Torn 3: Surviving the Human Snake Pit: “He Left Me to Die, but I Didn’T.”

By Ella Johnson

Torn 3: Surviving the Human Snake Pit is a continuation of the passion and pain that exists in the life of Melissa MeMe Thomas (Williams). Torn 2 ended with a nail-biter after Melissa received a message on her phone that will change everything, and in this book, youll finally see what was actually on that text message that tests Melissas faith in God all the more.
Now that shes divorced and living the single life again, she finds nothing wrong with igniting old flames, but is there enough heat between her and an ex-lover to keep the flame burning, or will she get too close and end up getting burned? Its no secret that in times of trouble, we tend to run to the church for spiritual restoration. But is it enough to keep a troubled Melissa on the straight and narrow path, or will she meet someone whose troubled past sends them both to a point of no return?
New to the Miami scene and fresh out of Louisiana, Bradford James arrives into town, but what is he running from? Torn 3: Surviving the Human Snake Pit is based on true events that will leave you speechless, in tears, and cheering for Melissas survival from the human snakes that are lurking at every corner of her life. Will there be a rainbow at the end of this storm? Or better yet, who will be at the end of the storm? After reading this book, you will be so inspired that youll begin to jump off the cliffs in your own life without worrying if the parachute opens or not.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jul 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781490782638

Ella Johnson

Ella Yolanda Johnson is a native of Monroeville, Alabama. After graduating from Monroe County High School, she went on to further her studies in Communications at Mobile College. Leaving Alabama and everything behind, Ella auditioned at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Orlando, FL and was accepted. After graduating, she became a news intern at the NBC Affiliate, WESH TV 2. Realizing that her greater purpose in life was to help those less fortunate, Ella became the founder and CEO of Women at Work International and has been feeding families in Alabama since 2014. Her non-profit organization returned to her hometown each year and in 2018 and 2019, they also fed families in Paynesville, Liberia. Now that she has a special interest in Africa, Ella plans to collaborate with other organizations and leadership in Africa on special projects to help families in need. Ella has a passion for both radio and tv broadcasting, so she takes time during the week to share motivational messages on her show, The Mahogany Bronze Hour. The subjects are edgy, informative and enlightening to her listening audience. In her near future, she plans to turn this into a TV talk show. Ella is a mother of 6 and a grandmother of 6. Family is important to this Alabama native, so she is currently launching a new segment, Mahogany Kids, to inspire, educate, and motivate kids into positivity by using positive kids to do it. For more information, please see the contact information below. Contact Information: Website: www.theellajohnson.com Instagram: @mahoganymotivations Twitter: @EllaJohnson7138 Email: [e-mail]

Book preview

TORN 3:

SURVIVING THE HUMAN SNAKE PIT

HE LEFT ME TO DIE, BUT I DIDN’T.

ELLA JOHNSON

© Copyright 2017 Ella Johnson.

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

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8262-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8264-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4907-8263-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017945621

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.

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.

Trafford rev. 07/14/2017

33164.png www.trafford.com

North America & international

toll-free: 1 888 232 4444 (USA & Canada)

fax: [phone]

THE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Who’s That On The Phone?

Chapter 2 The Ride Home

Chapter 3 New Man In Town

Chapter 4 Something Else

Chapter 5 Taking The Day Off

Chapter 6 Is This The Right Church?

Chapter 7 It’s Not Like That!

Chapter 8 Getting Personal

Chapter 9 The Ink Isn’t Dry Yet

Chapter 10 Charity Begins At Home

Chapter 11 2 Weeks Notice

Chapter 12 Show Me The Money!

Chapter 13 Time To Move On

Chapter 14 First Sign Of Trouble

Chapter 15 Surprise No More!

Chapter 16 The Birthday Boy

Chapter 17 Why Did You Charge Me?

Chapter 18 You’ve Got Secrets

Chapter 19 California Girls

Chapter 20 Find Us A House!

Chapter 21 He Left Me To Die.

Chapter 22 Never Made It Home

Chapter 23 About Last Night

Chapter 24 Surprise At The Door

Chapter 25 A New Assistant

Chapter 26 It’s Time To Get Out!

Chapter 27 This Is The House

Chapter 28 Taken For A Ride

Chapter 29 Off Limits

Chapter 30 Moving Day

Chapter 31 Sell More Packages

Chapter 32 No Noise, Please

Chapter 33 You Promised Me

Chapter 34 Road Trip

Chapter 35 What Happened To My Soup?

Chapter 36 Confessions From The Snake Pit

Chapter 37 I Was A Fool.

Chapter 38 Dinner Is On Me!

Chapter 39 D, I’m Tired.

Chapter 40 You Should Pay Your Trainer.

Chapter 41 The Dream That Prepares Me

Chapter 42 Is It Possible For A Snake To Have Love?

Chapter 43 It’s Not Just Another Day At The Office

Chapter 44 Secret Revealed

Chapter 45 Safe Environments – Not Snake Environments

Chapter 46 No Value In Loyalty

Chapter 47 I Want My Money!

