Upon Love, Lies, & Deception

By Tiafia Morrison-McMillan

Casey tries to balance her life as she stumbles through her trials and tribulations. She loves wholeheartedly and tries to give her all as she realizes the lies, and deceit have her wondering if it's all worth it. Based on true events.

 

To give up is to quit, to quit is to give up. Giving up is unacceptable.

To protect the identity of the characters, names have been changed.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tiafia McMillan
• Release date: Jun 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223507468

Tiafia Morrison-McMillan

Tiafia is a New Jersey native, born and raised in Paterson, NJ. She's done volunteered community activities at; Oasis a Women and children shelter, Habitat for Humanities, Children and Family Services to name a few. She is a Certified Notary Signing Agent, Founder of Liiyonhearted Apparel, and has now become an author. Her goal is to continue to grow forward while helping others to fulfill their goals. Life is what you make of it, make it a good one.

Book preview

Chapter One

On a beautiful sunny day during the spring of 1993, all seemed well. Graduation day was a year and two months away, whereas eighth-grade prom was just two months before the Graduation Day. Finally, the bell rang, bringing the school day to an end! As we were walking out of the class, I turned to my bestie Janell ⎯ a chubby pretty girl, African American half Indian with smooth brown skin, 5'3 height, brown eyes, black long hair ⎯ you can tell she was a mixture of Nationalities. I’ll meet you outside, I need to submit this form to the guidance office, I told her. Ok, but don’t take forever please, you know my mom is watching my time, she replied worriedly /anxiously. I ran to drop off the form to my guidance counsellor but noticed that the office door was closed. I turned to the secretary, Is Mrs. Weiss still here?  No, she’s already gone for the day. Is that your application for high school? Yes, ma’am, well part of it, she has the application. This is just the essay she needed from me. The secretary responded it was ok and to just put it in her mailbox and she’ll get it in the morning. I did just that and dashed out of the door to meet Janell and my special close friend. When I arrived outside, I saw Janell standing there by herself. So, I paused to look around. Janell chuckled, You know, you can’t expect him to get here every day to walk you home! Let me find out – he got you open and spoiled. Now that’s funny, Casey said sucking her teeth. Whatever! Let’s just go. Janell and I walked about a block and suddenly, I felt hands over my eyes from behind me. Casey replied holding those hands, Is that my buster? Noah giggled. The one and only, unless there is another?! I turned to look at Noah and said firmly, There could never be another. Noah threw his arms around me and gripped me with a big hug. Casey asked, What took you so long? I’m used to, you waiting for me in the playground when I come out. Janell taunted softly, You have spoiled her. Casey murmured, On onnn... don’t hate. I had to take care of some last-minute things at school. I’m sorry. I wasn’t here on time, but didn’t mean to upset my Babs, Noah said, throwing his arms around me and giving me a kiss on my cheek. Casey smiled and said, I’m cool. I’m not upset anymore. Janell mockingly said, Oh, are you feeling better now because the look you had on your face when you came out of the building and didn’t see him was priceless? Dang, I wished I had a camera for that moment. So, when we grow old, we can look back at that pic. We laughed and continued walking toward home. Noah and I have been dating for 10 months, now. We met through a mutual friend, and it was love at first sight. Noah is a freshman at Eastside High School. He’s about 6'5, slim, light skin with brown eyes, low cut black hair and very handsome. Females loved him, which was one of the issues I struggled with. I always had a confrontation with other girls’ disrespect, but Noah would always put them in their place before I did, which was one of the ways he showed his love for me. Noah walked ahead as we approached Janell’s house. Her mom was on the porch. Hi, Miss Hall! Hello Casey, said Miss Hall. Casey looked towards Janell and said, Nell, are you coming out later......after homework of course? Yeah, I’ll be out. I’ll meet you by Rosa Parks High School at 6 p.m. Immediately Janell confirmed. Miss Hall said declaring, Not if your homework and chores aren’t done. Janell interrupted, Oh Ma, I’ll have them both done. Ok, see you later. Bye miss Hall. Bye Casey.  