Collections of Southport

By L. Y. Reed

Ah, Southport. This northern Floridian city is the nucleus of a major university, thriving industrial growth, and the tourist trade for nearby beach resorts. The sequel to Bay County Memoirs introduces new characters upon the previous stronger entries that have relocated or reorganized their lives. This book deals with issues of science, futurism, modern age religion, and the strong characterizations that have shown their ability to deal with love, hate, loss, disappointment, and provocative issues. The story line is quick and laconic. The plots intertwine with a unique authenticity as the new millenium unfolds with startling realizations. Ah, Richard Turner, Great Minds Graphic Designs, has provided another phenomenal book cover.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 1, 2001
• ISBN: 9781588204127

L. Y. Reed

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, the author still resides there after living in other areas of the country during his life. L. Y. Reed, which is the author’s pseudonym, was educated at the University of Texas and the College of Charleston. Work background includes sales in the communication field and many years in the hospitality industry. The author continues to write and he is in the process of producing a new and provocative novel. Reed would like to pay his deepest respect to his typist and editor, Cathy Barber.

Book preview

I

The Kickoff

The year is 2001. In cadence, the Southeastern University Marching Band emptied onto the football field. It was a humid, sunny Saturday afternoon in late August. Visiting Northwestern University ran onto the field after the band completed The Star Spangled Banner.

Two very good female friends watched the field. It was one friend’s job that put her in the seat and it was the other friend’s love of football as well as family alliances.

I hate fucking college football games, Cassie. I have seen the best teams in professional football play. This is total bullshit, Shauna admitted as she sat with her arms and legs crossed. Shauna Winters had let her hair grow from its normal short length to a wiry shoulder length cut that was exaggerated with its red framing in front.

Her closest friend, Cassandra Carraway, smiled. She was attending the opening game of her father and brother’s Alma Mater. She never attended the school herself but she felt a close fidelity to the campus and its sports programs.

You are the current marketing and sales promotional supervisor in this region. It is a long overdue promotion for you. Your company works with this university very closely in recruitment and scholarships for tax purposes. How many times do I need to say this to you, sweetie? Cassie inquired as well as remembered.

It is so fucking hot. Why did I need to dress like this? Shauna steamed.

It was your choice. I told you that I would wear pants, but I told you I would dress nicely in case someone in your business would see us, Cassie claimed as she answered with applause as the home team entered the field.

I need to call Drew, Shauna lamented.

Do you ever hear from Paul? asked Cassie as she hailed the coke salesman on the stands.

Every so often. We are still friends, answered Shauna.

Does he mind all the traveling in his new position? Cassie inquired as she applauded the next play.

He says it keeps his mind off me, Shauna answered.

Cassie purchased four cokes. Shauna adjusted her dress and hose. She peered back at a student who screamed incessantly.

Fuck! Why did you buy so much damn coke? Shauna pressed.

For the mini-bottles in my purse. I brought several Crown Royals, Shauna.

I knew I loved you, Shauna began, How is Greg?

It’s been fun. I don’t know where it is going, but I don’t know that I want it to go any further. They both lit a cigarette.

What does that mean, Cassie?

It means that I just want to have a good time!

It doesn’t sound like a woman in love.

She’s not. Unfortunately. Are you?

The relationship is too new. I have high expectations for a man who is gorgeous, sexy, and brilliant.

You are a bitch. I love you but life needs to get better for you in Southport.

It has. I’ve grown. Oh, thank you for the cocktail. I hope I don’t rip these pantyhose off if I get too hot!

S.E.U. scored which brought eruption to the stands. It was a long pass play. Cassie immediately raised her hand for a high five from a graying, older man in the neighboring seat.

"All of these people are getting cocktailed or high so when S.E.U. scores the next touchdown, you could slide those pantyhose into your purse," Cassie administered.

You love this? Shauna asked.

I do, Cassied answered as she took a sip. A cloud came over the stadium to mask the sun.