Chapter 48 The Final Church Service

Chapter 49 Day In Court

Chapter 50 Fault With The Figures

Chapter 51 Manna From Heaven

Chapter 52 Just A Name Change

Chapter 53 Bad News From Bama

Chapter 54 Move Your Car!

Chapter 55 Give Me My Stuff

Chapter 56 Game On!

Chapter 57 Anecdote To The Snake’s Venom

Chapter 58 God’s Help In Time Of Trouble

Chapter 59 The Sneaky Snake Surfaces

Chapter 60 Can You Stand The Rain?

Chapter 61 Scare Tactics

Chapter 62 The Confrontation

Chapter 63 Time For A Takeover

Chapter 64 Just Like Eve

Chapter 65 Chilling In Florida

Chapter 66 It’s You Again!

Chapter 67 Don’t You Remember?

Chapter 68 Go Back With Me.

Chapter 69 She Won’t Leave.

Chapter 70 This Means War!

Chapter 71 This Is Not What I Expected.

Chapter 72 Close Your Accounts Now!

Chapter 73 Chug It Down!

Chapter 74 Don’t Get Caught Slipping.

Chapter 75 Where’s There’s Smoke, There’s Fire.

Chapter 76 He’ll Have To Kill Me First.

Chapter 77 Trail Of Deceit

Chapter 78 Her Day In Court

Chapter 79 Have You Heard From Her?

Chapter 80 That Failed Attempt

Chapter 81 This Isn’t The Time To Panic.

Chapter 82 Poison

Chapter 83 God Is Able

Chapter 84 I Need A Favor

Chapter 85 Give Them Something

Chapter 86 Everybody Knows Da’king

Chapter 87 The Trial Ends

Chapter 88 Hail To My King!

FROM THE AUTHOR OF

‘THE TORN SERIES’

201869.png

T he truth of the matter is that without God, I am nothing. The inspiration to write this book comes from some of the experiences that I’ve had over the last 3 years when I found myself living amongst human snakes. After a while, I discovered that their only purpose in my life was to kill my dreams, steal my joy and to destroy any hope that I’ve always had for a better future for me and my family.

Once I realized the task at hand, I surrendered myself to live in this human snake pit with an understanding that there was a purpose in all of it. With human snakes all around me, it was sometimes difficult to differentiate between what or who was real and what or who was fake. All I know is that I had to trust God because there was just too much at stake.

Because my readers come from different walks of life, some may come with an understanding of the anointing, while others may not. For me and this journey that I had to take, God had to give me a fresh anointing to be able to withstand all I would encounter in the human snake pit.

By the end of this book, you will gain more confidence when you’re in the pits of your life. You’ll remember that although the pit may be painful, it’s also not permanent. Fighting back tears, I wrote this book knowing that it would help someone whose faith in God had grown weak. You have to know that although you go through the storm, you won’t drown in it. You have to trust God during those times when you can’t trace God.

Where’s there’s a Will, God always makes the way!

Dedication

…To My Heavenly Father. Where would I be without you? To you, I give it all. It’s for you that I do it all. I love you.

…To the Man I love. Your love, encouragement and understanding always comes when I have needed it the most. Throughout the time that it took for me to write this book, you were always there to support me in all ways, and you did it unselfishly. I love you.

…To My Mother, Cora. You are always there through the thick and the thin. You are that shining light that helped me get through the dark times. For that, I am grateful. I love you.

…To My Children and Grandchildren. Chenaya, Jonathan, Devion, Stefani, Brianna and Justice. My grandchildren – Isaiah, Sarah’ya, Josiah, and Jeremiah. You are the reasons I never gave up. I love you.

…To My Assistant, Anne. Your prayers, your love, your support – it got me through! You are more than an assistant to me. You are my sister and my friend. Thanks for your continued patience to get me to this point. I love you.

…To My Special Family & Friends…Jah’nay S., Ethel Lee H., Earnestine S., Polly S., Barbara J., Donna H., Michelle W., Linda W., Sonja & Ronnie G., Darlene B., Kolada B., and Anthony (Skinny). Each of you have contributed so much to the completion of this book in ways that you may never understand. I am grateful to you for your continued support. I love you.

204831.pngPicture%201.jpg

WHO’S THE NEW GUY?

CHAPTER 1

Who’s That on the Phone?

"M elissa, do you have everything?" Diana asks, walking through the house one last time.

Yes! Yes, I do, big sister. You know you act more and more like momma everyday I say.

Yeah, well, we have to be like that with you because you know you’ll lose your head if it wasn’t attached to your body, she comments.

Diana and I walk though my bedroom one last time just to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. I can’t help but remember a few months ago when Diana was here doing the same thing when I was scheduled for my trip to London with Patrick. Scouring the room, it looks like I did a good job of packing. During this time of year, the weather is very cold in London, so I’ve packed for the weather. I’ll finally get a chance to wear some of the boots that I don’t get to wear here in sunny Florida. I can tell that the kids are excited for me. They have always just wanted me to be happy. Surprisingly, they help take my luggage out to the car.

