THE FLOOD
NO PAIN NO PLEASURE
BY: TRE BEAMEN
BY: TRE BEAMEN
CHAPTER 1
As the morning sun rose and filled the Atlanta loft, not only did it illuminate the room but it sheds light on all the acquired dreams and accomplishments of a Westside Atlanta raised poet/writer. It underlined the struggle from the bottom of bottoms to the top of the bestsellers charts.
This rags to tags story belongs to none other than Andrele Driek. Andrele, who goes by the alias "Mel Thoughts", is the writer of the top selling series, "Sensual Subject." His latest installment "Sensual Subject: Ecstasy" was recently released and in just its second week is selling better than any of his previous works. With his series selling so well, on comes his popularity boost. Andrele has made many appearances on various TV talk shows and radio shows promoting his series and his new book. With this being so, Andrele hasn't been able to completely rest in weeks. So this rare occasion of
him being home in his own bed was definitely refreshing. But this would be short lived as his phone begins to ring and his morning calls begin.
"I guess this means YOU are allowing me another day...Thank YOU!!" He says towards the ceiling as he reaches for his cell phone.
"Hello...Talk to me..."
"I know you're not still sleep...you need to get yo ass up!" the caller said.
"Really? Why must you call me and harass me on my day off?" He replied. "Isn't it enough that you have to deal with me any other day...but now you have to bother me on my day of freedom?"
"Boy ain't nobody worried bout you...I'm worried bout this money to be made tomorrow..."
the caller said.
"Can we talk bout this later Mercy?"
The caller on the other end of the phone is Tanya Mercy, Andrele's assistant and publicist.
"Yea we can but we need to talk bout this ASAP..." Tanya said.
"Thank you...Now get off my phone and let me rest." He said. "Don't you have anything else to do with yo life?"
"Shouldn't I be telling you that...I'm the one working for you." She said.
"And that is what you are getting paid to do isn't it...So stop complaining!" He said jokingly.
"I'm hanging up the phone now...Goodbye!!" She said.
"I'ma call U la..." He begins before she ends the call.
Today is a day of rest and relaxation for Andrele but being from the city of Atlanta that hardly ever sleeps actually having some down time would be hard to do. It would definitely prove to be hard for him as he suddenly picked up his phone and begins to call his friends from his old neighborhood.
"Yea brah...what y'all gettin into tonight...oh y'all hittin the club...which one y'all goin to..."
At that moment his door bell rang, which was odd because he had been on the road and no one, to his knowledge, knew he was home.
"Yo hold up...somebody at my door..." he said as he walked down to his first floor.
As he got to the door he asked for who was there and there was no answer, jus another knock. He opens the door and to his surprise standing there was a 5'5" brown skin goddess of a woman.
"Drele, I've been tryna get back in touch wit you for the longest...what happened?" she asked.
"Oh well...I been on the road...you know...uh promoting." he answered.
"Well you here now and we have a lot of catching up to do..." she said.
Then in that instant she took off her coat revealing her black lace lingerie, and as her coat hit the floor she politely invited herself in.
Astonished in his own right he simply picks up the coat and hangs up the phone.
"Lea...what are you...how did you know I was here?"
"You act like I don't live right down the way..." she answered. "I heard your TV on and just couldn't help myself."
"What is this really about Lea?" he asked.
"Shh...you doing too much talking...come here." she said as she pulled him onto the couch.
She began to kiss him deeply as she made her way on top of him. His lips, then his neck, then his
chest as she worked her way further. This in turn got what she wanted out of him. As he ran his fingers through her hair he begins to open up to her. He then stops her and flips her over to her back, taking off her lingerie and penetrating her body.
In then out, out then in as he strokes her. She grips him tight as he works her body, moaning profusely into his ear.
"Get It...Get It...Get It...ITS YOURS!!"
An hour of their bodies twisting and turning and it had ended.
"Damn girl...shit..." he said.
"Thanks for the compliment I guess..." she said laughing. "Well I have to go..."
"Wait...you don't wanna at least stay for breakfast?" he asked.
"Maybe some other time...see you around..." she said.
And with that she grabbed her coat and was out the door.
"This day can't get any crazier than that." he thought to himself.
But what he didn't know was that he was in for a much crazier day than that. This
was ONLY the beginning!
As the morning sun rose and filled the Atlanta loft, not only did it illuminate the room but it sheds light on all the acquired dreams and accomplishments of a Westside Atlanta raised poet/writer. It underlined the struggle from the bottom of bottoms to the top of the bestsellers charts.
This rags to tags story belongs to none other than Andrele Driek. Andrele, who goes by the alias "Mel Thoughts", is the writer of the top selling series, "Sensual Subject." His latest installment "Sensual Subject: Ecstasy" was recently released and in just its second week is selling better than any of his previous works. With his series selling so well, on comes his popularity boost. Andrele has made many appearances on various TV talk shows and radio shows promoting his series and his new book. With this being so, Andrele hasn't been able to completely rest in weeks. So this rare occasion of
him being home in his own bed was definitely refreshing. But this would be short lived as his phone begins to ring and his morning calls begin.
"I guess this means YOU are allowing me another day...Thank YOU!!" He says towards the ceiling as he reaches for his cell phone.
"Hello...Talk to me..."
"I know you're not still sleep...you need to get yo ass up!" the caller said.
"Really? Why must you call me and harass me on my day off?" He replied. "Isn't it enough that you have to deal with me any other day...but now you have to bother me on my day of freedom?"
"Boy ain't nobody worried bout you...I'm worried bout this money to be made tomorrow..."
the caller said.
"Can we talk bout this later Mercy?"
The caller on the other end of the phone is Tanya Mercy, Andrele's assistant and publicist.
"Yea we can but we need to talk bout this ASAP..." Tanya said.
"Thank you...Now get off my phone and let me rest." He said. "Don't you have anything else to do with yo life?"
"Shouldn't I be telling you that...I'm the one working for you." She said.
"And that is what you are getting paid to do isn't it...So stop complaining!" He said jokingly.
"I'm hanging up the phone now...Goodbye!!" She said.
"I'ma call U la..." He begins before she ends the call.
Today is a day of rest and relaxation for Andrele but being from the city of Atlanta that hardly ever sleeps actually having some down time would be hard to do. It would definitely prove to be hard for him as he suddenly picked up his phone and begins to call his friends from his old neighborhood.
"Yea brah...what y'all gettin into tonight...oh y'all hittin the club...which one y'all goin to..."
At that moment his door bell rang, which was odd because he had been on the road and no one, to his knowledge, knew he was home.
"Yo hold up...somebody at my door..." he said as he walked down to his first floor.
As he got to the door he asked for who was there and there was no answer, jus another knock. He opens the door and to his surprise standing there was a 5'5" brown skin goddess of a woman.
"Drele, I've been tryna get back in touch wit you for the longest...what happened?" she asked.
"Oh well...I been on the road...you know...uh promoting." he answered.
"Well you here now and we have a lot of catching up to do..." she said.
Then in that instant she took off her coat revealing her black lace lingerie, and as her coat hit the floor she politely invited herself in.
Astonished in his own right he simply picks up the coat and hangs up the phone.
"Lea...what are you...how did you know I was here?"
"You act like I don't live right down the way..." she answered. "I heard your TV on and just couldn't help myself."
"What is this really about Lea?" he asked.
"Shh...you doing too much talking...come here." she said as she pulled him onto the couch.
She began to kiss him deeply as she made her way on top of him. His lips, then his neck, then his
chest as she worked her way further. This in turn got what she wanted out of him. As he ran his fingers through her hair he begins to open up to her. He then stops her and flips her over to her back, taking off her lingerie and penetrating her body.
In then out, out then in as he strokes her. She grips him tight as he works her body, moaning profusely into his ear.
"Get It...Get It...Get It...ITS YOURS!!"
An hour of their bodies twisting and turning and it had ended.
"Damn girl...shit..." he said.
"Thanks for the compliment I guess..." she said laughing. "Well I have to go..."
"Wait...you don't wanna at least stay for breakfast?" he asked.
"Maybe some other time...see you around..." she said.
And with that she grabbed her coat and was out the door.
"This day can't get any crazier than that." he thought to himself.
But what he didn't know was that he was in for a much crazier day than that. This
was ONLY the beginning!
CHAPTER 2
Taken aback after his completely unexpected morning soiree, Andrele falls under curiosity of what the rest of his day had to bring. Originally believing that it would be a day of solitude, his day definitely doesn't seem to be following through with that idea.
As he sat back on the couch he thought to himself, "Man that girl crazy..."
He and Lea had a decorated past. They once dated when he initially moved into his loft. Within a brief infatuation period, the couple fell victim of a steamy physical relationship. But with Andrele being a writer and was frequently away from her on business, complication set in on them. They both chose to opt out of the relationship before it turned for the worst. Although they were not together their physical fixation for each other would not let them completely be done with one another. Many days and nights of their sexual encounters went by, but as he was away more often the bigger her appetite grew and eventually urged her to move on.
This caused no ill will between the two. Andrele was totally understanding of Lea's drift. He was even happy to know that she would have an opportunity to gain a real relationship and real bond with someone instead of their simple sex games. But she never entered a relationship and this morning’s encounter was the first time that they've come in contact with one either in months. It was surely an act that implied that there was certainly no lust lost.
"I'm glad she aight though."
With nothing scheduled as of yet Andrele decides to just start his day like normal and see where things would go from there. He gets up, takes a shower and cooks himself brunch. Lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Wale and many more echo as he moves throughout his place.
"Aight let me check these voicemails."
Beeeep...Message One!
Ahh yes, Mr. Driek, this is Jason Cross, a representative from Smooth 99.2...We just want to thank you again for the appearance and would like to extend our...
"Next..."
Message Deleted! Message Two!
Drele I ain't playin wit you...we really need to talk about tomorrow! We ain't on the road but we still need to gon 'head and make this quick money. You need it and I know I need it. Call me back
Drele! Later...
"Mercy is hilarious..."
Message Saved! Message Three!
Hey dere Sugarfoot...Just calling tryna check up on you. Ain't heard from you in a while. I hope you get a chance to visit soon. Me and yo mama miss you so much. Pat misses you too but he so damn stubborn. I told him to call you but it go in one ear and right out the other. But anyway, just know that Big Mama loves you and we are so anxious to see you. Talk to you later. Bye Bye...
Message Saved! Ended Of Messages!
And just like that his day was set up. It had been a while since he had a chance to spend time with his family and with his schedule clear this was a perfect opportunity to do so.
Living in Atlanta all of his life, moving away is something he just could not allow himself to do. This was not only because of his personal preference not to leave but also because of his family. Andrele grew up very close knit to his family and could not see himself completely leaving them. Being away from them promoting and selling his books was enough but to actually not be able to visit and care for them at all was a totally different ball game.
When Andrele first began to make good revenue from his writings, he offered to move his family into a bigger and nicer house than the one they were currently living in but his Big Mama wasn't having it. Big Mama, his grandmother, thought it better to stay in the house because not only was the house paid for but because of all the memories that the house concealed. No matter how much pleading he did, there was no way she was moving from that house.
One of the great things about them living in the house was that it wasn't far from his place. He jumped in his Camaro and was on his way.
Riding through his neighborhood always brought back great memories. This trip was did nothing less.
As he turned on his street he even runs across his childhood friends Krik and Paul. Andrele, Paul and Krik grew up through grade school together. They were like brothers to one another. They looked out for each other and although Krik and Paul never really left the neighborhood after graduating high school, they always supported Andrele through all of his success.
"Brah what happened to you earlier?" Kirk said as Andrele pulled up on them.
"Man Lea came over..." he replied.
"Aww man, you still talk to her?" Paul asked. "I thought y'all had don split up..."
"Yea cause I told you that she had don tried to get at me..." Krik said.
"Nawl brah, we don't talk no mo and I asked her bout that and she told me she ain't messin witcha!" Andrele said.
"Yea...well...I ain't even like her like that no way...she ain't bout nothin...her frappin ass..." Krik said.
"Brah you good...dont sweat it brody...you'll find someone someday." Andrele said.
"Man whatever...what you doin round here anyway?" Krik asked. "You know you don't be in the hood no mo."
"Yea I know...I'm fallin through tryna visit the fam before I get busy again." Andrele said.
"I went over there the other day...I think last Sunday...Big Mama invited us to dinner...you know I threw down..." Paul said.
"Oh aight...well let me get through there and I'ma catch back up wit y'all before I head back to the criNib..." Andrele said.
"Aight brah...hit us up foo..." Paul said.
Andrele then leaves them and continues down the street.
As he pulls up to the house he sees his niece and nephew playing basketball in the yard and it immediately brings a smile to his face. He blows the horn as he enters the driveway.
"Aye y'all be'not hit my car wit that ball!" he says jokingly.
"Yea whatever Unc..." his nephew Ryan answers. "You need to come and get yo pockets ran..."
"Aye if I had some shorts I'd school you right now youngin'" he replies.
"Man you running from this ass whippin'." Ryan said.
"Aight...we gon see next time I'm here and I'm tell yo mama you cussin'." Andrele said walking away.
"No man...I'm already in trouble...brah c'mon." Ryan said grabbing his uncle's arm.
"I'm just playin...And how are you Ms. Alise?"
"I'm fine but yo sister won't let me go out wit my friends." Alise said.
"Are there gonna be boys there?" he asked.
"Maybe..."
"Well I wouldn't let yo ass go either!" he said laughing.
"OMG...Can you please talk to her Unc?" she asked.
"I'll see what I can do!"
"Yay...thank you so much!" she said attacking him with a hug.
"Where erybody at?" he asked.
"They probably all in the living room...Big Mama talkin to Mama...you know Pat and Ken got into it the other day." Alise said.
"Thanks...let me go see what they got goin."
Andrele walks through the house and as he usually does yells, "Where y'all at?...I'm home..."
"Hey there, my grandson coming to visit his dear old Big Mama...how you doin baby?" Big Mama said.
"I'm aight Big Mama...how you doin?"
"I'm doing jus fine now that you here sugar...I'm glad you could visit...I got yo message from when you were in New York...You don made it big ain't 'cha boy?" she said.
"I'm doin aight right now...I still got a ways to go but I'ma get there." he said.
"Well you are a star to me baby..." she said as she hugged him and kiss him on the cheek.
"Yea I know Big Mama...that’s my lil star." A voice said from behind him. It was his mother and the rest of the family, his sister Makita and his father Pat.
"Hey Mama, hey Kita...Pat..." Andrele said.
The relationship between Andrele and his father had been tense since Pat walked out on them when Andrele was younger. Returning back to the family, he tried to make amends but the situation never sat right with Andrele.
Sensing awkwardness, Big Mama interrupts.
"Come on in here and get you something to eat...we need to catch up anyway bout how things been...c'mon here."
The rest of the afternoon went swiftly as the family, with the exception of Andrele and Pat, enjoyed time with one another. Chicken, black eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, string beans, collard greens and cornbread cover the table as they eat. Pat starts to cough hard.
"Honey are you alright?" Andrele's mother Pam asks.
"Yea I think something went down wrong." Pat answers
"Have you taken yo medicine today...if not than you really need to..." she said.
"I gotta get them from the bedroom...I'll be right back..." he said.
"Or not..." Andrele mutters under his breath.
There is a brief silence and then Pat starts for the door.
"Congrats on your success son..." he said.
"Oh so now I'm yo son?" Andrele said back
"You've always been my son...but you haven't always accepted it." Pat said.
"You haven't always accepted me either or us either..." Andrele replies.
"Son..."
"Just stop Pat...Just forget it..." Andrele said.
Pat pauses, begins to talk but not to and continues out of the dining room.
"What is wrong wit you Drele?" Pam asks.
"Mama please don't start this..." he replies.
"Boy you gon listen to me...Now that man may have made his mistakes but he has worked his ass off to not only support this family but to better his relationship wit us...especially you...he can't do that if you continue to blow him off...whether you like it or not that is still your father and you need to show him some respect." Pam stated.
"Ok mama..." Andrele said.
"Girl you know that is going through one ear and out the other...the boy is just hurt...he will..." Big Mama was saying before she was interrupted by faint coughing and a thud.
"Pat...honey...are you ok?" Pam said rushing out of the dining room.
Following were shrieks and screaming.
"PATRICK...GOD NO NO NO...PATRICK..."
Taken aback after his completely unexpected morning soiree, Andrele falls under curiosity of what the rest of his day had to bring. Originally believing that it would be a day of solitude, his day definitely doesn't seem to be following through with that idea.
As he sat back on the couch he thought to himself, "Man that girl crazy..."
He and Lea had a decorated past. They once dated when he initially moved into his loft. Within a brief infatuation period, the couple fell victim of a steamy physical relationship. But with Andrele being a writer and was frequently away from her on business, complication set in on them. They both chose to opt out of the relationship before it turned for the worst. Although they were not together their physical fixation for each other would not let them completely be done with one another. Many days and nights of their sexual encounters went by, but as he was away more often the bigger her appetite grew and eventually urged her to move on.
This caused no ill will between the two. Andrele was totally understanding of Lea's drift. He was even happy to know that she would have an opportunity to gain a real relationship and real bond with someone instead of their simple sex games. But she never entered a relationship and this morning’s encounter was the first time that they've come in contact with one either in months. It was surely an act that implied that there was certainly no lust lost.
"I'm glad she aight though."
