Played Out: Law of Human Revolution

By Solomon Bailey III

"Human Revolution - The process by which individuals gradually expand
their lives, conquer negative and destructive tendencies. Josei Toda
In Lawrences, (AKA Law), efforts to remain free from the responsibilities
of monogamy, he establishes his own rules of dating. Soon his misguided
ideologies, surrounding courting the opposite sex propels him into an
uncharacteristic lifestyle of promiscuity and the unwanted drama associated
with attempting to eliminate the emotional from the physical. Consequently,
threatening all he holds dear. When your reality is drunk off immaturity,
raging hormones, immense popularity chased with your basic nice guy; all
hell breaking loose barely scratches the surface of what Law faces. To sober
him, hell need a heaping dose of harsh reality with some tough love. When
seeking to do your human revolution, life sometimes taps that ass to get your
attention. Some ass whippings you receive in life will do you some good.
And in Laws case, hed need a few more foot-to-ass situations "

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 10, 2010
• ISBN: 9781456800420

Solomon Bailey III

Born September 23, in Chicago, IL, and as far back as I remember, I was exposed to the arts. At 12 I began expressing my thoughts, feelings, desires, concerns, and fears on paper. Still, writing was just a therapeutic means that helped me make sense of my reality as it pertains to reality as a whole. Once combined with my naturally exuberant, active imagination, my desire to learn the art of storytelling became my quest. With diligent pursuit and sound guidance, I began to write as much as I could. With a compassionate heart and a creative mind, I came up with entertaining stories filled with similes and parables that I hope will act as an expedient means to do my part to uplift humanity. And thus was the onset of my quest and mission to become a professional writer.

Book preview

Copyright © 2010 by Solomon Bailey III.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010915629

ISBN: Hardcover 978-1-4568-0041-3

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-4568-0040-6

ISBN: Ebook 978-1-4568-0042-0

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.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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88430

Contents

Acknowledgement

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

XIX

XX

XXI

XXII

XXIII

XXIV

XXV

Acknowledgement

This book is dedicated to my mother and father, Solomon and Carol Bailey. Thanks for believing in me and supporting me with your warm & insightful encouragement. Thanks for raising me with a strong foundations to have the courage to dream big. Thanks for making my wildest dream a dream come true. You have given me more than I can ever repay in even ten lifetimes. I love you.

To Sensei, Daisaku Ikeda—my mentor in life & Mrs. Ikeda. Thanks for your courageous efforts to spread the Daishonin’s teachings, giving me the means to dispel my fundamental darkness, do my human revolution & prove the validity of the Law of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Please rest assure I will continue to work tireless for Humanity’s happiness and prosperity with the Oneness of Mentor & disciple firmly engraved in my heart. I love you

A very special thanks to my wife, best friend, and drill sergeant, Nichelle. I love you, Fluffy.

Thanks to my brother Lonnie Young and my cousin Quinae Ewing for being a great source of inspiration, through living such incredible lives. I love you.

Shout out to my seeds: Siddiq, Solomon, Nicholle, and Spencer. Also my siblings: André and Alexis. And, my best friends: Mark, Martez, Palmer, and Lamont. I love you.

In loving memory of Loreta Bailey, Solomon Bailey, Michael Bailey, Dario Dillard, and my moms Rose Marie Bailey. I love you.

I’d like to give a special shout out to my producer, fellow poet, and most importantly my boy, Frederick Allen AKA Infinite Wisdom; CEO and President of Infinite Wisdom Productions. Thanks for the awesome book cover. Check him out on facebook: Frederick Allen. Atlanta, GA.

Look out for CountTheCash Records and Money on the Mind Entertainment. Check ‘em out on FaceBook and MySpace @ ConTaC.

To all my friends and family . . . love you all.

