Graduating Class of Chimney Rock High

By Lashaunda Barlow

The urban soap Opera has arrived and you wont or cant believe what you read in this the first of three novels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465342690

Book preview

GRADUATING CLASS OF CHIMNEY ROCK HIGH

LASHAUNDA BARLOW

Copyright © 2011 by Lashaunda Barlow.

ISBN:          Softcover                                 978-1-4653-4268-3

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4653-4269-0

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

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Contents

THE MOMENT

Last Day Of Yesterday

The Party

Time

Present Not So Perfect

Empty House

Games

The Next Day

Closure

FALL SEMESTER

Homecomings

Acquaintance

Pep

Rueful Contention

Backwards

Homecoming

SPRING SEMESTER

Spring Break Blues

Whispers

Dissention

A Line In The Sand

Spring Break

Epilogue

Finals

Graduations

Extra Credit

A Taste Of Independence

Day After Day

Milestones

Fallout

Last Wednesday

Thursday

A Few Days In May

The Promenade

Congratulations

THE MOMENT

LAST DAY OF YESTERDAY

Thursday

The last bell rings and all of the occupants of Chimney Rock High School in Southwest Houston are released into the summer. The students crowd together amongst themselves hugging, crying, kissing, and most are laughing. Alexis Peterson is on the phone while at the same time collecting another number from another guy in front of her. She’s busy making plans as most juniors are doing for the party that is held for the graduating seniors. Her long hair she is showing off while the guy stands in front of her in awe of her beauty, but it’s not the hair on her head he’s looking at or even hair at all. Her large breast tends to ellipse the fact that she really isn’t that pretty to begin with, but you can’t tell Alexis that at all. She holds the phone down for a moment and looks at him bringing his eyeline back to her pretty long black hair instead of her breast which the shirt is made for them to hang out of just enough not to completely fall out of.

Look, I’ll have to talk to you another time; this nigga is getting on my last one. She said walking away from the guy who was hoping beyond hope that he could see one of her breasts fall out, or at the very least have the chance to touch one in the foreseeable future. Not too far away there is her on and off friend to hang out with Valeri James walking nearly dropping her books in the windy outside around the others. She glances at her watch and looks up praying that she wasn’t late for the bus to take her to her home and then from there she has to go to her job in the mall, although she wants to be like Alexis and hang out with her; she had to go to work to help her mom out with the bills. It’s been a few days and her mom hasn’t been feeling well. In the middle of thought, she bumps into a tall sender light brown skinned guy who she didn’t know but given some time she wouldn’t mind getting to know him, Bernard Wilson walked with his best friend Jeff Austin, and there almost could pass for brothers cause they looked some much alike. Damn. She said taking one more look at him before she walked into the automatic doors of the large bus.

Jeff played with his keys to the car that his mom has entrusted him to. Just because of the fact that he drove to school from time to time and wasn’t a senior yet he was just a tad bit more popular than another person who didn’t have a car Bernard, who he has been friends for a long time. They were basically brothers as far as they were concerned. The party was also on both their mind as Jeff was checking out a girl and almost bumping into a tall darker skinned girl, who he quickly looked away from.

Watch where you’re walking muthafucker. She said without missing a beat, holding back her other two friends who she was never seen without.

Yo, sorry Tamara. Jeff said as he walked backwards from the tall muscular looking, rip torn shirt wearing, hard to believe she was in their class looking girl, who could barely pass as a girl. Her friends were different, she not only passed as a girl, and some would say loose one at that.

I know you sorry fag boy, now apologize. She said as her friend was checking out Bernard.

Say Bernard, when are you going to give me a piece of that sexy vanilla chocolate love? A short pretty, but you really couldn’t tell by the clothes she were wearing at that moment, and a loud ass girl named Tara said standing almost leaning rubbing her shoulders as she imagined him doing just that same thing to her.

Every time when you close your eyes Tara.

Their closed now baby, so what up?

