King opens his eyes and looks up into the dark sky. Destiny wipes the tears in her eyes away, while Seven feels the energy of the holy spirit working. King reaches toward the other two and they all came together and embraced. The three have been deprived of a good loving hug by someone who genuinely loves them until now. Neither one let go.
Chapter
9
THE GAME CHANGER
The fact of there being witnesses of King and Destiny leaving the hotel, the crew decided to hit the road to be on the safe side. They packed their bags and were on the highway around 2am. They spoke of plans before fatigue started to kick in. King would tell the others to get some rest and that he will wake them up before stopping at the next hotel. He drove the rest of the way while Seven and Destiny were sound of asleep. He thought of his plans while in silence the whole way back. Hours before arriving back home, king calls both Squint and Turtle to get ready to go out to eat.
Once they arrive back in Dallas, King drives straight to the elder uncles he never had and gave a heartfelt hug to both Turtle and Squint when they all came together. It was the first time he had ever hugged them. There was no need to take two cars, King wanted to go as one big family.
The group of five invaded a Mexican restaurant and sat in a big booth. King ordered all kinds of food, from chips and salsa, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, rice, beans, chicken, beef, shrimp, and steak tacos to go along with a big picture of a frozen margarita. The last supper was the scene, while the cool, laid back Mexican music filled the atmosphere. Before they ate, King told everybody he was going to bless the food. This was the first time he ever did such thing. They all held hands while King spoke a naturally spoken prayer that let Seven know he was not new at this. Destiny held in her tears of joy from feeling that her brother’s life was already changing. She knew that he didn’t half step anything. If he was in, he went all in. Turtle was such in shocked he didn’t even close his eyes for the whole prayer. Before King finished up his brief prayer, the table says, Aman.
SQUINT: What did you guys do to this man on this vacation?
KING: I changed my brother. And I brought you two here, to look you in your eyes and tell you that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for selling you dope. I have played a hand in help destroying you, and that has come to an end. I’ll no longer be selling drugs to you two anymore. Instead, I’m going to dedicate myself to help turn your life around, no matter what it will take. And Destiny and Seven are down to help as well.
TURTLE: That is beautiful King, but it is not that easy man. I’ve tried shaking these devil drug for years.
KING: I understand, that’s why we are all going to help you, and be there for you every step of the way. I’ll pay for counseling and a rehab center. I’ll drive you to all the classes.
SQUINT: I thank you King, but what if I’m not ready to stop.
KING: Look man, I know I may not be going about this the right way, but I don’t give a damn. I’m going to make it up to you and God for having my hand in damaging you.
SQUINT: What if we just find the drug with or without you? Don’t blame yourself for our actions. You didn’t hold a gun up to our head and force us to hit that crack pipe or snort that line.
KING: I know, but screw that. I love y’all man. Everybody at this table is all I got. And I ride for mines.
TURTLE: I feel you young blood. This is really what we want, but it’s that drug that is causing us to fight it. It’s a monster man.
SQUINT: And you not going to be able to monitor us 24/7 King.
King: I know that. I know you can get the drug from somebody else, but I’ll tell you how for real I am about this. I’m going to find out who is selling to you and I’m going to find them, and instill fear in their heart so much, to where they will run from you when coming around. You got two options, either allow me to get you help, or leave this entire city.
SQUINT: Aw shit, I done lost my appetite.
TURTLE: What happened to you changing?
KING: I have, I’m just a different type of believer. My God is not of a timid God and neither will I be. If I’m wrong in any way, God will deal with me accordingly. But as of right now, it is on my heart to fix what I help destroy.. Look, I’m going to help you. And once you get right and clean, I promise you, I’ll move you both in your own apartment that is fully furnished. I’ll buy you a good reliable car and have you a decent paying job ready for you. To go with some money in your bank account to maintain until you get some checks rolling in.
DESTINY: Come on my brothers, you can’t beat that. I love you too, and want to see you turn it around and be prosperous.
SEVEN: I’ve been knowing you two for a short amount of time, and I already appreciate your company more than most people that I have ever met. I’m down for the cause fellas.
King wasted no time on his mission to rehabilitate Turtle and Squint. King awoke at sun rise and paid a visit to the nearest rehab center. After working out the details, he paid for rooms in the facility center. When the time came, he intends to pay their minor bills during their stay. The first day to enter the rehabilitation center would begin in one week, so King decided to sign up Turtle and Squint to attend a daily addiction class until then. Monday through Friday starting at 7 to 8 o’clock. Seven went back to work at the library and spent most of his free time completing his first book.
King drives Squint and Turtle to their first meeting and drops them off. He sat in his car and listened to an audio book until the hour passed. The first two days went smooth. There was a positive vibe the first two days. Both Squint and Turtle showed interest in trying to turn their life around. The support from King made a difference in their will to do. His inner guilt caused him to wait on them hand and foot. On the third night, Seven joined King to drop off the old timer’s. King always parked close to the building so he could see the front entrance. King played some music on a low volume while the two conversed.