With nothing scheduled as of yet Andrele decides to just start his day like normal and see where things would go from there. He gets up, takes a shower and cooks himself brunch. Lyrics of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Wale and many more echo as he moves throughout his place.
"Aight let me check these voicemails."
Beeeep...Message One!
Ahh yes, Mr. Driek, this is Jason Cross, a representative from Smooth 99.2...We just want to thank you again for the appearance and would like to extend our...
"Next..."
Message Deleted! Message Two!
Drele I ain't playin wit you...we really need to talk about tomorrow! We ain't on the road but we still need to gon 'head and make this quick money. You need it and I know I need it. Call me back
Drele! Later...
"Mercy is hilarious..."
Message Saved! Message Three!
Hey dere Sugarfoot...Just calling tryna check up on you. Ain't heard from you in a while. I hope you get a chance to visit soon. Me and yo mama miss you so much. Pat misses you too but he so damn stubborn. I told him to call you but it go in one ear and right out the other. But anyway, just know that Big Mama loves you and we are so anxious to see you. Talk to you later. Bye Bye...
Message Saved! Ended Of Messages!
And just like that his day was set up. It had been a while since he had a chance to spend time with his family and with his schedule clear this was a perfect opportunity to do so.
Living in Atlanta all of his life, moving away is something he just could not allow himself to do. This was not only because of his personal preference not to leave but also because of his family. Andrele grew up very close knit to his family and could not see himself completely leaving them. Being away from them promoting and selling his books was enough but to actually not be able to visit and care for them at all was a totally different ball game.
When Andrele first began to make good revenue from his writings, he offered to move his family into a bigger and nicer house than the one they were currently living in but his Big Mama wasn't having it. Big Mama, his grandmother, thought it better to stay in the house because not only was the house paid for but because of all the memories that the house concealed. No matter how much pleading he did, there was no way she was moving from that house.
One of the great things about them living in the house was that it wasn't far from his place. He jumped in his Camaro and was on his way.
Riding through his neighborhood always brought back great memories. This trip was did nothing less.
As he turned on his street he even runs across his childhood friends Krik and Paul. Andrele, Paul and Krik grew up through grade school together. They were like brothers to one another. They looked out for each other and although Krik and Paul never really left the neighborhood after graduating high school, they always supported Andrele through all of his success.
"Brah what happened to you earlier?" Kirk said as Andrele pulled up on them.
"Man Lea came over..." he replied.
"Aww man, you still talk to her?" Paul asked. "I thought y'all had don split up..."
"Yea cause I told you that she had don tried to get at me..." Krik said.
"Nawl brah, we don't talk no mo and I asked her bout that and she told me she ain't messin witcha!" Andrele said.
"Yea...well...I ain't even like her like that no way...she ain't bout nothin...her frappin ass..." Krik said.
"Brah you good...dont sweat it brody...you'll find someone someday." Andrele said.
"Man whatever...what you doin round here anyway?" Krik asked. "You know you don't be in the hood no mo."
"Yea I know...I'm fallin through tryna visit the fam before I get busy again." Andrele said.
"I went over there the other day...I think last Sunday...Big Mama invited us to dinner...you know I threw down..." Paul said.
"Oh aight...well let me get through there and I'ma catch back up wit y'all before I head back to the criNib..." Andrele said.
"Aight brah...hit us up foo..." Paul said.
Andrele then leaves them and continues down the street.
As he pulls up to the house he sees his niece and nephew playing basketball in the yard and it immediately brings a smile to his face. He blows the horn as he enters the driveway.
"Aye y'all be'not hit my car wit that ball!" he says jokingly.
"Yea whatever Unc..." his nephew Ryan answers. "You need to come and get yo pockets ran..."
"Aye if I had some shorts I'd school you right now youngin'" he replies.
"Man you running from this ass whippin'." Ryan said.
"Aight...we gon see next time I'm here and I'm tell yo mama you cussin'." Andrele said walking away.
"No man...I'm already in trouble...brah c'mon." Ryan said grabbing his uncle's arm.
"I'm just playin...And how are you Ms. Alise?"
"I'm fine but yo sister won't let me go out wit my friends." Alise said.
"Are there gonna be boys there?" he asked.
"Maybe..."
"Well I wouldn't let yo ass go either!" he said laughing.
"OMG...Can you please talk to her Unc?" she asked.
"I'll see what I can do!"
"Yay...thank you so much!" she said attacking him with a hug.
"Where erybody at?" he asked.
"They probably all in the living room...Big Mama talkin to Mama...you know Pat and Ken got into it the other day." Alise said.
"Thanks...let me go see what they got goin."
Andrele walks through the house and as he usually does yells, "Where y'all at?...I'm home..."
"Hey there, my grandson coming to visit his dear old Big Mama...how you doin baby?" Big Mama said.
"I'm aight Big Mama...how you doin?"
"I'm doing jus fine now that you here sugar...I'm glad you could visit...I got yo message from when you were in New York...You don made it big ain't 'cha boy?" she said.
"I'm doin aight right now...I still got a ways to go but I'ma get there." he said.
"Well you are a star to me baby..." she said as she hugged him and kiss him on the cheek.
"Yea I know Big Mama...that’s my lil star." A voice said from behind him. It was his mother and the rest of the family, his sister Makita and his father Pat.
"Hey Mama, hey Kita...Pat..." Andrele said.
The relationship between Andrele and his father had been tense since Pat walked out on them when Andrele was younger. Returning back to the family, he tried to make amends but the situation never sat right with Andrele.
Sensing awkwardness, Big Mama interrupts.
"Come on in here and get you something to eat...we need to catch up anyway bout how things been...c'mon here."
The rest of the afternoon went swiftly as the family, with the exception of Andrele and Pat, enjoyed time with one another. Chicken, black eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, string beans, collard greens and cornbread cover the table as they eat. Pat starts to cough hard.
"Honey are you alright?" Andrele's mother Pam asks.
"Yea I think something went down wrong." Pat answers
"Have you taken yo medicine today...if not than you really need to..." she said.
"I gotta get them from the bedroom...I'll be right back..." he said.
"Or not..." Andrele mutters under his breath.
There is a brief silence and then Pat starts for the door.
"Congrats on your success son..." he said.
"Oh so now I'm yo son?" Andrele said back
"You've always been my son...but you haven't always accepted it." Pat said.
"You haven't always accepted me either or us either..." Andrele replies.
"Son..."
"Just stop Pat...Just forget it..." Andrele said.
Pat pauses, begins to talk but not to and continues out of the dining room.
"What is wrong wit you Drele?" Pam asks.
"Mama please don't start this..." he replies.
"Boy you gon listen to me...Now that man may have made his mistakes but he has worked his ass off to not only support this family but to better his relationship wit us...especially you...he can't do that if you continue to blow him off...whether you like it or not that is still your father and you need to show him some respect." Pam stated.
"Ok mama..." Andrele said.
"Girl you know that is going through one ear and out the other...the boy is just hurt...he will..." Big Mama was saying before she was interrupted by faint coughing and a thud.
"Pat...honey...are you ok?" Pam said rushing out of the dining room.
Following were shrieks and screaming.
"PATRICK...GOD NO NO NO...PATRICK..."
Chapter 3
Andrele and his family sat in one of Grady Hospital's waiting rooms, many thoughts and emotions flood his mind. Caught up on the realization that his actions toward his father could possibly be his last were seriously attacking him. But his ill will toward his father made him numb to any hysteria. Although he was caught between emotions, seeing his family so sad made him feel for his father's situation. "Lord please let him be ok!" Pam said weeping.
Seeing his mother so distraught made him question his emotions toward his dad even more. He thought to himself why is she able to throw what he did out the window like nothing ever happened. How could she simply accept him back after he left her with two kids to raise on her own for years. He dabbled at the idea of asking her why but figured the time wasn't right, but the hunger of knowing wouldn’t let him ignore his anxiousness.
"Mama could I ask you a question?" he asked wiping her tears.
"What is it son?" she replied.
"How is it that you are able to accept Pat back into our lives after what he's done to us?" he asked. "All those years he wasn't there...All the things you had to endure because of him walking out...How are you able to forgive and move on?"
"Well Drele I can tell you that it definitely was no easy...Things were very hard when he left us and I even questioned him actually leaving again..." she answered. "But it was not all his fault...Me and your father had been going through a lot between the time your sister was born and when he left...We began to struggle and I became very irritated by your father's immaturity...Well I wouldn't call it immaturity...He just didn’t' really know how to do "motherly" things that I just couldn't do at the time because of my post labor...I gave him a very hard time about the smallest of things and he felt like he couldn't take it anymore."
"But just because he felt like he couldn't take it anymore that justifies him walking away?" he asked.
"No Drele, it definitely didn't make it ok and he knew that...he tried to come back and I just would have it...I told him that he would never see his kids again..." she said. "And after a while I didn't hear from him at all and at that time I realized that I had made a big mistake but my pride wouldn't let me go back to him..." she said.
At that moment Andrele, eyes wide in amazement, sits straight up in his chair.
"Then one day he called and I swallowed my pride enough to answer the phone...He called to check on us and he apologized for everything that happened between us...We sat there and talked for hours catching and I noticed a difference in him...In his tone...in his dialogue...He was a broken man..." she added. "The way that he asked and talked about us I could tell that he had been broken by not being able to see his family...he asked to come by and visit us during the conversation and I allowed it..."
Andrele was a loss of words. "What...Wha...How..."
"That is the reason I tell you that that man is a good man...yes he has made his mistakes but we all do...When he started to be back around and you started to take a bad vibe with him I offered to him that I would tell you the whole story but he chose against it...He told me that he would bare he blame so you would still have me to confide in need be..." she continued. "That man has always wanted to be in you and your sister's lives and I respect and support him in his endeavors..."
Thrown for a loop by the information that his mother has shared with him, Andrele is very confused about his feelings for his father. On hand he is thinking about how his father wasn't in his life so many years, but in the other he now knows that the reasons for his hatred toward Pat aren't exactly valid anymore. Yes his father left hem but it wasn't completely his fault and when he wanted to come back initially his mother didn't want Pat to.
"Honestly Pat is my soul mate...The bad times that I've shared with him are nothing compared to the wonderful times I've enjoyed with him...I'm so happy to have him back in my life and I think you should be too..." she added.
At that moment a nurse walked into the waiting room.
"Pamela Driek?"
"That's me...How is he doing?...Is he ok?" she asked nervously.
"Well ma'am he is in critical condition right now...Mr. Jones suffered a mild heart attack...he will need to stay under our care until we can be sure that his health is stable enough..." he nurse answered.
"Well can we at least see him?" Pam asked.
"He is actually sleeping but you may go see him." the nurse said.
The family all gathered together to follow the nurse to Pat’s room. With so much going through his mind, Andrele’s steps were very hesitant. All he could think about was how much he resented Pat for almost no reason at all. How could he face him after treating him so wrongly? Getting closer and closer to Pat’s room, the family grew more hopefully as Andrele himself grew more hesitant.
“Ok his room is right here…” the nurse said as she entered his room. “Let me just check everything to make sure that everything is everything.”
Andrele was he last member to walk into the room. As Pat lay in bed motionless, it was immediately noticeable that he was in awful condition. Pam began to cry seeing him in such bad shape. Andrele was in a state of shock. He just couldn’t believe that all this time he had wrongly accused his father and now he is about o potential lose one of the people that he wanted in his life the most, his father.
“Nurse, how long do you think he will have to be here…like an estimate time frame?” Pam asked.
“I honestly wouldn’t be able to answer that question for you right now…it’s going to depend solely on how fast his health level increases.” The nurse answered.
Andrele just stood this quietly as if he wasn’t even there. Then the nurse begins again.
“Umm excuse me ma’am, I know it may not be the right time but I have some paperwork that needs to be signed…financial purposes…”
“Ok…thank you for everything…” Pam replied.
As he nurse hands the pen and clipboard to Pam Andrele grabs it from this mother’s hands.
”I got it mama…don’t worry bout…” he said to her.
This shocks Pam and as Andrele begins to fill out the paperwork she begins to smile.
Andrele completes the paperwork and followed he nurse into he the hall way. But before he could get too far out into the hall, Big Mama comes behind him and stops him.
”Drele you did a good thing back there…I know things have been rough between you and your father but your mother was right...” she said. “He has been trying to do everything he can to make sure things could be made right….I know things made be hard to understand right now but give him a chance… I don’t think you will regret it suga...”
"I hear ya Big Mama..." Andrele replied.
Andrele wasn't very sure what would transpire between him and Pat but what he was sure of is that he had to at least try to make things right. Or at least make something of the situation.
Andrele's phone begins to rings.
"Hello?"
"Yea Drele what happened to you calling me back?" Tanya said.
"Mercy I had some family issues today...I apologize." he said.
"Nigga don’t lie to me...you probably been somewhere frappin' off." she said.
"No really I did have family issues...no flex...my father had a heart attack...I been at the hospital since like 11." he replied.
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that...he ok?" she asked.
"At the moment yes...I don’t know how long he will be here though." he said.
"Oh ok...well are you ok?...Are you even feeling up for this appearance tomorrow?" she asked.
"I don’t know how to feel right now honestly but I'ma be aight...I need to make this appearance cause I'ma take care of the expenses." he said.
"Well aight...what time do you wanna meet up tomorrow?" Tanya asked.
"Just give me the normal wake up call." Andrele replied.
"Ok...Try to get some rest...I'll talk to you later on..." she said.
Andrele then walks back in the room.
"Mama I gotta go...Got an appearance to make in the morning...Call me if y'all need anything..." he said.
"Ok I'll call U...Be careful on the way home." Pam said.
"Ok...I love y'all...Later..."
His day was definitely not supposed to unfold like it did but he would get some rest and try to sleep it off. Another day gone, another day to start anew.
Andrele and his family sat in one of Grady Hospital's waiting rooms, many thoughts and emotions flood his mind. Caught up on the realization that his actions toward his father could possibly be his last were seriously attacking him. But his ill will toward his father made him numb to any hysteria. Although he was caught between emotions, seeing his family so sad made him feel for his father's situation. "Lord please let him be ok!" Pam said weeping.
Seeing his mother so distraught made him question his emotions toward his dad even more. He thought to himself why is she able to throw what he did out the window like nothing ever happened. How could she simply accept him back after he left her with two kids to raise on her own for years. He dabbled at the idea of asking her why but figured the time wasn't right, but the hunger of knowing wouldn’t let him ignore his anxiousness.
"Mama could I ask you a question?" he asked wiping her tears.
"What is it son?" she replied.
"How is it that you are able to accept Pat back into our lives after what he's done to us?" he asked. "All those years he wasn't there...All the things you had to endure because of him walking out...How are you able to forgive and move on?"
"Well Drele I can tell you that it definitely was no easy...Things were very hard when he left us and I even questioned him actually leaving again..." she answered. "But it was not all his fault...Me and your father had been going through a lot between the time your sister was born and when he left...We began to struggle and I became very irritated by your father's immaturity...Well I wouldn't call it immaturity...He just didn’t' really know how to do "motherly" things that I just couldn't do at the time because of my post labor...I gave him a very hard time about the smallest of things and he felt like he couldn't take it anymore."
"But just because he felt like he couldn't take it anymore that justifies him walking away?" he asked.
"No Drele, it definitely didn't make it ok and he knew that...he tried to come back and I just would have it...I told him that he would never see his kids again..." she said. "And after a while I didn't hear from him at all and at that time I realized that I had made a big mistake but my pride wouldn't let me go back to him..." she said.
At that moment Andrele, eyes wide in amazement, sits straight up in his chair.
"Then one day he called and I swallowed my pride enough to answer the phone...He called to check on us and he apologized for everything that happened between us...We sat there and talked for hours catching and I noticed a difference in him...In his tone...in his dialogue...He was a broken man..." she added. "The way that he asked and talked about us I could tell that he had been broken by not being able to see his family...he asked to come by and visit us during the conversation and I allowed it..."
Andrele was a loss of words. "What...Wha...How..."
"That is the reason I tell you that that man is a good man...yes he has made his mistakes but we all do...When he started to be back around and you started to take a bad vibe with him I offered to him that I would tell you the whole story but he chose against it...He told me that he would bare he blame so you would still have me to confide in need be..." she continued. "That man has always wanted to be in you and your sister's lives and I respect and support him in his endeavors..."
Thrown for a loop by the information that his mother has shared with him, Andrele is very confused about his feelings for his father. On hand he is thinking about how his father wasn't in his life so many years, but in the other he now knows that the reasons for his hatred toward Pat aren't exactly valid anymore. Yes his father left hem but it wasn't completely his fault and when he wanted to come back initially his mother didn't want Pat to.
"Honestly Pat is my soul mate...The bad times that I've shared with him are nothing compared to the wonderful times I've enjoyed with him...I'm so happy to have him back in my life and I think you should be too..." she added.
At that moment a nurse walked into the waiting room.
"Pamela Driek?"
"That's me...How is he doing?...Is he ok?" she asked nervously.
"Well ma'am he is in critical condition right now...Mr. Jones suffered a mild heart attack...he will need to stay under our care until we can be sure that his health is stable enough..." he nurse answered.
"Well can we at least see him?" Pam asked.
"He is actually sleeping but you may go see him." the nurse said.
The family all gathered together to follow the nurse to Pat’s room. With so much going through his mind, Andrele’s steps were very hesitant. All he could think about was how much he resented Pat for almost no reason at all. How could he face him after treating him so wrongly? Getting closer and closer to Pat’s room, the family grew more hopefully as Andrele himself grew more hesitant.
