A Weekend Afternoon in Los Angele
The sun hung high in the clear blue sky, casting a warm glow over the streets of Los Angeles.
It was 3:00 PM on a weekend in 1997, a perfect time for children to be outside, playing and enjoying the day.
Seven-year-old Justin, who had recently moved to Los Angeles, was among them. Justin had faced a lot of loss in his young life but had managed to stay sunny and mature beyond his years.
His drum lessons and time at the local band had helped him find solace and joy.This particular weekend, Justin found himself in a new social setting.
He was about to meet two kids who would become significant parts of his life. Both were older than Justin, but his maturity and vibrant personality made it easy for him to connect with them.
### Mark
Mark, at thirteen years old, is a tall and lanky boy with a head full of messy brown hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to be constantly analyzing the world around him. He lives in a comfortable, two-story house in Los Angeles with his parents, Sarah and Edward . Sarah is a psychiatrist, known for her insightful nature and ability to understand people deeply. Edward, Mark's father, is a well-respected dentist who runs a successful dental clinic.
Mark's home life is structured yet nurturing. His parents are supportive but also emphasize the importance of education and personal development. Mark has always been a bright and curious child, showing an early interest in computers and technology. By the age of thirteen, he has already mastered several programming languages and enjoys creating simple games and software applications in his spare time. His room is a testament to his passions – cluttered with computer parts, coding books, and various gadgets he's either built or taken apart to understand their workings.
Despite his technological prowess, Mark's social life is somewhat lacking. He spends most of his time indoors, absorbed in his computer. His mother, Sarah, frequently encourages him to step outside and interact with other kids, hoping to balance his intellectual pursuits with real-world experiences. It was during one of his father's dental appointments that he met Justin, a meeting orchestrated by fate and a mother's gentle push.
Mark is initially hesitant to step out of his comfort zone, but Justin's bright and friendly nature quickly breaks through his defenses. He is fascinated by Justin's enthusiasm for music and life in general. This newfound friendship begins to show Mark that there is a world beyond his computer screen, filled with people and experiences waiting to be explored.
### Jaden Williams
Jaden Williams is a ten-year-old boy with a quiet strength and resilience that belies his age. He lives with his parents in a modest but cozy apartment in a diverse neighborhood of Los Angeles. His father, Michael Williams, is a respected martial artist who teaches mixed martial arts at a local dojo. His mother, Angela Williams, owns a small but well-loved music store that has become a cultural hub for the local community.
Jaden has a rich brown complexion, with deep, soulful eyes and a shy smile that lights up his face when he feels comfortable. Growing up in a household that values both physical and artistic expression, Jaden has developed a love for both martial arts and music. He spends his mornings training with his father, learning the discipline and techniques of various martial arts forms. His afternoons are often spent in his mother's music store, surrounded by melodies and rhythms from all over the world.
School, however, has been a different story for Jaden. Despite his talents and kind nature, he often finds himself isolated. The other kids don't necessarily bully him, but they don't include him in their activities either, largely due to his skin color. This exclusion has made Jaden more reserved and introspective, preferring the company of books and music to the unpredictability of social interactions.
Everything changes when Justin enters his life. Justin's genuine kindness and open-mindedness quickly break down Jaden's walls. For the first time, Jaden feels truly accepted and valued for who he is. Their shared love for hip-hop music forms the foundation of their friendship, and Jaden soon finds himself looking forward to their weekends together, exploring new music and practicing martial arts.
Both Mark and Jaden bring unique qualities to their friendship with Justin. Mark's analytical mind and technological skills, combined with Jaden's physical discipline and musical passion, create a well-rounded and dynamic trio. Each boy learns from the others, growing not just in their individual pursuits but also in their understanding of friendship and acceptance.### A Sunny Afternoon in the Park
It was a warm and sunny afternoon in Los Angeles, the kind that made the park come alive with the sounds of children laughing and playing. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the ground. In the midst of this lively setting, Justin, Mark, and Jaden met at their usual spot, a large oak tree near the playground.
Justin arrived first, carrying his prized guitar, a gift from the local band leader who had taken him under his wing. The guitar, though old and worn, held sentimental value and represented countless hours of practice and passion. Justin had learned to play it with the help of his mentors from the band, and now he was ready to share his music with the world.
