When It All Falls Apart: The Sequel

By Lawrence Etienne

In addition to examining the challenges of a tainted marriage, When It All Falls Apart... The Sequel, delves into how keeping the "Past" relevant in our lives can potentially cause problems in relationships. The turn of events in this entertaining novel will have you engulfed in the lives of each character and promises to leave you gasping for air. The sequel has several back stories and scenarios that will all lead to a day of reckoning.

Michael and Jasmine are trying to put the pieces of their marriage back together. While they physically appear to be as one, they soon realize they are actually drifting apart. Michael is beginning to second guess his decision to forgive his wife and his resentment becomes more apparent. He usually operates under the direct counsel of God. However, in efforts to process the pain of his wife's adultery, he decides to take his future into his own hands. Will he overcome his internal conflict that is tirelessly working to convince him to abandon his covenant with God and his wife? Will the once anointed Michael Fletcher succumb to the crafty wiles of the devil to live according to a self-fulfilling prophecy?

Because When It All Falls Apart... The Sequel, satisfies the thirst of avid readers of several genres including, spiritual based thought, suspenseful drama and romance, this is the novel you will fall in love with!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887512884

Book preview

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When It All Falls Apart

The Sequel

Lawrence Etienne

ISBN 979-8-88751-287-7 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88751-288-4 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Lawrence Etienne

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chronicles of Michael and Jasmine Fletcher

Chapter 1

Coping with Reality

Chapter 2

Might Get Worse before It Gets Better

Chapter 3

People Are Watching

Chapter 4

It's All Part of the Process

Chronicles of the Carsons

Chapter 5

Opening Up

Chapter 6

Meet My Mom and Dad

Chapter 7

Secured Loan, Unsecured Heart

Chapter 8

The Game Plan

Chapter 9

The Business Arrangement

Chapter 10

An Unexpected Change at the Top

Chapter 11

Brianna's Unfair Start

Chronicles of Adrian Moore

Chapter 12

Adrian's Inner Circle

Chapter 13

A Whole in the Heart

Chronicles of Unbelievable Drama

Chapter 14

Progress and Problems

Chapter 15

Work Husband

Chapter 16

Love Has Limits

Chapter 17

An Enemy in His Camp

Chapter 18

Six Degrees of Separation

Chapter 19

A Hard Head Can Make a Weak Man

Chapter 20

When Boy Meets Girl

Chapter 21

Think before You Act

Chapter 22

Are You Finally Ready to Listen

Chapter 23

Purged and Transformed

About the Author

Chronicles of Michael and Jasmine Fletcher

Chapter 1

Coping with Reality

Eight months had passed since the Fletchers decided to reconcile. While Michael was beginning to settle into his role as the head man for the label's new southern division, Jasmine seemed to walk on eggshells at home. She desperately wanted to reassure him that she truly learned her lesson with the Adrian fiasco. Deep down, Michael knew his wife was making a sincere effort to earn his trust; however, he had no idea when he would feel normal again. The process of complete restoration was slow and taxing on the both of them. Although he hoped things would organically fall back into place, he anticipated some resistance from the devil, and it was wise to do so. All throughout the Bible, Satan proved to be a formidable opponent with an incredible display of resiliency, and thousands of years later, absolutely nothing has changed. Although things were touch and go around the house, each day Jasmine tried to reestablish some type of normalcy and placed her customary morning call to her husband.

Hey, Fletch! How is your day going?

Michael smiled when he heard his wife's voice.

What's up, babe? Things are hectic around here, to say the least. Remember the young lady you said I should hire, after I told you she had an impressive resume and great interview?

Oh yeah, how is she working out?

Michael sarcastically laughed. That's just it. She accepted the position, worked a week, and this morning called in and quit without warning! She claimed she found out she was seven weeks pregnant and her husband didn't want her working during her pregnancy. I asked her if he knew she had a desk job and not an assembly-line position. She came back with an answer, sounding like the typical young person, and said she read several newly released articles and watched a few YouTube videos discussing the dangers of working in stressful environments as an expecting mother.

Jasmine replied, Fletch, you know this generation dances to the beat of an Internet drum. Too many of them think the Web is sound doctrine for life.

Yeah, but the Internet and her husband has just taken away the best qualified person to be my assistant. She had serious potential to grow.

Jasmine started her car and continued, Well, I'm sure you will find another qualified candidate. I mean, 75K a year with bonuses is a nice salary for a secretary. What else you have up for the day?

Just more of the same. I have meetings with my A & R team and a business lunch with an artist and his management team. How about you?

Oh, just work as usual. Hey, was that Alexis I overheard you talking to last night?

