16 comments/ 21558 views/ 9 favorites Out of the Shadows Ch. 01 By: Iread2relax Hello Readers. This story is the continuation of the Shadows of Resentment series. You may want to read that series before reading this story however, this story can stand on its own. This is the beginning of Darius Granger's story. Darius is a unique character in this series. He has gone through so many facets and hopefully you, the reader will understand him a little better after reading more about him. Maybe even like the guy a little. Now his story will be divided into chapters, not sure how many, but this is only the first one. I am placing this under the "Romance Category" because it is a romantic tale, but the first chapter has no sex or anything sexual in it. However, it will come, so please keep reading. It is strictly written to give you, the reader, an idea of who the major players are. So please read the story and I hope you enjoy it. Please vote and remember, all comments and feedback is welcomed. I really appreciate it when you share your thoughts with me. Now on to the tale: * Darius Granger was a lucky man. He had wonderful parents, supportive siblings, and the best friend a guy could ever want; plus two beautiful daughters. Many people marveled at how he managed to walk through his problems so easily. However, they only saw the surface, not the deep, dark, dank secrets underneath. A little over two years ago Darius fucked up and almost killed his best friend. It didn't matter that they weren't speaking at the time. In a fit of rage, he put a man in a wheelchair almost costing him his life. Darius did everything he could to try and make amends for his actions. After the initial attack, he was in jail for several months. He even confessed to the crime, declared a guilty verdict when he went to court. The judge who presided was upset that the person who really caused the horrible events that night got a light sentence and felt that wasn't fair, so he was lenient when he sentenced Darius. People saw him walking around and thought he got off scot free, but when you screwed up the way he'd done, you always paid a price. Darius was in love with one woman, Deidre. She was the mother of his children and the love of his life. Getting her to trust him was hard, but he persisted and she gave him a chance to prove himself. Deidre was four months pregnant and living with her mother when he learned she was pregnant. Although he was terrified at first, he was determined to stand by her and raise their children. He'd had a chance to talk with her and try and work out their relationship, but Deidre still didn't trust him. She was not sure if she wanted to date a man with such a volatile temper. Her mother, Jasmine, supported her daughter completely. She wanted her to be safe, but she also wanted Deidre to understand how important Darius was to their unborn children. Darius and Deidre were in a relationship for a couple of years, with Deidre constantly refusing his proposals for marriage. Darius was not giving up. He planned to marry her and make their family complete. After the twins were born, Darius was very protective of Deidre and his daughters to the point that Deidre felt smothered. Darius and Deidre seemed to have a stable relationship on the surface, but underneath he knew she didn't really love him, not only because she constantly refusing his proposals for marriage but, she didn't really want to spend time with his as the years progressed. His conviction would end in a couple of years and he wanted to move in with her to help support their daughters. Deidre wouldn't agree. At first, he thought it was because of her need to be independent, but he eventually realized that she honestly didn't want him around. He could visit as often as he wanted; however, he just could not move in with her. Over time, their sex life dwindled, they were too far apart, too tired, too busy being parents, or just plain not interested. Darius knew they were in trouble when Deidre started ignoring him. Deidre was a full time nurse at a local clinic and she loved her job. Darius, who had lost his scholarships because of the trouble he gotten into, he secured a position as a mechanic in his father's garage. He worked for his father consistently for three years, diligently and faithfully since the restriction he was on required that he stay near his parent's home. They both worked days and Darius' mother, Marge, would often watch the twins when they worked. If they worked weekends, Deirdre's mom, Jasmine, would watch them. The girls loved being spoiled by all of their grandparents. Marge noticed the strain in Darius and Deidre's relationship and often tried to help. But they were adults and she knew they'd have to work things out on their own. "Son, is everything alright between you and Deidre?" Marge asked one morning when Deidre dropped the girls off. "Mom, we're fine. Just busy, you know how it is." Darius said trying to alleviate Marge's concern. But truthfully, he was worried. Overtime, Deidre seemed to lose interest in him. She didn't seem to want to really be around him and only spent time with him at functions involving the family. Although their schedule worked out so that they could spend time with each other, they often spent their time apart. The breakup was finalized when Darius realized Deidre was spending all of her time with an old friend of his, Jason Adams. He confronted her about the time she spent with the other man and she denied being involved with him. "Dee, let's do something with