Out: A Way out of No Way

By Wanda Wright

While Nickki sits in prison facing a life sentence, her family struggles to survive in the city of Detroit. Grandma Ruth is doing everything she can to raise the fatherless children and keep her faith and the promise to raise her grandchildren while their mother is away... Only the Grace of God can save them. Othello mastermind of the street game has all but got the heart of the daughter that Nickki and Grandma Ruth prayed day and night for her life to be different. Penny has more than her share of pain as her friends, one by one, are being brutally murdered. Kwame can only strive to be strong for his family and not get caught up in the streets of Detroit with his childhood friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450056373

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Copyright © 2010 by Wanda Wright.

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.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 07/09/2020

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Contents

Chapter One Scene One Casino Hotel Room

Scene Two Diabetes

Scene Three Palmer Woods Mansion

Scene Four H.s. Football Field

Scene Five Midtown Apts

Scene Six Church Funeral

Scene Seven Grandma Ruth’s House

Scene Eight Paradise Life Saved

Scene Nine Hollywood Hair Salon

Scene Ten A Memphis Call

Scene Eleven A Friend Indeed

Scene Twelve Scotts Prison

Scene Thirteen Detroit Riverfront Apartments

Scene Fourteen Black Marauder

Scene Fifteen White Polar Bear’

Scene Sixteen Prison Trip

Scene Seventeen My B M W

Scene Eighteen Las Vegas, Nevada

Scene Nineteen Wedding In The Sky

Scene Twenty Detroit Number Man

Scene Twenty-One University Cougar

Scene Twenty-Two The Bag

Scene Twenty-Three West Coast

Scene Twenty-Four Blue Water Bridge

Scene Twenty-Five Cold Days Ahead

Scene Twenty-Six Egyptian Queen

Scene Twenty-Seven Catch A Mad Man

Scene Twenty-Eight Treasure Chest

Scene Twenty-Nine Show Stopper

Scene Thirty My Son

Scene Thirty-One We Home

Scene Thirty-Two He Is My Life

Scene Thirty-Three Thanksgiving

Scene Thirty-Four A Champagne Toast

Scene Thirty-Five Trick

Scene Thirty-Six Florida

Scene Thirty-Seven Freedom

Scene Thirty-Eight Praise

Scene Thirty-Nine Possible Accomplishments

Scene-Fourty Appointment

Scene Fourty-One Shalom

Scene Fourty-Two Canada

Scene Fourty-Three Proud

Scene Fourty-Four Mother Love

Scene Fourty-Five It’s Too Hot

Scene Fourty-Six Work Out

Scene Fourty-Seven Parole

Scene Fourty-Eight Exhausted

Scene Fourty-Nine Blue Canyon Mountains

Scene-Fifty The Law

Scene Fifty-One Accomodations

Scene Fifty-Two Businessman

Scene Fifty-Three Stick And Move

Scene Fifty-Four Gone Again

Scene Fifty-Five This Is It

Scene Fifty-Six Pregnant

Scene Fifty-Seven An Island

Scene Fifty-Eight Don’t Leave

Scene Fifty-Nine World Of Devils

Scene Sixty It’s You

Author

Chapter One

Scene One

CASINO HOTEL ROOM

Paradise a beautiful sixteen-year old is in the bathroom smoking a joint sipping on a Seagram’s cooler, getting the nerve to go into the room where her date is waiting (trick) Black businessman can’t keep still he’s pacing the floor.

What is she doing?

All I want to do is be here for one hour and I am out of here. She can have this room the Casino is full and just to sneak her in at sixteen was not hard at all.

Come on Baby you do know I have other things to do today. Said Mr. Conner Paradise: I’m coming out give me a minute I need to get myself straight for you. (She’s putting on make-up puffing on her joint). She reaches for the stocking that she had in her purse and her high heel red shoes to match her red baby doll outfit. She counts her money 10 twenties. At least he understands no romance without the finance.

She puts her Beyonce C.D. in the boom box and steps out dancing to the beat Crazy in Love. She puts her leg out and moves her hips turns around and touches the ground and then starts walking over to him and puts her leg across his waist and they fall on the bed. She helps him remove his clothes and sex fills the air.

Scene Two

DIABETES

Grandmother Ruth Light skinned Indian mix white and black sitting on the couch calling her grandson Kwame.

Kwame, yes grandma I hear you, you don’t have to yell. I need you to come and do something for me.

