KARMA

By John D. McCray

Leslie Brown is a twenty-eight-year-old, beautiful sales model for a Mercedes Benz Dealership. Leslie seems to have everything handed to her on a silver platter growing up. She has a beautiful family, a beautiful home, a promising career, and most of all she has her beauty, which is the one thing she values the most. Leslie is faced with a terrible tragedy that suddenly strips her of the one thing she’s always valued the most in life. Leslie is forced to see the person that she used to be in the eyes of the people she hurt growing up. She soon realizes that karma is something real and what goes around, comes around and it always has a way of staring you right back in the face.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798369419106

John D. McCray

John D. McCray is a 43-year old African American born and raised in Alcolu, South Carolina. He now resides in North Carolina, and works with adults with disabilities and special needs. John has been writing for over thirty years and is the author of “Who Am I,” “When the Mask Comes Off,” and “My Winning Season.

Book preview

Chapter 1

GETTING READY

I just got out of the shower and glanced at the clock on the wall. Okay it’s six-thirty p.m., so I have about an hour and a half to get ready for this damn reunion. I’m having my tenth year high school reunion tonight at the Royal Suite Hotel in the ballroom. I get to see all my deadbeat, failure classmates, that haven’t done shit with their lives since high school. Then again you have the ones that will come there lying about being married, with two or three children and having that wonderful of job. Yeah right. When the fact of the matter is your ass works right there at McDonalds but your lying, saying you’re a manager, a supervisor there, a nurse, a doctor, lawyer and the list goes on and on.

I grabbed my hot curler from under the sink to plug it up. Look at me, here I am a successful twenty-eight-year-old business woman with a master’s degree in accounting but working as a full-time sales model for Mercedes Benz. I haven’t gained a pound since high school, weighing a perfect one hundred and thirty pounds and standing at 5'7" inches tall. I have beautiful skin since I’m biracial and have long black hair, that’s in the middle of my back. I wouldn’t dare leave my light gray cat eyes out and my coca bottle figure, that chicks hate me for. Looks and popularity have never been anything I lacked as a child or even now as an adult. My mom made sure I had perfect teeth, thanks to my orthodontist, Dr. Miles, who did my braces when I was nine years old.

I glanced at my curler and I saw it was hot enough to put a few curls in my hair for this tired ass event. I don’t know why I’m wasting my time by even entertaining this shit. My husband Rodney wanted to go when he saw the invitation that came in the mail that I forgot to toss in the trash. If Rodney didn’t insist we go, I would be home tonight just preparing for the weekend.

I finally finished my hair and I think I did pretty good with it. I grabbed my make-up kit from out of my purse to apply a little on before I slip into my ballroom gown, that I picked up from Shalonda’s Boutique last week. Rodney, my husband of two years, wanted to go all out for this shit and went and rented a tuxedo. For some reason Rodney loves to be the center of attention, which I do too but only for important people, such as myself and not my trailer living classmates. The people my husband tries to impress.

I slipped into my candy red gown and my diamond necklace, along with my matching earrings and bracelet that Rodney bought me for our first anniversary. I grabbed my red designer Louis Vuitton heels and my bedroom slippers. I’ll put my heels on when I’m heading out the door.

I turned the curler off and stored it back under the sink, in the cabinet and walked downstairs to the den. I turned on the TV, flipping through all the channels until I saw something that struck my interest. The Brown Brothers, will do just fine. This show really amuses me when ghetto ass people comes to the Brown Brothers, trying to buy a house and after the brothers check their credit and finances they literally laugh in their faces. How embarrassing that must be.

I thank God every day for my beautiful, perfect life that he’s blessed me with. Here I am, living in my three story house with five bedrooms, four baths, a den, family room, dining room, formal living room, sunroom and a private gym. A six hundred-thousand-dollar house and my perfect little family. Rodney and I have been married for two years and he has a little five-year-old daughter, Maya that lives with us that I’m helping to raise. Rodney and I love each other and we love Maya as well but sometimes I wonder how our lives would be if Maya wasn’t around and it was just the two of us. Maya is a beautiful and smart, intelligent little girl, but also very grown acting for my taste.

