Background Check

By Xlibris US

History
Identity
Secrets
It is a proven fact that history cant be changed, but it can be the greatest teacher of all times.

Identity is ones own uniqueness, his or her individuality. It shouldnt be mistaken, but it is often stolen. That can happen in more ways than one. One should be careful with his or her identity and cherish it, if it is truly known.

The unfolding of buried secrets is an undeniably way to link history and identity.

Most importantly, to keep ones identity actually known to self, he or she should always know his or her personal history and keep a thorough Background Check!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493191291

Book preview

ONE

Richmond, Virginia

January 1978

"Y ou are not going to throw away your entire future for that boy ! How could you do this? We forbad you to see him, and you went behind our backs and did something as destructive as this! What do you have to say for yourself, Young Lady?"

The firm voice that stung Megan’s ears was full of anger. The serious eyes that stared at her were full of pain and betrayal. The disbelief of her behavior was apparent, obviously, unacceptable.

Megan Cromwell sat on the sofa before her parents, listening to the much expected lecture. She expected them to be upset with her for taking charge of her life, but it was imperative that she do so, a must! Life without Raymond would have forced her into a deep depression. Her parents just didn’t understand. They were totally unreasonable, judgmental, and outright prejudice!

She wanted her parents to get to know Raymond Jamison, the actual person. Yet, they couldn’t see beyond their own selfishness and realize that she had feelings that ran deeper than the superficial. Neither was she shallow nor was she easily influenced by other people’s opinions.

Actually, until she got to know him, her mother had no right to say she was throwing her future away "for that boy"! She had no right to say anything because there would be no truth to anything she had to say. It would only be negative and an unjust accusation!

Raymond was the precise opposite of everything her parents presumed him to be. He wasn’t a bomb or a hoodlum. He wasn’t dumb or stupid or at the bottom of the barrel. It was just stereotypical and rather harsh she would say, part of their judgmental characteristic.

Raymond was fantastic! He was truly tall, dark, and handsome. A senior in high school, his grades were outstanding. He had a promising future ahead of him, contrary to popular belief. He was quite intelligent, not at all lazy, as one would naturally assume because of his color. His skin tone only added flavor, in her eyes. He wasn’t loud and overbearing. He wasn’t immature or disrespectful. He was charming and focused; the total package! She believed that he was going to make something of himself. There was no way that he couldn’t. Then again, with people like her parents in the world, there was a chance that he could fail discriminatorily. But, with her in his life, there to support him, they could overcome all of the obstacles.

Are you listening to your mother, Meg? her father encouraged when there was no response. He hoped she was because her mother had every right and good reason to be upset. He, too, was angry with his daughter.

There was so much tension in the room that Megan dare not speak. If she did, her words wouldn’t be heard as they were stated. Her parents would only try to decipher the hidden meaning, even though there wouldn’t be any. She would speak the truth, from the heart. That would be the precise reason that her answer wouldn’t be heard. Their hearts and minds were closed to being objective. They weren’t open to doing things differently or trying something new. They were trapped in the minds of society, believers of the cavemen and slave owners!

Her parents didn’t understand that they were old fashion and outdated by time and change. She was from a different generation, one who believed in change and evolving. She made the choice of not limiting herself to the lifestyle of society or others’ opinions. It was a new era, one that she wished her parents would adapt to.

Because of her parents’ frame of mind and their attitudes, the room had become cold and dark, even though it was a comfortable atmosphere and the lighting was bright. They brought forth a chill that she didn’t want to feel. Their voices were harsh and their tones were cold, icy.

Honestly, Megan desired to feel love and warmth from her parents, to know that no matter what happened they would always be there for her. Unfortunately, at the moment, she didn’t feel that way. She wasn’t so sure that it was true. Why couldn’t they look deep within themselves and realize that what she had done was for their benefit as well as her own? It was to show them that slavery had been abolished along with the notion that Black people weren’t equal to Whites and that they would never amount to anything. That was the caveman and slavery day! It was no longer that day!

Megan sighed, letting her irritation to the conversation be known. It was tiresome and boring. Yes, Dad, I’m listening, she answered in an irritated voice, rolling her green eyes. Her dark hair was long and curly. She pushed it off her shoulders with both hands.

There was no need to look them in the eyes. As they inadvertently wouldn’t hear what she was saying, she deliberately wouldn’t receive what they were saying. On some level, she was positive that they weren’t purposely trapped in the slavery day-thinking, but it was their own fault that they were prejudice. They could overcome that era, force it not to exist in their world, if they chose to.

Young Lady, this is a serious matter! Cassandra snapped when her daughter rolled her eyes. Her behavior was disrespectful, and it wouldn’t be tolerated. It was so unlike her, the very reason she didn’t consent to her dating rubbish like Raymond Jamison!

She was furious. Anger was written all over her face. Her eyes flashed red with fire and deep betrayal. Her only child should never have gotten tangled in such a deceitful web. It was wrong on so many counts! She had no idea of the damage she had bestowed upon her future. Her actions were reckless and downright inconsiderate! Not only had she destroyed her own future, but she had, also, cursed the entire family!