Mommy, please don’t forget to bring us something back, Justice says, with Amber close by chiming in. That’s right, Momma!

Girls, now you know I won’t forget! When have I ever gone out of town and didn’t bring you something back? I ask them.

Ok, girls, give yo’ momma a hug because we need to get on the interstate. It’s usually crowded during this time of the day and we don’t need anything to hold up this trip, she says, playfully hitting me in the side, as if she knows I have another agenda for this trip.

Amber, Sharelle, and Justice watch me and Diana drive down the driveway. They’re standing in the front window waving goodbye until we’re completely out of sight. Within 15 minutes, we’re on I-95 heading for the Miami International Airport. Traffic is cooperating well with us and based on the traffic report, we shouldn’t run into any delays.

And you’re sure you want to do this, Melissa? This is a big step, girl, Diana tells me after moments of silence in the car.

Yes, sis, I’m sure. I’ve had more than enough time to think about this. He makes me happy and I make him happy and we’re good together. He’s who I want, Diana. Honestly, I can’t wait to get off the plane and run into his arms, I tell her.

Well, we’re here. And on schedule, I might add.

Diana and I park the car in the ‘1hour parking’ section. People are rushing back and forth getting luggage out of their cars. Children have this look of expectancy and excitement on their faces. The airport staff is busy checking people in. I realize that I need to put my phone on silent and as soon as I do, I get a text message that changes everything. The wind is knocked out of me. I can’t help but gasp after reading this message. Diana notices me right away.

Melissa, what is it? she asks. You look as if you’ve seen a ghost, she comments.

I can’t speak right now. I just can’t…., I say, but she interrupts me.

What is it? Who is that on the phone? she asks, looking worried and scared.

Diana, why? When will I ever be happy, sis? I ask her.

MeMe, you’re scaring me. Who is it and what did they tell you? she asks, reaching for the phone.

Diana grabs the phone away from me and immediately covers her mouth with her hand.

CHAPTER 2

The Ride Home

"M elissa, I’m so sorry about all of this", Diana says, trying to comfort me.

The pain in my heart right now is indescribable. The right words can’t come to my mind to begin to explain to my sister how I feel at this very moment. Although I know that her intentions are to be here for me, I don’t want to hear any sounds, I don’t want any comfort, nor do I want to talk. I hope that when I get back home, she intends to leave me to be alone. That’s what I want right now. How can I tell my sister to just drop me off and leave me be? I already know that she won’t go for it. She’ll tell me that I shouldn’t be alone right now.

Sweetheart, please say something. Did you see this coming at all? Why would Morgan do this to you? she asks, trying to get me to speak.

I didn’t see this coming. How could I have seen it coming? I say, barely above a whisper.

How did he get your information, Melissa? Please don’t tell me that you shared your personal information with this man? she asks, finally getting close to my home.

I really don’t want to talk about this right now, Sis, I say, starting to cry.

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. We don’t have to talk about this right now. We don’t have to, ok, she says.

D, I just want to be alone right now. I don’t want to talk. I don’t even want to cry, but I just want to sleep. I need to take a sleeping pill so I can get past this painful and agonizing moment. I can’t deal with this right now, I tell her. I can’t do this anymore, D. I can’t do this again. My heart is not meant to take this much punishment. Is this what I get for being a caring woman? Is this how it is? I ask, feeling completely helpless.

It’s not your fault that this man chose to betray you this way, she tells me.

D, seriously, out of the 6.5 billion people in this world, why is it that I always choose the men who don’t understand what it means to love? I say, walking to the trunk to grab my things.

I know that it seems that way, MeMe. I know it does, she tells me.

Kalin hurt me, Patrick hurt me, and Morgan hurt me. Should I open my eyes and just realize that this love thing is just not for me? I don’t think I’ll be able to love again after this, I say to her, walking towards my front door.

MeMe, don’t say that, she says, walking closely behind me. You’ll find love again, Sis. You’re just hurting right now. You don’t really know what you’re saying. I’m just so shocked that this guy could do something like this", she adds.

Yes, me too. I really thought he was more mature than all the others. I thought that he had his life more together, being a doctor and all, I say. But, now I’m starting to wonder if the man that Patrick met is the man I was talking to. Maybe this guy that I was talking to stole Morgan Smith’s identity and pictures. I’ve heard that this happens all the time in social media, I say to her, trying to make sense of this betrayal.

Sweetie, you’re going to get through this, you know, Diana says, closing the front door behind her.

I know that the kids aren’t expecting to see me walk back through the door, so when they run to the front, the expressions on their faces says it all. Mommy! You’re back. What happened? Justice shouts.

Amber comes around the corner and chimes in. Mommy, what happened?

I don’t want to break down in front of my girls, but I can feel the tears coming. All of a sudden, I get a sudden hot flash and I can’t help it. The tears begin to roll down my face and Diana grabs me to keep me from falling. Girls, let Mommy get some rest, ok, she says, walking me to my bedroom.

