by AnDerecco
ZESHAWN
Demarcus, you are not content with yourself. I don’t have time for that.
Demarcus grabbed Zeshawn by the hand and looked his square in the eyes.
DEMARCUS
Zeshawn, I love you. I know that we haven’t been together much, but I am in love with you.
ZESHAWN (Standing up)
I am gone. I don’t have time for this.
DEMARCUS
Don’t leave me. I want you in my life.
Zeshawn looked down at Demarcus and felt a connection. He sat back down.
ZESHAWN
Let me ask you something, what do you want out of this?
DEMARCUS
I want to start a relationship. I want us to really start something when we move to Kentucky. BUT I don’t want to be all out with this. I want to be a couple that is cool in public and freaks at home.
ZESHAWN
Do you think that I am out?
DEMARCUS
No. I am saying I don’t want to be lovey dovey in public.
ZESHAWN
So we are dating?
DEMARCUS
You are mine.
Saturday, February 2
MR. WANSLEY (Knocking on the bathroom door)
Are you alright?
Keira could not speak for regurgitating. The sound was getting louder and louder.
Keira soon came from the bathroom. She had a towel to her face. Mr. Wansley just looked at her. She walked over to the couch and laid down.
KEIRA
Mr. Wansley, I am sick.
MR. WANSLEY
I have told you about “Mr. Wansley”. We are a few weeks from being a legal family.
KEIRA
I apologize. Dad, I am sick.
NATHAN
What did you eat?
KEIRA
Just that rotel dip this morning. I ate a bowl of cereal, and then I ate what you cooked for lunch. A few moments ago, I ate some jelly beans and sour worms.
NATHAN
Not trying to get personal, but are you having sex?
KEIRA
DAD!
NATHAN
I am just asking.
Keira leaped off of the couch and back into the bathroom she went.
The doorbell rang and Nathan went to answer it. Zeshawn was standing on the opposite side.
NATHAN
Zeshawn, come on it.
ZESHAWN
Mr. Wansley, thanks. How are you?
NATHAN
I am good. Have a seat.
ZESHAWN
Where is Keira?
NATHAN
She is in the bathroom throwing up. Let me ask you something.
ZESHAWN
Yes sir?
NATHAN
Is Keira having sex?
Zeshawn started laughing as he fell over on the couch. When he saw that Mr. Wansley was serious, he stopped.
ZESHAWN
Ah, no. I don’t think so. She hasn’t said anything to me.
NATHAN
She tells you everything.
Keira walked into the living room. She went and sat on the couch with Zeshawn and lay in his lap. Zeshawn rubbed her head. He looked over at Mr. Wansley and shrugged his shoulders.
Mr. Wansley mentioned that he was going outside to do some yard work. When Keira saw the door closed, she rose up. She looked at Zeshawn.
KEIRA
Come here.
She took Zeshawn by the hand and ran to her room. When they entered she closed the door. She reached into her bottom drawer and pulled out a brown bag. In it contained a pregnancy test. She showed Zeshawn the results. POSITIVE.
ZESHAWN
WHAT!?
KEIRA
Shhhhh. I can’t tell Dad. I don’t want him to be upset with me. The adoption is not final. He may send me back to foster care.
ZESHAWN
Mr. Wansley is not like that. He is understanding.
Keira looked down at the pregnancy test and shook her head.
ZESHAWN
Wait a minute, whose is it?
Keira looked up at Zeshawn and continued to shake her head.
Tuesday, February 12
Cameron was eating dinner with his parent when there was a knock on the door. When Teresa answered it, there stood a woman from a delivery service holding a folder.
SERVICE PERSON
I have a package here for Mrs. Teresa Lawson.
TERESA
That’s me.
SERVICE PERSON
Sign here for me.
Teresa sign for the package. As she was closed the door she began to open the package. When she pulled out the content she could not believe her eyes. Page after page she flipped. A small brown envelope was inside. In it were some pictures. Teresa’s mouth dropped as she looked at them.
CAMERON
What’s wrong mom?
She looked over at Charles and then at Cameron.
TERESA
This can’t be.
CAMERON
Mom what are you talking about?
TERESA
You have a little brother that I didn’t give birth to but I help to deliver.
Cameron looked at his dad. Charles walked over and took the pictures from Teresa. He couldn’t believe his eyes.
CHARLES
These pictures are photoshopped. This is not me.
TERESA
What the hell are you saying? Here is the birth certificate right here with your name listed as the father.
CHARLES
I don’t have another child.
Teresa got up from the table and went to her office and made several phone calls. Soon her fax machine rang. Several pages came through. She came back into the kitchen and placed the fax in front of Charles. He skimmed the papers.
CHARLES
This is not real.
TERESA
It is from the hospital where I work. You had your whore to be one of my patients? You dirty, low down bastard.
CHARLES
Teresa, listen to me. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I am sorry.
CAMERON
Dad…why?
CHARLES
I wanted her to have an abortion but…
CAMERON
But it was wrong for me to talk to Alexis about having one? You are no better than I am.
