Crossroads: An Anthology

by LaShaun, Elizabeth

  “What it do,” Riley said as a greeting kissing her on the cheek.

  “It don’t do nothing,” Stacy laughed as she searched the diner for Jasmine.

  “So how are you,” Stacy asked after Jasmine waved that she would be right over.

  “I’m good, tired as hell,” he told her sarcastically.

  “Boy you would sleep your life away,” she chuckled as she took the last bite of her muffin.

  “Refill and a bowl of fruit,” Jasmine asked Stacy, who told her of course.

  “And what can I get for you,” Jasmine asked turning her attention Riley.

  Riley ordered a cup of orange juice and an order of pancakes with bacon.

  “What happened,” Riley asked as soon Jasmine left the table. “What do you mean,” Stacy asked as if she was shocked.

  She hated the way Riley was leaning back lazily in the booth giving her his signature knowing look.

  “When I talked to you for the five minutes that you could talk yesterday, you were so excited about your anniversary. You even took today off because you were going to be spending the day with Janelle,” he grilled her putting emphasis on Janelle’s name.

  “Damn I said all that in five minutes,” she asked sarcastically while searching desperately for Jasmine.

  Riley knew Stacy was trying to avoid the conversation, but he wasn’t having it. Usually he would stay out of her relationship, but he couldn’t today. He was tired of Stacy getting her hopes up just to be disappointed. She never complained or called him in tears but he could tell that she was in pain.

  “Stacy,” he called her name after Jasmine left the table again.

  She had asked the poor waitress every question she could think of to avoid the conversation they were embarking on. He had to say, the waitress was very professional, but she was dying to leave. Her eyes would periodically roam to the table that a man sat at alone eating his food.

  Riley didn’t mind, he was very entertained himself. He watched as a so called lawyer that sat in the back of the diner talked on his cell phone. Riley seriously doubted that the man was lawyer with the cheap and wrinkled suit he had on. “I’ll be damned,” Riley laughed when he heard the man tell his caller that he would take the case, but to call him back because he only has free incoming calls.

  “You are so nosey,” Stacy whispered slightly irritated. “And you don’t like confrontation,” Riley returned asking her again what happened.

  “Janelle had to work today,” she answered tightly.

  Riley didn’t care for Janelle, but never said anything negative about her. Lately, however, he had begun to make sarcastic remarks or faces. Just like the one he was giving her at the moment.

  “Say what you are going to say,” she asked him eating a piece of watermelon.

  “There really is no point, is there,” he threw back shaking his head in disgust.

  Stacy watched as he cut his pancakes calmly and applied butter. His silence was eating her up. It was as if she was so stupid that he wouldn’t waste his words on her. Nothing ever bothered him and if it did you never knew it.

  “Let me get out of here,” she told him, taking the money out of her jeans pocket and putting it on the table.

  Without a word she left the table walking swiftly to the door.

  Riley knew Stacy was hurting, but he didn’t know what to say to her. To him it was simple, leave the stuck up woman alone.

  “That’s why I’m single,” he thought aloud with a shake of his head.

  Being honest, he understood Stacy. They were a lot alike, reserved and loyal to the few they loved. The difference was Riley was very skeptical of people and always kept his guard up, even if it was only partially. Once Stacy liked a person she would tolerate anything. She became blind. Riley associated their mindset to them both being raised in foster care. They met at one of their numerous foster homes. Stacy was twelve and Riley was fourteen.

  Riley was a bad ass to the bone. He had been in the system since he was four. Miss Mary, their current foster mother, was just a pit stop to him. He stayed to himself whenever he was in the house. Stacy was so shy and went out of her way to make friends. Riley frowned as his mind took him back in time. Justin was his age and his foster brother. The boy was trouble from the start, but had everyone fooled except Riley. Not giving a damn, Riley continued doing as he pleased. As long as Justin didn’t cross him, he had no problem with him.

