Two Faces 2Mask OffThe Final Reveal

by Valarie Deshazier

  Two Faces 2:

  Mask Off: The Final Reveal

  By

  Valarie Deshazier

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  To the readers: I say thank you for giving me a chance at being your author.

  To my Facebook friends: Thank you for sharing my post on your pages.

  I’m more than grateful for everyone that’s in my life. I’m blessed and thankful for those of my past because without them I may not be the wiser person I am today. Mostly, I’m just happy to be blessed with the gift that I have.

  Creative Flow Publications is not just a publishing company, but a family. I’m so honored to be a part of it.

  To My Editor: You are the best. Love you much.

  Author Valarie DeShazier

  Valarie Deshazier

  Copyright © 2018

  Creative Flow Publications

  ©2018 Creative Flow Publications

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any for or by any electronic mechanical means, including photocopying, recording the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in review.

  Published by Creative Flow Publications

  First Edition

  This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to organizations, people; living or dead, events, establishments are strictly the product of the author’s imagination. All was used fictitiously.

  Contributing Authors: Valarie Deshazier

  Cover Design: K & T Graphics

  Editor: Shawnna Robinson

  Intro

  I have never written a story like this one ever before. The fact that I had been a journalist for over ten years, this story has been the most revealing one ever. I don’t think I will ever come across anything as wild as this one. There were fights and backstabbing’s that was just unheard of. The fact that everyone was in the face of those that they were lying and cheating on, was just mind blowing.

  I first heard of this group of friends about three and a half years ago. I was sitting in the hair salon waiting on my time to get in the chair. While I was sitting there, I overheard the conversion about a set of friends that were full of drama. At first, I thought it was just an average group of friends. Little did I know, it was so much more. The more I listened the more intriguing it became to me. Quincy, Florida, is just a small little town. Never in my life would I have thought that this type of shit went on in Quincy. The revealing of so many hidden facts that tied everyone together, was truly shocking. The statement “you would never really know someone” is an understatement when it came to this circle of friends. Their lives were like something you would see on television and never in real life. I still can’t believe it and I followed them and saw it for myself. It took me five years to write this story, because I knew no one would believe me. The amazing part of this story is, three years had passed already when I heard about them. So, to see them with my own eyes holding on to things of the past, and things that they can’t change, was unbelievable.

  What made me consider this story, was the fact that everyone was due to come back together for Renee’s graduation and wedding. It seemed to be the talk of the town. My ears really picked up when I heard the dialogue of the events that took place years back. Now this is what I heard...

  “You know Renee’ is graduating from college next Saturday.”

  “Yeah, I heard that. I also heard that she was marrying that Sykes boy from out there in Coon Bottom.”

  “Are you talking about Emma and John Lee’s boy?”

  “Yeah, that’s him.”

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “They say she’s marrying that boy for his money. You know Emma and them, won the lottery for about five million dollars. That’s how they were able to buy that land out there.”

  “You know I heard that.”

  “You know it’s going to be some shit that weekend, because I hear that Shanna plans to be at that baby’s graduation.”

  “If I were her, I wouldn’t show my face back here after the mess that she caused.”

  “You remember that?”

  “Remember, hell, it was the talk of the town for about three, four months.”

  I couldn’t stop listening. I was all ears trying to get all the tea that they were spilling. I was wondering who else was listening.

  “Mary and Markel had been married for twenty plus years and they both were hiding shit from each other. It finally came out that Mary had a twin named Terry. Not to mention that she had a gambling problem.”

  “Yeah, and Markel was on a whole new level with Mary’s cousin, Shanna, for as long as he and Mary’s been together. He somehow got them both pregnant at the same time. It was a mess.”

  “It couldn’t be too much of a mess, because they are still together after hours and hours of counseling, which was much needed.”

  “Well you know Janet’s nosey ass found out about a few secrets her ex-husband, Anthony, was keeping.”

  The more they talked the more I wanted to know more. This was better than watching daytime television. I couldn’t hear too well because people started talking around me. So, I got up and moved closer to make sure I got a good ear full.

  “I heard she found out he had more money than he led her to believe. She planned on taking every dime of the five million he had in her name. She only ended up with 3.5 million of it.”

  “Well, don’t forget the five hundred thousand she took from John, that low life lawyer of hers. You remember John, her divorce lawyer, but he was undercover sleeping with Anthony. It was a good thing that she was as nosey as she was, because without her, a lot of things would still be hidden.”

  “Janet should have gotten her ass beat by Mary for always flirting with Markel behind her back.”

  “Yeah, you right about that. You know though, Janet took her money and bought her some land right outside of town. You can say she still lives in Quincy, because she really didn’t move anywhere. Of course, she is still as nosey as ever being in everyone’s business.”

  “You know that bitch is not going to change. What I do want to know is how Keisha is going to act when Shanna and Terrance show up?”

