Diamond’S Fate

By Angie Singleton

Diamond Pearl Hope is a biracial news reporter. She experiences a hard childhood. Diamond is only ten years old when her black mother dies. She goes to live with relatives who discriminate against her because she is mixed race. Diamond is rescued from abusive family members through adoption. While growing up, she is kept in the dark about her white father. After graduating from college she meets and marries an older abusive man. Diamond gets arrested for assaulting her husband; and comes face to face with the man she thought shed never meet. Diamonds life story comes to a wonderful ending when her white and black relatives unite in love, as one big happy blended family.

Book Review

BlueInk Review of Diamonds Fate (paperback 978-1-4568-8877-0) revised by Author Angie Singleton, 09/15/2011

This intriguing novel captures the tumultuous life of Diamond Pearl Hope, a biracial news reporter living in Florida. Diamond was born to a white father and African-American mother. Due to the death of her mother, Diamond is forced to go live in a household with family members who frequently torment her, because of her light skin and interracial heritage.

Diamond gets adopted by a white couple and experiences life on the other side of the color line, after the horrific death of her grandmother. When Diamond graduates from college, she meets and marries a man twice her age. She learns, firsthand, the intricacies of the criminal justice system, after getting arrested for assaulting her husband, who attacks her in a drunken rage.

Struggling to put her life back together, Diamond finds strength in her Christian faith, caring friends and a loving family, including her newly discovered biological father, whom she reconciles with.

In the end, Diamond not only wins an award for investigative reporting of domestic violence, she makes peace with those family members whod hurt her in the past; and her black and white relatives unite in a joyful celebration.

Written in a distinctive voice Diamonds Fate conjures up past and current history making events such as the O.J. Simpson trial with telling details. References are made to popular music, movies and television shows that influenced society for generations.

While the book contains idiosyncrasies or elements not typically found in most novels, such as: the authors personal photo album included in the back of the book and a frequency of italicized words and paragraphs, the story is compelling enough to make for an exciting, enjoyable and enlightening read.

Readers interested in Christian and inspirational stories, as well as those curious about the unique challenges facing biracial children, will appreciate this tale of struggle and triumph.

Novel is also available in hardcopy and ebook.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456888794

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by Angie Singleton.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2011904447

ISBN: Hardcover    978-1-4568-8878-7

ISBN: Softcover      978-1-4568-8877-0

ISBN: Ebook           978-1-4568-8879-4

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

57636

DEDICATION

I was deeply inspired to write a sequel to Diamond’s Fate by those of you who expressed how much you enjoyed the first book and wanted the story to continue.

I’ve revised the first book, which I considered a short trip in the life of Diamond. However, the sequel takes readers on a mighty spiritual and fun-filled journey.

So buckle down wherever you’re sitting, lying or standing; and get your mind, heart and spirit in high gear for Diamond’s Fate: Books I and II.

The calamitous situations Diamond and other characters face are a depiction of those experienced by real people in day to day life; therefore, it is a strong possibility you may see yourself, a family member, a close friend or neighbor as a character in this story.

If you see traits of your behavior in any of the characters, I challenge you to step out on faith like Aunt Mae and make the changes needed to become the awesome person God intended you to be.

As humans, we attempt to solve our own problems, and constantly fail because we refuse to call on God through prayer. It is astonishing how the majority of the characters in the story, at some point in their lives, find God as their saving grace; only after awakening to the realization that God is the ‘only’ one with the power to deliver them from self-destruction.

As the writer of the story I give all credit, praise and glory to God, the true author; and without Him in my life, there would be no Diamond’s Fate.

I dedicate this two part book to each individual reader as a token of my appreciation for your support and encouragement.

May your heart thirst like mine for purification in the love of God, who promises to bestow many everlasting blessings upon the pure at heart.

Enjoy and be blessed!

Recognition of

My Personal Fan Club

It is only fair that I mention those of you who called, sent text messages and/or emailed me to express your personal opinions of Diamond’s Fate (Book I):

Ernestine Coleman (my mother): Good book! I’m proud of you. You’ve always been a smart girl, and my inspiration.

Maggie Smith (my mom’s best friend): Girl, I love the book; and the cover is beautiful!

Glenda Singleton (sister): I READ THE BOOK! Now I can tell others about it.

