Family Values Read online

  By letting me run the company?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  What other way can I make things right?

  DWIGHT

  I don’t know.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Do me a favor…take those shades off so that I can talk to you.

  DWIGHT

  I prefer to keep them on.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Please for me. I want to look you in your eyes.

  I turned my face as I took the shades off. I was too embarrassed to show the bruises on my face.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  What happened to you?

  DWIGHT

  Brian and I got into a fight.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Aww Dwight. I am sorry. Where is he?

  DWIGHT

  I don’t know. I left him on the elevator.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  He is still here. This is the more reason you need to move back here. You don’t need someone hitting on you. You need to meet a nice young lady and start a family.

  DWIGHT

  Please don’t do this right now.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I am just saying. I know a prefect young lady. Do you remember the young lady that was your grandfather’s nurse? Her name is Robin.

  DWIGHT

  Gran, I accept your offer to run the company.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  One thing though.

  DWIGHT

  What’s that?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I don’t want you dating men.

  DWIGHT

  You can’t control my life.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  If you want to be over a multi-million dollar company I can. It will not look good you being gay and making deals for this company. Other CEOs and oil companies will frown upon it.

  I thought about the fight that Brian and I just had. Never before had we ever been in that type of situation. I felt the tears forming in my eyes. I could not bear the thought of being without him. I excused myself from the waiting area with my grandmother.

  As I was walking down the hall towards the restroom I saw Maddie walking up. I stopped and waited to speak to her. She passed me as though I was a ghost.

  DWIGHT

  Maddie! Aren’t you going to speak?

  MADISON (with disgust on her face)

  What do you want?

  DWIGHT

  What’s going on with you?

  MADISON

  You fags make me sick. I hate to call you my brother. Why don’t you all just fall off the face of this earth.

  DWIGHT (calling out her name as she storms off)

  Madison!

  21

  MADISON

  But Gran, I walked in on him fucking a guy. I think that I could deal with him cheating but not this way. I can never trust him again.

  Dadie is best friends with Ella.

  DADIE (who was sitting next to Gran)

  How long have you known him? If my mind serves me correctly you married this man over five years ago.

  MADISON

  Mrs. Dadie…

  DADIE

  You should have known something. When was the last time you two were intimate? Not just sex but intimate.

  MADISON

  About three months ago.

  DADIE

  There is your answer right there. I know that I have flirted with him on several occasions and he never once acknowledged it. That was my first sign that he was gay.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Dadie, just because a man doesn’t flirt back with you makes him gay?

  DADIE

  Yes!

  MADISON

  But I can’t trust him ever again.

  DADIE

  There are reasons not to fully trust a person, mostly those reasons come from what you are getting or not getting from him. I see that you are searching for something more. You want to be happy and trusting in your relationship. Personally from hearing your story, you are with the wrong person. You are there holding on to a dream that you want for yourself. I gather you have no idea what your Trenity really want from this relationship.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You will go back to your husband and you two talk. Fix it.

  DADIE

  Fix it!? Fix it!? Fix what? Ella, I wonder do you stop at stop signs? I ain't seen it all but I sure as hell seen a lot of it.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Please learn to look past your feelings Maddie....My ex was my best friend and he betrayed me on every end....Why? Because I choose to look past the real person he was.

  DADIE

  Who were you with besides Jefferson?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You remember when I was dating Garrett in high school.

  DADIE

  Ella…come on now. Garrett Mitchell? (turning towards Madison) Remember when a person show you who they are…believe them! (propping her hand under her chin and looking at Ella) Garrett Mitchell. That was a laugh.

  MADISON

  I don’t know what to do. I am pissed and confused at the same time.

  DADIE

  You already know the answer. The question is how long you will continue to fool yourself. I’ve been there, witnessed all of the small signs and tried to reason them away, confronted my so–called husband with my concerns and got called every name under the sun. It also turns out everything I was called and accused of simply described what he was about and doing. Yes men will be men, and people will make mistakes, but along with that should come remorse and genuine desire to improve the situation. No matter how much you hope or trust, you won’t change this guy. Rather than be pissed and confused, be happy you’ve learned before you are more emotionally and financially committed.

  MADISON

  Gran, did you tell Grandfather everything?

  DADIE (interjecting)

  She didn’t.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  My granddaughter asked me. No, I didn’t but I believe that if you are trying to build something strong with someone…yes. I say this because when I was dating Garrett, someone who did not tell me the truth, I had no idea that he had been raped twice in high school.

  DADIE (mumbling under her breath)

  You can’t rape the willing.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  This was a problem because it affected our relationship. It ruined his self-esteem, changed him as a person, and sex was extremely difficult. The relationship was so bad that he couldn't do anything. But to make matters worse, my mother got sick and I started to look for some help. My God-sister stepped in to help me. When she did that, Garrett cheated. I found out after we had a terrible argument. I was destroyed at that point. That is when I met your grandfather. I tried to love again but it is very difficult. So it is important to discuss things that can ruin the relationship and the self-esteem of the other person.