Good, keep them that way, maybe we can get together in yo dreams. Bernard said laughing while still walking to Jeff’s car.

Leave that nigga alone, you know he has a thang for that light skinned long fake haired bitch that from the River Oaks. Tyesha Martin said as she joined her friends walking aside with one another. These were the Ghetto Girlz and they walked the halls of Chimney Rock High in a pack, you can always see them together or at the very least hear them together.

But too bad she doesn’t want you do she? Tara said laughing.

Shut the fuck up bitches. Jeff said as the three girls stood there looking at one another and suddenly Tamara flinched at him and he quickly got in his car. Bernard shook his head as Jeff was sheepishly looking for his keys.

Wow she pulled your bitch card. Bernard said laughing; Jeff rolled his eyes at him and started the car. He started to pull off when out from the blue they heard a knock at the side of the car.

Shit she’s coming to get me! Jeff said, Bernard looked and saw no one that looked anything like the menace that Jeff had imagined in his head. It was actually Calvin Thorn, the third in their party of three. Bernard rolled down the window with the button and Calvin stuck his head inside the car.

Yo man I need a ride. He said looking at Bernard. Bernard passed the look to Jeff who was yet again rolling his eyes.

Get in.

Thanks, you know for a man you roll your eyes a lot. Calvin said as he just sat back and enjoyed the free ride. Now the crew was complete, and they rode into the summer bracing for whatever it brought them together.

Valeri walks into her place and calls out for her mom, who is still lying down in her bed. It has been three days now and she’s still sick.

Hey mom, you feel any better?

I’m fine are you kidding I just finished running marathon, that’s why I’m breathing funny.

That’s not funny, look I can stay and get something for you . . .

No dear, you need to go to work, look both of us jobless is real bad now, You know we’re not rich so you betta go to work.

Are you sure? Of course she knew that her mother was sure, all the times that she went to work sick and thought nothing of it. It was what she was raised by, a woman with a relentless work ethic. Valeri didn’t think that she would change now even when she has been sick for a few days. This wasn’t like her mom and she knew that it had to be something but as usual her mom was well mum about it.

Yeah, speaking of which I’m going in early tomorrow to get those hours back so I need you to do me a favor and pick up my laundry on your way home.

Sure. Valeri walked over and took the ticket from her mother’s shaking hands. She tried to just ignore it once as she always has, but when was it enough, she thought. Valeri walks out of her mother’s room and stands there for a moment knowing that her mother can’t see her as she leans on the side of the door feeling helpless and worried.

Bernard and Jeff are chillin in his room as Calvin walks in. Calvin instantly gravitates to the video game console and picks up one of the controllers.

Ok, who wants an ass whooping in the Football mania game? Jeff looked at Bernard and he looked back at Jeff.

Hey I got my ass whooped the last time. Bernard said to Jeff as he frowned reaching for the controller. Bernard smiled as he watched them play the game, he thought about how long they knew one another. He can laugh just recalling adventures that they shared in the years and how the next year might be their last with one another. Jeff is putting in his application to study at the University of Houston, while Bernard wanted to get away from his parents and the city as a whole. He put in applications from Yale, to Princeton, to Northwestern. The later was an idea from his ex-girlfriend Sharonda Carrington. She was the fake bitch who lived in River Oaks, which was uptown Houston. While it was an upscale place to live and her parents are rich, but she was very much down to earth. She was trust worthy and loving and kind to Bernard, yet, he only saw that after they were part over a decision he made a few months ago. He honestly haven’t had the time to reflect as he does now because of all the school work he had to do and the clubs he had to participate in to make is school record look prestigious. Bernard shook his head in thought, doesn’t help to know the fact that she has moved on and found another guy. He feels that maybe it was for the best, he has always felt that they were too different anyway.

I told you he can’t hear you, he’s thinking about that pussy that got away again. Calvin said smiling.

Bernard, do you hear me asking you a question? Jeff said in a hurry.