Do you think this is a game? Well, it’s not! Cassandra shook her head, deciding not to argue about it anymore. It was useless. "It doesn’t matter! I’m not going to stand for it. We’re going to correct the problem, and you are not going to see that hoodlum anymore. That’s final!"

She was in control. Her word was the law! She had never been too strict with her daughter, wanting to allow her the freedom of enjoying life. Perhaps, if she had been strict, this would have never happened. In a sense, it was her fault, and she would reverse the damage! She should have known to have a tighter leash on a teenager. Teenagers should never be allowed to do whatever they so desired. That was her first mistake, although, she didn’t understand why. It worked for her when she was a teenager. Her mother never had to worry about something like this happening to her.

Megan’s eyes widened at the announcement that they were going to correct the problem. That was a pure indication that her mother was going to force her to have… an abortion!

No! That was wrong!

She couldn’t have an abortion. She wanted her baby. She and Raymond were supposed to raise their child together. It never dawned on her that her mother could resort to such drastic measures. The idea of terminating her relationship with Raymond was even worse! How could she be so cruel?

Mother, no!

"Oh, yes!" Cassandra’s voice blazed with the heat of her anger.

Well, Sandy, perhaps, we should inform his parents before we just terminate the pregnancy, Charles Cromwell intervened. He was the one with the level-head between the two of them. His wife usually reacted out of emotion and anger. He, however, was usually more calm and sensible.

He wasn’t against the idea of stopping their daughter from seeing Raymond, but they should think rationally before they made any snap decisions regarding the baby. It was going to be their grandchild whether they liked the idea or not.

He wanted Raymond’s family to know of his guilt. Then, they could all decide what to do from that point. The two of them making the decision wasn’t fair. If his parents were consulted, it could prove to be the best way to keep the two teenagers apart.

Surely, Raymond’s parents would do a better job of detaining him after the discovery was made. It was obvious that right now, they had no idea. It was probably going to come as a shock to them just as it had to him and his wife.

Raymond Jamison was a negative influence in Megan’s life. He and her mother wanted him out of it immediately! Before meeting him, she was never defiant. She never betrayed their trust in any way. Worst of all, she never felt the need to outright lie to get her way. Having met him, she was an entirely different person, a stranger in their home.

Megan exhaled with relief. At least her father had a level-head. She was glad that his heart wasn’t as cold as her mother’s. He was always more understanding than she was. In any situation, she could talk to him, get him to understand her side. Her mother, however, was difficult to talk to in any situation that she felt her reputation was threatened. This, however, shouldn’t be about her reputation!

"Charles! What are you saying? You’re not suggesting to we allow Meg and that… that boy to raise this baby together. That’s not going to happen!"

It was best to resolve the crisis and restore their lives back to normal before the rumor could leak and destroy their reputations. There would be no way to sustain the situation once it became public knowledge.

It was best that they correct the situation promptly. Then, there would be no crisis to resolve. Their reputations would remain untarnished.

I’m suggesting that they should be aware of this catastrophe. If we can’t stop Meg from seeing him, perhaps, they can keep their son away from our daughter.

A teardrop rolled down Megan’s cheek. For a brief moment, she actually believed that her father was on her side. That was only false hope. He was a little more sensitive than her mother, but he was still prejudice and cruel. She was hoping that he would think for himself just this once, listen to his heart and understand why she had to take such drastic measures.

"Charles, it doesn’t matter! Megan is only sixteen. She isn’t going to have this baby whether his parents are aware of the situation or not. Oh, believe me! She won’t be seeing him anymore!" If Cassandra was certain of nothing else, she was certain that she had the power to tame her daughter and keep her and Raymond apart now that she discovered how conniving he was. He didn’t intimidate her in the least, and he would soon know it. In fact, he should be intimidated by her!

Regardless, I want to see them face-to-face and let them know that we don’t approve of what the kids did behind our backs. Charles felt that it was fair in case they thought that their son was a perfect angel. It would be his way of letting them know what they knew all along. Raymond was scum! Of course he was! Only a despicable person would coerce their daughter into lying to them and sneaking around behind their backs!

Cassandra looked at her daughter with angry eyes. She certainly didn’t approve. It was still so surreal!

Megan used to be a good girl, very obedient, until she started hanging around Raymond! She always knew he would bring her down and ruin her life. The two of them only confirmed what she knew all along, that he was rotten! He was so unbefitting for her daughter that it was a shame! Megan was just too kind-hearted to understand reality. There were certain classes of people that didn’t mix. The Cromwells and The Jamsions were in that category.

Well, Cassandra understood reality. She was being realistic! The reality was plain and clear. Blacks and Whites should never mix. The mixture was like two conflicting chemicals, sure to cause an explosion! It was obvious to the rest of the world why. Even the labels were self-explanatory.

Whites were pure and innocent people who were meant to do good and succeed in life. Like angels, they were meant to be praised. Their mission was to spread joy and happiness, make the world a better place.

