Chapter 11: Bonds and Confessions
The hum of the car engine was the only sound as David and Tanya Carter sat in the parking lot of their bank. David stared at the statement in his hands for what must have been the hundredth time. Five million dollars. The number sat in bold print like it wasn't real. Tanya broke the silence, her voice soft but steady.
"We did the right thing, David."
He looked at her, still clutching the paper. "I know. It's just... this is life-changing money, T. I never thought I'd see numbers like this in my account, not in my lifetime."
"And we're not alone," Tanya said. "This isn't just about us. This is about Malik. His future. His safety."
David sighed deeply, leaning his head against the steering wheel for a moment. "I just want to make sure we're making smart choices here. You know me--I don't like quick decisions."
Tanya smiled gently. "That's why Jada sent us the paperwork. Everything is in black and white. We're entitled to 25% of the company now. 5 million dollars. I called her, just to double-check."
"You called Jada?" David looked up, eyebrows raised.
"She's sharp, David," Tanya continued. "She told me we can do whatever we want with the money, but from here on out, 15% of everything we earn will go into the Striker account for investment. But she also gave us some advice."
"Let me guess. That private road."
Tanya nodded. "As a security precaution. And I agree. I think we should look into it. Her family has the right idea--staying together, keeping everyone safe."
David let the words settle, his mind already beginning to turn with possibilities. "All right. Let's do it."
Malik wasn't entirely sure what to make of the whole situation when his parents sat him down later that evening. "Five million?" he repeated, eyes wide.
"Yes, baby," Tanya confirmed, sitting across from him. "Jada said we can use it however we want, but your father and I are seriously considering buying property on that road near her home. It just makes sense."
Malik nodded slowly, chewing the inside of his cheek. "That's... that's a lot of money, Mom. I just want us to be careful. It's weird, all of this."
David spoke up, his voice firm. "We're doing this for you, son. For all of us."
Malik looked between his parents, feeling their resolve, their worry, their love. He could sense their emotions like gentle waves in the air, and for once, it didn't overwhelm him. He let out a deep breath. "Okay. I trust you."
The next morning, Malik met Dre before practice. Dre leaned casually against the side of the school building, his usual cocky grin tugging at his lips. "So, what's up with you, Carter? You've been weird all week."
Malik smirked. "Weird how?"
"I dunno, man. Just... like you've got some secret you're not telling me." Dre leaned closer, narrowing his eyes. "You and Jada hiding something?"
"Not exactly," Malik said, choosing his words carefully. "But I've got my own secrets to deal with."
Dre raised an eyebrow, but before he could press the matter, Malik turned the tables. "Speaking of secrets... when are you gonna tell your mom about everything? The powers, all of it?"
Dre stiffened, his smile faltering. "Man, I don't know."
"Why not?" Malik asked softly. "It went fine with my folks. Ty's too. I can help you, Dre."
Dre looked away, his jaw tight. "It's not that easy for me."
"Why not?"
Dre hesitated, shifting uncomfortably. Finally, he exhaled sharply. "Because my family's not like yours, Malik."
Malik stayed quiet, letting Dre decide whether to continue. After a moment, Dre glanced at him, his voice low. "I've got a little brother. He's seven. And..." Dre paused, his voice thick, "a daughter."
Malik blinked, stunned. "A daughter?"
"Yeah." Dre's shoulders sagged, as if the weight of that admission was too heavy to carry. "Her mom died right after she was born. I was fifteen, man. My dad bailed when he found out. Said I ruined everything."
"Dre, I..."
"Don't," Dre cut him off, shaking his head. "I'm not looking for pity, Carter. My mom's been busting her ass to keep us together, and I promised I'd make something of myself. That's why I haven't told her. She's been through enough."
Malik swallowed hard. He could feel Dre's pain, the years of quiet struggle, and something else--fear. Fear of letting his mom down. Fear of being rejected for who he was.
"Listen," Malik said softly. "You don't have to do this alone. I'll be there. You're not ruining anything, Dre. You're fixing it."
Dre stared at him, searching his face for any hint of dishonesty. Finally, he nodded. "All right. Let's do it."
That evening, Malik sat beside Dre on his front porch as they waited for his mom to come home. Dre's house was small, modest--a far cry from Jada's mansion--but it was clean and warm, the kind of place that felt like home.
When Dre's mom pulled into the driveway, she climbed out of her car with a tired smile. "DeAndre? What are you doing out here?"
"Hey, Ma," Dre said, standing. "Can we talk inside? It's important."
She looked between him and Malik, concern flickering across her face. "Of course, baby."
The conversation was long and emotional. Dre told his mom everything--about the accident, the powers, the truth about himself. Malik sat beside him the whole time, quiet and steady, ready to back him up when needed.
When Dre's mom finally spoke, her voice trembled, but her words were strong. "DeAndre, I don't care what you are or what you can do. You're my son. And nothing--nothing--is gonna change that."
Dre let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, and his mom pulled both him and Malik into a fierce hug.
"I'm proud of you," she whispered. "Both of you."
Later that night, Malik sat on his bed, texting Jinwoo.
Jinwoo: So... are you and Dre like a thing now?
Malik smirked, typing back.
Malik: Not exactly. It's complicated.
Jinwoo: Complicated? Malik, come on. He's hot. You're hot. That's not complicated.
Malik rolled his eyes, but his smile widened.
Jinwoo: Three's a party. Just sayin'.
Malik's face flushed, and he quickly typed back.
Malik: Slow down, perv. I'm still figuring this out.
Jinwoo: Fine, fine. I'll behave.
Malik tossed his phone aside, flopping onto his bed. His mind was a mess of thoughts--about Dre, about Jinwoo, about everything. But for the first time in a long time, he felt... happy.
Whatever the future held, Malik knew one thing for certain: he wasn't alone.