Michael suddenly remembered and returned, Oh yeah, I almost forgot. She wanted us to join her for dinner tonight and meet a new guy she's been dating.

Alexis finally appeared to be moving forward after the tragic demise of Ray Burkes. Although she felt she would never forget Ray and his love, she seemed excited about the new guy in her life. Alexis met Jayden Jerrod at a conference for work. He was actually one of the keynote speakers, and his mannerisms reminded her of Michael. Jerrod was an IT guy by trade. When it came to computers, networking, and the whole nine, he was your guy. He quickly became known as The Prodigy. Alexis learned from the Burkes's experiment to get a better feel for potential candidates. She carefully took her time and secretly sent Jayden through dating boot camp to see if he had lasting power. Needless to say, he graduated from basic training with honors. To her surprise, he continued to pass her quizzes and eventually earned an evening with her family. Alexis vowed to only bring home a guy with an admirable resume to gain her family's approval.

The Fletchers ended their workday and prepared for the meet and greet with Alexis and her new beau.

*****

A few hours later, the good-natured dinner date opened with introductions and the ordering of appetizers and drinks. Michael started scanning and analyzing the minute he saw Jerrod. Jasmine thought he was a handsome young man that complimented Alexis. Jayden felt slightly nervous as he sensed Michael's skepticism.

Alexis kicked her brother under the table and gave him the eye, signaling. Hey, chill out!

As usual Michael took lead chair. So, Jayden, tell me something about yourself.

Jayden's breathing slowed since that was a question he anticipated.

Well, there's not really much to tell. I am originally from a small town outside of Austin, and the youngest of three brothers. My dad is a truck driver, and my mom is a registered nurse. I graduated from Texas Southern University with a degree in computer science and received my masters from University of Houston. For the last five years, I've worked in IT for a company called Lakefield Logistics. Umm, I love sports and hunting for sure. So that's about it.

Alexis smiled, Jasmine gave a nod of approval, while Michael loaded up the next series of questions without any indication of being impressed.

So you have any kids? What's your policy on sex? You go to church?

Alexis intervened, Oh, no, no! We won't do it like that tonight. Jayden, excuse my brother, he's very inexperienced at interviewing. Michael, you have one more question, and that's it, so choose wisely, bro!

Everyone laughed, including Michael. Okay, okay. Sorry, man! I don't know what happened. When I asked one question, the others just fell out like they came as a packaged deal. Just let me squeeze in two more. Do you have kids, and do you believe in God?

Jayden laughed as he quickly answered both. That will be no to the first one and yes to the second.

Alexis cut the interview short. Okay, and there it is, ladies and gentlemen. The interview portion of the evening is over. Appetizers, anyone?

Jasmine laughed and helped guide Michael away from interrogating the kid.

Oh, sweetheart, taste this fondue!

Michael began eating and transitioned into a more cordial conversation. Before long, Jayden had opened up and explained some of the intricacies of his profession and the joy he feels when faced with a challenge. Michael noticed a certain quality in the young man, but wanted to hold off on the seal of approval. He was impressed with Jayden's knowledge of computers, in regards of networking and software. With the new division in its infancy, Michael thought it would be good to have an energetic and knowledgeable IT guy on standby.

Tell me this, Jayden, does your workload allow you to do any freelancing? I may have some work for you from time to time. The pay will be very good, may I add!

Jayden replied, Oh, most definitely. I would have time. It just depends on what project I have going, but for the most part, I don't see any issues with helping you out.

Alexis knew her brother. Although he didn't come out and say it, he was starting to warm up to the idea of Jayden being around. Jasmine secretly agreed and gave Alexis a wink as she took a sip of her mango tea.

*****

Once the Fletchers got home, Jasmine mentioned how well she thought the evening went. To her surprise, Michael opened up a little.

Yeah, I think so too. I admit I took a liking to the young fella. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders.

So is that a stamp of approval?

Michael laughed. We'll see. Let's see how productive he is when he does a little work for me. Based on his skills, I will know if he just sold us a box of bricks with all the knowledge of computer talk.

Jasmine returned, Wow, so if he can plug in five laptops and block movie streaming from the employees' computers, he's a definite keeper for Alexis?

Michael laughed again as he pulled back the covers to get into bed. Yep!

Jasmine laughed and danced with excitement inside for another reason. For the first time in months, she had a lighthearted conversation with her husband. It had been some time since they laughed and joked with each other. As she closed her eyes, she whispered a quick prayer that their evening would serve as a springboard to happier times.

*****

The weekend came around, and Jasmine made plans to meet Paige at the mall. It was Robert's birthday, and Paige asked Jasmine to tag along as she shopped for gifts.