Blacks were tainted and evil beings. They only brought forth shame and trouble, which Raymond proved. It was their kind who did the killing, raping, and robbing. Like the devil, they were meant to be feared or treated like slaves! It was they who spread misery and sadness, making the world a cold and dark place.

Megan and Raymond made a mistake. It was up to her to fix the problem, maneuver her family back in the right direction. She was definitely going to do that. It was a mistake that would become a well suppressed secret!

You’re still early. I’m going to make you an appointment as soon as possible. Cassandra shook her head with disappointment. There was no reason to pretend. You are a Cromwell, darling, not to mention a Lexington. That is enough to ensure that you will have a promising future! The minute she made the statement, reality struck her. Her mouth dropped. She understood everything so clearly now. It never dawned on her before. "I see what’s going on here! He figured that if he got you pregnant, the two of you would get married, and he’d be entitled to your inheritance. Well, I have a newsflash for him! The party’s over, Buster! Get him on the phone. Tell him and his parents to get over here immediately!"

Sobbing, Megan picked up the phone and dialed Raymond’s number. Her eyes were filled with tears. Her heart was full of growing sadness. She didn’t want to make the call, but refusing would only make matters worse. Her mother was subject to go to his house personally to confront him. She couldn’t let that happen. It would really be embarrassing!

Her mother had the wrong perception about Raymond. He didn’t get her pregnant in hopes of marrying her for her inheritance. She got pregnant on purpose to ensure that they could be together. In fact, he warned her that it was a bad idea. She just didn’t listen.

Even though her parents were upset right now, she had to believe that it would all work out in her favor. It just had to! She could still have the fairytale ending. It wasn’t over, yet!

The Cromwell mansion was quiet and dark, not welcoming whatsoever. Upon entering the house, the Jamison family could practically feel the negative energy as it surrounded them, greeting them at the door. The nature of their summons was doomed to be obnoxious and possibly offensive, as the Cromwell’s demand for the impromptu meeting was of absolute power and unpleasant.

Although Megan asked them to come, it was, obviously, not her idea for the meeting. Her tone of voice and the fact that they were to come immediately stated the obvious. Her parents undeniably wanted to meet with them.

Latonya Jamison was pessimistic, expecting the worse, as she sat nervously between her husband and their son on the Cromwell’s sofa. In her mind, she tried to guess what could possibly be so urgent since she was told that the twins needed to be left at home. Clearly the conversation would strictly be of adult content, which she didn’t understand since her oldest son was pretense. He wasn’t an adult, yet. He was only seventeen. He wouldn’t be eighteen until the end of the summer.

Joshua Jamison sat in a nonchalant manner with his legs crossed masculine style. He wouldn’t speculate on what the meeting was about. His imagination could take him too far out into left field if he allowed his mind to clutter with the wrong perceptions. His wife insisted that it was bad news, but he preferred to wait and see. He was optimistic that she was wrong. She probably wasn’t, but he was still confident.

Raymond sat with his eyes closed, silently praying that everything would blow over smoothly, although he was expecting an explosion. He knew the nature of the meeting, the principle of the matter.

Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell discovered that Megan was pregnant. They wanted to confront him in front of his parents, to shame him no doubt. He was prepared. Neither did shame live within his heart nor would his mind allow him to be ashamed. There was no shame or reason to be. He wasn’t a coward, willing to accept whatever negativity that was thrown his way. His girlfriend believed that everything was going to be ok, work out the way that it should, but he knew differently. It wasn’t going to. How could it? Her parents were insisting on a conference with his parents. That should have given her some indication. However, he would allow her parents to have their say. They were entitled.

No sound of any kind could be heard throughout the entire house as the Jamison family sat together awaiting the Cromwell’s entrance.

The television wasn’t even on, an indication that there was to be no interruptions for the crucial matter at hand.

Joshua glanced at his son. He had a strong ambition that he knew what the exclusive conference was regarding. Hopefully, it had nothing to do with him and the Cromwell’s daughter.

Months ago, he and his wife were stunned to learn that their son and Megan were dating. Upon making the discovery, he passionately voiced his opinion, telling his son how wrongly suited they were for each other. He insisted that they stop seeing each other promptly. Their union was one that was forbidden on so many levels and for so many obvious reasons.

Raymond was aware that they wouldn’t appreciate him dating a White girl, which was why he hadn’t been too eager for them to meet his girlfriend. That was months ago, however. This meeting had nothing to do with that, although Joshua would keep an open mind. It was possible that it did. They were in the Cromwell’s mansion with their son. It wasn’t likely that the Cromwells were extending job offers to all of them!

Charles and Cassandra followed Megan into the living room from the hall.

Megan and Raymond’s eyes met from across the room. She started toward him. Her heart thumped at just the sight of him. It was wonderful to be graced with his presence since they hadn’t seen each other in nearly three days. It would be marvelous to be near him, possibly extend a big hug. That would be even more divine, a feeling that she desired for three long days. To kiss him would be floating above the Earth to the heights of Heaven, but it would be going too far. Her parents were already angry. If she displayed her affection for him in front of them, he would never make it out the front door without handcuffs!

Before she could move forward, her mother grabbed her arm and pushed her in the direction of the easy chair at the end of the love seat. She practically shoved her into it.