Kwame 14 years old 6ft1 and weigh 210 pounds brown skinned has a smart head but is struggling to understand the life he has been living, but all he knows that his grandmother does love him more than anyone else in this world. Honey hand me my pouch over there please. I need you to read my monitor after I stick myself okay. Grandma Ruth is sitting in her wheelchair with an amputated leg. She has been battling diabetes for 3 years now. Baby I want you to get ready for school okay. You are going to be in High School this year, I know you need new clothes and Grandma have $300.00 for you to go to the Eastland Mall and get those shoes and jeans you like to wear. (Telephone rings) It’s a collect call from Scotts Women Prison. Kwame answers the phone.

Hello, the voice on the other end says Hey my handsome young man. How are you? Kwame looks away at his Grandmother and she beckons him to talk. I’m okay. How are you? I guess I’m okay. I will be in high school this year momma. Oh, baby I wish I was there for you. I am going to the parole board this month, hopefully I will be coming home soon.

Kwame: Ok that’s good. Here is Grandma. Kwame hands the phone to his grandma.

Grandma Ruth takes the phone while looking to see if there is a reaction from Kwame. Hello Nicki, How are they treating you? I guess I will be alright Momma. Momma I need you to send me some money you know these bitches up here don’t care nothing about you. Baby I don’t have any money this month Kwame is starting High School and he needs some new clothes. He has really grown. I hope you understand I will try to send some next month. Nicki: I pray every day to get out of here. I have been here for 10 years and I am sick of this shit. I can’t go on. Grandma Ruth: Just keep the faith honey, when we do wrong God punishes us and we just keep hoping for his grace and mercy. (song Amazing Grace)

Nicki: I need to go Mama someone else is waiting to use the phone. I will call back next week.

Kwame: Grandma, I am going over to Shelton’s house he’s got a new video game. I will be back.

Grandma Ruth: Okay baby, be careful. Those friends of yours are always getting in trouble. Please watch yourself Kwame.

Kwame: Okay. I will. Don’t worry Grandma.

Scene Three

PALMER WOODS MANSION

Over Shelton’s house. The Carpenters they were middle class people. They lived in Palmer Woods and Sarah Carpenter is a nurse and William Carpenter is a Lawyer. Morgan Carpenter was in College at Michigan State University. Shelton, Kwame and Quincy Q, and Jalen were all in the family room playing video games.

Shelton: I just got this new game. It’s cold. It’s Grand theft Auto. Man this shit is real. I get hyped just playing this shit said Q.

They were playing when Morgan walked in the room.

Morgan: Oh, I know you don’t have that game. Mom and Dad already told you that game corrupts the minds of young men your age Sheldon. Shut the fuck up Morgan and get out of here, said Shelton. You better not open your mouth to Mom or Dad.

Morgan: Boy you don’t scare me.

Kwame how have you been? I like your button up shirt it makes you look older and intelligent.

Kwame: Thanks.

Shelton: She just like your ass man. Morgan has a crush on you. Stop it Q. I don’t, said Morgan.

Jalen: She don’t say shit to me man. I guess I stink or something.

Morgan: I got to get back up to school. Clean up this room Shelton or I will bust your ass. She leaves walking slow pass Kwame and sagging her hips slow so her ass is moving to a silent beat. She comes back in after going out to the car and calls for Kwame. Kwame can you help me put something in my car it’s for my project at the University.

Kwame: Sure, where is it? Morgan pointed to a model of a building she had made.

Kwame: This is great Morgan, you did this? Yes I ‘m competing in a class called Architectural Community Design. We make models some can be on a Virtual Computer Design as well. We had to build a community. Here let me show you. I took the liquor stores out of my community and the schools are designed for major sporting events. I have to go now, but I will let you know what my Professor and my competitors think.

Kwame: I look forward to it.

Morgan is 19 and Kwame looked up to here like a sister since his sister was always in some shit. Even though he loved her dearly she just was wild. Grandma Ruth was always worried about Paradise because she didn’t listen to her and she feared she will end up like our mother.

It was time to get back home to check on Grandma Ruth and see what was for dinner. He came into the house to see his brother Aaron better known as Asia sitting down talking to Grandma Ruth.

Kwame: What’s up man?

Aaron: Oh nothing.

Kwame. You sure are growing up fast.

Kwame: Yeah so I have been told. Kwame leaned over and kissed Grandma Ruth and said I’m going to bed.

Grandma Ruth: Baby aren’t you hungry.

Kwame: I ate already over Shelton’s house. I will see you in the morning. Kwame wanted to disown his brother he was too much. He wanted to be a girl and on top of that he was sometimes mentally ill, something called Bi-polar. Kwame went to his room but not before he had his talk with God. Lord I know you are sick of me calling on you, but my Grandma Ruth told me I can call on you whenever I feel my burdens are heavy. Help my family Lord. Please help my family Lord. Lord direct my paths. Amen!!!!!

