As the music thumped and bodies bumped, all that could be seen upon entrance to the room were silhouettes of male bonding in its most taboo of forms. Arms were waving in the air, hands around waists, dick to dick, or dick to ass; everywhere you looked you saw a brother moving to the rhythm caused by an artist that loved to get the party started. Artists that spit game about drugs, alcohol, sex, and street life, were the ones that took this club scene to the next level. Smooth love ballads were forbidden in this arena; only the hardcore tunes made with a stripper in mind were tough enough to punch a hole into the environment of the Los Angeles Black Gay Pride after-party.
Khalil grinded on Tyrin like he was waiting for dollar bills to be slipped down his pants. He rubbed his body against his lovers with the precision of a trained pole dancer trying to make money to pay overdue bills. Tyrin placed his hands on Khalil’s waist and kept up with the maneuvering of his baby like a jockey riding a horse. When one sped up, so did the other, with syncopated movements resembling an erotic ballet. They demonstrated how it was to be in tune with someone, how you can sense their next move, know their next step and feel their next heartbeat. As Monifah asked if you wanted “Touch It”, the two of them covered each other with sweat and made it evident that they knew how to fuck.
The five of them partied the night away and to their surprise there were no altercations of any kind. As the crowd began to thin out, many of the partiers made arrangements to meet up afterwards for one night stands caused by the heat of the moment. Khalil, Tyrin, Spencer, Kerrion, and Andre all exchanged hugs and went their separate ways. Two drove to Malibu, two went to Denny’s, and one debated on whether or not he would head home alone, or visit his ex-boyfriend that made an enticing proposition to him, earlier at the beach.
NINE
Khalil circled the block of the church three times before he saw a car about to pull out of a space. He noticed the line to get into the sanctuary was already wrapped around the building, and was in no mood to stand outside in the hot sun waiting to be herded in like cattle. However, he promised his mother and cousin that he would show up. He knew if he didn’t he would never here the end of it. On top of only getting a few hours sleep because Tyrin insisted on getting some ass before they went to bed, he had to drive all the way to South Central at what seemed like the break of day, just to go inside a building full of some of the same people he partied with the night before.
He parked the car, let up the top, and looked into the rearview mirror for one last overview. Not happy with the redness in his eyes, he reached into the glove box and retrieved the bottle of Visine he carried around for times like this. He tilted his head back, dispensed the fluid, and as he brought his head back into the upright position he noticed an older gentleman walking down the sidewalk staring directly at him. The salt and pepper haired man approached the side of the vehicle and gave him a head nod and an obvious “what’s up” smile as he continued on to the sanctuary. Khalil let out a sigh of irritation and mentally began to prepare himself to be surrounded by the ones that didn’t have a hangover from last night.
He exited the vehicle, retrieved his suit jacket from the back seat, and gave fake smiles to the other church attendees that bid him an honest good morning. He looked down the street at the growing line of people and knew that he was in for at least a twenty minute wait before the first morning service would be over and the new crowd would be allowed to enter. Exasperated already, he closed the car door, hit the alarm button and proceeded to walk towards the building that was filled with past memories. All he wanted to do was get in and get out, but something told him that he was about to be in store for one of the most irritating days of his life.
“Good Morning.” the greeter said to him as he entered the foyer of the building.
“Hi. How are you?” he replied.
“Blessed, thank you. Would you like a program?”
“Sure, why not.”
As he stood in the foyer, he peered through the glass windows that separated it from the main sanctuary and watched the people scurry to get to the front of the church like it was a Luther Vandross concert. The women were dressed to kill and the brothers weren’t looking too shabby either. He finally noticed his mother standing, talking to one of her prayer sisters.
Upon entrance into the grand auditorium he felt like all eyes were on him, -a bit arrogant but true- and as he walked down the aisle toward his mother he heard a voice call out his name. He nervously looked around and to his surprise it was a buddy the he grew up with. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree and he yelled out with shocking enthusiasm, “What’s up Corny?”
The two stood in the aisle and hugged each other while the rest of the crowd forcibly kept moving past them. “How you been my brother. What’s up with you?” Cornelius asked with excitement.
“Man. Work, work, and more work. I’ve been busy trying to make it. How long have you been going here?” Khalil asked.
“About two years. Is this your first time here?”
“Man please, I grew up here. Sang in the choir and all that stuff. This was my stomping ground while you were out doing dirt and running from the law.”
“Word? So what are you now, one of those balcony brothers?” Corny asked.
“Naw dog. Just laying low, got tired of all of the drama,” He felt embarrassed by saying that but he had to be honest. “God knows my heart.” He shamefully responded and he could tell that Cornelius was about to try and recite the sinner’s prayer to him sohe cut him off before he started. “I know, I know. I should be doing better, but I just don’t have time for all of the hoopla.”
“Man, don’t wait until it’s too late, take it from me. I barely made it back. I was on the verge of a life sentence in jail, but God said otherwise.”
“What? What happened?”
“Long story. We’ll talk later. What brings you here today?”