Cassandra joined her husband on the love seat.

Anxious to get the meeting over with so that she could terminate her daughter’s pregnancy, she turned serious eyes to her guests. When they landed on Raymond, they became cold and glossy with the intensity of sheer hatred. To look him in the eyes after discovering that he and her daughter deliberately snuck around behind her back was like pouring salt into her deepest wound.

Holding her head high, she decided not to give him the satisfaction of knowing how severely he wounded her. She would face the problem head on.

I’ll get straight to the point, Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, Cassandra was blunt. She didn’t want to waste any time. She agreed to make them abreast of the situation. That was all she was going to do. No one was going to change her mind, even if the Jamison wanted the baby, which hopefully wasn’t the case. Megan was having an abortion, case closed!

Pushing her long blonde hair off of her shoulder, she leaned forward on her seat. Her green eyes displayed no emotions. We have discovered that our children have been seeing each other behind our backs. Megan is nine weeks pregnant as a result. There was no softness in her voice. Her tone revealed her rage.

Latonya snapped her head to her son in total disbelief. The big hoop earrings moved when her head turned. Her afro was big. There was a blue scarf tied around her head that matched her shirt. Her brown skin was flawless. Her make-up was perfect. She was a pretty woman. Her son resembled her more so than he did his father.

Her brown eyes were glued to him, as it was clear that she didn’t believe Mrs. Cromwell’s allegation. It couldn’t be true. She expected to hear something negative, but she certainly didn’t expect that.

Pregnant? Megan was pregnant? That meant that she and Raymond… How could they? How dare they? Was it true? She needed answers.

Mrs. Cromwell’s accusation was absolutely implausible. Her son was a good boy, very obedient. If it was true, it would mean that he had been lying to them for months, which was unacceptable and much out of his character. The disappointment she felt was sharp in her eyes. She couldn’t believe there was any truth to Mrs. Cromwell’s claim. Yet, they wouldn’t have summoned them without just cause. She was at a loss for words.

Her reaction was to stare at her son, hoping he could clarify the situation for them. All he had to do was confirm that the Cromwells were incorrect. She would defend him, of course. There was no question about that.

Joshua dropped his head in shame. Deep down he had known that it was something to that nature. He was totally embarrassed. This was a conversation that he and his wife should be having privately with their son. Raymond should have come to them, told them before it blew up in their faces. There was no warning of any kind. He should have alerted them of what they would be walking into. How could he allow them to find out this way? He preached decency and order to his son all of the time. Apparently, he never listened, heeded the stern warning. It was so unlike his son to be defiant.

When he was finally able to look at his son, there was great disappointment in his eyes. The expression on his face told everyone in the room that he was heartbroken, utterly crushed by the mere fact of the matter. He knew there was truth to Mrs. Cromwell’s accusation, but he needed to hear it from his son. He wanted his son to look him in the eyes and tell him that he was the father of Megan’s baby. He had to admit his guilt.

Joshua had a mini-afro. His skin was the deepest shade of brown, chocolate. His lips were full for a man, almost oversized. His ears, hands, and feet were huge, bigger than the average. Since he wasn’t a small man, he was proportionally shaped. His ears didn’t draw attention from his face. His hands didn’t instantly catch the eye, but his feet were noticeable regardless. He wore his best butterfly collar shirt for The Cromwell’s benefit. It was like visiting royalty. They were actually in The Cromwell Mansion, which was a privilege not extended to everyone. It wasn’t their first visit, but it could possibly be the last.

He thought his son had better sense than to do something as scandalous as getting a White girl pregnant! That was unheard of, practically against the law! Why would he ruin his own life that way? Now he would be saddled with a baby, a half-White baby no less, for the rest of his life. He tried to teach him to be responsible and morally correct. Unfortunately, his message wasn’t received on any level!

Even though he knew his son’s guilt, he would defend him until the very end. Raymond hadn’t verbally admitted anything. Mrs. Cromwell only put the information on the table, opened the door to acknowledge the truth.

There was the possibility that Raymond wasn’t the father of Megan’s baby. Of course, the Cromwells would never believe such a thing about their precious daughter, but they were all too willing to ridicule their son and humiliate him for just being a young man of color. Whether they chose to admit the truth or not, Megan wasn’t the perfect angel they portrayed her to be. If she were, she wouldn’t be pregnant by their son or anyone else!

The Cromwell’s attempt to degrade their son was, also, doing the same to their daughter. It took two to do the deed.

Mrs. Cromwell, if your daughter is pregnant, we can’t be sure it’s our son’s. Ray stopped seeing her a long time ago. He knows how we felt about that, Joshua stated firmly.

Joshua would never say that the baby wasn’t his son’s. That would be denying his own flesh and blood, something he would never do no matter what color he was. Since Mrs. Cromwell put the cards on the table, he wanted to show his hand as well, give them something to think about. It was possible that Raymond wasn’t the only person Megan had been with, especially since they kept their relationship a secret for so long. She could have been concealing a relationship with someone else, as well.