Noah and I continued to walk. It was 3:20 p.m. and I knew my aunt would also be watching my time. So, I knew I had to put some pep in my steps. Noah holding my hands said jokingly, Can you slow down a little, you are only 3 blocks away from home! I’m sure you will make it home in time to avoid an ass whipping. Casey grinned and answered, An ass whipping is not what I’m afraid of. If I’m late then I’ll be grounded for at least 3 weeks, meaning I won’t see you until then and we both know I just got off from being grounded. Noah teased Casey and said, Getting grounded seems to be your specialty. What? exclaimed Casey. Oh, you have some nerve Mr. Crawford, being that I’m always grounded because of you. Noah giggled, Me? Casey said, Uhm, yesss, you keep me out past curfew and then have to sneak around to see me. I know, but I love spending time with my pickle pig feet princess! I can’t help it. I don’t want to leave you. Noah grabs me and pulls me close to him. Noah lovingly said, I love you; Casey and I don’t ever want anything to happen to you. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I love looking into your chinky eyes and rubbing my hands down your beautiful chocolate flawless skin. I don’t want you to ever have to get into a fight with these girls and mess up your pretty face, because it’s not worth it. These girls see what you have, and they want it too, that’s all that is. Casey chimed in blushing, Yeah, well the feeling better, not ever be mutual on your end. You know my feelings for you are the same and I don’t want anything to ever happen to you either. I don’t know how far we will get in this relationship, but what I do know is I’m going to be grounded if I don’t get my ass back home now. Noah grins and we both continue walking. We arrived at the corner of my house. Noah kisses me on the cheek, and I dash off running across the street to my house. I get to the front door and look down at my watch and notice that I’ve reached home in the nick of time. I rang the doorbell, and my sister Mya opens the door. Mya is 17 years (3 years older than me) and is a junior at Passaic County Technical High School. She is 5'4, slim with a little bit of a booty, more than what I have, but my petite frame out shapes hers. Hey, I see you made it home just in time. Aww what happened, Noah didn’t walk the baby home from school today? Mya teased me with a wink of eye.  For your information he did, I replied teasing and mimicking her and continued, Where’s Aunt Alice? Mya replied, In her skin! When she jumps out, you jump in! Ah... ah... ah... ah..., I’m so funny. Casey responds mumbling, You are so stupid. The doorbell rings and I run to the door to open it. Mya pushes me out of the way. Casey warns Mya, Don’t push me, and pushes her back. Mya while moving toward the door says hurriedly, It ain’t nobody for you. Miss, you’re not supposed to have a boyfriend until you are 16. The doorbell rings again. Aunt Alice yelling from the other room, Who’s at the front door? It’s for me Aunt Alice. Its Jason, Mya replied and continued, I’m leaving to go to the movies. Casey asks, On a school night?! Uhhh yeah...he is my boyfriend. Mya answers to Casey while grabbing her jacket and taunts Casey laughing as she leaves out the door, Something you can’t have right now. I grab the door before it closes and yell out, I have one anyway. Mya yells back, At least, I don’t have to sneak to see mines. I slam the door hard with an attitude and not realizing that my uncle was standing behind me. Liam, my uncle screams, Girl, what’s wrong with you? Slamming my door like you’re crazy! Sorry Uncle Liam. I responded quietly. Liam added, Your Aunt Alice wants you. I walked through the house looking for Aunt Alice and I find her in her bedroom folding laundry. Before you go back outside, make sure you touch up the bathroom. It is your week, isn’t it? Aunt Alice remined me. Yes, I nodded and walked away towards the bathroom to start my cleaning. I hated cleaning the bathroom. The kitchen was more suitable for me because it didn’t involve me sticking my hands down the toilet bowl to clean it. Aunt Alice didn’t believe in the toilet brush! (She was born in the 1940’s, so I couldn’t use that even if we had one.) The time was 4:15 p.m. and I knew I had to meet Janell and Noah at Rosa Parks High at 6 p.m. So, I still had time for homework too. As I’m cleaning the bathroom, Alexis walks in doing the pee dance. She stands over me – light skinned, about 5'5, half African American and Italian with brown hair and brown eyes and a thick shape with some curves. Hurry up, I have to go. Okay, give me a minute just let me get the rest of the Ajax off the toilet. I can’t wait I’m going to pee on myself.  