the girls this weekend." Darius suggested one Thursday night. Deidre wanted to relax, and not deal with his possessiveness for once. She knew Darius was a great guy, and she liked him. When she was younger she found herself loving him. But now she'd met someone new, an old friend who reminded her that it was alright to laugh. She never thought she'd see a day where her heart didn't belong to this amazing man that was standing before her. They'd been through so much and came out better for it. But now she had feelings for someone else and she knew when she told Darius, it would rip his world apart. She had already had words with her best friend, Sierra, Darius sister about this. She was having lunch with Jason when Sierra walked up. Sierra asked about the situation and Deidre tried to downplay it. "Deidre, hey girl I'm treating you to lunch." Sierra greeted her best friend. She's just gotten some exciting news. Deidre seemed distracted, "Oh, Sierra. Hey girl. I already have..." "Hey Deidre, want to go to Jo Jo's Café today. You owe me." Jason said out as he entered. Deidre froze and Sierra knew. "Oh, I see you've got plans for lunch. I'm out." Sierra said as she stood to leave. "Sierra, girl look at you, you don't get to bail. I've got two fine women going to lunch with me." Jason chuckled, "This adds points to my player card. You coming or what?" he queried. "Um, no. You two already had plans, and I don't want to interfere." Sierra replied as she turned to leave. "Girl, I thought you said you were buying lunch. Come on, we can catch up." Deidre added, wanting a chance to at least explain to her best friend. So the three of them had lunch and Sierra didn't share her exciting news. She'd found out something worse. Her brother's world was about to be ripped apart. As lunch ended, Sierra pulled Deidre over. "I know it's not really my business, but he is my brother. I don't want him hurt." "Sierra, I don't want to hurt him, but..." Deidre stopped. "I'll call you and we can talk when my shift ends alright." "OK." Sierra agreed then she left hoping that when Deidre does tell Darius, he's strong enough to handle it. But right now she had to find her husband Cameron, and give him a big hug. Darius confronted his former friend, Jason at Deidre's apartment one day. His mother was watching the twins and he felt they needed to talk. He knew Deidre didn't have to work, so he left decided to drop by the apartment and see if she would talk to him. He was surprised to find that Dee was not home alone. "What the hell! Jason, what the hell is going on between you and Dee? She's taken and you have no business here." Darius said furiously shaking barely restraining his anger. Jason stood lifting his hands in a posture to show surrender, "Look, man. I don't see any rings on her finger. She is free to spend time with who she chooses. You need to chill." Deidre had enough and she was ticked off. "Jason, please sit back down. Darius I want you to leave. Jason is my guest and I invited him over. You have no say in who I invite into my home as well as no right to barge in and demand anything." "What! Me leave? Hell no, I'm not going anywhere. Tell him to leave." Darius stated angrily. His declaration made Deidre so angry that she shook furiously as she struggled to keep her temper in check. She was grateful that at this moment Camirra and Camorra were both at her Mom's house and didn't have to witness the confrontation between their parents. "No, you go. I don't want you here." Deidre declared angrily poking Darius in the chest with her finger. "I've had enough Darius. You don't own me. I can't breathe without you being right there. Yes, we have children together, but like I told you before that doesn't give you the right to run my life." Realizing that Deidre was really upset, Darius tried to diffuse the situation. "Dee, baby, wait-, "Darius pleaded, but Dee cut him off. "You act as if rules don't apply to you. You don't have the right to demand anything of me, order anyone I invite over to leave my home." She yelled furiously. "I'm tired Darius. I'm tired of dealing with your shit, putting up with your attitude and just you in general. I don't love you anymore, and I want you to go and leave me alone." "Dee, I've done everything I can to prove to you how I feel. Damn it girl, I love you and I love our kids. You can't expect me to just go. You're mine, they are mine. I will not give you up." Darius declared emphatically. Darius stood with his hands clinched into fist glaring at Jason. Deidre knew, his temper was about to explode and she was sick of it. "Look at you; already you are ready to hit someone. You still haven't learned, have you? After what you did, you still haven't... Darius, I'm finished. I can't be with you anymore." Deidre informed him as she crossed her arms across her chest and stared him down. Darius heart seemed to stop. He could not breathe. Did she just say she couldn't be with him? "Excuse me, what?" Darius asked for clarification. "Please leave, Darius. You can see the girls at your parents, but I don't want you to come back here. You are not welcomed. We can raise our children, but that is the only relationship we will have. Now get out." Deidre said quietly. Darius became still and stiffened. His eyes narrowed. He looked like a caged animal that was ready to pounce. He glared a Deidre, as she spoke. Jason remembered seeing this look in his eye when they were younger just before he would snap. Darius fist clinched; his limbs shook. He felt as if his head was in a