  Miss Mary was actually a good foster mother, which was rare. Riley considered her an angel from God; most of the children in her home where older children or rejects. She was usually their last hope for forming a normal bond with an adult. She gave her entire heart to each child and for that Riley loved her. Friday was movie night and all the children were in the basement. Riley rarely stayed home for the movies. He was either at the mall or getting into some type of mischief. Miss Mary asked him to stay one Friday and he did, incapable of refusing her.

  Everyone was watching the cartoon and eating popcorn.

  “Stop,” he heard in a whispery crying voice.

  “Shut the hell up,” came the harsh reply.

  At first, Riley was going to continue watching the movie, but the cries continued. Slowly he got up and followed the noise. Entering the laundry room he found Stacy on her back, eyes wide with fear and her pants down. Justin had a sinister smile on his face and was pulling out his immature penis. Riley put Justin in a headlock from behind.

  “Don’t say a fucking word,” he hissed in his ear.

  Riley wanted nothing more than to kill Justin but he didn’t want Miss Mary finding them. She would be devastated and feel personally responsible. Slowly Justin shook his head in agreement and Riley let him go. He reached out to help Stacy up, but she cowered away from him into the space between the washer and dryer.

  “I will get him tomorrow I promise,” Riley whispered so low that only Stacy could here him. The doubt danced in her eyes causing him to continue. “I can’t now because of Miss Mary.”

  Justin paced in the background nervous. “Stacy get your ass up,” he hissed, but was silenced by the evil glare Riley threw at him.

  Stacy grabbed Riley’s arm bringing his attention, back to her. Riley helped her to her feet and turned, facing a pacing Justin, while Stacy gathered herself.

  True to his word, Riley and four of his friends beat Justin up the next day. A few years later word reached Riley of rumors Justin was spreading. Justin boasted how he had slept with Stacy on many occasions and she was a washed up slut. Instantly, Riley became livid and regretted not killing the loser years ago. Later that night, Riley found Justin acting a fool and spreading more lies about different people in the neighborhood. Without warning, Riley beat Justin within an inch of his life for spreading horrible lies about Stacy. To this day, he didn’t know if Justin died or not that night. He didn’t lose any sleep either.

  Riley always felt a strong need to protect Stacy but didn’t know the cause until years later. Riley’s biological family consisted of only his mother. The love the two shared was immeasurable and rare. Lola had Riley at the age of thirteen after being raped. Young, uneducated, and with a feeling of hopelessness, Lola turned to the oldest profession known to man, prostitution. Too young to know exactly what his mother did for a living, Riley did remember her coming home beaten at times. Lola made sure Riley was very bright and told him what to do if she didn’t come home. At four years old, the young boy never imagined that he would have to carry out the instructions two weeks after mastering the plan.

  Lola had been killed by a nameless john. Stacy reminded him of his mother; selling herself short, low self-esteem, a pushover. He believed that was why he took to her and watched over her. For the first time since entering the foster care system, Riley behaved. He was happy at Miss Mary’s house and built a close relationship with her and Stacy.

  Miss Mary fought hard to keep those two together and used every string she had consumed during her twenty-five years of service in foster care. She sa
w something special in Riley and Stacy and told them that daily. When Riley reached eighteen he moved out but visited Miss Mary and Stacy often. Reeling his thoughts in, Riley grabbed his money from his wallet when he realized Stacy had left more than enough on the table. She was such a sweet girl and he didn’t want her to get hurt. He knew that she needed support and comfort, but he didn’t know what to say.

  “I’ll go check on her,” he mumbled as headed towards the door.

  He observed Jasmine’s crush checking her out. Jasmine might be getting lucky tonight, he chuckled as he exited the diner.

  Chapter Three

  Pastor Richard Toplin’s office was the last place Chad wanted to be. The pastor was his father, but he was a minister first. Chad’s eyes fell upon the other attendees of the meeting hanging onto every word that left his father’s mouth. It sickened him. The congregation loved Pastor Toplin. The upscale chamber they provided proved it. The desk and chairs cost the moderate sized church a few thousand dollars alone. Chad shook his head as his father’s robe caught his attention. Why it had to be made out of imported silk is beyond me, he thought, making sure that he periodically nodded his head, as if he were paying attention.

