by Ford, Neicey
“Good, good.”
There was an awkward silence.
“Don’t you want to know?”
“Do you want to tell me?”
“I’m sure Helen probably already did. I’m sure she made my mother and me out to be these horrible home-wrecking hoochies.”
“The one thing I don’t have the authority to do is judge. I don’t judge and I don’t necessarily agree with those who do. What I’ve learned is that there are two sides to every story and then there’s the truth.”
“I’m not going to discredit what Helen told you, however, I will say that my mother was no home wrecker. I can’t believe that after thirty years Helen still hasn’t forgiven us.”
Denise shrugged.
“You know the funny thing is I’ve always wanted to have a relationship with Helen. My mother couldn’t have any more children after she had me and when I found out about Helen I was excited. That is after I got over the initial hurt. Finally, the big sister I’d always wanted, but would never have the opportunity to know.”
“So, after all those years, you never tried to contact Helen again?”
“Of course, I did. I called her mother’s house up until the day I graduated from high school. Her mother was really bitter. She never cussed at me, but she wasn’t very polite either. I don’t blame her. A few days before I went off to college I ran into Helen at the grocery store.”
“How’d that go?”
“I yelled out her name and when she turned and saw it was me, she darted out of the store. Left the grocery basket and everything in it,” Judy chuckled.
“I don’t know what to say, Mrs. Judy.”
“You don’t have to say anything. The reason I came in here today was to clear the air. I don’t want you thinking anything bad about me because of something I had no control over. My past is just that…passed.”
“I understand completely. My wish is that one day you and Helen will be able to speak and make amends regarding all that has happened between your father and mothers. I know that Helen has two younger siblings, but for you I bet that has to be hard.”
Knock Knock
“Come in.”
The door opened and Jonas peeked inside.
“You wanted to see me, Mrs. Chatman.”
“Yes, can you give me ten more minutes?”
“No, I was finished,” Judy interrupted. “Besides, I’ve got work to do. I’ll catch up with you later. Thanks for listening,” she said offering Denise a half smile.
Judy stood and walked towards the door.
“Jonas, honey looks like you’re adding on some muscle. At this rate you won’t be able to keep the ladies off of you.”
Jonas blushed. “Thank you, Mrs. Judy.”
“See you all later.”
“Alright, have a good one.”
“You wanted to see me, Mrs. Chatman?”
“Yes, come on in and shut the door.”
Jonas closed the door then sat down. He placed his hands in his lap.
“I want to talk with you about another opportunity.”
Jonas’ shoulders relaxed.
“In addition to reiterating the policies we have in effect at TIA.”
Shit.
CHAPTER TEN
“I haven’t told anybody that we were together.”
“I didn’t say you told anybody, Keisha. What I said was that she knows. I spent the last hour in her office. Thirty minutes of it was going over the fraternization and the consequences thereof. I can’t win for losing.”
“Jonas, you act like you got fired.”
“No, I’m acting like I knew this was a bad idea and there’s a possibility that I could be fired.”
“You’re overreacting?”
“I’m overreacting? Are you serious? This is coming from a lady who blurts out stuff without thinking about the side effects.”
“If you’re talking about the Christmas present statement…”
“Yes, I’m talking about the Christmas present statement.”
“I’ve already apologized for that.”
“Yeah, and look where it got me. In the boss’ office. I have to go.”
Keisha cleared her throat as she answered the incoming call.
“TIA Enterprises, how may I direct your call?”
“Can you come in my office please?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m on my way.” Shit.
***
“Hey Jonathan, have you heard from Kane?”
“Naw. Not since the last time he was here. Oh, but this came in the mail for you.”
Quest Records. Thank You, God!
“Good news?”
“It’s better than good. It’s great!”
Jonathan grinned.
“Why’d you ask about Kane? Is something wrong?”
“I’ve been trying to get in touch with him. I’ve called the numbers I have for him and left messages, but haven’t gotten a response.”
“You want me to try Ritz and see if he’s heard from him?”
“Yeah, please and if he has his mother’s number get that too.”
“Alright.”
“Thanks.”
DJ sat looking around the studio. He swiveled back and forth in his chair. Where are you? He logged into his Facebook account to view Kane’s lastest post, which was three weeks prior. Something’s wrong.
He adjusted his headphones as the verses to “Get This Dough” played. This is hot. He was pumped at how smooth Kane and Roe’s flow was together. They had two very unique styles.
The phone rings and he answers.
“D, I called Ritz and he said Kane’s at his mom’s where he’s been at for the past several weeks.”
“Is he straight?”
“Ritz said he looks bad.”
“Damn, for real?”
“Umm, hmm.”
“Did you get his mom’s number?”
“No, but I got her new address?”
***
“Hey, Ms. Johnetta.”
