Ch. 1 :
The Power of a Heart Break

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"November 26th, 2014 | One Day Before Thanksgiving"

Hitting the locks on her car, Jania tiredly yawned and scratched at her head completely drained and exhausted from work. It was pushing three in the morning and getting off at this time at night had became a normal routine for her, but she was already over it and ready for something better to come along.

Jania was one of those people who couldn't be stuck doing the same ole thing everyday, and she was at her breaking point of wanting to quit this job and look for work else where. But the thought of bills and the man she has at home to take care of caused the thought of quitting to only last so long.

She had way too many priorities to think about, but she knew it was more to her life than this. She knew it was more out there for her to achieve and she was so ready to reach that point in her life and she was almost willing to do anything to get there.

She loved her man but she was tired of always having to carry the weight in the household, he couldn't hold a job whatsoever and even when he did it was always a reason as to why he couldn't help pay the bills.

She was trying to remain patient with him and stay to help him get on his feet but she was becoming fed up.

Working long hour shifts everyday just to live pay check to pay check wasn't how she imagined her life to be, but she knew despite all these feelings she's experiencing now she wasn't gonna leave Corey. She loved him way too much to do so.

Jania didn't care that Corey wasn't rich and wealthy, that wasn't what she looked for in a man. She wanted a man with a sense of purpose, a man who showed compasion with a sense of integrity or a man who actually listened and cared about the things that bothered her, or what made her happy and sad and Corey was all of that and more.

He wasn't perfect by any means, but he tried to be and the way Corey loved her a woman could only wish for a love like that. He catered to her every need, he treated her with respect and like a lady at all times. He knew whenever something was bothering her and would be willing to do whatever to make her feel better.

It was simply just the small things about Corey that made her love him, his laugh was contagious, his smile was breathtaking, and his personality and welcoming spirit could make the world's most cold-hearted person open up if he tried.

So despite their circumstances now, Jania still felt as if she was winning as long as she had Corey by her side and she was content with that.

Walking up to her apartment door, she balanced the bags of groceries she got for their thanksgiving dinner and she used her key to get inside while trying not to drop anything.

When she opened her door something in her gut instantly told her something was off. The vibe in the air immediately shifted the moment she stepped foot through the door and that alone worried her.

All the lights in her house were off which was weird since Corey always had at least the kitchen light on due to his fear of the dark.

He was a grown ass man who had probably experienced more hardships than the average man and was still afraid of the dark, but she never judged him on it not once. But to see the house this dark and cold only confirmed something was wrong.

"Corey?" She called out, but got no response.

Sitting her belongings down on the intable by the door and the groceries on the floor she went to flip on the light switch, but when it didn't come on she frowned. Trying it again and seeing nothing was gonna happen, she let out a frustrated sigh knowing she gave him the money to pay the light bill today.

Fetching for her phone in her purse she used the flashlight to help her see around the house and walked back towards their bedroom.

Twisting the nob she pushed the door open scrunching up her face once she saw the bed was neatly made up but no sign of Corey anywhere. Walking towards the closet she looked to see nothing was out of place or moved, looking in the bathroom she saw everything was left the way she left it this morning.

But now her only question and concern was where was Corey?

Going to his contact she pressed the call button and put him on speaker only to be met with his voicemail. "Talk to me, it's Corey, sorry I missed your call. Jania and I are more than likely busy so just leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Peace."

Pressing the phone to her ear, she sighed. "Hey baby, it's me. Where are you? It's almost three in the morning and why aren't the lights on? Just please call me back, I'm worried and I just hope everything is okay. Love you."

Hanging up the phone, she walked over to the bed still feeling that uncomfortable feeling in her gut. "Something is not right," She mumbled to herself before she quickly reached for her phone again to dial his mama number since she knew she would more than likely know where Corey is.

Listening to the phone ring continously she figured she wasn't gonna answer and just like she assumed she was met with her voicemail as well. Trying his brother's cell phones she was met with the samething and she starting to get a little irritated.

After sitting there on the bed for almost thirty minutes, the lights suddenly came on which let Jania know it was only a power outage but it was still no sign of Corey.

