It took four months for Jasmine to accept the Mercedes Benz that grandma Lucy gave her. It would have been longer if Andy didn't send the car to the house. Jasmine was very stubborn. She preferred taking the bus to the bakery which she now owned even when people gossiped about her owning a bakery and using public transport. The middle aged woman would roll her eyes and mumble, "it's none of your business."

Jasmine's bakery was a work of art, it was already decorated when she came but she made a bit of changes but nothing major. The bakery name— big bites, was left how it was. She loved how original the cakes tasted and how dedicated the workers were. At first she was worried they wouldn't accept her but with time she became comfortable. It wasn't the first time she worked at the bakery. She used to help her mother in-law bake her famous cookies as well as a few pastries so she knew the drill.

Today was Sunday which meant Jasmine and her son were going to church, well more like sneak to church. They were already dressed and were almost at the door when they heard a loud crash coming from upstairs. Khalid immediately pulled his mother out of the door with him. They both knew what would happen if they were caught.

"Phew, that was close," the boy commented as they shut the garage door and walked towards the white car that was parked in the spacious garage.

Fair view estate was grand, there were a lot of big mansions. All in different sizes and shapes. It was filled with rich people and loads of expensive cars. It was like most of them were competing to be the best. But the Johnsons couldn't care less because they had enough on their plate.

"Um dear, I forgot the car keys on the table." His mother said, her eyes held nothing but fear and a bit of shame for being so forgetful. She wanted to protect her son but she was afraid.

Khalid froze a little but before he could reply she cut him off, "You don't have to go in! We can take this bus. Please don't worry." She pleaded and tried pulling him off the quiet drive way.

"No mom, it's fine. I won't be long." He insisted and handed her his bible.

And that's how Khalid and his mother didn't go to church that Sunday. Mr. Johnson was in the living room gulping down a bottle of beer when Khalid came to grab the keys. One thing let to another and the poor boy slept that night with a black eye.

❧

"Khalid! Where are you?" Mrs. William, the owner of 'majestic bookstore' sang out.

The boy smiled at her attitude, he envied her. She wasn't a normal person, Sarah was always happy. Well yes, she had her sad days but the growing woman always found a reason to smile and that was something Khalid admired. He even promised himself that someday he'd also be like her.

"Over here Mrs-- Sarah," he replied, luckily he remembered to correct himself. The last time he called her Mrs. William she threw a huge fit.

"Ah, there you are," she smiled and pulled him to a hug.

They spoke for a while then she remembered what she came here for. "Before I forget, Zach and I want to invite you for lunch on Friday. And before you say no, I already asked your mom. Plus Emily, Gary and Nathan are going to be there!"

She didn't wait for his reply instead she kissed his cheek and told the boy goodbye. He chuckled slightly and continued his work.

Women always liked having the last say in everything. Zach always said the same thing. Zach has been married to Sarah for the past twenty six years and he had no doubt that they were made for each other. The beautiful couple had two children, Alexia and Adam. The twins were constantly on each other's necks but they loved each other dearly.

❧

"Mom I'm home!" Khalid announced as he made his way into the grand kitchen.

The mansion was three stories tall, it had five bedrooms and six bathrooms. As well as an office and a game room in the basement downstairs. Everything in the house was modern and elegantly decorated. Khalid's room was on the third floor. He was so happy when his father complained about having to climb so many stairs so the man settled for the room next to his wife's room. Jasmine obviously couldn't sleep in the same room with her husband so she took the master bedroom.

Khalid noticed that his mother didn't answer. He would have sworn he saw her car in the driveway. He immediately ran up the stairs and as he walked closer to her room he heard a whimper.

Shit.

He burst the door open and came face to face with the man that gave him life. His father was choking his mother on the floor. The young boy punched his father's face in a split second and kicked his stomach before he stood up.

"You foolish boy, get out of here let me finish this worthless woman."

Khalid saw red so he punched him again and he swore he heard a crack. His knuckles were bleeding and so was his father's nose. He ran to his mother and tried to comfort her.

"Mom, are you okay?" He asked, shaking her but she didn't reply, her eyes were closed.