But, what happened Auntie? What’s wrong with Mommy? Amber asks, looking scared.

She’s going to be alright. Something happened with the flight and Mommy won’t be going to London after all, she explains, not sure if they’re buying this story.

Diana and I make it to my bedroom and it’s exactly like I left it. Just an hour or so ago, I was in here gathering my things to run off to be with a man that I love that I thought loved me. We were ready to build a life together. We had so many plans. He introduced me to his daughter and I thought we were doing just fine. In this moment, I have to think about what went wrong so that I don’t make this same mistake again. To be honest, I never want to fall in love with another man. All I want to do at this point is get my relationship stronger with God and forget about men once and for all.

MeMe, what’s going on in your head right now? she asks, sitting in the chair next to my bed.

Hatred, I tell her. I hate him. I hate I ever started talking to him on the phone. I hate that I allowed myself to fall for him. I regret sharing my personal life with him and letting my children become involved in this mess. I hate that I wasn’t smart enough to see that something wasn’t right and …, I say, but Diana cuts me off.

MeMe, maybe the signs were there, but you ignored them. Is that possible, sweetie? You have to deal with that thing that makes you see when something isn’t right and respond to what you see than responding to what you’d rather see, she tells me.

I know you’re right, Sis. I know you’re right, I repeat. But, right now, my heart hurts like it’s never hurt before. What’s wrong with me? I shout out.

There’s nothing wrong with you, MeMe. You’re a beautiful person inside and out, but you love so easily and give of yourself and your love before people prove that they’re even worthy of it, she tells me.

And here I was. All excited to meet a man I met over the internet when he was using me all along, I say, tears starting to fall again.

So, exactly how much money was it that he stole? she asks, changing the subject.

All of the money that I had in my account, D, I tell her. The whole $3,000 that was in my account for the trip.

And he got it because you shared the information with him? Diana asks, shaking her head.

Yes, Diana. I was in love with him and he told me that we would be together forever. He gave me his personal information and I gave him mine and…, I say, before she cuts me off.

That account information he gave you is most likely fake. He did that just to get you to trust him, she tells me. And, what have we learned here, Melissa Williams? she asks.

That I need to do better. I need to forget about men and think about myself for now. I need to get into a church and learn how to love myself again, I say, getting underneath the covers.

I’m going to let you get some rest, Sis. I’ll sit out here with the kids, but I’m not leaving you. I was planning on being here tonight anyway, so I might as well stay. I’m out here in the family room if you need me, she tells me, turning off the light.

Dear God. The pain in my heart right now is indescribable. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this hurt in my life. I thought that Kalin was a monster for hurting me, but there are monsters out here that I was just not prepared to have to face. This man hurt me to my soul because he not only lied to me about who he was, but he stole my money. I can’t breathe right now. I don’t know if I care to breathe right now. Maybe I should just come to be with you where there is no more hurt and pain, Lord. This life down here is hard. Maybe if I were more selfish, I wouldn’t get hurt so much. I need you, Lord. I need you to help me to breathe because every time I take a breath, I feel a knife in my chest. Am I just not going to find love? Will love find me? Why is it that all of the men that I meet are turning out to be liars and now, thieves? What is it about me that makes people want to hurt me? Lord, please give me rest right now. Please give me a peace in my mind that helps me get past this. Give me the strength to do what I need to do to take care of my children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What hurts the most is that I was supposed to be waking up in London tomorrow morning, but instead, I’ll be waking up in my bed with a broken heart and probably with tears in my eyes. My agenda for tomorrow will now be me contacting the police and my bank to see about getting my money back from Morgan Smith.

CHAPTER 3

New Man in Town

S ix months have passed and I still haven’t received my money back from the bank. They refused to give the money back to me because Morgan Smith knew my information. They denied my claim for that reason. They encouraged me to never share my banking information with anyone. Because of that, the police wouldn’t do anything. They said that this was just a mistake on my part that I need to learn from and move forward.

To build my relationship with God, the girls and I decide to join a new church. One of the reasons that I joined is because the pastor and his wife are two of the nicest human beings I’ve ever known. Since joining, I have become involved with New Members and have since been appointed to the leader of that particular ministry. Being involved in so much at the church means that this is where I spend most of my time. The people here are friendly. One of the good things about being here is that there are no men of which I have any interest and this certainly keeps me focused.

I haven’t heard from Kalin in quite a while. He speaks to Amber and Justice every now and then, but he doesn’t visit them anymore since he’s gotten involved with his lady friend that he met from Facebook. I haven’t seen Patrick since that last night we spent together. I’ve heard that he’s finally dating someone else. Morgan has never sent another message to me since he stole my money. He’s no longer on Facebook and has just disappeared off the face of the earth. I feel as if everything has been taken away from me.

So, what are you thinking about? said the very well dressed gentleman who just walked into the New Members Classroom.