I

Lawrence stepped out his room in an all black tuxedo with a silver bowtie and cummerbund. Law, the nickname for Lawrence S. Gereaux Jr, was a six-foot three, caramel-coated brother; slender, athletic build, short wavy hair and a baby face. Yep, the pretty-boy type, with deep ass dimples and shit. He had an outgoing, charismatic personality, plus an uncanny sense of humor. If that wasn’t enough, he played b-ball like the next professional phenomena. Then, there were the ladies; they loved him . . .well, loved what he offered or what they thought he offered. Another damn misguided teenager, but hell, we all were at that age, or was it just me? Anyway, Law strolled over to the row of mirrors covering the dining room wall.

Damn! I look good, all smooth and dapper. Law stated

Damn! You’re full of yourself too. Q responded, laughing and shaking his head.

Hell yeah! You would too if you looked this damn good. Law said while brushing the waves in his hair.

Law’s younger brother Quinton, Q as they called him, wasn’t bad looking either; just not as conceited as his brother. Q was a dark mocha brother, six-two, solid athletic build around one-eighty. Q wasn’t flashy like his brother, but was nice as hell with a basketball like him. Q’s personality was more laid back, where as Law’s usually put him up front and center. Law started liking the attention, but had no damn clue what to do with it; at least not yet.

They joked around some more until their father walked in the room. Lawrence Sr, a distinguished gentleman, six-feet even with salt and pepper wavy hair and a well-groomed mustache. Only thing more obvious than the fact he took care of himself was the fact he was a man of impeccable style and finesse. He was dressed in a beige linen walking suit with a mustard colored shirt and casual dress shoes.

What up, gentlemen? Sr asked, while stepping between them.

Not much, getting ready to do this prom thing. Answered Law.

Yeah, that isn’t all. Q mumbled.

What are you talking about . . .? Asked Lawrence Sr and before he got the question out, Law answered.

 . . .Nothing daddy, Q is tripping like he always does.

The last few nights Law and Q discussed how Law could convince Cherise, his prom date, to agree to a room after prom. That was the tradition and Law wanted to keep up with tradition. Law saw no damn reason not to take advantage of an opportunity to get him some. He wasn’t hard up or anything. Neither one of the Gereaux boys were virgins. But, Cherise was the good girl type and Law wasn’t sure if she’d go for getting a room after a few weeks of dating, even if it was prom.

One of Law’s boys told him tell her whatever she needs to hear to get her ass in the room. This seems to be the catch-all with guys. Just tell women whatever the hell you think they wanna hear; a lie, the truth, or any variation of the two.

When he told Q about Eddie’s advice, Q stared at him like what the fuck you wanna listen to him for? Q and Eddie never saw eye to eye on much.

C’mon Law, Cherise is good peeps. Take her to the prom, then drop her off and get a room with someone else . . .if it’s that serious. Q advised.

Law wanted to do right by Cherise but was too caught up in all the prom hype. He and his friends decided their sophomore year they’d spend their youth chasing women or rather pussy. However, Law was a late bloomer. For some reason he didn’t take to that lifestyle with the same drive as Eddie. Law only had six partners where Eddie was going on ten or twelve strong. But who was Law to change tradition? How could he live down not getting any on prom night? At that moment, Law decided to live that lifestyle to the utmost, until life showed his ass different.

Law thought about Q’s advice. Eddie told him to dump Cherise all together and get a girl who was least resistant. Which he could’ve easily done; but prom was special and he wanted it to be a memorable event, not just another activity or ploy to sleep with another woman. But getting laid was part of his vision of a memorable prom night. What the hell was he gonna do? And thus set in motion an internal war between his humanistic side and them dawg ass tendencies.

Q and Law kicked around some ideas about getting Cherise to the hotel. Law first thought of the ole sneak attack; don’t say shit about the hotel until they were there. Q suggested Law be up front with her. But Law wasn’t too sure about the whole honest approach. That’s when he decided to take the romantic route. He’d get her some flowers and a card; write how much he appreciated her for sharing this special night with him. And the whole night, make her feel like Cinderella at the ball and he was her Prince Charming.

Ok gentlemen, come clean. No one leaves here until I have answers that help me feel better as a father. Sr made explicitly clear.

Sr knew his boys oh too well and it wasn’t hard to tell Law was hiding something. This made Sr’s parental instincts kick in. That’s what parents use to get all in their kids’ business. And that’s just what he did, got knee deep in their shit. Sr finally got Law to own up to his plans to get his date to stay the night, and that kicked it off.

