character short story

The story of Jamaal continues as it is tough to live in the ghetto of Watts. We all know his story and his situation. He just recently got accepted to UCLA for a full rides scholarship for football because he is extremely talented at the
sport he loves. His hard work and dedication if paying off for this motivated young man. He wants to succeed and maybe get into the NFL someday. In the meantime, he is still affiliated with the harbor city crips and still selling dope in order to provide for his family. He is on a mission to get out, but will he get out safely?
Jamall came home one day, a school night at two in the morning which is unacceptable. He came with stacks of money and with a few bruises on his face. His mother worried to the extreme stayed awake in the rocking chair waiting for Jamall to get back. "Where the hell have you been, and oh what happened," she asked in a trembling voice. Jamall explained to her that he was in a drug deal with his gang and that he sold some drugs to the opposing gang and when he did not bring the right amount of drugs, he was jumped to the extreme leaving him bloody and hopeless. He still got the earnings, but his swollen eyes, bruised lips and blood stains in his search he knew that this gang life needed to end and was going to very soon. "The only reason I am still in this game is for you and andre, I want to help provide for you untill I go to college and move on finding a career," said Jamall. "As soon as I leave, I am out of this business, this will kill me." His mother grabbed an ice pack from the freezer as she put it on his swollen face. As she walked away she kissed him goodnight and told him to go to bed because he has another day ahead of him. Jamall has so much desire in his heart and wants to become something in this world rather than a cokaroach. He had an outstanding high school season in football and caught the eye of many division 1 schools and already has the potential to go pro. Even if he does not he has the drive and dedication to get a degree and start a career in business. The only thing in his way is the fact that he is still in the gang and that telling them he's out could be fatal. He has to find a way to get out or he will never get out of that lifestyle. He went to school the nest morning and did his usual routine of go to classes and do the work, just going through the motions. He is passionate for life and is thankful for his opportunities to play and study. Andre of course, is the brainiac of the family, but Jamall is passionate about getting educated even if he isn't the most naturally intelligent person. Coming off that state championship for football really put the cherry on the cake for his high school career by satisfying him. He is just reflecting how lucky he is to be in the situation he is and that he is still alive.

Finally came the day. Graduation Day! A tear in Jamall's mothers eye for all her sons accomplishments throughout the years. Knowing that Jamall will be out living on his own now making his own decisions and pursuing his goals. She has full trust in him and knows he will make the best out of his life. As Jamall receives his diploma, Andre yells at his big bro with pride and cheers him on. "I finally did it," said Jamall. He knows bigger things are ahead, but this baby step is one of many that will lead the way. Going home he felt that life has been good to him, that god has answered his prayers and will soon be a miracle story. After the big celebration he went to one of his homie's house to party it up and just live it up. Jamall felt a little uneasy about going, but he realized that it's just a get together with a bunch of excited high schoolers and that he is just going out for some fun. As he approached the house he saw a few girls throwing up in the bushes and he thought to himself how silly of them to put poison in their bodies. Walking through the doors he saw that basically the whole school was there. People making out, a few brothers smoking a blunt, and everyone grinding and enjoying themselves. Jamall was offered to drink a few times, but he declined knowing how dumb it would be to give in. Jamall is a very bright kid for being around so many bad influences. As he was flirting it up with the ladies this one guy came up to him. He had a blue bandana around his face covering his nose and below, and a a white durag on his head. Jamall couldn't identify him at first, but then he knew. His tatoos on his arms, his big stud earrings and his long gold chain. MARCUS. He pulled out his gun and pointed it at Jamall's head as everyone left in chaos. "who the f### do you think you are. you think you're better than us. we were family, but no. I know what your plans are Jamall. Once you're in you're always in you got that." Jamall trembling as he was pinned against the wall with sweat dripping down his chin was speechless in panic. He did not know what to do or what to think. As Marcus grew impatient, he pulled the trigger. Jamall not willing to end his life at this moment, had to react. He grabbed a hold of the gun with all his force as he shot shooting at Marcus's foot. As Marcus was in pain, Jamall knew it was his only chance to get out. As he ran out Marcus tried to fire back, but missed. Jamall ran out to the front yard only to see it filled with police cars. Marcus was arrested that night for attempted murder. Jamall was relieved to see his mother again as he broke in tears. He thought he was done, but he came out alive. Marcus is the leader of the Harbor city crips and was disguisted when he heard that Jamall was going to leave them. Outraged and angry led all the wrongdoing which landed him a ticket to santa barbara jail. Luckily, they tracked all of Marcus's gang members affiliated with him and arrested them, but not Jamall. Jamall got out of the gang a while ago and that was the difference. He pleaded his case about wanting to make his life better by doing the right things. He is a goodhearted kid that made a few errors, but for the right reasons. Now he did not have to worry about getting murdered by his own gang for leaving them and could now move on with his life in harmony.

New opportunities lied ahead. He felt the potential he had within as he packed his favorite Emmit Smith jersey. He always had a chip on his shoulder, but now it felt light. He proved the doubters wrong and the people who never believed in him. What a proud moment he felt that morning. Growing up to a single mother on welfare. Well, the odds are against him, but he took everything that was given and made something out of it. He was finally going to the next level in life. His brother gave him the biggest hug ever almost choking him out, as he thanked his big brother for being there for him when hos father wasn't. His mother with her dimples smiling at his boy and kissed him on the cheek telling him how proud she is. As Jamall picked up his luggage he gave his mom a pair of earings he had saved up for and brand new football cleats for Andre. They could both feel the sincerity that came out of Jamall's heart, so they all hugged once more before he left. On the ride to campus he felt joy that he made an impact on his family. Throughout the years and struggles, he still managed to succeed on the field and off. He felt the satisfacction of being a strong minded person with compassion for others, He impacted not only others, but himself. He beat the odds, that is how warriors are made.