He groaned, adjusting his shades.

“Other costumers complained about you playing only the sad songs.” The bartender replied, wiping out his glass. “It’s messing up business.”

“That’s alright, I see Stardust.”

Once the song began, a couple walked out to save themselves from anymore depression. The long haired man flipped up his middle finger, then leaned against the wall. At least someone understood his feelings, even if it was just a jukebox melody. His love was only a memory, a shadow casting an ever haunting spell on him. If only he could feel her warmth. A tear slid down his face as the song started to go to its end. Right when he reached for another dollar his cellular phone rang. The voice on the other end was soft and raspy.

“Stephen where the hell are you?”

“Out.”

“Out…what the hell do you mean out? C’mon you were supposed to be on a plane tonight!”

“I’ll get there when I get there.”

Stephen closed his phone and stepped out the building. Waiting for him was glistening Harley Davidson with a helmet resting on the seat. After a long drawn sigh, he threw the protective gear in the middle of the street, and then started the bike. Soon he found himself passing the sign: ‘You are now leaving: South Carolina.”

A/N: So what do you think? Are you interested in finding out more? Please leave it in a review. Even if you skimmed! Any information on how to better this introduction will help. Thank you so much for checking this out. I want to thank everyone that has reviewed Working for Affection. I hope Lost in Adoration will be just as popular or more. Love you guys! Thanks!!