"Really? Is that what you think? Well, perhaps you should consult with Ray about that. Megan specifically stated that he was the father, and they’ve been seeing each other since she was fifteen. They never stopped after they said they would!"

Joshua turned angry eyes on his son. The situation was spinning too far out into left field, as he had hoped it wouldn’t. He was hoping that they could get things back on track, dissolve the whole issue. It just didn’t seem to be going in their favor.

He wanted to hear that from Raymond. Surely, Megan wouldn’t just name his son as the father of her baby, if it wasn’t even a possibility. He shattered to think that his son would be defiant and cross that line! There was no need to plant any more ideas into anyone’s head or continue to dance around the truth. It was time to get a direct answer.

Ray, is what she said true? Have you and Megan been sneaking around behind our backs? Are you the father of her baby? He hated to even ask the question in front of the Cromwells. The answer could be one that he didn’t want to hear, even more embarrassing than the news.

Raymond sat with his mini-afro and long sleeve shirt that almost resembled his father’s, looking guilty. His eyes confirmed the truth. His expression said the same.

He was a shade darker than his mother and lighter than his father. He was a cross between both of his parents, but he resembled his mother more. He had her eyes and her lips. He had his father’s nose and his thick eyebrows. He was tall like his father, but his feet were average size like his mother’s.

It was obvious that he was guilty as he looked across at Megan. He had known that it would come to this. He tried desperately to warn her that there was another way, but she insisted that this was the only solution. It wasn’t working the way she planned. She thought that they would have a fairytale ending. He knew differently, the realism of the situation. He was living in the real world. She was living in a dreamland. Now, their child was going to suffer. Neither of their parents were going to be on one accord with them. There was no way his parents were going to allow them to raise their child together. Her parents were, obviously, against the idea. Because of their mutual decision, they were both going to suffer the consequences.

Megan looked at him with anticipation, as if to say Go on. Tell him the truth. He knew they were going to find out eventually. Now was as good a time as any. He should do it while they were all together. She wished she were beside him, giving him support. Of course, that wasn’t going to happen. Her mother was going to ensure that they stayed as far apart as possible.

Raymond inhaled and looked at his father. He wasn’t afraid or nervous, brave and ready to face the consequence of his actions.

Yes, Sir. It’s true. He wouldn’t lie or deny his child. Upon discovering that Megan was indeed pregnant, he was happy. He wanted his baby. He would be a father to his child, own up to his responsibility. He would be the man his parents raised him to be. He would be a good father, much like his own father, who taught him to be a man and never to run away in the face of trouble.

NO! Latonya covered her mouth with disbelief, shaking her head with disappointment. Her eyes were full of pain. It was difficult to believe that her sweet son, whom she had always given praise as to being pure like an angel, had entered the abyss of the darkness. How could he? What happened to the sweet young man she raised? She didn’t even know this person. Why, Ray? Why did you lie to us?

Well now! It seems that your son isn’t as innocent as you thought. Now, is he? He deliberately destroyed our daughter’s future, and we’re due an apology! Why did you do it, Ray? Was it for the money? Cassandra wanted answers and the respect she felt her family deserved.

Latonya slowly turned her head and gave Cassandra an insulted glare. Regardless of how upset she was about the turn of event, she wouldn’t allow Mrs. Cromwell to excuse her daughter’s guilt and place the blame solely upon her son. "Excuse me? Are you saying that our son got your daughter pregnant on purpose? Why should he apologize? I’m sure your daughter was a willing participant. What does money have to do with it?"

Well, I’m sure he was hoping to marry into a wealthy family. Then, he would feel entitled to the luxury of our wallets. Surely, your family isn’t financially stable enough to support our daughter, your son, and their child. We wouldn’t even ask you to embarrass yourselves by trying to keep Meg in the lifestyle that she’s accustomed to. If she were to have this baby, which she won’t, it would have to have a Cromwell lifestyle. We wouldn’t allow anything less!

Wait a damned minute here! Joshua felt complied to defend his family. What the hell is that supposed to mean? You’re better than us? No, we ain’t wealthy, but we ain’t living in the gutter either!

Oh how he wished his son had heeded his message and left well enough alone! He hated the way White people always looked down upon Blacks. Their superior attitudes were always ridiculous and so uncouth.

Cassandra laughed. That’s cute. You’re insulted, but the truth is the truth. You can’t afford this baby, and we don’t want it! That’s why we called you here to make you abreast of the situation… Oh, excuse me. I mean we wanted to let you know what’s going on before…

"Cassandra," Latonya said with an attitude, letting her know that she no longer had the respect of being called Mrs. Cromwell. Before she entered the house, they were all equals, but now she was beneath her. She only called her Mrs. Cromwell out of respect, but that no longer existed. Did you just insult our intelligence? I don’t think you want to do that!

Oh! So you understood that! I’m surprised. I should have given you more credit, Cassandra said sarcastically.