SEVEN: I noticed you haven’t smoked any blacks & milds ever since we left Cali.
KING: Yea bro, I can’t explain it. I haven’t had an urge to smoke.
SEVEN: That’s what I’m talking about.
KING: Just somebody noticing it encourages me. How is the book coming along?
SEVEN: It’s coming along good. I’m close to finishing the packet.
KING: Yes indeed, finish it with patience and get it out there to the people. I never knew being a blessing to people would feel this good.
SEVEN: Oh yea, especially when it’s from the heart.
KING: You may not know it, but you have been a blessing to me. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be in this position.
SEVEN: (Fist dap with King) Indeed. That means a lot. I can say the same thing about you. It’s like God put you in my life to help mold me for something greater later.
KING: I know without a doubt, you are here for a specific purpose and you will do great things by bringing light to this world.
SEVEN: You can see that happening?
KING: I’ve been around a few people in my life time who have an angel like spirit. Your one of them, on top of having a gift. Let me tell you something man and don’t forget this. Everything you have experienced may cause you not to see yourself having a big impact. And it may never happen until you start believing in yourself 100 percent.
SEVEN: I hear you.
KING: I am not telling you nothing that you don’t already know, it’s just reassurance. Stand firm on whatever it is you want, need and desire with full force. Your greatest strength is your weakness. You are pure, kind, and have a big heart. Stand firm, because this world can take your kindness for weakness. This is what I noticed, at the diner we ate at, you went without having your cup of water refilled for half of your meal. Maybe because you knew the waitress was busy and you didn’t want to make it any busier for her. Bro, get that waitress attention and get your cup refilled man. That’s her job. When we went shopping, you would like the expensive shirt, but you went with the cheaper s
hirt. Why, because your heart, you are not selfish, nor do you want for much. I understand, but go with that first option. That’s what you wanted, then go get it. Claim it. It’s yours. That’s nothing but a shirt that cost money, you act like you don’t deserve whatever you desire. You deserve it man. You are so humble that you put everybody before you, and you’re okay with taking the least so the people around you can be good. That’s great, you are a true man of God, but now is the time to take what’s yours. It’s time for you to go first, time for you to have the most for a change.
SEVEN: Right on, I feel you my brother. I needed to hear that.
KING: Yea man, I see everything. Unfortunately, in this backwards world we live in, that nice guy stuff will only get you so far. Keep being you, but you gotta know when to turn it up and turn it off. What would Jesus do? Jesus was bold, but with compassion and love. And once you realize that, your world will change, and watch how it all comes into fruition. Forget what people think about you, if it got your name on it, be willing to act a fool to get what’s yours. What is the worst that can happen?
While looking forward, King spots out Squint walking out the front door of the building. He looks at the time on his watch, and sees that class isn’t over until another 30 minutes. Squint spots out King looking right at him and took off running. King swings open his car door and took off running after him. Squint turned the corner of the building and was running for dear life. He looked behind him and saw King gaining on him. “Stop running,” he yelled out to the scampering Squint who weaved through and around slides, swings, and a merry go round. Soon as King caught up with him, he dove and tackled him to the ground like a defensive end sacking a quarterback.
KING: What the hell are you doing Squint!
SQUINT: (Breathing hard) I can’t do this man, I need a fix.
KING: (While catching his breath) Man get yo ass up.
SQUINT: (Heavy breathing) Hold up, let me lie here for second, I’m tired as hell. My legs are burning.
KING: Don’t make me drag your ass all the way back to the meeting.
SQUINT: Don’t do me like that, I slipped up. I’m trying! The drug is calling me.
Once King heard that, a great deal of understanding kicked in. He realized that it was going to be a process. He sat down next to Squint and caught his breath.
KING: I know man. But you gotta keep fighting. You are in a war right now and I’m not going to let you lose.
SQUINT: (Hanging his head down)
KING: Get your head up! You got this, your good. I’m with you unc. Can I call you my uncle?
SQUINT: (Lifts his head back up) Yes you can.. alright, I’ll keep pushing through.
KING: That’s what I’m talking about unc!
SQUINT: Damn, you should have ran track, shit!
King stands to his feet and holds out his hand to help Squint to his feet. They both walk back and Squint returns to class with grass still in his hair and wrinkled clothes. Turtle sees him walk back in and calls him out in front of the class, “damn, who whooped your ass man,” while laughing at his friend.
Friday was rocky for the King. He couldn’t get ahold of Squint by phone or at his resting place. He continued his search after dropping Turtle off at class. He cruised the streets where there was a high activity of drugs being sold. His straight face was covered by sadness from seeing far too many people walk the streets like zombies. A handful of spiritless bodies roaming the streets in search to get their next fix. A few hustlers and their boy’s hung outside on the block, while the money came rolling in. King could spot out the flaws in how they moved as hustler’s. He saw them as being to out in the open. There was nothing secretive about how they ran their operation. It was a no brainer for the cops to have reason to believe they are selling drugs.