With her being dead tired from work she was fighting to stay awake since she hated sleeping without Corey, but it was becoming hard.

But since the lights were back on she decided to put the groceries up and set up everything to get ready to cook tomorrow.

Walking to the front of the house she grabbed each bag and carried them to kitchen placing everything where it needed to be. This year she was hosting Thanksgiving and she was gonna go all out for her and Corey's family especially since she had a special announcement to make at the dinner as well.

Once everything was put up, she decided to wash the dishes that were in the sink to help with her nerves. Whenever she felt her anxiety began to try and take over she had to make herself busy so she wouldn't think the worst on certain situations.

Wiping down all the counters along with the stove, she then grabbed the broom and started sweeping the floor cleaning the kitchen spotless. When she finished, she smiled to herself and made her way towards the living room and began cleaning that area up as well.

Once basically the whole house was cleaned, she checked the time on her kitchen clock to see it was now pushing six in the morning. Mentally cursing in her head she knew she needed to start cooking since she knew she had people arriving to her house within' a few hours, but she was also confused as to why Corey was yet home.

Walking back to their bedroom, she took a quick shower and was gonna try and at least get an hour or two of some sleep. But as she laid in bed she tossed and turned the whole time still confused about what exactly was going on.

Reaching over to grab her phone again, she called his number only to be met with his voicemail. "Please call me back Corey, I'm beyond worried and I just need to know you're okay. I love you and just really need to hear your voice so I can finally go to sleep."

Hanging up the phone, she laid it beside her as she stared up at the ceiling before flipping her covers back. Standing to her feet, she began pacing the floor as she tried to think of possible places he could be but nothing was coming to mind since Corey didn't go out much.

"Just calm down and think Jania, think." She stated to herself feeling her anxiety rise and try to get the best of her again.

Accidently stepping on their tv remote, the tv came on showcasing the news and she smiled knowing this had to be what Corey was watching before he left since that's what he enjoys watching besides ESPN and Sportscenter.

But as she watched the story they were covering she felt her heart sink and quickly grabbed the remote to turn the tv up before taking a seat at the edge of their bed.

"The fatal multiple car accident last tonight all started with a twenty-four year old drunk driver speeding down the interstate swerving into many lanes by the name of Lawrence Kain. As you can see from our helicopter camera view before the crash happened, Kain was driving at the speed of almost a hundred and ten miles per hour before he dipped over into the lane of the up coming traffic going in the opposite direction. Here we see many cars who spotted him before hand swerve off the road to safety in hopes of dodging him. Police officers were immediately alerted from other drivers about Kain and were immediately on their way to the scene, but in the end Kain ended up hitting a man head on by the name of Corey Moore causing a collision of cars to crash behind him. Officers say when they arrived to the scene Kain was pronounced dead along with Moore and two other people in other vehicles who will remain nameless due to family wishes on arrival."

Jania tuned the tv out as her eyes filled with tears and the feeling of her heart breaking came over her. Using her hands to cover her face, she sobbed into her hands not believing she actually lost the love of her life, so suddenly.

Wanting this to be a dream, she dialed his number again being met with this voicemail. "Tell me this is fake, tell me you're okay and that you're still coming home." She cried. "Just please tell me its not true baby."

Dropping the phone, she dropped to her knees and cried to herself not believing any of this. From this moment on she knew life for her would never be the same and she wasn't sure how she would ever get over the fact of losing him. He was her everything and just like that he was gone and it was nothing she could do to get him back.

"December 6th, 2014 | Corey's Funneral"

Riding in the limo along with Corey's parents and his two older brother's, Jania felt completely numb to everything at this point. Today was the day she would be laying her best friend and soulmate to rest and she still couldn't wrap her mind around this being her reality.

She hadn't ate in days nor slept, all she could do was cry. Her apartment felt so empty without him and many days she just wished and hoped that this was all just a dream and he would come walking in through their front door to make everything better.

Looking around Jania felt so bad for his family especially his mother since they were so close and she could only imagine how it must feel to bury a child of yours. Reaching her hand over she held onto his mother and kissed the back of it causing her to smile and look over at her.

Mouthing, "Thank you." to her, she laid her head on her husband's shoulder trying to keep herself from crying.