“Ok his room is right here…” the nurse said as she entered his room. “Let me just check everything to make sure that everything is everything.”
Andrele was he last member to walk into the room. As Pat lay in bed motionless, it was immediately noticeable that he was in awful condition. Pam began to cry seeing him in such bad shape. Andrele was in a state of shock. He just couldn’t believe that all this time he had wrongly accused his father and now he is about o potential lose one of the people that he wanted in his life the most, his father.
“Nurse, how long do you think he will have to be here…like an estimate time frame?” Pam asked.
“I honestly wouldn’t be able to answer that question for you right now…it’s going to depend solely on how fast his health level increases.” The nurse answered.
Andrele just stood this quietly as if he wasn’t even there. Then the nurse begins again.
“Umm excuse me ma’am, I know it may not be the right time but I have some paperwork that needs to be signed…financial purposes…”
“Ok…thank you for everything…” Pam replied.
As he nurse hands the pen and clipboard to Pam Andrele grabs it from this mother’s hands.
”I got it mama…don’t worry bout…” he said to her.
This shocks Pam and as Andrele begins to fill out the paperwork she begins to smile.
Andrele completes the paperwork and followed he nurse into he the hall way. But before he could get too far out into the hall, Big Mama comes behind him and stops him.
”Drele you did a good thing back there…I know things have been rough between you and your father but your mother was right...” she said. “He has been trying to do everything he can to make sure things could be made right….I know things made be hard to understand right now but give him a chance… I don’t think you will regret it suga...”
"I hear ya Big Mama..." Andrele replied.
Andrele wasn't very sure what would transpire between him and Pat but what he was sure of is that he had to at least try to make things right. Or at least make something of the situation.
Andrele's phone begins to rings.
"Hello?"
"Yea Drele what happened to you calling me back?" Tanya said.
"Mercy I had some family issues today...I apologize." he said.
"Nigga don’t lie to me...you probably been somewhere frappin' off." she said.
"No really I did have family issues...no flex...my father had a heart attack...I been at the hospital since like 11." he replied.
"Oh I'm sorry to hear that...he ok?" she asked.
"At the moment yes...I don’t know how long he will be here though." he said.
"Oh ok...well are you ok?...Are you even feeling up for this appearance tomorrow?" she asked.
"I don’t know how to feel right now honestly but I'ma be aight...I need to make this appearance cause I'ma take care of the expenses." he said.
"Well aight...what time do you wanna meet up tomorrow?" Tanya asked.
"Just give me the normal wake up call." Andrele replied.
"Ok...Try to get some rest...I'll talk to you later on..." she said.
Andrele then walks back in the room.
"Mama I gotta go...Got an appearance to make in the morning...Call me if y'all need anything..." he said.
"Ok I'll call U...Be careful on the way home." Pam said.
"Ok...I love y'all...Later..."
His day was definitely not supposed to unfold like it did but he would get some rest and try to sleep it off. Another day gone, another day to start anew.
CHAPTER 4
As the sun rose again to shed light through Andrele’s window, it shines on the unawaken. Exhausted mentally from the previous day’s unexpected series of events, Andrele’s sleeps a little later than he usually does on a day when he knowingly has plans. Considering the fact that he had been tossing and turning the entire night, his sleeping in isn’t unbelievable. The fact that he had been wrongly hated a man that wasn’t of the character that he was accused of was seriously eating him up. Thoughts of “What to do now?” and “Can the time lost really be made up?” flooded his mind. Andrele thought of times that Pat would try to simply talk to him and Anderele would blow him off. All Pat’s attempts to better the relationship between the two of them were eventually, if not right away, shut down by Andrele’s hatred. So how are things really going to be repaired? All that Andrele could hope and pray on is that Pat would continue to want things to be better.
Knocks at his front door awakes him.
“Not again…” Andrele said as the knocking turns into banging. “Hol up…I’m coming…Give me a second.”
He makes his way to the door half sleep pleading with knocker outside his door.
“PLEASE STOP KNOCKING!!”
He opens the door and it is his publicist Tanya Mercy.
“I’m sorry if this is a bad time but I had to come check on you…You wasn’t answering yo phone and I just wanted to make sure you were ok.” She said walking into the loft.
Andrele slightly annoyed but understanding replies.
“Yea…I’m straight…Things are just crazy right now man…”
“I mean I understand…Honestly like how you feeling right now?” Mercy asked.
“I guess I’m fine…” he said. “But I just can’t believe…man…”
“Can’t believe what Drele?” she asked.
Andrele sat her down and explained the previous day in entirety.
“Damn boy….You were really going through it yesterday…” she replied to the story. “How you gon deal wit that?”
“Honestly right now I have NO clue…” he said. “I kinda just hope it works itself out forreal forreal!”
“Well deal wit it the best way you know how…and always know that you got me in your corner.” She said as she grabs his hands.
“I know I know….and thank you so much…” she replied. “That shit just got my mind going.” Andrele said.
“I understand…………….Hey…..Get dressed…Let’s go grab something to eat or something.” Mercy said.
“Tanya….I ain’t really feeling it...I ain’t really hungry.” he said.
“Man come on Drele…I’m not taking no for an answer.” Mercy stated as she pushes him for the couch and toward the stairs.
“Aight…Aight….I’ll go….” He quickly replies. “But I get to pick where we go cause you know you ain’t got no taste.” He said.
“REALLY? THAT’S HOW YOU FEEL?” she replies.
Andrele got dressed and the two headed out. With it being Andrele’s decision on where they would go, it kept things “real southern like” as he chose to go to Waffle House.
“Umm may I have the All-Star Special….I want my eggs scrambled WIT CHEESE and may I have sausage instead of bacon…….O and kept that hash and make it double cheese eggs!!” he told the waiter excitedly. “Wit OJ please?...O and EVERYTHING is on her…THANK YOU!!!”
“Boy you a mess…” Mercy said laughing and shaking her head. “May I have 2 sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits please and coffee? Thank you.”
“See I told you you ain’t got no taste…You come to the “Home Of The All Star” and don’t get an All Star…What wrong witcha?” Andrele said.
After the two ordered, they sat, talked, ate and enjoyed themselves. With some much business time, they hadn’t had much time to simply just enjoy each other as friends and not co-workers. They exchange many laughs and life stories and really get to know each other on a platonic level. This had to be one of the intimate conversations that the two had shared since Tanya was hired has his publicist.
“So what is the move…are we going to do the appearance or not Drele?” she said.
“Yea I guess we will…Ain’t nothing wrong wit a lil community service…plus it ain’t like I got anything else to do…” he replied.
On arrival to the community service event, Andrele and Tanya were immediately greeted by the event’s coordinator, James Willis; a children’s right advocate.
“Hello…How are you?....Mr. Driek correct?” he said greeting Andrele.
“Yes that is me and I’m fine….How bout yourself?” Andrele replied.
“I’m absolutely well….and who might I ask is this gorgeous queen that accompanies you?” Willis said as he inspects Tanya’s petite frame.
“Ummm…she is my assistant/publicist Ms. Tanya Mercy…” Andrele said.
“Hi…what a pleasure it must be to be blessed with such beauty Ms. Mercy…I’m glad you have blessed me and this event also…” Willis said as he grabs Tanya’s hand and gently kisses it.
“Uh…such a gentleman…nice to meet you…” she answered.
“Yes ma’am…chivalry definitely isn’t dead….” Willis said. “But back to business…Andrele today’s agenda will consist of simply fraternizing with this old cidevant retirees and Atlanta’s vibrant youth….That seems easy enough right?....Right Ms. Mercy?”
“Yes I do believe it should Mr. Willis!” Tanya said.
“So if you will follow me into the conference room I will assist you in the process of getting signed in and we can begin…this way please?” he said directing them and proceeding to walk off.
“Mercy what was all of that?” he whispered to Tanya before they followed Willis.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“All that flirting you were doing...O yes Mr. Willis….You’re such a gentlemen….” he said laughing at and mocking her.
“I was just being nice…and he is a gentleman from what I just seen...Are you….are you jealous?...Green isn’t a good color for you!” she replied.
“No envy here at all….” He said quickly.
“Come on before this dude gets too far away…” she said.
“You need to stop at the refreshments first don’t you” Andrele asked.
“No….Why you asking?” she asked.
“Cause you looking thirsty as hell!” he said laughing.
“Man come on here…” she said.
As the sun rose again to shed light through Andrele’s window, it shines on the unawaken. Exhausted mentally from the previous day’s unexpected series of events, Andrele’s sleeps a little later than he usually does on a day when he knowingly has plans. Considering the fact that he had been tossing and turning the entire night, his sleeping in isn’t unbelievable. The fact that he had been wrongly hated a man that wasn’t of the character that he was accused of was seriously eating him up. Thoughts of “What to do now?” and “Can the time lost really be made up?” flooded his mind. Andrele thought of times that Pat would try to simply talk to him and Anderele would blow him off. All Pat’s attempts to better the relationship between the two of them were eventually, if not right away, shut down by Andrele’s hatred. So how are things really going to be repaired? All that Andrele could hope and pray on is that Pat would continue to want things to be better.
Knocks at his front door awakes him.
“Not again…” Andrele said as the knocking turns into banging. “Hol up…I’m coming…Give me a second.”
He makes his way to the door half sleep pleading with knocker outside his door.
“PLEASE STOP KNOCKING!!”
He opens the door and it is his publicist Tanya Mercy.
“I’m sorry if this is a bad time but I had to come check on you…You wasn’t answering yo phone and I just wanted to make sure you were ok.” She said walking into the loft.
Andrele slightly annoyed but understanding replies.
“Yea…I’m straight…Things are just crazy right now man…”
“I mean I understand…Honestly like how you feeling right now?” Mercy asked.
“I guess I’m fine…” he said. “But I just can’t believe…man…”
“Can’t believe what Drele?” she asked.
Andrele sat her down and explained the previous day in entirety.
“Damn boy….You were really going through it yesterday…” she replied to the story. “How you gon deal wit that?”
“Honestly right now I have NO clue…” he said. “I kinda just hope it works itself out forreal forreal!”
“Well deal wit it the best way you know how…and always know that you got me in your corner.” She said as she grabs his hands.
“I know I know….and thank you so much…” she replied. “That shit just got my mind going.” Andrele said.
“I understand…………….Hey…..Get dressed…Let’s go grab something to eat or something.” Mercy said.
“Tanya….I ain’t really feeling it...I ain’t really hungry.” he said.
“Man come on Drele…I’m not taking no for an answer.” Mercy stated as she pushes him for the couch and toward the stairs.
“Aight…Aight….I’ll go….” He quickly replies. “But I get to pick where we go cause you know you ain’t got no taste.” He said.
“REALLY? THAT’S HOW YOU FEEL?” she replies.
Andrele got dressed and the two headed out. With it being Andrele’s decision on where they would go, it kept things “real southern like” as he chose to go to Waffle House.
“Umm may I have the All-Star Special….I want my eggs scrambled WIT CHEESE and may I have sausage instead of bacon…….O and kept that hash and make it double cheese eggs!!” he told the waiter excitedly. “Wit OJ please?...O and EVERYTHING is on her…THANK YOU!!!”
“Boy you a mess…” Mercy said laughing and shaking her head. “May I have 2 sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits please and coffee? Thank you.”
“See I told you you ain’t got no taste…You come to the “Home Of The All Star” and don’t get an All Star…What wrong witcha?” Andrele said.
After the two ordered, they sat, talked, ate and enjoyed themselves. With some much business time, they hadn’t had much time to simply just enjoy each other as friends and not co-workers. They exchange many laughs and life stories and really get to know each other on a platonic level. This had to be one of the intimate conversations that the two had shared since Tanya was hired has his publicist.
“So what is the move…are we going to do the appearance or not Drele?” she said.
“Yea I guess we will…Ain’t nothing wrong wit a lil community service…plus it ain’t like I got anything else to do…” he replied.
On arrival to the community service event, Andrele and Tanya were immediately greeted by the event’s coordinator, James Willis; a children’s right advocate.
“Hello…How are you?....Mr. Driek correct?” he said greeting Andrele.
“Yes that is me and I’m fine….How bout yourself?” Andrele replied.
“I’m absolutely well….and who might I ask is this gorgeous queen that accompanies you?” Willis said as he inspects Tanya’s petite frame.
“Ummm…she is my assistant/publicist Ms. Tanya Mercy…” Andrele said.
“Hi…what a pleasure it must be to be blessed with such beauty Ms. Mercy…I’m glad you have blessed me and this event also…” Willis said as he grabs Tanya’s hand and gently kisses it.
“Uh…such a gentleman…nice to meet you…” she answered.
“Yes ma’am…chivalry definitely isn’t dead….” Willis said. “But back to business…Andrele today’s agenda will consist of simply fraternizing with this old cidevant retirees and Atlanta’s vibrant youth….That seems easy enough right?....Right Ms. Mercy?”
“Yes I do believe it should Mr. Willis!” Tanya said.
“So if you will follow me into the conference room I will assist you in the process of getting signed in and we can begin…this way please?” he said directing them and proceeding to walk off.
“Mercy what was all of that?” he whispered to Tanya before they followed Willis.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“All that flirting you were doing...O yes Mr. Willis….You’re such a gentlemen….” he said laughing at and mocking her.
“I was just being nice…and he is a gentleman from what I just seen...Are you….are you jealous?...Green isn’t a good color for you!” she replied.
“No envy here at all….” He said quickly.
“Come on before this dude gets too far away…” she said.
“You need to stop at the refreshments first don’t you” Andrele asked.
“No….Why you asking?” she asked.
“Cause you looking thirsty as hell!” he said laughing.
“Man come on here…” she said.
CHAPTER 5
“Ah…Mr. Wroberson…How have you been?” Willis said greeting people as they entered the conference room. “How’s the wife and kids?”
As they walked into the conference room to sign in Andrele became overwhelmed by how many corporations that were in attendance.
“Mercy, you didn’t tell me it would be some many suits here…” he said.
“Oh don’t you go getting all nervous…we already here now.” Mercy said.
Andrele has a slight problem with being professional; he’s not very professional at all. Hence the reason he hired Mercy. He has her around to do most of his talking and consulting. Since his recent stardom, he has been working on his professional speaking but it’s still a work in progress.
“I mean you could’ve at least told me Tanya.” he replied.
“Oh hush…you’ll be aight...” she said. “This day is about the kids remember…and this could be good practice for you.”
“I guess you right bout that at least…I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.” He replied.
“When aren’t you making a fool of yourself?” she said sarcastically. “All else fails, just be yourself…if they don’t accept that then oh well.” she said encouraging him.
“Is everything ok Mr. Driek?” Willis asked.
“Yes, everything is fine…jus didn’t know this many corporations would be here.” he answered. “I thought it would kinda be more for the kids.”
“A more intimate ordeal?...Ah, I understand…well there will be chance for that.” Willis said. “Right now is the time to mingle and network…I’m sure you’re a man of many words.”
“Yea, WRITING those words.” Mercy whispered under her breath. “Um…he’ll be fine Mr. Willis.”
“James, please call me James.” Willis said.
“Ok James.” she replied.
“Great, well I shall meet up with you all later…I must go make sure that everyone and everything will be in place for the conference lunch…until then au revoir madam.” Willis said as he winked at Mercy then walks away.
“Au revoir madam…” Andrele said mocking Willis.
“Oh grow up!” Mercy replied.
“He’s so cheesy…James, please call me James…” he said as he continued. “You can’t be serious…”
“And why not Drele?” Mercy asked. “I think he’s very sweet.”
“Whatever floats your boat Mercy.” He replied.
“Yea Yea Yea…well now that we are signed in lets go talk and network with some of these people.” Mercy said.
The conference room was filled with the “whose who” of the Metro Atlanta area. Representatives in attendance ranged from reps of the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks to reps of the CNN center and Turner broadcasting and also reps of the Varsity and Chic-Fil-A restuarants. These corporates were attending the conference to encourage the youth and to extend a hand in any way useful. This was a really great chance for Andrele as well. Not only to help the youth from the areas he grew up in but also it was a glorious chance for him to get to know some new people to further his own career. It had always been his dream to be on a television show.
With Mercy by his side, Andrele mingled with the various reps. He met a representative from the Varsity that had heard of him and was currently reading one of Andrele’s books. He had also met a rep from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The rep had explained how he used Andrele’s latest book as a reference for a study in one of his classes. Many people that Mercy and Andrele talked to knew who Andrele was (or at least his alias) and had or was reading one of his books. This flattered Andrele so much. He knew that his books were selling well but he didn’t realize the range of people that actually read his books.
“Now aren’t you glad you came?” Mercy asked.
“Yea I can’t lie, this was pretty cool!” he replied. “And we ain’t even talked to the kids yet…that’s the part I’m anxious for really!”
“And it is such a delight to hear you say that Mr. Driek.” Willis said appearing from behind them. “I love the enthusiaism…and it is certainly timely because I have a group of kids ready to hear from the creator of the Sensual Subject series…you seem to be very popular with the oldest crowd that we have in attendance today.”
“Oh man…really…well lets go man…I’m ready!” Andrele said excitedly.
“Ok well right his way sir.” Willis said.
James Willis walked them out of the conference room and down the hall to a conference room filled with college students.
