“I still wish you woulda’ came home are at least let me come to Texas and see bout’ cha. You shouldn’t be battling this disease alone”
“You and dad don’t need to waste any money coming to see about me. I’m not alone; I have three lovely boys that make every day worth living.”
“Speaking of my grandchildren, what have they been up too?”
“Trevon received a full academic scholarship to attend Stanford so he’s super excited about that. Tremaine is doing well too, he’s planning on enlisting in the Navy”
“That’s great. I’m proud of them both. I meant to ask you the last time that we talked, whatever happened with that whole pregnancy situation?”
“I’ve been meaning to tell you the baby was born too early and the little girl died at birth.”
“Well I didn’t want Tremaine to be a father at such a young age but I didn’t want that to happen either. However God knows best. A baby would have really slowed both of their lives down. I guess we’ll never know if whether or not the baby was his.”
“I guess not”
“So tell me more about this man you’ve been seeing”
“He’s been there for me since the day I was diagnosed with cancer. And he hasn’t left my side even on those days that I gave him a reason to.”
“Where are you two going?”
“Church”
“Church on a Thursday?”
“They have some type of function going on at the church and he’s invited us”
Baby looks like a good Christian man don’ found you. I ain gotta’ worry bout’ cha no more. He got any kids?”
“No mam. But he treats my boys better than their father has ever treated them”
“Well that’s good baby. I’ve always told ya’ good thangs’ happen to good people. Have you told your girlfriends about him. I’m sure they’ll want to know. That way they can stop worrying so much about you. I still can’t believe that you haven’t told them about the cancer”
“I haven’t talked to them yet but I’ll definitely call them soon. I’ll talk to you when I get back mama, I gotta’ go now”
Since the day Trae’d been diagnosed he’d spent his days drinking heavily. A bad habit that he’d promised Cassy he would change. She couldn’t stand the new Trae. The insensitive Trae. They no longer talked, made love, or did anything fun. So she’d decided that it was time for him to go. She’d stopped planning their wedding long before things got to this point. When he got home all of his belongings were in a couple of suitcases on the front porch. He stuck his key in the lock and when it didn’t turn he pounded on the door. He was drunk.
“Cassy open the door I’m going to quit drinking I promise. Give me one more chance babe”
“I’m done Trae. It’s over”
“Come on baby let me in. We can talk about this inside. It’s hot out here” He slurred.
“I’m done talking Trae you promised that you’d quit drinking. I can tell by your slurred speech that you’re drunk now”
“I’m not drunk”
“Go away Trae. Go back to Brandi”
“Qu-it-tttt pla-pl-a-ying and open the goddamn door before I-...I kick it down” He threatened.
“If you don’t leave I’m going to call the police”
“Yo-u-uuu gon’ ca-call the police? Alright it’s like that! I get sick and shit gets hard for me, and you give up on me? That’s cool. I see how you are.” He said.
He staggered back to the car.
His breath smelled like a winery. His alcohol level was passed the legal driving limit in Texas but he was driving anyway.
He’d found out where Brandi and his kids had moved a short while ago after he’d gone to the bank to withdraw money from his account. He didn’t want her to see that he now had three legs, his right leg, his left leg and his cane, so, he left. Whenever he was drunk he’d ride over to her house. He’d never get out of the car he’d just drive up and down the street looking at the house thinking about all the hell he’d put Brandi through. Pain she didn’t deserve.
He claimed the liquor kept him from thinking about how horrible his life was now. It didn’t matter if he’d stopped drinking or not anyhow, he no longer cared whether or not he lived or died. There was no reason to want to live he’d ruined his relationships with everyone he’d ever cared about, Brandy, his children, Jason and now Cassy.
Brandi had always said, “When you think that you’re bigger than God, God will put something on you to let you know that he’s in control” And she was right. Trae definitely didn’t see any of this coming and he’d rather die than live his life taking blood pressure pills and getting his blood cleansed three times a week.
Brandi and the boys walked through the church doors and rushed to where Raymond was sitting.
“Hey beautiful “ He said as she sat down.
“Sorry I’m late” She whispered. “I was on the phone with mama”
“It’s okay you’re just in time”
The choir members that were sitting on the benches behind the pulpit dressed in Burgundy colored robes stood and prepared themselves to sing. The leading organist started off the song with a beautiful tune.
“Why is it so packed in here today?” Brandi whispered.
“You’ll see”
I give myself away a young man sang over the microphone. The entire church started clapping.
“This is my song” Brandi smiled and started singing along with the choir.
Raymond just smiled.
****
Raymond, Tremaine, Trevon, and even Trent walked over to the pulpit. Raymond grabbed the microphone from the Bishop of the church. “Hello everyone” He spoke.
The congregation said hello.
“I just want to thank you all for being a part of this beautiful occasion. A few months ago God put a wonderful woman and three wonderful kids into my life. This is Tremaine, Trevon, and little Trent” He said “And that beautiful lady sitting on the first row wearing the lovely green dress is Brandi. She’s the woman that God sent to me. Now I have already asked these three young men to grant me their mother’s hand and marriage and they have a question for you Brandi”
She smiled.