Hurry uuuup! Ok, ok I’m almost done; I’m trying to clean it as fast as I can. Aw! Hell no! I’m going to explode, move out of the way. Alexis screams. Ewe, don’t sit on the Ajax! I yell back. Alexis taking the position to pee. I know how to squat. Now all I need is some privacy, do you mind? I left out of the bathroom and shut the door behind me. I yelled, Hey, make sure you flush. Alexis shouted back, I do have home training, you know. After 5 minutes Alexis comes out of the bathroom and sighs in relaxation, I feel so much better, you can finish up now. Hey, are you meeting Noah and Janell at the spot? The spot? I questioned. Yea the spot, where we always hang out at. Oh! Rosa Parks? Well, where else did you think I meant? We don’t hang out anywhere else. Yea they (Janell and Noah) are supposed to meet me at 6, but I still have homework to do before I go. Well how much homework do you have? I have some Math to do, but just the odd numbers. Well how many problems? I don’t know, like maybe 20. Oh, that shouldn’t take you long. Well, I’m going to run home, change my clothes, let my mom see my face and then I’ll be back about 5:30. Casey says smiling at Alexis, Wait a minute! What? says Alexis. Casey continues, Girl who you think you are fooling? You’re coming to hang out because Bobby will be there. You are so predictable like Janell; she’s going to be there because of Abdul. I knew you’d come around after meeting him the other day. Aunt Alice inquires, Alexis dear, who did you meet? Alexis replies casually, Oh! Hi grandma, nobody. I was just telling Casey that I wanted to meet the New Kids on The Block. The new kids on the who? On the block grandma. Aunt Alice nods, Oh! That’s that group Casey ran up my phone bill calling that 1-900 number. Yea, I haven’t forgotten; you still owe me your allowance. Are you still cleaning the bathroom? I see that the light is still on, which means you are running up the light bill. Alexis says kissing Aunt Alice on her cheek, Grandma, I’ll be back. I gotta run home really quick. Aunt Alice reminds her, Tell your mother, I to call me. Okay. As Alexis replies as she runs quickly out the door. I hurried to finish the bathroom and started on my homework. I was done at 6 p.m., on the dot. I ran to look outside and across the street. I could see Noah, Bobbie and Abdul patiently waiting on the steps of Rosa Parks High. I needed to get freshened up without changing my cloths since it would make Aunt Alice suspicious. So, I quickly brushed my teeth and threw on some body spray.  The time was 10 after 6, and I was late but didn’t care since the school was diagonally across the street from me. I just wanted to wait for Janell and Alexis. I was kind of nervous to show up alone. About 5 minutes later, there was a light knock at the door. I opened it and there was Janell standing there. She had changed her clothes! Casey says with a surprise, You changed your clothes too! Aw man, I’m going to be the only one chilling in today’s all-day outfit! Uggh, I’m starting to feel dirty now. Janell whispered, Well why didn’t you change? I didn’t want to give Aunt Alice any suspicions. All you had to do was tell her you wasted juice or something on yourself. Jeez Louise, never mind. I forgot you can’t lie to save your life. So, are you going to change?  