Latonya rose from her seat. Her emotions got the best of her. She was ready for a fight. You have one more time to say something out of the way, and I’m going to throw you through that wall! She pointed in the direction of the wall she was referring to. She was truly offended. Her high opinion of the Cromwells had been demoted to filth! Sure, they were a well-to-do family, but they weren’t as superior as the president. They certainly weren’t God! They didn’t get to make laws or make drastic changes that affected the whole world! They were people with money, no better than the poor or homeless! Cassandra Cromwell would do well to remember that! If she didn’t come down off of her high horse, Latonya would knock her off of it and bring her back down to Earth!

I would expect as much from you people. That’s the point of the abortion. You can’t be civil. There’s no way that we could work together. Cassandra rolled her eyes, expecting Raymond’s parents to be just as evil as he was. Threatening to throw someone through a wall in her own home wasn’t the civilized way to handle any situation! Of course, it probably was for a Colored person. Violence was probably all they knew!

That comment was the last straw. Totally offended and ready to rip Mrs. Cromwell apart, Latonya took off her earrings and prepared to step out of her stacks, but Joshua grabbed her arm.

Don’t, Tonya. There was no need to resort to hostility. They could be civil, as Cassandra so eloquently stated, and resolve their issues rationally.

That’s right! You need to control your wife, Charles agreed with Joshua taking charge. He glared at them through cold gray eyes. His dark hair was short and combed back off of his forehead. He ran his fingers through his hair. He liked to see a man who knew when to make his woman behave.

"What?" Joshua snapped. There was about to be trouble in The Cromwell Mansion! Forget being civil! No one spoke to him or his wife that way. He didn’t care who it was. He put the Cromwells on a pedestal when he should have been looking down at them. It was actually they who were from the bottom of the barrel! They were just pretending to be something that they weren’t, high class! He would get them straight right now! If I turn her loose, he said calmly, "I’m sure you’ll get some, too, White-boy! You don’t want a Black folk ass whippin’!"

He would warn him just to be nice, but perhaps, he should release his wife, give her his consent to unleash all force upon them. That could change their minds about them. It could change their minds about African Americans altogether. Obviously, they thought that they were weak and stupid people. Well, he knew for a fact that his wife was one who would show them that she was weak by no means. He would be there to back her up if she needed him, which of course, she wouldn’t. She could handle herself!

Megan sighed, staring across at her boyfriend, who was shaking his head in shame. It was definitely not the ending she envisioned. She thought their baby would bring their families closer. This was an outrage! Mother! Dad! Please! Stop this! The situation was a nightmare!

It was too much for Raymond. He had to end the insanity before their parents tore up the place. He rose from his seat. Mrs. Cromwell, I’ll answer your question.

Cassandra was surprised when he stood up in a take charge manner, as if he were going to shut her down, which wouldn’t happen. If anything, he and his parents would get shut down and thrown in jail! It wasn’t likely that anyone could threaten a Cromwell and get away with it. Perhaps, they needed to be taught!

No, I didn’t get Megan pregnant to get my hands on your money. I didn’t get her pregnant on purpose! He glanced at Megan. He wouldn’t tell them that she did it on purpose so that they could continue to see each other. They would never believe that. I know that you and your husband probably think I’m the scum of the Earth right now, but I’m not. Honestly, I really don’t care what you or anyone else thinks of me!

He looked at his mother. The disappointment in her eyes was discouraging. He didn’t want her to feel that she went wrong with him somehow. She didn’t. She raised him to be an independent individual. That’s what he was, a strong, determined Black man! Both of his parents were always imposing the significance of rising above the stupidity of racism, prejudice, and discrimination. Well, that’s what he was doing, also. In actuality, they should listen to their own message and practice what they preached! They shouldn’t say being prejudice is wrong if they were going to persecute him for dating a White girl! That was hypocritical!

We didn’t do it to hurt you. We had to see each other in secret because no one in this room understands that everything isn’t always about Black and White, except the two of us. Meg and I came together and created a miracle…

You created a problem! That’s what you created! Charles demanded.

My son was talkin’! Joshua hissed, to silence Charles and to allow Raymond to continue.

Too much! Charles didn’t back down. He wouldn’t be bullied, especially in his own home!

An argument ensued between the four adults, as they each tried to out talk the other.

The air was thick with tension.

Megan and Raymond were both ashamed and embarrassed. Worse of all, neither of them was permitted to comfort the other. It was a total disaster!

The doorbell rang.

The Cromwells and the Jamisons continued their disputes, disregarding the bell.

Seconds later, the maid announced Cassandra’s mother before she made her entrance.

Elizabeth Lexington entered the room and stopped in total astonishment. She couldn’t believe the sight before her.

Her daughter and Mrs. Jamison were arguing. Her son-in-law was in Mr. Jamison’s face, and Megan and Raymond were both looking guilty and scared.

What is going on here? she inquired in the sweetest voice. She scratched her head of white curls.

Everyone stopped and looked at her.

Oh, Mother, Cassandra sighed, moving toward her. It’s terrible! Meg and Ray have been sneaking around, and she’s pregnant! We asked Josh and Tonya over to discuss the matter calmly, but the situation has spun out of control. I told Charles we should have just had the abortion and left them out of it!