Maya’s mother Jayda died in a car accident four years ago. An eighteen wheeler was flying down the highway and didn’t see her at the light. The driver went through the light and hit Jayda head on, killing her instantly, along with their unborn child that she was carrying. They did an investigation and found out that the driver was intoxicated. Rodney got one of the best lawyers he knew and sued the hell out of the driver and the trucking company. Rodney ended up suing and won ten million dollars.

People say I married Rodney for his money but that’s not true, since my father is the CEO and founder of Gains Mortician, which he is the overseer of over ten funeral homes in three different states, so trust and believe, I can and will be able to survive on my own but I’d rather spend Rodney’s money, than my own.

Rodney is a successful attorney that travels the world. I sometimes feel a little lonely when he’s away on business and I’m stuck here by myself with Maya. Maya loves me and calls me Mommy but that’s never been a role that I wanted to take on so soon. I guess with marrying Rodney, I also married Maya as well. Motherhood is still growing on me. I’m learning how to punish and discipline as well but when it comes down to spanking, I’d rather let Rodney handle that part. Lord knows my mother never spared the rod on my ass.

Mrs. Celeste Washington Ragin was some kind of mother. My mother had two children, my brother Allan that’s three years older than me. My mother had my brother Al, from a drug dealer, that always kept her ass beat up or either high. That’s when she met my father. She knew she struck a gold mine. My father, Mr. Terry Gains, a powerful, strong willed white man that made people respect him. My mother thought my father loved her but apparently not enough to leave his wife for. They just celebrated their thirty-second wedding anniversary.

I never really had the best relationship with my parents, especially my mother. She always acted like she hated me, because I was biracial and beautiful. I knew my mother always wanted to be like me, growing up. She wanted to be beautiful like me, talented like me, popular like me and as smart as me. I’m just glad my grandmother saw my potential and took me in at ten years old, especially when I told her how my mother’s husband, Herman would come into my bedroom at night and touch me in places that he shouldn’t be touching me.

My grandmother had a damn fit and immediately removed me out of the home and my mom allowed her and my grandfather to raise me. My grandparents were such special people that loved me unconditionally. My grandfather died before I went off to college from a heart attack and my grandmother died four years ago from cancer. They were both my rock that never saw any wrong in me and gave me everything I ever wanted.

My grandparents had four children and my aunt and uncles hated me as well because my grandparents loved me and I got any and everything I wanted from them.

My father Terry started doing things for me at the age of twelve. My grandfather told my dad that he would go around and tell people how trifling he was as a father and how he abandoned his little black child. Of course my father didn’t like to be bad mouthed to people, so he stepped up to the plate and that’s when Mr. Terry Gains became a part of my life. His wife Sarah Gains and their three children never wanted anything to do with me but I didn’t care, I had my daddy’s love.

Despite how Sarah despised me for being her husband’s black daughter, she stayed right there with him. My father opened up a big bank account for me as well as a trust fund so I wouldn’t want for anything. Even though my mother Celeste and I never got along, that didn’t stop my brother Al and I from being close. Anybody that made fun of me, my brother Al always took care of them.

I saw Al about two weeks ago, when he came knocking on my door, at three o’clock a.m., begging for money. I gave Al one thousand dollars and I told his ass he better not ever try that shit anymore, coming to my house that time in the morning. He apologized for doing that. Al is very dark skin and handsome with a good head on his shoulders but he would be so much better off if he stopped making damn babies all over the damn place. The boy is thirty-one years and has four children with three different baby mama’s, that keep his ass on child support. Al won’t keep a stable job to pay his child support so every time you turn around his ass stays locked up. I pray for my brother every day.

My mind was so deep in thoughts until I didn’t notice that Rodney had walked in the house. Hey baby. Rodney said, walking up to me and kissing me on the lips. Hey sweetheart, I said, embracing him back. You look beautiful baby. Where is Maya? Rodney asked. Thank you and she’s with Nancy. I replied. Okay, so Nancy is going to be here with her tonight? Rodney asked. Yes, she told me she would. I replied. Good, well I’ll run upstairs and get in the shower so I can get dressed for your class reunion. Rodney said, smiling.