What, what? Bernard said only conforming what his friend just said.

What was that play that you used on . . . And it was too late, time had ran out and Jeff shook his head in defeat, Never mind.

"That’s what I know, I told you that you can’t beat the master, remember what a wise man once said, and ‘to be the man you have to beat the man’." Calvin said leaning back in the chair.

Whatever. Jeff retorted.

You know something, with that attitude you will always be a loser.

This is coming from a high school drop out.

Yeah like you say old boy, whatever, but at least I get laid on demand. Calvin said as a matter of fact.

Of course cause you have a girlfriend.

I would get laid if I didn’t have Nisha. Calvin says.

Yeah, with who? Rosie and her five sisters. Jeff said laughing. Calvin leaned over into Jeff face ands said, Laugh it up fag boy. Calvin said in Jeff’s face. Bernard didn’t take too kindly to that as he jumped into Calvin’s face.

Lay off of him. Bernard said seriously.

See you always have to fight his wars, when will you get tired of doing that shit for him. Calvin said shaking his head in disappointment once again.

No body is fighting for anyone, we are all crew here. Right?

Right. Calvin said as Jeff leaned between the two supposedly friends.

Yo chill out the both of you.

Yeah but that’s how real men do it sometimes. Calvin says as he stands. Bernard is still focused on the game when he sees Calvin nod his head back as if to tell him to follow him outside for a word.

Give me five minutes. Bernard said as Jeff leaned back.

Sure Jeff said softly placing the controller down for a moment. Outside the hallway the two walked till they felt they were out of ear shot from Jeff’s hearing.

Man we need to talk. Calvin said shaking his head.

What’s up? Bernard said.

Man I’m sick and tired of him man, he brings me down yo. I want him out!

Jeff has his moments that make me blink sometimes, but man you know he’s cool.

That’s not the issue man. Sometimes I can’t get him, I know he’s your boy too but damn.

He’s still crew right? Bernard said as Calvin walked away for a moment.

I don’t know man.

You should know, he was the one that saved our ass from going to jail last year when we was messing with those cars for the crew.

Yeah man, but . . . he needs to go.

But what if I say no? Bernard said as Calvin stopped and almost smiled.

Why do we have to do what you say do it’s my crew and shit.

I’m not following you.

I think that you do, Bernard. When I approached you two guys a few months ago, it was my understanding that I ran this shit, I ran this crew.

So, this is what it’s all about huh? Who runs what? I thought that we evolved passed that a month ago.

Naw. It has always been about that, remember I recruited you two.

I know, but what I’m saying is that I thought that we were above this leadership shit and we were all equal.

We’re not, and I think he should go.

You seem to forget that the guy sitting in that room was responsible for saving OUR asses from jail time. Why shouldn’t he be allowed to stay?

Look say what you wanna say but I run this crew and I say he goes. Bernard walked up to Calvin and didn’t stop until he was in front of him with a serious look on his face.

And what if I say I run this? Bernard said as Calvin looked at him for a moment and laughed. What’s so funny?

Nigga Please, you haven’t had sex yet, so how you lead a crew, or even this one? I can and will."

Prove it, how about a challenge, if you can get laid in the next 21 days, then I’ll step aside and follow you, if you fail and remain the virgin that you are, the crew belongs to me.

Sounds like a challenge. Bernard said shaking his head in agreement.

Oh and Bernard one more thing, if he goes, you go too. Calvin said smiling walking away.

Alexis was on the phone finishing a conversation that had to do with a party, friends and a bunch of guys. It was the thing that her mother Thelma has had trouble keeping her away from since her raging teenage hormones had magnified themselves in her daughter’s body. She overhears just a peace of the conversation just enough to say,

Alex please don’t forget that I don’t want any of those niggas in my house when I’m at work tonight.

How can I forget you tend to remind me all the time?

I don’t mean you sit there and tell me, ‘ok’ and I walk in and see some half dressed man run out of my house.