Two years later.

Scene Four

H.S. FOOTBALL FIELD

High School football game at Pershing H.S. against Highland Park. This game was fierce. The cheerleaders were hitting the ground, humping the air, spinning in circles and jumping into the air yelling Go Pershing Go. The school Band was Boss the Doughboys were doing in Highland Park Polar Bears. Kwame, Kwame, He had just made his third touchdown. The crowd was wild. Scouts were in town to see who this young man was who was leading the High School Eastern Division to the top, No other than Kwame Hawkins junior at Pershing H.S. He was BIG, STRONG and Fine. A good looking carmel color that made him look golden in the sun. His hair was jet black and long and curly. He was so fierce on the football field they nicknamed him the Cougar. Roxanne (Rock), Stacey (Shake), Pam (Nity) and Shaquita (Cherry) These females were cheerleaders better known as football groupies. Who in their minds was out to be the next wife of a football star. No matter what the cost the bets were placed who will make it first they all were going to be in the star circle.

Nity: Girl checkout Cougar, He is so sexy and OOHOOH the way his body jerks when he does his dance across the touchdown line makes me HOT.

Rock: I saw the way he handles himself when the coach talks to him. They are grooming him to be a pro football star.

Shake: Yea!! My man Rick (Rick Waters) is hating on him. We were doing our thing and I had to stop him and say are you with me or Cougar. He was just acting like he couldn’t get with me until he finished talking about the moves Cougar is making on that football field that are getting better and sweeter day by day game by game.

I swear I wanted to fuck him so bad after he finished talking about Cougar and to be honest he was better than ever that night. No Shit -- FLASHBACK—OK ladies let’s go I can’t get distracted I have a test to take.

Cherry: Girls, Girls, I am so glad that yawl like Cougar because he got a sister name Paradise that if I could have 15 minutes with her I will make her mine.

All Together……Yeah Right. That bitch no dike Cherry. Hand slaps. She will send you to the bank and plus you are not packing rocks BOO. Neck and Head swings. They all started walking back to the school to get ready to change and leave for the day.

Scene Five

MIDTOWN APTS

Knock of emergency at the Midtown Loft apartments. Penny jumped out of bed and ran to the door no one had a key to get in but Asia. Open the door, Open the door in low whispers. What’s up Honey why this could not wait until in the morning. OH MY GOD ASIA!!! What the hell happen to you why are you bleeding. Penny (William Jasper) took him inside to see he was very bad. Asia couldn’t move any further.

Penny: let me call 911.

Asia: I fucked up Penny.

Penny: What Happened.

Asia: He found out and he tried to kill me.

Fool I need to get you a doctor. Just wait Penny. Asia (Aaron) said breathing slow breaths. I just wanted him to love me. I spent all the money I could beg, borrow, and steal to have my surgery. I thought I could make him love me no matter if I use to be a man. Penny: YOU FOOL!! YOU DAMN FOOL!!!

Asia laced in a pool of blood. From Head to toe. Asia’s chest was so bloody and pants were full of blood. His hair had been pulled out in patches rectum had been sliced inside and out. Penny rushed to the phone when she realized Asia was no longer breathing or moving to call 911 and Grandma Ruth. Grandma Ruth answered the phone as though she knew it was bad news. Aaron dead… killed by a man not even Penny had ever saw and this man was someone that Aaron loved and wanted so badly that it cost him his life. Asia was beautiful naturally smooth flawless skin petite size 2 and had etiquette style better than any female, when he was in his world. But, he loved on the wrong man a REAL MAN.

In less than 30 minutes the Detectives were at the apartment. The morgue had come to pick up Asia.

Penny was in shock. She could not move from being curled up on the sofa. Detective McBride: Mr. Jasper (Penny) Did Mr. Hawkins tell you anything that might help us find out who did this to him. Penny: No he didn’t. I don’t know anything (screaming). He kept this new person to his self. He just met him. Det. McBride: I need you to calm down and think. Where did he go, when he was Asia?

Penny: He would sometimes be on Woodward around Palmer Park. There is a strip club Da’JaVu near there.

Det. McBride: Now that helps. Do you know where he was getting his new body done at.

Penny: I don’t know anything else Detective. I am hurt. Please can this wait. Det. McBride gave Penny his card and told him he had his case and to call him if he remembers anything, and Stay out the Park.

