Push

by BLMorticia

  “She was so mad, she could hardly speak.” Myrna chuckled through the tears. “He was a good boy. He was…. Oh God, I cannot believe he’s gone!”

  Seth’s lips quivered, and he wiped another tear from his eye. He sat in the recliner. “Where are Gio and Morty?”

  “They’ve gone to the pub. They said if you want to meet them there, give ’em a ring, luvie,” Seth’s mom said.

  Malakei took a seat in the other recliner opposite Seth. “Myrna? I want to help with the funeral costs. Once you make the arrangements, let me know and I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Oh my God, Malakei, that is so sweet of you! I was just telling Ethel, I didn’t know how I’d pay for services. I have so little money in my bank account. Not enough for burial and all that.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Malakei said with conviction in his voice.

  Seth glanced over at Malakei. He flashed him a smile and winked, wishing he could kiss him for giving Johnno’s mother some hope. “Thanks, Malakei. It means a lot to me.”

  “Of course. And, Seth, as your….” Malakei stopped for a moment, then smiled at him. “Your man, I’m telling you to get some rest.”

  Myrna gasped as did his mother.

  Seth’s eyes widened when he heard those words. He couldn’t believe Malakei just outed himself in front of his mother and Myrna.

  “I’m not worried about hiding it anymore. You need me to be supportive, not concerned about my reputation. If someone sees us together, so what? I am who I am.”

  Seth blinked back tears and held out his hand. “I love you, Malakei. I love you with all my heart.”

  “I love you too.” Malakei nodded, then looked over at Myrna and Ethel, who appeared shocked.

  “You’ve made me a happy mom today, Malakei. Very happy,” his mother said.

  Malakei bowed his head.

  “Myrna, I hope it is safe to assume you won’t tell anyone about Malakei and Seth, right?” Ethel asked her.

  Myrna shook her head. “No, Ethel. I have more important things to worry about. I’m happy for you and Seth, Malakei. You’re a good guy, and he’s a wonderful young man too.”

  “Thanks, Myrna. I… I don’t know what to say other than I’m sorry. If only I hadn’t kicked him out of the band,” Seth said, choking up again.

  “Sweetheart, that wasn’t your fault. Those idiots who had come around a couple of times weren’t good friends. I had told him to leave them alone because they were bad news from the start. He wouldn’t listen to me, said I was overreacting. I also recall that last time you guys talked on the phone. He’d already snapped at me that day when I said how worried I was for him after coming from an all-night party. I saw the warning signs and begged him to get help. He wouldn’t listen. Well now, he’s somewhere, probably wishing he would’ve listened to us!”

  Seth’s throat tightened, and he dropped his head.

  Immediately, Malakei’s warm hands grabbed his, and he hugged him close.

  Myrna sobbed again. “If only he would’ve listened to all of us, if only….”

  Seth hugged Malakei back and kissed his cheek. He looked into Malakei’s eyes and smiled. “Malakei. I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

  “I’m here, Seth. Remember, I got you, I always do.”

  Chapter Thirty

  “GOOD MORNING, Malakei. Did you have a good rest?”

  As Malakei walked down the staircase, he rubbed the back of his neck and smiled at his butler. “Yes, I’m good, Jensen. I’m still a little jet-lagged, but once I get used to the time difference, I’ll be fine.”

  “All right. It is good to have you back here. Lauren has breakfast ready for you.” Jensen bowed.

  “Thanks.” Malakei nodded and stepped off the last stair. He turned right and down the long hallway to his dining hall. He opened the door and peeked in. “Good morning, Lauren. Could you bring my breakfast to the study?”

  Lauren stopped what she was doing. “Good morning, Malakei. Of course I can. I haven’t placed it on the table, and it’s still piping hot.”

  “Great, thanks.” Malakei spun on his heel and ambled through the next large set of doors. He walked inside, enjoying the sight of his favorite place to be in this castle.

  Once he settled at his desk, Malakei took a seat and pulled out his phone. He sent a text to his publicist and attorney, to be prepared.

