Black Rain

By Rajah E Smart

Race and culture is commonly used to differentiate or celebrate people. On the flipside, race can be used to promote stereotypes and dissension. These superficial differences and common beliefs in people cause a disconnection; however, there sometimes takes an event to effect change in people from all walks.

Its the winter of 2012 in Detroit, Michigan; a young man and woman drive home from separate locations after completing a long workday. An unfortunate fender bender during the commute leaves both of their automobiles damaged. It's the late evening as the two strangers await the arrival of police just outside downtown. Culturally different but otherwise similar in their stations in life; they are forced to come face to face with preconceived ideas of the other after the accident and proves to them both that where you come from doesnt dictate where you go or who you belong with. Can their programmed bias, engrained stereotypes of different cultures, and family prevent them from going against the grain to explore a relationship as friends or more so despite what they have been raised to believe? Can love truly be colorblind?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477257418

Rajah E Smart

Rajah E. Smart was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. Mr. Smart has been an educator for over 15 years before turning to writing. As a child, all he and his family had for entertainment was their imagination, as well as a frequent trip to the library for a good book. Rajah has been developing his writing since 2002. His titles include All in Love is Fair (fiction, 2006), Sinners have a Soul Too (fiction, 2008), Clarity of Absence (fiction, 2009), You Were There (fiction, 2010), and Black Rain (fiction, 2012), and Souls of Pier 35 (fiction, 2014). The novels are written from a social context. Mr. Smart is socially conscious and believes that WE as people have to be more willing to face the social issues that shape our experiences. He is currently completing his doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Michigan.

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© 2012 Rajah E. Smart. All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 8/10/12

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5743-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5742-5 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-5741-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012914267

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1 White Pages

Chapter 2 Yellow Pages

Chapter 3 Face to Face

Chapter 4 Breaking Barriers

Chapter 5 Back to Reality

Chapter 6 Uneasy

Chapter 7 Season’s Greetings

Chapter 8 Reality Check

Chapter 9 Nagging Feeling

Chapter 10 Back Home

Chapter 11 Family

Chapter 12 Discomfort

Chapter 13 Full Circle

Chapter 14 Healing

Chapter 15 Resolve

Acknowledgements

Thank you to all who stand behind my dream of writing, and helps me grow with every effort. My family is my source of strength, and I appreciate the support. Continued thanks to my love, my life, and my all; thank you Jenny for your blessings. Last but not least, thank you to my faithful sister for your guidance and continued inspiration.

Introduction

On a day where the snow kept me locked inside the home, I watched a movie for the first time that my mother has talked about several times before. I can remember seeing it as a child, but couldn’t remember details. The movie was called Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which stars Sidney Poitier. The movie is about a young African American doctor who meets a beautiful young Caucasian woman in Hawaii, and the two fall in love while on this excursion. The ten days they spend together was full of love and life, awakening both of them almost instantaneously. As a child watching this movie, there’s no way the point of the movie could be truly understood. The only idea pulled from this movie is that it’s wrong to date outside the race. This belief is perpetuated in our society through the stares and the whispers. As an adult, I view the movie in a completely different way. My eyes see love between two people instead of love between two people who are White and Black. The movie pays close attention to the opinions of the outsiders, but ultimately, it was the two people who needed to make sure this was what they wanted. A happy ending is the conclusion; however, the ending left me pondering about the problems they would face.

The next movie I watched was a 1950’s film entitled Far from Heaven, which is about a woman who discovers her husband is having an affair. The woman finds comfort in her gardener who happens to be African American. The two share conversation, but ultimately have to stop because of the racial tension, discrimination, and reverse discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination so I never really understood reverse discrimination. There was nothing sexual or distasteful about their relationship. The one aspect of this movie I found amazing was the unspoken love they shared for one another and the fact that neither of them could share their feelings for one another because of others.

These two films highlight something in my own personal life as I too share a love with a Caucasian woman who shows me what life can be full of daily: Love. If we continue to let others cloud our judgment, and push us from the beauty in others, we will miss out on the essence of culture. Growing up, my surroundings dictated the need to place people in my life because of the color associated with them, rather than knowing a person for their value. I’m so thankful that I see beyond color and notice the true essence of people.

This story will highlight, even today, the issues interracial couples have to face with their race and other races. Although it is more acceptable in today’s society, some still see interracial relationships as taboo, especially in the African American community. As Sidney Poitier alluded to, if I had to choose between being a man and being with my wife, and being African American, I’d choose being a man. This is in no way to persuade others. On the contrary, it’s just a note to inform people to choose love in friendship no matter the hue.

