Drama: An Emotional Rollercoaster

By Stephanie K. Lee-McKenzie and Nadia C. Warren

There's kinship, offspring, siblings, kindred, legacies, relatives, heirs, and blood. There's family, right. More like emotions, tension, theatrics, spectacles, tragedy, and the list goes on.

Meet the Maxwells and the Rogers.

Dramaeveryone has met it; few know how to resolve it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984523860

Stephanie K. Lee-McKenzie

Stephanie Lee-McKenzie was born and raised in Chicago, IL, namely from the Englewood neighborhood. Since the age of fourteen, writing was and continues to be a creative outlet that she breathes. Stephanie currently works full time in the social service field. Stephanie has earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology and is currently working towards the completion of her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health, both from Chicago State University. Stephanie is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Stephanie is married and a mother of one daughter, Destiny. Her motto is Identity is the first step to Becoming Nadia C Warren was established in 1977 in Joliet, IL. Being raised by her grandparents, she moved on the West Side of the windy city, Chicago. Having a passion for books since a toddler, Nadia began penning her own fiction in 1993 as a sophomore in high school. Since then, Nadia has graduated from Zarem Golde ORT Technical Institute Architectural drafting program. She created NaKaRo Studios, a digital art and design company on the rise. She also enjoys cooking, dancing on the beach, wine and the company of her nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Book preview

COPYRIGHT © 2018 BY STEPHANIE K. LEE-MCKENZIE.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CONTROL NUMBER:             2018904936

                     ISBN:                  HARDCOVER             978-1-9845-2388-4

                                                 SOFTCOVER               978-1-9845-2387-7

                                                 EBOOK                         978-1-9845-2386-0

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.

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: 05/29/2018

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

776416

CONTENTS

This Is For You

~Prologue~

Chapter 1     Tragedy Hits Home

Chapter 2     Saying Goodbye

Chapter 3     Up And Down

Chapter 4     Happiness And Heartache

Chapter 5     Old Friends… Reunited

Chapter 6     Merry Christmas

Chapter 7     Surprise: New Year

Chapter 8     Missy’s Revelation

Chapter 9     Complicated

Chapter 10   When The Clock Strikes

Chapter 11   Nate’s Revelation

Chapter 12   Confidential

Chapter 13   Volcano Eruption

Chapter 14   The Aftermath

Chapter 15   When It All Falls Down

~Epilogue~

PART II

Chapter 16   Happy Thanksgiving

Chapter 17   Hostile Environment

Chapter 18   What Is Really Going On?

Chapter 19   Merry Christmas

Chapter 20   Just When I Think It Is Over . . .

~CHARACTER LIST~

This Is For You

First, I would like to give thanks to God, my heavenly Father. For without him, none of this would be possible. To my brother Ronald Mook Warren Tate, you were a big part of this: R.I.P. To my son Kadeem, mommy loves you. Like I always said, you can do anything when you put your mind to it. To Tonya Scott, thanks for being that other sister and keep on singing.

To my partner Stephanie, we did it. Thanks to family and friends who support me: Aunt Coco and Teandra Sweet. Thanks for believing in Drama.

Special thanks to my church and the ladies involved in the production of this book.

Last but not least, a special Shout Out to: Katrina Harris, Kenton Nicole, Ms. Niyata Warren and Jleebadazz for being the lovely models for the cover of the book.

Nadia

In 2009, this book was published and released but it was not ready. In 2016, my co-author and partner (Nadia) and I came back to the drawing board and collectively breathed a new life into this read. We hope you enjoy the Revised Version of the Journey…

As a normal, I must give gratitude to God as he has allowed me to have this platform again to inspire and humor but mostly encourage those who may need it. Thank you for 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016… my Identity is Recovered and Established.

I am humble to have a supportive family that encouraged my creativity, modeled Faith as a foundation and what Unconditional Love looks like.

I am humble to have a church family (MFGAF) that encourages me to live to the highest potential (Mediocrity does not equate).

I am in awe of the many contacts and connections that I have made over the course of this revision. This has encouraged me to push through and keep writing.

I am grateful for the work colleagues that have encouraged and poured into me on levels that could never be repaid.

I am truly grateful for the editor of this read, Ms. Kelly Gandy. Kelly, you were truly God sent and as long as a creative piece is manifested and in rotation, you are the one.

To my cousin/co-author/partner in success, Nadia, we experimented with this strand around 1997, planted this seed in 2009 and now in 2018 we are reaping the Healthy Harvest of it. The nights in the purple and turquoise room are paying off, lol.