CHARLES
Go to your room and let your mother and I talk.
TERESA
He doesn’t have to leave.
CHARLES
He is still a child.
CAMERON
Man, forget you.
Charles raised his hand to hit Cameron. Cameron stood there, boldly. When Charles saw that he wasn’t afraid of him, he lowered his hand.
CAMERON
I am gone.
Cameron snatched his keys from the holder and stormed out of the house.
TERESA
I am going to call her in tomorrow for an appointment.
CHARLES
Why? Just let me handle it.
TERESA
What are you going to do? This is the second time Charles. I want a divorce. You talked me out of it before but, I am going to proceed with it. I want you to get your things and go.
CHARLES
I am not going anywhere.
TERESA
You are getting the hell out of here.
CHARLES
Teresa please don’t do this. We can make it work.
TERESA
You flaunted you whore in my face for nine months. I delivered the baby. How could you be so trifling?
CHARLES
How about we get the baby and raise it as ours?
TERESA
Are you crazy? I am not raising another woman’s baby.
CHARLES
It’s my child Teresa. Please don’t leave me. I don’t want to lose my family.
TERESA
But you want to have outside sex? OK. We will have an open marriage. You do your
thing and I will start doing mine.
Thursday, February 28
Zeshawn was standing at his locker talking to Thomas. Demarcus was standing at the end of the hall watching them. Demarcus walked over to them.
DEMARCUS
What’s going on fellows?
Thomas turned to the left and saw Demarcus. He greeted him with a handshake.
THOMAS (Thomas played on the football team with Demarcus)
Oh man, What’s up?
DEMARCUS (looking at Zeshawn)
Chilling.
THOMAS
Zeshawn, I will see you tonight.
ZESHAWN
Ah, yeah.
Thomas walked off. Demarcus stepped in front of Zeshawn.
DEMARCUS
So where will you see Thomas at?
Zeshawn begin to get his books out of his locker.
ZESHAWN
I am tutoring him in Calculus.
DEMARCUS
That’s what it’s called now? Tutoring, OK. Well don’t let me interrupt.
ZESHAWN
Why are you acting like this?
DEMARCUS
Like what?
ZESHAWN
This jealous role that you are trying to play.
DEMARCUS
Where are you all studying?
ZESHAWN
At his house.
Demarcus did not like the answers Zeshawn was giving him. Demarcus turned to walk off. Zeshawn grabbed him. Rayshon saw when Zeshawn grabbed him. He quickly ran over.
RAYSHON
What you doing to my brother? I told you to stay away from him.
DEMARCUS
Man, I think that you need to go on.
ZESHAWN
Ray stop. This is between us.
RAYSHON
Naw, it ain’t.
ZESHAWN
Would you go on? Please!?
RAYSHON
Is there something you need to me?
ZESHAWN
Ray, me and De….
Demarcus stopped Zeshawn in mid-sentence. He didn’t want it to get out that he was dating Zeshawn.
DEMARCUS
Dude, it’s nothing. I wanted him to “tutor” me but his fee was too high. I guess he was stopping me to lower his price.
Zeshawn knew what Demarcus was trying to say. He was reading between the lines. Rayshon looked at Zeshawn.
RAYSHON
We’ll talk when we get home.
Rayshon turned and walked away.
Demarcus made sure that Rayshon was out of sight. He looked at Zeshawn.
DEMARCUS
Don’t tell him about me and you.
Friday, March 8
NATHAN
I am glad that you all could come over this evening. As you know that I have been in the process of adopting Keira. I have in my hands the final court papers that say that in the case of Keira Garcia - Nathan Wansley you are the father.
KEIRA
Dad, you are crazy!
Demarcus, Cameron, Zeshawn and other family and friends all cheered.
NATHAN (holding up a glass of wine)
Keira, I have always wanted kids. I am glad that you came into my life. Even though it has only been a short while I want the best for you. You can come to me about anything and everything.
KEIRA
As you know my past hasn’t been easy. I hope the next phrase of my life is. I won’t disappoint you. I have enjoyed the last few months here with you. You are my dad.
Nathan and Keira embrace. He picked her up and spun her around. This upset her stomach. She broke away from him and ran to the bathroom. The sound of her throwing up came through the door.
NATHAN
She has been throwing up a lot lately. I am taking her to the doctor in the morning.
Keira walked out of the bathroom and looked at everyone.
NATHAN
How do you feel?
KEIRA
I am good.
NATHAN
Do you need to sit down?
KEIRA
I’m pregnant.
NATHAN
Say what now?
KERIA
I’m pregnant…I am sorry.
Nathan looked over at Zeshawn.
NATHAN
You knew this when I asked you.
ZESHAWN
No sir, I didn’t. I found out after.
KERIA
I’m pregnant…I am sorry.
Nathan looked over at Zeshawn.
NATHAN
You told him before you told me.
KERIA
I didn’t want you to be upset with me and send me back to the foster home.
NATHAN
I would have never done that. How many months are you?