vice and about to explode. Then he saw Jason move in front of Deidre. As if he thought he'd hurt her. That's when he realized he needed air. Jason moved to stand next to her because he simply didn't trust Darius. He witnessed the attack on Cameron and never forgot how brutal it was. He didn't think Darius would ever strike her, but the guy was notorious for striking out without thinking. If he advanced on Deidre, he would stop him. At this point Derrick and Dawn had arrived to help get a handle on the situation. Derrick always came to help his brother when he was on the edge. Deidre had called Derrick earlier when Darius first arrived at her home and asked him to come over because she had a guest and feared that Darius might lose control of his temper. Derrick and Dawn rushed to the apartment. Derrick walked into the apartment and approached Darius slowly. "Darius, come on man. Let's go." Placing his hand on his shoulder, Derrick tried to divert Darius' attention. Darius knocked his hand off. He was focused on Jason, the man that had taken everything from him. Darius was angry and refused to leave. "I'm not going, anywhere!" he yelled. "This is my family. No one can make me leave!" Darius screamed as he threw a chair against the wall. Jason stepped up, but Derrick got in between the two men, "This is what you do every time you can't have your way Darius. You lose your temper. I'm not dealing with it anymore." Deidre screamed out with her face blotchy and red from her tears. "Please just go. You don't need to get in more trouble, just go." Somehow, Derrick managed to get Darius out of the apartment. Darius, stood in the parking lot barely holding himself together,as Dawn was standing with him holding on to his arm rubbing it trying to help him calm down. A neighbor who heard the raised voices, knowing Darius' history, took the initiative and called the police. Just as the police had arrived, Darius had calmed down enough so that their help was not needed, but the officers refused to leave. They were well aware of Darius' temper. Derrick and Dawn talked to the officers and assured them that everything was fine and no one was in danger. However, the police officers refused to leave until everyone seemed calm. Eventually, Derrick and Dawn, along with Deidre and Jason convinced them that they were safe and the officers left. Darius looked at Deidre and he looked at Jason when he realized this didn't just start. Addressing Deidre, he asked, "How long? How long have you been creeping behind my back? Huh? Deidre, just tell me the truth. When did I lose you?" "Darius, I really don't want to discu-"Deidre tried to explain. "Damn it! How long, Dee? Tell me!" Darius demanded forcefully. "A year, I've been seeing him a little under a year." Deidre answered softly. "Look, man. We didn't want this to happen. It just-" Jason tried to explain. "Shut up, Jason. Shut the fuck up." Darius yelled. Grabbing his head with both hands, Darius bent low at the waist. He knew, deep down he knew there was someone taking his place. He moved away from them, not trusting himself to refrain from striking Jason. Jason stepped back. He knew Darius was close to breaking. Darius walked away from him and sat in his brother's car. He needed to breathe, to think, to get a handle on this news. He knew this was his punishment for hurting his friend. He wished he'd simply gone to prison, that would have been a lot less painful, but this was the pain he had to bear. Derrick saw and felt his brother's devastation and knew he could not fix this. Darius sat in his brother's car rocking back and forth thinking,I've lost her. Now my girls might end up calling another man "daddy". I can't have that. They are my girls, my babies. How can I live without my girls? Darius fumed inside his head. Inside his brother's car, he released a scream that was so feral and full of pain that Derrick's heart crumbled. Derrick broke and had to comfort his brother somehow. With one look at Deidre and Jason, he wished, well it didn't matter. Darius needed him. Climbing into the back of his car, Derrick sat with his twin. Darius was not talking, just looking lost. Dawn, who was six months pregnant at the time, joined her husband as he held on to his brother. She didn't fear him or his volatile temper, unlike the rest of his family. She seemed to know how to help him get back in control. Dawn took a deep breath and looked into Darius eyes and saw he was tethering on the edge. He was about to go off. She had to talk him down. "Darius, I know this is hard. You can't go off. Every time you lose it, someone gets hurt. Your losing it almost killed Cameron. Do you really want to go through something like that again?" Dawn asked. "Dawn, you don't understand. Dee and the girls are everything to me. How can he just...." Darius brokenly said to his sister. "Do you think forcing her to stay with you will help? Come on Darius. For once, stand down." Dawn implored of him. Darius had calmed down enough that he listened to Dawn. Dawn always helped him, and she was right. Darius stood and walked back to where Jason was holding Deidre. It hurt him to see her in his arms, but he had to do this. "Deidre, I understand that you don't want to be with me anymore, but I will be a part of my daughter's lives. They are my babies and I won't abandon them. If you want to be with Jason, then fine. I just wish..." Taking a deep breath, he continued as his voice cracked. "You deserve to be happy. I will learn to deal with that. I won't bother either of you again." And