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Breaking Glass

The Book of Faith

By Fayth ChristianPublished 3 years ago 11 min read
1
Breaking Glass
Photo by Mike Tinnion on Unsplash

Cassidy Brown stared at the strange package she found on her door step. After a long work day and battling the cold Chicago winter weather she was tired. Too tired to let her curiosity get the best of her. She took one last glance at the package before tossing it to the side.

She scanned the rest of her mail hoping to find a response to one of the many letters she sent out to corporations regarding her non-profit program. She wanted to provide inner city children with a way out of the “hood’ and help them lead healthy productive lives. They needed a push and the right resources to show them something better outside their environment. Many youth lived in highly gang affiliated areas. This often led to more violence and more deaths, with many of the faces being those of young people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or simply caught doing the wrong thing.

On Saturdays Cassidy volunteered at the local YMCA where she taught creative writing to grade school and high school students. She marveled at how gifted the children were that she worked with. The sparkle in their eyes when they were able to see their own talents is what woke her up every morning.

After looking through the mail, she took a quick shower and warmed up left over stuffed salmon, a small salad, and a glass of wine as she quickly got back to work. Logging into her computer, she quickly read her email. She had also sent out visual pitches, and plenty of networking invites as well.

At 34 Cassidy had no children, was not married and knew very little about her birth family. She was adopted at a young age and was grateful for the opportunities and experiences it gave her. That’s why this non- profit program was so important to her. She wanted to change the narrative of statistics for other youth who may not have been so fortunate.

Now that her organization, The Breaking Glass Group, was officially documented she needed the funding. Where would she get that kind of money? She was barely making ends meet with her small one-bedroom apartment. The cost of living was high and so were the taxes. She wanted to be able to live comfortably without worrying about bills and run a successful organization. She was exhausted so she shut down her laptop, washed the dishes and went to sleep.

The week went by quickly. Cassidy was looking forward to her Saturday class. She wanted to put on an open mic to showcase the children’s talents. She knew it would take some work to put it together but she wanted the parents and community to see their future leaders in the making.

Friday evening Cassidy was sitting at her small dining room table with the strange package from earlier before her. She still wasn’t sure where the package was from and was hesitant to open it as there was no return address.

She carefully examined the all-black packaging with a gold seal of a lion on the back. Her address was written beautifully in gold letters. Who could have taken the time to send something so eloquent, she thought to herself?

The ringing of her cellphone interrupted her thoughts. Glancing at the screen she saw that it was her best friend and eagerly answered. She had not seen Angela in two years as she had moved down south to accept an amazing teaching position at Montessori Academy. She would often point out that the cost of living was cheaper and didn’t hesitate to try to convince her to move whenever they talked.

“Hey Best Friend! “Cassidy greeted her warmly.

“Hey girl!” Angela replied just as happily. “I miss you so much! You need to come down here and visit. Get away from all that snow!’ she continued laughing.

“I just might take you up on that offer! Not sure when though. Between these bills, rent and starting my organization I am struggling girl’ Cassidy replied sighing.

“Well, you know you could always move down here with me. I have plenty of room and I could use the company. Its lonely without you. I don’t have anyone to talk to, hangout with, or go shopping with. Just think on it! “Angela replied eagerly.

Angela loved her job but she hadn't made any friends. She didn’t like to mix her personal and professional life. She really wished her friend was here to experience this journey with her.

“I’ll think about it! I've been looking for a change. Lately, I've been feeling like there is more out there for me. “Cassidy replied. She paused briefly while looking at the package still sitting in front of her.

“I was thinking about putting on an open mic night for the kids in my class. I think it’s a great way to build their confidence and display their talents to their family and the community” Cassidy expressed.

“You’re still teaching those knuckle heads?’ Angela stated laughing. Children were a blessing and challenge and they spent many nights swapping stories about their teaching experiences.

“That sounds like a great idea! Let me know if you need any help, I’ll pull some strings. I'm sure once you get the word out plenty of people will be willing to help! “she encouraged.

“Thank you! I’ll give you the details later. I need to get some sleep! “Cassidy notated before they hung up.

Saturday Cassidy found herself nervously fixing her clothes before knocking on the Director’s door. Felicia Jones was a no non-sense director. She rarely smiled and didn’t use the word “yes” often.

“Come In!” she heard.

“Good morning Ms. Jones!” Cassidy stated as confidently as possible.

Peering over her glasses Ms. Jones stopped to look at her.

“How can I help you Ms. Brown?” she said sternly

Cassidy took a moment before speaking. “I would like to hold an open mic for the youth in my class. The auditorium would make a great space and I think it would be an awesome way to showcase their talents and engage the community” she said all in one breath.

Ms. Jones sat back and removed her glasses. Cassidy nervously looked around the office. Plaques, awards and degrees adorned the walls. The oak furniture added an elegant touch to the neatly organized office.

“I've watched you with the students for some time. I must say I am surprised given that most of them don’t stay involved long. They either get bored or think the fun is out there in those streets. I see how dedicated you are with them. They respect and listen to you. Don’t let them down!” Ms. Jones stated before placing her glasses back on. “You have my permission!’’ She said before dismissing Cassidy all together.