Oh, I ’m sorry. Were you asking me a question? I ask.

No, I just noticed that you seem to be in deep thought, he responded.

Well, I was. How may I help you, Sir? I ask, changing the subject.

I was told to come here to speak with Melissa Williams about becoming a member of this great church, he says, unbuttoning his jacket.

Of course. Of course. Your name must be Mr. Bradford James, I say, holding out my hand to offer a handshake.

Yes, it is. How did you know? he asks, accepting my handshake offer.

Mr. Penn told me that you’d be stopping by. It’s nice to meet you and we’re delighted to have you with us today, I tell him, walking over to retrieve the new member forms.

So, tell me more about this great church. You see, I just recently moved here from Louisiana and was referred to this church by my pastor. He had nothing but great things to say about what you all are doing here, he mentions.

Well, of course. Faith Gospel has been around since 2007. Are you familiar with Bishop Paul K. Green? I ask him.

Of course. Who doesn’t know of him? He’s an incredible gospel artist and I’ve been to his church in Atlanta a few times, he recalls.

He’s our presiding bishop and stops by a few times a year. Maybe you’ll get a chance to actually meet him at his next visit. Our pastor was his minister of music at one point and when he got an opportunity to come to Florida to start a new church, he took it, but with Bishop Green’s blessings. So, that’s how we got here, I tell him.

Sounds good. What about the ministries here?

Glad you asked. We have over 30 ministries here just waiting for you to get involved. We have singles’ ministries for both men and women, new members’ ministry, the choir, the praise team, ushers, and greeters. We believe in having fun and I can tell you that there’s nothing traditional about our church, I say.

Sounds like I’m definitely in the right place. What about a fitness ministry? he asks.

It’s funny that you ask that because Co-Pastor has been interested in bringing that to this church, I answer.

Wow. That’s incredible. Maybe I can help, he offers.

Maybe you can. But first, l need to have you fill out these intake forms and a member of my team will contact you to make sure you’re aware of the dates and times for the new member classes and other pertinent information you may need. They’re also available to answer any questions that you may have regarding the ministry, I tell him.

That’s great, but what’s your number? he asks, without looking up from his phone. Now, why does he need my number? I don’t normally contact the members because each new member is assigned to an ambassador and it’s their responsibility to maintain contact with the new member. Does he want my number for personal reasons?

Great. I got you locked in now he says, putting down his phone.

What in the world did I just do? Something just moved in the pit of my stomach. I’m not hungry, so it must be guilt. Should I have done that? I know I can’t have anything personal with a member. There’s no way I can cross those lines. Under no circumstances can I do that.

What’s this? James Training? I ask, trying to read his handwriting.

Yes, it’s James Training. Sorry about the sloppy handwriting., he adds.

Awesome. That’s great. I could certainly use some training, I say to him, jokingly.

Good. We should be able to work that out at some point. Just lust let me know when, he says, standing up to leave.

When Mr. James stands up to leave, I get a better glimpse of his physique. With his tight physique, I can see why he’s a personal trainer and can only imagine the women lined up to get his services.

Well, it was nice meeting you, Mr. James, and ..., I say, before he interrupts me.

It’s Bradford, he corrects me.

I’m sorry. It was nice meeting you, Bradford. A member of my team will contact you within 48 hours, I remind him, shaking his hand.

I’ll be looking forward to it, Ms. Mrs?, he asks, waiting on my response, still holding my hand.

It’s Ms. Melissa Williams, I respond. Recently divorced after being married for 18 years.

Oh, I see. Same here. Divorced, he says, finally making his way to the door.

As I normally do, I walk him to the front of the building so that he knows his way to the exit doors. Looking over at the Church Cafe, I catch a few women glancing over at Bradford as he leaves. Those glances turn into stares when I give him a hug and wave goodbye. Watching him walk away, I have to admit that it’s going to be a pleasant experience having someone different at Faith Gospel. Can I help it if he just so happens to be a fine, single man?

CHAPTER 4

Something Else

T he New Members classroom has become the favorite hangout after church on Sundays. Anita drops in to see how we’re doing, but she only drops in if we failed to do something right during the church service. She’s not the most supportive leader, but it’s a good thing that I’m motivated enough to lead my team. A few of the ladies and myself are going over the visitor cards and discussing the new members that joined today, when Anita walks into the room.

Seeing her means that we must have done something that didn’t please her. I notice that she’s looking over at the display box that we put together for the Thanksgiving Drive event. Pastor must have mentioned something to her about it because we were discussing it last week with Co-Pastor.

Melissa, what’s going on with your team and this community service event I’m hearing about? What are y’all up to? she asks.

Well, we’re planning on sponsoring a Thanksgiving drive to feed at least 20 families in the community, I respond.

And how do you plan on doing that? she asks, raising an eyebrow.

Don’t worry! We won’t ask the church for a dime. We’re going to have a car wash to raise the money we need, I tell her.

I see, she says, sighing. Well, you still need to get approval to even do that, so I still need for you to submit to me everything you need to pull off the car wash so I can get it all approved.