To Aaron, the words Just Do It moved the writings from the Notebook to the first published copy… Thanks for the Support.

To Destiny, I have always told you that in whatever you to do; see the vision, write the vision and execute… I pray that you plan and execute every creative idea… Trust… as long as you Seek God… you are destined for Success.

Last, this book is dedicated to my Great Grandmother (Sweet) and my Grandmother (Momsey). I am in gratitude for the Legacy that you left for me to pass on: Entrepreneurship, Creativity and Service to Others.

Stephanie

~Prologue~

10:40 pm

August 1998

Reggie, thank you so much for helping us out. I am glad that my son-n-law was able to do this for us without Charlotte knowing. My daughter would have a fit if she knew that her dad gambled all of our money away. Laura sighed in disbelief. Reggie turned into the bank drive-thru. No problem. Charles is my buddy and I know how it is when family can make crazy decisions, jeopardizing the future. The ATM machine was too high for Reggie to reach so he pulled up, passing the machine. I am going to step out and walk back to the machine. Laura is looking around. Maybe we should wait until the morning. It’s late and prowlers are at large. Besides, 1,500 dollars is too much to take out of a machine. Laura was looking nervous. Don’t worry! It will only take a second. Reggie got out of the car and walked back to the ATM.

Reggie inserted his card, typed in the pin number, amount of money, and waited for it to be dispensed. The money comes out. Old man, step away! a voice came out of nowhere. You’ve got to be kidding me, said Reggie, as he turned around and looked at the masked man, holding a gun pointed at him. Hey son, don’t I know you? asked Reggie. Just turn around pops, hand me the money! You sound familiar too. You sound like-. BANG, BANG, BANG! Shots rang out and Reggie hit the ground, blood pouring out of his body. The gunman quickly grabs the money and turns to flee. He glances out the corner of his eye and sees someone standing there. He points his gun, about to shoot, when he sees the lady falling to her knees, holding her chest. He gets nervous and runs off. It starts to thunder as the rain begins to fall.

~Chapter 1~

TRAGEDY HITS HOME

1:30 am

I came as soon as I heard, Zhane came in crying. She walked through her grandmother Nana’s (Her name is Trish but everyone calls her Nana) front door, as her brother-n-law Aaron let her in. Everyone is in the family room. Zhane walked into the family room. Nana was sitting in the recliner, rocking and crying. Shellie, Zhane’s mother, was sitting on the floor in the corner with her eyes closed, crying out, Daddy! Nemi, Zhane’s sister, was at the bar talking to Zhane’s other sister, Re-Re, who was taking a Tylenol. I can’t be around this! It is making me crazy, said Nemi, as she got up and grabbed her keys. Re-Re walked over to her mom and sat beside her, holding her as she was once held in the same way. Nemi looked around the room and tried to make sense of the situation. I need some air. Nemi went outside and sat on the porch. She pulled out her cigar, filled with marijuana, and lit it. As the smoke filled the air, she closed her eyes, and tears ran down her face. Pops, why now…?

. . . Missy opened her eyes, refocusing on where she was. Looking around the room, she realized that she was in the bathroom. Towels and fixtures were thrown everywhere and the most awful realization came back. Her grandmother, Laura, was gone. Her eyes begin to fill up and tears began to flow again. Then, there was a knock at the door. Ye-Yes, Missy got up and looked in the mirror at her puffed face, from crying. Baby girl, it’s your Uncle Latrell. Your mom sent me over to get you and the kids. She really needs you. Are you ok? Latrell was cut off by the door opening and Missy hugging her uncle, while crying.

10:30am

Charlotte’s House

The doorbell rang and startled Charles, Sr., as he was pouring coffee. I’ll get it! Deenah, the oldest daughter went to the door. When she opened the door, there were two detectives standing there with notepads. Is this Charlotte Rogers’ house, daughter of Laura Waters? Charlotte’s daughter replied, Yes, and I am Charlotte’s daughter. May I help you? We need to speak with her and give an update, detectives explained. Well she is asleep and… Deenah was cut off by her dad stepping in the doorway. I am Charlotte’s husband. What is the update? We don’t have any, said the detectives. Well, come back when you do, and don’t waste our time. Charles closed the door. They walked to the kitchen to find Charlotte fixing breakfast. Good morning, Charlotte smiled briefly. Mom, are you okay? asked Charlotte. I know that mama would want me to get back to normal. I need to go and see about my best friend. Deenah, I need you take this food next door to her and I will be over in a few minutes. Charles do you think you can go with me next door to Trish’s? Where are Missy and the kids? She went to get Nate from the airport and the children are across the street with Cousin Cameron. Ge’onne rode with Missy to the Airport. Deenah left out of the side door to go over to Nana’s.

