Family Values Read online

Whether it exists though, is time for me to face

  Can I ask for your forgiveness? For you to set me free

  It may seem ungrateful, but this life's not meant for me.

  Thank you for all your love, for all the time we shared,

  It means the world to me, to know that someone cared.

  I must end it. There's no hope left. I'll be at peace.

  No one had anything to do with this.

  My decision totally,

  Landon

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I wished he would have talked to me.

  DWIGHT

  He was in pain and we didn’t know.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I knew something wasn’t right with him. (holding the urn) Now this is the only way for me to hold my baby.

  DWIGHT

  Gran let me put the urn on the mantle.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA (snapping)

  Get away from me. Maybe it’s your fault that he did this.

  DWIGHT

  Gran I had nothing to do with Landon problems.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You and Robin need to hurry and marry. This family needs no more bad press or others running their mouth.

  DWIGHT

  What do you mean that I need to marry Robin?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I arranged for you and Robin to get together.

  DWIGHT

  Gran I don’t know if I can go through with marrying Robin. I was going to see if you were going to tell me the truth. Robin and I have talked about it and all, but this is not in my heart.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You will marry her. I don’t give a damn about you being gay. If you want any part of this family you will do as I say. Robin if you want your money, you will make sure that you marry him. No one will take this family down.

  DWIGHT

  How much are you getting paid?

  ROBIN

  That doesn’t matter.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I am paying six hundred fifty thousand to marry you. She will have to stay married three years in order to receive all of it.

  DWIGHT

  I guess that we are both getting something out of this. I am gaining my grandmother, and you are gaining fat pockets.

  ROBIN

  Dwight, you and I talked about this.

  DWIGHT

  You never told me that you were getting paid.

  ROBIN

  Does it make a difference. You are gaining acceptance from your family and I am gaining a little monetary incentive.

  DWIGHT

  I never thought that I would be in this position before. I am having sex for my grandmother’s approval. Just to work for this family and gain an inheritance.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Don’t think of it that way.

  DWIGHT

  What other way is there to think of it?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Think of it as being delivered. Now in a few days you and Robin will announce your engagement in the in Wayne County Gazette. We will have an engagement party and then in a few weeks the wedding. Meanwhile, Dwight will work here at Cove Oil. Robin you will go with Madison to pick out things for the wedding. Don’t lose your damn mind and think that you can purchase anything that you want. This is a wedding to get the drama off of my family.

  29

  Brian set in his hotel room flipping channels on the TV. His mind pondered over the dinner that he had with Madison. He tried to wrap his mind around the news that she told him about Dwight moving back to Mississippi.

  While flipping through the channels there was a knock on his door. Wearing only his boxers he walked to the door and answered. There stood Robin with a smile on his face.

  BRIAN

  Hello.

  ROBIN

  Aren’t you going to invite me in?

  Brian stepped out of the way and motioned for her to come in.

  ROBIN

  Nice room.

  BRIAN

  Where is Dwight?

  ROBIN

  At his grandmother’s. They are in mourning right now.

  Brian stood there in total disbelief.

  BRIAN

  What happened?

  ROBIN

  Their brother Landon killed himself.

  BRIAN

  I have got to get over there.

  Brian tried to find some clothes to put on. Robin grabbed the elastic of his boxers trying to stop him. Brian quickly slapped her hand. Robin smiled at him as she reached again. Brian grabbed her wrist and twisted it.

  BRIAN

  Don’t you ever put your hands on me.

  ROBIN

  I could tell that you wanted me when you saw me in the restaurant. Now I need you to slow down and pay attention to me.

  Robin caressed Brian’s chest with her hands. He stood there to see how far she would go. When she tried to kiss him he turned his head.

  ROBIN

  Come on and kiss me.

  BRIAN

  Robin let me explain something to you. I am in love with Dwight. Nothing you can say or do will ever change that. Now if you don’t mind…I have to get to Dwight.

  Brian grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. He grabbed his keys and walked out of the door. Robin stood there with her arms folded. Suddenly she heard the keycard slide into the door. Brian walked in and stepped directly to Robin. He grabbed her by the arm and escorted her out of the door. When the door closed behind them he leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek and towards the elevator he went.

  Robin pulled her cell phone from her purse. After a few keystrokes she placed the phone to her ear.

  ROBIN

  This is Robin. He is on his way there.

  MADISON

  Great. Now you follow him.

  ROBIN

  I don’t know if I can do this.

  MADISON

  If you want the sixty thousand that I promised you – you better follow him. Or I can get someone else to do this.

  ROBIN

  Okay, I will do it, but I want one hundred thousand dollars.

  MADISON

  Listen to me you little bitch…you will only get sixty thousand from me once you have completed your instructions. You are wasting time by being on this phone.