then he walked away defeated. Dawn's heart broke for him, because she knew how he felt. After their initial meeting, she made it her business to get to know her brother. She knew that underneath his tough exterior, was a man that was bleeding to death slowly inside. He hid it behind his angry outburst and yelling, but he was afraid of losing everything. This was what had just happened. Having witnessed how he held on to Deidre like she was his lifeline, she believed that when he walked away from the apartment that night, he would eventually shut out the rest of his family. She stood to follow him when Derrick told her to stop. He told her that Darius needed sometime alone, but the truth was he didn't want Dawn around him, in case he went off again and he wasn't there. Darius walked away, got in his car, and drove. Where, he didn't know or care. He was alone, always alone. The only ones who stood by him truly were his parents. His brother, Derrick and sister, Sierra, loved him, but he knew they feared him and didn't completely trust him. You see, the man he hurt was the love of Sierra's life. Sierra was torn. If she had to choose, Darius knew she would never choose him. Eventually he pulled into the parking lot of a local's gentleman's club. While sitting in his car contemplating, his phone rang. Derrick called his Dad when Darius drove off. Marvin was worried about his son, but didn't know how to help him. So he did the only thing he could think of at the moment, he called. After everyone left, Deidre broke down. She knew she hurt him. She tried to stay with him. At first, she thought his possessiveness was cute. At one point it made her feel safe. Then it just became suffocating. H was constantly calling her. He needed to know if she and the girls were safe. He wanted to know where she was every minute of every day. Then several months ago, Jason walked in. He was hired as a respiratory therapist at the clinic where she worked. They started hanging out, at work. Then it was drinks after work, and before she knew it, she'd fallen in love with him. He was kind, caring, and considerate. He treated her with adoration and respect. He didn't hover and he made her laugh. She didn't mean to fall in love with someone else, it just happened. Darius was not a bad guy, but she couldn't stay with a man she didn't love. She deserved better and so did her children. Jason held her as she cried for the pain she inflicted on his former friend. His heart broke for Darius, because he knew how deeply he loved this woman, his woman, now. Jason vowed to do everything he could to make Deidre and the twins happy. Hopefully, one day, he could mend the fences he'd just destroyed with Darius. While sitting in his car contemplating, thinking, his phone rang. Darius ignored it the first time. He knew it was Derrick and he could not talk to him right then. A few minutes later, it rang again. Recognizing his Dad's ringtone, Darius answered. "Hello." Marvin could hear the pain he tried to hide in his voice. "Hello, Darius. Son, are you alright? I just talked to Derrick. Are you OK, Darius? Son, why don't you come on home?" Marvin queried. His heart was crushed for his son. He knew this was killing him because even though he was brash, loud, Marvin knew it was a smoke screen, a facade. He could hear the tears in his voice as he talked to him realizing he'd internalized his pain and it would eat him up inside. Out of the Shadows Ch. 01 Darius inhaled as tears flowed down his cheeks, "Dad, I need some time. I'll come home later, but right now I need to think." "Alright, I understand, but I want you to know I love you and I will stand with you through this." Marvin stated softly. "I know Dad. I love you, alright. Don't worry. I'll be home in a little while." Darius said to his Dad. "Ok, I'll let your Mom know you're alright." Marvin said. "But Darius, please be safe." Then he hung up. Turning to face his wife, she could see the devastation in his eyes. "Marv-?" "He's a grown man and he has to work through this. She hurt him, but he has to stand on his own. We can love him, support him, but Marge, we're staying out of it." He told his wife. With tears in her eyes, Marge simply nodded. "Okay," Then he held his wife while they both wept for their son. Darius didn't even enter the club, but sat in the parking lot thinking. At some point he decided to just go home. Sitting on his bed he took out pictures of his family and remembered when he first fell for Dee. He thought about the time they spent together. Smiling, he remembered the night is girls were born. He also recalled the arguments and fights. He recalled when she first started shutting him out. He later learned that Jason had moved back and they worked together. She ate lunch with the other man often, and he didn't like it. He started showing up at her job and Dee didn't like it. More arguing, more disillusionment, then she stopped being around him. She even changed shifts so she could avoid him. When he asked about moving in with her, he thought she'd be so happy. She adamantly refused. Another fight ensued. Soon, he only saw her when he picked up the girls and tonight she let him go. She'd moved on. He could accept that even though it hurt, but he would not abandon his girls. Soon he lay down and tried to sleep. A few hours later, Darius, exhausted and tired, got up, showered, and dressed for work. Marge joined him in the kitchen and embraced him tightly. "Take the day off; you need to stay home today." She told her son. "Momma, I'm alright. I