You know something momma you have trust issues.

I mean it Alex.

Ok, momma.

What did you say girl?

Nothing, momma damn! Alexis said rolling her eyes as her mother walked out of her room. She’s on the phone, she waits for a few minuets, and then she continues with her conversation. A few minutes later her mother is right back in her room.

You know something I think someone should come here and teach you some manners. I mean take your Aunt Gloria never has any trouble with her daughter, Cheri Ann. Why can’t you be a little more like her, she’s saved and an excellent student. Thelma says as Alexis motions that she’s on the phone and when that don’t work.

Momma please I am on the phone!

That’s your problem you are always on that damn phone, your cousin never back talks her mother or on the phone all times of the day and night.

Well maybe you should adopt her then, can I get back to my conversation?

Good idea, I’m calling Gloria first thing and I’m going to show you as how a perfect girl should be. Thelma walked out of her daughter’s room and Alexis shuts the door behind her wake.

As long as you get out of my room I can careless what you do momma. Anyway where were we girl, I mean seriously with the perfect cousin thing? Alexis continued again with her conversation.

Friday

Valeri is standing at the large glass door of the ICU ward of the hospital looking at an arrangement of Doctors work on her unconscious mother who lies still almost lifeless. She has been like that ever since she found her unconscious lying on the floor when she came from work.

There’s nothing that she can do and she is old enough to understand being in this situation once before not so long ago. She easily remembers the clean sterile smell of the hospital and all of the beeps and sounds that healthy people always try to stay away from. She was no different than that herself because hospitals, while a great service to the community, weren’t one of favorite places to hang out. She walks into the crowded waiting room filled with people coughing, bleeding, hacking, and complaining. She takes a seat and waits for a moment that is far away, but just long enough to gather what sane thoughts she has left.

She was just a regular kid from Missouri city, Texas. She lived in a house that was on a long street surrounded by people that she and her parents all knew by their first names. She enjoyed the same things as all the girls her age at the time. She enjoyed having living in a two parent house hold. She enjoyed going places with her parents rather it is to a mall or church or just a Friday night outing that would end with her falling sleep in the car on the way home. It was nothing serious in her life and she was happy. One day that all would change, she arrived home from school; she got a phone call from her mother telling her that there has been an accident. She waited for a ride from a friend and went to the very hospital she was sitting in right now, almost sitting in the same place where she was, surrounded almost by the same kind of people she was surrounded with at that very moment.

First they lost her father, her mother lost, and husband and then they would soon lose the house only to be replaced with a two bedroom apartment on Fondren. All the bills piled up because her mother chose not to work at the time, and Valeri, at the time, wasn’t old enough to work. Those were long days for the both of them. She able to see her mother often because she had to work a couple of jobs at first, but when she finally got that promotion she was able to quit one of them. Time started doing what it did as in helping with the healing process, but being where she was just stirred all of those bad memories to the surface and she sat thinking, was it all happening again?

She slowly stands up as she recognizes one of the doctors she seen surrounding her mother upon arrival. He looks as perplexed as she does, but she still asks him the usual question.

How is she?

Your mother correct? She stable for now, but I think she’s gonna need to stay for some more tests.

I see.

Yeah, is there anyone we can call to take you back home?

Is she awake now?

She’s not awake, and I can’t tell you how long till she will be conscious.

Ok, thank you. She said sitting back down as the Doctor understood and walked away.

Hey who has ten dollars for gas? Tiffani Hobbs said turning the radio down and putting the car in park. Alexis and Christina Garcia looked at one another as if to say, ‘don’t look at me.’

Ok, I know for a fact that no one back there wears a hearing aid, so I won’t repeat the question again.

Girl look I’ll give you some gas as soon I get some change. Alexis said fumbling through her purse.