  His publicist replied, “For what?”

  Malakei said, “For what I’ve been telling you I’d do all along.”

  Malakei’s publicist sent back a smiley face and said go get em’ tiger, which gave him even more confidence.

  Malakei had been thinking about this ever since yesterday when he hopped on the plane with Seth, Morty, and Gio, and even more after crying with Myrna.

  When he got to his busiest social media page, he took a deep breath and typed.

  For the longest time, I’ve been M. Prophet, hip-hop artist, activist, and businessman. However, today, above all, I wish to remind you that I am, most importantly, Malakei Oakley, son of Dorelee and Jeremiah. I am a God-fearing man who cares about other people and wishes everyone well. I am also here to say….

  Malakei inhaled sharply again and closed his eyes a moment. The doubts over what he was about to do swirled in his mind, but he felt with Seth’s band on hiatus, he should do this. Once they got off the ground, maybe the fervor over his coming out would die down slightly.

  Besides that, he’d outed himself to Myrna and Ethel. Of course, Morty and Gio knew, and eventually, the more the British press caught him around town, they would start rumors. Things he and, more importantly, Seth didn’t need right now.

  Malakei cleared his throat and opened his eyes to finish his statement.

  I am a man who loves another man. There, I said it. I love another man. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been gay. I’ve held it in for years, fearing it would ruin my reputation as a hip-hopper. That most likely will still happen, but guess what? I don’t care. I’ve been in the game for years, helping artists from other genres as well as hip-hop. You’ve been good to me, buying my music and giving me love on the road. I hope you will continue to do so, but if you can’t do it now because I’m gay, then I’ll respect that. I will continue to do what I love, which is make music. I am a musician, yes, but more importantly, I am a human being.

  If any of you, who are friends, fans, or peers, feel this is an issue, do me a favor and tell me to my face. Don’t speak about it behind my back! Comment on this thread if you’d like. I won’t run from it. I’ll come back and check the responses.

  I am a stronger man today because I’ve finally decided I’d had enough of running away from the truth about myself.

  I am gay.

  I am now out and proud.

  I have fallen in love with another man.

  And, I am happier for it.

  The end.

  Peace

  M. Prophet

  Malakei grabbed a favorite selfie of himself that he’d taken a few months ago and placed it underneath the statement. After closing his eyes again, he hit the Post button and placed the phone on the desk. Malakei sighed aloud, feeling the boulder he’d carried around on his back being lifted. He’d finally done it. He’d told the world after years of keeping it a secret.

  Just as he was about to pick up his cell again, Lauren walked in with a rolling cart.

  “Here you are. I cooked your favorite. I hope you’re hungry.” She placed two plates in front of him, then a cup of coffee as well as juice.

  When Lauren lifted the top, Malakei looked down at the full plate of bacon, poached eggs, fried tomatoes, and toast. “I am starving, thank you. I’ll skip the shake and take this instead.” He winked.

  “I’m glad, Sir. Welcome home again!” She patted his shoulder.

  “Thanks, again, Lauren.”

  “You’re quite welcome.” She curtsied and left.

  Malakei smiled and picked up the napkin to drape over his lap. Curious as to the re
actions to his post, he lifted the phone, noticing over a thousand likes already and a few mad signs. He wondered why people were upset. Were they that in tune to his love life? Were they jealous? Or were they those bible thumpers who didn’t believe it was right for a man to love another man? Not that any of it mattered, but he’d always wondered why haters felt they should concern themselves with someone else’s life, especially when they didn’t agree with it.

  “Ah well, can’t please everyone.” He shrugged and picked up his fork, separating the eggs, then taking a bite, moaning after the first taste. Malakei would savor her cooking his whole time here, so he expected to gain a few pounds. Thankfully, the time he spent with Seth would probably work them off.