“And the moment you’ve all been waiting for…its my pleasure to introduce, although most of you already know him, Mel Thoughts, writer of Sensual Subject.”
The crowd greeted Andrele with a round of applause.
“Thank y’all for having me…I’m very excited about being in front of y’all today.” Andrele said. “I got a college crowd and that’s cool cause I ain’t too much older than y’all.”
Anderele attended Georgia State University before publishing his first book of the Sensual Subject series. His first book didn’t sell so well initially. He promoted his book around campus and at the AU center between Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark-Atlanta University. It took his book a while for sales top pick up. When they finally started to pick up he felt as though school was slowing his promotions down so he finished the first semester of his junior year and he dropped out.
“I was once in your shoes…unsure and confused of what the future may hold…yea that was the absolute WORST feeling!” he added. “But when people tell you to follow your dreams until you achieve them, they are giving you great advice…I did and I’m now standing in front of you a published writer and poet…all because I never lost sight of my goals…I never lost sight of my dreams!”
He talked to the students for about twenty minutes then he opened up the floor for questions.
“So I know y’all got some questions for me so what’s up?” he asked. “Feel free to ask me anything…I’m open to any and all questions…Just tell me yo name and what school you’re from.”
The room briefly went quiet and then the hands rose.
“Hi Mel, my name is Shyanne and I attend Georgia Tech…” the student said.
“Hello Shyanne…How are you and what is your question?” he asked.
“I’m well and my question is with such abrupt success in what major way has your life changed and has it changed for the better or for the worst?” the student asked.
“Thank you for the question Shyanne…Umm…honestly the only real change has been the business side of things.” He replied. “Since the publishing of my second book, S.S.: Great Sensations, I started to hire others to help me with my promotions and things like that…then I hired my assistant/publicist here Ms. Tanya Mercy.”
“Hey everyone…” Mercy said as she stepped in front of the students.
“So yea…any other questions?” he asked.
Immediately another hand went up.
“What’s up Mel…My name is Kurt Jones from Clayton State University…Yo I was reading S.S.: Ecstasy and I was wondering where did you get the inspiration for them characters man…They had a lot going on brah!” the student asked.
“Great question Kurt…Most of my characters are made up personalities but I do have a couple that are inspired by some real people.” Andrele said.
“Oh man…forreal…who are those characters and who are they inspired by?” the student asked.
“Well honestly I don’t really ever share my inspirations for my books…not even to my staff…but I will say that Kandis and Jerrod from that book are actually real people…well at least they inspired by real people.” he answered.
“That jus made they story that much more interesting…thanks for sharing that with me brah.” the student said.
“Well Mr. Driek you have time for one more question.” Willis said stepping into the doorway.
“Ok…well…anthing else?” Andrele asked the students.
“Yes I do…” said another student from the crowd.
“Although S.S: Ecstasy just came out not too long ago, are you working on another installment into the series?”
“Well I have an answer for that and the answer is yes…there will be a fourth installment but I don’t know what the title will be yet…or whether I’ll continue that crazy relationship of Kandis and Jerrod.” he replied. “I guess y’all will have to wait till this summer to see.”
The crowd chattered from the inside information.
“I really do thank you all for having me, thank you for supporting my series and good luck to you all.”
The crowd gave him a round of applause as he stepped from the front of the room. The students bombarded him to have their books autographed, but Andrele didn’t mind in the slightest. He was actually happy for this.
After he had finished his mini book signing, it was time for lunch.
“I’m bout to walk out here like I know where I’m going…you know where lunch is being served?” Andrele asked Mercy.
“I don’t know but I know I’m starving!” Mercy replied. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to just follow the crowd… they gotta be going there too.”
“You right and I told you to get that All-Star this morning…” Andrele said laughing. “You was actin all cute and shit.”
“I wasn’t that hungry then but I am now…plus I had to pay for all that shit you had fat ass.” she said. “But ANYWAY don’t you have something to tell me?”
“What?” Andrele asked.
“You never told me that some of yo characters were real!” she said.
“They not!” he said with a smirk.
Boy stop playing wit me now…now are you gon tell me or not…I’m not gon sit here and beg you!” she said.
“Well I’m damn sure not if you talking to me like that!” he replied continuing to laugh.
“Boy stop all that damn playing and just tell me.” she said.
“And if I don’t, what you gon do?”
“Brah you so childish!” she said.
“Why do you wanna know so bad?” he asked. “They are just characters!”
“I just wanna know…plus I feel like I have the right to know!” she said. “You tell me everything else…I gotta listen to you rant bout all this and all that and all them frappin ass females you be fucking wit but you can’t tell me bout some damn characters in yo lame ass books?”
“Damn that's how you feel?” he asked. “And why my books gotta be lame? They can’t be too lame if you be reading em!”
“Man whatever!” she said sucking her teeth, “Cut that bullshit and tell me.”
“I’m not telling you Mercy.” he said.
“I bet Jerrod Paul ain’t it?” she said starting to randomly guess. “Or its Krik and that bitch Lea...you don always had a soft spot for her.”
“So you just gon start guessin now?” he asked. “I’m not gon tell you…just know it’s a close friend of mine.”
“What damn close friend?” she asked. “I know all yo close damn friends.”
“Just stop asking Tanya…I’m not gon say it…Just let it go…”
“I’ll let it go right now but I’m not gon let it go completely.” She said. “I have the right to know!”
“I can live with that...” he said. “Let’s just enjoy this free meal and down time.”
Just as the two sat down at the table to eat, James Willis came to join them.
“I want to thank you for coming and participating.” he said. “And for bringing along such a beautiful young lady with you.”
“Thank you so much James.” she said.
“And she’s also a great listener I see.” Willis added.
“Yea well obviously from the conversation we just had I guess that’s what I been paying her for.” Andrele said laughing.
“Seems as though she’s a keeper…what would I have to do in order to get a date with you Ms. Mercy?” Willis said.
“Meh Meh Meh Meh Meh Ms. Mercy?” Andrele said mocking Willis under this breath.
Mercy kicked Andrele under the table.
“All you would have to do is simply ask.” she said.
“May I take you out for dinner tonight…maybe Houston’s?” Willis asked.
“Uhm…that sounds wonderful!” she replied.
“Well here is my number, text me your address and I shall see you later.” Willis said to Mercy. “Nice meeting you Mr. Driek.”
Then James Willis got up from the table and walked away. Mercy watch his every step as every step made him more distant.
“That guy is such a cornball Tanya!” Andrele said.
“No you’ve got it wrong…That man is such a gentleman.”
“You’re really gonna go out with that guy?” he asked.
“Yes I am!” she answered. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“Because…Because…he’s…him…” he said.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong wit him!” she insisted to Andrele. “A woman should be able to be ‘wined and dined’ once in a while.”
“Anybody could do that…” he said. “Hell I can do that!”
“Boy you ain’t got a damn gentle bone in yo body.” she said. “That’s why you can’t keep no relationship…I need a real man and that James Willis is a real man!”
“I think I’m gonna to throw up!” he said.
“Yea Yea…whatever…let’s just finish this food so I can go get my car from yo house…I got a date to get ready for!” she said.
“Whatever you say Ms. Mercy!”
“Ah…Mr. Wroberson…How have you been?” Willis said greeting people as they entered the conference room. “How’s the wife and kids?”
As they walked into the conference room to sign in Andrele became overwhelmed by how many corporations that were in attendance.
“Mercy, you didn’t tell me it would be some many suits here…” he said.
“Oh don’t you go getting all nervous…we already here now.” Mercy said.
Andrele has a slight problem with being professional; he’s not very professional at all. Hence the reason he hired Mercy. He has her around to do most of his talking and consulting. Since his recent stardom, he has been working on his professional speaking but it’s still a work in progress.
“I mean you could’ve at least told me Tanya.” he replied.
“Oh hush…you’ll be aight...” she said. “This day is about the kids remember…and this could be good practice for you.”
“I guess you right bout that at least…I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself.” He replied.
“When aren’t you making a fool of yourself?” she said sarcastically. “All else fails, just be yourself…if they don’t accept that then oh well.” she said encouraging him.
“Is everything ok Mr. Driek?” Willis asked.
“Yes, everything is fine…jus didn’t know this many corporations would be here.” he answered. “I thought it would kinda be more for the kids.”
“A more intimate ordeal?...Ah, I understand…well there will be chance for that.” Willis said. “Right now is the time to mingle and network…I’m sure you’re a man of many words.”
“Yea, WRITING those words.” Mercy whispered under her breath. “Um…he’ll be fine Mr. Willis.”
“James, please call me James.” Willis said.
“Ok James.” she replied.
“Great, well I shall meet up with you all later…I must go make sure that everyone and everything will be in place for the conference lunch…until then au revoir madam.” Willis said as he winked at Mercy then walks away.
“Au revoir madam…” Andrele said mocking Willis.
“Oh grow up!” Mercy replied.
“He’s so cheesy…James, please call me James…” he said as he continued. “You can’t be serious…”
“And why not Drele?” Mercy asked. “I think he’s very sweet.”
“Whatever floats your boat Mercy.” He replied.
“Yea Yea Yea…well now that we are signed in lets go talk and network with some of these people.” Mercy said.
The conference room was filled with the “whose who” of the Metro Atlanta area. Representatives in attendance ranged from reps of the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta Hawks to reps of the CNN center and Turner broadcasting and also reps of the Varsity and Chic-Fil-A restuarants. These corporates were attending the conference to encourage the youth and to extend a hand in any way useful. This was a really great chance for Andrele as well. Not only to help the youth from the areas he grew up in but also it was a glorious chance for him to get to know some new people to further his own career. It had always been his dream to be on a television show.
With Mercy by his side, Andrele mingled with the various reps. He met a representative from the Varsity that had heard of him and was currently reading one of Andrele’s books. He had also met a rep from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The rep had explained how he used Andrele’s latest book as a reference for a study in one of his classes. Many people that Mercy and Andrele talked to knew who Andrele was (or at least his alias) and had or was reading one of his books. This flattered Andrele so much. He knew that his books were selling well but he didn’t realize the range of people that actually read his books.
“Now aren’t you glad you came?” Mercy asked.
“Yea I can’t lie, this was pretty cool!” he replied. “And we ain’t even talked to the kids yet…that’s the part I’m anxious for really!”
“And it is such a delight to hear you say that Mr. Driek.” Willis said appearing from behind them. “I love the enthusiaism…and it is certainly timely because I have a group of kids ready to hear from the creator of the Sensual Subject series…you seem to be very popular with the oldest crowd that we have in attendance today.”
“Oh man…really…well lets go man…I’m ready!” Andrele said excitedly.
“Ok well right his way sir.” Willis said.
James Willis walked them out of the conference room and down the hall to a conference room filled with college students.
“And the moment you’ve all been waiting for…its my pleasure to introduce, although most of you already know him, Mel Thoughts, writer of Sensual Subject.”
The crowd greeted Andrele with a round of applause.
“Thank y’all for having me…I’m very excited about being in front of y’all today.” Andrele said. “I got a college crowd and that’s cool cause I ain’t too much older than y’all.”
Anderele attended Georgia State University before publishing his first book of the Sensual Subject series. His first book didn’t sell so well initially. He promoted his book around campus and at the AU center between Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark-Atlanta University. It took his book a while for sales top pick up. When they finally started to pick up he felt as though school was slowing his promotions down so he finished the first semester of his junior year and he dropped out.
“I was once in your shoes…unsure and confused of what the future may hold…yea that was the absolute WORST feeling!” he added. “But when people tell you to follow your dreams until you achieve them, they are giving you great advice…I did and I’m now standing in front of you a published writer and poet…all because I never lost sight of my goals…I never lost sight of my dreams!”
He talked to the students for about twenty minutes then he opened up the floor for questions.
“So I know y’all got some questions for me so what’s up?” he asked. “Feel free to ask me anything…I’m open to any and all questions…Just tell me yo name and what school you’re from.”
The room briefly went quiet and then the hands rose.
“Hi Mel, my name is Shyanne and I attend Georgia Tech…” the student said.
“Hello Shyanne…How are you and what is your question?” he asked.
“I’m well and my question is with such abrupt success in what major way has your life changed and has it changed for the better or for the worst?” the student asked.
“Thank you for the question Shyanne…Umm…honestly the only real change has been the business side of things.” He replied. “Since the publishing of my second book, S.S.: Great Sensations, I started to hire others to help me with my promotions and things like that…then I hired my assistant/publicist here Ms. Tanya Mercy.”
“Hey everyone…” Mercy said as she stepped in front of the students.
“So yea…any other questions?” he asked.
Immediately another hand went up.
“What’s up Mel…My name is Kurt Jones from Clayton State University…Yo I was reading S.S.: Ecstasy and I was wondering where did you get the inspiration for them characters man…They had a lot going on brah!” the student asked.
“Great question Kurt…Most of my characters are made up personalities but I do have a couple that are inspired by some real people.” Andrele said.
“Oh man…forreal…who are those characters and who are they inspired by?” the student asked.
“Well honestly I don’t really ever share my inspirations for my books…not even to my staff…but I will say that Kandis and Jerrod from that book are actually real people…well at least they inspired by real people.” he answered.
“That jus made they story that much more interesting…thanks for sharing that with me brah.” the student said.
“Well Mr. Driek you have time for one more question.” Willis said stepping into the doorway.
“Ok…well…anthing else?” Andrele asked the students.
“Yes I do…” said another student from the crowd.
“Although S.S: Ecstasy just came out not too long ago, are you working on another installment into the series?”
“Well I have an answer for that and the answer is yes…there will be a fourth installment but I don’t know what the title will be yet…or whether I’ll continue that crazy relationship of Kandis and Jerrod.” he replied. “I guess y’all will have to wait till this summer to see.”
The crowd chattered from the inside information.
“I really do thank you all for having me, thank you for supporting my series and good luck to you all.”
The crowd gave him a round of applause as he stepped from the front of the room. The students bombarded him to have their books autographed, but Andrele didn’t mind in the slightest. He was actually happy for this.
After he had finished his mini book signing, it was time for lunch.
“I’m bout to walk out here like I know where I’m going…you know where lunch is being served?” Andrele asked Mercy.
“I don’t know but I know I’m starving!” Mercy replied. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to just follow the crowd… they gotta be going there too.”
“You right and I told you to get that All-Star this morning…” Andrele said laughing. “You was actin all cute and shit.”
“I wasn’t that hungry then but I am now…plus I had to pay for all that shit you had fat ass.” she said. “But ANYWAY don’t you have something to tell me?”
“What?” Andrele asked.
“You never told me that some of yo characters were real!” she said.
“They not!” he said with a smirk.
Boy stop playing wit me now…now are you gon tell me or not…I’m not gon sit here and beg you!” she said.
“Well I’m damn sure not if you talking to me like that!” he replied continuing to laugh.
“Boy stop all that damn playing and just tell me.” she said.
“And if I don’t, what you gon do?”
“Brah you so childish!” she said.
“Why do you wanna know so bad?” he asked. “They are just characters!”
“I just wanna know…plus I feel like I have the right to know!” she said. “You tell me everything else…I gotta listen to you rant bout all this and all that and all them frappin ass females you be fucking wit but you can’t tell me bout some damn characters in yo lame ass books?”
“Damn that's how you feel?” he asked. “And why my books gotta be lame? They can’t be too lame if you be reading em!”
“Man whatever!” she said sucking her teeth, “Cut that bullshit and tell me.”
“I’m not telling you Mercy.” he said.
“I bet Jerrod Paul ain’t it?” she said starting to randomly guess. “Or its Krik and that bitch Lea...you don always had a soft spot for her.”
“So you just gon start guessin now?” he asked. “I’m not gon tell you…just know it’s a close friend of mine.”
“What damn close friend?” she asked. “I know all yo close damn friends.”
“Just stop asking Tanya…I’m not gon say it…Just let it go…”
“I’ll let it go right now but I’m not gon let it go completely.” She said. “I have the right to know!”
“I can live with that...” he said. “Let’s just enjoy this free meal and down time.”
Just as the two sat down at the table to eat, James Willis came to join them.
“I want to thank you for coming and participating.” he said. “And for bringing along such a beautiful young lady with you.”
“Thank you so much James.” she said.
“And she’s also a great listener I see.” Willis added.
“Yea well obviously from the conversation we just had I guess that’s what I been paying her for.” Andrele said laughing.
“Seems as though she’s a keeper…what would I have to do in order to get a date with you Ms. Mercy?” Willis said.
“Meh Meh Meh Meh Meh Ms. Mercy?” Andrele said mocking Willis under this breath.
Mercy kicked Andrele under the table.
“All you would have to do is simply ask.” she said.
“May I take you out for dinner tonight…maybe Houston’s?” Willis asked.
“Uhm…that sounds wonderful!” she replied.
“Well here is my number, text me your address and I shall see you later.” Willis said to Mercy. “Nice meeting you Mr. Driek.”
Then James Willis got up from the table and walked away. Mercy watch his every step as every step made him more distant.
“That guy is such a cornball Tanya!” Andrele said.
“No you’ve got it wrong…That man is such a gentleman.”
“You’re really gonna go out with that guy?” he asked.
“Yes I am!” she answered. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“Because…Because…he’s…him…” he said.
“There is absolutely nothing wrong wit him!” she insisted to Andrele. “A woman should be able to be ‘wined and dined’ once in a while.”
“Anybody could do that…” he said. “Hell I can do that!”