Yeah right! Tiffani and Christina said in unison much to Alexis delight. Christina pulls out a Twenty dollar bill and handing it to Tiffani. Alexis looked away embarrassed. She knew it was her time to pay when all three went out together but she didn’t really have it this time. Her mom, ever since Alexis took her credit card and went on that mini shopping spree that would put a contestant from ‘The Wheel of Fortune’ to shame, had put her on a very strict limit to teach her a lesson in finances. It forced her to stop looking at money as if it did grow on trees. She was old enough now and it’s a shame that it took that situation of embarrassment and punishment to wake her up. Alexis thinks to herself maybe its time that she actually got off her fat ass and looked for a job, speaking of which, Hey is that purse store in the mall, and you know the one that sells those knockoffs still there?

I don’t know, hold on I got a call. Christina said answering her cell phone. Alexis glanced at her watch and looked over to see Tiffani still waiting in line.

Damn what is taking that girl so long, doesn’t she know that Sharpstown closes soon? Did she have to Iraq to get the damn gas? Shit.

Girl please Sharpstown don’t close for another four hours. Christina said holding the phone to the side of her face while looking for something in her purse.

Yeah, but damn those shorts I want won’t be there if grandma here don’t hurry up.

Eventually the gas tank was filled and the girls were on the floor of the two leveled shopping center.

Hey is that what’s her name, rich girl? Tiffani said.

Yeah looks like it, and damn, who that is with her? Christina said checking out the mystery guy from afar with more than eyes of friendship.

I guess that’s her boyfriend.

Now what is a girl like her doing in a ghetto ass mall like this? Tiffani said lightly.

Slumming I suppose. Oh shit yawl, look at this. Alexis said as she looked above the escalators. Bernard and Jeff were walking not noticing either Sharonda or Byron, even them.

You think something is going on? Tiffani said.

Yeah half the Fondren Southwest is going to that damn party tomorrow night, shit I know I have to get something to wear now. Alexis said in a hurry. Alexis head straight for where she said she was going while the other walked along with her.

Bernard and Jeff are walking around in the mall, mostly just to get out of their respective homes. The first couple of days of summer, usually the first three days after school lets out, is a boring time. After the first day of ‘freedom’, the rest start to get boring, unless you go from last day of school straight to vacation or a summer job in which none of the guys ever thought about not even for a moment. Bernard is however, going to summer school but he still wants to relax before then. Bernard is silent as he walks toward the rail overlooking the mall’s first floor, and for a micro second he sees something interesting.

Is that Sharonda down there?

Sharonda is looking around while Byron really hates every moment he’s in this mall. That’s not the mall he wants to be in and around the sort of people that are in that mall. To him saying the words, ghetto and mall are actually saying Sharpstown. He feels that’s it old and run down. He rather be in a mall like the ones they have in Sugarland or hell even just outside of Sugarland or what they call First colony. Yet, Sharonda is at home she’s used to the shops and the stores and the people, she loves this part of the Southwest side, although it could use another renovation here and there but she’s satisfied with everything else. She can’t tell him honestly why she’s actually there anyway. She’s hoping beyond hope to at least get a glimpse of someone she knows. It has been too long to her and she just wanted to see something familiar again she just wanted to see him. Instead of the high priced shops and palm trees of the place where she lives.

When she questioned their attraction she had some things to question herself as well. How she honestly felt about a guy who was starting to change into something that she couldn’t feel comfortable with alone or in public. When she fell in love with Bernard, he wasn’t a thug wannabe, he wasn’t one of the crew, and he was just Bernard. He was just Bernard when they shared late nights on the phone and the parties, Christmas and birthday and Valentine’s Day. The shy sensitive, sometimes reclusive but always thoughtful, wonderful guy was changing. True when she came into the picture they were already boys, yet she saw underneath that desire he has, rather known or unknown by himself. She knows that he’s a smart person so she had trouble seeing how he could let someone of Calvin’s character who by the time she meet Bernard, was suspended from school for fighting and God knows what else, started to turn him into someone else that she wasn’t starting to recognize. She started to fear what they had although short, was coming to an end. It wasn’t fair, it just wasn’t. So, she had no other choice to give him an ultimatum to choose between the woman that loved him or the man that had what she wanted to be hers and only hers, heart, body, mind and soul.