  Once he’d finished his meal, Malakei looked at his phone again, checking the comments. The shares were over one hundred, and the likes were at six thousand plus. Most of the comments were positive, while there were a couple saying that he wasn’t God-fearing if he was gay, or that they’d be discarding their M. Prophet disc. Though it hurt a little, Malakei wouldn’t focus on that. He’d done what he should’ve done a long time ago, and now, he could live life and focus on making Seth his life partner, making music, and expanding his businesses.

  Although he wished to call Seth, he decided he should do something else that had been niggling at him the past twenty-four hours… confronting Les Mustang about what he’d done. He checked the clock, making sure it wasn’t too early. He almost felt guilty for ruining Les’s morning, but he figured Les had someone ruin his car and scare him for the past few weeks, so why should he care?

  One good turn deserves another.

  While waiting for Les to pick up, Malakei leaned back in his chair and sighed. He drummed his fingers on his knee, then straightened when he heard a greeting.

  “I knew you would call after telling the world your dirty secret,” Les said with malice.

  “Why not? I might as well get two hard things out of the way now. Besides, I’ve just had breakfast.”

  “How did you have time to eat and post your bombshell in so little time?”

  “What can I say, I’m quick.”

  “It’s only eight.”

  “Not where I am. It’s late afternoon.”

  “Where are you? Peter said you were in Vancouver.”

  “I’m not. I told him that because I was paranoid.”

  “Where are you, then?”

  “Why? So you can send more of your flunkies after me?”

  Les was quiet for a moment. Then he sighed aloud into the phone again. “Listen, Malakei, I did it to scare you, yes. I thought you corrupted my son, but I was wrong. He did it on his own. Actually, I’m wondering if he corrupted you.”

  “I needed no help in figuring out that I’m gay.”

  “All right, fine, so you both changed of your own accord. I’m still not happy with it.”

  “I really don’t care if you are or not, and neither does he.”

  “What made you tell everyone?”

  “I found someone I love.”

  “More than Peter?”

  Malakei nodded. “Yes. I will always love Peter, but Seth is more important to me than anyone other than my parents.”

  “Well, that’s good news. Maybe he can stop pining over you and finally get straight.” Les laughed.

  “Whatever. I just want you to know I’m not appreciative of what you had those men do.”

  “Oh, for crying out loud, they didn’t touch you!”

  “They scared the shit out of me, Les! I hope you get what’s coming to you after pulling this crap!”

  “I’ve already dealt with the police. I posted my bail. Remember, I’ve got friends in high places.”

  “Mhmm, and by the way, did you partner up with Darryl on this?”

  “Darryl? Who the hell is he?”

  Malakei shrugged. Then meeting Darryl that day in the restaurant was a total coincidence. “Never mind that. Just know what you did was pretty cruel. I’ve never been so afraid in my life.”

  “Then maybe you should grow a pair. I didn’t want them to do any bodily harm. Can we forget about this and move on?”

  “Move on?”

  “With our friendship. I always considered you like a son to me. You were a fantastic performer even though I don’t care all that much for rap. You made Mustang a ton of money, and since people love gays, you’ll be worth even more now that you’re out.”

  Malakei bit his bottom lip. “We have no friendship anymore. When you fucked around with me, that dissolved real quickly.”

  “Ooh. I’ve never heard you curse. Maybe you have a pair after all,” Les teased.

  Malakei dug his fingernails into the arms of his chair. He huffed out a breath and shook his head. “You know what, fuck you. Fuck you and everything you stand for. You’re a bitter old man, and Peter will be better off without you in his life. I know I will!” Malakei pushed the disconnect button. Just as he was about to slam the phone down, he thought better of it and placed it down as carefully as he could.

  Malakei couldn’t believe Les and how casual he was about this whole ordeal.

  At least he knew now that Les as a conniving SOB that he didn’t need in his life ever again.

  “YOU GOT me, baby. Under your finger… I swear on my life I’ll be there for you….”