“My cousin is dedicating her baby. There goes my mom right there.” He points to Vanessa and waves at the two of them.
“That’s your mom? Look at God. She prayed for me when I was at the lowest of lows. I love that lady.”
“Shut up fool.” Khalil said as he nudged him a little.
“Naw, for real man. Your mom ain’t no joke. I’m surprised you ain’t preaching by now, coming from her womb.”
“Whatever. Anyway it was good seeing you. Let me have your number and maybe we can do lunch one day.”
“Cool. You got a pen.”
“Nope. I’ll put it in my cell phone.”
Khalil took the number and the two exchanged a final hug. He resumed the chore of pressing his way to the seat his mother saved for him. After climbing over what seemed like fifty women wearing hats big enough to cause a solar eclipse, he finally settled into the seat next to Vanessa.
“I made it, just like I promised. You happy now?
“Well hello to you to Khalil. You know my friend Cornelius?” Vanessa said ignoring his sarcasm.
“Do I? He and I used to be wild back in high school. I was shocked as all outdoors when I saw him up in here. He said he knew you too.”
“He does. That boy has a testimony that is out of this world. He tore the place up when he told it. I think he has started seminary, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Seminary? Cornelius? You’re kidding right?” he asked.
“Kid for what, I am a grown woman. He already works with the prison ministry, so I think he just wants to go higher in his calling.”
“Wow. That’s a trip. Ole’ Corny, a preacher, who would’ve thought.”
“You should hang out with him and about his story; you will probably be brought to tears.”
“Yeah, we exchanged numbers. I’ll give him a call one day.”
The service was about to begin and as the praise team stepped onto the platform the entire sanctuary stood on its feet as they rendered selections by various artists. Khalil enjoyed this part of the service and couldn’t wait to hear what the actual choir was going to s
ing. This is the part of church he missed, the energy of if it all, the excitement and zeal that was expressed by everyone present. The move of the spirit and the falling of the anointing upon the people of God always captivated him.
After the Christening, it was time for the word to come forth. And by now he had forgotten all about how unsettled he was when he first arrived, and was looking forward to hearing what the man of God had to say. He wanted to hear what life-changing message would be delivered to the people by the chosen vessel of the Lord. The sermon was dynamic and extremely emotional, it was as though the Bishop was talking directly to him, and that was always astounding. His eloquence and charisma was beyond words and his deep felt love for God was admirable.
When it came time to have the altar call Khalil felt a tug on his heart to walk down for prayer but he didn’t want to be looked upon as someone that was only at church to use God. He had seen so many folks walk down the aisle, get saved and never be seen again. He simply sat and watched the bus loads of people flood the front of the church like lost sheep trying to find their way home. Many of them looked poor and destitute; some looked like drug addicts; others resembled gang members; while there were a few who just simply looked normal. He looked down at his brown suede Gucci loafers and knew if he went for prayer, they would say a few choice words about salvation and tell him to go back to his seat.Outside in front of the sanctuary, he and Vanessa stood talking to various members of the family. By the time Lauren walked up they were all ready to leave. It was cool when his family was together but Khalil knew they had their opinions of him, so he pretty much kept his distance. When they were younger, there was a closeness that he loved, but the more he began to evolve into who he currently was, the more space came between them. It wasn’t easy being the only homosexual in a family filled with ministers, evangelists, and other forms of church title, so he learned how and when to show his face.
“I’m about to leave momma.” He whispered in her ear.
“Me too. Lauren has invited all of her friends over for a swim and I need to get home to finish cooking.”
“I thought you weren’t cooking. And you didn’t care what she said because all those kids weren’t coming to your house.” He mockingly said to her.
“Shut up. Are you coming by to eat?”
“Yeah. I have to go home to change and pick up Tyrin.”
“Why didn’t he just come to church? That way the two of you could have came over right after church, saving time and gas?” she questioned.
“One thing he and I don’t discuss is church and religion. It keeps our arguments down to a minimum. So I’m going to change and we’ll be by later, OK.” he said kissing her on the cheek.
“Alright, let me get out of your business. See you later.”
“Bye, everybody. Talk to ya’ll later.” He said as he waved his hand to his family and friends.
“Khalil. You are coming by the house later, right?” Lauren asked.
“Yeah. I’ll be there.
“OK”
*****
Vanessa managed to get away from church without attending the various impromptu meetings that always seemed to occur after service. She raced into the house pinned her honey blond hair into a chignon and exchanged the St John two-piece ensemble for a more casual outfit that would flow with her mood. The majority of the meal had been prepared that morning before she went to church. All she had to do now was ensure that everything was in place by the time people arrived.
By three o’clock, the air in the home had changed drastically. There were young people throughout, eating, and having a good time. The guys were hovered in front of the big screen watching ESPN, and most of the girls were outside lounging on patio chairs next to the pool. After making sure that everyone was situated and fed, she retreated upstairs to her bedroom, sat on her chaise lounge, and watched Juanita Bynum preach on TBN.
Lauren played hostess while her mother rested. She was glad to be home and happy that she could have this moment with all of her childhood friends. She went from room to room, inside to outside, assuring that everyone was made to feel at home and having a good time.