Well, I guess it doesn’t matter now, we might as well go on. While walking out the door and we ran into Janell. Alexis scoffs, Dang, I’m thinking y’all are already up at the school until I hear Noah yell at me to hurry our asses up. Janell says teasingly, Casey couldn’t decide whether she wanted to change her clothes. Alexis laughs and continues to tease, Casey can’t change her cloths without grandma noticing? Besides, we both know that she can’t lie to save her life. Noah taunted, Well damn! You live right across the street from the school. What took you so long? Casey smiled, I had to wait for Janell; she wanted me to fix her shirt. Janell shakes her head with a grin on her face. Abdul joins the conversation, I like it. I think it’s gorgeous and it matches your complexion perfectly. Thank you. Janell said and was blushing by then. Bobby also joins in, I like your outfit, Alexis. It brings out your eyes. Alexis chuckled, My outfit is pink and white and my eyes are dark brown, not sure how it brings out my eyes but thanks for the compliment.  We all sat down on the steps and talked, laughed, and even play fought with one another. It was almost 8 p.m. and the streetlights would be on soon. So, I decided that Noah and I would step off to another part of the school to have some alone time. We walked around to the side of the school, which we called our spot. Noah stood against the wall while I stood posted up against him with my back facing his chest. Noah whispered, At last some alone time. Streetlights will be on soon, so we need to make the best of this moment. You say that like we’re not going to see each other after tonight. Noah continues, Well I figured since you’re stubborn, you’re not going to make curfew and end up grounded, you know.... your specialty. I playfully lightly gave him a blow to the gut with my elbow. Well dang, where’s the faith? Do you want me grounded or something? Of course not, don’t worry I’ll make sure you get across the street on time. Okay, I said sheepishly. Noah further continuing our conversation. Hey, can I ask you something? Sure. How did you end up living with your Aunt Alice? I let out this long sigh and remained quiet for about 8 seconds before I spoke. If you don’t want to talk about it that’s fine, I won’t force you. It’s’ just, I’ve always wondered about your real mother since you never talk about her. No, it’s ok. I guess I never really spoke of her because, it sort of hurts, a lot. How so? My mom is a diabetic, she has been for years now. One day she had a stroke and it left her not being able to walk or talk. Doctors told Aunt Alice if they operated, she would be a total vegetable, so, Aunt Alice told the doctor not to operate. Although she can’t speak, she is able to somewhat write what she is trying to say, or she sometimes point to things. Noah sighed, I’m so sorry to hear that, where is she?  She’s in Preakness Healthcare Center. She’s been in that nursing home ever since I was a baby. My mom had 3 girls: Sharon, Mya, and me. No boys. Sharon was strung out on drugs and she let the streets get the best of her. After she signed my mom in the nursing home, she would leave Mya my nephew Rodney and I home alone in filth. Neighbors realized that and told Aunt Alice. I was 9 months old and Mya was 3 when Aunt Alice took us in. Rodney soon came later when Sharon decided she didn’t want to be a mother. She dropped Rodney off one day and told Aunt Alice she would be back for him and never came back. She hasn’t even been back to see her own mother after putting her in the nursing home. Where is Sharon now? Noah inquired. She resides in North Carolina with her husband and daughter, who both suffer from schizophrenia. Noah replied with exasperation, I can’t see myself putting my mom in a nursing home and never coming back to see her, that’s crazy. Casey says, Well I don’t know what her feelings are so I can’t speak on them. However, I do think it’s a selfish act on her part. All I know is I love going to see mommy, whether it’s my dad or Aunt Alice and Uncle Liam who takes me to see her. I go see her every Sunday or sometimes every other Sunday after church. So, wait a minute, your Aunt Alice has 5 children of her own and she’s raising her sister’s children, too? Noah questioned. That’s correct. Replied Casey. Noah appreciating it and says, Wow she’s a strong and kindhearted woman. Casey nods, Yes she is. Its 8:15 p.m. and one of the streetlights popped on. I can hear Janell and Alexis shouting my name. I jumped up and gave Noah a kiss and a quick hug, Got to go, love you and ran toward Janell and Alexis. Janell hurriedly said, That Street light is on, and you know what that means so I have to go, I will see you tomorrow morning at (running off then turned to say) my