  MADISON

  Should your lover be your best friend?

  DADIE

  This question has to be answered with another question. What is your definition of a best friend?

  MADISON

  A best friend to me is someone who can keep your secrets and not hold them against you. Even though you keep doing the same dumb thing over and over and over again they still come to your aid. They love you no matter what.

  DADIE

  So to answer this question you need to talk to Trenity and see if that is what a best friend is to him. Communication is the key to success in a relationship. That means having a similar mind set.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Okay Dadie, since you are the guru of relationships, when you are upset and have a concern, should you keep it to yourself, talk with another close friend, or talk with your husband?

  DADIE

  I am going to charge you both for my advice. This question can be answered after that other question. If you have a best friend that loves you no matter what then you can talk to them. But make sure that they have no feelings f
or you. You know, wanting a relationship with you themselves. Sometimes that friend will do anything for you but make sure that they keep your happiness in mind. But you must, no matter what the issue, always talk to your husband. I have a habit of always using interrogation tactics. You know, meaning to ask questions until they actually tell the truth or I get tired. When a person is not telling the truth, they say things that do not make sense or add up. If it doesn't fit logically then I need to keep asking questions.

  MADISON

  What about leaving the house at 8, 9, or 10 o'clock at night saying that he is going to the store? He knew that he would be out of cigarettes before night fall-shouldn't he have gone earlier that day?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Well it would make sense to go earlier... but sometimes he may have forgotten.

  MADSION

  I just feel pathetic. I had seen signs before but I wanted to keep my marriage. I want to stay with him and make it work. But another part of me is saying that I can’t satisfy him.

  DADIE

  Don't feel that you are being pathetic. You have genuine feelings. But you also have to realize that in a relationship you agree to commit to your spouse. He should be everything you need. If you have freaky desires or if he does, then talk about them. If you can treat each other with respect before and after you make your fantasies come true, then it may be worth doing. When was the last time you surprised him with an all night fuck session or at least for however long you could stand it? When was the last time y’all shared an intimate moment? My definition of intimate is going out to dinner or a movie, a long walk in the park, writing poetry, or cooking in the nude. If he seem uninterested then try doing those things that got him interested in the beginning again. You seem like a very compassionate person young lady. Love is not hard to find…but it is hard to keep. There is always someone offering something different...that will never change. You have to find someone that will love you...grow in love with you...and stay with you forever. That's not impossible to achieve it's just a real struggle sometimes. I know what I want and I know what to do. But I can't seem to find someone that wants me. But like me...be patient and love will find a home in you.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Dadie?

  DADIE

  Humm?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Hush. Let me go check to see if they have finished moving Landon.

  22

  NOAH

  You tripped me out last night on the phone saying that I fucked your brains out.

  TRENITY

  Yeah you did. Even though we got caught, it is crucial that we keep to ourselves in this relationship. Temptations are going to come, but it takes just one slip to cause misery for a lifetime. I’m not sexually active with anyone but you. That’s why I say if you feel you must step out tell me and I will do the same courtesy.

  NOAH

  So are you saying that we have a relationship? What about you and your wife Madison?

  TRENITY

  At this point you keep me satisfied and treat me like a man should be treated. I won’t risk that. We’ve been in a relationship for a while. I just have an addendum I’m dealing with.

  NOAH

  Be honest…you know that you are not going to leave you wife for me.

  TRENITY

  I don’t take us lightly. We both stated that our last HIV tests were negative, or to use their term, non-reactive. I want to keep it that way. Any outside interference can mess that up. Or should we start using condoms, finger cots and dental dams.

  NOAH

  You never answered me about Madison.

  TRENITY

  I’ve been blind and jealousy stricken. I know you are going to meet others because you’ve already met someone who interests you and you are going to want to see where it goes. When that time comes, I will move out of the way. Plus you know that Madison is still in the picture.

  NOAH

  Can we just be friends and hang out?

  TRENITY (sternly)

  We will talk and iron this out later tonight!

  NOAH

  I work tonight.

  TRENITY

  Are you going to sleep at the hospital?

  NOAH

  Yes when I can.

  TRENITY

  You said that you love me. It’s the way you said it too. Was it because you were getting dick down?

  NOAH

  I do love you…and that’s what scares me. I am giving you me.

  TRENITY

  I know baby. I know. I can tell you love me too.

  NOAH

  So how can you love two people at one time? How can you say that you love me?