Boy . . .is that all? Every man since prom was invented setout to get some from his prom date. Hell, I even knew some women who were the aggressor. Sr wished they would’ve waited until college before having sex, like he advised. But you know horny ass teenagers won’t listen to shit you tell them . . .Sr continued.

When you come home from basketball practice and you’re thirsty, what do you do? The boys looked at Sr strange as hell.

I don’t follow what you’re asking. Law expressed.

Boy damn . . .Ok, remember after that football game at the beach last week and you ran over to the table and drank damn near half that gallon of lemonade.

Hell yeah, I was thirsty. Law responded, looking at his brother and pointing to their father, sarcastically.

See . . .that’s the thing son. You don’t gulp when it comes to a woman. They’re like expensive cognacs . . .son, you sip.

And what does that mean? Law asked.

Damn, how dense are you? Q mocked, then continued. No matter how damn bad you crave or ‘thirst’ a woman, you still need to take your time.

Sr was good with metaphors and shit like that. Explaining that respecting women has many levels and the foundation to all levels is respecting them as human beings, first and foremost. And that could only be accomplished by first respecting yourself as one. Sr wasn’t the type to pass judgment on anyone. However; he advised his boys use the same standards you use to judge women for yourself. Sr wanted his sons to learn to respect the sanctity of life above anything else.

Sr believed, once adapting this way of thinking in everything they did, they’d have a solid foundation to build an incredible life. Sr’s goal was to raise his boys to become men of extraordinary character who sought to create value by giving of themselves for the preservation of life itself. Sr’s advice registered somewhere deep in their life, but hadn’t started to register in their conscious mind yet. They only thought Sr was being a parent, talking Law out of getting some ass.

When Law realized he was running late; dude grabbed his black and silver cape, put on his black godfather-style derby with a silver band, said his goodbyes and headed out to prom.

You think he’s gonna get her to stay the night? Q asked his father.

Only if she’s already made her mind up to go through with it. Sr answered.

Law arrived at Cherise’s house and was let in by her father. Mr. Walker and Law were talking in the living room when Cherise walked in. Law looked up and saw the five-foot eight, dark mocha brick-house in a nicely fitted silver and black strapless gown with a black sheer shawl. Her long well toned legs glimmered with scented oil and glitter, and on her feet were some black, mesh stilettos.

Wow Cherise, you’ll be the finest woman there! Law exclaimed while standing up to greet her.

Yes sir, my baby gurl looks stunning doesn’t she? asked Mr. Walker.

Yes sir, she really cleans up well. Law paused and waited for her reaction, Naw, just playing lady. You’re looking very glamorous tonight. Law added.

Y’all stop. You’re making me blush. Cherise demanded.

Aight, but I didn’t know I was going to prom with a diva. Law stated.

You better recognize boy! Cherise exclaimed.

In the car, Cherise sensed something was on Law’s mind. Law eased her mind expressing, all will be discussed as the night goes on. Arriving at the prom, Law wasted no time creating the perfect ball for his Cinderella. They enjoyed the prom to the fullest. They danced, laughed, and took an ass-load of pictures. Even though he and Cherise had only been dating for a couple weeks, they created a strong bond.

A full night of prom activities, and Law was still nervous about asking her back to the room. It was a special night as far as he was concerned. But, did she feel the same way? This was his real dilemma. They finished some more pictures and headed back to the ballroom for the last slow dance of the evening.

I appreciate you for coming Cherise.

Thanks for inviting me. Cherise caressed his back.

Mmmm! Law moaned very sensual and deep. Then he continued. Could this night be more special? Law asked and began to caress and hold Cherise a little firmer.

Cherise, it really doesn’t have to end and to be honest, it shouldn’t . . .you know? Let me let you in on what I’m thinking . . .

Shhh, baby! Let’s just enjoy ourselves. If we have to plan or discuss it, then it won’t be special.