house. Casey asking looking confused, Why at your house? Alexis will fill you in, and I’ll let Noah know as I’m running past him. I turned to look at Alexis, What is she talking about? Meet at her house in the morning! Alexis says in hurry, I have to get home before the lights come on. She takes off running, Oh and the six of us are playing hooky tomorrow and meeting at Janell’s. So, get up as if you are actually going to school, see ya in the morning. I took off running across the street by this time all the streetlights were on. I got to the front door just as Mya did. Mya says, Damn! It’s a shame you can’t never be on time for curfew. The pole lights just came on so I’m on time. I’m waiting for you to open the door with your key so I can get in. Mya continues, I don’t have my key, so we’re going to have to ring the bell. Wait! If you ring the bell aunt Alice is going to know I’m late. Exactly! Teach your ass to be on time, then again....no it won’t. (Mya proceeds to ring the bell) No! Don’t ring it. Then how the hell are we going to get in the house? I have an idea. I reached in my hair and pulled out a hair pin. What are you going to do with that? I’m going to open the door with it. That is not going to work. I wiggled the hair pin inside the doorknob and turned it to the right and the door opened. We went in as if we were both on time. Mya was completely surprised, What the hell......! Have you done this before? No never! She knew I was lying. Yes, you have because it looked too easy for you. We walked in the house and saw Uncle Liam lying on the sofa in fat bastard mode because he looked like he ate all he could. Uncle Liam, Hey sticky come get your Uncle Liam a glass of water. I’m too tired to get up. Your Aunt Alice stuffed me with her cooking. Sure, Uncle Liam. I grabbed his tall cup and walked over to the water cooler and filled up his cup and brought it back to him. The phone rings as I handed uncle his cup. I picked up the phone thinking I’d beat Aunt Alice to it, but I didn’t. We picked up the phone at the same time. Hello! Janell replied, Hey girl. Aunt Alice- Who is this? Aunt Alice, it’s for me it’s, Janell.  Well Janell knows damn well you don’t pay no phone bill around here, don’t’ you Janell? Yes Ma’am. Well, don’t be on my phone long, I’m expecting a phone call. Casey responds, Ok. I waited for Aunt Alice to hang up on the other end. Hello! Janell- I think she hung up. Hang on let me go make sure. I put the kitchen phone down and eased my way to Aunt Alice’s room to make sure she hung up the phone which she had. She hung up, so what’s this about we’re meeting at your house in the morning and why didn’t I get a vote in on this? Does it matter? You would have gone along with it anyway. So, what’s the plan? Is it the same as usual? Janell- Yup, but this time we will meet in Bobby’s basement then wait until 8:15 and go across the street to my house. By this time no one should be home. Casey- Are you sure that no one will be there, or no one is planning to come home from work early? Yes, I’m positive. Ok, cool with me, I’m sure Alexis already knows the details so no need to call her. Janell- Of course not! Cool, I’ll see you in the morning. Before I could hang up the phone the other end rings. Hello! I heard a whisper back saying Hello! So, I whispered back saying Heeellooooo? Suddenly, I hear I’m so glad you picked up the phone. I thought I was going to have to either hang up or pretend I was a salesperson, because I just knew your aunt would pick up the phone. I laughed after realizing it was Noah. For you to take this bold chance to call me, this must be important. Noah- I was calling to find out if you wanted to meet up in the morning before we all go over to Bobby’s. I’d like to take you to breakfast. Soooo, you want to take me to the corner store and get me a fifty-cent bagel and a dollar orange juice in the morning? Well, saying it like that makes it sound lame. I laughed, No it sounds very nice of you. So, is that a yes? Yes! I’ll meet you outside your house at 7:45. It’s best that I come to you because......Well you know my aunt. Noah says, No, I’ll meet you down the street from your house on 12th and 28th. Ok see you in the morning. After hanging up the phone with Noah, I realized Mya heard my conversation. I had no idea she was standing behind me. Oh great, I know