Sharonda at one very moment was about to look up and see what she was looking for until, Dammit I just messed up my brand new shoes on this trip, see that’s why I hate coming up in here. Are you done yet, because I’m growing tired of this sloppy, dirty ass mall? Byron said taking a towel that was ready available from his pocket and rubbing his shoes. Sharonda silently growled at him as they headed toward the exit.

Oh god I hope not, I mean naw can’t be. Jeff says wisely as he tries to divert his attention else where. Hey dog they have some J’s on sale in this store over here. Bernard looks over and sure enough he sees the shoes and walks over most to Jeff relief. Jeff wiped away his brow and was glad that his friend didn’t see the couple he saw.

The things that we do have consequences, he should have known that, and he is a smart person to actually know that it’s true. He knows that he’s always changing rather that change was automatic or done purposely. Here was this nice looking guy from Mo City with a nice house with both of his parents and they were the poster of black success. People who knew him referred to them as the Houston version of Huxables was happy with his friend Jeff, he was bonding as brothers, and all seemed right with the world that was until Calvin walked in to their life.

Here came this guy who didn’t have boundaries as he did. He was just himself, and that blew Bernard away. The thug life was seen by him in the movies and the news and was in music, now it was in front of him. He saw this as an opportunity to see this lifestyle which was totally different to what he was surrounded with all his life. He still remembers walking up to Calvin for the first time. Calvin didn’t waste anytime calling him a punk. Bernard took that to heart, more than anyone else would. He went back home and started to work out and take some time to walk through the hood on the Southside to get to know the lingo, the movements and swagger. The thought to him that he was a punk translated to him that he wasn’t what he saw in Calvin, he saw that even with his brown skin, he wasn’t black. A few days later he went up to Calvin and reintroduced himself, by this time Calvin went from fish out of water, to big man, popular person in school, which made it more important that Bernard would get his audience. Calvin loved his persistence and asked him a question.

You got that new game console?

Yeah. He said as nervous as was, Calvin smiled and gave him some dap. That was what they said, was history. They started to walk the hallways with one another, at one time Bernard almost forgot about Jeff . . .

Jeff I decided to get these over here, Jeff, Jeff?! Bernard said in vain mostly. Jeff was in his own world especially after what he saw, even with a glimpse the memories rushed back. All of them from the beginning to the moment that they met while in school.

He was quiet and to himself mostly. He seen the people who loved attention for one reason or another walk by and enjoy what they were and who they were, but he was just happy being himself. That was the problem for Jeff though. He didn’t truly know who he was inside. He doesn’t have a clue on what he wants in life and who he wants to share that with, instead of looking to find an answer to that question or any others, he just decided to let things play out and hopefully before it was too late, he would know what it was that he was. This didn’t really come up too much because when you are a freshman, you are still learning and dealing with things. Like getting used to the fact that maybe you we’re the only one dealing with something like he was, maybe he was, being too sensitive and at times down right smarty. In some strange way it also always bothered him that was until he met Bernard. He saw in Bernard that it was ok to be yourself; it was ok to be quiet, smart, sensitive. He instantly drew towards him. Oh they bonded quickly became fast brothers, long outings hanging out at the Mall, or even just chillin in the hood. Jeff had found a friend and all was great, that was until a new kid popped up on the scene. That was when he noticed a change in him. The time they spent went from a few days a week to just a phone call to apologize for missing a party or even a birthday. Jeff understood, he wished that someone like that would come into his young life. Then in another thought he was always there, but now his friend was somewhere else. There were the easy days when school work and test made it easy to pass the day by, and then there were the times when a small part of him would be bruised by just watching him from across the room sitting with her.