The ride was completely silent since there wasn't much to say at this point, they were all hurting and all just lost somebody who meant everything to them.

Arriving at the church they all exited the limo one by one and were escorted inside the church sitting at the very front as the rest of the family followed behind.

Staring at his casket, Jania's leg began to shake uncontrollably as she tried to hold back her tears. Feeling an arm snake over her shoulder, she looked to see it was his brother. "I know this is tough for you, but I promise you we're here for you no matter what and you'll always be our sister-in law."

Nodding her head, she used her hands to wipe away her tears then placed on her shades to cover her eyes as she stared at the picture they had posted up beside his casket. He was so handsome and so full of life and the longer she sat there the harder it was becoming for her to finally say goodbye.

Once the funeral started many of his friends and family all stood up and spoke about memories they shared with Corey. Some stories made you laugh, some made you cry and some made you just simply smile because he affected so many lives in the best way.

After his parents and brothers spoke, Jania was the last to go and she dreading it. With the help of his brother he walked her up to the stage and stood off to the side in case he needed to grab her.

As she approached the mic, she looked amongst all the people who had came out and smiled before looking down at her baby who laid there peacefully. "I'm not even sure as to where to began with this since it still just feels so surreal." She chuckled a bit.

"I've grown to love this man so much and it really pains me to say goodbye to someone I never wanted to lose. He was my whole heart and I never imagined life without him and I still don't." She half-smiled. "But I know if he was here to see me crying today he would be so upset at me and would want me to just be strong, but I promise you baby if you can hear me .. I am trying so hard to be. Everyday since I left that hospital room I've pushed to keep going no matter how hard it got." She sniffled causing a few others to cry as well since they could really feel her pain.

Taking a moment to get her emotions together, she held her head down as her shoulders shook from crying. "I'm sorry y'all." She stated as she held up her finger.

"It's gon' be okay Jania, be strong baby! He hears you loud and clear mamas. His spirit is all around this here room." One of his aunts called out and the rest of his family clapped and urged her to keep going.

Smiling weakly, she looked back up fixing her shades then cleared her throat. "Um Corey became my best friend, he was the one I told all my secrets and issues to. He was the one I called onto for help whenever I needed it, he wasn't perfect just like none of us are but he was literally everything I have ever wanted in a friend and in a man. Mrs. Sonya and Mr. Gregg, you both did such an amazing job raising him into the man he was. Corey was a very selfless person and would do anything for anybody if he could even though he never really had much. He wasn't rich with money, but he was rich in spirit and I could only hope and wish that are unborn child will turn out just like him." She expressed and when that last sentence rolled off her tongue everybody sad faces turned into smiles once they caught onto what she meant as they clapped.

"I was originally suppose to share this news at our Thanksgiving dinner, but I felt this would have been a little more special for everybody to find out that a part of Corey is still gonna be here with us." She smiled before letting out a deep sigh. "But before I wrap this up, I just want to say a brief message to my baby before we lay him to rest. Corey baby, I thank you so much for changing my life in more ways than I can even count, thank you for loving me when I felt like I had nobody on my team, thank you for simply being who you are and thank you for making me a mother. I will do my best to raise our child and they will not go a day without knowing who you are and how great of man you was to everybody. I'm going to miss you so very much, but as long as I have our child with me I know apart of you is never too far and that will keep me sane. I love you baby and please just continue to watch over us."

Stepping down from the stage, both his parents were standing with their arms wide open as she walked towards them. "That message was beautiful baby and congratulations on the pregnancy, I wouldn't want any other person carrying one of my grandbabies." His mama told her and she smiled as a single tear fell.

Once the service was over everybody hugged and congratulated Jania on her pregnancy, some even gave her money to help and prayed her and the baby. Jania simply felt loved and was thankful that she was not alone in a time like this.

As they rode to gravesight, Jania wasn't as sad before and when she looked down at her small pudge she knew things were gonna be okay for her. She didn't have Corey in her life physically, but apart of him was growing inside of her and that alone gave her the strength to keep pushing.

