“Dedicated to all the people out there who lost a loved one—uh, uh,” Coco started rapping. Kim sang the hook and Coco flowed. It was a perfect duet.
That’s my mother you got in your arms, oh Lord
Please make me understand why you had to take her back so early
Help me to speak clearly,
Hold her thoughts with me on earth so dearly
That’s my mother you got in your arms, oh Lord
Please help me understand clearly,
Speak my heart fairly, keep love on my mind
Please remind me why I’m still here what am I doing here
That’s my mother you in your arms, oh Lord,
please make over-stand I wanna find answers to these questions oh Lord
why Lord tell me why I’m here floating with the stars.”
It took an anxious couple of days for the video to be completely ready to go. There was enough footage for two videos, but Nick and his staff expertly trimmed hours of footage to five strong minutes of Coco.
The gifted teen was adding the finishing touches to her debut album. As soon as the video premiered, it went viral. Her message was simple, her rhymes easy, and Coco became a big hit. She was poised to take over the music world. ‘Sins of My Mother,” the video, was released with a major splash.
Coco was interviewed on a popular local morning show to coincide with the release of her video. With Deedee along, Coco arrived promptly and Deedee made sure she was photo-shoot fresh for her interview. She was courteous and smiled easily throughout the process.
“So Coco, you have a hot video and album coming soon. We want you to come back and talk soon,” the host said.
“No doubt. And I just wanna thank Eric Ascot and Nick Quest for making a hot video,” Coco said.
“And we have that video coming up right now. The new video from Coco,” the host announced.
“I absolutely love this video,” Deedee said when Coco joined her in the listening room.
It was a huge launch. That same day, Coco and Deedee were chauffeured in a limousine to different television stations, and Coco gave multiple interviews. The buzz had been created and Coco was performing and going live on all the popular video channels.
“Are you ready to eat? I am,” Deedee smiled, rubbing her stomach.
“I hear you, yo.”
“Please find us some place to eat quickly,” Deedee said to the driver.
“No problem,” he said.
Eric had spent the seed money, and knew he was making the right decision. Now all he needed was the returns so he could fuel the machinery. The video was the bait to attract the right suitors.
He was watching Coco’s interview and Eric received the call he had hoped to get. Because of the stir the video had caused, a mysterious person had contacted Max Roose.
“They wanna do business with you, Eric,” Roose said. “You’re going have to make the call.”
Eric made the call, and agreed to meet with the potential investors. Checking the big face Rolex on his wrist, Eric walked inside the restaurant. He was immediately seated in a quiet corner away from the lunch-time crowd enjoying their meals. After waiting for half hour, Eric was nursing his second martini then signaled for the maitre d’.
“I was supposed to meet someone here,” Ascot said.
“Oh, so sorry, Mr. Ascot. Mr. Mariuchi will be here shortly,” the man said in a deep Italian accent. “Can we get you anything else?” he asked, signaling the waiter. “Bring Mr. Ascot another Martini,” he said, bowed and walked away.
They walked in like a team of basketball players, and it was clear they were familiar with everyone in the restaurant. There were five of them, and one approached the table Eric Ascot was sitting at. He saw the youthful face and thought he was a fan.
“Mr. Eric Ascot, I’m Joseph Mariuchi. Friends call me Joey. May I sit down?”
Eric silently waved his arm and the kid sat down in front of him. Meanwhile his friends took up a table not too far away.
“I was expecting your brother or father,” Eric said.
“Maybe you were expecting my granddad and dad. Neither of them could make it. So I’m here. Do you mind?”
“No, go right ahead,” Eric said cautious of the teen’s swagger.
Joey waved his hand and the waiter rushed over with drinks for the tables. Then he waited until all the glasses were filled and the waiter walked away before he started speaking.
“I represent the Mariuchi family Mr. Ascot. Can I call you Eric? I know I may seem real young to you, but that’s beside the point. We want to become the sole investors in your company. Fifty-fifty, everything even and legal,” Joey said and sipped.
