Separate Ways

By Eric L. Brown

Weddings are unique gatherings where people come together to witness marriage and celebrate what it symbolizes. Wedding guests come as they are and as who they are. It's also a time when the present meets the past, and the futures awaits everyone.

Separate Ways walks the reader down the aisle of a union while visiting the separate lives of others at the wedding. Through vivid storytelling, you will gain an intimate familiarity with each character, whether you love them or want to hate them. It's amazing how connected couples can be yet live lives in such separate ways.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781636923338

Book preview

cover.jpg

Separate Ways

Eric L. Brown

Copyright © 2021 Eric L. Brown

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2021

ISBN 978-1-63692-332-1 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-63692-333-8 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Also by Eric L. Brown

Rising Reign

Return

Author’s Note

So late in life, we realize that a relationship can only work when the partners are evenly yoked. Through reading and experience, I have developed a theory about why we grasp this concept so late in life. First of all, since our society has developed such a freewill attitude, we suffer tons of repercussions. We find answers late in life because of our inability to apply lessons already learned from previous generations.

I have had the privilege and honor of being raised by and having strong women in my life. First, there is my grandmother, who is from the old-school generation. They were strict in their teachings and discipline, but they were well grounded with Christ’s teachings. Secondly, there is my mother, who is from the baby boomer generation. The baby boomer generation was a more lenient one that allowed more free will. Third, I have three sisters who are from my generation, Generation X. Generation X is one that is left with the arduous task of rebuilding faith.

I have been blessed to experience all three of these very different generations. I received morals and discipline from the old generation. I received the freedom to choose and make my own decisions from the baby boomer generation. I have also learned about my generation, which is one that was lost but is making a recovery. Though I have made many mistakes, I have learned from them and try not to repeat them.

Prelude

What is love? How do I know if I fell in love with the right person? Is love all that you need to make a marriage work? These families are so far apart from each other, yet so close, in asking these questions. They all find out that there are problems associated with seeking mates according to our own will. I guess the ultimate question is, how do I find out how to make a relationship work? The answer is an obvious one.

1

Tamar opened the white-wood-and-glass doors overlooking the composed Atlantic Ocean. Oh, what a perfect day for a wedding, she thought to herself as her day of union had finally arrived. It was a hot mid-June afternoon in Virginia, and the wedding of David and Tamar was just several hours away. All the effort and hard work were about to be rewarded. Tamar elegantly walked in from the balcony and sat at the vanity as her mother, Rachel, tended to her needs. Because tension was high, a host of bridesmaids and family stood in the room and gave all their support to the bride.

Oh, baby. You look beautiful. My baby is getting married. I am so proud of you, dear. David is a good man, and I want you to know that I never doubted your decision to marry him.

Mom, do you really mean that? Tamar asked, her eyes swollen from accumulating tears.

Yes, I do.

Tamar looked through the vanity mirror and turned toward her mother, who was a very young-looking older woman. Her face lit up and a smile shone as she carefully stood up to give her mother a loving embrace. She was always proud of her mother’s beauty and graceful ways. Normally people made the mistake of calling them sisters because of how much they resembled each other. And on Tamar’s most treasured day, the two women were shining with the beauty of the seraphs. Mrs. Taylor stared at Tamar with pride in her lemon-shaped eyes, letting her know how much she loved her.

Mom, I always thought that you didn’t really like David. Hearing you say that you’re happy about this wedding makes me… Tamar sobbed with joy as her makeup began to run.

Baby, don’t cry. You’ll mess up your face, Rachel responded, pulling out her handkerchief to dab Tamar’s tears away. Honey, I never questioned your judgment. I just wanted you to see that all decisions in life have to be made with God’s approval. Sweetheart, I know that I had you at an old age. I also know that you may have missed out on a lot of fun because your father and I were so strict. But we did our very best to make you the best person that you could be. We see that David is no fool. But it just took time for us to let go of you. That is how much we love you, dear. David will give you all of the love that you deserve. Rachel stared into her daughter’s eyes and began to release both her tears and Tamar.

Here, Mom. Okay, we can’t both be crying.