Scene Six

CHURCH FUNERAL

Grandma Ruth getting ready for the funeral. Kwame and Paradise we are paying for the Dept of Corrections to bring Nicki home for her oldest son’s funeral. Please understand that she cannot leave away from the officer that will bring her home. You cannot touch your mama. Please understand they will already be at the church when we get there so just try to be strong, this will be your first time seeing your mother Kwame outside of prison since you were 4 years old. Let’s Pray for strength. (His eye is on the Sparrow) Song of strength.

Black limos pulled up to pick up the family. Grandma Ruth is sharp and she’s walking with her prosthetic leg on so that she can be strong for Nicki and her family.

Her man of 20 years is there to escort the family Mr. Joe. Mr. Joe is a stone hustler from the streets who ran numbers and made it big. While everyone else was dying he got out. He had Grandma Ruth’s back no matter what.

No one ever understood their relationship because he was 10 years younger than her. And somehow whatever happened he was always there when she needed him.

He drove a semitruck and will be gone for weeks at a time, but you never heard Grandma Ruth wonder where he was or when he was coming back. She always said he will be back when he is through out there.

Paradise was so hurt Kwame had to carry her out to the car and into the church. He could not leave her she could not stand up alone. Paradise had not slept since the murder of her brother. She was sick and had lost weight. Her eyes were red and swollen. She took it harder than anyone did. Aaron and Paradise always had arguments ever since they were little kids, they will see one another out and Paradise would not even speak to Asia. Paradise hated his lifestyle and what is hurting her the most is because she told him just a couple of weeks ago that someone is going to kill his transvestite ass. That God didn’t make him a woman and that God wanted him to be a man and that’s what he should be trying to be a man not a bitch in competition with her.

Entering the Church. Nicki was standing in the front roll waiting to see her family and let everyone know that she is still alive she was not dead yet. Tears were running down her face as she saw the family entering inside the church. Grandma Ruth came in first with her head up high with Joe on her arm, looking good and proud to escort her to her grandson’s funeral. Joe knew Aaron was gay and he believed he was born that way but whoever killed him will pay for it somehow someway.

The church was quiet, and the choir sang and hummed the tune of Gods unchanging hands. Grandma Ruth always said that no way can we make it through this life if we don’t know God will make a way out of no way. (Gods Faith-fullness)

The Preacher spoke to the family and acknowledged Nicki and also that he respected her late husband Warren and that Aaron, Paradise, Kwame’s father had died ten years ago and Grandma Ruth had God on her side to have helped her get through all she had been through and that Grandma Ruth was a Spiritual Warrior. His Faith-fullness was what the choir sang and tears flowed in the church. The Family had a private burial at the cemetery. Nicki was allowed to hug Paradise and Kwame. As she looked around, she saw a face of a person who looked familiar, but she was not sure because he was young maybe 25 years old and she could not get his eyes off of her he looked like somebody she knew but he was too young.

The officer allowed Nicki to talk and sit with her children and mother. As she is leaving Nicki tells Kwame please take care of Paradise and Paradise take care of Kwame. You two need to stick together and please do not give Grandma Ruth any problems, she has been there for us even when I know she should’nt have. I could have been dead instead of in jail but her prayers have kept me. Aaron would be here now if he would have listened to her. God will pick his flowers when he is ready. I know, he took your father when he could have taken both of us together but God let me live even though I’m in jail. I have to pay for my sins because the man I killed was going to kill us both, but I didn’t let that happen. I was there to see life taken from the man I loved my whole life who was your father. So I will wait for the Parole Board to make a decision and with the grace and mercy of the Lord I will be home one day. Paradise I love you and I know that you have been hurt. Please forgive us. Kwame be the best man you can be for your father. You are the only man in my life. Nicki hugged them. She promised Grandma Ruth that she will learn all she can about God and his mercy while in Prison. The Officer handcuffed Nicki and puts the shackles on her ankles and walks her back to the state van and drives away. Grandma Ruth and Joe get in the limousine and wait for Kwame and Paradise. They ride home in silence and Grandma Ruth can feel that Nicki has shared somethings that she has never shared with them. When they arrived home the owner of the funeral home Mr. Peter said Ms. Ruth I’m sorry for the lost, of your family and if there is anything we can do to help the family please call. Grandma Ruth said No and Thank You for caring and the service was beautiful, and Aaron looked good. The Cars lined the street and turned the corner one by one. Mr. Joe helped Grandma Ruth get in her wheelchair and helped her take off her leg. He was so attentive to her when he was around. He was there when the doctor first told her that her leg had gangrene in it and if she was to live it would have to go. He comforted her and let her know that he will be there when she awoke and that he will watch the kids and send them to school while she was in rehabilitation. Grandma