Contents
Title Page
Credits
Acknowledgements
Quotations
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Epilogue
The End of the Rainbow
Written by Dontá Morrison
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2010 by Dontá Morrison
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this Book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.
Dscribeu Publishing
ISBN 1453760342
Manufactured in the United States of America
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[email protected]
Front and Back Cover design by Jeremy Morris of Eye In Detail, Graphic Designs
www.eyeindetail.com
eBook designed and typesetting by Miquel Brazil of
Suite[106]
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Endless thanks to God for blessing me with the creativity to put thought to paper.
To my parents for remaining consistent in your love for me. In spite of how things may have appeared, God’s plan for my life is definitely being fulfilled.
To my sister; you’re one of my best friends and I can always count on you for a laugh. You are a true person of resilience, strength, ambition, and drive. You buy my book and I’ll buy your CD.
To my entire family (on both sides), we all may not see eye to eye, but we can’t run from the bloodline. I love being a part of you.
To the friends (past, present, and in between) that have shaped my life in ways that words cannot express, I say THANK YOU!!!
To all the youth I have worked with over the years. Thank you for listening and allowing me to be your voice of wisdom, if only for a few hours at a time.
To Yolanda Bozant and the ABC’s of Life team - Gail, LaKeisha, and Antoine - for allowing me to travel alongside you; empowering the nation with real facts about real situations impacting real people.
To Ryeal Simms and Monice Mitchell-Simms. The brainstorming sessions on the couch paid off!! We’re on our way, so buckle up…and bring the plate of cookies.
Special Thanks to Kentay Williams, Raymond Hayward, Lavel Delone, Mike Gipson, Aric Trimble, Travell Williams, Ryan Brown, Richard Brown, Casey Jones, Rod Hines, Randy Elam, Sean Wilson, Derrick McKelvin,Yolander Garner, Nadiyah Haqq, Melody Persley, Tanisha D’Antignac, Lynette Goodman, Teves Lee, Dr. LaTisha Amos, Dr. Kristal Cutley, Kim Berry, Cassandra “Thugga” DeBose, Lecresia Gipson, Micha Dalton-James, Stacy Jones, Cynthia Tucker, Charain “Nike” Hutchinson, Paula Goins, and Danica Baker.
Extra Special Thanks to Bishop W.T. Ervin, Pastor Kimberly Ervin, Pastor John Kenney, Pastor Dwight Radcliff, Pastor Bonnie Radden, Pastor Oliver “Clay” Allen, and Pastor Pauline Brown for your countless words of encouragement and thumps in the head when I got sidetracked. Your leadership is unmatched!!
To Christopher L. Williams (1977 – 2004), you will never be forgotten.
To my “Motivational Monday” crew, I can cross this off my list of things to do…yaaaay!!! I thank God for my army. It’s El Torito time!!!
To Eddie Eason, you’re the best EVER!! Your support, encouragement, patience, understanding, and friendship have changed my outlook on life. You will always be a constant in my life; now let’s walk to 7-11 and get some nachos.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
Jesus Christ (John 3:16)
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
Audrey Lorde
“If all of us acted in unison as I act individually there would be no wars and no poverty. I have made myself personally responsible for the fate of every human being who has come my way.”
Anais Nin
ONE
It was nearing dawn and light from the full moon was gently illuminating the quiet living room. Tasha sat in front of the window, watching the wave’s crash against the shore. The mood in the home was peaceful and she took full advantage of this moment of solitude. In a few minutes, the other residents of the home would be stirred awake and the silence would be no more. She collected her thoughts and headed upstairs to begin her normal routine. Inside the master bedroom she found her place on the floor and lay like she’d been slumbering in that same spot all night.
At five o’ clock sharp the radio activated and the voice of Kelly Price began to serenade the room. Before she could make it through the first verse of “Friend of Mine”, her voice was silenced by the firm hand of Khalil, who refused to give in to the noise that rudely interrupted his pleasant dream. He rolled over, nestled himself into the body of his partner, and attempted to revisit the land of slumber that was housed under the plush goose down comforter.
While Khalil slept, Tyrin was trying to figure out if he wanted to get up and start his daily exercise routine, or sleep this one off. The bed was warm and the body next to him was a pleasure he adored. He held Khalil for a few moments, while mentally prepping himself for the workout he couldn’t ignore. He reluctantly released his baby and sat on the edge of the bed quietly taking in the new morning. Finally feeling motivated, he gave himself a morning stretch and glanced at Khalil who was still lying in bed like a baby. He couldn’t help but crack a smile and think to himself how lucky he was to have a good man in his life.
After visiting the bathroom, he covered his naked body with a pair of workout shorts, tank top, and a pair of cross trainers; before he crept out of the master suite and walked down the hall into the workout room. “Go back in the bedroom Tasha.” She sadly lowered her head in reluctance and walked back to the room where Khalil remained asleep. Upon entry he turned on the television to the morning news and dropped to the floor.