Lisa, the matron of honor and Tamar’s best friend, walked into the private room of the church where the women of the wedding were gathered. Highly energized was a perfect way to describe Lisa’s personality, and her extravagant style of makeup and hair reflected the way that her mind operated. Tamar had always admired her friend’s zestful lifestyle and beauty but could never adopt her ways. While Tamar was strictly conservative, Lisa lived on the borderline of a radical mindset. And it took her quite some time to develop her character from a studious, quiet person to one who was very outspoken. So over time, Lisa transformed her look from plain to flamboyant and stylistic. Her mindset caused a lot of tension for Mrs. Taylor, who initially viewed Lisa as trouble. But she managed to soften Tamar’s mother’s heart throughout the years and turned out to inherit the role of her second daughter. They greeted one another with a tender embrace and limitless smiles.

Hello, everybody. Are we ready to get this party started? Hey, Mom, do we need anything else? asked Lisa as she aggressively modeled her dress.

No, Lisa. I think we have everything covered.

Lisa strolled over to Mrs. Taylor again and kissed her gently on the cheek. Mom, that is for being such a good mother. Tamar, I am so excited that you are marrying David. I knew that you two would be husband and wife. Would you all like to hear the story of how Tamar met David?

Lisa proudly stood behind her friend and began to reminisce about how Tamar met her soon-to-be husband. As she spoke, Sherry, Robin, Tenisha, and Angie gathered around Mrs. Taylor and Tamar. And at that moment, Tamar transformed into a truly blushing bride.

Tamar and I were setting up for a meeting with an advertisement executive. This was two years ago today. Everything was going well until we got news that our films weren’t delivered. Mom, you should have seen how nervous and confused Tamar and I were. Tamar was actually going to leave the office and go home. I said, ‘Girl, you aren’t going anywhere. You definitely aren’t leaving me here by myself.’ Mom, Tamar was really going to leave me. I couldn’t believe it.

Tamar smiled and laughed aloud as she covered her mouth.

Lisa.

Oh, you laugh about it now. Tamar, that wasn’t funny.

Lisa, I wasn’t going to leave. I was just going to take a break. Your facial expression had me in tears. We were a mess that day. It’s funny now that I think about it.

Anyway, our meeting was about to start, and we didn’t know what we were going to do. Mr. Tinsely, our dry advertisement executive, walked in with his old grumpy self and sat down. I was about to close the door when his assistant grabbed it and walked in.

Tamar continued to smile and then joined explaining the story. Lisa elbowed me and pointed at him with her eyes.

Yeah, I knew that he would be the man for you. You passed up a lot of good men in the past, but I knew that David would be the man for you.

Oh, tell them how the meeting went, Tamar said as she waved her hand at Lisa.

After sweating and trying to delay the meeting as long as possible, I told Mr. Tinsely that our films hadn’t arrived yet. That mean old man stood up and was about to walk out of the office.

Well, that’s rude, Mrs. Taylor reacted.

Tell me about it, Mom.

That’s not the end, though, said Lisa. That handsome man who was assisting Mr. Tinsely stood up and said, ‘Wait, Mr. Tinsely. I’m sure that these two young ladies can still describe their ad. We can visualize the descriptions.’ I looked at Tamar, Tamar looked at me, and we both shrugged our shoulders.

Lisa, I didn’t have a clue about what to do. I always thanked God for your quick-thinking mind.

Then what happened? Tamar’s niece, Tenisha, asked.

Well, after our presentation, Mr. Tinsely got up and walked out of the office.

Oh, I’ll bet you felt terrible, said Mrs. Taylor.

We did at first, but later on that day, David called and said that Mr. Tinsely approved the ad. After that, Tamar and David… The story was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Mr. Taylor, Tamar’s father, walked in and greeted the ladies with a firm smile. He was a well-groomed man who exuded an air of pride and a subtle hint of stubbornness. His tall and heavy stature was intimidating to most people who didn’t know him. They would just assume that because of his size and his shiny baldhead that he was a mean person. But the only three people who knew the soft spots in his heart were Tamar, Mrs. Taylor, and, of course, Lisa.

Ladies, ladies, it is time, he whispered as he glanced at his daughter. Honey, you look beautiful.

Thank you, Daddy.

Lisa leaped to her feet and eagerly pulled out her list of commands. Okay, we all know what we’re doing, right? Okay, Tamar, are you ready to get married? I love you, girl.