Chapter 1

White Pages

It’s a quiet evening at the McMain home, as the family enjoys a traditional meal on this snowy, cold Friday evening. The chilly wind blows softly against the windowpanes throughout the house while icicles relax on the edge of the eaves troths, frozen over from the drop in temperature. It’s a negative two-degree evening, as others in the neighborhood are bundled in their warm homes enjoying what’s called Pure Michigan. The darkness will more than likely descend early, causing the small children who are playing outside to make tracks for the warmth of home. Businessmen and women are arriving home from work as well as retirees who decided to get out of the house to curve the cabin fever that accompanies winter. Winters in Michigan can be extreme, but at the same time, they possess a beauty that’s displayed throughout the various landscapes.

Every Friday, the family comes together to talk. It has become more of a responsibility for Olivia to see her parents rather than a willing retreat after a long week. She sits on the sturdy maple chair, listening to her mother talk about the state of the country. It’s sometimes hard to focus sitting within the dining room because it’s laced in the many dishes Mrs. McMain has collected over the years during her travels in and out of the country. The dining room is covered with relics and antiques ranging from Irish to African design. She enjoys showing them off through the huge picture window in front of the home. As onlookers drive down the quiet neighborhood street, it’s easy to catch a peak at her prized treasures as well as her family taking part in the custom they’ve created with one another for the past four years. The traditional maple dining room set pales in comparison to the many artifacts that surround this surprisingly cozy room.

The two-story 3,147 square feet home sits on five acres of land, and has been the McMain’s home for all their daughter’s life. It’s an affluent neighborhood, with its massive square footage homes, excellent school system and old money. Bloomfield Hills has been the most affluent city within the State of Michigan for quite some time and their home for over 27 years. Olivia, their daughter, has led a primarily privileged life. She has had the best education, and access to perks some teenager’s dream of daily. Being in the real world has taught her many things; especially about the glass wall her parents surrounded Olivia with throughout most of her life. In adulthood, Olivia is seeing things so much differently in her career as a corporate lawyer. Yet, because she has grown accustomed to the financial and emotional protection of her parents, Olivia tends to avoid rocking the boat. She has her whole career ahead of her, especially being a bright, intelligent, and beautiful young woman. She has the ability to go far.

Sitting there with her parents in her business heels, black skirt and white blouse, she listens attentively. Mr. McMain, who is a stern Republican with stern views on pro-life, the economy, education, and race, talks at her. Olivia can’t help but disagree because of her own experiences while in college as well as in the workforce. While he talks politics, she reflects on the lessons he has taught her over the years about people and how they should stay in their place. Leaving the home years ago, she thought anyone who wasn’t white and privileged was inferior. She doesn’t believe her father meant to make her that way, but working side by side with different people has shown her different, especially with her own struggles through law school and life. Heavily religious, her family makes it clear that the right choices must be made for this country or else the system will fail. The dinners consist of the same conversation and Olivia grows extremely tired of them. There’s no change, but on this night, Olivia finally changes the flow of the discussion that will awake conversation the dining room hasn’t seen in years.

Steam rises from the tea cup brim, caressing the tip of Olivia’s chin while her mom, Tina, watches her stare at her father. As Mike, Olivia’s dad, sips his coffee made with a smidgen of cream and sugar, he discusses the reasons why the city of Detroit has succumbed to its troubles.

Detroit was once a fine city, but when you have uneducated people making decisions about politics, and basing a candidates qualifications on what color he or she is, then it’s a recipe for disaster, he blatantly states. Being in a political office means being responsible for people as a whole, not just for people who look like you.

But dad, haven’t people been doing that for years? Olivia questions her father for the first time, which causes him to look at her with intrigue. Politicians have always scratched one another’s backs. If we couldn’t do that, some lobbyists wouldn’t have jobs. Didn’t we see this in the Bush Administration? So that’s not really true. The difference is the skill of thievery.

The skill of thievery? Are you trying to say that politicians for years have stolen from this country?

Well…yes…it’s just like Monopoly. After spending and spending, the game will eventually stop. We saw it with Enron. These guys are more educated…more educated to steal and swindle money out of people. If it were about what’s right, then we wouldn’t have poor systems. The decline in industry has destroyed this state, and that wasn’t just the fault of uneducated people in Detroit. In part, the lack of education has bearing.

That’s awfully liberal of you sweetheart. You weave too many issues together.

No…I’m just telling the truth. I see both sides of the coin, she defends.

So you’re telling me that the decline of Detroit is not due to a lack of education, especially when crime has escalated in the city, and the drop out rate is through the roof. You have more of them wanting to play sports than be educated. Look at the welfare system. And this is not just a color, it’s the city both black and white figuratively speaking.

