The Secret Life of Strawberries

By Nagi Oneness

When your loving mother is also a trigger-happy hothead and your father is a street-hustling player, your life becomes a cyclone of chaos with little chance for normalcy. Kali grew up in Texas surrounded by violence, and guns were as common as cowboy boots. But when her mother was murdered in cold blood, her life spiraled into an abyss, leaving her drowning in a series of failed relationships with men who often mirrored her father's womanizing ways.  

Kali is in survival mode and on the search for love, indulging herself in dysfunctional relationships with frat boys, street hustlers, liars, cheaters, and thieves. As a single mother of three, fathered by three different men, she struggles with the consequences of her decisions, determined to escape her past. But she must face her past to secure her future. Kali's yearning for self-worth and identity launches her on a journey to reconnect with her passions, find herself, and discover that true love starts within.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nagi Chronicles Inc.
• Release date: Jul 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393464389

Book preview

THE SECRET LIFE OF STRAWBERRIES

This book is based on true events. The author has tried to recreate events, locales, and conversations from memory. To maintain anonymity, the author has changed the names of individuals and places. Some events have been slightly altered for entertainment, and some dialogue has been recreated.

THE SECRET LIFE OF STRAWBERRIES

© 2020 Marissa Thompson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Published by Nagi Chronicles, Inc.

Houston, TX

Printed in the United States of America

First Edition June 2020

Cover Design: Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions

Interior Layout: Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions

Editing: Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions

Contents

Acknowledgements

Dedication

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Epilogue

Acknowledgements

I give thanks to the Most High Divine Mother for guidance, love, and innerstanding. To my children: AJ, MiMi, Teryn, and JJ from the Bay Bay, Mommy loves you with everything in me. Eric (Naga), my babe, I am grateful that the Universe blessed me with a loving, supportive being with such humility. Thank you for being my teacher, protector, and companion. Most of all, I thank you for your unconditional love. You held it down with the kids all those days I spent at the tea shop writing. Thank you for listening to my ugly cry. Love you, boo.

Adria Jones, my favorite cousin, I appreciate your support and the countless days and nights you allowed me to vent to you during this writing process. Thank you for keeping me motivated and sane. Love you, girl!

Alicia Thomas, my best friend, my sister, my kids’ godmother. We’ve been rocking since kindergarten. Thank you for always being there for me. You’ve been through a lot with me, but you never wavered or thought any less of me. Sisters for life. I love you!

K. Gunn, my country sis from Waco, TX, thank you for always giving me a good laugh and helping me with the title of my book years before we even knew I would be writing it. You’ve always been supportive, since the day we met at West Janisch. Don’t be getting all mushy while you’re reading this, LOL! Love you!

Aunt Kat, I called you many times during this process. Thank you for answering my questions. I love you! Jaye Marie, my photographer boo, thank you for the dope strawberry field pictures for the cover!

I saved the best for last. To my editor and self-publishing assistant, Monique with Make Your Mark Publishing Solutions. Mo! Girl, you are the epitome of a dedicated editor and self-publishing assistant. You are truly operating in the meaning of your name as an advisor. It is your gift. You do it effortlessly and with love. I really appreciate you guiding me and being there with me every step of the way, even being a listening ear when I needed it the most during the tragic loss of my son’s father. You didn’t have to do that, but you did. I appreciate you being patient with me. I am grateful that you were guided to hit me up in my DM (LOL) through Instagram. You were sent to me! I’ve been telling others about you when asked about an editor, and I will continue to send harvest your way. I can’t say thank you enough!

Dedication

To the women before me: my mama (Strawberry) and my granny. Your roots run deep within me.

&

To the women reading this book, no matter what life throws at you, know you are like a fruit, planted in the darkness of soil before sprouting. Just as fruit must ripen, so do you before reaping your harvest.

I’ll shoot your ass right where you stand if you come any closer to me! Casey warned Liam.

She was sitting on the back of the couch with the gun gripped firmly in her hands, aiming bull’s eye at her husband. Kali was frozen with fear and heavy breaths, her heart pounding out of her chest as she watched her mom threaten her dad’s life.

Liam stood still, careful not to make any sudden moves. Casey, put the gun down, man. Please? Liam pleaded, looking her straight in the eyes.

I asked you to leave. Now, since you won’t leave on your own, I’ll get your dad to come get you. I don’t want to be with you anymore, Liam. I’m tired of this shit!

Please, baby, just put your ring back on, Casey.

For what? I don’t want that shit! It don’t mean shit to you, anyway! I’m sick of catching you with different women! And to think, I stayed with you even after finding out about your other daughter who’s the same age as Kali!

Liam had a daughter in Texas City. Her name was Selah. Kali only met her once, during a weekend visit with her cousins. Liam loved Casey, but he was a player. Being a hustler in the dope game attracted plenty of women along with his handsome features that resembled rapper and music producer, Timbaland. He spoiled Casey with jewelry, clothes, and whatever else she wanted, but she’d grown tired of his infidelity, his lies, and all the fighting.