Shakita Wilcox (niece): Auntie Angie, me and my mama (Glenda) actually cried when Diamond lost her mother.

Lolitha ‘Lukey’ Head (cousin): I enjoyed the book!

Rosalyn McMiller(cousin): Good job cuz! . . . Where is part 2?

Aunt Yolonda Cave (Uncle Warren’s wife): A good book! I love how Diamond triumphs over the adversities she faces.

Loni Mbele Phillipe (Pastor Damon Phillipe’s teenage daughter): I enjoyed the book; but I had a hard time keeping up with Diamond’s age.

Deborah ‘Pokey’ Kinsey (a friend): Good book.

Paulette Walker (friend): Angela this is a good book!

Anna Williams (friend): It was excellent!

Evangeline Jones (acquaintance): Good book.

Karen (Kal) Eutsey (good friend): I loved it! I was very disappointed how Bernard turned out.

Jackie Eutsey (good friend): "Angie I like how you mention The Chi-Lites and other sensational singing groups from the ’60s in the book."

Gayle Eutsey (best friend): Good book!

Sheila Harris (best friend and spiritual advisor): Angie, only you could write a book and SHAME the devil!

The beloved Mattie Pearl Johnson (good friend): I love it! I can relate to the story.

(She departed this earth on August 27, 2010. Rest in peace my love . . .)

Annie Belle Doll Smith (good friend): Angela great book! I’m so proud of you!

Ennis Toby Grimes (my first childhood crush): Angela I read the book. I love it!

Doris Tate-Washington (best friend): Angie, excellent book! I really enjoyed it. Don’t stop writing.

Gwen Gibson (mom’s friend): I enjoyed the book! I’m waiting for part two.

Sheila Thomas (best friend): I love the book! You should have included a picture of Diamond’s wedding dress.

Reverend Dr. Anna Price (mentor): Good book! Angela I’m so proud of you.

Everlyn Baker (fourth grade teacher): Angela you’re a great writer!

Geraldine Townsend (third grade teacher): Good book! I loved how you used the adjectives.

Len Adams (friend): Strong story!

Scott Ledbetter (Indian Ridge Apts. neighbor/friend): Excellent; I loved it!

Connie Gurley (friend): Very inspiring!

Barry Bonnett (friend): It was so awesome! I couldn’t put it down until I was done.

Karen Henry (Indian Ridge Apartments neighbor): The book is great! I felt like I was a part of the story.

Ann-Marie Bryan (NHIOM’s liturgical dance teacher): I love the book! I like your writing style.

Ann-Marie Baker (NHIOM’s Bishop John Baker’s wife): I enjoyed the book!

Sherri Barnes (attorney): Good book. It made me cry as soon as I started reading it; because I can relate to it.

Brigitte DePinedo (acquaintance): I loved it!

Minister Pearline Fryson (host of the single’s talk show—

Oh By the Way Tell Pearline—which airs daily on Preach the

Word Worldwide Network.com): Great book, Angela!

Nina Simon (mighty woman of God, friend and mentor of more than 30 years—since the days we worked together at Miami International Airport): Angie I’ve read many novels over the past 7 decades; but never has a story ‘come to life’ like this one. I felt as though I was physically present in the places, at the times, the events unfolded in the story. I take my hat off to you—my dear child—for a #1 bestseller!

Marie Grimes (good friend): Angie, I love the book! Please work on Cleave in the next book.

Sandra Sherrard (acquaintance): Good book

The very first Review of

Diamond’s Fate (Book I)

By Cyber-Friend Rucy

Rucy wrote on October 17, 2010:

Hi Angela,

Well, I did it. I took your book to Eleuthra—and read it! AND—I must say it was quite entertaining—well-written and barely—involved God— . . . til the last page or two . . . . with a few words of Minister Truth (catchy name—huh?).

Anyway Angela, . . . the story was well-written, planned, thought-out, and it kept your interest through-out. I admire the way you segmented the various different actions, places and times within the story . . . . I also liked how you blended all the characters in the story, Cleave & Olivia in and out of the crucial story line . . . It made me think that you must have studied writing somewhere—either academically or educated yourself by reading and reading and learning . . . .

Also, I could not help thinking . . . .How much of this story—really involves Angela’s personal experiences? Of course I know the police-bit did!