Yes ma’am. I’ll do that. I’ll also send the flyer for the event as well.

It’s our Sunday to clean the church so I follow her down the hallway to the cleaning supplies room. The girls seem anxious to leave, so they assist us with the trash pick-up. By now, most of the people have left the building, which makes it easier to complete this task. Just as I’m getting in my car to leave, Bradford calls, but I don’t answer. My girls don’t feel safe when I drive and talk on the phone, but, instead, I send a text message to let him know that I’ll call him when I get home. I have to admit that I’m shocked because it hasn’t been an hour since he left the church and he’s already calling me.

Getting home and getting comfortable, I’m at a place where I can talk now, so I give Bradford a call back to see why he called.

Well, hello sweetheart. How are you? It’s Bradford, he says.

"I’m doing just fine, Sir. What’s up? How’s it going? I respond.

I know that we just met earlier today, but I was just wondering if you had a chance to look at my website, he asks.

As a matter of fact, I have. It’s nice. Very professional, I tell him.

Good. So, I was wondering if you still have interest in getting some personal training, he asks.

Well, of course, I do, I respond.

Great. When can I expect you to stop by the studio? he asks.

Well, to be honest with you, I’m actually very busy, I respond, knowing that my budget won’t allow any training agreement or anything else for that matter.

I thought you were ready, Melissa, he responds, sounding disappointed.

It’s not that bad of an idea to at least speak with him about personal training. Maybe he can give me some pointers on what I should be doing.

Ok. You got me. So, maybe, I’ll just take the day off tomorrow to come hang out with you at your studio and see what you got going on, I tell him.

Sounds great. Come by around 2 tomorrow afternoon, he tells me before hanging up.

Driving down Dolphin Parkway and deep in thought, I start remembering the moment I met Mr. James. He was ever so handsome in his brown suit and clean shaven face. It was not just me who noticed him, but the other ladies on my team noticed him as well. It’s not often that we get single men into the church and Mr. James is the first in a long time. As soon as I pass by Eagle Grove, I remember when I once lived there with my family. It was easy for me to grow accustomed to the gated community, 24-hour security, golf courses, and the restaurant at the community house with five- star dining.

When we were evicted from our home, Kalin ran off to Orlando to live with his father. He didn’t look back to see if we needed anything, but was only concerned for himself. The girls are still angry with him for that. We have had to live with, get rides from, and eat from family and friends just to survive. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I was when I finally landed a job and was finally able to get somewhere to live for me and my girls, even if it is a hotel and far away from Eagle Grove. By now, we’ve been in this hotel for almost 2 years now. After a year of being here, I was able to get a car, which made life somewhat easier for us.

The girls should be home soon. They just called to say that they’re just 10 minutes away. My quiet time is over. At least I have something to look forward to on tomorrow. I’ll get to see Mr. James again. Seeing him is a sight to certainly help me forget that I’m actually homeless.

CHAPTER 5

Taking the Day Off

F or the third time today, my phone rings and it’s Cleveland. Cleveland joined the ministry about 2 months ago and he’s been stalking me. I’ve shared my concerns about this man to both Anita and Pastor Harris and neither of them made any attempts to rectify this situation. His calls come in the morning, noon and night. To avoid a scene at church, I answer some of the calls just to see if he’s hurt or in trouble. He never is. He just wants to talk about everything but church business.

Cleveland, I would really appreciate it if you wouldn’t contact me so early in the morning. My relationship with you is strictly professional and will always be that way. I only answered this call just to see if you actually have a problem. So, do you? I ask him.

Yeah. Can you make sure I get one of them Thanksgiving baskets? I ain’t got no food. Think you can hook a brother up? he asks.

Sure, Cleveland. I can make sure you get a box of food. I won’t forget, ok, I say.

Ok then, pretty lady, he mumbles.

Today is the day I’ve decided to visit Mr. James’ studio. Maybe I’ll learn something about personal fitness to get me going in the right direction. On the road now, a call comes in, taking the directions off my telephone screen.

Hello dear, I say, acknowledging that I already know who it is.

Where are you, MeMe? I know you’re not at work because I just called there, she tells me.

If you must know, I’m headed to James Training Studio and ..., I say, before she interrupts me.

Personal training? You? Since when have you been interested in personal training? she asks.

Never! I laugh.

So, talk to me. Who is he and where did you meet him? she asks, yelling at the maintenance worker in the background.

It’s not like that. He recently joined our church and I’m just visiting his studio because I may be interested in training. Who knows? That’s why I’m checking it out, I explain.

Mmm…hmmm, MeMe. You gotta tell me how that goes because I’ve never known you to even work out, girl, she says, sarcastically.

Ok. Well I gotta go. I don’t wanna be late and I can’t see my directions when I’m talking on the phone, I tell her.

Now that I’m off the phone, the GPS has resumed with the directions. It looks like I’m still headed in the right direction. The GPS tells me that I should arrive around 1:45pm, which means I’ll have time to surprise Bradford with some lunch. I remember that he likes Chinese food.