Elizabeth cringed with horror. Her daughter was making no sense whatsoever. She was talking like a crazy woman! An abortion was out of the question, absolutely forbidden!

"You stop right there, Young Lady! You are not going to kill an innocent child! There is a harmless little life growing inside my granddaughter, and I won’t allow you to take that away from her. This is chaos! You should all be ashamed of yourselves! Everyone have a seat right now! You are going to settle this like rational adults, and if you can’t, I’ll take charge!"

Mother, I…

"Sandy, sit down!" Elizabeth said with authority.

Everyone returned to their seats with the exception of Mrs. Lexington, who remained standing. She had the floor. No one dared to say anything. She wasn’t the type of person to challenge. Her authority was superior.

Now! She looked around the room at all of the anxious faces as she spoke. "I’m certain that there is a way to resolve this issue without resorting to murder!" She looked at her granddaughter and then at Raymond. Now, I thought you two were supposed to have broken up.

Megan dropped her head in response. Her guilt was apparent. She didn’t have to say anything. Her mother said it all and so did her eyes. She couldn’t hide her eyes.

Raymond gave her an apologetic expression. He, too, was guilty of lying about their relationship.

I see! So, you two lied just to get your parents off of your backs. Well, I don’t condone such behavior, but I do understand.

Megan snapped her eyes up to her grandmother. She understood? Really? She perked up at the turned the situation had taken. Perhaps, her grandmother was on her side. She did say that they were going to resolve the issue without resorting to murder, which was already a point in her favor. Perhaps, she could persuade the adults to see the situation more clearly, rationally, and to see that her baby wasn’t the problem they proclaimed it to be! It was going to be a human being just like all of them, a living and breathing being!

What? Cassandra and Joshua asked at the same time.

Say what? Charles wasn’t sure he heard his mother-in-law correctly.

Mother! What are you saying? What do you mean you understand? How could you understand the two of them deceiving us and sneaking around?

"I said I understand why they did it! When you were dating Charles, if I had forbid you to see him, would you have stopped seeing him?"

Cassandra looked at her husband. That was irrelevant. Her relationship with Charles was nothing like her daughter’s relationship with Raymond. They were two entirely different situations. Well, no, but there was no reason for you to forbid us to see each other.

"That’s how Meg and Ray felt. There’s no actual reason you don’t want them to be together."

Mother, be realistic! She’s Caucasian, and he’s Colored!

But it’s not a crime! That’s the point. We didn’t choose to be Caucasian, and The Jamisons didn’t choose to be African American. That’s just who we are. They like each other! I understand that. Now, I do understand your concerns, and I think that you’re all wrong. But, that’s ok. The only thing that matters is the baby. Now, what have we all agreed to do about it?

Abortion! Cassandra answered without hesitation.

I agree! Joshua stated. He, too, had his mind made up.

Latonya looked at her husband with disgust. That wasn’t the answer she was hoping for from him. They couldn’t just kill their grandchild! Raymond would never forgive them for that. He and Megan made a mistake, but that precious child didn’t have to pay for it with its life!

No! She didn’t agree with having an abortion. She and Mrs. Lexington were on one accord. Her eyes moved to her son, who was the victim in the situation. He didn’t really have a say in the matter.

Maybe, she could give it up for adoption. She looked away when Raymond’s face fell at her suggestion. Of course, he didn’t agree with that either, but it was better than an abortion!

So either way we lose our child? Raymond snapped. That was a decision that they shouldn’t be allowed to make. No one asked what he and Megan wanted. Their parents didn’t want the baby, but they did. They should be allowed to keep it. Their parents were making decisions like the two of them were invisible, nonexistent!

I don’t like your tone, Boy! Cassandra snapped back.

"With all due respect, Mrs. Cromwell, I don’t like yours either or being referred to as Boy! My name is Raymond. You can call me Ray, but nothing less!"

Who do you think you’re talking to? Cassandra was angry. He was losing his mind. How dare he speak to her like that? He really didn’t know who he was talking to.

Sandy! Elizabeth warned her daughter. "I agree with him. That’s fair. He called you Mrs. Cromwell. You will not insult him again. She looked at Raymond with soft blue eyes. No, Ray, you are not going to lose your child."

Yes, they were, if the Cromwells had anything to say about it, and they did! There’s no way our daughter is going to keep this baby. We’re not going to pay for it, and we don’t want to take care of it, Cassandra was straightforward.

"Ok! Then, none of you have to! You’re not aborting it or giving it up for adoption. I’ll take care of Meg and the baby. I’ll pay for it!" Elizabeth’s decision was final.

Megan exhaled with satisfaction. That was the greatest news she had heard all day. Her grandmother was wonderful, and so was Raymond. She applauded him for standing up to her mother with a smile. She was so proud of him.

Mother! How is that going to look? That’s going to bring shame to the whole family. I won’t allow it!

You won’t allow it? You really have no choice. I’m the supreme mother here, and you can’t go over my head. Meg is moving in with me!

Megan smiled with happiness. The situation was improving by the second!

Cassandra was horrified. NO! Mother, you can’t do this!

Yes, I can! I can have our attorney draft custody documents to make me her legal guardian if you like.