On the negative side, I will say that I thought the story was a bit simplistic. . . . Of course, I didn’t relate to the very end: "taking the problems in my life— . . . to God part. And I’m sure in a way, you wrote this hoping that the sort-of happy ending" would inspire people to reach towards God . . . . But it certainly had no effect like that on me . . . . and I think—stating such a hope in such a blatant way—sort of diminishes the story itself . . . . and relegates this book to have a limited audience. (Of course, I hope I’m wrong about that for your sake). But that’s the ending you chose,—and there must be a reason why you chose it. So,—that’s OK. Just not my cup of tea.

Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read—and you managed to keep the interest going, . . . . and I thought you really wrote well,—and I’m very proud of you for writing it—and then getting it published! Quite a feat!— . . .

Angela,(or Angie?)—you really did a great job—and I hope you will always keep writing . . . . You definitely have the ability!

So a huge, gigantic CONGRATULATIONS! JOB WELL-DONE! I’m PROUD of you!

Rucy

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, I want to thank God—the head of my life—for always being on time whenever I need and call upon Him. I thank Him for giving me the vision (in a dream one night in 1998 while I was asleep) to write this book.

Secondly, I want to thank my mother Ernestine, the woman, who birthed me into the world and taught me independence—how to survive financially without the help of a man. Mama I love you.

Jay, my eldest son, I want to thank you for always being respectful, obedient, self motivated and determined to excel and succeed at every challenge you’ve ever embarked upon—from school academics (earning straight ‘A’s in elementary and making the honor roll in college) to sports and music (mastering techniques to play the saxophone).

September 16, 1996, you brought your first saxophone home from Mays Middle School. You were so excited! You even played a few notes for me and Darrick Jr. Jay, I love you and wish you much success as Griffin Middle School band director and in all other music endeavors.

Darrick Jr., my son, I want to thank you for always being respectful. At times you struggled with obedience; but I commend you for the steps you’ve taken in the past few years to become a responsible young man. I love you and wish you much success in your music career as a rap artist and songwriter.

Jay and Darrick Jr., one day I will depart this place. I hope, in my absence, the two of you will continue to carry on as the God-fearing gentlemen I raised from childhood; and continue to love, respect and support each other in a brotherly fashion. Thanks for always encouraging me to pursue my dreams; I pray the two of you ‘never give up’ on yours.

My dear daughter-in-law, Arnekua Jackson-Singleton, I pray that you will always be a loving, caring and sharing wife to my son Jay as the Lord would have you be. I admire you and Jay for putting God first in your marriage, and working as a husband/wife team to maintain a wholesome marriage. I love you and wish you much success as Hartsfield Elementary chorus teacher and in all other music endeavors.

My dear sisters: Glenda, Donna and Lori, I love you all. Thanks for showing big sis enormous respect over the years.

My nephews and niece; and great-nephew and niece: Buford III, Shakita, Billy, Daron Jr. and Layla Rose, I love you all; and pray that each of you will allow God to order your steps throughout life’s journey.

Grandma Carolyn Cave, my last living grandparent, thanks for your love and support over the years. I love you.

May God pour out many blessings to the rest of my family and circle of friends.

CONTENTS

Prologue

BOOK I (Revised)

Chapter 1   Bad Dream

Chapter 2   Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 3   Graduation Day (summa cum laude)

Chapter 4   Proposal(s)

Chapter 5   Marriage Blitz

Chapter 6   Reconciliation

Chapter 7   Wrath of Domestic Violence Expose

BOOK II

Chapter 8   Family Tree

Chapter 9   The New Diva

Chapter 10   Stalking

Chapter 11   Dan the Man

Chapter 12   Hope Family Reunion

Chapter 13   Tennis

Chapter 14   Rekindled Friendship

Chapter 15   Happy New Year

Chapter 16   Hold On

PROLOGUE

Diamond’s Fate: Books I and II is a fictional ‘two part’ story based on true events.

In Book I, Diamond’s moral values instilled by her mother and adoptive parents, and her unwavering faith in God, enables her to endure many adversities she experiences in life.

In Book II a bright light is shined on human atrocities caused by hatred and prejudice that exist between racial, religious and other groups throughout America and the world. The unification of Diamond’s black and white relatives proves that diverse human-beings can live together in peace, love and harmony, when it’s desired in the heart, mind and soul of each individual to do so.