“Hey DJ! Honey, it’s good to see you. How’ve you been?”
“Not too bad. Ms. Johnetta, is Kane there?”
“Umm hmm,” she replied sounding disgusted. “He’s here,” she said moving aside to let him in. “DJ, I swear something’s wrong with the boy. He hasn’t left this house in almost five weeks. I’ve been keeping count. He told me if anybody called or came by to tell him that he wasn’t here. Now, I’ve done that for everybody else, but I can’t lie to you. You’ve been too good to Kane.”
“Thank you, Ms. Johnetta. Is he downstairs?”
“Yes, sir. He can’t stay here and have my basement looking like a pig’s pen.”
DJ shook his head. “I understand completely.”
He opened the door to the basement and headed down the steps.
“Kane,” he yelled.
“Go away.”
“How long are you gonna stay down in this dungeon?”
“What difference does it make?”
“Oh, I see. You’re having a pity party and the only one available to attend is you, right?”
“D, I didn’t invite you over. Why are you here?”
“I’m here because you want me to be. It was you who came to me wanting me to help you. It was you who came to me wanting me to believe in you, your talent, your message, and your ability! I’m invested now…studio time, phone calls and most importantly, my concern for you. What do YOU want to do, K? What do you want out of life? Are you finally ready to do something different in order to get it?”
“Do something different? I’ve been doing something different! I gave up my only means of survival for a bullshit dream that’s never gonna happen. I’ve disappointed myself, I’ve disappointed the people I love and I’ve offended you. Sorry I couldn’t live up to the man you thought I was.”
“You didn’t offend me. What you have to understand and realize is that I was always for you, K. You made a mistake. Who do you know that hasn’t? However, the lesson in
this is to forgive yourself and not let Satan use the guilt of that mistake to keep you held prisoner in a mental cell, which is what you’re doing by locking yourself up in this basement. Being down here is not shutting people out as much as it is closing you in. You’re stifling your creativity, you’re not being productive and you’re practically wasting away and why? Because you made a mistake that, by the grace of God, you were able to walk away from?”
“I lost everything I had…”
“What you lost…was it something you wanted or was it something you needed? I believe that in order for a person to be truly happy in life, they must first learn the difference between what they want versus what they need.”
“I needed it!”
“You didn’t NEED it, K! What you lost wasn’t something that was necessary for your survival…your livelihood. You’re still here! You’re still breathing without it!” DJ sighed. “What if I told you that God is trying to get your attention? What would you say if I told you that God is trying to tell you something and sometimes the only way He can get your attention is to get you alone?”
“Can I get anymore alone than this?”
“You have to be willing to let go of certain things in order to receive what’s being prepared for you. I need you to get up, K. I need you to shower, put some clothes on, eat something and then meet me at the studio in an hour.”
Kane sighed. “D, I don’t…”
“In this world, you can’t have your cake and eat it too without forfeiting something else. It’s impossible. However, nothing’s impossible with God. With God, K, you can have an entire bakery! I keep telling you that if you want something different you have to do something different. I know you’re listening I just don’t think you’re hearing me.” DJ scratched his head. “Look, I can’t force you or hold your hand in an attempt to get you to see what I see, which is something better than where you are. My Word can’t save you. You have to get it for yourself. The choice is yours. I’ll leave this right here for you,” DJ said placing a piece of paper on the table beside Kane.
Kane waited until he heard the door close. He rolled over and picked up the paper.
James 2:14-17
“Mama, you got a Bible down here?”
“What? Who needs a Bible?”
“I do. Where is it?”
“LORD, JESUS! HALLELUJAH, THANK YOU, LORD!” Ms. Johnetta praised.
“MA!”
“Look underneath the table down there,” she answered. “Praise, God. Praise, God,” she continued to sing.
Kane grabbed the book, aimlessly flipping through the pages in search of the book of James.
Where’s James? There it is. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
“Faith without works is dead.”
DJ pulled in front of the office thirty minutes later. He killed the engine and let out a deep sigh before closing his eyes and saying a quick prayer for his friend. When he entered the office, Jonathan was finishing up with a client.
“Did you see him?”
DJ nodded.
“Did he look as bad as Ritz said he did?”
DJ nodded again.
“Damn. So, what are you gonna do?”
“I already did it.”
Jonathan shook his head.
“I spoke to him briefly. He’s in a negative place right now. I told him I needed to see him here in the next hour. Whether he shows or not is strictly his choice.”
“What if he doesn’t show?”
“Work as usual. We can’t allow one confused apple to spoil the entire bunch. I’ll be in my office. If he shows ring me before letting him in.”
“Got it.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Camille, you look beautiful. I love those colors.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Chatman.”
“Ted, it’s good seeing you again.”