Tamar quivered with nervousness as her time had arrived. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, a cool breeze merged with the warm air and opened her mind to a deceiving thought of doubt. She was secure and assured that David loved her with all of his heart and soul, but she suddenly wasn’t sure that she was woman enough to be the bride and wife that he deserved. With illusions of inadequacy filling her head, Tamar folded her hands together in her lap, downhearted. She squeezed her eyes shut and cringed as the pain shuddered through her body. She hid the pain and shielded her face from everyone as they left the room to fulfill their assignments. Then, as the door swung shut, Tamar lifted her head, and Lisa caught a glimpse of her friend’s pain.

Tamar’s bridesmaids went to the vestibule, and Lisa rehearsed their roles with them as they patiently and eagerly watched the preliminary activities. Mr. Taylor elegantly escorted his loving wife of forty years to her special seat in the front pew of the church. The pride and joy on their faces gleamed as the assembly of guests stared at them with admiration. Mr. Taylor gently assisted his wife to her seat, brushed her with a soft kiss, and proceeded to return to his baby girl. En route to his daughter, he winked at the exquisite party of angels wearing mauve dresses as they were lining up and growing more nervous. With a sparkle of pride in his eye, he kissed each one of the girls on the cheek.

Mr. Taylor and Lisa nervously entered the room where the bride was sitting and praying. As Lisa slowly approached her best friend, she saw an ample flow of painful tears falling from her eyes. That look was one that Lisa was quite familiar with, and she realized that she and Tamar needed a few minutes alone.

Lisa respectfully walked over to Mr. Taylor and held her hands together in a prayerful manner. Dad, I think that Tamar and I need a few minutes, she said as she pointed to her eyes and mimicked tears falling.

Oh. Oh. Okay, dear, he responded to Lisa with his mind receiving a dignified plan to exit. Then he walked over to his daughter and placed a tiny silk square on the vanity. This was your grandmother’s. I’ll be right outside. Mr. Taylor smiled as his eyes swelled with moisture. Then he cordially exited the room.

Lisa leisurely walked over to her best friend of twenty years and tried to muster up the correct words that would encourage Tamar. Tamar? How are you doing, girl? You’re feeling the jitters, aren’t you?

Tamar turned around and dabbed a tissue across her nose. Lisa, I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing. I was so sure about getting married, and then all of a sudden…

Listen. That happens to every bride before she gets married. It’s just nervousness. I know exactly how you are feeling right now. Don’t you remember having this conversation with me before my wedding?

Tamar frowned and sucked her lips as she stared at Lisa with a look of disbelief. Lisa, you were high on herbal tea. As a matter of fact, I had to calm you down from a different kind of jitters. So what are you talking about?

Oh, I forgot. But anyway, you know that that man loves you. And I have never seen you so happy before. He loves you for who you are, and that is enough. Tamar, do you remember how I used to fight you when you tried to get me to come to church with you? Girl, I fought you for years and years, but you just wouldn’t give up. I never thanked you for that. I probably wouldn’t have met Billy if I hadn’t finally given in. You changed my life by introducing me to God. Thank you. Now you need to trust that God has placed you and David together. I have never seen two people so evenly matched in my life. Sweetheart, you found yourself a good Christian man who loves you. And you make him so happy that it makes me nauseous at times. But you have found true love. God has you two in his plans for a great union. Trust him.

Do you believe that? Tamar asked her best friend whose opinion was very important to her.

Yes. Now come on. I’ve been waiting for this for years. Plus, we are looking too good to not go through with this now. Feeling slightly relieved, Tamar showed signs of a gentle smile when a giggle squeezed from her mouth.

Mr. Taylor gently tapped on the door and sneaked a quick look inside the room. He was a very punctual man, and it was extremely important to him that things occur on time. Tamar? How are you feeling, honey? he asked as he balled his hand and held it to his mouth, gently biting. I don’t mean to rush you or anything, but…

It’s okay, Mr. Taylor. She’s fine, Lisa assured him.

Relief was the only way to describe what his body felt after he rode the emotional roller coaster that his daughter put him on. Thank you, Lisa, he whispered as he pecked her on the cheek. Tamar, I am very proud of you. You know how special you are to me, don’t you?

Yes, Daddy.

You are my most cherished possession in this world, and I am at total peace with accepting my role in your life. This was a hard concept for me to grasp.

What do you mean, Daddy? Tamar asked curiously.

Sweetheart, my role is to step aside and become less while your husband steps up and becomes greater. He will be your new covering and protector. Now I know that I’m not losing you but gaining a son.