  “I want to know how she didn’t know what was going on. You with someone that long and can’t tell something wasn’t right.”

  “Maybe she would have if she wasn’t such a soap opera queen.”

  “Now when the police came to her door to tell her Terrance’s car was found and they think it was foul play. I know it hurt her to her heart, because he was the only one working.”

  I pulled out my phone and started taking notes so that I wouldn’t forget anything that they were saying. I made sure I wrote down all the names. This was the story that I knew was going to put me on top. If not, it was going to be one that everyone would remember.

  “Giiirrrlll…when it came out that Terrance was on the down low, it took the life out of me. I would have never known that.”

  “No bitch, that was Terrance’s damn twin that was gay, not Terrance. Terrance ass was down south with Shanna. They supposed to be coming together for Renee’s graduation and wedding next week.”

  “Now what are they coming for anyway?”

  “Shanna raised Renee’. “

  “Say what?”

  “Yeah bitch…Shanna had Markel thinking it was his and her child, when all along it wasn’t. Turned out to be Mary and Markel’s child.”

  After hearing all that, I knew I wanted to learn more about those people. I didn’t know at the time this story was going to change my life the way it did. Well, let me introduce myself, my name is Evelyn White. I’m 35, and like I said earlier, I had been a journalist
for ten years before writing this story. I followed this group of people for at least two weeks. I just didn’t know at the time I would somehow be affected by what I was about to see, and the knowledge I was about to find out. I guess most would say, I was in the right place at the right time.

  1

  “Do you think it’s safe or wise to go back to Quincy?” Terrance asked as he placed his clothes on the bed.

  “It doesn’t matter if it is or not…I’m going to be there to see my baby walk across that stage and down that aisle on her wedding day. I don’t give two fucks about how anyone feels about it,” Shanna replied with a firm tone in her voice.

  “Calm down, I was just asking. We haven’t talked to anyone in three years. So just popping up may or may not be a good idea, is all I’m saying,” Terrance stated.

  “It is what it is. I know I was wrong for what I did, but in my heart, she will always be my little girl. I just hope she is willing to forgive me for everything,” Shanna said sadly.

  “Well I guess the only true way of knowing is to go see. I know it’s going to be hard on the both of you, but it’s something that has to be done,” Terrance said as he walked over to Shanna and put his arms around her.

  Terrance was having his own doubts of returning to Quincy. With him knowing he lied to Keisha for years during their marriage, the guilt alone was killing him on the inside. It was time for the two of them to face the music that was about to play.

  The Next Day

  When they arrived in Quincy, they checked into the hotel. Being that it was late when they got there, they just unpacked, showered, and called it a night. The next morning around ten, they woke up got dressed and went to go get some breakfast. They weren’t sure where to go, so they ended up at IHOP.

  “This is going to be a very rough day, I can feel it,” Shanna said.

  “I know, but we will get through it. I just hope everyone can be civil to each other. This is a big day for Renee’ and there doesn’t need to be any drama,” Terrance replied.

  “You’re right, it is a big day for her. I’m proud of her, because through it all she still managed to stay focused and finish school with her master’s degree in psychology and minor in criminal justice. Not to mention, she is about to get married,” Shanna added.

  “What can I get for you today?” the waitress asked as she walked up to their table.

  Terrance ordered the split decision with a cup of coffee, and Shanna ordered the Belgian waffles with sunny side up eggs, two strips of bacon, and a glass of orange juice. The waitress wrote down their orders and walked off. They sat there in silence because the two of them were deep in thought.

  Terrance was thinking of how his actions caused his twin brother, Torrance, to be killed. He had switched places with his brother about two years prior, because he just couldn’t take Keisha not doing anything but watching the soaps all day. Plus, she had gained so much weight over the years that he was not even attracted to her anymore. He and Shanna had met at the doctor’s office. He was going for a regular checkup, while she was there for her yearly breast exam. Their eyes met in passing and he watched her walk out the office. There was no way he was going to let her leave without saying something to her. All he could think about was how smooth her cocoa butter complexion looked. Her light brown eyes were the shape of a perfect almond. She wasn’t a perfectly shaped woman, but she was perfect for him. She wasn’t a BBW, but everything fell in the right place for her five-foot-six frame. She was the first woman that he had ever met that he could truly be himself with and could talk about any and everything with. Not to mention, the sex between them was awesome.

  Shanna on the other hand, was thinking about seeing Renee’ again after faking her death. She only did it so she could finally come clean about not being her real mother. She thought if everyone thought she was dying, it would be easier for them to take it and she wouldn’t have to be around to deal with her betrayal. Well, it was finally time for her to deal with it. She knew it was wrong, but when she saw Renee’ for the first time, she knew she had to have her. In her mind, she would always be Renee’s mother. Looking over at Terrance who was the love of her life, a smile came across her face. He accepted her for who she was, no matter what. He was tall and handsome with the prettiest white teeth. His caramel skin felt like silk and his hazel brown eyes were calming to her. She loved his juicy lips that were just right for his baby boy face. Of course, his manhood was just the right size and he knew just how to use it. Their thoughts were cut short when the waitress came back with their food. They thanked her before she walked off.