“Boy you ain’t got a damn gentle bone in yo body.” she said. “That’s why you can’t keep no relationship…I need a real man and that James Willis is a real man!”
“I think I’m gonna to throw up!” he said.
“Yea Yea…whatever…let’s just finish this food so I can go get my car from yo house…I got a date to get ready for!” she said.
“Whatever you say Ms. Mercy!”
CHAPTER 6
It was eleven thirty and Andrele was just making it home. After he and Mercy got to his place after the event, Andrele decided he would visit his father in the hospital. He went to the house to pick up his mother and they went to the hospital together.
On their way to the hospital, he still naturally felt some confusion. It wasn’t as bad as his intial feeling though. In his mind he had come to grips that the situation that he had made up in his mind was untrue. After he and his mother’s talk he realized things weren’t as they seemed to him. He realized that he couldn’t entirely blame Pat for his short comings. He made himself understand that the way things happened between his mother and father was the way that they chose to handle the situation and that he could do nothing to change that. The only thing that he had full control over was the present and future relationship between he and his father.
When they arrived Andrele was slightly nervous about finding out the condition of his father. He found himself hesitant to his father’s room as he could tell his mother was feeling the same way. He knew that, in the hospital’s care, they would be doing any and everything in their power to ensure Pat’s one hundred percent recovery but he couldn’t block out of his mind that fact that his condition could be getting worst.
From the parking lot to the entrance, the entrance to the elevator and the elevator to the Intensive Care Unit, Andrele had a bad feeling in his stomach. But hand in hand, he and his mother made their way to his room.
They walked through the door to see him still hooked up as already expected. Minutes after they arrived to his room a nurse came to greet them.
“Hello, you’re Mr. Driek’s family right?”
“Yes we are his wife and son.” Andrele’s mother answered.
“Hello again, my name is Andrea…I am assigned to Mr. Driek this shift…if you have any questions or concerns just let me know and I will do whatever I can do to fulfill your needs.” The nurse said.
“Hi Andrea…How is he doing?” Pam asked.
“From what I read on this board he’s doing pretty good.” she said. “He hasn’t had any complications or anything…if things stay this well then he is on his way to a speedy recovery.”
Suddenly the nervousness between Andrele and his mother had subsided. These words were just the words they needed to hear.
“Oh thank goodness!” Pam said.
“Yep, I’m sorry that he’s not up…I let him go to sleep not too long ago.” the nurse said. “I could wake him if you’d like.”
“No no no…we are fine…he needs all the rest he can get cause when he gets out here he has a lot of house work to do!” Pam said jokingly.
“Ok…great...well just buzz me if you need anything.” the nurse said laughing.
As the nurse left a calm quietness fell over the room. Pam then walked over to Pat’s bedside. She slowly caressed his face and kissed his forehead.
“He’s so calm.” she said. “The calmest I’ve seen him in a very long time.”
“Why you say that mama?" Andrele asked.
“He’s been on edge some much lately dealing with family issues, work issues and who knows what else…” she said. “He has always been one to hold things in!”
“Mama I’m so sorry for everything…I just…” Andrele began to say before he was interrupted by his mother.
“Sweetheart you don’t have to say a word…I understand how you feeling…you don’t have to apologize Andrele.” she said. “But I do want you to consider changing things between you and him son.”
“I understand mama and I honestly plan to.” he said. “This whole situation has changed my whole mindset of him…I can’t continue to act the way I act toward him…it’s just not fair.”
“I’m glad you came around Andrele…he deserves your love.” Pam said.
They both glance at Pat and share a hug.
Well that was how Andrele’s afternoon/evening went. After that he simply dropped this mother off at the house, talked to his sister and Big Mama for a while then went home. He was a little disappointed that Big Mama hadn’t cooked dinner yet. She had been waiting on Pam to get back home. She offered to cook for him but he didn’t want to wait so he just headed home. He was thinking that he could always stop by tomorrow and get some leftovers.
“Another long day.” He thought to himself as he took off his coat to unwind. “What do I have in the kitchen…probably nothing.”
He headed to the kitchen to see if he could find something to eat.
He began to raid his refrigerator in search of just the right dish for dinner. He had tilapia, chicken, ground beef, pork chops and more and still he couldn’t make up his mind.
“What shall I have?”
Suddenly he heard knocking at the door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
“Man who could this be at this time of night?”
He proceeded toward the door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
“I’m coming…hol up!”
*Knock Knock Knock*
Andrele opened the door and it was Tanya Mercy. She was wearing a short fitting black dress with red heels and a pretty disgusted look on her face.
“What took you so long to get to this door Drele…my feet already hurting from walking in these heels all night…plus I had to walk up them stairs…” she said. “As a matter of fact why I ain’t got a key…I need a key cause you be trippin!”
“You don’t pay no bills in here brah!” he said.
“I do pay yo bills and brah don’t call me brah.” she said.
“You pay MY bills wit MY money!”
“Hell, I pay MY bills wit yo money…what’s the difference?” she asked.
“You’re confusing me.” he said.
“Boy be quiet and go get me some socks or something…I gotta get outta these heels.” she said. “Footies please…cause yo foot is big as hell.”
Andrele laughed and went upstairs to go get the socks.
“Why the hell are you here anyway?” Andrele asked. “ Ain’t you ‘spose to wit James.”
“Must you always mock him?” she asked. “That’s so not cute.”
“I’m just saying!” he said.
“I’m just saying!” she said mocking as Andrele handed her the socks. ”You should give me a massage at it too.”
I’M NOT TOUCHING THEM DAWGS!!!” he yelled.
“Brah whay you yellin...its like eleven…don’t you got neighbors?” she said.
“It ain’t nothing but ten twenty and fuck them neighbors…I pay just like they pay.” he said. “But back to my question…why are you here?”
“I just can’t come visit?” she asked.
“No!”
“Oh so it’s like that now?” she asked.
“Stop stalling and answer my question Mercy.”
“It was terrible!” she answered.
“You had sex wit him already?” he asked.
“”No…heaven’s no!” she said. “The date…it was horrible.”
With a devilish grin, Andrele asked Mercy what happened.
“I DON’T KNOW!” she answered. “He was EVERYTHING I expected him to be and that EVERYTHING annoyed the shit outta me!” she said.
Andrele couldn’t help himself. He burst out into laughter.
“I told you Mercy, I told you!” Andrele said. “That guy was SUPER cheesy!”
“Cheesy ain’t even the word Drele!” Mercy said. “Pompous, narcissistic, asshole, must I go on?
“Nawl nawl…” Andrele said continuing to laugh.
“After a while I just told him that I wasn’t feeling good and to just take me home!” she said. “I’m mad he know where I live.”
“Well did you at least get a meal out of it?”
“No, the place we went to on Paces Ferry was packed and then when we were finally getting seated I was too ready to go!” she answered.
“No Bueno!” he said. “Well I was about to cook…are you hungry?”
“I ain’t bout to let you kill me…I’m too young!” she said. “Plus its kinda late…I don’t wanna interfere wit yo lil skanks.”
“Mercy shut up!” he said. “I’ma cook…come in here in the kitchen.”
They went into the kitchen and continued to talk about the horrible date that Mercy had experienced. She explained how James Willis basically didn’t do anything but talk about himself and all his achievements all night. She even said how he had tried to make a couple jokes about Andrele.
“Mhmmm…that smells wonderful…what are you cooking?” she asked.
“I’m cooking blackened tilapia, corn, broccoli and creamy mashed potatoes.” he answered.
“Oh shit…let me find out!”
“I mean it’s just sumn slight!” he said. “It’s almost done.”
“Ok Ok…so what did you do for the rest of the day?” she asked.
“Umm I went to visit my father in the hospital with my mother.” he said.
“Oh really…how is he doing…how did it go?”
“Oh he’s doing ok and the visit went ok too…I’ve just come to grips with the fact that what I thought was going on was wrong and that I need to move on and make the relationship between me and him better!” he answered.
Mercy began to clap her hands.
“Now that’s a good boy!” she said to him as if she was talking to a baby.
“Aye cut that shit out and get a plate so you can get this food.” he said. “As a matter of just go to the table…I got you.”
“Aight well I ain’t at no five star restaurant so don’t skimp my plate!” she said laughing.
“Aight I won’t”
Andrele fixed both of their plates and brought them to the table.
“I’m bout to show you how it’s ‘spose to be done.” he said jokingly. “I’m bout to pop this bottle of wine…you want some?”
“Sure that’s fine.”
The two began to eat. Mercy took a bite of the fish.
"This fish is delicious and the veggies and seasoned perfectly…where did you learn to cook so well?” she asked.
"From my mama and Big Mama…I used to be in the kitchen helping all the time.” he said. “Ever since I was a lil boy.”
“Well it paid off cause this food is really good…I might have to come over for dinner more often.”
“Shit I wouldn’t mind…you are welcome anytime.” he said.
“Cool then!”
They began to get lost in conversation and wine. They began to talk about childhood memories, family, college and even how they came about their respective career paths. Mercy initially wanted to become a psychologist but decided not to follow it because it was easier to follow in her father’s footsteps a public relations professional. But ultimately it was a decision that she does not regret.
Caught up in convo, they headed to the living room where they settled in on the couch.
“Oh whatever…that is not true!” Mercy shouted.
“What ain’t?” he asked.
“SpongeBob is not gay!”
“Are you serious…let’s be real…he had a baby wit Patrick.” Andrele answered.
“Man whatever…let’s not even go there.” she said. “Oh my goodness…what time is it?”
“I don’t know!” he replied.
“Check yo phone fool.” she said.
"Oh…yea…right….hol up.” he said looking for his phone.
“It’s right there!”
“Right there where?” he asked as he scrambled for his phone.
“I got it.” she said. “Its almost three o’clock…I gotta be getting home!”
“Yea it is pretty late.”
Mercy took to stand up, stumbled and fell back on the couch. In the act she dropped Andrele’s phone on the floor.
“Oops I’m sorry!”
They both went to pick up the phone and bump heads.
“Ouch…yo big ass head!” Andrele said.
“I know U ain’t talking!” she replied.
“Just give me the phone.”
Andrele snatched the phone from Mercy’s hand.
“Don’t be snatchin shit from me!” she said as she snatched the phone back.
Before long they began tussling for the phone and end up both falling to the floor. Mercy falls on top of Andrele. They both started laughing aimlessly.
The laughter subsides for a moment and then Mercy kisses Andrele. The magic lasted for a few seconds and stops abruptly.
“Wha…Wha…What was that?” he asked.
“I don’t know…I’m so sorry…I really must go!”
"No…” he said as he rolls on top of Mercy and started to kiss her again.
Instead of resisting, Mercy gave in to Andrele placing her hand behind his head.
They aggressively kissed one another holding back nothing. Andrele began to kiss Mercy’s neck. Mercy gripped his back as she removed his shirt. She gripped his torso as he continued to kiss her neck and lips. Mercy’s body began to shiver from the soft kisses he began to plant on her body. He grabbed hold of her, picked her up and carried her up the stairs to his bed. He laid her on the bed and pulled up her dress asking her to take it off.
After she had taken off her dress Andrele crouched down over the bed and penetrated Mercy. Andrele stroked her softly as Mercy moaned and scratched his back.
“Lay down!” she whispered in his ear.
He lay back on the bed. Mercy climbed on top of Andrele and began to ride him. He gripped her waist as she bounced up and down.
“Ah…fuck me Drele fuck me…” she yelled.
Andrele pulled her down and grabbed her by her shoulders and began to stroke her harder and faster.
“Yes Drele Yes…just like that…oh shit!”
They continued this way until they both fell asleep from love-making’s bliss.
What would await them when the morning sun awoke them?
It was eleven thirty and Andrele was just making it home. After he and Mercy got to his place after the event, Andrele decided he would visit his father in the hospital. He went to the house to pick up his mother and they went to the hospital together.
On their way to the hospital, he still naturally felt some confusion. It wasn’t as bad as his intial feeling though. In his mind he had come to grips that the situation that he had made up in his mind was untrue. After he and his mother’s talk he realized things weren’t as they seemed to him. He realized that he couldn’t entirely blame Pat for his short comings. He made himself understand that the way things happened between his mother and father was the way that they chose to handle the situation and that he could do nothing to change that. The only thing that he had full control over was the present and future relationship between he and his father.
When they arrived Andrele was slightly nervous about finding out the condition of his father. He found himself hesitant to his father’s room as he could tell his mother was feeling the same way. He knew that, in the hospital’s care, they would be doing any and everything in their power to ensure Pat’s one hundred percent recovery but he couldn’t block out of his mind that fact that his condition could be getting worst.
From the parking lot to the entrance, the entrance to the elevator and the elevator to the Intensive Care Unit, Andrele had a bad feeling in his stomach. But hand in hand, he and his mother made their way to his room.
They walked through the door to see him still hooked up as already expected. Minutes after they arrived to his room a nurse came to greet them.
“Hello, you’re Mr. Driek’s family right?”
“Yes we are his wife and son.” Andrele’s mother answered.
“Hello again, my name is Andrea…I am assigned to Mr. Driek this shift…if you have any questions or concerns just let me know and I will do whatever I can do to fulfill your needs.” The nurse said.
“Hi Andrea…How is he doing?” Pam asked.
“From what I read on this board he’s doing pretty good.” she said. “He hasn’t had any complications or anything…if things stay this well then he is on his way to a speedy recovery.”
Suddenly the nervousness between Andrele and his mother had subsided. These words were just the words they needed to hear.
“Oh thank goodness!” Pam said.
“Yep, I’m sorry that he’s not up…I let him go to sleep not too long ago.” the nurse said. “I could wake him if you’d like.”
“No no no…we are fine…he needs all the rest he can get cause when he gets out here he has a lot of house work to do!” Pam said jokingly.
“Ok…great...well just buzz me if you need anything.” the nurse said laughing.
As the nurse left a calm quietness fell over the room. Pam then walked over to Pat’s bedside. She slowly caressed his face and kissed his forehead.
“He’s so calm.” she said. “The calmest I’ve seen him in a very long time.”
“Why you say that mama?" Andrele asked.
“He’s been on edge some much lately dealing with family issues, work issues and who knows what else…” she said. “He has always been one to hold things in!”
“Mama I’m so sorry for everything…I just…” Andrele began to say before he was interrupted by his mother.
“Sweetheart you don’t have to say a word…I understand how you feeling…you don’t have to apologize Andrele.” she said. “But I do want you to consider changing things between you and him son.”
“I understand mama and I honestly plan to.” he said. “This whole situation has changed my whole mindset of him…I can’t continue to act the way I act toward him…it’s just not fair.”
“I’m glad you came around Andrele…he deserves your love.” Pam said.
They both glance at Pat and share a hug.
Well that was how Andrele’s afternoon/evening went. After that he simply dropped this mother off at the house, talked to his sister and Big Mama for a while then went home. He was a little disappointed that Big Mama hadn’t cooked dinner yet. She had been waiting on Pam to get back home. She offered to cook for him but he didn’t want to wait so he just headed home. He was thinking that he could always stop by tomorrow and get some leftovers.
“Another long day.” He thought to himself as he took off his coat to unwind. “What do I have in the kitchen…probably nothing.”
He headed to the kitchen to see if he could find something to eat.
He began to raid his refrigerator in search of just the right dish for dinner. He had tilapia, chicken, ground beef, pork chops and more and still he couldn’t make up his mind.
“What shall I have?”
Suddenly he heard knocking at the door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
“Man who could this be at this time of night?”
He proceeded toward the door.
*Knock Knock Knock*
“I’m coming…hol up!”
*Knock Knock Knock*
Andrele opened the door and it was Tanya Mercy. She was wearing a short fitting black dress with red heels and a pretty disgusted look on her face.
“What took you so long to get to this door Drele…my feet already hurting from walking in these heels all night…plus I had to walk up them stairs…” she said. “As a matter of fact why I ain’t got a key…I need a key cause you be trippin!”
“You don’t pay no bills in here brah!” he said.
“I do pay yo bills and brah don’t call me brah.” she said.
“You pay MY bills wit MY money!”
“Hell, I pay MY bills wit yo money…what’s the difference?” she asked.
“You’re confusing me.” he said.
“Boy be quiet and go get me some socks or something…I gotta get outta these heels.” she said. “Footies please…cause yo foot is big as hell.”
Andrele laughed and went upstairs to go get the socks.
“Why the hell are you here anyway?” Andrele asked. “ Ain’t you ‘spose to wit James.”
“Must you always mock him?” she asked. “That’s so not cute.”
“I’m just saying!” he said.
“I’m just saying!” she said mocking as Andrele handed her the socks. ”You should give me a massage at it too.”
I’M NOT TOUCHING THEM DAWGS!!!” he yelled.
“Brah whay you yellin...its like eleven…don’t you got neighbors?” she said.
“It ain’t nothing but ten twenty and fuck them neighbors…I pay just like they pay.” he said. “But back to my question…why are you here?”
“I just can’t come visit?” she asked.
“No!”
“Oh so it’s like that now?” she asked.
“Stop stalling and answer my question Mercy.”
“It was terrible!” she answered.
“You had sex wit him already?” he asked.
“”No…heaven’s no!” she said. “The date…it was horrible.”
With a devilish grin, Andrele asked Mercy what happened.
“I DON’T KNOW!” she answered. “He was EVERYTHING I expected him to be and that EVERYTHING annoyed the shit outta me!” she said.