Thank God, stated Shauna.

I think it is time you do, between close friends, Cassie admitted.

I believe in God.

I know that but it may be time to thank him for your blessings.

Cassie, don’t ask me to think of Carolyn and your world as well as Paul.

I understand, but you will work this out.

You have not mentioned Steven in awhile.

He’s fine. He never heard from Meredith nor can he trace her.

That’s a bitch. She knew what she was doing all along. Are you still friends?

Yeh, but Greg is always there.

I see, Shauna answered with a spark in her eyes.

Like I said, you are a bitch, but I love you.

Well, like I told someone else in my past that I have discussed today, this bitch needs to go and make calls and find the ladies room.

Already?

Yes, Shauna answered as she gunned down her drink.

Cassie sat lamenting over the conversation as she enjoyed the game. Life was different for both women in the year 2000. Her own business had grown into an office space near her abode. She now had two ladies in her office, which gave her time to travel to frequented large accounts like Collections. She applauded a second touchdown. It was an interception that produced a stunning return. She loved God, football, her home, her dogs, her family, and her job. Shauna had made her realize that she did not love the man in her life. She liked his company but she was not ready to settle.

XxxxxxxxxX

About two blocks away in a high rise apartment-dormitory setting, a beautiful black woman peered through binoculars at the football stadium from her window. Her long hair was lightly wavy but the sheen was outstanding. Barnwell Hall was the best on-campus housing for graduate students.

We should have gone to the game. It would have been a nice break to our routines, Simone offered.

Her beautiful blonde roommate emerged from her room to answer.

Simone, there will be other games. It is a beautiful day, though. Perhaps I’ll take a run, Kellie answered as she pulled her long blonde hair back from her face.

I’m so nervous about my sermon tomorrow, Simone entered.

You were great last Sunday. I’m sorry your Mom could not make it. She would have been so proud of your message on love and commitment, Kellie said as she started to change for her run.

Mom’s life is so different. I worry about her.

Tell me about Joe.

We met in the library. He is an older undergraduate student as well as a transfer from another university. He is originally from Bayside.

You never mentioned that.

His mother attends my mother’s church. He even went through counseling with my mother. He had been beaten unrecognizably in a bar incident.

Really? Kellie asked as she emerged with her running gear on her strong body.

He is a beautiful man with deep gray eyes.

The prettiest gray eyes I have ever seen were on another man who was beautiful in mind and body. I hope he is doing well. He has not kept his promise to write faithfully but neither has that asshole brother of his.

Are you speaking of Sky?

Of course. The one and only.

You need to forget that one.

One can never forget what one will never understand.

I just want to date and meet people. Shouldn’t you? Wouldn’t it be healthy for you?

I’m health conscious as you know. Mentally, I apply myself to my masters’ degree in International Business. I love the medical classes I have taken.

Dr. Pearsall is a gifted, wonderful man. He is published, recognized in every medical periodical and he is taken. He dates an executive with a local company. Furthermore, he is too old for you, interrupted Simone.

I wasn’t talking about dating him, Simone. I mean that I want to know more about microorganisms and business. It is intriguing. It deals with the new way of the world. It is about selling ways to sustain life to those that are contaminated through water, air, or ingestion.

Constantly thinking about course study?

"Constantly thinking about my future and the future, Kellie quickly observed, I have my whole damned life to find a man who intrigues me."

I’d say you already found him but you did not know how to conquer the interest or desire to your fulfillment.

Don’t counsel me, Reverend. I love you but I won’t be viewed as a conquistador.

Simone laughed and answered, No one will counsel you, Kellie. You are too strong for counseling or lamenting. It is my only point.

Point made, miss.

Miss Rivas to you, girl.

Kellie Manning thought about asking her about the father she had never known, then decided to eliminate the thought. She did not wish to discuss her own relationship with her own father at this point.