  “You okay my love?” Terrance asked.

  “I’m as good as I can be,” she replied.

  “It’s going to be okay,” he said reaching over to touch her hand.

  “Well, as long as you’re with me, I will be able to get through this.”

  “I will always be by your side,” he proclaimed.

  She smiled, and they proceeded to partake in eating their meal. They occasionally looked in each other’s eyes as they sat there. Once they were done eating, they paid their tab and left. It only took thirty minutes to get to the Civic Center where the graduation was being held. They sat in the car for a few minutes to get themselves together for what may or may not happen.

  “Maybe we should sit where no one can see us,” Shanna blurted out.

  “Why?” Terrance asked.

  “I just think it would be better.”

  “Whatever you want to do is okay with me,” Terrance said, because he didn’t want to be seen himself.

  They both were thinking it would be better to just ease in and out without being seen. It would be better for them and everyone else. They slowly got out of the car and walked towards the building. Hand in hand they both were looking around hoping that no one saw them. They did make it into the building and found themselves a seat at the top seating area. They sat patiently waiting for the event to start and be over with, so they could slide right back out the building undetected. They were doing well for a while, but Shanna yelled out when they called Renee’s name and all hell broke loose. There was nothing they could do but face the chain of reactions that was about to take place.

  “What the hell is she doing here?” Mary yelled from across the Civic Center, pointing.

  “Who are you talking about?” Markel asked. When he saw that it was Shanna, all he could do was drop his head. He knew what was about to happen.

  “That bitch ass cousin of mine and your secret lover,” Mary snapped back.

  Shanna would have never been seen if she would have just sat there and said nothing. Oh no, she had to jump up and yell when Renee’s name was called to receive her diploma. Mary was hot and ready to fight. She took off to where Shanna and Terrance were sitting. Even though Shanna and Terrance tried to leave before Mary could get over there, they were just a step to slow. When Mary reached them, they were at the door about to walk out, but was caught by a big blow Mary gave to Shanna. Of course, Shanna swung back and that’s when they went at it. They were all on the floor rolling around, but Mary made her way on top and was beating Shanna in the face non-stop. There was blood coming from Shanna’s mouth and nose. Her head was going from left to right. Terrance was trying to pull Mary off Shanna, when Markel came running around the corner. The look in Markel’s eyes was pure fire. He rushed Terrance and knocked him to the ground. There was a crowd around them watching and videotaping everything. This fight was all on Facebook and YouTube. Yup it would be safe to say that it went viral. It took about five security guards to break that fight up.

  By the time Renee’ got there, everyone was out of breath and bloody. It was truly a sight to see; all she could do was look. Mostly, Renee’ was just shocked to see Shanna there. Never would she have thought that she would see her face again. Truth is, she was happy that she was there, but sad because all the hurt had come back.

  “What is going on?” Renee’ yelled out.

  The way everyone was lookin
g all she could do was shake her head and run off. Markel called out to her, but Renee’ didn’t look back or slow down. It was truly a site to see.

  2

  Renee’ had locked herself into her room. Coming out was not happening. She turned up her music as loud as she could to drown out the knocking at the door. She even turned off her phone to ensure that no one could call her. She wasn’t trying to see or talk to anyone at that point. Her mind was running a mile a minute and she couldn’t stop it. All she could think about was the events that took place three years ago, and the fact that Shanna had the nerve to come back to Quincy. As she paced back and forth in her room, the anger inside her was growing. It was like she was seeing nothing but red. She slung her room door open and headed to Mary and Markel’s room.

  “Why the fuck did she even come back here? What was she trying to prove?” Renee’ spat as she stood in the doorway.

  “First off, watch your tone and language,” Markel stated.

  “I’m sorry, but seeing her just really got to me. I don’t know what would cause her to think that it would be okay to be at my graduation.”

  “I know sweetie and you don’t need to be worried about all that. You have a big day tomorrow. Don’t allow nothing to stop you and Leon from having your day,” Mary said as she walked towards Renee’ and gave her a hug.

  “I’m not going to allow her to stop me from having the best day a girl can have. It’s my wedding day tomorrow, but right now, I’m about to get dressed and head out,” Renee’ laughed as she swirled around and walked off.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Markel yelled.

  “Out with the girls…no need to sit in the house now, when after tomorrow, I will be for the rest of my life!” Renee’ yelled back.

  “Let her be, she needs to get out and have some fun, because once she say’s “I do”, all of that will be over. Trust I know,” Mary stated.