Andrele couldn’t help himself. He burst out into laughter.
“I told you Mercy, I told you!” Andrele said. “That guy was SUPER cheesy!”
“Cheesy ain’t even the word Drele!” Mercy said. “Pompous, narcissistic, asshole, must I go on?
“Nawl nawl…” Andrele said continuing to laugh.
“After a while I just told him that I wasn’t feeling good and to just take me home!” she said. “I’m mad he know where I live.”
“Well did you at least get a meal out of it?”
“No, the place we went to on Paces Ferry was packed and then when we were finally getting seated I was too ready to go!” she answered.
“No Bueno!” he said. “Well I was about to cook…are you hungry?”
“I ain’t bout to let you kill me…I’m too young!” she said. “Plus its kinda late…I don’t wanna interfere wit yo lil skanks.”
“Mercy shut up!” he said. “I’ma cook…come in here in the kitchen.”
They went into the kitchen and continued to talk about the horrible date that Mercy had experienced. She explained how James Willis basically didn’t do anything but talk about himself and all his achievements all night. She even said how he had tried to make a couple jokes about Andrele.
“Mhmmm…that smells wonderful…what are you cooking?” she asked.
“I’m cooking blackened tilapia, corn, broccoli and creamy mashed potatoes.” he answered.
“Oh shit…let me find out!”
“I mean it’s just sumn slight!” he said. “It’s almost done.”
“Ok Ok…so what did you do for the rest of the day?” she asked.
“Umm I went to visit my father in the hospital with my mother.” he said.
“Oh really…how is he doing…how did it go?”
“Oh he’s doing ok and the visit went ok too…I’ve just come to grips with the fact that what I thought was going on was wrong and that I need to move on and make the relationship between me and him better!” he answered.
Mercy began to clap her hands.
“Now that’s a good boy!” she said to him as if she was talking to a baby.
“Aye cut that shit out and get a plate so you can get this food.” he said. “As a matter of just go to the table…I got you.”
“Aight well I ain’t at no five star restaurant so don’t skimp my plate!” she said laughing.
“Aight I won’t”
Andrele fixed both of their plates and brought them to the table.
“I’m bout to show you how it’s ‘spose to be done.” he said jokingly. “I’m bout to pop this bottle of wine…you want some?”
“Sure that’s fine.”
The two began to eat. Mercy took a bite of the fish.
"This fish is delicious and the veggies and seasoned perfectly…where did you learn to cook so well?” she asked.
"From my mama and Big Mama…I used to be in the kitchen helping all the time.” he said. “Ever since I was a lil boy.”
“Well it paid off cause this food is really good…I might have to come over for dinner more often.”
“Shit I wouldn’t mind…you are welcome anytime.” he said.
“Cool then!”
They began to get lost in conversation and wine. They began to talk about childhood memories, family, college and even how they came about their respective career paths. Mercy initially wanted to become a psychologist but decided not to follow it because it was easier to follow in her father’s footsteps a public relations professional. But ultimately it was a decision that she does not regret.
Caught up in convo, they headed to the living room where they settled in on the couch.
“Oh whatever…that is not true!” Mercy shouted.
“What ain’t?” he asked.
“SpongeBob is not gay!”
“Are you serious…let’s be real…he had a baby wit Patrick.” Andrele answered.
“Man whatever…let’s not even go there.” she said. “Oh my goodness…what time is it?”
“I don’t know!” he replied.
“Check yo phone fool.” she said.
"Oh…yea…right….hol up.” he said looking for his phone.
“It’s right there!”
“Right there where?” he asked as he scrambled for his phone.
“I got it.” she said. “Its almost three o’clock…I gotta be getting home!”
“Yea it is pretty late.”
Mercy took to stand up, stumbled and fell back on the couch. In the act she dropped Andrele’s phone on the floor.
“Oops I’m sorry!”
They both went to pick up the phone and bump heads.
“Ouch…yo big ass head!” Andrele said.
“I know U ain’t talking!” she replied.
“Just give me the phone.”
Andrele snatched the phone from Mercy’s hand.
“Don’t be snatchin shit from me!” she said as she snatched the phone back.
Before long they began tussling for the phone and end up both falling to the floor. Mercy falls on top of Andrele. They both started laughing aimlessly.
The laughter subsides for a moment and then Mercy kisses Andrele. The magic lasted for a few seconds and stops abruptly.
“Wha…Wha…What was that?” he asked.
“I don’t know…I’m so sorry…I really must go!”
"No…” he said as he rolls on top of Mercy and started to kiss her again.
Instead of resisting, Mercy gave in to Andrele placing her hand behind his head.
They aggressively kissed one another holding back nothing. Andrele began to kiss Mercy’s neck. Mercy gripped his back as she removed his shirt. She gripped his torso as he continued to kiss her neck and lips. Mercy’s body began to shiver from the soft kisses he began to plant on her body. He grabbed hold of her, picked her up and carried her up the stairs to his bed. He laid her on the bed and pulled up her dress asking her to take it off.
After she had taken off her dress Andrele crouched down over the bed and penetrated Mercy. Andrele stroked her softly as Mercy moaned and scratched his back.
“Lay down!” she whispered in his ear.
He lay back on the bed. Mercy climbed on top of Andrele and began to ride him. He gripped her waist as she bounced up and down.
“Ah…fuck me Drele fuck me…” she yelled.
Andrele pulled her down and grabbed her by her shoulders and began to stroke her harder and faster.
“Yes Drele Yes…just like that…oh shit!”
They continued this way until they both fell asleep from love-making’s bliss.
What would await them when the morning sun awoke them?
CHAPTER 7
The morning sun rose and went as the two still lay sleep together. Their serene utopia still intact as they laid obviously in time. The sun like a spot light beaming down upon them as they await a rude awaken. But the passion they had shared just hours prior had them snug close enjoying each other's warm embrace. But this warm embrace would be interrupted.
Andrele slowly awoke to see at his surprise Mercy laying there with her head pressed gently on his chest. He couldn't believe his eyes. A night that seemed to him a dream was truly reality. Every kiss, every touch, every stroke was real. He was stricken with disbelief but he did not want the feeling to cease. He just laid there sorting his thoughts and enjoying the moment.
What could possibly become of this completely unexpected situation? How was Mercy going to react to this sight when she wakes up? That was all that was going through his mind. All he could think of was that Mercy's reaction was definitely going to be much different from that of his own. She was definitely not going to react as calmly as he had. He was caught between his own thoughts and thinking of what hers would be.
To somewhat deviate the hysterics of her reaction, he felt the best thing to do was to get out of bed and leave her there by herself so that it seems as if she slept in his bed alone. But would she really believe that? Considering the fact that she was naked, that was really unlikely. He just didn't want to be there when she woke up. He thought that it would be the worst thing to do in this situation. Well it was just his luck that he would not have the chance to make that choice. He suddenly felt Mercy beginning to move. As she began to wake up he became a little frantic but it was to late to get out of bed so he did the only thing he could think of at the time; he played sleep.
"Oh no....NO!" Mercy whispered as she slipped from her slumber to see herself in bed with Andrele. "What have I done?"
She sat up slowly ensuring that she didn't wake Andrele; or so she thought. She took a moment to get herself and her thoughts together. She thought that she did not want to wake Andrele and have to face the awkwardness that would follow. She began to start out of the bed but then something came to her. The awkwardness would be there regardless of if she faced him now or later. At the end of the day she was his assistant and there was no way that she could run from this. She gave herself a quick pep talk then she "woke up" Andrele.
"Drele...Drele...Andrele wake up?"
She shook him to wake him and he pretended to wake up.
"MERCY...WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" he asked pretending to be surprised. "AND WHY ARE YOU NAKED...WHATS GOING ON?"
"Drele stop acting like that...you know good and hell well what's going on and what went on." she said. "It did happen right?"
"Yea...I'm pretty sure it happened."
She turned her head and let it fall into the sheets she had clinched in her hands.
"Are you sure...cause I mean we could've just slept..." she asked turning back toward Andrele.
"Really...just slept...." he said. "We both naked laid up...does that sound like 'JUST SLEPT' to you?"
"Yea you're right...how could we have let this happen Drele?" she asked.
Mercy fixed the cover around herself to stand up.
"Wow wow wow...what are you doing?" he asked. "I ain't got no clothes on under here Mercy..."
"Oh please...you was worried bout being naked last night!" she replied.
"Well neither were you."
"That was low...you ain't even have to go there?" she said.
"You went there first!" he said.
"Whatever...but seriously what are we going to do?" she asked.
"I mean I don't know." he said.
"What do you mean you don't know...how can you be so calm about this?" she asked.
"Cause its nothing to freak out about Tanya." he answered.
"What do you mean...this is totally something to freak out about...I'm your assistant!" she shouted.
"And you did your job...you assisted me by helping me get to sleep..." he said. "...right after a couple rounds AWESOME sex."
"Wow and you handle this by making jokes...really?" she asked.
"I mean what do you want me to do Tanya?"
"I want you to help me find out how we gon forget bout this." she said.
"Well I have a problem wit that!"
"And what is that Drele?" she asked.
"What if I don't want to forget about it Tanya?" he said.
She stood up and turned toward him still laying on the bed.
"What...what are you talking bout Drele?" she asked.
He also stood up from the bed and walk over to grab some shorts.
"Just what I said...What if I don't want to forget about it?"
"Drele I heard exactly what you said...by saying that though what do you mean by it?" she asked.
"What do you think I mean by it...Exactly what I said." he said. "I don't want to forget about it."
Andrele could tell from the look on Mercy's face that she did not understand the statement he was trying to convey. He sat her back down and sat beside her.
"Mercy what I'm trying to say is I don't want to forget about it cause I feel for you."
"Andrele stop bullshitting now...stop playing wit me...this ain't funny." she said.
"I know that and I'm not trying to be funny...I have feelings for you Tanya."
"You can't be seriously telling me this right now." she said.
"I'm being very honest wit you." he said.
"So last night was all a set up...you knew what you were going all long...you got me drunk to have sex with me?" she asked.
"Nooooo...not at all." he said. "I will say that I was tryna do something special for you by cooking but everything else that happened just happened."
The room goes quiet for a moment.
"Plus I would've never done anything or even tried anything with you if you hadn't kissed me first."
"You still took advantage of me Drele...I was drunk!" she said.
"Yes I understand that and just because I have feelings for you that means I took advantage of you even though you came on to me first?" he said.
"Yes...exactly...regardless if I came on to you or not!" she replied.
"Oh ok Mercy...whatever." he said. "Well let's just drop it and move on."
He then started for the bathroom.
The situation turned out just as he'd expected. Andrele feared her reaction so much because he knew that he couldn't explain the situation without having to explain the real reason he wouldn't let her leave after she had kissed him. Andrele had secretly had feelings for Mercy. He decided against saying anything about it before because of there working relationship. He didn't want to complicate things and he definitely didn't want to possibly get turn down. But with his wildest dreams unfolding he had been caught up in the mist of his emotions.
Mercy still sitting down laid back on the bed. She was in totally shock of what just transpired. One minute she's thinking that the sex would be the thing that was going to complicate things, but Andrele telling her that he had feelings for her was entirely from left field.
"Where are you going?" she asked him as he walked away. "We not done talking!"
"I'm done talking...I shouldn't even said that much."
"But you did and now what do you expect me to do?" she asked.
"Do whatever you feel is right Tanya...it doesn't matter to me." he said.
"You can't be serious." she said.
He went to the bathroom and got in the shower. At this point he didn't know how to feel. He had mustered up the courage to actually tell her how he really felt about her and it ended up just how he thought it would end. All he could think about now was that the relationship between he and Mercy would never going to be the same. A night of passion would ruin four years of time.
"So when were you going to tell me Drele?"
"I was never going to tell you Kandis..." he answered.
"What did you just call me...I know you ain't call be another bitch name." she replied.
"I called you Kandis." he said.
Another bomb dropped on her. He just called her Kandis, the crazy, out going, overachieving lady character from his latest book that she had been asking about.
"Why did you call me that?"
"You are Kandis....well Kandis is you..." he replied.
"So who is..."
"That's obvious Mercy...its me...Jerrod is me..." he said.
"I can't believe this...You...What is..." she said walking from the bathroom.
Andrele could hear what he thought was pacing coming from the bedroom. He doesn't get out to check. He just simply continues his shower. Everything went through his mind. He didn't know how to feel. On one hand he was relieved to have finally gotten his feelings off of his chest but on the other hand he knew that this situation did not turn out well at all. He finishes his shower and gets out to dry himself. He hears the front door close. With that door closing so did the opportunity of something ever becoming of he and Mercy; or so he thought.
After a couple hours passed, he decided to go spend the rest of the day with his family. He left his tomb of emotion and breathed in some fresh air. He then jumped in his car and was on his way down MLK Jr. Drive. When he pulled up his niece and nephew came running out of the eager to see him; or maybe it was the McDonald's that he had picked up on his way there. But either way Andrele was happy for the embrace.
He walked in the house to see everyone sitting in the living room talking: his sister and her boyfriend, his mother and Big Mama.
"So what's going on y'all?"
"Ain't nothing going on...come on in...you interrupting Big Mama." his sister said.
He puts the food on the dining room table, grabs a sausage biscuit and then sits down beside his mother.
"Hey baby...but yea just like I was saying girl you gotta do what you feel is right." Big Mama finished.
"Well this is definitely what I want." his sister said.
"What y'all talking bout, if I may ask?" he asked.
"Well if you must know nosey, Ken proposed to me." his sister said.
"WHAT...WOW...IM AMAZED!" he said.
"I know right...it is so great right?" she said.
"Nawl I'm amazed that he would wanna spend the REST of his life wit you." he said sarcastically. "Like honestly brah, you wanna roll over and see that every morning...and the breath...THE BREATH!"
"SHUT UP DRELE...ugh...I hate you..." she said.
"I'm just playing...congrats to you two and I give y'all my blessing."
"Thank you big bro." she said to Andrele.
"That is just beautiful!" Big Mama said. "Do what makes you happy baby."
"Where you considering not getting married?" Andrele asked.
"Yes...we want to but I really wanna have daddy's blessing to and daddy ain't in good condition so I definitely don't wanna bother him wit this." his sister said.
"I was telling her that he is gon be happy her either way!" this mother said.
"I do agree sis...it will probably make him very happy to come home to that."
"Big bro when are you gon get married or even have a steady girlfriend?" his sister asked.
This question could not have come at a more awkward moment. (It could have only been worse if Mercy was actually sitting there as well.)
"Well I don't know...but don't worry bout that." he answered. "That's in due time."
His mother could since the tension from his answer so see stepped in to mediate.
"So everything been ok son?"
"Yea everything's ok...just some problems with business...you know how that goes." he replied.
"Yea I know but you'll get through it." she said as she rubbed. "You always do."
"Yea and you know that you gotta go through troubling times sometimes to get what you want." Big Mama said. "Or to get what you truly deserve."
He said back and thought about that statement for awhile.
"And if things don't work out you always got us to fall back on." Pam said. "We are always here for support."
"Well thank y'all!" he said.
"Hey Drele man...I saw in the paper that you're going to have a fourth installment to your series man...you came up wit a title yet?" Ken asked.
Andrele took and then gave Ken an answer standing up and walking toward the door.
"Yea I think I have...No Pain No Pleasure..."
"Oh cool...I can't wait til it drops man...I wanna buy my copy directly from you." Ken said.
"Well thanks man." he said to Ken.
"Where you going sweetie?" Big Mama asked.
"I gotta go talk to Mercy about something...I'll be back." he said with a smile. "I'll see y'all later."
The morning sun rose and went as the two still lay sleep together. Their serene utopia still intact as they laid obviously in time. The sun like a spot light beaming down upon them as they await a rude awaken. But the passion they had shared just hours prior had them snug close enjoying each other's warm embrace. But this warm embrace would be interrupted.
Andrele slowly awoke to see at his surprise Mercy laying there with her head pressed gently on his chest. He couldn't believe his eyes. A night that seemed to him a dream was truly reality. Every kiss, every touch, every stroke was real. He was stricken with disbelief but he did not want the feeling to cease. He just laid there sorting his thoughts and enjoying the moment.
What could possibly become of this completely unexpected situation? How was Mercy going to react to this sight when she wakes up? That was all that was going through his mind. All he could think of was that Mercy's reaction was definitely going to be much different from that of his own. She was definitely not going to react as calmly as he had. He was caught between his own thoughts and thinking of what hers would be.
To somewhat deviate the hysterics of her reaction, he felt the best thing to do was to get out of bed and leave her there by herself so that it seems as if she slept in his bed alone. But would she really believe that? Considering the fact that she was naked, that was really unlikely. He just didn't want to be there when she woke up. He thought that it would be the worst thing to do in this situation. Well it was just his luck that he would not have the chance to make that choice. He suddenly felt Mercy beginning to move. As she began to wake up he became a little frantic but it was to late to get out of bed so he did the only thing he could think of at the time; he played sleep.
"Oh no....NO!" Mercy whispered as she slipped from her slumber to see herself in bed with Andrele. "What have I done?"
She sat up slowly ensuring that she didn't wake Andrele; or so she thought. She took a moment to get herself and her thoughts together. She thought that she did not want to wake Andrele and have to face the awkwardness that would follow. She began to start out of the bed but then something came to her. The awkwardness would be there regardless of if she faced him now or later. At the end of the day she was his assistant and there was no way that she could run from this. She gave herself a quick pep talk then she "woke up" Andrele.
