After reading the postcard, Bo contacted information to find a phone number for the address listed on the postcard and asked to speak with Mabel Joe. After thanking her for the card, he let her know that she was listed on Atlanta’s missing persons list. Mabel Joe laughed.
“You mean to tell me folks been looking for me?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s been on the news, and there are flyers up all over town. Why didn’t you tell someone where you were going?”
“It never occurred to me that I needed to tell anyone. I hated that job at the hospital, and I don’t have no family back there. But it does my heart good to know that folks care, even when I didn’t think that they did. I’ll make a phone call and let the authorities know that I’m okay,” she said before hanging up the phone.
During February of that year, Nancy had passed away, and Zack took his entire family to Asheville to pay their last respects. His brother and sister had no idea that he’d stopped passing, and both stood with their mouths gaping open when he drove up to their single-wide trailer and stepped out of his car with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Zack thought that he still looked more white than black, but they did not agree.
His brother screamed for his stepfather. “Roscoe, get out here! Zack’s home!”
Roscoe stepped out onto the porch and stared at Zack. He looked him up and down before taking a seat on the porch steps. Zack felt completely unwelcome, so he turned around and told Charlene and the kids to stay in the car.
“What have you done to yourself?” Kyle asked. “You are dark as an Injun. Are you trying to be a Cherokee?”
“I think you mean Native American. And no, I’m not passing as anything anymore. This is what I look like.”
“You can’t go to the funeral like that,” Meagan insisted. “Momma would not be able to rest in peace if she knew you looked like this.”
“This is who I am, Meagan. My mother was African American, and so am I.”
Roscoe stood up, then walked down the steps and stood face-to-face with Zack. “You know I ain’t racist, but some of the people who are gonna be at this funeral are. It’s bad enough that you married a black gal and had a bunch of mongrel chirren. You will not walk into my wife’s funeral looking like a niggrah.” He spat tobacco on the ground and stared defiantly at Zack.
Zack hated the way Roscoe combined the words Negro and nigger to make up his own version of the horrible word. Regardless of how he pronounced it, Zack felt insulted. “I’m sorry you feel that way, Roscoe. My family and I will just go to the mortuary and say good-bye before we head back to Atlanta.”
“You do what you gotta do,” Roscoe said coldly.
Zack got back into his car and drove away. Instead of going immediately back to Atlanta, he decided to spend some time in Asheville and show his family where he’d grown up. They took a tour of the downtown area and drove by the historic Biltmore estate. Then they checked into a nice hotel for the night. The next morning, Zack went alone to the funeral home and said his final good-byes to Nancy. As he did so, he realized that he was also saying good-bye to the person she’d made him become. He felt sorrow for her death, but he couldn’t help feeling elated that he was finally free from all of the hurt and pain she’d caused in his life.
Over the next several months as his appearance changed, Zack heard the rumblings of gossip within his congregation. It took a bucket of courage and a boatload of prayer, but by late May of that year, Zack decided that it was time that he told his congregation the truth. Except for the occasional snide remarks, the majority of them had accepted the news with little fanfare.
His marriage to Charlene was stronger than it had been in years. Although he continued his morning workouts, he’d asked Charlene to join him in the gym. They worked out together and grew closer as a couple. He still kept the door locked to keep the children out, but he reduced it to only the small lock on the door. He also finally took the photos of his mother and grandmother from the basement and put them in their rightful places on the mantle along with their other family photos. The boys enjoyed hearing about their family, and Zack was both proud and ecstatic to be able to share it with them.
As soon as they finished eating their breakfast, Zack, Charlene, and the children piled into the car to go shopping for a birthday present for Brandon’s son.
In her mansion, Danita stood in the front entryway yelling up the stairs for her daughters. “If you girls don’t hurry up, you are going to be late for the birthday party,” she yelled.
“Summer is hogging the bathroom mirror,” Autumn yelled back.