Rodney acted like he was more excited about my class reunion than I was. Baby, you’re sure you don’t want to just stay home and relax? We can find something else to do other than going to that reunion. I said. Baby, why don’t you want to go to your class reunion? Rodney asked. Because those people hated me in school. I only had a handful of friends that liked me. The rest were simply jealous of me for being beautiful and the boys just wanted to sleep with me, I said. Baby, it will be fine. I’ll see you in a few minutes, Rodney said, carrying his tuxedo upstairs with him. This night should really be interesting to watch.

Chapter 2

CONFRONTED

Rodney and I stepped out of his black Cadillac Escalade, while some of my classmates were outside talking. I remember them from high school. Some were football players and a few of the women were on the cheerleader squad with me. They were pretty much my friends, since I hung around the popular people in school. I guess I had to since I was destined for greatness and was captain of my cheerleading squad from tenth grade until I graduated. Some of them look exactly the same from high school, and a few of them gained a lot of weight.

Rodney and I walked up as they were practically drooling over Rodney’s Escalade. Hello, I said to everyone. Wow, if it isn’t Leslie Washington in the flesh. Daniel said, about to give me a hug. I quickly extended my hand in his direction, instead of giving him a hug. It’s good to see you again Daniel. I said, shaking his hand. Daniel hasn’t changed a bit, he’s still nice looking with beautiful peanut butter complexion and a smile that would make any woman fall to his knees. Oh excuse me, for being glad to see a sister and wanted to show some love. Daniel said, stretching his eyes. Daniel, you know I can’t disrespect my husband like that. I said, smiling.

I shook everyone’s hand and gave my most promising smile, which was absolutely fake as hell. I just wanted to get through this damn night. Baby, I would like to introduce you to everyone. This is Daniel Shaw, he was captain of the football team and had a big crush on me. I said, smiling. Lies you tell. Daniel said laughing. This is Howard Scott and Matthew Wright, they were both on the football team as well. I said. Nice to meet you all. I’m Rodney Brown. Rodney said, shaking their hands. Rodney, and these ladies are Diana Cain, Tracey Dennis and Catrina Reese, they all were on the cheerleading squad with me. I said. Rodney shook hands with them as well. Shit, this is too much for me already with all this hand shaking and shit. I almost felt like I was at work, trying to persuade one of those broke ass men to buy a Benz, as if they were high ballers or something.

The wind started to blow, that made a chill come over my body. I don’t know if I’m actually a little cool from the wind or being around these fake ass people that stood in front of me, that pretended to like me in school, only to fit into my social circle. Rodney, let’s go inside and start our night. It was nice seeing you all again. I said, walking away with my arm tucked under Rodney’s arm. The minute we walked off I heard their asses already talking. Tracey, with her big black ass, that knows she can’t whisper, said that hoe still thinks she’s all that. Hell that’s probably someone she paid to be her husband for the night. Who the hell is gonna marry her stuck up ass."

I kept smiling, as I pretended to not hear her big ugly looking ass. They seem nice Leslie. Rodney said, holding the door to the hotel open for me. Rod, let’s just get this night over with. I said, sarcastically. Baby, we’re going to have a good time. Rodney said, smiling like he was really looking forward to this.

Rodney and I walked inside the ballroom and the decorations were outstanding. It looked like a party planner came in here and decorated this place themselves, because I know my broke ass classmates didn’t do this. It looks really nice in here. They have really out done themselves with the decorations. Rodney said, idolizing the place. Look, baby, there’s an empty table over there. We can sit there. I said, ignoring Rodney’s comment.

Rodney and I had to step across people to get to our table. You know our people won’t leave things the way they’re supposed to, they have to move tables and shit around to accommodate themselves and their friends. Well hello to you too Miss Leslie Washington. A heavy-set white lady said. Hi, I said, still getting to my seat. I was only a few feet away from the young lady that spoke to me. I tried to give her a polite smile but in fact, I wanted to ask her fat ass who the hell was she looking at like that.