“Mom will you marry Raymond?” They all said over the microphone like they’d practiced it a million times.
The church rejoiced in unison and Brandi headed to the pulpit.
“The bible says a man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the lord” Raymond said. “And I know that I found a great woman. Let the church say amen.”
Amen, the church shouted.
“Brandi I promise that I will love you, honor you, cherish you, and respect you in the way that God expects me too. Brandi Hardnett will you marry me?”
“Yes” Brandi sniffed and then they hugged. “Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of love.” She told him.
For the first time in her life she was crying tears of happiness. She’d gone from feeling like she couldn’t keep going, being a single parent, diagnosed with cancer and feeling like her days would never get better. And now she was a living testimony, God’s testimony.
“Anything you want to say to the congregation Sweetie?” Raymond asked.
“Sure” She smiled gracefully grabbing the microphone “God is good isn’t he?” She asked the church. “He works in mysterious ways. Even when you don’t understand why he’s taking you through so much and you want to give up always remember that God has a plan for you. So keep fighting. Don’t quit. That’s what the devil wants you to do. Ya’ know, several months ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer I thought I was going to die but God had a plan for me. Being diagnosed with Cancer gave me a new love for life. Where the devil meant to tear me down the battles that I’ve gone through only built my faith in God and now I have this wonderful story to share with the world. I have this wonderful man standing right here beside me, and I have my kids. Most importantly I have God. And I think him for every ba
d day because without the bad days I wouldn’t appreciate the good days.” She could hear the congregation mumbling thank you Jesus. “So I say to everyone, and there is someone sitting in this congregation that’s going through exactly what I’ve gone through. Believe in God and his will because he won’t let you down.”
****
On the drive home Brandi and all her girlfriends were on a four-way call.
“Hey Girls”
“Hey B” Vanessa said.
“I’m so happy to hear your voice.” Stacy said.
“If you ever go that long without contacting us again I’m going to fly to San Antonio and stick my size seven shoe in your tail.” Lena joked.
“I’m sorry girls. I’ve just gone through a lot this year and I needed to figure out how to get through it on my own. I’ve been battling cancer, raising the boys and I even had to deal with the possibility of becoming a grandmother”
“Wow, that’s a lot B. You should have called me” Stacy whined. “Where are my godchildren right now?”
“They’re at the bowling alley”
“How are you now? And I mean, how are you doing? nobody else” Lena asks.
“Life is great. I’m getting married”
Neither of Brandi’s friends said congratulations.
“Oh, I didn’t tell you the good part.”
“Which is what?” Vanessa asked, snarky
“I’m not getting married to Trae”
They all exhaled.
“Thank God” Stacy said.
“Ain’ that the truth!” Lena cosigned.
“So who is it?” Vanessa asked.
“This guy named Raymond”
“Where did the two of you meet?” Lena asked.
“He’s Trent’s Karate instructor”
“So tell us. How is he?” Stacy asks.
“Raymond is sweet. He’s good to the boys. He’s good to me. He rubs my feet. Takes me out on picnics. And writes me letters. Makes me feel desired. The other day I was trying to remember when was the last time that I felt this happy, and it dawned on me I’ve never been this happy before. I could just go on and on”
“I’m jealous” Vanessa joked
Brandi laughed. “Vanessa how you’ve been girl?”
“I’m doing okay. I still don’t remember much since the accident and this baby I’m carrying has my hormones all over the place. That’s probably why I’m jealous of your new beau” She laughed “Being pregnant is definitely not fun.”
“I remember those days and I don’t ever want to experience it again. One child is enough for me” Lena laughed.
“You still haven’t talked to Jason?” Stacy asked Vanessa.
“Unfortunately I haven’t”
“He’ll come around once the baby gets here” Stacy said.
“What happened?” Brandi wanted to know.
“Girl I’ll fill you in later” Vanessa promised her.
“Well my love life is horrible. Kenneth wasn’t bluffing. He really does want a divorce. I got my divorce papers last week.”
“I hate that” Vanessa said sincerely.
“I do too but what I hate more is the fact that he’s with that bitch Storm now. She’s had feelings for him our entire marriage. I really can’t be mad at her though. When it boils down to it I fucked up my marriage messing around with Christine.”
“I hate to say it but I warned you” Vanessa reminded Lena.
“So did I” Stacy said.
“I should have listened but there is no need to cry over spoiled milk now. So Stacy I hear that life has been treating you extra good”
“Life is good. Malik and I are planning our wedding and I’m going to be relocating to Jacksonville soon. I’m going to be working for Brown & Smith’s, and guess what else? They’re bringing me through the door as partner.” She screamed
“Now that’s what I’m talking about” Brandi said. “I’m glad to hear that everybody is doing okay and I can’t wait to see you ladies at my wedding.”
“I can’t wait either” Stacy said.