Megan was bursting with happiness. Her grandmother was in her corner. She was going to fight for her! Her day couldn’t possible get any better! Her mother would never challenge her grandmother. That would be a battle that she could never win!

Cassandra looked at her daughter and then back to her mother. Something had to be done. If Megan was allowed to have the baby, she would think what she did was all right. It wasn’t! It was sinful! Mother, you have to rethink this, she pleaded.

Meg is moving in with me, and that’s final! Elizabeth stated with authority. Her eyes dared her daughter to say otherwise or to try to dissuade her decision. She wouldn’t hear another negative word about it!

Of course, her daughter and her son-in-law weren’t foolish enough challenge her. By their silence, she assumed The Jamisons were smart enough not to, as well. It would be in everyone’s best interest to leave well enough alone.

Furious, Cassandra ran out of the room. Their family was headed for disaster and a major crisis. It was going to be all her mother’s fault!

TWO

March . . .

L iving in the Lexington Estate was Heavenly. Megan felt so serene, much more than she ever did at her parents’. Freedom was remarkable as opposed to isolation.

Her grandmother was a beautiful ray of sunshine and as delightful as a rainbow, treating Raymond as though he were her own grandchild.

Megan loved that!

Raymond was free to drop by at random with no hassle or threats of being arrested. There was no problem with their display of affection for each other, although, they were never excessive or went overboard. There was a level of respect. She was her granddaughter, not one of her peers!

Even though Megan now lived with her prejudice uncle, it was much better than living with two bias parents. Certain conversations were impossible to have with them. It wasn’t necessary to talk to her uncle about such things. His voice meant nothing. His words were trampled by her grandmother’s powerful influence, which Megan, also, enjoyed. Any topic could be discussed with her. The responses were always delightful and positive.

Permission to see Raymond was glorious, much better than having a secret relationship. The future was looking brighter and more promising by the day. After the baby was born, it was possible that they would become a real family, which had been her aspiration all along.

Sitting next to Raymond on the loveseat in the family room, Megan smiled at him. There was a happy gleam in her eyes. She didn’t want to say I told you so, but she did. She told him that everything would work out in their favor. It only required a little faith. Since he was raised in a firmly religious home, she was sure he could appreciate the concept.

Feeling her eyes on him, Raymond looked at her. The smile was returned. It did feel nice to be able to sit next to her without someone grabbing him by the arm, pulling him toward the door.

Looking at her, he could almost feel what she was thinking. She was, obviously, thinking that everything was going to work out for them, but he wouldn’t speak too soon. It was far from over. The baby wouldn’t arrive for months. Anything could happen between now and then. He would remain realistic, although he wouldn’t shatter his girlfriend’s happy glow. She deserved to live her fantasy, even if it was only temporary. He would let her have that.

The room was at a tranquil atmosphere. The TV was at a moderate and comfortable volume. No one else was present to disturb them. It was blissful to have time all to themselves.

Elizabeth, who was passing the family room, stopped and peeped inside. Raymond had come to spend time with Megan. She had to be sure her son wasn’t harassing him in any way. It was embarrassing the way he treated the young man. She was ashamed of his uncouth behavior. Trying to tame his conduct was getting old and tiresome. He was an adult, who shouldn’t have to constantly be reprimanded.

Seeing how peaceful the couple looked, she smiled and continued her journey down the hall. It was beautiful to see young love blossom, something she had no predisposition against whatsoever.

She was a firm believer that skin tone had nothing to do with the heart. When love came into play, there should be no limitations.

It was shameful how certain details seemed to be a factor in people’s every day lives, determined how they would react to particular situations.

It was a pity that most people with money and power wanted nothing to do with the middle and lower class people. At one point, they were in the same position before they elevated to the top. How soon was it that people could forget where they came from?

It was even more heartbreaking that skin color was still the ultimate limitation for African Americans, a factor that only God had control over. If only people could see each other for who God created them to be, the world would be a much better place.

She, herself, had love for all of God’s children, regardless of their race, financial well-being or even their health issues. She always thought she had raised her children to be the same way. Obviously, not! It was unsettling that prejudice and bigotry was carrying on in her own family, in her own home, in the very children that she raised to be above reproach!

Elizabeth was aware of how her daughter felt about her granddaughter’s relationship with Raymond, but she firmly disagreed.

Love was blind! It had no color coordination or age limitation. It existed beyond the surface, in the heart.

She was happy that Megan found such a nice, respectful young man, so unlike the snobbish rich boys her parents wanted her to date.

It was a shame the things people worshiped and discriminated against.

It was wrong to worship money. But, obviously, her daughter did! It was one of the reasons she rejected Raymond, felt he wasn’t good enough for her daughter.

It was ridiculous to discriminate against race, a purely unchangeable fact of life. Unfortunately, Cassandra was certainly prejudice against Colored people. That was the main reason Raymond wasn’t good enough for Megan.

It was shameful and unacceptable behavior. Elizabeth refused to tolerate it. She raised good, wholesome children, who understood that what God created was beautiful and that no one was better than anyone else. She didn’t even know