Hey, Miss Paige! You seem energetic.

Paige responded, Now you know I perk up for shopping!

Jasmine returned, Yeah, but today is for Robert.

Paige replied, And I may look for an item or two or three. You just come on and let's get Robert's gifts out of the way, so I can find me some stuff!

Jasmine shook her head. I knew it.

They skated around the mall for a couple of hours, laughing and gossiping.

So, sweetie, how are things going at home? Any improvements?

Well, slow at best. I mean, some days are better than others. Even though he hasn't actually talked about everything, I know he's thinking about it. I mean, his actions say it all. He is more to himself. It's like he finds things to do around the house to avoid talking to me. And when I ask him if he's okay, he just says, ‘I'm good.' To be honest, Paige, I don't know if Michael will eventually end up walking away. He's just that distant when nobody is around.

Paige listened with a concerned face. Well, don't think like that, because the devil will use that thinking to draw you back out there. I just think this is a part of the process. I know you just want things to get back to normal, but this is the ugly side of reconciliation nobody really talks about. Michael loves you. It's just right now his love for you is the reason he may be struggling to get past what happened. Remember, not only was his heart broken but also his pride in knowing he was your strong tower has taken a major hit.

Jasmine shook her head in agreement. Yeah, you're right. I know I have to be patient. I just feel lonely with him next to me, and that is a feeling I'm not used to.

Paige warned, Again, watch the words you speak. It was the lonely feeling that caused you to stray. I don't put anything passed Satan. Girl, I wouldn't be surprised a bit if Adrian risk life and limb to contact you right when your loneliness has become unbearable.

Jasmine quickly cut in, Oh no, no! I don't see that happening. I haven't heard a peep from him in almost a year! And I don't want to hear from him either.

Paige smirked and sarcastically replied, So you've been counting the days and weeks since you heard from him?

Jasmine returned, Of course not. I just have the day when it all fell apart tattooed in my brain!

Paige nodded. Well, I can definitely understand that.

That talk helped Jasmine remain patient with the process. She thought maybe she should allow Michael to seek her attention, as opposed to crowding his space. By doing so, it could give her a better snapshot of their progress.

As Paige predicted, Michael was going through it due to both his love for his wife and pride as a man. He found the new job and its workload to be a welcomed distraction. Many times, throughout the day, he forgot to be affected by Jasmine's affair. However, like all problems that seem to instantly resurface after coming down from some sort of high, going home became the difficult task. Other than making a decision to keep his marriage, Michael didn't have a real comprehensive plan to deal with his pain. Since the ordeal, he was merely existing in a tainted marriage. Love for Jasmine led him to stay, but it worked against him when he attempted to forget. He was a shell of himself and lacked the strength to break free of the depression. Intimacy was at an all-time low. In fact, sex between the Fletchers became more of releasing built-up pressure as opposed to passionate encounters they once shared.

Jasmine didn't feel the same when he touched her. It was more like she was hired help. She'd tell herself to deal with it. After everything she had put him through, she felt lucky he still desired her in some type of way. This was the hard bed she'd created, and she had to find a way to operate in it.

Tumultuous times had landed front in center in their lives. Many on the outside looking in would probably ask Michael, why did he even bother to stick around? Most days, Michael wondered the same thing.

Michael's spirituality was the only thing that seemed to keep him somewhat grounded. Sundays were usually the days he felt optimistic. Maybe because God's word was delivered hot out of the oven like perfectly baked French bread. However, like French bread, the longer it's out of the oven, the harder it becomes. He failed to reheat his spirit in those moments and found himself asking why would Jasmine screw up such a great marriage. He thought that maybe he needed to get some of his frustrations out and vent to someone. Being silent and taking it on the chin was threatening to knock him out for the count! He thought about calling the West Coast and talk to Tracy, before deciding against it. He didn't want her to worry about him doing his job effectively. The only person other than Tracy that knew what he was going through was Robert. As he drove down the interstate, he gave his new friend a call.

Hello.

Michael adjusted the volume on the car's Bluetooth and returned, Big fella, how's it going?

Robert answered, Michael, what's going on? Man, you are going to live a long time. I swear I was just saying to myself, I needed to call you and see how's the new job going.

It's going pretty good so far. I think everyone is settling in. You need to come by and check out the layout. It's pretty impressive. I hear you have a birthday coming up. We have to get out and do something.

Robert replied, Sounds like a plan, my brother!

Michael changed gears and began to open up. Do you have a few minutes to talk?

Yes, sir, I'm good. What's on your mind?