She could have hugged the woman. “Thank you so much! “Cassidy replied.

She couldn’t wait to share the news with her class.

“An open mic? “questioned one of her students after she revealed the good news.

“It's bad enough I get teased for being here but an open mic is really going to made me look like a nerd!” said Taylor. The third grader was a great writer but her smart mouth and bad attitude often landed her in trouble.

“Yeah! She is right” said Tina another one of her students. “I mean if we do this it has to be dope or I can kiss my reputation goodbye! “she said. The eighth grader was rough around the edges. The only girl in a family of four boys, she was the tomboy of the group.

“I don’t know about that Ms. Cass” notated Richard who liked to be called Ka$h. He was the oldest of the group a freshman in high school.

Richard or Ka$h as he liked to be called was a star athlete, and top ten percent of his class. He hid his intelligence under a tough exterior and was often seen running the streets with the wrong crowd. Cassidy heard rumors about his crew sticking people up for money. She was always grateful when each of her students came to class safe and sound.

“I don’t know about standing on stage reading my stuff out loud to people who don’t know me. I don’t need nobody judging me!’ Ka$h continued. The other students nodded in agreement. Cassidy understood they were all doing what was needed to survive but they deserved to been seen for the talented students they were.

“I think this is a great opportunity to show people otherwise. You guys are the most talented group of students I’ve worked with. The world needs to see how amazing you are! Besides there will be food, music and you all can put together your own program!” Cassidy persuaded.

After much debating the students agreed and for the next three weeks, they planned the showcase. Angela was right. Once word got out about the program parents and community leaders reached out to assist. The children practiced for two weeks and often dedicated after school hours to perfecting their craft. Cassidy could not wait for opening night!

She kept Angela updated on the progress of the show and her best friend was able to hire a DJ and caterer for the event. The night before the showcase Cassidy was sitting in bed going over the final details when she got a phone call. She didn’t recognize the number and cautiously answered.

“Ms. Cass! It's Tina! You said we could use your number for emergencies! It's about Ka$h!” She stated crying into the phone.

Cassidy sat up. “What happened?” she inquired.

“ Ka$h got mixed up into the wrong crowd. Someone set up Kas$ in retaliation for a robbery his crew committed. Hes been stabbed! “Tina replied.

“Where is he and where are you?! “Cassidy stated as she started gathering her coat and shoes.

“University of Chicago Children Hospital! Hurry!’’ Tina stated.

“I'm on my way!” Cassidy said hanging up

Minutes later Cassidy arrived at the emergency room. She was visibly crushed by the look of fear of their faces. The doctor walked in while consoling Taylor.

“Family of Richard? He asked.

“That would be us “his mother replied.

“The knife miraculously missed an artery. We are stitching him up now and will keep him overnight for observation. He’s a lucky kid.” The grim-faced doctor stated before turning to leave. They all sighed with relief. Ka$h was wide awake as they took turns visiting him. He promised to stay out of trouble and that he would be there for the showcase.

It was opening night and Cassidy was excited. She made sure to arrive a couple hours early to ensure everything was in place. Upon arrival she stopped to admire the huge flyer for tonight's event.

“Leaders of Poetry” was written in big white letters with the details of the event. Walking into the auditorium Cassidy stood in awe. The entire room was adorned in gold and black balloons. Black and gold chairs were neatly in a row facing the stage. Caterers lined up against the wall ready to serve. She became even more emotional when she saw Angela and her students enter the room. They all looked amazing. Kash even kept his promise and came dressed to impress as well. By showtime the place was packed. Cassidy watched with pride as her students put on the most amazing show. She was still crying tears of joy when they presented her with flowers during the standing ovation.

It was midnight before Cassidy made it home and she was on cloud nine. The show was success and after tonight she knew she would need to expand her class. The next morning, she was awakened by the sound of her doorbell. She opened it to find a dozen roses and a similar card to the strange package she had received. In the mist of all the frenzy she had forgotten to open it. Opening the card, she read the contents.

“Dear Cassidy,

By now I am hoping that you would have opened the package I sent earlier. I saw the showcase the other night and I am impressed by you and your students. I would like to speak with you about expanding your program. I have included my business card.

Regards ,

Bradley.

Remembering the package Cassidy ran to her room to retrieve it. She carefully opened it to find a black Moleskine Notebook. Engraved on the cover was the name of her organization. She held back tears as she read the contents of the envelope that fell out from between the pages.

“Dear Cassidy,

My name is Bradley Lionsworth. I received your letter regarding your program and would love to speak in depth regarding your organization. This curriculum is needed and you could help to save so many lives. Your story and your program are ground breaking and unique. I would love to help assist you in any way possible. I have enclosed a check for twenty thousand dollars to help you get started. The notebook is something a mentor gave me years ago when I first started out. All great ideas start on paper. Feel free to reach out to me if you need anything. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Kind Regards,

Bradley Lionsworth

Le Debut

success
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