Law was confused at this point. Was she vibing like he was or just being polite and changed the conversation. He contemplated several other approaches. Oh yeah, the boy was getting desperate. And then, Cherise stroked the back of his head and kissed him on his cheek. At this point, Law’s anxiety faded, some. He eased back into just enjoying this wonderful individual’s company. And for the next five minutes he danced with his girl, real close, while listing to Stevie Wonder’s As.

They left prom hugged up, grinning their asses off. She was as overwhelmed as he was. When they got in the car, the tension began to choke the shit out of ‘em. They sat in a dead silence for five long-ass minutes pretending to listen to the radio, occasionally looking at each other smiling. Law adjusted the rearview mirror, repositioned himself in his seat.

So, Cherise are you hungry? Law asked, trying to be all cool, while caressing her hand.

I could go for a bite to eat.

Ok, how about room service?

What? Room service?

Yeah . . .see I got a room . . .and I was thinking . . . Law muttered nervously. The cool left his ass real fast.

Lawrence. Cherise spoke as she placed her finger on his lips. Then she continued.

Do they have ice cream?

Lawrence’s palms got sweaty. Mr. Smooth Ass was choking now. He spent all his time figuring out how to convince her to spend the night, he never thought what to do when and if she said yes. To be honest, he didn’t think she would. Getting to the room didn’t take long with Law leading the way. Once there, Law suggested she get comfortable while he ordered room service.

Once he ordered their food and removed some of the confining parts of his Tux he sat by her on the bed.

How about a foot massage while we wait on the food? You know we did a lot of dancing tonight . . . Lawrence explained.

Baby, you don’t have to sell me on tonight. I’m here aren’t I? Cherise put her feet on his lap.

He rubbed her feet, than began rubbing her calves, then they started kissing, then he began to rub her thighs. As they started to lose their inhibitions, there was a knock at the door that scared ‘em both. They laughed it off as Law went to open the door. After they ate, they picked up where they left off and this time they took it further, then even further than that. Early that next morning, Law dropped her off at home.

During his ride home his chest was swole. He felt he really did something when he really didn’t do shit. Cherise made her mind up before he opened his mouth. But she didn’t wanna burst his bubble, so she let him think it was his mack and not her decision. But after it was all said and done, Law blushed the rest of night. No matter how much of a ladies’ man he wanted to be, there was a part of him that was an ole softy. That was the side he tried so damn hard to suppress. He thought it made him weak. But he would soon learn it was a valuable characteristic to have, if and when he decided to pursue women more honestly.

Well, what the hell do you expect from a hormonal seventeen year old high school senior? And now that he was all set to go to college, would it get better or worse? Well, at the rate he was going worse would be the safe bet. But don’t get it wrong, Law was capable of much more than he displayed; just not mature enough to live up to that potential just yet. Back at home still glowing like he had just lost his virginity. In a way, he did; this was the first time he laid with a woman whom he really had a genuine interest in.

Most of his attention was directed towards Cherise for that last month and a-half before he left for college. If he wasn’t talking about her he was talking to her. He spent so much time with her, his other two lady friends fell by the wayside and dude didn’t seem to care. He was so into Cherise, who became his first love.

After graduation, the Gereaux men went to dinner before Law went to his graduation party. Sr expressed how tremendously proud he was of them. He also expressed he wasn’t gonna keep them long; he understood they were ready to get to the festivities. Yet he felt, as a father, he should express to them how he felt and share some wisdom with them, especially Law.

Well, gentlemen . . .time moves on. You’re beginning to lay the foundation for your manhood, so now is the time to pay even closer attention to the choices you make in life. I really want you to understand this point. I did my best teaching you about cause and effect. To show you that everything you think, say and do creates a cause, good or bad and the effects of these causes are inescapable. So do your best to remember this; if you wanna understand the causes you put out in the past, look at the effects you’re receiving now and if you wanna see how your life will be in the future, pay attention to the causes you’re putting out now. And with that, Sr wrapped things up and let the boys be on their way.

Law and Q arrived at Eddie’s house to find the party was well under way. They walked in greeted by a barrage of what up’s and one-arm hug hand shakes. Eddie walked up to Law like . . .

