Unexpected 8: Stand Proud

Chapter 1: Homecoming

"Pops, you didn't have to fight" Rubio said between giggles

"Did you see? The guy totally cut me off!" Street said annoyed

They had taken a small detour to get some sandwiches and downed them on the road. Now, they were both tired and desperate to get home. They made it out of the car and into the building.

TIIIIIIN

The doors of the elevators opened gracefully and both males stepped outside. The teenager was still giggling, as Street struggled to carry all the bags.

"Hey bud, can you carry at least one?" Street asked kindly

"You said not to force it, pops. You confuse me!" complained the teenager who sported a soft cast in his right arm, held by a sling

"Just take the lighter one, with your left arm. Ok?"

"Ok." Rubio said as he approached Jim and took the bag from him

The black bags under his eyes, the dystrophy of his back muscles and the constant groans were clear signs that Street needed to rest. No way he could make it to work the next day like that!

"Let's go home!" he urged the teen

"Ok" he said eager to get to their place and relax.

Rubio picked up the bag with the two pillows and made his way down the hall as Street searched for balance between the other four giant bags. As Street was completing the balancing act, he kept glancing at Rubio, who made his way down the hall in a hurry, until...

GASP!

"Pops!" he called whispering, "Pops!"

Street looked up and found the teen staring at his him breathing hard, eyes popping out, face full of fear. Rubio tip toed back, sticking to the wall.

"Gun!" he whispered, as Street let go of all of the bags immediately and went for his service weapon. He gestured to his back, as if signaling to Street the person wore a gun on the back.

He gestured for Rubio to come to him, but also placed a finger over his lips to motion silence. "C'mere!" he repeated whispering

Jim immediately went all SWAT, by crouching over and presenting his weapon. He needed to make sure the boy reached safety before making a move. Rubio moved quickly, back crawling against the wall.

"Is a robber, pop. Door is wide opened!" Rubio said spooked, cradling his cast. He wouldn't be this scared if he didn't have it, for sure! Street thought

"Get over there...don't move... stay there!" he motioned to the elevator

Street watched as Rubio made his way to the elevator, hiding behind the corner wall, about 8 feet from him. He turned his attention to their apartment.

How could someone get in here? They had to go through security points, including code in the front and keys in both the entry and the elevator. I guess, they must've sneaked in...but I thought Chris said this place was pretty quiet. No known crimes in the last years! I better be careful. he thought as he meticulously approached the door

He tip toed his way through the corridor, pulled his weapon up, approached the wide opened door and took a step in.

"LAPD! GET OUT!" he began yelling

GASP

He couldn't believe his eyes. She. Her. What? No way!

"Jim?" she said as she turned around both hands covering her mouth, eyes popping out