“I kno-www” Vanessa and Lena sang
“Alright chicas I’ll talk to you later”
****
Brandi had planned on being in and out of the house quickly. She was only there to change clothes so that she’d be comfortable at the bowling alley but when she saw Trae’s car parked in her driveway she knew that she’d be there longer than she’d planned.
She got out of the car.
“Dang woman I’ve been waiting on you for hours” He said, getting out of the car. “You looking good. I see you’ve lost weight. Got you a new ride and a new house, girl you must’ve hit the lottery?” Trae joked.
“What do you want Trae?”
“I got something for you. I wrote you letter.” He smiled. “Remember when we use to write each other love notes in high school?” He dug in his pocket and tried to give Brandi the letter.
She refused to take it. “Like I asked the first time, what do you want Trae?”
“I want you back”
“You’re joking right?” She giggled.
“I’m serious I miss you and the kids”
“Well we don’t miss you”
“Come on, what’s the harm in giving me one more chance?”
“Trae I’ve giving you thousands of chances” Brandi said walking by him.
“Hold on a second”
She stopped walking and turned to him. “What? I’m kind of in a hurry”
“Oh what you don’t have time for me no more?”
“As a matter of fact I don’t”
“Oh I get it, you playing hard to get”
She started walking towards the house. “Go home to Cassy Trae”
“Cassy and I are over” He said walking behind her.
“Good for her”
He yanked her into his chest.
“Let go of me”
“You know you don’t talk to me like that. What’s this?” He asked noticing the rock on her finger. “I see. This is about Roman, Roland whatever the hell his name is, isn’t it?”
She wiggled away and continued walking “His name is Raymond.”
“Well you tell Raymond that his time with you is over. We’re getting back together”
Brandi smacked her lips. “Please. What brings this on? Now that you see that someone else wants me you think that you can just jump back into my life? I don’t think so”
“I’m not letting you go Brandi. I’m not letting you marry another man.”
“How do you plan on stopping me?”
“With this” He said pulling out a silver handgun.
“You think that’s going to scare me back into your arms. Listen to me. The old Brandi is gone. And she isn’t coming back. I’m beating cancer. I have my life back on track. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. And you think that just because you come over here with a gun I’m going to come running back into your arms? Why don’t you do what you do best and go ruin another woman’s life!” She stuck the key in the knob and went inside shutting the door behind her.
Trae sat down on the porch; maybe it was the booze that had his mind going over his past. He was thinking about Jason, Brandi, his children and all of the people he’d hurt. For some reason that Friday night on May 21, 1995 was playing in his head. It was like he was watching a mental movie.
It was a Friday night, but not just any ol’ Friday. He’d marched across the stage and received his high school diploma earlier that day. He, Jason, and Malik were at Jason’s house waiting on Kenneth to come and pick them up for the big graduation party.
“Aye man you need to start getting dressed. So tell Vanessa that you’ll talk to her later because I ain’ trying to be late to the graduation bash” Malik said to Jason as he ironed his clothes.
“Aye Dog, worry about you! Because I’m gon’ be ready”. Jason blabbed back to him.
It was only eight and Kenny wouldn’t be arriving to scoop them up until aro
und ten o’clock. That was more than enough time to get dressed and besides Jason wasn’t anything like Malik. It never took him an hour to get dressed. So for the next twenty minutes he continued relaxing on the top bunk, dressed in a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.
Trae was standing in front of the mirror brushing his hair, and glancing at Jason through the mirror. “A’ight if you get left, it’s on you. You and Vanessa act like ya’ll can’t get enough of each other. You been on the phone with her for damn near the whole day”
“And? Your Point is? You just mad that you and Brandi ain’t got it like it.” Jason snapped.
“You wrong partner. I got Brandi so wrapped around my finger that I feel bad for her”
Malik laughed.
“What are you laughing for Malik? You definitely ain’ got it like that with Stacy”
“Aye yo Jason you do have a point” Trae giggled.
Jason jumped down from the top bunk with the telephone cord wrapped around his palm. “Baby I’m gone call you back. These brothers are tripping”
“Okay baby. I can’t wait to see you at the party! Love ya! Kisses! Muah!” Vanessa said
“I Love you too”
“Awwww isn’t that so sweet” Malik and Trae joked.
Finally Jason took a quick shower and got dressed in ten quick minutes. He really didn’t even want to go the party. The only reason that he was going was because he knew that if he didn’t Vanessa wasn’t going to give up any booty that night. They all had plans to go to the Marriott after the party.
Malik was lacing up his kicks when Jason entered back into the bedroom. “Hurry up man” Malik shouted.
“I’m ready” Jason snapped back.
“You’re wearing that to the graduation party? Do you know how many chics are going to be up in the party tonight?”
“Yeh. You know me; I’m not like you two. I ain’ no pretty boy. What’s the big rush anyway?”
“I’m trying to be inside Stacy’s panties by midnight” Malik said.
“My ma-n-nn” Jason cheered. “But aye you need to calm down. Her virginity ain’ going nowhere”
“Easy for you to say! You’ve been banging Vanessa for over a year now. You know how Stacy is. She’s bound to change her mind again.”
Unfaithful Ties Page 40