Damn! Dawg what up? Tamara and that other girl keep asking about you. Eddie asked Law.

Shit . . .they’re not here are they? Asked Law, all frantic.

Nah pimp, calm yo ass down. Yo girl Cherise, with her ole fine, thick ass is here though. Eddie answered.

Yeah, that’s his ‘fluffy’, as he calls her. Q interjected.

Dawg, better believe it, yo big brother in lub. Eddie said, and then he and Q began laughing.

Man, don’t speak on shit you don’t know about. Law demanded.

Shiiitt, betta believe I know just what the fuck I’m talking about. I only see your ass in school . . .stopped talking with the honies . . .and fine ass broads too. Yet you have much time for Cherise. Shit, I know a man in love when I smell one.

Who’s in love? Asked Law.

Yo ass! Q and Eddie said simultaneously.

Law knew he loved that girl. He was buying her shit like cards and stuffed animals. Hell, he even bought her an outfit. Now for a seventeen year old young man that claimed to be a mack, that was love, no doubt about it. Funny thing though, Law did everything he could to deny it. Well, at least in front of his boys and Cherise. Cherise was good peeps and he really enjoyed being around her. She made him laugh and think, and he liked that. Plus, he thought, why not calm down to save some energy for college.

Hey Law . . .you busy baby? Cherise asked Law walking up behind him.

Oh . . .what up Cherise? Nah, I’m cool, just checking Eddie and my ’lil brother.

Damn baby, you look flush. What the hell are you blushing for?

He’s blushing over him some Cherise. Q informed her.

"Hell, some Cherise. He’s sprung over all of Cherise. Damn girl, you got my dawg bought and sold, cheap!" Eddie commented.

Yeah? Is that right boo, I got you open? asked Cherise.

C’mon baby, let’s get-away from all this fucking negative energy. Law led Cherise to the back porch.

Cherise could tell something serious was on Law’s mind. He was confused about his feelings and what to share with Cherise. It was a damn shame he was just starting to really get into her and now they would have to go off to college. Now what was he to do? He wanted to keep her close yet he wanted the freedom to get with other women once he got to school. The typical battle of good and evil inherit in all life and it was kicking Law’s ass.

But some ass whippings you receive in life will do you some good. And in Law’s case he would need a few more foot-to-ass situations before realizing that the way he was going about this dating thing left a lot to be desired. Standing there with Cherise made his palms all sweaty. He had a frog in his throat and his heart was beating fast as hell. This was the first time he was nervous since the night in the hotel. But nevertheless, he came to a decision he was gonna keep things going while in college.

You know Cherise . . .our timing is so far off. Here we are just getting into each other and in a few weeks we’ll be leaving for college.

Yeah, you’re right. What messed up timing we have, huh? She asked with a smile. Then she continued while caressing Law’s face. But we’ll be Ok sweetie.

Oh yeah, I know this, I’m just curious how you feel about a long-distance relationship?

Well I’m not sure about that Law. You and I both know you’re gonna wanna date other women, and to be honest, I wanna date other men. Plus, we’ve developed such a strong friendship; I would hate to ruin it by trying to do that long-distance shit. But don’t worry baby, trust, I’ll always be your friend and be there for you. So who knows what’ll happen.

Law knew she was right. He just wanted to hold on to his first love. Law was sentimental even though he tried to hide it. Figuring he could still hit it whenever they were home. He enjoyed the rest of the party, doing whatever till three-something in the morning. All the while Cherise never crossed his mind; well not until the party began to wind down and he was curious if she wanted to go on Halstead, to the neighborhood motel. Well nothing like that happened, but they did go to breakfast. Law didn’t mind he wasn’t getting physical, he truly enjoyed her company. And then Law, well . . .dude was off to college . . .to get into some more . . .well, he was off to college.

II

August 28, 1987, Lawrence stepped on the campus of Grambling, a full fledge college freshman, nervous as hell. Not nervous he wouldn’t fit in, more anxiously nervous to get the pre-jitters out the way. He stood in Grambling’s court yard in jeans and a T-shirt looking around for his appointed mentor. Moments later, Dario Dillard, a six-foot ten, solid, peanut butter complexioned gentlemen walked up.