Kellie, Simone began, We are at an innovative institution of learning and expansion. We are being prepared for an unsure future. I’m not being negative but there are doubts when you see or hear the news media on a daily basis.

And your point would be?

Life is too short. Relax and enjoy learning. Learning about God, life, and knowledge. The knowledge can be street-wise or book-wise.

You’re right. Life is too short. It seems to go quicker each day. I will rethink my motives as I run a few more minutes off my life.

Kellie left after her answer with an uncertainty and emptiness she could not define.

Simone felt something in her heart and mind after Kellie left. She went rushing to the elevator. Before the elevator closed, she asked Kellie to come to the apartment for a moment. Kellie obliged. They walked to the apartment quietly as Kellie awaited a reason for this interruption in an inpatient fashion.

There was only one other passenger on the elevator. It was a man who was trying to get to the library. Somehow, some way, the cable supporting the elevator snapped. It fell twenty-two floors with the man’s screams filtering through the building. The paramedics pronounced him dead at the sight.

II

Virtual Reality

Why a name like that for this gory painting? Michael Warwicke inquired.

"It is the virtual reality of the piece. The reality of the dead people on the beach lends to the virtual reason for their demise," Tracy answered Michael as they viewed the gruesome piece at the condo in Bayside.

How did you see this?

I read the newspaper on the beach. It described heat stroke and disease, Tracy announced.

Where has your head gone with these last few paintings? Michael asked.

This art show requires more realism. There will be eight artists and many art critics from all over the world. I want to stand apart.

Your old portraits display realism and life. You are now painting about death and the macabre. It is shocking, girl.

It’s my interpretation of what they want.

They may not sell.

Dealers look for a different approach.

What does Storm think?

He is thrilled that I am participating in the event. His close bout with death makes him appreciate the quality and the color.

Whatever. When will he get back home from Denver?

This weekend. Since he went back to work for his firm, they have utilized his talents nationally. He promised that he would not travel as much next year. Graphics are going into a new trend. He wants to be at the beginning of this new era.

It’s great that he has the brilliance and the energy. You’re both so talented.

Thanks, Michael. How’s Seth doing?

He’s okay. He wants to move in.

And what do you want?

Well, you know, we’ve been dating six months now. It started as a friendship.

Storm and I started as friends. There is nothing wrong with that. It gives a firm foundation for a relationship.

I’m just not ready. He is a good man. I’d like to see him sell the damned bar, though.

It’s his baby and his livelihood, Tracy affirmed.

Long hours will make him an old man quickly.

Talk to him about cutting his work hours. Doesn’t he have an assistant manager?

That little twit worries more about the next trick. She is so nellie, Michael grimaced.

Tracy laughed.

Michael looked at the picture of several rats ravaging a trashcan in a filthy alleyway.

What would this gem be entitled? Michael asked.

Hunger, Tracy replied with a smile.

XxxxxxxxxX

You saved my life, Simone. How do you see the things you do? This is not the first time, Kellie made mention as she embraced her friend.

Simone broke away to look out of the window of their suite onto the campus. Nightfall was arriving. The football game was still proceeding in the distance.

Kellie, I suppose it is a gift from God. Sometimes I feel it is a handicap that others’ lives would be affected directly by my feelings and intuitions.

Simone, you saved my life! That is the second time I have been spared as an adult.

I know Sky saved you from drowning. That was a physical reprieve from disaster. My life is entangled with this mental capacity that I cannot explain. It runs in my family. My second cousin, Rebecca Black, also has this sight. My grandmother told me that my great aunt also could see. It’s frightening.

You were chosen and blessed with mental telepathy. If it frightens you, then I would suggest you research this phenomenal state, Kellie added.

I forgot to tell you that your mother called, Simone interjected.

I hope she did not say it was important that I call her back. I’m still shaken from this afternoon’s event.

No, she just wanted me to tell you that your father would be here in Southport on business next Tuesday. He wants you to meet him for dinner. Kellie, you hardly ever mention your father. Tell me about him.