have to go in. We're servicing the military vehicles and Sergeant Jameson will pick them up; I promised him they'd be ready by noon." He explained. "Ok, let me make you some breakfast." Marge stood to retrieve items from the frig. Darius touched her shoulder, "Momma, stop. I'll be fine. Dee should drop the girl's off when she heads to work. I'll be by to check on them at lunch." Then he left. Deidre pulled into the driveway a little before seven. She was not sure what reception she would receive. She knew Marge loved the twins, but she was sure she now hated her. As soon as she got out of the car, Marge came out to help with the girls. They were turning three this year and Marge and Jasmine was already planning their huge birthday bash. "Good morning, thank you for watching them, Mrs. Granger. I will see about getting a daycare." Deidre explained to afraid to look at her. "Deidre Angelica Barnes, what's with this Mrs. Granger crap? And no you will not be taking my grandbabies to a daycare." Marge declared as she placed Camirra in her play pen. Deidre was holding on to Camorra and looking down. She could not bear the censure she was sure to see in Marge's eyes. "Deidre, Dee" Marge demanded. "Look at me." Deidre looked up and she saw compassion in the older woman's eyes. Placing Camorra in her pen, Deidre embraced Marge apologizing profusely. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to..." sobbing softly. "I hurt him. He didn't deserve that. You must hate me." "Deidre, stop." Marge commanded. "People grow and change. You two just grew apart and no one expects you to stay with someone that does not make you happy. You will get through this and we will still be a family." Marge squeezed her tightly. "You are like a daughter to me, and you are a great mother." Marge inhaled. "Do I wish you and Darius had married? Yes, but not if you would be miserable. Listen, you two will get through this and find a way to stay friends." "Momma Marge, thank you." Deidre whispered as she embraced the much older and wiser woman. "Momma said the same thing. She just wished... Nothing." Wiping away the tears, she looked away. "Deidre, I'll call Jasmine. Go to work and don't worry." Marge told her, with a final reassuring hug. Sergeant Jameson walked in with a couple of soldiers to pick up their vehicles. Darius stopped and talked to him and settled out the bill. "Young Man, have you ever considered enlisting?" he asked Darius. "Sir, I've got a record and I'm sure the military wouldn't want someone like me." Darius answered. But honestly, he'd thought about it. "Come to my office in the morning, and bring your records. A young strapping guy like you is just what we need." Sergeant Jameson said. Darius finished out the day thinking about what Sergeant had said. His Dad was out that day, so he didn't get a chance to see him until that night. Lunch time rolled around and he went home to spend a little time with his girls. "Daddy, daddy" both girls squealed when he walked through the door. He picked up both girls and embraced them. "Hey my angels" he greeted his daughters. For a moment, he doubted his decision. Would I be willing to spend this time away from them? If I do this, would he be abandoning them? No! I need this. I need to grow up and become a man that they deserved. Dee is a great Mom and everyone here will be there for them. Besides, it would only be for a few years and I'd be able to get some type of training and go to college. Plus, the benefits I can provide for them throughout are immeasurable. So, should I do it? Do I really want to join the Army? Darius went back to the garage, and decided to go over to the recruitment office that evening. He had a long talk with Sergeant Jameson. He told him about his mistakes, his sentence and his family. "Sergeant Jameson, I've made mistakes. Some things I've done, I can never forgive myself." Darius inhaled. "Wait son," Sergeant Jameson interrupted. " We all mess up. But you have to keep moving." "I've been thinking about something like this. Trying to find a way to take control of my life and help with my kids." Darius told Sergeant Jameson. "Son, the military can be a great opportunity for you. You'll learn discipline, you can acquire a skill set, you'll get to travel, and the benefits are the best in this country. You'll also be able to save money to help you go back to college if that's what you want to do. Darius was now interested, 'What other benefits are there?" he asked. "Well we will set up a monthly allowance to be paid for the care of the children once you finish basic training. We can also allow an allowance for your parents as well. You would receive a monthly check that will be tax free, so you'd need to have an account set up for the monthly deposits." "Wait, if my money is in the bank here and I get sent overseas how will I use it?" Darius asked. "Son, in all honesty, you won't need it. All of your immediate needs will be taken care of. You just have to serve your country." Sergeant Jameson explained. Then Sergeant Jameson gave Darius some information about the army that he wanted him to read. "Darius, I know you're having a tough time right now. But this isn't a decision to make lightly. We take a new batch of recruits in three months, and honestly, I want you on that bus. Take your time and think about this. Let me know your decision in four to six weeks. I'll look into the situation with your conviction, but I'm sure we can work around it. That night, Marge and Jasmine went out for a girl's night, and Darius