KEIRA
Five.
NATHAN
By whom?
KEIRA
Well…Cameron.
Cameron spit out his drink as everyone turned and looked at him.
CAMERON
HUH?
KEIRA
I didn’t know how to tell you. But that night back in September when we went bowling and out to eat, it had to be that night.
CAMERON
I wished that you would have told me before now. Man…wow…are you…
NATHAN
Don’t you even ask her that!
CAMERON
What?
NATHAN
That famous question that all guys ask, “Are you sure it’s mine?”
CAMERON
Well, can I ask you this? Do you want to go to the prom with me?
KEIRA
What?
CAMERON
I was going to ask you anyway, but what better time than this?
KEIRA
Yeah.
Zeshawn was standing next to Demarcus. Demarcus winked at him and whispered to him that he was ready to leave. Zeshawn and Demarcus congratulated Nathan and Keira on the adoption. They looked at Cameron and smiled. Demarcus told him to call him later.
Demarcus and Zeshawn were sitting in Demarcus’ parking lot. They were talking about getting ready for prom and graduation. Demarcus mentioned that he would like to go somewhere for Spring Break. Zeshawn reached over and kissed Demarcus. When they unlocked lips Demarcus saw EJae standing in the garage. He was beginning to get upset. He gazed over to the driver’s side at Zeshawn. Demarcus exited the car and walked passed his mother.
Zeshawn started the car, but EJae ran to the car. She knocked on the window. Zeshawn let the window down.
EJAE
Come in the house.
Zeshawn turned the car off and followed EJae into the house.
EJAE
Have a seat. (Yelling through the house) Demarcus, come here.
Demarcus walked up like a sick puppy. He saw Zeshawn sitting on the couch. He turned to walk away. EJae stopped by telling him to turn around and come back.
Demarcus flopped down on his beanbag chair.
EJAE
It didn’t hit me when you first told me about this. But to actually see you two kissing brought it home for me.
Demarcus tried to stop her but she declined his movement.
EJAE
I want you both to know that I am ok with it. Demarcus, you are my son and I love you. I can’t make you tall or short. Therefore, I know I can’t make you straight or gay. Zeshawn, I want you to know that I am not upset with you. I will respect you as long as you respect my son. I hate that he jumped on you a few months back. But, if you need anything you can count on me.
Demarcus got up to hug EJae. He beckoned for Zeshawn to come over. All three embraced each other.
Tuesday, March 12
Charles pulled into the garage. When he got out of his car he heard laughter coming from in the house. When he walked into the living room Teresa was sitting on the couch talking to a man. Charles stopped in mid step.
TERESA
Oh, Darnell this is Charles.
Darnell s
tood to shake Charles hand. Charles refused.
DARNELL
Hey, man, what’s going on?
CHARLES
Teresa, can I talk to you for a minute?
TERESA
Excuse me Darnell.
Teresa followed behind Charles going to the bedroom. He closed the door behind him.
CHARLES
What the hell are you doing?
TERESA (laughing)
What are you talking about?
CHARLES
You got a man sitting in my house.
TERESA
Charles, we said that we were going to have an open marriage. I invited him over for drinks. He is just company. I would not have sex in the house.
Charles could not believe his ears. He looked at her in disbelief. He walked over to the closet and began to throw his clothes on the bed. He went to the hall closet and grabbed his suitcase. He began to pack his clothes. He threw his clothes. He wasn’t thinking about folding them neatly.
CHARLES
I told you that I was sorry for what happened. I can’t erase the past but try to make the future better. You don’t want that. You are evil. I am going to give you your divorce.
He took his wedding band off of his finger and tossed it on the bed. He grabbed his safe from under the bed. He picked up his suitcase and walked out of the bedroom. As he walked passed Darnell he stopped.
CHARLES
Well man, you beat my chair rocking. I hope that you have a nice life together.
He continued on to his truck. Teresa called to him when he reached the door. Charles stopped.
TERESA (holding on to the door)
Charles, I met with Brenda {your baby’s mama}, she told me everything. I am taking you for everything you got.
Charles hands where full. He took his foot and kicked the door. When the door went back it hit Teresa in the forehead. Charles got into his vehicle and put it in gear. He drove through the garage door without opening it.
Friday, March 29
A white Hummer H2 Limo pulled up at Zeshawn’s house. Demarcus got out with a huge smile on his face. He walked up to the house and rang the bell. Rayshon answered. Rayshon stared him down.
RAYSHON
Zeshawn, you got company.
DEMARCUS
Rayshon, man can we get past this.
RAYSHON
Why? You got my brother. Why do you want my friendship?
DEMARCUS
I care for your brother a lot man. I am sorry that I beat him up. He and I have forgiven each other. Why can’t you forgive me?
RAYSHON
Dude, that’s my brother. I told Ze that blood is thicker than water. I told him that I would do anything for him. He said that he forgave you because water is clearer than blood. He can see through you. I will admit that my brother care for you. I will try for him but I hold grudges.