Vivian stepped to the top of the staircase and looked down at Danita. “I’ll have them down in just a few minutes,” she said.
Danita went into the family room and lounged on the couch while she waited. It had only been a few weeks since the court rendered a decision, but she was completely thankful that she’d won full custody of her girls.
Gretchen spoke with the court-appointed liaison assigned to Danita’s case and told them everything she knew about Ben’s family. Although they’d told the judge they were not after Danita’s money, that was not the complete truth. Joy was in financial trouble due to gambling debts, and she desperately needed a way out. Danita did not understand why they had not simply asked for money in the wrongful death suit, but Joy had a much more complicated plan in mind. Joy knew that even if the family won the suit, her parents would receive the bulk of the settlement and she would not be able to ask them for money without revealing the truth about her gambling problem. So she talked them into seeking custody of the children instead.
According to Gretchen’s testimony, her next plan would have been to request child support payments from Danita. Because of her parents’ age, she knew that she’d most likely be named as their legal guardian and Danita would have to pay the money directly to her. She also knew that she could easily ask for several hundred thousand dollars in support per month by stating that the girls had a right to maintain their present lifestyle. Unfortunately, she had not counted on Gretchen speaking with Danita and recanting her statements.
With Victor’s help, Danita was able to appeal the wrongful death decision, and she had won. Shortly thereafter, she’d received the news that the custody battle was over and no one would be able to take her kids.
Following the verdict, Danita picked up her phone and contacted Ben’s parents. “Hello, Mother Hyatt, it’s me, Danita,” she said.
“Um . . . Hello. Wow, I never expected to hear from you.”
“I know, and I must admit that I never expected to be making this phone call. First of all, let me say that your actions in court were deplorable. Ben would never have approved of the tactics that you all used against me.”
“I’m really sorry about that, Danita. My husband and I are truly sorry. I can’t apologize for Joy, but I know that she’s ashamed as well.”
“I understand that, and I appreciate your apology.” Danita paused as she gathered her nerve. “The reason I’m calling is to find out if you’d like to see the girls over the Christmas holiday. They will be out of school for two weeks.”
Ben’s mother was stunned. “After everything that’s happened, you still want us to see them?”
“I want what’s best for my children. You’re their grandparents, and they love you. I won’t keep them away from you, ever. I promise.”
Her mother-in-law thanked her profusely before setting up a date and a time to pick up the children. Danita knew that she’d made the right decision. God had forgiven her for her anger, and she knew that she had to forgive them as well.
“Mommy, what did you do with little Brandon’s present?” Autumn asked. She and her sisters were finally dressed and standing in the doorway.
“Philippe put it in the trunk of the car. It’s too big to carry,” Danita answered.
The three of them had chosen a handmade rocking horse with a lifelike mane. It was white trimmed in blue.
“Well, let’s hurry up and go. I can’t wai
t to see him ride it,” Autumn answered as they all walked out the front door.
Jimmy, Yolanda, Priscilla, and JJ were the first to arrive at Brandon’s home.
“I’m so glad you guys are here. The clown cancelled, Costco lost my cake order, and the helium tank is not blowing up the balloons,” Brandon said. “I knew I should have let my mother plan this party.”
“Where is she? Don’t tell me your mother is missing the party?” Yolanda asked.
“Unfortunately, my mother is. Dad had surgery on his hip and can’t travel. But we are going to Tulsa next week, and she’s having another party there with the whole family.”
“Don’t worry. Priscilla and I will go to Publix and get a cake. JJ has a clown outfit that he wore for the school carnival, so we’ll pick that up too,” Yolanda offered.
“Let me take a look at that tank, Mr. Kitts. I bet I can make it work,” JJ chimed in.
As they all rushed off to their appointed tasks, Jimmy followed Brandon into the house. “I really wanted to do an outdoor party, but it’s too chilly this time of year,” Brandon said as they entered his great room.