Why won’t he just leave? Kali asked herself with knots in her stomach. She was used to her parents’ constant fighting, but even at six years old, she knew it wasn’t right. Don’t they ever get tired of fighting?

Her dad used to have a white Cadillac with a navy blue ragtop. One day, he must’ve done something terrible to hurt her mom. She’d poured a bottle of Clorox on top of his car and put washing powder in his gas tank. Kali watched her do it, asking herself, Now, why would she mess up a nice car like that? It can’t be that bad.

Casey was a loving woman. She’d give her last to anyone if they asked or if she saw they needed it. Even though Liam spoiled her, she was a hustler at heart, working hard to provide for her kids. But she also had a gangsta side. If anyone messed with her or her kids, they’d feel her storm. She was always packing heat and ready for whomever.

Kali! Casey yelled.

Kali’s body jumped. Ma’am?

Go call your grandpa James and tell him to get over here now! Grandpa James was Liam’s dad.

Yes, ma’am.

As Kali began dialing her grandpa’s number, Liam ran to the phone and jerked the cord out of the wall. Her almond eyes widened as she trembled, startled by her dad’s sudden reaction.

Casey threw the gun down and jumped onto Liam’s back, and they began to tussle.

Casey! Get off me! Liam yelled, peeling her fingers from his eyes.

"I told you to leave!

Kali rubbed her sweaty palms together as tears raced down her cheeks. She stood in the middle of the living room floor watching her parents fight.

The front door flew open, and her grandpa rushed in. Kali wondered how he’d known to come. She hadn’t gotten the chance to call him. Liam, get your ass out of here! She asked you to leave, so leave! he commanded, struggling to tear Liam and Casey apart.

Kali ran up to Liam and wrapped her arms around him with a firm hug. Bye, Daddy, she said, her eyes wet with tears.

Kali watched from the window as his car backed out of the driveway. She sat on the couch near the front door next to her mom and placed her head on Casey’s chest, exhaling a sigh of relief. Casey stroked Kali’s deep, wavy hair with her fingertips and softly kissed her on the forehead. They said nothing while embracing each other, letting silence speak for them.

Although they’d never divorce, it was the end of Casey and Liam’s relationship. After her mom and dad split, it was just the three of them: Casey, Kali, and her little brother, Neal. Kali knew she would see her dad again, so she wasn’t sad about him leaving, but she was hurt because her mom and dad couldn’t get along.

They had been living at Casey’s mom, Renee’s, house but not for long.

They moved into a trailer home that Kali loved. It was next door to her mom’s best friend, Sharae, one of Kali’s favorite aunts. Kali wasn’t affected by her parents’ split. She and Neal visited her dad often in Texas City, where he’d grown up, about an hour outside of Houston. He moved back there after his split from Casey. He picked her and Neal up on the weekends, and Kali enjoyed the car rides with her dad because that was when she felt the closest to him. He always let her sit in the front seat.

Liam loved listening to rappers Pimp C and Bun B, and so did Kali. She bobbed her head to the beat and looked up to see her dad doing the same. He took his attention off the road for a second and looked at her with glistening eyes and a wide smile. I see you, baby girl, he boasted.

Kali responded with a smile that could light up the sky.

A year after their last brawl, Casey had moved on, and she began dating a guy named Lonnie from Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a while. He was always nice to Kali and Neal, and he was in love with Casey. Lonnie’s family often held family reunions and parties in Baton Rouge, and they would go visit. Kali loved it. There was so much to do. She’d go to the park with other kids, and there was always zydeco music playing, smells of barbeque filling the air, and drinks for the kids and grown folks.

But Lonnie drank too much, and when he was drunk, he started arguments with Casey, yelling and stumbling about. He never physically abused her, but his verbal assaults were starting to weigh on her.

During the blazing summer of ’92, they visited Baton Rouge for Lonnie’s annual family reunion. Kali, her mom, Neal, and Lonnie were staying at his cousin’s house for the weekend. The house was full of family flowing from inside to the backyard, which stretched about 10,000 square feet, bordered by trees that led into the woods.

It was seven p.m. Johnny Taylor music blasted outside. Wooden tables and benches were set up for the adults and huge coolers were filled with canned sodas, water, and juice for the kids. There was beer and wine coolers for the grown folks. Each table hosted either a game of dominoes or spades.

Kali was outside in the backyard playing with her brother and other kids. Suddenly, she was distracted by a loud, familiar voice that warned her of impending drama.

Casey, don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you! Lonnie yelled with slurred speech.

Kali scanned the backyard quickly, following Lonnie’s voice to find her mom. Her eyes locked when she spotted her trying to walk away from Lonnie. Kali grabbed Neal’s hand and started toward Lonnie and her mom.

Lonnie, leave me alone! You’re drunk! You showing your ass in front of your family! Casey spat while jerking her arm away from him.

Woman, I’m not drunk! he yelled as he followed her.

Lonnie’s cousin noticed the argument. She walked in front of Lonnie, stopping him from following Casey. Kali wasn’t sure what had started the argument, but she was irritated because her fun was ruined. She picked up Neal, placed him on her hip, and followed her mom into the house and the guest room, where they would be sleeping. She wanted to make sure her mom was okay.

