It’s easier when you meet someone to be yourself when you don't care about their approval. Why? When you feel the need for acceptance you tend to mask your true self. But when there is no need (because their opinion doesn't matter to you) being true becomes second nature. They get to see a side of you without the rose colored glass blocking. They see passions, personalities, and feelings you may never thought to have been important. But to them, it is. It creates the new image of yourself for them to see. Not everyone sees this side though, only those who can are the ones who are willing to see it.

…………………...

Okay, Sergeant is a fucking cunt cake. I haven't had a partner in over a year. Not because I haven't had one, but because I wasn't ready to spend every second at work with someone at the time. I was and am not ready for that type of exposure or socialization. God, he loves to piss me off doesn't he?

While deep in thought, I grabbed my 9mm, badge, and other things I needed before heading out the door. 

“Zaire, wait for me.”

“Mala.” I said shortly.

“Mala. My bad.” Chelf caught his way up with me as I was walking to our patrol car, “So, what is the job for today?”

I got in the driver side and fastened my belt as he got in as well. “We are in sector 32 today. It's in a rough neighborhood. Been there?” I asked as I pulled out of the station.

“No, I don't think so. How is it bad?”

I sighed as I drove, “Well, its not a good neighborhood because its mainly where a lot of of drug issues happen. However, there are many good people who live there. Some of my kids live there, and they are doing their best not to get pressured into the gang life or the drug life.”

“Kids?” He looked at me shockingly. 

I dont answer him, instead we rode in silence for a good hour until he perked up. “Zai… I mean Mala. Can we stop and get coffee at this gas station?”

I scrunch my nose, “You want to drink that toxic shit?”

He gaped at me as if I killed his pet dog. “You… You diss my coffee?”

I did not respond as I pulled into a gas station.

“Mala… We will make a believer out of you one day.”

I rolled my eyes, “Yea no. Coffee was an everyday routine for my ex. She had it every day as often as she could. That shit is liquid crack. Bad for your body as well as addicting.”

“Well, Zaire… I love my liquid crack. Besides everyone has something they are addicted to,” he grinned and raised his eyebrows a few times as he got out to get a coffee inside.

This dude, is something else. I give him 3 months till he quits. 

After his coffee break which included coffee, kitkat, and chips, we slowly passed new buildings that are transitioning into run down old abandoned buildings and apartments. I parked my car near a basketball court full of kids and got out.

“Uh, Mala. What are you doing?” Chelf asked as he got out too.

I ignored him and made my way to the group of kids. They all smiled when they saw me.

“Lt. Zaire! Long time no see man!” one of the players yelled. A tall African American boy made his way over to me. We shook hands and I gave him a hug.

“Marcus. How are you son?” I smiled and ruffled his black curly hair.

“Alright Lt. I have been trying to go to school, but ma is still on her stuff so you know it's been.” Marcus shrugged his shoulders and walked back to his friends as I followed.

“Need anything?” I gave him a concerned look. He shook his head.

“Nothing that cant be bought.” I hear him whisper. I was about to say something when the other kids started joining us. I was greeted with handshakes and hugs from the entire court.

“Aye, it's more Five-oh.” one of the kids laughed and nodded toward Chelf.

“He's fine guys. This is my new partner Lt. Chelf. Chelf, these are my kids.” I smiled widely as they all laughed.

He nods, but doesn't say anything.

“You know, a hello is the polite way to respond when someone talks to you.” I glared at Chelf as I hugged the last few kids who walked over.

“Don't worry Zaire. We are used to it.” Marcus shoots a hateful glare at Chelf and I can't help but laugh. Serves him right for being a dick. I would say something but, these kids know how to handle themselves.

“So Marcus, how are your grades?” He turns to me with a big smile on his face. He runs to his backpack next to the basketball post. He comes back digging in and pulls out a folder and hands it to me.

I open it and read:

Dear Parent or Guardian,

I am pleased to inform you that your child has made all A’s this semester. We are beyond proud of their accomplishments. Your child was also nominated for “Most Improved” by their teachers. Meaning, your child was able to bring up their grades and improve their way of learning. We are beyond proud.

I glanced at Marcus then around at my other kids, all of them were holding the same letter up for me to see. Some are all A's some are A's and B's, even a few have "Most Improved" on their sheets.

“Guys! This is amazing! I am beyond proud of you. The tutoring lessons paid off did they not?”

They all groaned and laughed, “Yea Lt. Thank you for finding someone who could help and work with us.”

I wrap them all into one big hug, “It's not a problem. You guys are beyond intelligent and can do anything you want to do. Just needed a bit of a boost.”

We pull apart. “So, got time to play a game?” Marcus asked, passing me the ball.

I grinned and passed it back to him. “Sorry Marcus, but headed a bit further down today or I would. But I will be back by later this week. Any request?”

“Dude, we would love more of those donuts you got us last time.” One of the kids chimed in. The boys were all agreeing with his suggestion.

I chuckled “Alright. I should be back by soon. You guys will be out of trouble right?” I glanced around giving them all stern looks like a protective big brother.

“You got it Lt. Zaire.” Marcus says as he wraps me into one last hug.

“If you need anything son, let me know. I am more than happy to help. And that goes to any of you.” I glanced around at the boys once more to see their smiling faces. They all give me a nod and head back to the court to finish their game. 

The day finishes with silence. Chelf hasn't said a word to me all day. Not that I mind, but it just doesn't suit his personality. I glance over at him and it looks as if he is deep in thought. 

“You Okay rookie?” I asked as we passed the basket ball court headed back to the station. Wait, why do I care if he is okay? That was weird.

“I guess I am just wondering, how did you get close to all those kids?”