December 5th, 2014 | West Side View High School
1st Round of Play Offs

The sound of the crowd screaming and yelling amped Deaundre as him and his team stood in the tunnel waiting for that signal for them to run out. Today was the first round of play offs, after going all season undefeated and today they were playing against Raglin High another undefeated team so today some one's undefeated record was about to end.

With his helmet on Deaundre was more than ready for this game, this was his senior year and all year college scouts had been looking at him and tonight he was gonna give it his all and show them that he is one of the best.

Jumping up and down slightly feeling his adrenaline rise, he watched as their head coach made his way over to them and asked for them all to hudle up. "Alright listen boys, we've had one hell of a year this season and I can't express how proud I am of each and everyone of you. We remained ontop all year and I'm tryna finish ontop as well! You all worked so hard everyday and you guys truly earned this spot to be here so I want all of you guys to go out there today and play with all your heart and most importantly have fun! Raiders on three. One, two, three."

"Raiders!" They all shouted before they took off running out of their tunnel and immediately their fans went crazy and Deaundre was eating it all up.

Looking at the stands he smiled at the ones who held up posters with his name on it or fat head signs waving them like crazy for him to see.

Many people knew DeAundre was probably gonna be one of the lucky ones to make it to the NFL, with him averaging forty yards, fifteen receptions and five touchdowns a game the media was all over him since they knew he would only get better as he progressed.

DeAundre's best gift he was granted with was his speed, he was way too fast for some of the defensive players to catch him and a lot of people hated that but of course his fans loved it.

Spotting his mom and dad in the stands dressed down in Raider gear with matching shirts that had his number on the back, he smiled and waved at them before turning around to face the field as the opposing team came running out of their tunnel.

Walking over to his bestfriend Trey who was also their starting quaterback, he slapped hands with him and brought him in for a brotherly hug. "You ready to eat tonight?" He questioned him.

"Been ready, let's show out no doubt. Me and you bro always." Doing their signature handshake, they stood beside each other feeding off each other's energy as they slightly jumped up and down getting amped up.

When it came for them to stand for the Star Spangled Banner, DeAundre kneeled and held his fist up along with a few other players to show respect for those before them who have put their lives on the line for them to have the rights they have today.

Many people didn't respect when he did this, but DeAundre could careless. He always felt like kneeling was an act of respect, whenever players get injured on the field they immediately tell everyone to take a knee so he never understood why people made it a big deal.

When the song ended DeAundre knew it was game time and just like every game before he was gonna give 110% effort and as soon as his feet touched the field he became a whole new person and was ready to go beast mode and lead his team to another victory.

December 5th, 2014 | 4th Quater 1:59

With it only being two minutes left on the clock with a tied score, DeAundre knew all his team needed was a touchdown and either a two or one-point conversion after the touch down to win the game.

Luckily his team had the ball and the play they were running was a new one that no one has seen and the boys were hyped to show their fans and their haters something new and unexpected.

"Tonight's game has been a full on rollercoaster and has had everybody on the edge of their seats waiting to see what happens next. Two undefeated teams and tonight they both have shown how and why they are undefeated, but as we all know only one team can win. And with The Raiders having the ball with only two minutes left they have a good chance to turn this game around and take home the win." One of the commentators stated.

Running out and getting into their positions, DeAundre locked eyes with Trey who gave their team the signal of the play. When the ball was passed to Trey, he back peddled as he looked for somebody who was open and just like he expected DeAundre was wide open with only one person guarding him.

Swiftly throwing the ball, DeAundre jumped up and caught the ball before darting around the defensive player and heading towards the endzone.

"Amazing pass made by #15 Mr. Trey Williams,"

"A lot of fans today soley came out to see both DeAundre Sanders #25 and Trey Williams #15 play today. All season they both have been dominating the field together leading their team to victory each game. Many scouts have been watching the boys and after tonight I'm sure they're gonna get quit a few offers."

"Do you think they will do the same tonight?"

"Most definitely, watch as Sanders makes his way down the field. It looks like he might be taking it all the way home, he's already passed the 40-yard line .. even if he were to get tackled here it would still be a good chance for them to score. The boy is fast, we can't take that away from him and we all know once the ball touches his hands he likes to take it home."