Casey was sitting on the bed, and she sat down beside her.

Everything is fine, Kali. Are you okay? Casey asked.

Yes, ma’am. Mama, what happened?

Nothing. Don’t you worry about that. Casey gave Kali a fierce look.

Kali knew that look meant to stay in a child’s place as her mom always said. I would stay in my place if I had never seen it. She just wanted to know why they were always arguing and why Lonnie always acted stupid when he drank. But Kali dared not repeat her thoughts to Casey. Her mom didn’t play about disrespectful kids. Casey was a nurturing mother, but she would smack the mess out of Kali if she had the audacity to say what was on her mind.

Lonnie’s cousin must have calmed him down because he entered the room and apologized to Casey. I’m sorry, baby. You know I ain’t mean that stuff. He gently stroked Casey’s cheek with his fingertips.

Yeah, but ... Kali, take your brother and step out for a second while me and Lonnie talk, Casey instructed.

Kali did as her mother said. She waited outside the door with Neal on her hip, trying to listen to the conversation. When the door opened, she jumped back, trying not to look suspicious of ear hustling. Lonnie and Casey walked out as if their argument had never happened. Kali didn’t know what was said, but she was relieved that it hadn’t exploded into something major. Her face was as radiant as the sun. Now I can go back and play, she thought.

Come on, Neal. Let’s go play, she said to her three-year-old brother.

The remainder of the weekend was just how Kali liked it: full of outside fun, food, music, and no arguing. When it was time to go, she felt bittersweet. She enjoyed being in Baton Rouge. It gave her a country, free feeling that she loved.

The next time he try to clown me, I got something for him, Casey said to Aunt Sharae.

What you mean? What you got? Sharae asked.

Casey pulled a .38 from her purse.

Casey, you bet not shoot that man! Your ass is crazy!

Like I said, the next time he try to play me, I got something for him.

The next night, Kali was lying in her mother’s bed when she heard Lonnie come through the front door. He was drunk again and yelling. He stormed into Casey’s room. Get your thumb out your mouth, girl! he shouted at Kali.

Casey ran in behind him. Leave her alone! Don’t come here with that! I’m not in the mood for this. You need to leave, Lonnie. I can’t do this anymore!

Oh, so you want me to leave now, huh? he asked with slurred words, barely holding his sluggish body up.

Kali remained in bed, trembling as they argued.

Still yelling, Lonnie walked out of the bedroom to the living room. Casey rummaged through her closet, looking for her gun. She found it and walked toward the living room. Kali got up and followed her.

You need to leave, Lonnie! I’ve asked you nicely. I’m not going to ask you anymore.

Lonnie saw Casey walking toward him with the gun at her side. Neal was standing in the middle of the living room. Lonnie quickly snatched him up by his left arm and darted out the front door to the yard.

It was eleven p.m., and it was pitch black outside. The only lighting was from the front porch and the streetlight in the distance. The front yard was made of gravel and dirt, with little grass. Lonnie stood in the middle of the yard with Neal dangling from his fist by his left arm.

Casey stood on the walkway of the trailer. Kali was right behind her. Put my son down, Lonnie! You’re drunk!

"You want to be through with me? Come make me put him down! I’ll throw his little ass down."

Lonnie! This is your last chance to put my son down! She raised her arm slowly, aiming the gun at him.

Lonnie refused. Instead, he threw Neal onto the rocky pavement. A huge, bleeding gash scarred his face.

Shots rang into the midnight air.

Lonnie dropped to the ground. Ahh! he yelped. You shot me in the leg!

Casey rushed to a squealing Neal and picked him up, consoling him, kissing his wound and wiping his tears.

Kali was stuck, her feet planted to the porch. She didn’t shed a tear. She was used to her mother’s drama.

When she was in the first grade, she’d walked from school to the snow cone stand. Casey was parked on the side of the street, waiting for her. Kali stood in line, and a young boy behind her leaned onto her back, pressing against her backside. The hairs on the back of Kali’s neck stiffened. She knew it was inappropriate.

Casey jumped out of the car, popped the trunk, and grabbed a steel pipe. Hey! Back away from my daughter!

The boy jumped and turned to run as Casey chased him down the street with the pipe swinging in her right hand. She didn’t catch him, but running him off was good enough.

Are you okay, Kali? she asked when she returned to her daughter.

Yes, ma’am.

They never spoke of the occurrence again.

Now, as Kali stared at Lonnie slouched on the gravel yard, bleeding and yelping in pain, she hoped the worst of her mother’s antics were over.

Kali, come on! We got to go. We can’t be here. Aunt Sharae is gonna take us to your grandma’s house.

When the police arrived at the scene, Aunt Sharae sped off, taking Casey and her children to Renee’s house. Lonnie never told the police who shot him, claiming he didn’t know who had done it.

Kali never saw Lonnie again.

Casey, you don’t have to do Kali like that, Renee said.