Hey Law, you ready to do this?

Hell yeah Rio, show me the way.

They walked down a path flooded with magnolia trees on either side. At the end they arrived at a traditional three-story, red brick dormitory off on the left. Excited as hell, Law ran upstairs to the third floor and located his room. He bullshited around for awhile, checking out his room, looking at the view before he got dressed. Then he threw on some jogging pants, a tank-top and some gym shoes. Ten minutes later he and Dario arrived at the gymnasium to meet the rest of the team.

Law and Rio entered a Roman-style coliseum-type building encircled in large white pillars. They proceeded through the large rotunda beyond the front doors, to the large practice gym located in the basement across from the boys’ locker room. Inside the gym, Dario greeted everyone, then he introduced Law to the other freshman, Mark Pack, the starting five and the rest of the team.

Coach Bruce Redd Jones introduced the coaching staff and explained the traditional introductory scrimmage game; upper-class vs. under-class. They played one-half, talked a whole lot of shit with a whole lot of showboating. After the game, Rio explained to Law he was expected to give a hundred and ten percent at every practice because his scholarship wasn’t guaranteed yet. Then the coaches entered the Locker room.

Coach Redd explained he was the type of coach that utilized their strengths against the other team’s weakness. He wanted to make sure the new guys understood they played team-ball with no superstars, just key players that could change from night to night. And it was up to them to step up their game if they wanted to be one of the key players. Plus they had to show him consistency to be a repeated key player. Then he explained the position of the role players; as he put it, the glue.

Your job is a thankless job . . .you have all the responsibilities of the key players without any of the glory . . .but with any successful production the behind the scenes people work the hardest to insure success . . .so congratulations, you’re the ones we’ll truly count on to come off the bench and keep the intensity going and step up your play against their best. Coach Redd finished. Then Rio told Law about the back-to-school party thrown by the student association.

Law went back to his dorm room to shower and change, charged as hell. His early anxieties faded once realizing the possibilities of college life. He got dressed in a dark blue and grey Ralph Lauren, Polo button-up draped open, underneath a black tank-top tucked neatly in his baggy, well creased Guess blue jeans and a pair of white shell-toe Adidas with blue shoestrings. Then, Rio explained the ups and downs of campus life while walking to the party. He broke down the importance of balancing a social and academic life so neither becomes overwhelming. They talked about how Dario was the first in his family to go to college and by the end of his freshman year he wasn’t sure if he would be the first to graduate.

Rio got so wrapped up in chasing women he chased his ass right into academic probation. But his uncle motivated him back on track. Rio informed Law that business comes first, everything else, second. Well, of course Law really didn’t think that applied to him because his ole man was a college graduate, so flunking out was not an option. But Law did appreciate the advice, for no other reason than to keep Sr off his ass.

So now what’s your story? Rio asked Law.

Shit . . .me and my brother don’t really have any choice . . .It’s a good thing I’m playing ball though.

Why, your grades fucked up? Dario asked while laughing.

Yeah . . .right . . .you funny as hell. Trust, a brother stay on top of his grades, didn’t you hear . . .my ole man don’t play that shit. I just didn’t know how well I would’ve adjusted just doing the academic shit. Partying would’ve definitely become my main focal point, but now I have balling. Law retorted.

The real upside for Law was that he got to socialize with a higher clientele of women and as he put it maybe get my freak on every now and then.

Laughing, Rio asked Law ‘fuck you know about freaking?

Man, I was a natural from birth.

Law swore up and down he knew exactly what he was doing when he lost his virginity. Then he told Rio about the time he had this girl in her grandparent’s basement after ditching the second half of school. Law went on to brag how his conversation was so smooth he eased the girl into agreeing with no fuss and in ten minutes they were at it.

Law smiled and looked at Rio, then nudged him in the arm Man, once I got that cherry popped, honey was moaning for 15 minutes after we were done and dressed.

Dario laughed, "Yeah right, you’re just Big-dick Willie huh? Ok then big dick, let’s get up