Tell me about your father, Kellie slammed.

Simone turned away and remarked, I better go work on my sermon.

I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry. It’s just that this is the first time my father has been willing to speak to me in over a year. I’m confused as well as distressed over this dinner meeting.

"Kellie, I never knew my father. My mother got pregnant in her senior year of high school. He was in the armed services. He had himself transferred when he found out she was with child. He was a lieutenant or something. Mother rarely discusses it anymore. We think he went overseas. I guess you never believed me when I told you I had a meager childhood. There are no bad memories. Mother was a hard worker but it became too hard for her to raise me in a lower class neighborhood. That is how I ended up in Southport with my great-grandmother. My mother always sent money and she would always receive my call. At least you knew your father. Whether or not you love or respect him, you have got to make a choice."

Kellie looked down. She was quiet for a moment then she admitted her feelings.

I am ashamed, my friend. You are right. I will be an adult for I have been behaving as a child. I will meet my father next week for dinner. I don’t know where this will go but I know that I will honor my mother’s wishes.

Kellie, we are asked ‘Honor thy mother and thy father.’

Honor has never been in my father’s vocabulary, Kellie concluded as she saw fans exit the football stadium.

III

Drew Pearsall

Dr. Pearsall, our little friends are having a curious day, stated Maggie Getz.

The laboratory setting was state of the art. In technology, it ranked in the top five controlled laboratory facilities in the nation. It was below ground five levels. The lab below Southeastern University was a ten-million dollar project. Infrared computers, digital sound system for activations, and one elevator to this destination were just a few of the features. It was encompassed in steel. The lab itself was clinical but it was pleasing to work within its confine.

Dr. Getz, what do you see? Drew asked.

Drew Pearsall was forty-five. He had black hair, brown eyes, a graying beard, and a stamina that would happily befit any man of his age. He ran every morning and he lifted weights twice a week.

His counterpart in crime had dyed red hair, dark green eyes, and a stout build. Both were Ivy League graduates. Both were devoted to their field.

"Well, doctor, it appears they are cloning now," Maggie said.

You mean that we did not stop the reproduction with our theory? Drew asked.

It’s back to the drawing board for us, the middle-aged woman professed.

DAMN IT! I thought we had a breakthrough on Shakespeare.

‘Shakespeare’ was the generic name for this deadly microorganism. It was so named because it could literally shake a sphere, namely the earth. Its scientific name was ENOJADO. These bacteria had been brought to the United States in a very controlled situation. Several esteemed doctors had lost their lives in its transport stage. It was discovered in a very lightly populated island in the Caribbean. After it had been discovered that all were dead from its inhabitation, the United States

intervened as usual. When they arrived in their ‘spacesuits,’ they found the population had all been infected with a germ that ate the body from the inside out. It was a major decay episode. None of the scientists could understand its origin, legion, or inunciation. Consequently, Dr. Pearsall wanted to go to the island of Grath but he was told his facility was capable of handling the conquest of securing the organism.

This is a time bomb, Maggie, stated Drew.

Drew, when you told me our circumstances, I understood them well, answered the salty spoken woman.

Why didn’t they leave these bastards on Grath and explode the island?

Drew, the Portuguese wanted to rebuild their island in time. Litigation against their wishes would have been too time-consuming. The United Nations probably would have favored Portugal’s stand.

This is bullshit. Now, we endanger the lives of our own countrymen.

Doctor, I share your sentiments exactly but we have been given a substantial grant to do a job in this facility.

Let’s review our last set of notes.

A pager went off on Dr. Pearsall’s desk. He glanced at the number and smiled.

Miss Winters? Dr. Getz inquired.

Shauna and I have a date tonight.

It is time that you do something with your life beside work, teach, and exercise, Maggie concluded with a smile.

You’re a fine one to talk, doctor.