  Chad really didn’t need to be present at the meeting; he didn’t need to be a member of the Finance committee. On further thought, there was no reason to have the committee; whatever Pastor wanted, he got. Chad surmised that his father’s ability to persuade his congregation had to do with his previous career. Pastor Richard Toplin was known as Cream, twenty-five years ago. Cream is an acronym, which means: cash rules everything around me, and Cream made sure he had plenty of it.

  Cream had partaken in almost every illegal path known to man, but settled on pimping. Chad understood his father’s decision. The man could give Denzel Washington a run for his money. Standing 6’2”, Pastor Toplin’s chocolate, toned body garnered women’s attention. His handsome face and charisma kept their attention. Chad had often wondered if his father used his charm to get sexual favors from his members. He had never seen anything inappropriate from his father, but the women were vultures, especially Miss Shack, who at the moment was doing everything she could to have Pastor give her breasts some visual attention. She wore a deeply cut gray sweater to help him with the effort.

  Chad turned his eyes to his father. Pastor Toplin spoke to Miss Shack with a smile on his face, but his eyes never left hers. Chad had to give his old man credit for that at least. He was faithful to his wife, Tabitha. Chad loved his mother dearly. It was hard for him to believe that his mother was once his father’s bottom whore, but she was.

  “Chad what do you think about the new housing development,” Pastor Toplin asked him breaking his thoughts.

  “I would like to review the entire proposal before I make a decision,” Chad answered telling a half-truth.

  Personally, he didn’t trust the Alderman that was promising most of their underprivileged members the world, but he didn’t want to make a decision either. It wasn’t that he didn’t care, politics just didn’t interest him, but again Pastor Toplin didn’t seem concerned.

  Pastor nodded his head as in deep thought and turned his attention to Trustee Brown, Chad released a subtle sigh, happy to be off the hook, for the moment. He allowed his mind to wander to Janelle. The woman was as beautiful as she was ugly. On the exterior she was breathtaking, shapely, and mesmerizing. It was the interior that turned Chad off. The woman walked around like she was the queen and people should bow down to her. I wouldn’t mind tapping that, he mused inwardly as her ample behind came to the forefront of his mind. A small smile appeared on his lips as he thought of his father’s reaction if he knew his thoughts. He would kill you, his mind threw at him. Chad stifled a laugh wholly agreeing.

  Pastor, which he made Chad call him, would have a fit if he knew his son was thinking about sex, let alone in church. Pastor would tell him to deny the flesh and handle it himself when it became overbearing. How an ex-pimp can tell me to masturbate is beyond me, Chad brooded as the meeting came to an end.

  “Chad,” Pastor Toplin called just as his son reached the door. He grimaced hearing his name. He was so close to the door, so close to freedom.

  “Yes, Pastor,” Chad answered facing his father with his best forged smile.

  “Son, you need to become serious,” Pastor said his smile amiable but his eyes angry and daring.

  “Alderman Southby’s proposal will affect majority of our congregation,” he continued, as Chad looked at him emotionless. “Your stance can make or break your political career,” he finished with a deep sigh.

  Chad wanted to tell his father for the millionth time that he didn’t want to become a politician. His dream was to become a fantasy author. He wanted to tell his father to back off and let him live his life.

  “I will research the proposal Pastor after bible class,” he said instead knowing it was pointless to speak his mind.

  Upset by his son’s nonchalant attitude, Pastor Toplin told him fine, dismissing him from his presence. He didn’t know what was wrong with his son. He was trying to groom him to become the next President Obama, but he was fighting him at every turn. If he would just give up this author nonsense, Pastor Toplin thought. He saw a few of his son’s books, mostly by some author named DK Gaston. He had also found some of his notebooks with his own work during one of his regular hunts. He searched Chad’s room often; nothing was private in his house. Chad being twenty-two didn’t change the fact that it was his house. Age was just a number and Chad’s obscene desire to be an author further proved that his son did not know what was best for him. Wizards, witches, and Lycans would not garner him a comfortable life, Toplin was sure.