  Malakei bobbed his head and listened to an older hit of his while he drove from his castle. Word had spread quickly about his announcement on social media, and he supposed they were playing this in his honor. The disc jockey mentioned his statement before the song, saying he was happy for him. Usually he didn’t listen to his own music once it had been done, but today it seemed okay to do so.

  After the song ended, Malakai pressed the telephone button on his wheel. “Dial Ethel.” He’d noted her number to call if needed. He wanted to check to see if Seth was awake.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Ethel. Is Seth awake?”

  “He is, Malakei. He thought I kicked you out of the house last night. I told him I offered for you to stay, but you didn’t want to.”

  “I wanted him to get some rest, and I didn’t think it would be respectful to stay with him in your home.”

  “Oh, son, you’re being too modest. You two are grown men.”

  “Yes, but I didn’t want to impose. Anyway, I’m on my way. Could I speak to him?”

  “Sure. Let me get him, all right?”

  “Of course.”

  Malakei waited for Seth to come to the phone. By the time he pulled the gear to move the car, he heard Seth’s voice.

  “Hello, love. Where are you?”

  “I’m on my way back now. I needed sleep and so did you.”

  “I would’ve slept better if you were beside me.”

  “Nah, I think you did okay alone. Besides, as I told your mom, I couldn’t sleep in your bed with you under her roof.”

  “Aw, you are so respectable, baby. Anyway, how long will it take for you to get here?”

  “A couple of hours. It’s not close, so I might grab a hotel room to stay at when it’s time for the funeral. Have you talked with Myrna today?”

  “Not yet. She stayed here, and I believe she’s still napping…. I will… oh wait.”

  “What?”

  Seth squealed in the phone. “Malakei, you made your announcement this morning?”

  “I did. I figured now was the perfect time to do so.”

  “Ah, you stinker! I wanted to be with you when you did it.”

  “Nope. I felt better doing it alone. Having you there might’ve made me clam up and change my mind. I did it quick, like ripping off a Band-Aid, and it felt wonderful.”

  “Aw, Kei. I’m so happy. Now I can tell the world who my boyfriend is.”

  “Yeah, you can. Just be prepared for the onslaught of reporters camping out in front of your mother’s house.”

  “You got a point there. I’ll keep quiet, then. I don’t want any of those wankers bothering my mom. When you come, ther
e are a couple of things I want to talk with you about.”

  Malakei perked up at that. “The band?”

  “I want to do it, but I’m not ready right now. Not with Johnno gone.”

  Malakei grimaced at that statement but decided not to push. He’d do it after they’d given Johnno a proper farewell. “Okay. What did you want to talk about?”

  “I’ll tell you when you arrive. Do you think we could find someplace quiet to chat, maybe eat a little, and enjoy one another?”

  “Sure. I can reserve a room for us. I might be able to call in a couple of favors so I can ditch the press. Let me work on that. I’ll see you in a bit, then, okay?”

  “All right. I love you.”

  “I love you too. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Hurry and get back. I miss you.”

  “Miss you too. Bye.”

  Malakei disconnected the call. He merged onto the expressway, to make his way back to Birmingham. He wondered what Seth wished to talk about. If it wasn’t regarding the band, what could it be? He supposed it was good news, or Seth wouldn’t have sounded so happy about telling him.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  AFTER HANGING up, Seth stared at the statement Malakei had made. He spoke so eloquently, telling people this was his life and to fuck off. Seth would’ve felt better if he’d done just that.

  “Babby, do you think you can make a quick trip to the shop? I wanted to cook Myrna something.”

  “Sure, Mom. Good news.”

  “You’ve come to your senses and will do the band again?”

  Seth looked up at her and shrugged. “No. I’m not. This is even better. Look at this.”

  Seth’s mother grasped Seth’s phone and smiled. “Well, I am chuffed to bits that he’s done it. When he mentioned it in front of Myrna, I worried about her reaction.”

  “Like she said, she’s got bigger things to worry about. I know she’s usually a talker, but… this ain’t the time. Anyway, I’m going to stay with Malakei once he gets here. Is that all right?”