As he ran DeAundre could hear the crowd screaming and yelling louder than ever before. Blocking and dodging defensive players that tried to tackle, he used his arm to juke a few of them not letting any of them stop him.

His goal was to take it all the way home and lead his team to the second round of play-offs, he didn't want to let them down and he was doing everything in his power not to.

Closing his eyes right when he was only 10-yards away from the endzone, he could hear the crowd yelling "Touchdown," but then suddenly he was tackled hard on his right side and his body went flying to the ground.

Groaning in pain, DeAundre made sure to hold onto the ball but he was in so much pain and losing the feeling in his leg.

"Yeah out run that bitch!" The guy by the name of Marquise Bell yelled as he stood over him before running over to some of his teammates who slapped hands with him.

The crowd immediately yelled when they saw he made the touchdown, but soon quieted down when they saw he hadn't gotten back up yet.

"Looks like Sanders took a good hit from #12 Marquise Bell, but yet he still somehow managed to score and not let go of the ball. But from the looks of it all, it doesn't look like Sanders will be getting up anytime soon."

"We're getting word from the trainers that he's unresponsive at the moment as they carry him off the field. Let's keep Sanders in our prayers and hope that everything is okay."

As they laid his body on the stretcher, DeAundre could faintly hear the crowd yelling his name as he was in and out of consciousness, but what actually put a smile on his face was when he heard that his team had won and would be making it to the second round of play-offs before he completely blacked out.

December 6th, 2014 | The Aftermath

Waking up in the hospital, DeAundre looked around to see some of his team members laid out on the floor sleep. He wasn't sure how long he was out of it, but waking up to that made him feel alittle better already. But as he looked down and saw his knee wrapped up and elevated he felt his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach.

"Well hello there, good to finally see you're up. You feeling okay?" His nurse asked as she walked in with a tray of food.

"I'm confused, what happened to me?"

When her face changed to a sympathetic look, she sighed as she rolled over his tray of food. "Let me go get your doctor and alert your parents that you're away."

When she left out, he laid back honestly scared of what the doctor may tell him and he figured by the cast on his leg that his football career might be over.

Feeling tears form in his eyes, he blinked and a single tear slid down his face as he thought about everything hoping not to hear some horrible news.

Hearing a slight knock at his door, he looked to see a female doctor along with his parents enter the room with small smiles on their faces.

Before the doctor could mutter out a word, his mama came walking over. "Oh baby, how are you feeling? We were so worried about you."

"I'm fine mama, but tell me what happened please." He begged.

Sharing a look at her husband, they both frowned. "Do you not remember what happened on the field?"

"I do remember, but I want to know what happened to me physically and will I be able to keep playing football." He questioned growing frustrated.

Deciding to let the doctor speak and explain it to him, his parents took a step back as the doctor took a step forward. "Hi DeAundre, I'm Dr. Morton and after running tests and doing x-rays on your knee things aren't looking pretty good. You have a torn cartilage in your knee and you damaged three of the four major parts in your knee. Injuries like these are usually career ending and in my opinion to be safe I wouldn't continue playing." She explained and instantly DeAundre's heartbroke at the thought of never being able to play football again.

"So there is nothing I can do to fix this to where I could possibly play in college? I can't end it here like this without trying at least." He expressed as tears started to fall down his face.

"Intense physical therapy, but even then that's not a gurantee. I hate this for you honestly, but sadly in the end what's best for you is to just let football go."

After that DeAundre said nothing else and Dr. Morton took that as her cue to leave and let him process the news. Apologizing for everything she eventually stepped out leaving him alone with his parents and sleeping team members.

Looking over towards his parents, they both held sympathetic looks at him. "We're sorry baby, we know how much football meant to you but maybe—"

"I'm not giving up without at least trying ma', I wasn't raised to give up and I'm not gonna do it today. I'm getting back on the field one way or the other." He shrugged.

DeAundre knew he was taking a risk by going against what the doctor said, but he had a strong feeling that his football career wasn't suppose to end here and he wasn't going to let it.

He had dreams and goals to achieve and he was going to do whatever to make them happen.

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Whatcha guys think?

Thanks for the love & support as always!
- Denise 🥀