Having obtained Masters Degrees in both Business Management and Marketing, he isn’t your run-of-the-mill gay man that covets the club and bar scene. The sole owner of a prosperous graphic design company in Westwood, he has secured himself within the field and sought after by members of the entertainment industry. At thirty-two years of age, he has gone above and beyond the expectations others had for him. His chiseled 6’3” body; milk chocolate complexion; shaved head; soothing tenor voice; and perfect dimples, have caused both women and men to approach him with outlandish sexual proposals while on the other side of his desk. But he remains content in knowing that there is only one person on earth for him.
Nearly a half hour later, Khalil finally gives in to the repetitiveness of the snooze alarm and decides to start his day. “Tasha you in here?” he grumbled. The husky animal found her way to the head of the bed and stood silent. “Good morning. I guess your daddy is up and running, huh?” She began to get excited because now that both of her men were awake, she was certain to get some attention.
He reluctantly got out of the bed and walked on the warm hardwood floor into the bathroom. After splashing some water on his face, he looked in the mirror and fiddled with his hair. In the era of men wearing long cornrows,
Khalil has the mane of a god, hands down. His African American heritage is always questioned due to his long, curly, sandy brown locks. Along with beautiful hair; his mesmerizing hazel eyes and caramel complexion, would make many assume him to be vain or arrogant. Standing at a firm 5’11”, his frame is as chiseled as his significant other, with only half the work; and it burns Tyrin to the core.
He walked into the closet, threw on a sweat suit, and headed downstairs into the kitchen. He collared the spoiled beast and headed out the sliding glass doors, onto the deck. “Let’s do this.” They trotted down the stairs that went from the house to the beach walkway below, and began their morning routine.
It always amazed him how so many people were up walking their dogs or running on the beach. The morning sea breeze helped to fully awaken him and the crashing sounds of the waves helped get him motivated. They walked a little ways before she found a spot to purge her bladder. They stood there for a moment watching the waves roll onto the shore and he thought to himself, ‘This is a long way from the hood.’
Khalil had successfully made a name for himself in the world of hair artistry. At 28 years of age, he can classify himself as a world-class hair artist that has worked with the ‘Who’s Who’ of celebrities. Most of the people that have worked with him fell in love with his demeanor, sense of humor, and down-to-earth personality. He also prides himself in his culinary skills. His specialty is a homemade banana pudding that rivals most grandmothers. He believes that food is the answer to all life’s problems, and tries to save the world through his preparations.
Back at home and upon freedom from her leash, Tasha stood by her bowl awaiting food and water. She was more than a pet; she was his morning friend that helped get his day started. At first he was dead set against getting a dog, but Tyrin really wanted a Rottweiler. He had to learn the art of compromise and once the puppy was purchased, he instantly fell in love.
He glanced at the microwave and noticed that it was only 6:30. His flight didn’t take off until 11:40 so he decided to post up for awhile and watch some television. He grabbed a bagel and smeared it with cream cheese and a tomato slice. Usually he cooks breakfast like Celie from The Color Purple, but today just wasn’t one of those days. He was actually a bit irritated because Tyrin chose to workout versus spend the morning with him.
He strolls into the living room, plops down onto the overstuffed sofa, and channel surfs. He stops at Good Day L.A. and tries to focus on the morning topics but the grunting sounds of Tyrin lifting weights is getting on his nerves. Normally he wouldn’t trip, but on today it was not only annoying, he felt it totally unnecessary.
He turned up the volume, finished his bagel and lay across the couch listening to the latest stories of war, famine, and Hollywood gossip. About 20 minutes later his boredom was interrupted by the sounds of Tyrin and Tasha coming down the stairs like two happy school children just let out for recess.
“Good morning baby.” Tyrin cheerfully said as he walked down the stairs.
“Hey.” Khalil responded dryly.
“You take Tasha out this morning?” Tyrin walked over to the sofa and leaned his sweaty body down in front of Khalil in an effort to get a good morning kiss. Khalil gave him a peck and forced a smile of concern as he asked, “How was your workout?”
“It was cool. You know the normal stretching, 100 sit ups, 100 pushups, and 3 mile run. Gotta keep my body in shape, a brother ain’t getting any younger.” He picked up Khalils’ legs, sat down on the couch and placed them in his lap. “What’s on TV?”
“Nothing”
“What you cook for breakfast?”
“Nothing”
Tyrin chuckled in an unbelieving manner before he asked again “No, for real, what did you cook for breakfast?”
Without batting an eye Khalil confirmed his last statement,
“Nothing.”
“What did you eat? I know you ate something.” He looked at his expressionless face and realized that he was telling the truth. “That’s fucked up K, you could have cooked something. I mean damn you know I was upstairs working out and I would be hungry. Why the hell you got to be so inconsiderate?”
Khalil shifted his body in an effort to conceal the anger that was about to rise up in him. He knew that when it came to a confrontation between himself and Tyrin it always led to a full-fledged fight so he tried to diffuse it before it started.