  30

  I was surprised to see Brian when he opened the door. We hadn’t seen each other for a few days. Brian stood waiting patiently for me to invite him in.

  DWIGHT

  Brian.

  Madison heard me call Brian’s name. She come racing into the foyer to see if what she heard was true.

  MADISON

  Brian…what are you doing here?

  BRIAN

  Robin came by my hotel and told me that you all had death in the family. I came to check on everything.

  MADISON

  We are all okay.

  DWIGHT

  My brother killed himself.

  Brian reached in to hug me. I quickly wrapped my arms around Brian’s neck and started to cry. Madison stood there watching. She folded her arms and continued to stare.

  A few minutes later Robin raced up to the door. Madison gave her a penetrating glance. We all walked into the living room where Grandmother Ella sat still holding the urn.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  What are you doing here?

  DWIGHT

  He came to check on us. Robin told him that …

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Robin told what. (directing her attention to Robin)

  BRIAN

  Robin told me that you all had death in the family. I came by to give my condolences and to check on Dwight. I haven’t heard from him in days.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Dwight didn’t tell you that he is getting married?

  BRIAN

  Excuse me?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Yes. To Robin.

  Brian turned to me and wondered what was going on.

  BRIAN

  Is t
his the reason why I haven’t heard from you? Madison told me that you were moving back to run the family company but she said nothing about you getting married.

  DWIGHT

  Let me explain.

  BRIAN

  What is there to explain? I told you that you changed once you got back to Mississippi. Now I see why.

  ____________________________

  Madison and Robin walked to the kitchen. Upon entering Madison turned around and slapped Robin across the face. Once Robin realized what happened she attacked Madison. The two gave each other a few hair pulls and hits across the face. It wasn’t until Robin hit her head on the counter that the fighting stopped.

  MADISON

  I told you to run his car off of the road.

  ROBIN

  I tried but I could not keep up with him.

  Madison reached over and slapped Robin again. Robin grabbed a knife from the holder. Before she could throw it at Madison Grandmother Ella walked into the kitchen.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  What is going on in here?

  MADISON

  Nothing. I gave Robin an assignment that she did not carry out.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You both are supposed to be planning a wedding. Not tearing up my kitchen.

  MADISON

  I don’t know if there will be a wedding.

  Grandmother Ella turned quickly.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  And why not?

  ROBIN

  Mrs. Cove I don’t think that I can deceived Dwight like this.

  Grandmother Ella slowly walked over to Robin.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I don’t want to hear this. You will marry him.

  ROBIN

  But what if I get caught.

  MADISON

  Stop being such a bitch.

  ROBIN

  You have got one more time to call me a bitch.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Tomorrow the two of you will sit down and plan this entire wedding out.

  BRIAN (walking into the kitchen with Dwight)

  There will not be a wedding?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Why is he here?

  Brian released Dwight’s hand. He looked Dwight in the face.

  DWIGHT

  I need to talk to you in private.

  MADISON

  No you don’t. You can say it all right here.

  DWIGHT

  I know that I can but I don’t choose too.

  BRIAN

  Let me say something. Dwight would scream “I love you” down the halls not caring who heard him. He’d go on a walk with me in forty degree weather, hot cocoa in one hand and my hand in his other. He’d let me sing out loud and wouldn’t call me weird. He’d sit outside with me on the balcony because there was nothing to do and wouldn’t say he was bored once. He’d let me look like crap wearing a big t-shirt and shorts and still call me beautiful. He’d write me thousands of texts every day at work. He’d take me to the park and push me on the swings. He wouldn’t be shy around my family but acted like he’s part of it. He’d argue with my friends that he loved me more. He’d keep every single promise he made. He’d run up and hug me whenever he saw me. He wasn’t scared to dance in front on me or act retarded. He’d spend my birthday with me and my family. He’d rent all the chick flicks and action flicks. He loves me. He will not marry this girl.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Are you finish?

  BRIAN

  Dwight let’s go.

  I looked at Brian with tears forming in my eyes. I didn’t know what to do or say. I wanted to do this for my family as well as myself.

  DWIGHT

  Brian – You know that I love you. But I am going to need you to understand. I can’t return with you to Seattle. I have to do this.

  Brian broke down and began to cry. I tried to console him but he pushed me away. I didn’t know what to say. Brian quickly raced out of the door.

  MADISON

  Now that he is gone I….

  DWIGHT (looking at Madison)

  Don’t be such a bitch

  31

  I sat on the edge of my bed. I heard a diesel truck pulling up to the house. I walked over to the window and pulled the curtains back when I spotted the delivery truck. I wondered as to what could be coming. I quickly raced down stairs and opened the front door. When I opened the door there stood a woman dressed in blue pants and a red shirt that had the initials F.S.E.S embodied on the left hand side.