“Same here, Denise. Well, while the other girls are getting ready do you have a second?”
“Of course.” Denise said escorting Ted to an empty office across the hall.
“What’s up?”
“First, I just wanted to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you. I have had the time of my life here and owe a lot of my success to you. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. When everyone else doubted, you believed.”
“Ted, thank you, but you don’t owe me anything. You did the work, you put in the long hours and you co-authored your own path of success. I simply encouraged you to look inside of yourself to see what I saw. You did that and where you are now is your reward.”
Ted smiled. “Well, I didn’t want the day to go by without you knowing how much I appreciate you. This project means a lot to me. You’re the first big account I have and though I’ve worked with you before I want to make sure everything is perfect.”
“Nothing is perfect, but I believe in you and I believe that whatever you attach your name to will be as close to perfection as one can possibly get so, thank you. Now, let’s get out of here. We have an entire room of models, actors, photographers and videographers waiting for us. This is it, Ted. You ready?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Let’s go then,” Denise said patting Ted on the shoulder.
They re-entered the room as the models were taking their places on the stage.
“May I have your attention please,” Denise yelled.
Everyone turned, giving her their full attention.
“Thank you. I’m going to introduce myself to some and reintroduce myself to others. My name is Denise Chatman and I’m really excited about this project and your being here. This project is one of my babies and I’m very protective of my kids. With that being said, we’ve already discussed what I expect of you as temporary employees of TIA Enterprises. If there are no questions we’ll go ahead and get started.”
No one said anything.
“Alright then. Let’s get to work.”
Denise watched as the models positioned themselves on the stage. The music blared through the speakers as the techs adjusted the lighting for the first scene. Denise smiled at the feeling of satisfaction that filled her heart.
My first show. Wow! Thank You, God. It’s going to be awesome.
Hours later they were finished.
“You girls are the true definition diva! I’m so amazed at you all.”
“Thank you.”
“Alright, don’t forget to return your badges to Keisha and sign out before leaving. Great job. See you all tomorrow.”
“Awww!” Ted screamed once everyone had left the room.
“This is going to be an amazing show, Ted. I can feel it.”
“I’m so happy. All the girls came with their “A” game today. They were really great.”
“Rita, come over here for a second,” Denise called.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Rita, Ted.”
“Nice to meet you, Ted.”
“Rita is the designer of the clothing used in this show. She is brilliant!”
“Congratulations to you, Rita. The girls looked fabulous.”
“Thank you so much,” she smiled. “I’ve been working really hard on my latest designs. I was a little nervous, but when Camille came here a few weeks ago for her fitting it all went away. She’s a natural. Then I met the other girls and they were just as great,” she smiled.
“I’m glad to have you as part of the team, Rita. You’re one heck of an asset to our company. So, is there anything else you need? Material, threat, pins?”
“Actually, I think we may need some additional fabric.”
“Well, let Keisha know what you need and I’ll
approve the request.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Chatman.”
“You’re more than welcome.”
“Well, Ted. I guess that’s it for us. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Bright and early.”
“Oh, one more thing. I still haven’t received Kristin’s background check yet. She won’t be able to start until I have that on file.”
“My apology. I thought I faxed that over last week. When I get back to the office I’ll make sure I do that.”
“Thank you. Be safe going back to the office.”
“I will. Let me know if there’s anything else you need from me. Have a good afternoon.”
***
Denise opened the door to her office as a huge smile encompassed her face. She sat down at her desk and then picked up the phone and began to dial.
“Hello?”
“You answered. Thank God.”
“Hey, Denise,” she spoke solemnly.
“Oh, stop sounding like somebody has died.”
Aprile sighed.
Denise took a deep breathe. “I was calling to remind you about the book release. I hope you’re still planning to come. I really would like to have my sister there for support.”
“Denise, I…”
“Look, before you say anything, Aprile, I want to apologize. I hope I haven’t been too unsympathetic because the truth is I know exactly how you feel. I was you years before DJ and I got together. I’m sure you can remember me searching for love and giving all the love I had to people who couldn’t and weren’t willing to love me back. It was a rough time for me and a hard lesson to learn.”
“I hate what Alex has done to you and how you’re feeling as a result of it. What I will say is that hurting people hurt people and though I can only speak for myself as to what happens to those people they hurt; I know it’s not a pretty sight. I’m praying that you are comforted…soon. The only thing that helped me when I was in your situation was the Word of God.”
“Huh, thanks, Denise.”
Denise sighed. “I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but I swear that’s all I have to give. That’s all I know. Oh, one last thing. I’m going to be able to do the Beauty for Ashes conference. If you can’t make the book release, at least make it there. I think it’ll be good for you to hear. Love you, sis and I’ll talk to you later.”