Sharonda just came right in and broke up a cool bond of brothers that meant more to Jeff than he had come to realize. Three years of friendship was now being postponed by this interruption by this sudden feelings Bernard had felt. Oh Jeff was there when they would fight; being a referee and someone that Bernard could come to with problems. Jeff knew it was what it was, a friendship between two bestfriends.

Then came the time when she had broken up with him. It seemed as if everything was ok, that was until the junior prom came and he went from, I’m ok, to I can’t live without her. It was a long time of constantly talking about Sharonda, being with Sharonda, I think I can still be with her and be friends with Calvin, and I hope that she have a car accident. Jeff sat there because he cared about his best friend. Sure at times it almost drove him nuts to hear that damned name, Sharonda, Sharonda, Sharonda, etc, etc, etc. Soon that word he started to say or even think, Bernard that is. Finally it was summer and all was over. Jeff knew that he had trouble with that though of a contest that he honestly demeaned women. Yet, this was Sharonda free, and it couldn’t be all that bad, huh?

Sorry man I just had a lot on my mind lately, so are we done here? Jeff said standing.

Yeah, are you sure that everything is ok, I mean me tripping a lot lately is enough for both of us.

I’m fine, let stop and grab a burger on the way back to Mo City.

Only if you let me pay. Bernard said making sure he had his wallet and everything he need to go back home.

Of course. Jeff said walking ahead of a perplexed Bernard.

The cell phone is still next to Alexis head as she walks into her place. Then she pulls it down for a moment and hears two voices coming from living room.

Tiff I’m going to have to call you back it seems as if we have company. She takes the phone by her side and closes the cover and some how balances the bag with one hand and her phone in the other while trying to be nosy. She walks a little further and then she sees her mother Thelma sitting with this tall, thick bodied girl with short hair, with slightly darker skin than she has. It could be only one person, her cousin Cheri Gates. This was a long way from Lufkin, where she’s from. She smiled and leaned over for the usual relative hug that was usually shared in a family reunion but not her place.

Hi cuz what’s up?

Hi my cousin, it’s really nice to see you again. She said barely ruffling her short shelve that was apart of a long dress. Her flats that she wore were her way to trying to adapt to life in the big city. She has heard and read on occasion the life, hustle, and bustle of Houston. She read or saw stories about the lifestyles, some in which she wasn’t tuned to believing was holy, but nevertheless she was here. Alexis looked at her mother and then gracefully glanced at her cousin once more.

Well, I just came from the mall and I’m hungry so . . .

Wow you wore that to a public place? Cheri said. Alexis didn’t think that the short shorts she was wearing or the halter top that honestly exposed her breast just a tad more than a PG-13 movie would allow, was excessive. Actually, she quickly thought, they should have seen what she bought for the party. Alexis smiled once more out of politeness and walked away.

Well you know what they say. Cheri said sitting back.

No what do they say my dear. Thelma said looking at her daughter walking away.

Should your springs overflow in the streets, your stream of water in public squares? Proverbs Chapter five, verse, sixteen. Her mother was silent in agreement as they continued catching up.

THE PARTY

Alexis is sulking watching the time on the clock getting later as her cousin is sitting on her couch watching the all religious channel because she feels that everything else on cable is unholy.

During this time Alexis had been back and forth in her mom’s room begging, asking, and wishing out loud, that her mother would allow her to go to the most talked about party of the summer. This party was going to have guys that just graduated not only from her school, but others around the city. She wanted to go to the fun, the music, the atmosphere, and her friends not to mention that nice sexy men were going to be there. All the things she done, get her nails just right, and hair done, and waiting in line for what have been forever to buy the necklace that went with it all, would be in vain if she wasn’t able to go. She walks back into her room still wearing her outfit, a pair of short shorts and a bright yellow, very open blouse that was very airy to say the least with accessories and topping (or bottoming) the whole outfit with sexy yellow heels. She goes in her closet and opens her phone.