Hello, Ms. Williams, he says, when I call.

Hi Bradford. I’m on my way but before I get there, I thought I’d pick you up some lunch, I tell him.

That’s very nice of you, Melissa. Sure, I’d love that. Where are you going for lunch? he asks.

Chinese.

Great. Get me a vegetable stir fry, he tells me.

Within 15 minutes or so, I arrive at the studio in downtown Ellendale. It’s a quaint little town outside of Miami. This town reminds me of the towns I’ve seen on movies that I’ve watched on Lifetime. Every time I watch one of those movies, it leaves me longing for a small town romance.

Yes, I’m here to see Bradford James, please, I tell the receptionist.

He must know that it’s me because he yells, I’m back here.

She points me into his direction and I walk that way, with his lunch in one hand and my purse in the other hand.

I see you made it. How was the drive? he asks, taking his lunch from my hand.

It was fine. I like it over here. I’ve never been over here before. Very cozy little town, I say, looking around the office.

Well come on back and let me show you around, he says, placing the lunch on his desk.

Bradford first introduces me to the client that he’s training. After walking Ms. Jane out, he comes back into the office and completes an initial assessment of me. Based on the assessment, I have some physical limitations that I would not have known otherwise. Mr. James mentions his revolutionary ideas that he has for personal training that will soon take the fitness world by storm. I have to admit that if this is how he is with all of his clients and potential clients, his business will see great promise in the months to come.

So, what do you think? he asks, watching how impressed I seem to be with his presentation.

Incredible, Bradford. I’ve never seen or heard anything like this before. You should be all over the place with these ideas. This is good stuff, I tell him, looking around at all the charts and awards that he’s received.

Well, I have only a few more minutes before my next client comes in, so I guess I’ll sit down and eat my lunch you brought me. Did you have lunch? he asks.

Yes, I did. Thanks for asking.

Bradford and I sit together for the duration of his lunch hour just talking about how his time in Florida has been so far. I can tell that he’s had great success in Louisiana with his training businesses. Based on our conversation, he seems to have done very well for himself throughout his fitness career.

You know, God is so good. I remember the day when the Lord had me step outside at my gym to speak to me, he begins.

And, what did he tell you, I ask, out of curiosity.

He said to me that I had some character issues that need to be dealt with, Bradford tells me.

Character issues, huh? I ask.

Yes. So, I voluntarily submitted myself under his authority and guidance to be here, he goes on to say. So, I’m starting to rebuild my business.

That’s great. Sounds like God has great plans for you and your business, I tell him. Really proud of you, Bradford.

Thanks, Melissa. Looks like my client is coming in now and I’m…., he begins.

Say no more. I’m outta here. Let me let you get back to work, I say, starting to leave.

Great. I’ll see you at church, I tell him.

I leave the James Training Studio with a totally different view of Bradford. He seems to have showed up out of nowhere and it just may be a good thing for all of us. Maybe what he has to offer can somehow be a blessing to Faith Gospel as well.

It’s always good to get away, but pulling into the parking lot of the hotel quickly brings me back to reality.

Picture%202.jpg

WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON, MELISSA?

CHAPTER 6

Is This the Right Church?

P reparing for the Thanksgiving drive has become my main focus these days. We just had our first fundraiser today by having a church carwash. I’m so proud of my team because we raised over $100 dollars. Surprisingly so, one of my team members, Francine, has agreed to match what we raised at the car wash. This is just what we need to reach our budget quicker so that our fundraising efforts can be a success.

So, I hear you have raised money for your Thanksgiving drive, Anita says, after calling me into the New Members classroom.

Yes, we did. And Francine matched it! Isn’t that cool? I ask.

Ok, but all money must be kept with the church’s finances. And when you’re ready to shop for your Thanksgiving baskets, we’ll have to cut you a check, she explains. This is excellent because it takes the pressure off of (change to away from) trying to figure out who should hold onto the money.

Back at home, the girls are all tucked in and I wonder if Bradford is available to speak with me right now.

Hello sweetheart, he answers right away.

Hi there. Did I catch you at a bad time? I ask him.

No. It’s okay. What’s going on? he asks.

Just feeling a little frustrated tonight, I begin to tell him.

About your job? he asks.

No. Just what I’m going through at the church, I respond. I think I may have agreed to be at the wrong church. Sometimes I feel like I want to do something that’s not really a vision of the ministry, I start to say.

Like what? he asks.

I like to help people in need. I can’t help it. It’s who I am and it’s what I’ve always done. I can’t get that out of me. And instead of feeling like I’m on a team with people who really want to impact the community, it feels like I’m on a team of people who are running away from it, I say, feeling better already.

That’s not a good thing, Melissa, he offers.

No. It’s not. I’m having a hard time of understanding why it’s been so difficult to get the support I’ve needed for me and my team to have a successful Thanksgiving drive, I say.