“Oh, so now you’re gonna ignore me.” Tyrin was trying to push the subject but Khalil kept his cool. “Fuck it. I’ll go get something to eat myself. Hand me the remote I wanna watch BET.”
Khalil leaned forward and grabbed the remote from coffee table and politely placed it in his hand. The television was changed to BET and they began to watch the latest videos that were airing. In an effort to test the waters Khalil tried to start conversation about the video on TV. it was something new by Eryka Badu and from what Khalil could hear it was telling sisters to put their bag down because it was too much weight.
Tyrin’s attitude was obvious and Khalil saw no need to let this one slide, so instead of him going to the airport internally pissed, he decided to make his irritation known. In a very calm tone he began to speak his mind. “Let me get this straight. I’m inconsiderate because you chose to work out for two hours versus spend time with me. I’m the one that has to catch a flight today. I’m the one that is going to be gone for two days, and instead of you saying let’s have breakfast together this morning, or lets walk Tasha together, you chose to lift weights.” While the sisters on TV chirped their hearts out, Khalil lay in the same position and waited for an answer.
“Why are you trying to start something? You know the routine. I work out every morning and you cook breakfast; now all of a sudden you want to trip. You could have just as easily gotten up with me, but instead you chose to hit the snooze button for an hour. So the blame goes both ways.”
“I’m not even about to fall into your mind trap.” Khalil removed his legs off their resting spot, stood up, grabbed the small plate, and went into the kitchen. After placing the items into the sink, he set his hands on the counter and slowly took in a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. He knew that he was the one that had the temper and would usually say and do things that he would later regret; so, this one time he wanted to handle it differently.
After a few moments he exited the kitchen; however, the moment he saw the back of Tyrin’s head he had to fight back the drive to punch him in it. He kept his cool and proceeded towards the staircase.
“You’re right,” the voice was low and apologetic. He stopped in his tracks and waited to hear what was coming next. “I could’ve worked out after you left, but I didn’t think you would get upset like this. Let’s go get something to eat.”
“I told you I already ate.”
There was no movement between the two. The only sound throughout the house was a commercial playing on T.V. After the long pause Tyrin decided to break the silence. “Can I eat?”
“Eat what Tyrin?” Khalil was at his highest level of annoyance by this point and was doing his best to maintain.
“You.” Tyrin managed to get behind Khalil in lightning speed and placed his soft lips gently on the nape of his neck. He then wrapped his strong arms around his waist and held him with the strength of a vice. He lovingly and smoothly kissed his way around to Khalil’s earlobe; a spot that always caused him to give in. “I’m sorry baby, you’re right. I should have been with you all morning. Can I make it up to you?”
“Make it up to me how? You already wasted two hours and we both have to start getting ready to leave.” Khalil smugly answered while trying to be strong. However, this was the man that he loved and wanted more than anything in the world. Whenever they touched, even after five years, it was like the first time. “You can tie me up. Wanna tie me up baby?” Tyrin seductively whispered into his ear. “You can tie me up and do whatever you want to me. I want you to have your way.”
Tyrin slid his hands simultaneously d
own the inside of Khalil’s sweats and began to remove them with the sensual ease. As he lowered the pants, he simultaneously fell to his knees and began to nibble and lick on the places he knew gave him pleasure.
Khalil stood in resistance for a moment before snatching off the sweatshirt that confined his caramel body. He gently placed the palm of his hand atop Tyrin’s shaved head and held on for the ride.
Tyrin knew what it took to make Khalil forget what they were arguing about. He happily proceeded with his apology and enjoyed every moment of it. After completion, he stood up, faced Khalil, and lovingly positioned his lips on those of the man that gave him reason for living.
*****
Thirty minutes later the vibe in the house was totally different. Khalil was in the shower and Tyrin was standing over the bathroom sink preparing to shave. Eric Benet’s latest CD was blaring from the wall speakers in the bedroom. Khalil lathered himself and belted out a few bars along with the dreaded crooner, “Do you feel like dying, break down crying, wanna fall down on your knees, don’t wanna go on living, does your world stop spinning, when you think of me.”
“Sing Boo!” Tyrin shouted over the sound of the running water.
“Hurry up and shave; I need my hair washed!” Khalil yelled back. Tyrin finished shaving, gave himself a once over in the mirror, and stepped into the shower. He squeezed shampoo into his hands and began to vigorously lather Khalil’s long golden brown locks.
“Baby what am I going to do while you are gone?” Tyrin sadly asked.
“Miss me.” He cockily answered.
“I know that, but I hate being here by myself. This place feels huge without you, like something is out of sync.”
“Well Tasha will be here, and luckily it’s not a weekend trip. You know weekends are your days off and at least with me leaving on a Thursday I will be back by Saturday evening. Work is going to keep you busy and besides, this will give you time to get some much needed rest. You have been working your ass off for the past few months and you need to take some time off.”
The End of the Rainbow Page 1