"Drele...Drele...Andrele wake up?"
She shook him to wake him and he pretended to wake up.
"MERCY...WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" he asked pretending to be surprised. "AND WHY ARE YOU NAKED...WHATS GOING ON?"
"Drele stop acting like that...you know good and hell well what's going on and what went on." she said. "It did happen right?"
"Yea...I'm pretty sure it happened."
She turned her head and let it fall into the sheets she had clinched in her hands.
"Are you sure...cause I mean we could've just slept..." she asked turning back toward Andrele.
"Really...just slept...." he said. "We both naked laid up...does that sound like 'JUST SLEPT' to you?"
"Yea you're right...how could we have let this happen Drele?" she asked.
Mercy fixed the cover around herself to stand up.
"Wow wow wow...what are you doing?" he asked. "I ain't got no clothes on under here Mercy..."
"Oh please...you was worried bout being naked last night!" she replied.
"Well neither were you."
"That was low...you ain't even have to go there?" she said.
"You went there first!" he said.
"Whatever...but seriously what are we going to do?" she asked.
"I mean I don't know." he said.
"What do you mean you don't know...how can you be so calm about this?" she asked.
"Cause its nothing to freak out about Tanya." he answered.
"What do you mean...this is totally something to freak out about...I'm your assistant!" she shouted.
"And you did your job...you assisted me by helping me get to sleep..." he said. "...right after a couple rounds AWESOME sex."
"Wow and you handle this by making jokes...really?" she asked.
"I mean what do you want me to do Tanya?"
"I want you to help me find out how we gon forget bout this." she said.
"Well I have a problem wit that!"
"And what is that Drele?" she asked.
"What if I don't want to forget about it Tanya?" he said.
She stood up and turned toward him still laying on the bed.
"What...what are you talking bout Drele?" she asked.
He also stood up from the bed and walk over to grab some shorts.
"Just what I said...What if I don't want to forget about it?"
"Drele I heard exactly what you said...by saying that though what do you mean by it?" she asked.
"What do you think I mean by it...Exactly what I said." he said. "I don't want to forget about it."
Andrele could tell from the look on Mercy's face that she did not understand the statement he was trying to convey. He sat her back down and sat beside her.
"Mercy what I'm trying to say is I don't want to forget about it cause I feel for you."
"Andrele stop bullshitting now...stop playing wit me...this ain't funny." she said.
"I know that and I'm not trying to be funny...I have feelings for you Tanya."
"You can't be seriously telling me this right now." she said.
"I'm being very honest wit you." he said.
"So last night was all a set up...you knew what you were going all long...you got me drunk to have sex with me?" she asked.
"Nooooo...not at all." he said. "I will say that I was tryna do something special for you by cooking but everything else that happened just happened."
The room goes quiet for a moment.
"Plus I would've never done anything or even tried anything with you if you hadn't kissed me first."
"You still took advantage of me Drele...I was drunk!" she said.
"Yes I understand that and just because I have feelings for you that means I took advantage of you even though you came on to me first?" he said.
"Yes...exactly...regardless if I came on to you or not!" she replied.
"Oh ok Mercy...whatever." he said. "Well let's just drop it and move on."
He then started for the bathroom.
The situation turned out just as he'd expected. Andrele feared her reaction so much because he knew that he couldn't explain the situation without having to explain the real reason he wouldn't let her leave after she had kissed him. Andrele had secretly had feelings for Mercy. He decided against saying anything about it before because of there working relationship. He didn't want to complicate things and he definitely didn't want to possibly get turn down. But with his wildest dreams unfolding he had been caught up in the mist of his emotions.
Mercy still sitting down laid back on the bed. She was in totally shock of what just transpired. One minute she's thinking that the sex would be the thing that was going to complicate things, but Andrele telling her that he had feelings for her was entirely from left field.
"Where are you going?" she asked him as he walked away. "We not done talking!"
"I'm done talking...I shouldn't even said that much."
"But you did and now what do you expect me to do?" she asked.
"Do whatever you feel is right Tanya...it doesn't matter to me." he said.
"You can't be serious." she said.
He went to the bathroom and got in the shower. At this point he didn't know how to feel. He had mustered up the courage to actually tell her how he really felt about her and it ended up just how he thought it would end. All he could think about now was that the relationship between he and Mercy would never going to be the same. A night of passion would ruin four years of time.
"So when were you going to tell me Drele?"
"I was never going to tell you Kandis..." he answered.
"What did you just call me...I know you ain't call be another bitch name." she replied.
"I called you Kandis." he said.
Another bomb dropped on her. He just called her Kandis, the crazy, out going, overachieving lady character from his latest book that she had been asking about.
"Why did you call me that?"
"You are Kandis....well Kandis is you..." he replied.
"So who is..."
"That's obvious Mercy...its me...Jerrod is me..." he said.
"I can't believe this...You...What is..." she said walking from the bathroom.
Andrele could hear what he thought was pacing coming from the bedroom. He doesn't get out to check. He just simply continues his shower. Everything went through his mind. He didn't know how to feel. On one hand he was relieved to have finally gotten his feelings off of his chest but on the other hand he knew that this situation did not turn out well at all. He finishes his shower and gets out to dry himself. He hears the front door close. With that door closing so did the opportunity of something ever becoming of he and Mercy; or so he thought.
After a couple hours passed, he decided to go spend the rest of the day with his family. He left his tomb of emotion and breathed in some fresh air. He then jumped in his car and was on his way down MLK Jr. Drive. When he pulled up his niece and nephew came running out of the eager to see him; or maybe it was the McDonald's that he had picked up on his way there. But either way Andrele was happy for the embrace.
He walked in the house to see everyone sitting in the living room talking: his sister and her boyfriend, his mother and Big Mama.
"So what's going on y'all?"
"Ain't nothing going on...come on in...you interrupting Big Mama." his sister said.
He puts the food on the dining room table, grabs a sausage biscuit and then sits down beside his mother.
"Hey baby...but yea just like I was saying girl you gotta do what you feel is right." Big Mama finished.
"Well this is definitely what I want." his sister said.
"What y'all talking bout, if I may ask?" he asked.
"Well if you must know nosey, Ken proposed to me." his sister said.
"WHAT...WOW...IM AMAZED!" he said.
"I know right...it is so great right?" she said.
"Nawl I'm amazed that he would wanna spend the REST of his life wit you." he said sarcastically. "Like honestly brah, you wanna roll over and see that every morning...and the breath...THE BREATH!"
"SHUT UP DRELE...ugh...I hate you..." she said.
"I'm just playing...congrats to you two and I give y'all my blessing."
"Thank you big bro." she said to Andrele.
"That is just beautiful!" Big Mama said. "Do what makes you happy baby."
"Where you considering not getting married?" Andrele asked.
"Yes...we want to but I really wanna have daddy's blessing to and daddy ain't in good condition so I definitely don't wanna bother him wit this." his sister said.
"I was telling her that he is gon be happy her either way!" this mother said.
"I do agree sis...it will probably make him very happy to come home to that."
"Big bro when are you gon get married or even have a steady girlfriend?" his sister asked.
This question could not have come at a more awkward moment. (It could have only been worse if Mercy was actually sitting there as well.)
"Well I don't know...but don't worry bout that." he answered. "That's in due time."
His mother could since the tension from his answer so see stepped in to mediate.
"So everything been ok son?"
"Yea everything's ok...just some problems with business...you know how that goes." he replied.
"Yea I know but you'll get through it." she said as she rubbed. "You always do."
"Yea and you know that you gotta go through troubling times sometimes to get what you want." Big Mama said. "Or to get what you truly deserve."
He said back and thought about that statement for awhile.
"And if things don't work out you always got us to fall back on." Pam said. "We are always here for support."
"Well thank y'all!" he said.
"Hey Drele man...I saw in the paper that you're going to have a fourth installment to your series man...you came up wit a title yet?" Ken asked.
Andrele took and then gave Ken an answer standing up and walking toward the door.
"Yea I think I have...No Pain No Pleasure..."
"Oh cool...I can't wait til it drops man...I wanna buy my copy directly from you." Ken said.
"Well thanks man." he said to Ken.
"Where you going sweetie?" Big Mama asked.
"I gotta go talk to Mercy about something...I'll be back." he said with a smile. "I'll see y'all later."
CHAPTER 8
Andrele left the house in that moment eager in search of the right words to say. He was not at all nervous about what he would say and how he would say it. All he could think of was embracing her. Movie moments flooding this mental, he could only hope that Mercy would feel the same. With rejection being the furthest thing from his mind, he stepped with a heir of confidence. In his mind nothing she could say or do could be a disappointment. He was going to lay it all out on the line. He had to come to some kind of solution for the pickle of a situation they were currently dealing with. No matter what it took or how long it took a solution was required.
Andrele hurried down the front steps of the house down the driveway and into his car. He pulled out his phone in effort of calling Tanya. Once in his car, he connected his phone to the Bluetooth system in the car. He attempts to call her several times to no avail, no answer. He figured that he would go by her home. She had to be there. She was probably there trying to sort out her thoughts just as he had been doing. So he took one look into his rearview mirror and began to back out of the driveway.
“I must see her to…..”
At that moment Andrele’s Camaro was struck by a speeding oncoming car rolling from his blindside.
A wave of uncontrollable force plagued Andrele’s body thrusting him into the passenger side seat. He could see his whole world being turn upside down. His reality fading into the distance. His consciousness fading into the distance.
The thud from the crash echoed through the neighborhood streets causing neighbors to search for the cause of the commotion. Of those emerging neighbors, Andrele’s family also stepped from the house to see what was going on and were immediately stricken by disbelief. They couldn’t believe their eyes. Andrele had just been in the safety of their company.
Pam was completely outraged. She could only muster enough power to yell, “SOMEONE CALL 911 PLEASE, PLEASE SOMEONE CALL 911!!!!”
Ken was the one to make the call.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“There has been a car accident at 3354 Harper Lane.” Ken continued the call.
“Ok sir, we have a unit en route, it should be there very soon, stay on the line sir…...”
Before long the paramedics had arrived and carefully removed Andrele from the car. They strapped him down to the stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance. Pam clambers her way toward it.
“Mama where you going?” the sister asked.
“I’m riding with my baby…just go to the hospital.” Pam answered.
As she climbed into the ambulance, Big Mama, Kita and Ken jumped into Ken’s car and tailed them to the hospital.
What was only a twenty minute ride felt like ages to Andrele’s mother Pam. Her eyes only leaving him to look up to see if the ambulance was at the hospital yet. She surveyed every inch of him as the paramedics did what they could to ensure that he would live. All she could do was sit back and pray that he would pull through.
Andrele was unresponsive. He also had a fairly large bruise on the side of his head and a gash on his arm from being by shards of broken window glass. Those wounds seemed to be the only noticeable ones which gave Pam a sense of relief, but the unknown was eating her alive.
Soon they would arrive at the hospital and he would be rushed into the emergency room. Pam was asked to wait in the waiting room. The rest of the family arrived about nine minutes later.
“How was he doing mama?” Kita asked as she quickly entered through the waiting room door. Ken and Big Mama not too far trailing.
“They just took him in not too long ago...He was still unconscious Ki.” Pam said sobbing. “But I hope we hear something soon.”
“I still can’t believe this!” Kita said. “This is crazy!”
“Yes baby but we have to be strong right now.” Pam said. “If not for ourselves, for Andrele.”
“I know Mama, I know, but I just can’t that we just saw him leave and then this would happen.” Kita said.
“Just pray Ki!” Pam said. “All we can do is pray and wait.”
The sun sets and night fades in. The Driek family, still seated together, were eager for some news. Whether it be good news or bad news they were anxious for an update on Andrele’s condition. Pam walked to the desk.
“Hey, I’m just trying to get some type of information on my son. He was rushed here and I’m just trying to find out what’s going on.”
“Ok…yes ma’am…give me one moment please.” The nurse replied. “What was that name again Ma’am?”
“His name is Andrele Driek.” Pam answered.
“Ok…he’s in room 5… let me just called back there to see if he can be visited yet.” The nurse said. “Thank you so much for your patience!”
The nurse grabs the phone and proceeds to call to the back. A minute later she hangs up.
“Ma’am...Dr. Sportfield said that he can be visited and to come on back. He will meet you there with details.”
“Thank you so much. That’s room 5 you said?” Pam asked.
“Yes ma’am, room 5.” The nurse replied.
They left the waiting room a bit uneasy. They were walking with confidence that he would be ok but were obviously unsure. Pam, hand-in-hand with her daughter, walked swiftly to the back. The look on her face spelled out fear. She was afraid of just what that doctor might tell her. Although faced with this fear she kept moving and braced for whatever the inevitable held.
Room 1, Room 2, Room 3 then Room 4. Each room brought on more anxiety. As they approached Room 5 they crossed paths with Dr. Sportfield.
“Hello…Mrs. Driek?” He said as he reached his hand out.
“Yes…I am Mrs. Driek.” Pam replied.
“Hello again…I’m Dr. Sportfield as you’ve already been informed. I have been working with your son Andrele.” He said.
“Thank you so much. So….What did you find out?” Pam asked.
“Well we did what we could to find out any and everything that could be going on with your son and……” Dr. Sportfield said.
“Oh no, Oh no, Oh no….don’t tell me that….please don’t tell me that he’s……” Pam shouted out interrupting the doctor.
“Oh no ma’am, no ma’am…He’s not deceased. Far from it actually.” Dr. Sportfield replied. “We ran tests on him and he tested negative on all of them except for suffering a concussion.”
“OH MY GOODNESS…THANK YOU JESUS!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!” Pam said as Kita wrapped her arms around her.
What a relief this was for them. They could finally breathe. They were passed the worst idea and were able to simple focus what they needed to do to help Andrele get better.
“So what do we need to do Doc?” Kita asked.
“Now although a concussion is not life threatening, it should still be dealt with by great care.” Dr. Sportfield said. “He could have symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome, which could vary from headaches or vision changes and memory lost. He could also have mood swings as well. If this is ever becomes unbearable for him PLEASE call 911.”
“Thank you so much doctor!” Pam said. “I really appreciate all your help! You don’t know how much my kids mean to me!”
“You are more than welcome.” He said. “I have children of my own and I know that I would do absolutely anything for them.”
“Bless you doctor, Bless you!!” Pam said.
“Oh no problem at all. It’s my job!” He replied. “But just remember if any of those symptoms become too much to handle please inform a medic. Other than that you are all set. He is no long unconscious right now. He is resting. I recommend that you let him wake up on his own though. Then after that he is all set to leave.”
After thanking Dr. Sportfield one more time Pam and the family turned toward the room and walked in. Andrele lay there motionless but this time was different for Pam. She looked at Andrele with confidence knowing that her son was safe. Her son would be complete fine.
Walking toward his bedside, Pam reached out for his hands and sat in the seat that was right beside his bed. The warmth of his hand comforted her soul. She was finally able to breathe easy. She was finally able to smile. In fact everyone was.
“Hello Mrs. Driek, I’m sorry to come so late but we got here as soon as we could.” A voice spoke out as it entered the room.
It was Krik with Paul tagging close behind.
“Hello Krik, its ok. I’m just glad that you all made it here.” Pam said to Krik.
“How is he doing?” Paul asked.
“He suffered a concussion but the doctor said that he would be just fine.” Pam answered. “He just needs rest right now.”
“Thank God!” Paul said.
“Did you all do what I asked?” Pam asked.
“Of course we did mama!” Krik said. “She is coming in right now. She was at you’ll house when called.”
The “she” that they were referring to was Tanya Mercy.
“Hello Mrs. Driek, How is he doing?” Mercy said walking through the door.
“Hello Tanya, He’s fine and will be fine.” Pam replied. “So nice to finally meet you in person.”
Andrele left the house in that moment eager in search of the right words to say. He was not at all nervous about what he would say and how he would say it. All he could think of was embracing her. Movie moments flooding this mental, he could only hope that Mercy would feel the same. With rejection being the furthest thing from his mind, he stepped with a heir of confidence. In his mind nothing she could say or do could be a disappointment. He was going to lay it all out on the line. He had to come to some kind of solution for the pickle of a situation they were currently dealing with. No matter what it took or how long it took a solution was required.
Andrele hurried down the front steps of the house down the driveway and into his car. He pulled out his phone in effort of calling Tanya. Once in his car, he connected his phone to the Bluetooth system in the car. He attempts to call her several times to no avail, no answer. He figured that he would go by her home. She had to be there. She was probably there trying to sort out her thoughts just as he had been doing. So he took one look into his rearview mirror and began to back out of the driveway.
“I must see her to…..”
At that moment Andrele’s Camaro was struck by a speeding oncoming car rolling from his blindside.
A wave of uncontrollable force plagued Andrele’s body thrusting him into the passenger side seat. He could see his whole world being turn upside down. His reality fading into the distance. His consciousness fading into the distance.
The thud from the crash echoed through the neighborhood streets causing neighbors to search for the cause of the commotion. Of those emerging neighbors, Andrele’s family also stepped from the house to see what was going on and were immediately stricken by disbelief. They couldn’t believe their eyes. Andrele had just been in the safety of their company.
Pam was completely outraged. She could only muster enough power to yell, “SOMEONE CALL 911 PLEASE, PLEASE SOMEONE CALL 911!!!!”