decided to talk to Marvin. "Dad, I'm thinking about enlisting in the Army. Before you say anything, this is not an irrational, spur of the moment, decision. Honestly, since I lost my scholarships, I've thought about it before. Today, I talked with Sergeant Jameson, and it might be possible. Dad, I think it could help me.b ut now that Dee's with Jason, I don't want to risk my girls. If I go wawy..." Darius stopped, he couldn't say more. "Son, they are your daughters. You will always be their father and they love you. No man can ever take your place in that regard." Marvin exhaled. "If enlisting is something you need to do, then son do it. You see, you have to live your life and honestly right now, you're not living. I know you still carry the guilt, but you've got to move on. If the Army can help you, get a new start, then go. I will support you one hundred and ten percent, alright son. This is a decision you need to make, but whatever you decide, I'm right here." Marvin then embraced his boy. He knew this was the right decision for Darius, but he was now concerned about Derrick. How would this affect him? Three days later, Darius was sitting back in his office in the garage. Reading the papers that were presented to him, he was thinking about becoming a soldier in the United States Army. He had three months at home before he reported to basic training, if he joined. Sergeant Jameson gave him some things to think about. If he joined, besides his girls who else would really be affected by his decisions. He knew if he explained everything to Mom and Dad they'd support him one hundred percent as well as Sierra, Cameron, Dawn, and Derrick. He wanted to talk to Dee. But he could not face her right now. It hurt too much. He knew they had to talk at some point, they had kids and his girls were his heart. He wondered, how would Dee feel about him enlisting. Dee, she found someone else. How could he have been so blind and not seen the signs. The hours she worked, lunches with her friend. No, he would not go back there. It was over. They were over, but they'd have to talk about their girls. he thought. If he enlisted, would she find a way to hate him even more? What about Jason? How long would he be in the picture, and if he stayed could he take his place in his daughters' eyes if he joined? Darius decided to talk to everyone Sunday and tell them all at one time. He'd call Deidre and ask her over as well, as he informed her of his decision. He hoped they supported him and understood, but this was something he had to do. Sunday evening arrived, and everyone was there except Deidre and the twins. Soon, she drove up and Darius rushed out to help get his girls out of the car. He expected Jason to be with her, but he wasn't. "Where's Jason?" Darius asked his heart beating erratically in his chest. Deidre exhaled, heart pounding. Her stomach was in knots, but Darius really seemed to need this meeting. After she hung up, she called Sierra. She thought Sierra might be mad she'd hurt her brother, but her friend just hugged her and said it would be alright. "Look, Darius."She said lowly. "I could not disrespect you and your parents by having him come over here. Please, I don't want trouble." Darius looked at the woman that held his heart, the mother of his children. He realized that he had to let her go. She deserved better. The best thing he could do now was, get his life in order, and the Army could help him. "Dee, baby. I'm so sorry. You and my girls mean everything to me. I told you that I could respect the fact you've found someone else and I meant that. I need to tell you something important, and then you can go back home to him. But please, tonight. Just listen." He implored. Sierra came outside to greet her friends. "Hey Deidre, are you okay?" She looked at Darius, eyes accusing. "Come on. Let's take the girls in." She then took her niece from her brother. Darius followed them into the house. The air was tense. Darius walked over to Cameron, "Hey Cam, is your Dad going to make it? I need everyone to be here to hear this." He queried. "I think so, he said he was when I spoke to him last night. Darius, man, what is going on?" Cameron was truly concerned for his friend but before Darius could answer Nick Richards drove up with Rosa and Jasmine, Deidre's mother. Everyone greeted and hugged each other. Soon they ate dinner. Darius added little to the conversations but simple enjoyed being with them at this moment. Looking at his friend, Cameron asked the question everyone was thinking. "Darius, you asked all of us over here. What's going on?" Sierra arms encircled her husband. She was wondering what was going on with her big brother too. "OK, here goes. I'm thinking about enlisting in the army. I have at least three more weeks to decide. After I enlist, I report to Fort Lane for six weeks basic training. When I'm successful, I will become a soldier in the United States Army." Darius stopped at the end of his announcement. "Darius, is this because-," Deidre started to say, tears streaming. "Dee, no this isn't about you. I need to do this. I need to go." Inhaling deeply, Darius continued. "I need more than I can find here. Dad you gave me a job when no one else would hire me and I appreciate it, but I need to see what else is out there. I fucked up, and I've paid for that mistake in ways you all can't imagine." "I know you all love me, but you don't like me very much. Besides, I don't like myself. I don't like this shell of a man I've become." Darius explained. Marge sat, her heart