I had a husband for fifteen years. He gave me the chance to get my doctorate and he gave me a beautiful son. Cancer spares no one. Not even the wife’s love and devotion.

I didn’t mean to stir those memories, Maggie. I would like to see you marry again some day. You deserve it and he would hopefully deserve you.

A son in college is enough for me right now.

Why did he choose to stay home for schooling? Did he want to be near you?

He wanted to be near the race track, Maggie grimaced as she reviewed a report.

XxxxxxxxxX

Dinner was great, sweetie. That was a great little French restaurant, Shauna said as she poured Drew and herself a glass of wine at her apartment.

You look great, Drew purred as he pulled her closer for a kiss.

Greatly overworked, she stated with a smirk.

When will the branch be in full operation?

Next week. Cassie is at the office setting up the new computers.

I wondered where she was. I knew she would be staying with you.

She is a dear. She is a hard working, good spirited gal.

Who loves college football.

Who loves S.E.U. football. I rarely went to a game in college. I always preferred professional teams.

Really?

Yes.

Who do you like?

You, she said as she kissed Drew passionately again.

Don’t start anything you can’t finish, Miss Winters.

Let’s go for the goal line, Dr. Pearsall.

IV

Flashbacks

Driving a rented car had become a usual situation for the handsome Paul Collins. His blue eyes were saddened by a song on the radio that triggered memories.

XxxxxxxxxX

Paul, a long distance relationship is something that I don’t feel I need with my new job requirements, Shauna said as she packed boxes to move to her new apartment in Southport.

He stood back. He looked at her as she busily packed her things.

So, you waited until this moment to spring this on me?

You knew this would happen.

No. I was hopeful that it never would or could. We are engaged to be married.

I put the ring in my jewelry box. Would you let me know if you want it back?

No, damn it! I don’t want it back! I want you!

Well, bravo. That is the most emotion I’ve seen out of you in a long, long time. Juliette did a fucking number on you! You chose not to fight but maintain a nice guy image. That’s okay but I want a fighter! It never changed when I took you back. You stayed on Monarch Street, God damn it!

You’re ashamed of me?

You are better than that.

ANSWER ME!

I have empathy for you.

Shauna, I can’t shut off what I feel for you as you have done with me.

You’ll be better for this, Paul. You need time to think about what you want to do with yourself.

I wanted to expand with you!

Stop. I don’t want to argue. I have a million things to do.

All of them without me, Paul said as he left abruptly. Shauna watched as he walked out of the door. A tear came to her eye.

Paul broke down in tears as he drove home. He pulled over to the side of the road as a car blew the horn loudly at him. He decided to go to Thad’s Tavern for a drink.

As he sat in the bar on a Tuesday night, he realized that the clientele seemed younger. He also realized that his sister might have made the right choice in leaving. Maybe it was his time to go. What would help him?

XxxxxxxxxX

Two months later, Paul had agreed to a meeting, after leaving his job, with the Reverend Carolyn Fields. It was a Monday evening. He had been attending Carolyn’s church since his break up with Shauna. He had also counseled with the Reverend about his loss. Rebecca Black, her trusted cousin, stood by Carolyn as she gave a proposal to Paul Collins. He sat astonished.

Why me? Paul asked.

We both feel that you would do a great job. Please consider this. We hope the pay we have offered will be sufficient, Carolyn answered.

It is quite lucrative. The opportunity is astounding. I really don’t have the experience that I need to qualify me for this position, Paul offered.

Paul, talk with your parents. I know that you are very close to them. You had said in counseling that you wanted to leave Bayside to alleviate your pain. This is a good compromise for you. You do not have to give up your home but you will have to travel extensively to prepare events, Carolyn stated.

Paul looked at both women. Carolyn had started to grow her hair. It was colored to hide the gray streaks. It was also pulled back in a comb. Rebecca wore a buzzed cut that accented her strong cheek-bones. They looked very secure in their approach to their choice for the business manager position. Paul looked up as he praised God for a new chance.