Eric remained tightlipped, analyzing the young man sitting in front of him. He had known the Mariuchi and done business with them but never the grandson. He was completely new to the ways of the chain-wearing, fast-talking man sitting in front of him. Eric understood exactly what was being said, but wondered about Joey’s authority.
“How much are you prepared to offer?” Eric asked, testing the water.
“Eric, just in case you haven’t heard. My father was setup by a certain man, whether you know him or not is not important. His name is Rightchus. Correction, was,” Joey said, watching Eric’s reaction. “We already took care of him. But because of that fucking rat, my grandfather can’t come back to this country that he loves and my uncle is a paraplegic.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but—”
“That doesn’t answer your question,” Joey finished the sentence and Eric sat back and sipped his martini. “If you agree and we think you will, we will start with a one hundred and twenty million split.”
Eric almost choked on his martini and reached out to grab the young man. He quickly let go and smiled.
“You’re bullshitting me, right?”
“You’re very a smart and talented man. Why would that figure seem such a big deal to you? It’s not just money it’s a partnership. We want to operate through you and attract others like yourself. Eventually… you can see where this going, right Eric?” Joey said with a knowing smile.
“So what do I have to do?” Eric flippantly asked.
“That’s simple. Meet with our check writer, our representative, at her office tomorrow and we can begin business.”
“That’s it?”
“She’ll have the particulars such as the project names, movies, music, and whatever else you’re working on. She’ll have the paperwork and you just sign on the dotted line and we’re in business, Eric.”
Eric looked up at the young kid possessing all the acumen of a wise guy. Joey wore athletic gear and appeared to have just crawled out of a pickup game of basketball. Maybe he had been sniffing coke, Eric mused, staring at his face and seeing the redness of his flared nostrils.
“Alright, let me have the address,” Eric said.
“Here you are, sir,” Joey said, handing a business card to Eric.
Eric took the card and quickly glanced at it. Suddenly he started laughing, and pointing at Joey. “No way! Where are the cameras? Is this some type of reality show you’re involved in?”
“No, Eric, what you see on the card is very real. That card is worth one hundred and twenty million dollars guaranteed,” Joey smiled and stood.
He held out his hand and Eric accepted the handshake. Eric was still nervously glancing around looking for a camera. He looked at Joey expecting a punch line.
“This is real, Eric,” Joey said, walking away with his friends.
Eric slammed the martini to the back of his throat, and raced after the young man and his friends. Outside, he saw them loading up in a Benz truck.
“Hey Joey, is this some kinda joke, man?” Eric shouted.
Music blasting, tires screeching, the Benz was gone. Eric was left in their wake, closely examining the card in his itchy palm.
“Oh no, not her,” Eric said, scratching his head.
Standing outside the restaurant, Eric
could hear the heavy bass of the music thundering loudly from the car’s speakers. The chorus rang from Coco’s song.
That’s my mother you got in your arms oh Lord
please make me understand why you had to take her back so early
help me to speak clearly,
hold her thoughts with me on earth soo dearly
That’s my mother you got in your arms oh Lord
please help me understand clearly,
speak my heart fairly keep love on my mind
please remind me why I’m still here what am I doing here
That’s my mother you in your arms oh Lord,
please make over-stand I wanna find answers to these questions oh Lord
why Lord tell me why I’m here floating with the stars.
EPILOGUE
Six months later…
“Hey Dee, what’s good?” Coco said walking out the door of the huge library.
“Coco whassup, girl…?”
“Just chillin’, trying to study and doing this college girl thing, yo,” Coco answered, walking across the Quad heading to the Yard where the freshmen lived and congregated.
She was in the process of completing her first semester at Harvard. Coco stood outside her dorm room, looking at the manicured lawn. The phone call swung her into an upbeat mood, and put a smile on her face as she chatted on the phone.
“Guess what?”
“What, you’re about to have the baby, yo?”