“It looks nice in here. You’re doing a good job,” Jimmy said.
“He hasn’t done anything but give orders,” Quincy complained. He walked into the room carrying a roll of blue crepe paper. “I’m barely six feet tall even in three-inch heels, but I hung all of these streamers.”
Jimmy was still amazed at the friendship that had formed between Quincy and Brandon since the birth of his son. The first time he’d seen Quincy at little Brandon’s christening, he felt compelled to ask why they’d grown so close.
“He’s a good person with a good heart,” Brandon had said. “Besides, if it wasn’t for him, I would not have my son. He didn’t have to call me that night. Myrna had been paid by Tia before she died. She could have put the baby up for adoption, and I never would have been the wiser. I owe him a lot.”
“But you’re a minister. Aren’t you worried about how this looks?” Jimmy asked.
“My granddaddy used to say that you gotta catch the fish before you can clean it. My prayer is that I can positively influence Quincy’s life.”
Jimmy had discovered over the past year that Brandon was right. Quincy attended church services regularly at Brandon’s church, and when he did, he dressed conservatively in a suit and a tie. He was still over-the-top at other times, but they both could see a change in him. For the party, he’d chosen skintight leather pants with a multicolored sweater and stiletto pumps. Jimmy walked over and offered his assistance to him with hanging streamers.
Brandon was directing them to hang the streamers more to the left when his cell phone began ringing in his pocket. “Hello,”
“Hi, Brandon, it’s me, Myrna.”
“Sweetheart, we are almost done setting up for the party. Where are you?” he asked.
“My plane is delayed, but I should be home before the party is over. Give our son a kiss for me. I’ll be there as soon as I can,” she replied.
After meeting her at the hospital the night his son was born, Brandon had tried unsuccessfully to fight the strong attraction he felt to his son’s mother. At first, he’d told himself that it was just gratitude for her carrying his son, but soon, he had to admit that it was much more. By the time, little Brandon was six months old, he’d finally gotten up the courage to ask Myrna on a date. The two had been almost inseparable since. Brandon had not expected to fall in love again so soon after Tia’s death, but he was certain that Myrna was the woman he’d prayed for all of his life. On Christmas Eve of that year the two of them had exchanged vows in front of Zack Morton, with Quincy standing by as best man. The day before their son’s birthday, she’d flown to California for the funeral of a family friend.
“Do you want us to wait for you before we start?” he asked.
“No, don’t disappoint the children. Just be sure to save some cake for me.”
Two hours later, all of the guests had arrived and gathered around the table with the birthday boy sitting at the head. He was dressed in a baby blue sweater with blue jeans and white sneakers and had pulled the party hat off of his head, busily tearing it apart as his guests looked on. Suddenly, Myrna burst through the door carrying a large birthday present just as Brandon came in carrying the cake that Yolanda and Priscilla had purchased. A single candle shaped like the number one sat glowing on top.
“Okay, everybody, who’s going to lead the birthday song?” Brandon asked as he placed the cake on the table.
Little Brandon immediately reached for it and put a huge dent in the icing with his tiny fingers.
“Y’all better hurry up. This kid is ready for the cake,” JJ said laughing.
“I’ll start,” Priscilla said. “I’m in the choir at church.”
Singing off-key, she led them all in a rousing yet pitiful rendition of “Happy Birthday.” They all clapped and cheered as Martin and Luther helped little Brandon blow out the candle.
“I want a big piece,” Luther said.
Charlene and Danita began cutting pieces of cake to serve just as the front doorbell rang. Brandon rushed to answer it and was surprised to see Anderson. “What are you doing here?”
Anderson held out a brightly wrapped package. “I brought a present for your son.”
“Thanks.” Brandon took the package and began to close the door.
“Can a brother get a piece of birthday cake?”
“Sure. But first, let’s cut to the chase. What’s the real reason you’re here, Anderson?”