After King picked up Turtle from class, the search continued. Turtle gave directions to any place Squint could possibly be. There was a cheap motel in the hood where to many tricks and addicts hung out. They asked familiar faces if they have seen Squint. He was pointed in the right direction to the exact room. There was no answer from the people inside the motel room after knocking twice. The door was opened right after King let it be known that he was going to shoot the door knob to get in. He witnessed Squint sitting in a chair high as a kite. He was zoned out until he saw King standing at the door. “Let’s go Squint,” King spoke. He didn’t even try to put up a verbal defense. He just slowly got up and walked to the door while a few others in the room were high out of their mind.
SQUINT: King, I’m sorry man, I am no good.
KING: You don’t have to apologize to me unc, I understand it’s a fight. But you are going to take me to the person who sold you the dope.
SQUINT: Come on King, you know I can’t rat nobody out.
KING: Get out of that street code shit! These streets don’t love you. Now, how do you want to handle this? At ease, or with force?
SQUINT: Okay man. Just aggressive with it, geez la weez. It’s over there on MLK and Bronze.
TURTLE: You have to be careful over there, them hard head youngsters like to roll in packs.
KING: That’s all I needed to know.
King drove straight to the location with no hesitation. He could feel both Turtle and Squint’s energy of fear rising. He didn’t speak the rest of the way. He turned his music up loud while bobbing his head to some chopped and screwed Z-RO. Soon as they drove passed Bronze Street, Squint pointed out Tre D who sold him the dope. All King needed to hear was the name. He noticed there was about six of his boys and two young ladies with him. They were drinking and smoking while standing by the front porch. King drives up a couple more blocks and makes a u-turn before parking the car. He gets out of the car and tells Turtle to get into the drivers seat.
KING: Okay here is the play, I want you to drive and wait for me to tell you where to park. Keep the car running. Once I let it be known, to never sell to you two again, we don’t know how they will react. So I need yall to play it cool and be on high alert.
The area was dark. Kings demeanor didn’t change one bit like he had ice in his veins. Turtle drives down Martin Luther King Street and makes the turn on Bronze Street. He drives closer to the house where the group hung out. King tells Squint to park right in the middle of the street and put the car in park. The unfamiliar car that stops in the middle of the street causes the men and two women to stand to their feet. One puts his hand on his gun, while a couple others squint their eyes to see who was driving the car. King steps out of the car.
KING: I come in peace, tame that dog. I’m looking for Tre D.
TRE D: Yea who wants to know?
KING: I want to know.
He walks away from the car and moves closer to the group of men with frowning faces. King turns back and tells Squint and Turtle to get out of the car. Once they are out of the car, Tre D recognizes both of them. King tells them both to get back into the car.
KING: With all due respect, but those two men right there, that’s my family, and I’m asking you to never sell dope to them again.
TRE D: (Looks at his boys before responding back) What are you the dope police trying to block me from making my paper?
KING: Not at all, just trying to see my people live. That’s all I’m asking, not to sell to these two. Can you do that for me?
Tre D knows his boys and the two ladies are closely watching him to see his reaction. They weren’t used to anybody pulling up on them like this.
TRE D: Yo blood, who you think you are pulling up on my block trying to call shots like you the boss. Step off for we run you off.
Squint almost wet his pants from being scared. Turtle shakes his head and prepares to perform the request of King. King remains silent while just staring Tre D at a distance. He turns around and starts walking back towards his car. One of the girls started laughing at King, while one of the youngsters spoke fly words as King was walking away. King walked up to the driver’s door and told Turtle to turn the Z Ro song all the way
up. He bobbed his head up and down from feeling the rap song. In his usual cool, calm, and collective demeanor, he took off his watch and handed it to Turtle. He takes off his collared polo shirt and neatly folded it and handed it to Turtle once more. He bent over and retied both of his shoes laces to fit tight on his feet. As he stood up, in his mind he asks God to be with him. His tall slim muscular frame turned around and walks back towards Tre D and his boys.
KING: Check me out, you can either respect my wishes, or step out in this street and get your ass beat. And after I knock yo ass out, any of your homies can line it up and get their ass beat one by one. And if you boys jump me, you better kill me. Cause if not, I’ll be back and air this block out, and have first 48 in this bitch. So what’s the damn deal, I’m prepared to die tonight.
Soon as King could see just a bit of fear in Tre D’s eyes, he knew he had them. Their tough guy radar decreased within seconds. The woman stopped laughing and the fly talk came to an end. Now, it was just a matter of getting his point across.
KING: If don’t nobody want no problems, then I’ll be on my way. I didn’t come here to cause drama. Just don’t sell dope to my family. You not real G’s if you don’t respect what I’m saying. I pray for you youngsters out here man. But don’t have me come back over here or it will be a different script written.
Tre D and his boys were silent. The two ladies there with them just got of glimpse of the real thing. Turtle moves over to the passenger seat and King gets in. After driving off and turning a few corners, King noticed Turtle with tears in his eyes and Squint with his head buried in his praying hands. King turns down his music.
I Am Your Brother Page 13