Next Door

Trish’s House

Soft music was playing, while Re-Re was making calls to relatives. Nemi was in the kitchen cooking, while Zhane was trying to study for a test. Shellie was on her cell phone, out on the patio, talking to her husband, Cuban. He was stationed in Sudan. Nana came down the steps collecting her thoughts when the bell rang. She opened the door to Charles and Charlotte standing there. Charlotte was in her bathrobe, hair wild as usual, shades covering her eyes, chewing gum. Charles was casually dressed with a book in his hand. Charlotte and Charles walked in, closing the door. Charles walked off leaving Nana and Charlotte to themselves. Charlotte started to well up when Nana removed her shades and looked her in the eyes.

Char, you have been my best friend and we have been through a lot. We have to get it together, okay? It hurts, but our family needs us. We are the glue that holds them together, so we need to help each other, okay? Charlotte looking at Nana, You’re so right. Now you can you help me to some Vodka and orange juice. Nana requested. It is too early for that. Will a Mimosa do? asked Charlotte. That will do. I have to go to the funeral home at 1:30 Nana replied. Same here… I need to talk to you about something. They went into the office and shut the door . . .

. . . At Midway Airport, Missy and Ge’onne were waiting at the gate, as the passengers were coming out. You look so tired Missy. Ge’onne noticed the bags under Missy’s eyes. I couldn’t sleep. Have you talked to Nate? No. He doesn’t know and nobody was able to reach him. So, you have to break it to him? Yeah. Missy was pacing the floor, as Nate walked through. Ge’onne smiled. Look, the Mr. Flight Attendant… Yeah. Missy looked at her husband Nate, tall and slim, with brown skin. Missy looked at her husband as he walked up to her. Hey baby. Nate put down his bag and they hugged and kissed. He-Hey. Ge’onne walked off to go and get the car. I am glad you came because I am exhausted and need to get some rest in your arms. Nate picked up his bag and they started to walk as Missy tried to figure out how to tell him.

Honey, I need to tell you something, said Missy, with a nervous tone. Nate, with irritation, Tell me, while we are walking through these doors. Oh wow! The car is right here! Nate put his bag in the trunk. Missy, with an attitude, Nate… What is it baby? Nate asked in restless response. I need to tell you something seriously. Missy had her back to him, tears coming down her face. Tell me, so we can go. Nate got a little agitated and walked in front of her. His frustration turned to worry. Last night, there was a robbery. My grandmother and your grandfather… Don’t say it! Nate looked fearful. Baby, they are gone! Missy broke down crying. Nate helped her into the car with him, and Ge’onne pulled off . . .

Later that evening both immediate families gathered at Nana’s house to discuss the arrangements made earlier. We decided to have the funerals together, since we are all family. Nana looked around at everyone. Besides, two funerals are too much. Do you all agree? Charlotte looked around as well. Everyone nodded in agreement, except for Gerald, Laura’s husband, who belched loudly. Excuse me. Can I get a refill? Gerald got up and stumbled out the room. Latrell got up to go and see about him. Dad, you need to slow down on the drinks. Nana continued giving details. The funeral is Saturday at 11am, three days from now. So, now that we are done with this, I cooked so you all can eat. Nana walked out of the living room and went up the stairs, as everyone else went their ways.

Mom, when are C.J and Trinah coming in? asked Missy. Tomorrow, Deenah is going to pick them up from the airport. How are you doing? We haven’t had time to talk. Charlotte patted on the seat next to her, and Missy sat down. I really have not dealt with it. I have cried, but it is not helping me. Missy replied. You will get through it, I am… said Charlotte. I am about to go home and try to get some sleep. You and Nate need to rest. You two look like zombies, said Charlotte. I know."

…Upstairs, Nana was in her room, sitting on her bed. She got up and walked over to the dresser, looking at Reggie’s side. She picked up his cuff links, running her fingers across his initials engraved in gold. She picked up his cologne and sprayed it, letting the smell engulf her. She thought about his smile and the way he would talk to her that made her laugh. Suddenly a flash of his face at the scene of the accident caused tears to