“Yes, but it’s time for you to play superstar again…”
“The movie is gonna finally be released?”
“Bingo, and there’s an airline ticket waiting for you at Logan Airport…”
“That’s great, Dee,” Coco said jumping up with excitement. “I’ll be home soon.”
It was close to Christmas break and she was set to travel back to New York city. Coco was so excited, she spent the entire night listening to all twelve songs on her album. Morning couldn’t come soon enough.
Deedee and Sophia were awaiting her arrival at La Guardia Airport. There were a few paparazzi flashbulbs going off as Coco walked through the airport. They screamed and ran when they spotted one another. Then they laughed during the ensuing hugfest which occurred between Coco, Deedee and Sophia.
“Hey you look very pregnant, yo,” Coco laughed.
“Isn’t she?” Sophia said, joining in.
“Coco, you look fabulous. I must say college is becoming you,” Deedee laughed. “No more ghetto girl,” Deedee continued and they all laughed.
“When are you—?”
“In a couple of months,” Deedee said. “You’ll have to come back for his birth,” she laughed. “But seriously Coco, you’re gonna be too busy right now. I have your itinerary. We got a wedding on our hands.”
“A wedding?”
“Yes, a wedding,” Sophia laughed and raised her hand.
“Oh my! What a huge rock,” Coco said, admiring the engagement ring on Sophia’s finger.
“It’s a 3-carat and don’t ask how much it cost,” Deedee said.
“Well, it’s is a marquise hand-crafted to the highest level of excellence,” Sophia bragged. “It was worth every bit of time,” she continued.
“Nice…” Coco said, she examined the ring, visibly impressed. “So when is the wedding, yo?”
“A week after the movie premieres,” Deedee happily said.
“Congrats,” Coco said, hugging Sophia.
“And congrats to you, Coco,” Sophia said.
“Yes, tomorrow after the movie opens, you’re gonna be a real superstar,” Deedee said.
“You’re gonna be star too, Dee,” Coco smiled.
The chauffeur gathered Coco’s luggage. Then hugging, they all walked to the limousine. The chauffeur packed the bags away then quickly whisked Coco, Deedee, and Sophia away to the Manhattan apartment.
“Welcome home, Coco,” Deedee said with a smile.
She handed Coco a set of keys. Sophia walked in front leaving Coco and Deedee behind. Coco glanced at the building then she hurried to catch up with Deedee. They embraced and Deedee kissed her passionately.
“You’re soo sweet. Thanks for everything,” Coco said.
“You’re more than welcome. Uncle E is upstairs. He knows everything and it’s all good,” Deedee smiled.
“I guess Sophia was your ideal ally, huh?”
“Yes, two heads are always better,” Deedee laughed. “But she was fantastic. She did such a good job convincing Uncle E, he proposed to her,” she continued.
“Really now?”
“They seem very happy. But how’s your first semester as a college student?
“So far soo good. I miss y’all though, yo.”
They hugged again and walked inside the building. Inside the lobby, Eric and Sophia were sitting and waiting for them. He walked to them and hugged Coco.
“Thanks, Uncle E,” she said.
“I’m with my favorite ladies. Let’s go to dinner,” Eric announced.
The limousine left them outside a popular eatery. With the holidays rolling in, the mood was festive and the group enjoyed themselves. The feast went down well and Coco saw the loving reaction between the couple. It couldn’t be a better homecoming for her and she enjoyed every moment. When Eric made his toast she was so choked up, Coco felt the tears.
“To a number-one selling album—welcome home, Coco, we did it,” he raised his glass.
“No, we all did it, Uncle E,” Coco said, raising her glass.
“Here, here,” Deedee and Sophia chorused.
Long-stemmed champagne flutes clinked, then they drank. Coco smiled at Deedee when Eric said, “Be easy, Dee. You might damage the baby’s liver.”
“Oh, one won’t hurt, Uncle E,” Deedee said.