  TRENITY

  I think of you all of the time. I want to see you, hold you, make love to you, show you off. I’m happy when I’m with you. I feel calm and at ease when I’m with you. I want to protect and shield you from life. I want to make all your wants come true, and have you want for nothing.

  NOAH

  I feel that you told Madison this same thing.

  TRENITY

  I feel some of those things for her. It is just that Maddie and I are growing apart.

  NOAH

  You are telling me the same damn thing you told your wife? Who the hell do you think you are? Forget that…I am out.

  TRENITY

  You are wrong for that.

  NOAH

  Wrong for what? Look I can’t see you for a while. (taking out his phone and sending a text) I think that we need space. Seriously.

  TRENITY

  Who are you texting?

  NOAH

  A friend.

  Trenity snatched the phone away from Noah and began to read the messages.

  TRENITY

  Who is Winston?

  Noah stood silently.

  TRENITY

  I asked, who is Winston?

  NOAH (boldly)

  My spouse.

  Trenity grabbed Noah by the throat and pushed him against the car and held him there. Noah felt his ears pop. He struggled to get Trenity’s hands from around his neck.

  TRENITY

  Why didn’t you tell me that you were involved with someone? I can’t let anyone else have you. I can’t.

  Trenity released his grasp on Noah. He paced around in three complete circles. When he saw that Noah was getting in the car he pulled him out.

  TRENITY

  I didn’t tell you to leave.

  Trenity saw the bruises on Noah’s neck. He closed his eyes tight and fell on top of Noah.

  NOAH (thinking to himself)

  “Why and how do I attract these men that like to hit? First Deacon now Trent.” I know that you and Madison are going through things. But I can’t do this. I can’t allow you to hit me. You and Madison have a great life together. This is the reason I can’t give my heart to you. I am going back to my husband, Winston.

  TRENITY

  I am so sorry baby. You make me feel like the luckiest motherfucker on earth. Loving my ass and just being there for me. But then you turn on me. Baby I am sorry for hitting you. Please don’t leave me.

  23

  As soon as Trenity walked into his house he threw his coat across the sofa. He grabbed the mail from the desk and walked into the kitchen. He dropped the letters when he saw Madison in there with only an apron on cooking. Madison turned and walked towards him. She placed her hands on his broad shoulders and stood on tiptoes to give him a kiss. Trenity stood in shock.

  MADISON

  I want you to go and take a shower. When you come out your dinner will be ready.

  TRENITY

  What is all of this? Why are you naked?

  MADISON

  I wanted to do something special for you. Now go and take a shower.

  Trenity picked the letters up from the floor. He did as he was directed. When he reached the bedroom there on the bed were red and white rose petals, two glasses of champagne sat on the nightstand. He scanned the room as he undressed. The water of
the shower began to run. Madison walked into the room and peeked into the bathroom. She watched him the shower. The sight of his enormous dick brought on an orgasmic tingle throughout her body. She remembered the tightness of his body confirmed that with each thrust, she’d reach new heights of pleasure. With this thought, her hand knowingly found the center of her throbbing excitement. She was reluctant to move it away, but did so out of fear he would notice she was there.

  As he turned in full view of her, she caught sight of what this fine virile man had to offer. A gasp escaped her. She was caught. He turned to her with a look of shock and seduction. He didn’t acknowledge her right away, but instead began to stroke his manhood to tease her.

  She couldn’t believe what he was doing. This was the Trenity that she married. She quickly jumped into the bed and disrobed when she heard the water stop. He slowly stepped out of the shower and walked past her. He knew she was watching him with her mouth wide open. He knew she wanted him. Madison wanted to be fucked and made love to. He would continue the game just a little while longer.

  TRENITY

  I thought you said that my dinner would be ready when I got out of the shower.

  MADISON

  It is. (as she opened her legs)

  Trenity saw a sexiness that he hadn’t seen in a long time. Madison began to play with herself.

  This made Trenity’s manhood stiffen.

  TRENITY (trying to keep from laughing)

  I don’t want fish tonight.

  MADISON

  If you don’t stop playing and get over here.

  Madison met Trenity at the side of the bed. She met his manhood with her mouth. A moan escaped him. He didn’t realize how much tension he had built up. Trenity and Madison hadn’t been intimate in a long time.

  She started by sucking the tip, but as she became more comfortable, she took it whole. He couldn’t stand it any longer. He bent over, grabbed her waist, and flipped her over onto her stomach. He sensed she wanted to say something, so he quickly Covered her mouth with the fullness of his lips.

  Her breasts were very subtle. He took time to suck each one just the same. With this, she felt the throbbing begin again between her legs. He worked his way down to her clit. He began by teasing it with his tongue, which made her moan uncontrollably.

  MADISON (thinking to herself)

  “Shit, if I would’ve known that he would eat me like this, I would have done this a long time ago.”