Well, the short version is I'm not myself at the house. Believe me when I say, I'm trying to feel normal. But, dude, it's tougher than I realized. And by nobody other than you, Paige, and my boss in Cali knowing what happened, there's really no one I can open up to. Jasmine and I are clearly trying to avoid revisiting that day. I know if we bring it up, it will turn into something else. Man, I don't trust her. And to be honest, I don't know if she wants the marriage because she really wants me or if she's more concerned about stability and her reputation. Dude, you have no idea how weird it is for me to struggle with loving my wife. What was so natural for me is now a chore! I'm truly a shell of myself. I appear to be normal on the outside, but inside, it's like I'm in a daze. I never thought this would be our reality.

Robert listened attentively and asked, Okay, I don't know how you feel about this, but have you considered counseling?

That question kind of made Michael think.

To be honest, no. It never crossed my mind. I don't know, I kinda feel, the Christian thing to do is to pray and wait for a breakthrough. To me, running to a shrink says, ‘God, you can't help me.' Let me get help from your subordinate.'

Robert replied, I get it. But is the same to be said if, God forbid, one of your boys was in a terrible accident and needed emergency surgery to survive? Would you refuse treatment and rely on divine intervention? Now don't get me wrong, that sounds harsh, but realistically, what would you do?

Michael answered, I would tell them to perform the surgery and pray God guides their hands and save my child's life.

Robert answered back, My point exactly! Just because you seek help, doesn't cancel God out. Who's to say counseling isn't what God recommends? What's wrong with Christians seeking help to promote mental wellness. I'm not a Bible thumper, and you know that, but does the Bible say seeking help is a sin? What if your healing from God is in the therapy sessions?

I admit I never thought about it like that.

Robert added, It may do some good to have a therapist help you and Jasmine navigate through this. That way she can open up, and you guys can actually hear each other. Because like you eluded too, if you try to do it at home, without a mediator, things could get heated. If I was you, I would check into going to counseling.

While sitting in traffic and staring blankly out of his driver side window, he nodded in agreement. Man, you may be right. You know, you are getting pretty good at giving sound advice.

Robert laughed. I don't know about all of that!

*****

Later that evening, the Fletchers were anchoring down for the night. Jasmine was preparing dinner, Brandon and Chris were in their individual comfort zones, while Michael skimmed through resumes for the vacant assistant's position. From the optics of it all, their home seemed like old times.

Fletch, dinner will be ready in a bit. Have you made any progress?

Michael took off his new reading glasses and returned, Absolutely not! Everyone just seems to be trying to beef up their resume with impressive terminology. Nothing is really jumping off the page. I really hate Mariah's husband took her away from us.

Jasmine popped his shoulder as she headed back to the kitchen to take the food out of the oven.

Now you let those young people read their manuals on how to raise a kid. Even though they will throw them all away after the first week, I think it's sweet she didn't want her stress to affect her baby.

Michael waved that comment off. Man, please! I wasn't going to let that girl get stressed. All she did was stress me out!

Jasmine answered, It has to be somebody in that stack that has potential.

Michael skimmed the last resume before stopping for dinner.

Wait a minute, this may be one. Brianna Carson graduated from North Carolina A&T with a degree in business management. She has four years of experience and is able to work flexible hours.

Jasmine added, She sounds like a good pick to me. Give her a shot.

Michael agreed, Okay, I may have human resources give her a call.

Jasmine replied, Good. Now let's eat.

After dinner, Michael wanted to get Jasmine's thoughts on going to marriage counseling.

Hey, what would you say if I felt like we need to probably consider going to counseling?

Initially, Jasmine was shocked to hear her husband suggest professional help, especially when everything was always based on what the Bible suggested. Once she processed what he asked, she secretly became hopeful that she wouldn't eventually lose her husband. If he wants to go to counseling, clearly, he is aware of the atmosphere in their home.

To be honest, I think that's a wonderful idea. I'm ready to start tonight!

Michael smiled. Let me do some research on some folks and make some calls and see if we can set something up.

Since the incident, Jasmine felt this was the first sincere effort to put distance between their marriage and her infidelity. Maybe, just maybe, the Fletchers would find a way to cope with their reality.

Chapter 2

Might Get Worse before It Gets Better

After researching the web and reaching out to others, Michael met with several therapists that had a wealth of experience. He purposely looked for someone who believed in tying in biblical standards into real-life issues. He ultimately decided to go with a female, as opposed to a male therapist. He felt Jasmine may have felt cornered with testosterone dominating the room. He also chose Katrissa L. Dobbins, PhD, because she seemed to have a fair approach that will challenge his perspective as well. Michael welcomed reproof because he realized he wouldn't be able to survive with the current condition of his marriage.