Diamond (a bi-racial news reporter) uses humor to narrate the story; however, the message she conveys to believers and non-believers about the power of God and the Holy Spirit is very serious in nature.

Spirituality can no longer be smothered by the cruel, wicked and sinful nature of man. It is hope when our future looks dim. It is the backbone which helps us stand firm in our weaknesses; and it is needed to promote peace, love and harmony among all of God’s earthly creatures.

This intriguing story of faith, hope, love and forgiveness is told specifically for your personal salvation, prosperity and happiness.

May your adventurous journey with Diamond Pearl Hope be joyful, inspiring and unforgettable.

BOOK I

CHAPTER 1

It was an eerie night in October 1988; I’d awoken from a fainting spell and found myself surrounded by dull gray cement walls and thick black iron bars secured with a heavy metal lock. The cramped area was about ten feet by ten feet wide. I noticed a dirty toilet bowl protruding from one of the walls, offering no privacy whatsoever. The small room had no windows through which I could peer outside.

Slowly . . ., I came to realize that I was locked inside a jail cell like a vicious animal. And I kept thinking to myself: This must be a bad dream?

However, reality was staring me boldly in the face. Bruised from head to toe and in excruciating emotional and physical pain, I remembered the events leading up to this agonizing moment.

Hours earlier, my husband brutally attacked me. During the assault I grabbed the beautiful lamp he’d bought me during our honeymoon in Hawaii; and I pounded his head with it. Subsequently, I was arrested . . .

I leaned back numbly on the hard concrete slab inside the holding cell and wept like a baby. The makeshift bed was cold as ice and caused me to shiver nonstop in the thin blue nylon dress I was wearing. I yelled to the jail guards, It’s cold in here. Can I have a blanket please? But not one soul seemed to care that I was freezing to death. A male guard sarcastically yelled back, This ain’t a hotel!

I continued weeping and tears flowed down my face like a gushing river. I very gently wiped the tears with the hem of my dress to avoid irritating the bruises on my face.

As I awaited my fate I began to angrily ponder: How in God’s name did I, a law abiding citizen, end up here!

I curled up in a fetal position, shifted and shuffled to keep warm. I eventually fell asleep and drifted off in a dream of my childhood with Mama . . .

Mary Jane Hope was Mama’s birth name. She’d had an extramarital affair with a man she met at the club where she worked as a dancer; and as a result of the affair, I was conceived, illegitimate me, Diamond Pearl Hope.

Mama was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a heart of pure gold. She was also very intelligent; and boy could she dance! She had the perfect dancer’s body: square and narrow shoulders, a pancake flat stomach, small waistline and long shapely, strong legs. Mama could twist and turn her body on an axis with splendid rhythm and grace.

And yes Lord! I always watched in awe as Mama practiced her dance routines to Donna Summer’s She Works Hard for the Money. That song personified Mama’s entire life. Mama indeed worked hard for her money. She danced and sweated many nights at the club ’til wee hours in the morning. Nights when Mama couldn’t find a reliable sitter, she smuggled me inside the club. I enjoyed watching her entertain the lively crowds.

Mama danced with pride and dignity. She lit up the room from the moment she strutted onto the dance floor to the moment she strutted off. Men and women would jump to their feet to dance to the musical beat with Mama; but they couldn’t keep up with her.

Mama could have gone toe to toe with Tina Turner, a female entertainer who electrifies her audience with high energy song and dance routines, while donning short tight shimmy dresses.

Mama enjoyed interacting with the diverse patrons who came to the club just to see her artistic body motions. And ohh, what a good time everyone had (including out of place me) watching and dancing along with Mama!

I mentioned earlier that Mama worked hard for her money; and every dime she earned she spent wisely. Mama was a modest person with big dreams—a burning desire for the best things life had to offer.

We lived in a one bedroom apartment in a nice quiet neighborhood in Palm Beach, Florida. The apartment was decorated beautifully with exotic African artifacts, sculptures and oil paintings Mama collected over the years. The beautiful collection was an aura of Africa. Mama was fascinated with Africa from childhood; and she fantasized about taking a safari trip to the majestic place where our ancestors originated.

Mama told me that Africa was one of the richest and largest continents in the world . . .