  DELIVERY WOMAN (with a smile holding a clipboard)

  Good afternoon. I have a delivery for a Mr. Dwight Cove.

  DWIGHT

  That’s me.

  DELIVERY WOMAN

  Sign right here sir.

  I took the clipboard and began to scribble my name on the paper. I thumbed through the papers to see where this was coming from. I knew that I had not ordered anything. Once I got halfway down the page I saw Brian’s name on the paper.

  The woman walked back to her truck and unloaded several big boxes. Another truck pulled into my grandmother’s yard. This time two more women and a man jumped out of it. They began to unload furniture and boxes, placing them in my grandmother’s living room.

  I released my phone for the belt clip and called Brian.

  BRIAN

  I take it that you got your things.

  DWIGHT

  Why are you doing this? I didn’t call you to tell you to send my things here.

  BRIAN

  Dwight this is best. You are getting married in a few days and I can’t go on living like this.

  DWIGHT

  This marriage is for my family not me. I love you.

  BRIAN

  If you loved me then you would not be doing this.

  Suddenly there was no sound from the phone. I looked down and read CALL ENDED on the screen. I knew Brian did not hang up on me. I dialed his number again.

  BRIAN

  Don’t call me anymore. Go ahead and live your life.

  DWIGHT

  Don’t do this.

  BRIAN

  Dwight, I love you and will always love you but I will not be second to no man and especially not a woman. Be happy ok. I will send you a wedding gift. Good bye.

  I felt my stomach flip several times. “What am I doing?” I thought to myself.

  DELIVERY WOMAN

  Mr. Cove we have unloaded everything from both trucks. Do you want to check this manifestation form with the boxes in the house?

  DWIGHT

  Ah, no…no…I trust that everything is here.

  I pulled my wallet from my pocket to tip the workers.

  I turned and walked into the house. I studied everything that was happening as I scanned the boxes. I heard my grandmother approach me from behind.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  What is all of this?

  DWIGHT

  My things from Seattle. Brian sent them to me.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Well…I guess that you will be placing these things in storage today.

  DWIGHT

  Yes. I can’t believe that he sent them.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  He knows what’s best. I am about to go to the cemetery to visit Jefferson Davis. Make sure that you go into the office today. There should be some papers coming for signatures. Read them carefully before signing them.

  DWIGHT

  What are they concerning?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  The wedding, you getting married, and what stake of this family you might get.

  DWIGHT

  I can’t believe you are making me sign a contract.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I have told you before I am protecting my family first. In order for you to get something from me you will have to give something. You have already given up that life with that boy, you have moved back home, and you are getting married.

  I stood there pondering why I was letting her control my life.

&n
bsp; DWIGHT

  I am going to get a storage cabin today to put all of this in.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Great. (walking over to me and placing her hand on my shoulder). Trust me, I am doing this for your own good.

  DWIGHT

  Yeah, right.

  32

  I was going through some papers at the office when I heard a noise. The noise started to get faster and louder. I quickly pulled my pistol out of the bottom desk drawer. I checked the clip to make sure that it was loaded. I eased my way around my desk to the direction of the noise. I held my gun out in front of me as a walked down the hall. Once I got to my grandmother’s office, the noise and rambling was intense. I quickly opened the door and there stood someone dressed in all black.

  Whomever it was – was going through the files so hard that they didn’t notice me as I approached. I cocked my gun and pointed it directly at them.

  DWIGHT

  I don’t miss. Not at any range.

  They quickly fired at me and took off running. With the bullet missing me I followed behind. The perpetrator went to jump out of the window when I fired my gun. The bullet struck them in the back. The person fell to the ground. I walked over to them and kicked them. No movement came from them. I pulled the hood off and noticed that it was Apollo who came to the hospital to visit Landon. What was he doing in our office? What was the real connection he had with Landon?

  I quickly picked up the phone and called the police.

  _____________________________

  I explained everything to my grandmother and Madison when they arrived at headquarters. We sat and pondered what really was going on.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  What have you done?

  DWIGHT

  Tried to protect this family business.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  As your grandfather used to say, “Blood may be thicker than water…but oil is thicker than both.” Landon has bought shame to me. I am glad that he is dead. There is no telling what he was into.

  MADISON

  Grand…how can you say that about my brother?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I have a family and a business to protect. There is no way that I will allow you, your brother or Dwight to bring shame inside this circle. Now if he hadn’t killed himself I would have killed him. I knew that Landon had a drug problem. I have sent him to rehab several time.

  I sat there listening to this woman talk about my baby brother. I knew in my heart of heart that Landon was her baby. But to listen to her turn the tables was astounding.