“Tell her Soph…”
“One glass of champagne will not hurt Dee or the baby,” Sophia smiled, kissing Eric’s lips.
His concerns seemed to fade into a loving smile. Coco watched and couldn’t help but think that this was the family she always wanted. There was genuine love to replace what she never experienced within her real family. The warmth she felt melted her heart. Suddenly Coco opened up, echoing her feelings.
“You guys make me feel soo good to be here, right now,” Coco said. “I don’t even wanna think about leaving to go back to college. I mean you guys are like family, and I miss you soo much when I’m in Mass… I don’t think I wanna go back,” she blurted in tears.
Coco’s sudden outburst drew stares of concern from all around. Not only did Deedee, Eric, and Sophia look on with raised eyebrows, but so did the servers and waitresses along with the maitre D. Eric saw the tears in Coco’s eyes and knew the sadness she felt. He realized that as tough an outer shell as Coco possessed, she missed her mother, and needed the comfort of friends.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” he smiled softly. “When your mother was in the hospital, she told me that you must finish college. She was soo proud of you, Coco. She really wanted you to finish. And you’ll always have a family right here,” Eric smiled.
There was a long pause. Coco felt all their eyes on her, and held her head high, in a futile attempt to hold back the tears. It was a joyful moment, but Coco cried. Deedee hugged and comforted her while Eric and Sophia smiled looking on. It was a special occasion. Coco sighed and said, “I will, yo.”
There were no dry eyes. Their tears flowed as Deedee, Eric and Sophia all hugged, and embraced the sobbing Coco.
New movies opened every week, but Gold Crest Studios decided to pull out all the stops. The movie studio threw an old-fashioned, full-blown special screening of Angels at the Gate. It was quite a sight outside the Lincoln Center. High-intensity searchlights crisscrossed the night sky. The police roped off the area, and makeshift barricades were set up for crowd control. Movie stars and rap stars arrived in stretch limousines.
Most of the celebs stopped and chatted with the crowd before walking up the red carpet and going inside
to see the film. Dazzled by the stars, an adoring swarm of fans waited outside, and applauded loudly as Coco, Eric, Deedee, and Sophia stepped onto the red carpet.
Photographers shot photos of Deedee and Sophia slipping off. While a news reporter interviewed Eric, Coco tried to walk away, but was immediately met by TV reporters. Even though the experience was a bit exhausting, Coco was gracious. She handled the all attention and questions with humility mixed with grace.
“We’re here at the world premiere of her new movie, Angels At The Gate, with Coco Harvey, America. And I just have to say congratulations.”
“Thank you very much,” Coco said, politely nodding.
“Coco, everyone knows your story by now… All the obstacles you’ve been through, but you’ve managed to complete a top-selling music album on the charts, headlining sold-out shows and concerts, and now what appears to be a blockbuster movie. How do you feel?”
“I feel really blessed. And I just want to show my gratitude, and appreciation to everyone who helped me along the way.”
“Is there anything you want to say to the people who’ve helped you?”
“Yes, I’d like to thank them all, Miss Katie for her words of inspiration, my producer, Eric Ascot, for believing in me. My BFF, Deedee, Sophia. My girls, gone but not forgotten, Da Crew, Danielle and Josephine, my girl, Bebop, and Madukes…” Coco’s voice trailed for a beat. She became emotional when she said, “Rest in peace, Madukes… To all my ghetto girls everywhere going through your struggles, one love. Just know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. And shout out to Kim and Tina. Get better soon, Tina…”
Propped up by several pillows, Tina sat in her hospital bed with tubes connecting her to life supporting machines. There was a tube extending to her mouth, and tubes running from her nostrils to assist her in breathing. Tubes extended from the veins in her arms. She had survived six surgeries over the past six months to repair her damaged lungs. Tina’s body was ravished. She was weak and tired. The emaciated woman was facing the possibility of not being able to speak again. Her recovery from the severe stab wound was beginning to show some signs of progress.
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