Mama bought me the finest clothes any little girl could wish for. I wore lots of dresses with flowers, ruffle and lace designs. Mama loved flowers. She said they represent the beauty of life. One of my favorite outfits was a lime green and purple polka dot taffeta dress with matching polka dot lace socks and polka dot patent leather shoes. Mama bought that outfit for me to wear one Easter Sunday. I looked like a little movie star in that outfit.

I wore the beautiful polka dot outfit to school on Awards Day. I received as many compliments on the outfit, as I received awards for outstanding citizenship and scholastic achievement. Many of my classmates and teachers wanted to know where Mama purchased such a beautiful outfit from.

My colorful outfit wasn’t the only thing drawing attention my way. My hairstyle was the bomb! Mama created a big girl style, a bun of neatly clustered curls at the top of my head and rows of dangling candy curls at the bottom, which bounced all the way down the middle of my back.

Mama had starched and ironed a long lime-green satin ribbon. She tied the stiff ribbon into a big bow and attached it to the back of the clustered curls. The bow stood out like a big bright butterfly.

I felt like a little princess on Awards Day, and rightfully so! I’d worked hard all year long to make the best grades. Every evening after school was like running a homework marathon. I had to sit down at the dining room table with Mama and complete pages and pages of school work (math, vocabulary, spelling, etc.). Not only was Mama proud of my accomplishments in elementary school, so was I.

Mama and I went to church almost every Sunday morning. Many times after church, we’d go to a neighborhood restaurant to eat dinner, so I could learn the proper etiquette of dining out.

Some Sundays we’d skip church and drive miles to a small town called Okeechobee, Florida to visit Mama’s parents. Grandma Louise would always make sure our bellies were good and full before we left to go home.

Every Sunday Grandma Louise cooked a pot of hog chitt’lins, crispy fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, fresh collard greens, cornbread, and pigeon peas and rice. She’d mix water, sugar and strawberry syrup in a big jar with plenty ice cubes for the kids to drink. The adults drank wine and beer of course. Grandma Louise’s food was always fresh, hot and delicious. And she made certain there was always enough for everyone to get second helpings.

Mama didn’t visit her parents as often as she would’ve liked because her eldest sister always criticized and picked fights with her. Aunt Mae was one mean and evil spirited woman. She labeled Mama a traitor because Mama left home after graduating from high school (the only one of seven children to do so).

Aunt Mae also condemned Mama for having an affair with a white man and conceiving me. Aunt Mae had lots of hatred in her heart for white people, which I discovered as time went by . . .

Mama exposed me to different cultural events. She called them educational adventures. It was always me and Mama together. We went to see ballet performances and live plays at the theatre. Two of my favorite shows were The Nutcracker and Little Orphan Annie.

We went to see The Nutcracker around Christmas time. It’s the story of a little German girl who dreams that a toy nutcracker she receives as a Christmas gift comes to life and battles an army of mice and toys. The Nutcracker is considered a Christmas classic.

Little Orphan Annie is the story of a little white girl with red curly hair, who becomes an orphan after her mother and father abandon her on the front steps of a wild and crazy orphanage . . .

Mama told me about other plays, based on life struggles of black people, she’d seen, such as: Porgy and Bess and A Raisin in the Sun. A well-known actor name Sidney Poitier starred in A Raisin in the Sun. His acting career started in the ’50s, at a time when it was difficult for blacks to secure leading roles in the theatre, movies; and on TV and radio shows.

Mr. Poitier was the first black actor to win an Academy Award for his role in Lilies of the Field in 1963. To Sir with Love and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner are two of my favorite movies starring Mr. Poitier.

Fortunately, most of the plays Mama told me about have been re-produced on film; and I’ve enjoyed watching Mr. Poitier portray some of the most intriguing characters . . .

During the summer, Mama and I would visit amusement parks in Florida. My favorite theme park is Walt Disney World located in Orlando, Florida. I was nine years old when Mama took me to Disney World. I got to shake hands with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Mickey Mouse gave me a big fat kiss on the cheek; and I didn’t wash my cheek for a week.

One of my most memorable attractions at Disney World: It’s a Small World—a display of small dolls dressed in colorful costumes representative of the different cultures of people throughout the world. Mama and I rode in a small canoe as it circled the dolls singing and dancing to the song, It’s a Small World (After All).

The uptempo song always made me smile, laugh and feel happy. The happiness felt, whenever I heard that song, quickly faded away on the dreadful day I learned