Ken was the one to make the call.
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“There has been a car accident at 3354 Harper Lane.” Ken continued the call.
“Ok sir, we have a unit en route, it should be there very soon, stay on the line sir…...”
Before long the paramedics had arrived and carefully removed Andrele from the car. They strapped him down to the stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance. Pam clambers her way toward it.
“Mama where you going?” the sister asked.
“I’m riding with my baby…just go to the hospital.” Pam answered.
As she climbed into the ambulance, Big Mama, Kita and Ken jumped into Ken’s car and tailed them to the hospital.
What was only a twenty minute ride felt like ages to Andrele’s mother Pam. Her eyes only leaving him to look up to see if the ambulance was at the hospital yet. She surveyed every inch of him as the paramedics did what they could to ensure that he would live. All she could do was sit back and pray that he would pull through.
Andrele was unresponsive. He also had a fairly large bruise on the side of his head and a gash on his arm from being by shards of broken window glass. Those wounds seemed to be the only noticeable ones which gave Pam a sense of relief, but the unknown was eating her alive.
Soon they would arrive at the hospital and he would be rushed into the emergency room. Pam was asked to wait in the waiting room. The rest of the family arrived about nine minutes later.
“How was he doing mama?” Kita asked as she quickly entered through the waiting room door. Ken and Big Mama not too far trailing.
“They just took him in not too long ago...He was still unconscious Ki.” Pam said sobbing. “But I hope we hear something soon.”
“I still can’t believe this!” Kita said. “This is crazy!”
“Yes baby but we have to be strong right now.” Pam said. “If not for ourselves, for Andrele.”
“I know Mama, I know, but I just can’t that we just saw him leave and then this would happen.” Kita said.
“Just pray Ki!” Pam said. “All we can do is pray and wait.”
The sun sets and night fades in. The Driek family, still seated together, were eager for some news. Whether it be good news or bad news they were anxious for an update on Andrele’s condition. Pam walked to the desk.
“Hey, I’m just trying to get some type of information on my son. He was rushed here and I’m just trying to find out what’s going on.”
“Ok…yes ma’am…give me one moment please.” The nurse replied. “What was that name again Ma’am?”
“His name is Andrele Driek.” Pam answered.
“Ok…he’s in room 5… let me just called back there to see if he can be visited yet.” The nurse said. “Thank you so much for your patience!”
The nurse grabs the phone and proceeds to call to the back. A minute later she hangs up.
“Ma’am...Dr. Sportfield said that he can be visited and to come on back. He will meet you there with details.”
“Thank you so much. That’s room 5 you said?” Pam asked.
“Yes ma’am, room 5.” The nurse replied.
They left the waiting room a bit uneasy. They were walking with confidence that he would be ok but were obviously unsure. Pam, hand-in-hand with her daughter, walked swiftly to the back. The look on her face spelled out fear. She was afraid of just what that doctor might tell her. Although faced with this fear she kept moving and braced for whatever the inevitable held.
Room 1, Room 2, Room 3 then Room 4. Each room brought on more anxiety. As they approached Room 5 they crossed paths with Dr. Sportfield.
“Hello…Mrs. Driek?” He said as he reached his hand out.
“Yes…I am Mrs. Driek.” Pam replied.
“Hello again…I’m Dr. Sportfield as you’ve already been informed. I have been working with your son Andrele.” He said.
“Thank you so much. So….What did you find out?” Pam asked.
“Well we did what we could to find out any and everything that could be going on with your son and……” Dr. Sportfield said.
“Oh no, Oh no, Oh no….don’t tell me that….please don’t tell me that he’s……” Pam shouted out interrupting the doctor.
“Oh no ma’am, no ma’am…He’s not deceased. Far from it actually.” Dr. Sportfield replied. “We ran tests on him and he tested negative on all of them except for suffering a concussion.”
“OH MY GOODNESS…THANK YOU JESUS!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!” Pam said as Kita wrapped her arms around her.
What a relief this was for them. They could finally breathe. They were passed the worst idea and were able to simple focus what they needed to do to help Andrele get better.
“So what do we need to do Doc?” Kita asked.
“Now although a concussion is not life threatening, it should still be dealt with by great care.” Dr. Sportfield said. “He could have symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome, which could vary from headaches or vision changes and memory lost. He could also have mood swings as well. If this is ever becomes unbearable for him PLEASE call 911.”
“Thank you so much doctor!” Pam said. “I really appreciate all your help! You don’t know how much my kids mean to me!”
“You are more than welcome.” He said. “I have children of my own and I know that I would do absolutely anything for them.”
“Bless you doctor, Bless you!!” Pam said.
“Oh no problem at all. It’s my job!” He replied. “But just remember if any of those symptoms become too much to handle please inform a medic. Other than that you are all set. He is no long unconscious right now. He is resting. I recommend that you let him wake up on his own though. Then after that he is all set to leave.”
After thanking Dr. Sportfield one more time Pam and the family turned toward the room and walked in. Andrele lay there motionless but this time was different for Pam. She looked at Andrele with confidence knowing that her son was safe. Her son would be complete fine.
Walking toward his bedside, Pam reached out for his hands and sat in the seat that was right beside his bed. The warmth of his hand comforted her soul. She was finally able to breathe easy. She was finally able to smile. In fact everyone was.
“Hello Mrs. Driek, I’m sorry to come so late but we got here as soon as we could.” A voice spoke out as it entered the room.
It was Krik with Paul tagging close behind.
“Hello Krik, its ok. I’m just glad that you all made it here.” Pam said to Krik.
“How is he doing?” Paul asked.
“He suffered a concussion but the doctor said that he would be just fine.” Pam answered. “He just needs rest right now.”
“Thank God!” Paul said.
“Did you all do what I asked?” Pam asked.
“Of course we did mama!” Krik said. “She is coming in right now. She was at you’ll house when called.”
The “she” that they were referring to was Tanya Mercy.
“Hello Mrs. Driek, How is he doing?” Mercy said walking through the door.
“Hello Tanya, He’s fine and will be fine.” Pam replied. “So nice to finally meet you in person.”
CHAPTER 9
With the passing of about an hour or so, a silence had slithered itself among the room. Although quiet, the level of comfort was not compromised. The mood was still the same; a sense of relief. Pam sat at Andrele’s bedside, clutching his hand as he lay motionlessly sleeping. The rest of the room closely looking on.
“Mom are you hungry because I’m starving!” Kita said.
“Child I am famished.” Pam replied.
“I wasn’t going to say anything because I thought I was the only one but I am in much need of food!” Paul said butting in on the conversation. “Who is trying to make that move?”
Paul surveys the room.
“Yo I’m down!” Kita answered. “Mama you staying…What do you want to eat?”
“I don’t even know where you’re going to.” Pam said.
“Honestly I don’t know what I want.” Kita said. “I just know I’m about to get something!”
“Okay…well…just call me whenever you get to what you’re getting.” Pam suggested.
“Okay Mama…Come on Ken.” Kita says as she starts toward the door.
Ken gets up from his seat and begins to follow.
“Yo Tanya did you want anything?” Ken asked.
“Umm…no…thank you!” Mercy answered. “I’m fine.”
“Okay…you can’t say that we didn’t ask…Come on y’all.” Kita said.
With that Kita, Paul, Ken and Krik left the room thus leaving Pam and Tanya with Andrele. With his hand still in here clutches, Pam reverts her attention back to Andrele. She stares at him then gently rubs his face and then his forehead. She smiles delightedly.
“Tanya, do you have kids?” Pam asked.
“Umm no ma’am.” Mercy said with a chuckle.
“Oh okay…well there is certain connection that a mother has with her kids.” Pam went on. “There is a certain feeling that you get when they are going through something or something is bothering them.”
Mercy looks at Pam. She could see the passion within every word that passed Pam’s lips.
“I’ve always been able feel his pain without him saying anything about it…I’ve always been able to feel his concern…” Pam said. “I may not know exactly what he’s going through but I know that there is something awry.”
“I can only imagine ma’am!” Mercy replied.
“And it’s so hard to see them going through pain or anguish.” Pam said.
Pam’s facial expression slightly changes. Now her once content grin had been riddled with a moderation of worry. Pam turned her attention toward Mercy.
“Before he left the house earlier, I could tell that something was really bothering him.” Pam said. “He actually left the house in a rush…Do you by any chance know what was on his mind?”
“Umm…no ma’am…I can’t say that I do…except for the regular pressures of the job.” Mercy said now with a slight fidget in her chair.
“Oh…okay…I was just wondering…He didn’t say anything out of the ordinary but as a parent I could tell that something was bothering him.” Pam said.
“Yeah I don’t know for sure but you know how Andrele is…always stressing over something.” Mercy said with a giggle.
“Well if you ever find out that there is a problem, feel free to contact me at any time.” Pam said.
Pam noticed that Mercy became nervous. But this conversation wasn’t intended on having Mercy tell the truth about the situation between her and Andrele. It was a ploy to gain rapport with Mercy. Pam was already aware what was going on between the two of them. Pam’s purpose of this was to inform Mercy that she could be open and comfortable with her. Pam felt as though if she meant so much to Andrele that she would need to get to know Mercy.
“Ok…I’ll be sure to do that.” Mercy said, her eyes dropped.
“Well don’t stress about it…We will find out at some point.” Pam said. “It was probably nothing anyway.”
With that, Pam turns back toward Andrele with a slight smirk.
“He’s so serene.” Pam said.
In that moment, the beep of the respirator filled the room. Both women sat looking at Andrele, eager to see his eyes. They both were eager to hear his voice. But instead, he just laid. There. Breathing steadily but laid there.
A hour turned into two as they sat. Added to the continuous beep of the respirator was the sound of the television playing. Pam, now sleep, laid reclined in the recliner chair. Mercy, wide awake, sat in her chair eyes fixed on the television. Every now and then her eyes would leave the television to look at Andrele but right back to the television afterwards. Suddenly something caught her eye. She thought that she saw Andrele’s hand move. She went to his bedside and grabbed his hand. She stood waiting.
“Is everything okay in here?” The nurse asked.
“Ah…yes…everything is okay!” Mercy said quickly releasing his hand.
“Are you okay?” The nurse asked.
“Yes…Yes…I’m fine…Just stretching a bit.” Mercy said as she lifted her arms up.
“Okay…great…I’m sorry about your husband and I pray that there is a speedy recovery for him Mrs. Dreik.” The nurse went on.
Mercy was shocked.
“Oh no…this isn’t my husband…this is my client.” Mercy said.
“Oh my…I just assumed…I really do apologize ma’am!” The nurse said.
“It’s okay…you didn’t know…don’t sweat it.” Mercy said.
“Thank you…Well if you all are in need anything just inform us.” The nurse said.
“Okay…Thank you!” Mercy said.
The nurse left the room.
Mercy stood over Andrele gazing into his face.
“Yo I saw the nurse leave out of here…is everything…” Kita said as she walked back in the room to see Mercy standing over Andrele. “…okay?”
“Yes…everything is fine…she was just checking up on us.” Mercy answered.
“He’s going to be okay Tanya…you don’t have to stress.” Kita said. “He’s a strong guy.”
“I’m not worrying too much…I know he’ll pull through.” Mercy replied.
“It’s okay to be worried about him…he’s going to be very appreciative.” Kita said. “And it’s okay to show your emotions…we already know that y’all “close”.”
Mercy immediately engaged Kita.
“What?” Mercy asked. “What do you mean by that?”
“We know that Andrele feels some type of way about you.” Kita continued. “We were talking about Ken proposing to me and love and all that stuff, then he hopped up and rushed out the house saying that he had to go talk to you…And I’m guessing he wasn’t intending to talk to you about no damn work.”
A bushwhacked Mercy stood unable to process the information that was presented to her.
With the passing of about an hour or so, a silence had slithered itself among the room. Although quiet, the level of comfort was not compromised. The mood was still the same; a sense of relief. Pam sat at Andrele’s bedside, clutching his hand as he lay motionlessly sleeping. The rest of the room closely looking on.
“Mom are you hungry because I’m starving!” Kita said.
“Child I am famished.” Pam replied.
“I wasn’t going to say anything because I thought I was the only one but I am in much need of food!” Paul said butting in on the conversation. “Who is trying to make that move?”
Paul surveys the room.
“Yo I’m down!” Kita answered. “Mama you staying…What do you want to eat?”
“I don’t even know where you’re going to.” Pam said.
“Honestly I don’t know what I want.” Kita said. “I just know I’m about to get something!”
“Okay…well…just call me whenever you get to what you’re getting.” Pam suggested.
“Okay Mama…Come on Ken.” Kita says as she starts toward the door.
Ken gets up from his seat and begins to follow.
“Yo Tanya did you want anything?” Ken asked.
“Umm…no…thank you!” Mercy answered. “I’m fine.”
“Okay…you can’t say that we didn’t ask…Come on y’all.” Kita said.
With that Kita, Paul, Ken and Krik left the room thus leaving Pam and Tanya with Andrele. With his hand still in here clutches, Pam reverts her attention back to Andrele. She stares at him then gently rubs his face and then his forehead. She smiles delightedly.
“Tanya, do you have kids?” Pam asked.
“Umm no ma’am.” Mercy said with a chuckle.
“Oh okay…well there is certain connection that a mother has with her kids.” Pam went on. “There is a certain feeling that you get when they are going through something or something is bothering them.”
Mercy looks at Pam. She could see the passion within every word that passed Pam’s lips.
“I’ve always been able feel his pain without him saying anything about it…I’ve always been able to feel his concern…” Pam said. “I may not know exactly what he’s going through but I know that there is something awry.”
“I can only imagine ma’am!” Mercy replied.
“And it’s so hard to see them going through pain or anguish.” Pam said.
Pam’s facial expression slightly changes. Now her once content grin had been riddled with a moderation of worry. Pam turned her attention toward Mercy.
“Before he left the house earlier, I could tell that something was really bothering him.” Pam said. “He actually left the house in a rush…Do you by any chance know what was on his mind?”
“Umm…no ma’am…I can’t say that I do…except for the regular pressures of the job.” Mercy said now with a slight fidget in her chair.
“Oh…okay…I was just wondering…He didn’t say anything out of the ordinary but as a parent I could tell that something was bothering him.” Pam said.
“Yeah I don’t know for sure but you know how Andrele is…always stressing over something.” Mercy said with a giggle.
“Well if you ever find out that there is a problem, feel free to contact me at any time.” Pam said.
Pam noticed that Mercy became nervous. But this conversation wasn’t intended on having Mercy tell the truth about the situation between her and Andrele. It was a ploy to gain rapport with Mercy. Pam was already aware what was going on between the two of them. Pam’s purpose of this was to inform Mercy that she could be open and comfortable with her. Pam felt as though if she meant so much to Andrele that she would need to get to know Mercy.
“Ok…I’ll be sure to do that.” Mercy said, her eyes dropped.
“Well don’t stress about it…We will find out at some point.” Pam said. “It was probably nothing anyway.”
With that, Pam turns back toward Andrele with a slight smirk.
“He’s so serene.” Pam said.
In that moment, the beep of the respirator filled the room. Both women sat looking at Andrele, eager to see his eyes. They both were eager to hear his voice. But instead, he just laid. There. Breathing steadily but laid there.
A hour turned into two as they sat. Added to the continuous beep of the respirator was the sound of the television playing. Pam, now sleep, laid reclined in the recliner chair. Mercy, wide awake, sat in her chair eyes fixed on the television. Every now and then her eyes would leave the television to look at Andrele but right back to the television afterwards. Suddenly something caught her eye. She thought that she saw Andrele’s hand move. She went to his bedside and grabbed his hand. She stood waiting.
“Is everything okay in here?” The nurse asked.
“Ah…yes…everything is okay!” Mercy said quickly releasing his hand.
“Are you okay?” The nurse asked.
“Yes…Yes…I’m fine…Just stretching a bit.” Mercy said as she lifted her arms up.
“Okay…great…I’m sorry about your husband and I pray that there is a speedy recovery for him Mrs. Dreik.” The nurse went on.
Mercy was shocked.
“Oh no…this isn’t my husband…this is my client.” Mercy said.
“Oh my…I just assumed…I really do apologize ma’am!” The nurse said.
“It’s okay…you didn’t know…don’t sweat it.” Mercy said.
“Thank you…Well if you all are in need anything just inform us.” The nurse said.
“Okay…Thank you!” Mercy said.
The nurse left the room.
Mercy stood over Andrele gazing into his face.
“Yo I saw the nurse leave out of here…is everything…” Kita said as she walked back in the room to see Mercy standing over Andrele. “…okay?”
“Yes…everything is fine…she was just checking up on us.” Mercy answered.
“He’s going to be okay Tanya…you don’t have to stress.” Kita said. “He’s a strong guy.”
“I’m not worrying too much…I know he’ll pull through.” Mercy replied.
“It’s okay to be worried about him…he’s going to be very appreciative.” Kita said. “And it’s okay to show your emotions…we already know that y’all “close”.”
Mercy immediately engaged Kita.
“What?” Mercy asked. “What do you mean by that?”
“We know that Andrele feels some type of way about you.” Kita continued. “We were talking about Ken proposing to me and love and all that stuff, then he hopped up and rushed out the house saying that he had to go talk to you…And I’m guessing he wasn’t intending to talk to you about no damn work.”
A bushwhacked Mercy stood unable to process the information that was presented to her.