The young lady slid her chair closer to me. You don’t remember me do you? The girl asked. No, I can’t say that I do. I replied. My name is Pam Tilman and you and I had Chemistry together in tenth grade. I remember we had an exam one day and you decided to bring a little cheat sheet to help you with the test and when you were done with your test and your cheat sheet, you threw it by my desk and when Mr. Adger saw it on the floor beside me, he assumed it was mine and gave me a zero on the test. You sat right there and watched me get in trouble and you didn’t say one word to help me out of it. Pam said. Well if that did happen the way you said it did, then why would I tell the truth, hell you were the one that got in trouble, not me. I said, turning my head back forward to face the view and ignoring Pam’s ass. I see some things and some people never change. Pam said, in an annoying tone, as she slid her fat ass back over to her table.

Rodney looked at me, with a look of concern in his eyes. Did you really do that Leslie? Rodney asked. Hell, baby I don’t remember. Besides, that was over ten years ago. If that did happen and she’s still upset about it, then that’s her problem and not mine. Hell, the chick probably wants me to apologize to her or some shit and that’s definitely not going to happen. I said. Baby, maybe she just wants you to acknowledge what happened and an apology wouldn’t kill you. Rodney said. I’m not doing either. I said, enjoying the music.

Rodney stood up from our table and shook his head. Would you like something to eat or drink Leslie? Rodney asked. Eat, hell no. I’ll take something to drink though. Can you see if they have an orange soda? I asked. Sure baby," Rodney said. How dare Rodney thinks that I’m going to eat shit from here. I’d rather just fill myself up with the drinks and alcohol here. I don’t know if my classmates cooked this food or got it catered, but I’m not taking any chances. Shit, they might even put some roots or poison in my food, just for me.

I continued just looking around until I saw one of my old friends, Kenya Williams. Kenya and I were in the same homeroom since the sixth grade. We kind of lost contact when we went off to college. I went to Spelman and Kenya went to a local community college here in Fayetteville. I must say the young lady kept it together quite well. She reminds me of Gabrielle Union but with really long hair, in the middle of her back. I heard she’s an RN nurse here at the local hospital.

I couldn’t help from staring at Kenya, she was absolutely stunning in her gold gown, that really looked nice against her dark golden brown complexion. Our eyes connected and she waved at me. I waved back and smiled. Kenya was surrounded by men and a few women. There were two things I really admired about Kenya. One was she had a connection with people, not just guys but the females as well. She had a way of making people feel good about themselves and I would simply put them down and call them names. I smiled, remembering how I had fun doing that.

`The second thing was her boyfriend Corey Miller. Shit, that boy was so fine and chocolate as hell. At night all you could see were his eyes and his beautiful white teeth. I don’t want to even think about the tool the boy had between his legs. His dick looked like a long black cucumber. I mean at seventeen years old and the brother was packing like that, I can only imagine what It’s like now. I wonder if Kenya knew we were sleeping together? Kenya played the quiet Christian girl, that was in the choir stands every Sunday morning and Bible study every Wednesday night. Hell, while she kept her legs closed, I kept mine open with Corey. Like Mama always said, what one woman won’t do for her man, another one will, and I definitely did.

Kenya finally broke free from her little fan club and walked toward me. I got up from my seat to meet her halfway. Is that you Leslie? Kenya asked, smiling. Yes girl, it’s me, I said, giving Kenya a hug and a peck on the cheek. So how have you been Kenya? I asked, curious to know how her life turned out. I’m doing great Leslie. I’m the head Nurse Practitioner at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. I’m married to my husband for four years now. My husband is a doctor at the same hospital as well and we have a set of twin boys, that’s three years old. Kenya said, smiling. Wonderful girl, sounds like you’ve done quite well for yourself. Is your husband here with you? I asked, curious to see what he looks like. He is. He’s talking to a few people somewhere. I’m sure you’ll get the chance to meet him before the night is over with. Kenya said. That would be nice, I said, acting like I really cared.

Kenya really does look good for a mother of twin boys. Wow and to still look that good after giving birth to two children seconds and minutes apart. So tell me what you’re up to and have been doing? Kenya asked. Well, as you know I went to Spelman and received my Master’s degree in Accounting. I’m working as a model for Mercedes Benz dealership. I said. "Oh yeah I have seen you on their commercials. You looked so good,