### A New Plan
As Mark and Jaden approached, Justin greeted them with a wide smile. "Hey guys, let's go!" he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Aren't we playing on the playground?" Jaden asked, glancing towards the swings and slides.
"Yeah," Mark nodded in agreement, looking a bit puzzled.
Justin shook his head, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "You see, guys, I want to play song in street and earning some money for mom to not work hard surprise my mom and grandma by going to Disneyland."
Mark's eyes widened in surprise. "But that's expensive," he said, voicing the practical concern.
Justin held up his guitar, strumming a few chords. "You see this guitar? I want to play songs in front of the street and make money."
Mark's face lit up with understanding. "That's a really good idea!"
Jaden's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I know, we can perform in front of my mom's shop. It'll attract customers too!"
Justin beamed. "That's a great idea."
### At the Music Store
The three boys made their way to Jaden's mother's music store. The shop was a cozy place, filled with rows of CDs, records, and musical instruments. It had a welcoming atmosphere, with posters of famous musicians adorning the walls and the soft hum of music playing in the background.
As they reached the store, Jaden turned to his friends. "Let me ask my mom if we can perform in front of the shop," he said, heading inside.
Justin and Mark waited outside, peeking through the window as Jaden approached his mother, who was busy arranging some DVDs. She looked up as Jaden came over, her face lighting up with a warm smile.
"Mom, can Justin perform songs in front of our shop?" Jaden asked eagerly.
Jaden's mother, Angela, paused for a moment, considering the request. "Oh sweetie, why not? Justin has a really good voice and he sings very well. If you guys can attract customers, I'll give you some pocket money."
Jaden's face broke into a wide grin. "Thanks, Mom!"
Angela was pleased to see Jaden making friends like Justin and Mark. They were genuine friends who enjoyed spending time together, and she was happy that Jaden had found such good companions after the family's recent move, which had initially made it hard for him to make new friends.
### Preparing for the Performance
Jaden returned to his friends outside, his excitement barely contained. "Mom said yes! We can perform in front of the shop."
Justin's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Williams," he called out as Angela came to the door.
Angela smiled warmly at the boys. "You're welcome, Justin. Good luck with your performance. I'm sure you'll do great."
As Angela reached out to pat Justin's cheek, he blushed slightly at the affectionate gesture. "Thank you, Mrs. Williams," he repeated, his voice full of sincerity.
The boys set up a small area outside the shop with a makeshift stage. They arranged a few chairs for the audience and set up a tip jar, hoping to collect enough money for the Disneyland tickets. The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable as they prepared for their impromptu concert.
### The Performance
With everything in place, Justin took his position, guitar in hand, and began to play. The familiar chords flowed effortlessly from his fingers, and soon, a small crowd began to gather. Mark and Jaden stood nearby, ready to support their friend and enjoy the music.
Justin's voice was clear and melodic, capturing the attention of passersby. His passion for music shone through in every note, and it wasn't long before people started dropping coins and dollar bills into the tip jar.
Jaden, meanwhile, moved rhythmically to the music, drawing in curious onlookers with his enthusiasm and energy. His mother's shop saw an increase in foot traffic, as people drawn by the performance decided to browse the store.
Justin began to sing "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton, a song he had practiced diligently with his mentors:
**Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven**
His voice was soft yet powerful, carrying the emotion of the lyrics. The crowd grew silent, captivated by his performance.
**Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way
Through night and day
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven**
As Justin sang, Mark managed the sound system, ensuring that every note was clear and crisp. Jaden stood nearby, his presence adding to the support and solidarity the boys shared.
**Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please**
The audience was visibly moved by the heartfelt performance, some even wiping away tears.
**Beyond the door
There's peace, I'm sure
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven**
As the song came to a close, the crowd erupted into applause, cheering for Justin and his friends. The performance was a hit, and their tip jar was nearly full, reflecting the generosity and appreciation of their audience.
The people put some money in jar. Even those people don't have give but put chocolate or snack because how good the voice justin was.
Author note
This chapter is long. It there is any mistake comment and some power for me make sure listen this song in YouTube name " tear in heaven" the song is very simple but powerful.
I will make have more lyrics on the story.