Let me ask you a question. Does your pastor know that you live in a hotel? he asks.

Now, what does that have to do with anything? I ask him.

Just answer me. Does he? he asks again.

Yes, he does. He knows, I respond. And?

I can’t believe that Pastor Powers is aware that you live in a hotel and hasn’t done anything about it, he adds.

I’ve never really thought about it to be honest with you, I mumble.

What kind of pastor will have someone like you on his team with a heart for people the way you do and he not see your value? he comments.

The more Bradford speaks about this, the more it makes me question everything I’ve done since I’ve been at this church. I thought I was part of a ministry that really cared about the community. This is exactly why it took me so long to get back into a church. I don’t ever remember being part of a ministry that really went all out for the people in the community.

What should I do? I ask him.

I can’t tell you what you should do, he answers. I know what I would do, he adds.

What would you do? I ask him.

I wouldn’t still be there. That’s one thing I know. Life is too short to spend your time doing things that don’t matter, he responds.

Maybe you’re right, Bradford. Maybe it’s time for me to really think about what it is that I’m doing there, I say.

CHAPTER 7

It’s Not Like That!

W aking up today feels a little different than any other day. Bradford has given me quite a few things to think about as it relates to the church that I’m attending. I wish I could speak to someone at the church about what I’m starting to feel, but they’d only send me back to Anita because they say it’s just the order of things. She doesn’t care about the ministry as much as she should, but I’m just surprised that nobody else sees it. I could talk to the Pastor’s wife, but I don’t want to come across as someone who just purposefully breaks this order. Cynthia is always pretty level headed, so I think I’ll give her a call to see what she thinks about all of this. She answers right away and sounds a little hesitant when I tell her that I need to talk with her about something.

Does it have anything to do with Kalin? she asks.

No. I told you that I’m done with Kalin Thomas! I tell her.

"You mean this time?" she asks, sarcastically.

Seriously, I’m done. I need to get your opinion on something that I’ve been thinking about and I trust your judgment and I want to sound something off to you, I tell her.

Ok. What is it? she asks.

You remember the guy I told you that I met at the church who recently joined? I ask her, hoping she’d remember.

You mean the trainer guy? she asks.

Yes. The trainer guy.

Ok. What about him? she asks.

I think he’s really cool, but he said some really interesting things to me last night, I begin to explain.

Ok. What about, MeMe? she asks.

Well, I was telling him about how I feel about the church and he basically said that there’s no way this church appreciates me like they should and ... I begin to tell her.

"He said that? But, didn’t you mention to me that he was also a minister? I can’t believe that a minister would say something like that about another minister", Cynthia comments.

I thought about that too, but does it make it less true? I’m starting to believe it, I admit.

Hold up, Melissa. Be cool, ok. You’ve been at that church for quite some time and this guy just showed up out of nowhere. You don’t really know enough about him just yet, she tells me.

You sound like Diana, I admit.

Maybe you should listen, she says, slightly grinning.

Maybe so, I concede. I’m hanging out with him later today.

Really? So, what’s really going on? Are you interested in this guy, MeMe? Tell the truth. I know you’ve been through a lot with Kalin, and then Patrick and the guy from the internet scam, but sweetie, don’t fall for the first guy you run into after your divorce. Allow yourself time to heal. You’ve been through a lot, she tells me.

No! It’s not like that! I just really enjoy my talks with him. He’s very knowledgeable about the Word and I find that to be quite intriguing. And besides, he makes me forget all the hell I’m going through, I say.

MeMe, I know you. Did you forget that? I know you. You got that sound in your tone like you’re digging this guy. You’ve been through enough and I don’t particularly want to see you get hurt, she tells me.

Ok, Mother! I say, sarcastically.

MeMe, I’m being serious right now. Ok?

"Ok, Cynthia. Ok.

After a long day at work on yesterday, I’m starting to question if my job is the right place to be as well. It’s funny how this guy shows up and I’m starting to question every aspect of my life. But, there’s one thing I’m certain of and I already know that I won’t be able to work with Alecia. Justine left and Alecia has been appointed as our Interim Manager, which is a huge problem for me. We didn’t get along as subordinates and now, she’s my manager? When Justine was here, she understood my situation and would let me leave a little early sometimes to catch the bus, or was a little more lenient when my bus was late. Although she cut me some slack, she also knew that I was one of her strongest collectors. Alecia knows how Justine was with me and I guess she has to be tough with me to prove a point. I don’t see how I can last much longer with her. The ladies and I at my job have become great friends. We get together after work sometimes and because we spend the majority of our time together, it’s nothing for us to share intimate details about our personal lives.

So, Melissa, who was that guy that picked you up from work the other day? asks Yanice.

Who? When? I ask, with a blank look on my face.

A man picked Melissa up from work? asks Kenya, while Marie and Connie listen in.

Yeah. A fine guy too. You didn’t tell us about that guy, Melissa, adds Yanice.

"Ladies, calm down. There’s nothing to tell. He’s a guy from my church and we’re just friends.