breaking as she listened to her son release his pain and she knew that no matter what he had to do this. Marvin stood by her and grasped her hand. They looked at each other and nodded, they would stand behind their son. Everyone was stunned. They had a feeling he was about to do something, but nothing this drastic. "Darius, you have a record. How did you? Did you tell them?" Derrick asked, searching frantically for a way to keep his brother from going. Sergeant Jameson has a meeting with Judge Long to discuss my conviction. He told me this evening when he called." He explained to his brother. "What if there is a war? Darius, I don't think this..." Dawn touched his arm and shook her head and stopped him. "Ten weeks of training first right. You'd better pay attention so when you do join, you will survive it. If you get yourself hurt, I'm going to smack you hard, hear me." She added embracing her brother. She knew and understood why. Darius needed to find himself, his own self worth. He had to find away to redeem himself in the eyes of the people closest to him. Darius was so grateful to her he embraced her lightly, taking care not to hurt his new nephew. "Darius, I don't like this." Derrick added. "I just don't-" Dawn embraced her husband. He'd never really been separated from his twin and the thought of his brother being in danger and he could not be there was too much for him. His body was shaking as he was on the edge of losing it. "Derrick, come on man. Let's go for a walk.I need some air." Cameron suggested. He loved these guys like a brother and he knew Derrick was about to break. He knew he didn't want to crack in front of everyone, especially Dawn, so he stepped up and gave him an out. "No, I need to talk to Dar..." and he swallowed, eyes widened. Dawn's heart broke for him, she wanted to help but Cameron stopped her. "Dawn, I've got him. Come on Derrick, let's walk." He whispered as he hugged his friend. "You don't want to break in front of her." The two men walked out, as Sierra quickly hugged her big brother. "Darius, if you do this, please don't get yourself hurt. Do an easy job, like something in an office. Don't go to combat." Laughing at her over protectiveness, "Sierra, it's basic training. I may not make the cut. I'll be alright. Sierra I need to do this." "I love you, Darius." Sierra whispered as she hugged her brother. He returned her embrace when he saw Deidre sitting with her mother crying. He had to make her understand that she did nothing wrong. Nick Richards, Cameron's dad, spoke up. "I served for five years before Sarai and I married. The experience helped me become the man I am today. This could be a great opportunity Darius, congratulations." Nick shook his hand. Jasmine stood, "Darius, I understand and I'm proud of you. Just, just make sure, you come home to us, to your family. Alright." She embraced him as tears rolled down her cheeks. The sight of Jasmine crying caused something inside Nick to stir, he didn't like seeing her upset. Rosa and Christiana ran into the room and both of the girls knew something was wrong. Darius looked at his two adopted little sisters. "Chrissy, Rosa. I am thinking about joining the army, so I have to go away for a while." "No," Chrissy cried out. She'd just found this family and she didn't want anyone to leave. "Please, don't go." She pleaded her tiny arms circling Darius' neck. "Yea, Darius, We'll be good, don't leave us" Rosa pleaded wrapping her arms around her brother's neck. DJ toddled in and at seeing Rosa and Chrissy crying, he started crying too. Before long, all of the kids, the twins included were crying, so Marge, Marvin, Jasmine, and Nick took control to help calm the babies. Meanwhile, Derrick was having his own meltdown. "Cameron, I've always been with him, Who's going to watch his back?" Derrick asked his friend. We've always been together. He should have called me, I would have gone to the office with him" "If he joins, then I have to join to." Derrick concluded. Cameron had heard enough. "What about Dawn and the children? They need you as much or more than your brother. You mean to tell me you'd abandon them to follow Darius?" Cameron asked angrily. Derrick froze, Dawn and his children were his world, but even now he looked out for his brother. "Derrick, he needs to do this. He has got to learn to stand as a man." Cameron exhaled. "He needs your support. He needs you to believe in him more than anyone else right now. Can you do that?"his friend queried. "Derrick, Cam's right. I haven't joined yet, but brother, this is something I need to do." Tears streamed down Darius face, "Derrick I have always counted on you. I've always known you were there. Even when I fucked up big time, you were there. I'm sorry that I took over so much of your life. Now, I need you to let me do this on my own, be my own man." "How in the hell do you expect me to stand and wait forthe shoe to drop. I can't. If something happens to you, Darius... Why? Why do you have to do this?" Derrick asked. "I don't understand." "Derrick, please. Just listen-" Darius interjected. "No, no, no! You don't get to take someone else away Darius. I can't handle that again. It's too much." Then he collapsed sobbing brokenly as Cameron held him. Darius finally got it. When he hurt Cameron, he forced Derrick to choose. And Derrick chose him. He ripped his brother's and his friend's life apart and didn't even realize it. "Derrick, I'm sorry." He whispered as he and Cameron held Derrick close. Derrick sobbed unleashing years of hidden pain