Tamar’s eyes lit up with a glow at the sound of her father’s feelings. She leaped into his arms and held him tightly. Oh, Daddy! Thank you so much for everything. I love you so much. You will always be the first man that I was in love with.

Mr. Taylor held his daughter tightly and remembered how long it had been since she had hugged him so sincerely. Tears tried to build up in the man’s eyes, but he wouldn’t allow them to form. Okay. Okay. Let’s get out there. Everyone is waiting, he said as he gave in to the tug-of-war with his emotions.

Oh, Daddy. I’m ready, Tamar said as she dabbed her father’s tear away.

2

The church pews and balconies, adorned with fresh and fragrant floral arrangements, were filled to capacity with a throng of family, friends, and guests. Soft musical tones flowed from the musicians as their brass and string instruments delighted the ears of all listeners. Sunlight accompanied the melodic sounds and beamed through the stained-glass windows of the church, shining onto all of the families and friends of the bride and groom. Everything just seemed to be working out as if God was continuously blessing the idea of the union of David and Tamar. With a crystal theme to it, the wedding was flowing with perfection for all eyes to see. But only God himself knew that different levels of love and peace existed and were present in his house.

Belinda, a close friend of Tamar’s, and Brian, Belinda’s boyfriend, arrived at the wedding just before the ceremony was to commence. As they took their seats, Brian’s phone rang. Quickly, he reached for it so that the noise wouldn’t disturb the gathering of wedding guests.

Hello? Brian whispered as he bent down to answer it.

Yo, man, what’s up? the voice hollered.

Drew, let me talk to you later. I’m at a wedding.

Come on, B. I need it by 3:00 p.m.

Let me call you back.

Belinda looked at Brian with a cold stare. Turn that off! she demanded. Can’t you stop for a few hours?

Brian hung up his phone and put it in his pocket. Why are you always tripping? I do it because we need money. I take care of you, don’t I?

I don’t need your money, Belinda argued.

Oh really?

Just shut up! she blurted out and scooted a few feet away from Brian, angling her back toward him.

Brian, disgusted by the argument, activated thoughts of why he was even at the wedding or, for that matter, with her. I don’t even know these people. They’re all her friends. He sat back and began to sulk in his misery for he knew that their relationship was dreadfully troubled and on a shaky foundation.

Suddenly, the music stopped, and the tones transitioned into a majestic resonance. The wedding ceremonial music rang out into the air, and all turned their heads toward the back of the church.

As the first bridesmaid proceeded to walk down the aisle, all of the wedding guests smiled at how beautiful she was. It was obvious that she was extremely nervous as her hands trembled and shook the floral arrangement that she was carrying. The white fragrant flowers were symbolic of the kind and soft heart of the bride. Just as the bridesmaid elegantly glided past the visitors, a single petal detached and floated to the floor of the church aisle, landing beside Brian’s foot.

Brian looked down at the flower petal, blinked, and turned to Belinda, whose attention was on the wedding procession. I love her, but I don’t think that we will ever get married. Immediately, Brian began to think back to when he met her. Man! he grunted as his mind scrolled through the past three years with Belinda. As he hesitantly looked at her, Brian recalled that warm August afternoon when he first saw her beauty.

*  *  *  *  *

Come on, Mike! The faster we do this, the sooner we can chill, Brian yelled to his new roommate as they moved furniture from a moving van. The two gentlemen had reserved that entire Friday to complete the task of moving. Friday was hot, and it was one of those humid mid-August days in Norfolk. Man, I know that we are stepping out after we get done, said Brian as he sat on the arm of his brand-new couch and thought about the evening’s events.

Brian was a very handsome fellow with a fair complexion and chiseled facial features. Life to him was always a challenge as he grew up and he was sort of resentful toward his family. His father had been in jail ever since Brian was a baby; his mother raised him, but she was rarely home. He tried school, but it was never of any importance to him as he found a faster way to accumulate money. With nothing but his charming good looks and nowhere to turn for advice, society held him hostage, and circumstances led him down the road of drug dealing.

Mike, how long do you think this will take us? Brian asked as he studied his platinum watch glimmering in the sunlight.

I don’t know, B, but we won’t get anywhere if you’re going to sit on the couch, Mike responded.