you heard me on the phone, so what do I have to do for you not to open your big mouth? Well, I’m going to need for you to clean the kitchen for the rest of the week. I already have the bathroom this week, and besides it will make Aunt Alice suspicious. She’s going to want to know why I’m cleaning the kitchen when it’s not my week. Oh, I’m sure you’ll think of something to tell her, chow for now. Oh, and don’t go to bed and leave those dishes in the sink. I turned and walked over to the sink and began washing the dishes. The next morning, I awoke anxiously to get ready for the day. I knew I had to play it smooth as I always do when playing hooky. I left the house to meet up with Noah as planned. On my way, I ran into a couple of classmates who waved and gestured, See you in class. I waved back and kept walking and just a few feet in front of me was Noah standing on the corner of 12th Ave and East 28th Street. We greeted with our usual hug and kiss. I saw you wave to your classmates. What do you think they would say when they don’t see you in class?  I replied, I don’t know, but I doubt they would let the teacher know – I cut. Are you sure? Nope not at all, but I can’t let that ruin cut my day. We continued to walk until we stopped at a convenience store. As I went to step into the store Noah blocked me. What, I thought we were getting breakfast?  We are but not from here, follow me. Noah grabbed my hand and guided me down the street about two blocks and we crossed the highway of route 20 to walk to Burger King. We went in and grabbed a table. I figured this would be a little more romantic and we have more of a variety of breakfast. I smiled, Wow, this is romantic, thank you. I had a Kool-Aid smile – wider than the Atlantic Ocean across my face. This shouldn’t have come as a shock to me since Noah is the most generous, loving, respectful and the most handsome guy I’ve ever met. He has won over my entire heart, and he doesn’t even know it yet. I think I’m in love. So, what would you like for breakfast? I’ll go up with you and order. Don’t worry I got this; I can order. Well ok, I’ll take an order of French toast, and an orange juice. That’s it?, Noah asked. Yea, lucky for you I don’t eat a lot.  I sat patiently waiting while Noah ordered. He came back with a tray of food and I noticed he has a big appetite. Wow, you’re really hungry this morning, huh? What did you do, go to bed without dinner last night? No, I ate dinner last night, I just eat big. You’ll see after a while of going out to eat that I’m also picky about my food.  Casey said, So there’s going to be more outings like this? If it’s ok with you. Sure, I kind of like this, I like it a lot.  We both smiled. So, Mr. Crawford what are we going to get into today at Janell’s? I’m looking to just have some fun, relax, and spend time with you. I...... You what? Casey, I’m just going to come out and say it. Say what? I don’t know what this is exactly that I’m feeling but whatever it is I like it. Part of me is very happy but the other part is a little nervous or maybe even a little scared. Of what? Of you not feeling the same way I feel. Noah baby, I’m not understanding what you’re trying to tell me. Casey, I’m in love with you. I damn near chocked on my orange juice. I was feeling the same way, but I didn’t want to let him know it, so I answered back, I know, I see it. I can tell he wasn’t satisfied with that answer, but he went with it. We continued to eat, talk, and laugh until it was time to meet up with Janell and the others. The time was 8 a.m. and Noah and I decided to start making our way towards Janell’s house. We walked out of Burger King with full stomachs and ready to enjoy the day. As we got closer to Janell’s house I started to feel as if something was wrong. I looked at my watch and noticed that it was 8:30. I knew Janell said her mom was the last to leave for work and she normally leaves around 8:15. So I knew she wouldn’t be there. As Noah and I turned the corner Ms. Hall was coming down the steps to leave. We ducked back and hid in the corner store until she drove away in her car. Noah, Damn that was close. I wonder where Janell is if her mom is just leaving the house. Well, I spoke with her last night right before you called, and she asked to meet at Bobby’s basement at 8:15. Oh, ok well then let’s go knock on Bobby’s door. We