  He doesn’t see the opportunities that he has, Toplin thought angrily. He wondered if Chad’s attitude was a punishment from God for his days as Cream. Toplin didn’t fully understand the power, respect, and influences politicians possessed until he became a pastor. Of course by that time it was too late. He had a criminal record and reputation that was perfect for a redeemed pastor, but not politics. That was why it was important for Chad to reach his full potential and flourish; bringing the Toplin name the prestige and recognition that it deserved not only in the streets, but in every American household.

  “Wonder if this is how Joseph Kennedy felt,” Toplin sighed closing his eyes in thought.

  “Pray and ask for guidance,” he mumbled to himself as he opened the top left drawer of his imported Greek desk and retrieved his bible.

  ***

  “Of all the people,” Stacy thought as she looked at the woman sitting at one of the tables at the library. Even though it was her day off, Stacy came to work in hopes of finding some solace in the job she loved. Her hopes appeared grim as she took in the young lady sitting at the table with her face in a book. She didn’t care for the lady at all. She always came in with the most precious sons but had a very nasty attitude. She had no patience, especially with her sons.

  “I’m surprised she is alone,” Stacy thought aloud a frown developing on her face.

  She couldn’t explain why she felt so worried for the boys whenever she saw them but she did. “Wonder what that’s about,” she wondered as she noticed the woman’s tears.

  Despite her dislike for the woman, Stacy had to check on her and began heading that way when someone grabbed her arm. Turning she discovered Riley standing in front of her.

  “Can we talk,” he asked her calmly.

  At that moment they were rudely interrupted as Nash walked up to them.

  “Excuse me,” he threw out rather harried.

  Stacy turned to him responding rather sharply when he described the woman he sought. She could see her words stung him slightly from the small frown on his face. She tried to mumble a slight apology but his back was already to her as he headed for the woman. Stacy was so engrossed in the interaction between the two that she didn’t even try to disguise her interest. They seemed so odd together. The gentleman seemed nice, levelheaded. The wom
an was so haughty and irritable. Riley took her arm once more, breaking the spell as she once again regarded him and he repeated his request to talk.

  Returning her attention to the two, Stacy surmised that they were just talking, and led Riley to a quiet corner of the library.

  “What’s up,” Stacy asked avoiding eye contact with Riley. Instantly, Riley was amused at her attempt to be angry.

  “And how did you know I was here,” Stacy asked irritated with the smile on Riley’s face.

  “I came to check on you Stacy and I knew you would be here because you love it here. You are here on your off days,” Riley joked causing Stacy to smile slightly.

  “I am fine Riley,” Stacy told him, her eyes reaching his.

  “Are you,” he returned his eyes piercing her soul causing her to look away.

  “Why are you acting like this Riley?”

  “I am tired of you being hurt and disappointed Stacy,” Riley returned having a hard time controlling his voice. He’d watched her prepared to intervene in someone else’s business but she continued to refuse to stand up for herself.

  “Riley, I am not hurt or disappointed,” Stacy stated exasperated. “I understand that Janelle has to work. If anyone understands that it should be you.”

  “Understand how she disregards your feelings? Tells you bullshit excuses? What is it that I should be understanding,” Riley gritted unable to control himself.

  This was not how he wanted the conversation to go. He wanted to have a civilized conversation and how his best friend was looking at him with hurt filled eyes, fighting to keep the tears from falling.

  “Janelle is there for me Ril-,”

  “Why are you lying Stacy? How many times have you called me disappointed because Janelle forgot a date? How many times have you made up an excuse for Janelle when you are broke and have to bail her out?”

  “Are you jealous Riley,” Stacy spat the lame comeback