Really dad…who is this them you really refer? And what qualifies us to judge anyone if we don’t understand the life they’ve led. I’m not defending sports over education, but I am saying if there are no jobs, what’s left? People want the American Dream and will do what it takes to live it.

So it’s okay to steal from others and corrupt city government by hiring family members to run positions? I thought I raised you better than this Olivia, he states.

That’s not what I’m saying at all. You’re the one weaving. I’m just playing devil’s advocate. What applies to one group should apply to others and poverty is poverty. Being poor doesn’t have a color. You can tell me it’s about the whole city, but I don’t believe that. I’m still very conservative in my views; however, I also see other things. This doesn’t mean I’ll be running around in ghetto’s trying to help people.

You had me worried there for a minute, he says with a sigh of relief.

Worried about what?

You switching sides. I will admit…this was a good conversation. It was so good that I need a piece of coffee cake. Anyone up for some?

Both women indicate no, prompting Mike to leave the table and walk to the kitchen for some cake. Tina takes a sip of her warm tea, wondering what’s on her daughter’s mind. She does seem a bit different, but Tina is too apprehensive to ask what’s bothering her. Turning her spoon within the hot beverage, Olivia vaguely hears her mother talking to her.

I told my friend Sarah about the work you were doing and she was so excited. I said, she was so excited, Tina repeats to get Olivia’s attention.

I’m sorry, realizing her mother was speaking to her just a lot on my mind.

What’s wrong dear? You seem quite distant.

It’s just so rough out there…you read the news and see all these crazy things going on, and how fickle people are. Just seeing things through different eyes I guess.

What do you mean sweetheart? I don’t understand what you mean. Tina inquires.

One of my coworkers, who is African American, talks with me during the day sometimes. It’s general conversation really and only if I ask her questions. She has so much to be angry about, but she isn’t. At least I think she has a lot to be angry about. I would go so far as to say she’s as smart as I am if not smarter, but she was overlooked for a job. She’s been a clerk for years, and helped me learn so much; yet, a young white female, who is wet behind the ears, beat her out. The thought won’t leave my mind. It just seems unfair.

Maybe they have a reason for not hiring her based on her work ethic.

She’s there before it opens and after it closes. She also handles secretarial functions and that’s not her job.

Maybe she…

Olivia interrupts.

No mom, maybe it is what it is, as she says to me. With the same education as well as passing the Bar, she’s not good enough to hold the position. That’s not fair and she’s a good woman. Makes me feel guilty I guess.

Life isn’t fair, and some people have to live in this system the way it was created. It’s still run by certain elitist ideas, Tina admits. So, are you and her good friends?

No…but we are somewhat alike. What separates us from being too close are those biases we’ve developed being raised in homes that don’t trust other races.

Are you saying that your dad and I did such a thing? Tina asks defensively.

Calm down mom…I’m not accusing you two of anything... just my perceptions growing up, and life. I’m happy I was allowed to have things because of dad’s career and investments. To say your dad is a doctor is nice.

Life isn’t the same for all cultures. Some culture’s priorities are just in different places.

I guess so…her wants are no different than mine though. Cultures don’t seem to define a person.

A bit tired of the discussion and her mother’s inability to understand her guilt, Olivia decides to leave.

I’m going to head home…I’ll hug dad on the way out.

Before she could leave he comes into the dining room.

Where are you going? Mike asks. I thought we would talk some more.

I’m kind of tired. I’ll come back this weekend. Olivia kisses her dad on the cheek and hugs her mother. Grabbing her coat off the hook by the door, she covers up tightly and opens the door to allow the stiff coldness inside.

What’s her problem? Mike asks Tina.

Just work dear. We went through the same things remember.

Yes…I just hope she doesn’t let this stuff get to her. You can’t have a bleeding heart for people who don’t really want help.

The couple retreats to their den, removing their items from the table and turning off the light. Olivia watches them from her enormous yellow SUV. She’s still thinking of her long day on the job. She thought the workforce would be more interesting while going through her college career. The money is great and she’s more than sure she will get over the guilt of taking a position from someone who is more qualified. If anything, she will keep the job only because Olivia wants to show her dad she’s capable of making it on her own.

Putting her oversized vehicle into reverse, she backs out of the long driveway. The sound of ice and snow can be heard under her huge tires as the truck slowly moves out of the driveway, and down the street. The cracking ice under the huge tires sound off, settling as the tires move. Olivia has thoughts of what it was like when she was growing up, when things were slightly less complicated, and there were less rules to