“Lauren is Khalil coming?” her friend Monica asked while lowered herself into the pool.
“Yeah. He was supposed to have been here by now. I guess he’s stuck in traffic. I hope everybody knows they’re going to be on videotape. I need to have a memory of this moment for the times when I am lonely and homesick.”
“Girl, make sure that if any of those fine Berkeley boys ask who I am, you give me a call.” Another friend said.
“Trust, I got your back.” She assured her.
“Is your brother bringing his boyfriend?” Monica continued.
“Why?”
“Cause he looks good. With a capital G.” she said.
“Anyway.” Lauren tried to blow the girl off but she kept on.
“I wish I were gay so I could see if he is packing or not.”
“You are so nasty, shut up.”
“And your brother, oh my God, he needs to pose nude for a magazine or something. I’m sorry Lauren, you my girl and all, but Khalil has a nice ass.” Monica continued as she readjusted her bikini top.
“On that note I am going to get my camcorder.” Lauren was utterly disgusted by Monica’s crass comments about her brother. She was still trying to deal with the fact that her brother was gay,and couldn’t even attempt to entertain the thought of him having sex with another man.
“What’s up snicker?” Tyrin asked.
“Hi Tyrin! When did you get here?” She happily exclaimed while giving him a hug.
“About ten minutes ago. I was looking for you amidst all of the people, but I had to stop and make my plate before all the fried shrimp was gone.” He said hugging her tightly.
“It’s so good to see you. Where’s Khalil?” she asked while still wrapped in his arms.
“I think he’s still upstairs with mom. I better get up there quick before she reads me. You know how she is when it comes to respect, especially in her house.”
“I know that’s right. She will go on a straight warpath and embarrass you in front of everybody. Oh, by the way, you may want to steer clear of some of my friends. They still see you as a piece of meat ready to be tasted.”
“Good looking out. I will just kick it in the family room with the fellas and watch the game. Go see your brother; we’ll catch up when things settle down a little.”
“I will give him some time with mom before I go snatch him; you know how they need their uninterrupted quality time.” She gave him a peck on the cheek and went back to looking for her camcorder.
“Hi momma.” Khalil said as he entered her bedroom.
“Hey. When did you get here?” she asked with a smile.
“A few minutes ago,” He walked over and gave her a kiss on the forehead before sitting down at the foot of the chaise. “What you looking at?”
“Juanita Bynum. She’s tearing up the house as usual. She is an anointed woman of God. Remember how we saw her few of years ago and she wrecked the place?”
“I remember having to stand in line for two hours and then fighting for a seat,” he answered in disgust.
“But it was worth it, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah she was good. I remember she tied that sheet to a chair and started going crazy with it.” he stared blankly at the screen and drifted off in front of his mother. “Now that I think about it, she was actually very good. So anyway, are you going to stay up here all day?”
“Boy, I’m tired. I have been cooking since six this morning and then I went to church. I need some rest. Tomorrow is not a holiday; I have to go to work.”
“Momma, you own the company. You get there when you get there.”
“Not tomorrow, I have a meeting with a very important client. Matter of fact I need to be reviewing the budget again.”
“Want me to leave?” he asked.
“No. I’ll wait until things calm down. Did you want
to talk to me about something?” she asked.
“Not really.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“You can tell me. I won’t get mad.” She said, like he was four and about to confess to breaking a piece of her fine china.
“Momma, I am a grown man.”
“I can still get mad at you. And if you don’t tell me what’s wrong I will show you how mad I can get.”
Khalil sat and looked at his mother, his best friend, and couldn’t help but feel like he did when he was a little boy. He remembered how he would sit and watch her apply make up and do
her hair. He had always thought his mother was beautiful and on today as he looked into her hazel eyes, he couldn’t help but long for those moments again. “It’s Tyrin momma.” He said nervously.
“What about him? What did he do?” Vanessa sat up on the chaise and stared her son straight in the face.
“Easy killer. It’s not as bad as you think, just let me finish.”
“Hurry up. Do I need to turn the TV down?” she said as she fumbled for the remote and hit the mute button.
“Why are you so ready to crucify him, I thought you loved Tyrin?”
“I do. But you are my blood and you will always come first.”
“Well before you write him off, let me tell you what is going on.”
“You have five minutes,” she said impatiently.
“He had this girlfriend.”
“What!” she exclaimed as she swung her legs off the side of the chaise and prepared to get up.
“Will you let me finish please?”
“Boy, if you don’t spit it out.”
“She died, and to make a long story short, she had a baby before she died.” He caught himself and nervously chuckled “Stupid me, of course she had him before she died. Anyway, the baby is his, and he, we, just found out.”
“What kind of mess…” Vanessa was preparing to go into her spill on foolishness but he cut her off.
“The little boy is dying and Tyrin needs to donate one of his kidneys so that he can live.” He quickly and somberly said in an effort to refocus her thoughts. He knew that once his mother set her mind one way, it was hard to reel her back.
The End of the Rainbow Page 12