Dr. Dobbins spoke in a down tempo, calculated manner. Her discourse was slow enough to provoke thought, yet paced quick enough to prevent one from slipping into a coma from boredom. Unbeknownst to Michael, she too had a heavyweight bout with infidelity and lost her championship belt. Her expertise and ability to help couples were not due to her clinical training alone. She was good at tying in biblical principles and motivating her clients to strengthen their marriage because she had experience in the fire. The Fletchers first sit-down was scheduled to take place in a week. After informing Jasmine, they both anticipated a breakthrough.

*****

Meanwhile, personnel brought Ms. Carson in for an interview. Not only was Michael impressed with her professionalism and experience with handling logistics, but he also considered it a plus that she was bilingual. He decided to offer her the position on the spot.

Brianna Carson happily accepted the offer. After Michael welcomed his new assistant aboard, he escorted her through the lobby and out of the building. As he was doing so, Sebastian Newsome, the head of the A&R department, and two of his subordinates couldn't help but notice Michael walking with a goddess. They quickly made their way to Michael and demanded he hires her immediately for the opening in the A&R department.

Hey, boss, I hope she's one of the new talent scouts. We can use some glitz and glamour to lure some new hot talent.

Michael gave Sebastian a funny look. Man, what are you talking about? First of all, the A & R department is full of gifted talent scouts, and we want top artists to come aboard because we are the top dog on the block, not because we have a smorgasbord of sexy women to choose from. And I hate to burst your bubble, but Ms. Carson is my new assistant.

Sebastian smiled and gave Michael the ole wink and gun. Okay, I see. So the boss wants her to himself.

Michael responded, What? Man, you know I'm a married man. Ms. Carson got the job because she is very qualified. So get that mess out of your head before rumors get started. 'Cause if it does, I'll know it came from you.

Sebastian laughed. I'm just giving you a hard time. But let's not act like you didn't notice that woman looks like an Instagram model. I mean not the lace-front wig, butt implant, baby daddy tattooed on the thigh type, but you know, the exotic beauty from Belize or somewhere. Man, I know she works out! That girl is truly the heavenly example of slim thick!

They all laughed like guys in the barbershop. Even Michael had to agree with Sebastian.

Now I'm not going to lie, she's beautiful, but it's about the work, fellas. I hope that's how you guys are actually scouting talent and not because the artist has a big booty and is a part of a twerk team.

One of the reps replied, Sir, I close my eyes while scouting talent, so I can focus on hearing the artist.

Sebastian smirked. Dude, quit kissing up! You were the main one salivating at the mouth when you saw that woman. And weren't you going on and on about, Essence, the night we heard her at open mic the other night? First thing you said was her eyes were naturally green and she had a body that wouldn't quit. Now how did you see all of that with your eyes closed?

Come on and let's get back to work.

All right, boss. Tell your assistant I will be calling her frequently to schedule meetings and lunch dates, of course!

Michael grinned and waved Sebastian off. Get out of here!

******

Like advertised, Brianna Carson was everything and more when it came to exotic beauty. Her mom was from South America and her dad was a proud African American man from Detroit, Michigan. She had the best of both cultures flowing through her veins. Brianna was very tall for a woman. Her long jet-black hair added appeal to her smooth island-like caramel complexion. She had part of her hair hang perfectly over her left eye to add a certain seductive mystique to her presentation. She was amazingly well proportioned and had the uncanny ability to utilize angles to always show her best side, which just happened to be any side. Sebastian and his crew were hypnotized by her perfectly sculpted hips and her exceptionally complimenting thighs. Although Michael downplayed her physical attributes, Ms. Carson was undoubtedly, the epitome of sexy eye candy! She was set to start the following week, and Michael felt a sense of relief because his schedule was about to consume him, and with everything going on in his personal life, he needed extreme focus to balance it all.

*****

Jasmine called Paige to tell her about their decision to go to counseling.

Hey, girl! What you doing.

Paige put her Bluetooth in her ear and returned, Oh, in the kitchen, trying to throw something together before Robert gets here.

So you got married and didn't tell anybody? Cause you're talking like a wife now!

Paige laughed. Girl, hush!

Jasmine began, I called to tell you Michael and I are starting marriage counseling next week.

Paige thought it was a great decision. Who came up with the idea?

It was Michael's.

Paige returned, Well, that says a mouthful. Obviously, he realizes there's a disconnect and wants help. However, I admit, for him to seek help outside the realm of the church is somewhat of a head scratcher for me.

Jasmine replied, Me too! But then I wondered if he chose not to go to the church out of fear folks would spread our business.

Paige shook her head. "Yeah, that could be it. Honestly though, no matter where you guys go, I'm just glad the decision was made