Mike, a skinny, brown-skinned guy, looked up to Brian and mimicked a lot of his gestures. After meeting him three years ago at a party a mutual friend was giving, he started selling drugs whenever Brian asked him to, but he refused to admit he was in it full-time. And even though their personalities and business dealings clashed at times, they were generally good friends.

All right. Are you ready?

Yeah. Let’s do it, Mike said as he hoisted his end of the couch.

Hold on, Superman. Okay, come on, Brian responded as he grabbed a firm hold of his end of the couch.

They carried the couch up the three flights of stairs and ran back down to retrieve more furniture. Things were moving pretty smoothly as the guys went up and down the stairs unloading the items. With about a third of the furniture already in the apartment, Mike made a time-saving suggestion.

B, why don’t we put the stuff in the rooms where they belong? We might as well get it over with now, you know?

As the heat of the day intensified, Brian removed his shirt, plopped down on the floor of the moving van, and assessed the situation that Mike had addressed. Mike jumped down from the truck and retrieved two cold bottles of water from the truck’s cabin.

Here, B.

Thanks.

Just as Brian raised the bottle to his lips, a group of females wearing very little clothing strutted past the moving van. Brian sat up and peered out at the tempting sight that the summer day brought about. With a renewed burst of energy, Brian leaped to his feet and firmly tapped Mike on his shoulder.

Mike, look at that! Woo! Who are they? Have you ever seen them before?

Nope. But they are pretty decent, Mike stated as sweat poured from his shirt.

Call them over here, Brian said.

You call them. Which one are you looking at?

Man, I’m looking at that one on the end, Brian declared with a lustful look in his eyes. Oh, I got to have her. With his eyes locked on to their target, Brian took a final sip from his water bottle and decided to shout at the girls before they got too far away. Hello, ladies.

Two of the four girls turned around and looked to see who was calling. But the one that Brian was interested in didn’t respond. So he called again.

Excuse me, he said as he jumped down from the truck and jogged over to the girls. Hi, my name is B. My roommate and I are new in the neighborhood and we were wondering if someone could show us around. Brian immediately focused all of his attention and energy toward the one girl who caught his eye. As the girl turned around to face him, he noticed that her miniature attitude disappeared as she stared at his chest. Hi, my name is Brian. What’s your name?

Why? asked the girl as she continued to gape at Brian’s chest. Belinda. My name is Belinda.

Brian stood silently and gawked at her creamy-almond skin tone. She was really into health and fitness and it was obvious by her well-maintained body. Belinda was attracted to Brian but gave him no indication that she had an interest. Her cold shoulder was a defense mechanism for her heart, which was buried because of life’s disappointments. Neither she nor Brian was interested in seeking a higher source for answers, and both had a philosophy about life that was designed for living for today as if tomorrow was a promise.

Belinda, what are you doing later this evening? Brian asked, feeling that he had to get to know her.

I don’t know, she responded with a slight attitude.

Belinda, come on before we are late, yelled one of her girlfriends.

Brian felt the pressure and made a final attempt to make a connection with the intriguing woman. Listen. Here is my cell phone number, he told her as he whipped out a pen from his back pocket. We don’t have our phone turned on yet. Why don’t you give me a call, and maybe we can hang out tonight? he said as he slipped her a tiny piece of paper. She couldn’t help but notice the sparkling, expensive watch on his wrist as he held out the paper.

Belinda looked at Brian and his charming ways and snatched the paper from his hand. She turned her back, walked a few feet away, and then gave him a stern look. You’d better answer your phone because I’m only calling one time, she avowed and walked away.

Mike stared at the entire dramatic scene and shook his head with disbelief as Brian turned toward him and smiled. Well? What happened?

Brian skipped back to the truck and leaped inside like a cat on a picket fence. I’m in. She’s going to call me tonight.

I don’t know, B. She seems out of your league. Girls like that are all about money.

Well, I got it, so why not use it, he replied, not knowing that Belinda would change his view on women, forever. Come on, Mike. We have to get finished. I’m meeting with my new baby tonight. Just as he spoke, his phone rang. Brian looked at Mike with a surprised look and assumed that Belinda was calling as a test. But it turned out to be a call concerning drop-offs and collections.

Brian instantly paced back and forth, delaying the moving assignment to finish his brief phone conversation. Immediately afterward, the young men continued with their task of unloading the truck.

Later that night, after arranging furniture into temporary