Anderson shoved his hands into his coat pocket. “Look, I knew that everyone from the show would be here, and I’d like to talk to you all.”
Sighing, Brandon let him inside his home. “Okay, but make it quick. It’s my son’s birthday.” Brandon led Anderson into his home office. “Have a seat. I’ll go get the others.”
Brandon asked Myrna, Priscilla, and JJ to be in charge of the other children, then invited the entire former cast of Revelations to join him in the office with Anderson.
“Well, look who decided to finally crawl out from under that rock he was hiding under,” Zack said.
No one from the cast had spoken to, or seen, Anderson Carter since the taping of the Christmas Special Show in tribute to Tia that had been done over a year earlier. Due to Julian’s disappearance, his family had taken over the corporate offices of The Washington Broadcast Network and cancelled plans for a second season of Revelations. Unlike Julian, they seemed to be content with allowing the station to be a collage of old reruns and game shows.
“I wasn’t hiding. I was trying to make a living after Julian’s sister fired me,” Anderson answered.
It had been over a year since she’d heard from or seen him, but the sound of Julian’s name made Yolanda’s intestines tremble. “Has his family heard from him at all? I know the police haven’t found him,” she asked.
Anderson shrugged. “If they have, they didn’t tell me. You guys know I had nothing to do with all of that madness Julian was involved in. I was just trying to do my job.”
“I’d like to get back to my son’s party, so for the last time, Anderson, why are you here?” Brandon asked.
“Julian’s sister contacted me. Although it’s been over a year since the last episode, the station has been overrun with requests to bring the show back. I’m here to ask . . . no, to beg, you guys to agree to it.” He looked expectantly around the room.
“I’d love to do it again,” Danita said. “I can honestly say that it helped my ministry at the church. Not only that, but it also added some positivity to reality television.”
Zack looked over at Charlene, and she nodded her head. “We’re in. I’m starting a new outreach ministry that I’d love to see featured on the show,” he said.
“What about you, Brandon?” Anderson asked.
“Sure, why not? I got a lot of positive feedback about Tia’s tribute show. I think the fans would be glad to see our son.”
E
veryone’s eyes turned to Yolanda and Jimmy.
“Bishop Snow, I know this has to be a difficult decision for you and your wife after the last show,” Anderson said, “but I assure you that Julian was solely responsible for that and it will never happen again.”
Jimmy cleared his throat. “Well . . . I—”
Yolanda interrupted him. “I’m not really interested in doing a television show anymore. If my husband agrees to this, I want it to focus on his church and the new ministries they are implementing this year.”
Jimmy smiled and took her hand into his. “We both would be glad to do the show. One of our newest ministries is the Tia Kitts Memorial House for battered and abused women. It should be open in time for the first show.”
Anderson was elated. Before calling Julian’s sister to tell her the good news, he followed the rest of them into the dining room for little Brandon’s party. JJ had changed into his clown costume and was leading the kids in a game of pin the tail on the donkey, while Priscilla tried to clean the cake icing out of her hair that little Brandon had thrown at her.
Three months later as the cast gathered at the W Hotel to celebrate their premiere, Julian sat alone in the corner of a secluded bar hundreds of miles away, staring at the television screen as the new season of Revelations premiered.
Reader’s Group Guide Questions
1. Are you a fan of reality television?
2. Faking Reality has four core characters that are pretending in their lives. What were your feelings regarding the secrets they held?
3. Have you ever felt angry at God the same as Danita? If so, how did you handle that anger?
4. Yolanda Snow’s actions were fueled by ambition. Do you believe that sometimes God gets lost in the lives of those looking for fame?
5. What were your thoughts on the friendship between Tia and Quincy?
6. Did you have a favorite character in Faking Reality? If so, who was that character?
7. Did you have a least favorite character in Faking Reality? If so, who was that character?
8. When Zack’s secret was revealed, whom did you agree with, Charlene or her family?
Faking Reality Page 21