and despair. Dawn sensed something was wrong, but Jasmine stopped her and asked her to help with the babies for a minute. The last thing she needed was to see her husband in the state he was in right now. Dawn looked at Jasmine and whispered, "I need to go to him." Sierra embraced her sister. "They need this. Let's give them time." Deidre said nothing. She felt that if Darius did this it was because she hurt him. Finally Marvin spoke up, "Children listen. Darius is a grown man and truth be told he needs this. He needs a chance to find out who he is and what he is made of. We all have protected him all we can. But he's right, he's got to grow up, become the man he needs to be. If the army can help him then I say we support him one hundred percent. Deidre, you are the love of that boy's life, gave him two beautiful children, but you moved on with someone else. If it was meant to be for you two it would have happened. His decision is not about you. Stop trying to find a way to blame yourself baby girl." Out of the Shadows Ch. 01 "Dawn, just give Derrick some time,he loves you and will come to you when he's ready. Just be there and remember, my new grandson is in here and I don't want you upsetting him. The same goes for you, Sierra, I want my grandson to stay healthy." Marvin concluded "Daddy, how did you know? We haven't told anyone? Sierra said shocked. "You gotta ask your Mom and Jasmine about that they told me." Then he kissed her forehead. ' Then Marvin looked at the other older people in the room and nodded,all four silently agreeing to be there to support their children. Meanwhile, Darius was trying make two of the most important people in his life understand this choice. "But I don't just need you to understand Derrick." He looked at his best friend, his other brother, "Cam I need you too." Darius whispered to him. "Darius, I'm with you man. I'm proud of you." Cameron quickly embraced his buddy. Derrick had gained some composure and he saw Dawn approaching. "Look, we'll look out for the girls, but you'd better not get yourself killed, alright" then he hugged his brother tightly. Dawn was worried about her husband, so she carefully approached. "Baby are you alright?" Derrick quickly embraced his wife and inhaled her scent. He needed her strength. "I'll be fine." Meanwhile, inside the house where everyone was waiting, Deidre was sitting, and not saying a thing. Jasmine, concerned for her daughter walked over to check on her. "Deidre, honey, are you alright?" Jasmine asked. Deidre sobbing loudly leaned into her Mom's arms. Jasmine held her daughter. She knew she hated the fact that she'd hurt him and would blame herself for this decision. "Deidre, Darius is a grown man. He made this choice and you had nothing to do with it." Jasmine comforted her daughter. "Jasmine is right sweetheart, he's been thinking about this for a while. It's nothing that you did." Marvin told the distraught young woman. His revelation drew Marge's attention. When did he talk to their son about this? She wondered. Marvin walked over to her, kissed her hand and whispered, "I'll tell you about it later." At this point everyone had reentered and saw the condition Deidre was in. Darius walked over to her immediately and embraced her. "Dee, I love you and our girls more than my own life. But you were right, I am too needy and I've got to grow up. I need to become a man so I can be a better father. I will be fine and who knows; maybe I can give old Jason a run for his money and win you back." He chuckled. Deidre looked at the man she'd loved for so long, the father of her girls and she asked for one thing. "Promise me that you will come back home. Don't get yourself hurt or killed alright." Then they embraced once more. Soon everyone headed home as Marvin sat and stared at his son. "Dad, I don't know, maybe I should not have-" Marvin stopped him. "Darius, I am so proud of you son. You will make a fine soldier and serve this country well." Then he patted him on the shoulder and headed to bed. Darius waited a few days then he reported back to Sergeant Jameson's office. The two men talked and in two hours Darius Granger was a new enlisted soldier in the United States Army. The remainder of his sentence would be commuted over to the time he served in the military and at the end of his first five years of service, it would be removed from his records. Darius spent extra time with his girls for the rest of the week. Then, he decided to talk to Jason before he left. So he called and invited the other man to lunch. Jason talked it over with Deidre and reluctantly agreed to meet him. Being friends for years, the two men talked. Darius explained to Jason his plans and Jason promised to take care of his girls, but he reminded him that he was their father and he needed to make sure he came back home. The day came for Darius to depart. Everyone wanted to go with him, but Darius simply wanted his dad to go with him. He loved his family, but he felt that if everyone came, he might not be able to go through with it. He didn't know if he could have gotten on that bus. His Dad stood, stoically watching, as he boarded a bus with twenty-four more young men and women. Then he watched as bus drove off. Over the next ten weeks, Darius Granger would change and emerge from this venture a better man. When the bus pulled off, their new drill sergeant stood to inform them that they were no longer civilians, now they were the property of the United States Army. * Thank you for reading. Please remember to vote and comment.