Yes, I’m still here with mother Teresa, and no my mother is still against me going, talking about, ‘ You aren’t going to leave your company behind, etc. etc’. I already asked if she wanted to go, but she said that she didn’t. Yeah I don’t know why she keeps repeating this verse over and over. Hell if I know where it’s from or what it means. She says and unbeknownst to her a voice mummers from the darkness.

You are from this world and I am from above this world. John 8: 23. In other words dear sinful cousin, I was trying to say that I’m not interested in the things that other teens do cause . . .

Yeah I know it’s unholy. Let me call you back Tiff. Look Cheri I understand that it’s like that where you are from, but here we like to party or as you put it sin.

I know and don’t you think that’s a problem? It was written all in the word about teen violence, pregnancy, death, and is that still a party? Cheri said as Alexis walked back into her closet and then came right back out. She just had an idea so she stopped for a moment and approached her preaching cousin.

You know I just leaned something, and if I can I’m sure that my sinful friends can too. That’s why I think it’s a good idea if you come with me not to sin, to witness to all the heathens that think that it’s a lifestyle that should be tolerated. Cheri stepped back, and then she almost smiled. Alexis looked deeply within her eyes and then Cheri had walked out of the room. Alexis feeling that the night was over fell on the bed once again exhausted she took off her shoes and laid back in bed.

ALEXIS! Thelma voice rung out, she sat there for a moment and thought, was that a good Alexis or a bad one?

ALEXIS! She yelled again, this time there was no time to think as it was her second calling and there shouldn’t be a third if she didn’t want a whipping.

Yes mother. Alexis said as Thelma was lying in bed reaching for the remote to mute it.

Look I don’t want you out all night, midnight I want you back in this house.

Midnight?! Alexis said then she got a blank, non negotiating look back from her mother, midnight it is."

Take your cousin with you and please keep an eye on her. She said as Alexis ran into her room and opened her cell phone.

Tiff, Tiff please tell me you guys aren’t gone yet! Ok, I’ll be ready as soon as you get over here we’ll be standing by the front offices, and yes I said we". Alexis hung up the phone while she just finished slipping on her last shoe staring with daggers at her cousin who was clapping watching a choir on TV.

Across the county line in to what is known as Fort Bend, one teenager was waiting in the car while the other one was inside putting the finishing touches on his outfit. Bernard was still thinking about the confrontation the other day in that very room. He still hasn’t told Jeff what was goin on, although in time he knew he would have to. Then there was a knock at the door.

Come in.

Do you need a few extra dollars for tonight, you know when the party over to eat? Bernard’s mother walked in and smiled when she saw her baby who was becoming a man in front of her very eyes.

I’ll be fine mother.

Look I wish you would change your mind about taking my car instead of getting a ride.

I’ll be fine mother. he said as another parental figure came into his room.

Look son just do what your mother says, I’ll feel just a bit more comfortable as well.

I’ll be fine Mom and Dad, later. Bernard said grabbing his keys and walking out the door just about frustrated by now. Bernard arrived at his door and Jeff pushed the button and he walked inside.

Man my parents are hassling me again, I mean they act like they don’t want me to grow up and go to the party. I just got into it with my old man talking about ‘I don’t care about how you feel you’re not going’ and I’m like, I’m going so get out of my way old man."

Jeff nodded in agreement, although he knew that his parents were cool as hell and if anything they wanted him to go out more than to stay in, Jeff thought as he started the car.

Meanwhile down the road into the cluster of apartment complexes, the sounds of sex are loud and eager as Calvin is with his girl friend Lanisha, or Nisha as he calls her when he actually want to call her, and they are entangled within one another’s body. Calvin is pushing himself in between her thighs as she’s trying desperately to keep him with her in the spirit of sex by tryin to kiss him but he’s too busy thrusting to care. She stops him but to no avail he keeps on thrusting even harder now, his breathing becomes more in tune to what’s about to happen any moment much to the dismay of her. Then it happens and he collapses on her body which is