XxxxxxxxxX

Memorial Coliseum in San Francisco seats 12,000. The evening was a sellout! Again! The Reverend virtually sold out stadiums and coliseums in thirty cities by this point.

Regular television appearances on the spiritual network and a new, third book enhanced the lives of three devoted people. It was a rigorous lifestyle but Paul had done a great job with press releases, security, advertisement, and the monitoring of technical issues.

Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals proclaimed the Reverend Carolyn Fields to be a new voice and a devout spiritual icon. Where would it go from here?

Paul sat in the stands and watched as the ticket holders arrived. He watched as young and old, black and white, straight and gay, rich and poor started to fill the coliseum.

V

San Francisco

The dressing room was quiet as Carolyn applied makeup and dressed. Rebecca was already attired as she briefed Carolyn on her agenda. Paul stood there in amazement. He could not believe that he was part of this religious enrichment. He had remembered a group of Native American Indians coming into the coliseum. He felt that he had been fulfilled with a new, challenging position.

Then, all of a sudden, it started again. Like all of the other cities, the crowd began to clap simultaneously with sporadic cheers. Paul cracked the door of the dressing room for a moment. He remembered that Rebecca felt that it was necessary to set stage presence for the Reverend. The noise was deafening. Carolyn seemed poised as always.

The stagehand arrived at the door. Reverend, it’s time, she said.

The three of them said a prayer with Carolyn. They went to the approach. Rebecca kissed them both. Paul smiled. Carolyn winked at both of them.

An announcer proclaimed, Ladies and gentlemen, with pride in San Francisco, New World Ministries presents to you THE REVEREND CAROLYN FIELDS

The crowd erupted. Paul felt very proud of his employer and her abilities to reach so many different people in so many different ways. As she approached the podium, which she still called the pulpit, she received single roses, kisses, hugs, and handshakes.

XxxxxxxxxX

The name of my newest book is ‘Destinations,’ added Carolyn fifteen minutes into telecast.

My latest book, she began as the crowd erupted, "is about my meager but messaged beginning. I was a mom at 18 without a husband. I finished high school." The crowd erupted.

I went to college after I allowed and privileged my daughter with my grandmother. I learned social studies to deal with people in a perplexed fashion. All I had to do was look and feel. I needed to feel the spirit of my life and others. I needed to feel the Spirit of our Lord. Carolyn finished. The crowd again erupted with exhilaration.

I went to a church one night in solace, began Carolyn, and I met the most incredible man in spirit, in love, and in devotion. He was in sincerity to his Maker. He believed in love and dedication to his Maker. He believed all people are created the same. He saw the reality of life.

All of the audience began to roar, particularly the women, the minorities, and the gay followers. The television cameras singled the gay followers because of their signs.

XxxxxxxxxX

Look at those queers on TV. There must be five hundred sitting together, said the Latin man as he glared at the TV. He added, I wish I was there with a bazooka!

Stop it, Antonio! It is good that they worship God! Maybe he will guide them, the light-skinned black woman offered. She was a small figure with braided hair. Her age began to show as she had worked two jobs for many years.

Antonio drew back as if to hit her, then he changed his mind.

Don’t you ever side with queers over your man! Those queers are there because of Carolyn! She is fucking nothing! Antonio screamed.

Why do you always want to hit me? You used to love me. All you have is anger inside your soul, the woman said softly.

Shut up, Willeen! You can leave anytime you want! I’m tired of your nagging!

Ever since your accident, you have become a bitter man. Many men lose their lower leg and go on to lead happy lives, Willeen proclaimed.

He stared back at the TV and ignored his common law wife. He suddenly smiled with gritting teeth.

I wonder where my child is. I wonder if it is a young man or young woman, Antonio Rivas thought aloud. Then he added, "Maybe we should go to Bayside. Maybe that bitch