The All Saints (Part I)

By Mei

The first of the three-part All Saints series introduces Jimmy, a kid with a whole lot of problems. Adulthood glitters on a distant horizon, beyond the bored gazes of distracted parents and teachers, and the blood, dust and taunts of the playground. But perhaps freedom isn’t out of reach, after all. When Jimmy changes schools he encounters a pack of boys who seem to be everything he isn’t; strong, fearless, and just as untouchable as the adults in their exclusive mystical universe. More than anything, Jimmy longs to belong. Surrounded by petty crims, racists, bullies and the broken dreams of every generation before him, true friendship is a rare commodity. Jimmy might prove himself worthy, but the relentless weight of survival could test even the strongest loyalties.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mei
• Release date: Aug 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370296774

Mei

Most writers lose themselves in fantasy; it’s the troubled, semi-deranged ones that find themselves in the glaring light of the truth. Mei escaped the mean streets of Tottenham to become a successful musician and TV Line Producer, leaving the grit and grind of the working class behind in the pursuit of creative freedom. But for all the towers of gold and starry sunsets, Mei has found his greatest treasures in the dark, dirty spaces most are quick to pass over. His debut novel, Cherry Smack, follows the story of a young man trying to crawl from society’s gutter, only to discover his greatest enemy is one that might just follow him everywhere.

Book preview

In Defense of Jimmy Bramble

The All Saints (Part I)

By

Mei

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Copyright © 2016 by Mei

Chapter 1

Fragile

Jimmy Bramble was pushing eight when submitted to his first kiss. Alison Beaumont, a pretty eleven year old brunette, declared her mission and gave chase. Jimmy was fast and evaded capture effortlessly; anticipating direction, wrong footing every move. Exhausted he scoffed, hunched over, choking at failed attempts not figuring on, Katie Grimes, an undetected accomplice who, upon the next bout, caught him unawares and tripped him to the ground. Alison gleefully ran across, pinned him flat and restrained his arms. He struggled trying to dodge, darting his head this way and that. As she moved in, her long hair cascaded, shrouding his face from gathering onlookers. When completely dark she stole a kiss. It felt unusual, a primal rush unlike any other. In a blink she released him from grip. Jimmy had crossed over and glimpsed boyhood, an encounter foreshadowing manner and form.

Jimmy Bramble was one of three siblings, all of whom, by virtue of appearance, involuntarily ran against the grain. Fully grown; Christopher was the eldest; a charismatic leader with a loyal pack of followers, Laurie was the second eldest, a slender bespectacled intellectual and Jimmy the baby of the bunch. They were essentially West Indian, an ethnic cocktail of Madras mixed with a jigger of Chinese and Black. Shockingly his folks joked Jimmy, was a "Red Nigger" slang for an American Indian on account of his fair skin. He would aggressively beg to differ but truth be told he was more post than pre-op Jacko; a preteen’s dream complete with sky high cheekbones and blowout hair. His parents were from Guyana; termed a second gener, the son of 1st generation immigrants. His placement was of little consequence in 1970’s Britain, either way he was in exile. A Londoner, not yet a Brit; a nomad circling seeking permission to land.

His parents were eager to adopt a British way of life; instinctively trying to shield them from the bigotry they encountered by helping them integrate. His Mum, Tamil adopted a British alias Doreen. As an inquisitive lad, Jimmy would ask her which was her real name and why she had two. She said her British name was Doreen and not to use the other as it would confuse people. When she signed cheques he noticed she used her real name. He was confused, why was she acting undercover? His Dad had a British name, Vincent but also had a second name, Sonny his friends used, although confusing, he found it agreeably less covert. It was of little consequence as they were only kids; more soul surviving than soul searching. It wasn’t till he left school he started to seek answers to his childhood questions. Why did they eat Black Cake and not Sherry Trifle? Why did his school friends get the slipper and not the belt? Where did