Family Values

by AnDerecco

As a heart attack.

  Trenity pulled Dwight from the couch and hugged him tightly.

  TRENITY

  Dude, I am sorry to hear that. You have been through a lot. (Releasing Dwight) Well look it has been a long day. I am going to take a shower and hit the bed. Dwight I hope to see you again before you leave.

  DWIGHT

  I am sure we will.

  Trenity walked up the stairs to prepare for his shower.

  DWIGHT

  Look, I am going to head to my hotel and get some rest myself.

  MADISON (getting off of the couch)

  I love you. Think about what I said. Don’t leave so soon.

  DWIGHT

  I will think about it.

  Madison locked the door as soon as Dwight left. She turned off all of the lights in living room and kitchen. She proceeded to walk up the stairs. When she passed by the wedding portrait of her and Trenity, she stopped and rubbed it while smiling.

  She grabbed the knob to the bedroom door and turned. As soon as she entered the room she was met by a fist. Madison grabbed her mouth where she was hit. When she pulled her hand down she saw blood.

  TRENITY

  You know when I come home I want to make love and then eat.

  MADISON

  Trent my brother stopped to visit.

  TRENITY

  I don’t care. Get your ass over here.

  Trenity grabbed Madison by the hair and threw her on the bed. He jumped on her and pounded her head into the mattress. Madison struggled to break loose. She finally got her hands free and clawed his face. Trenity punched her in the face several times after that. Madison finally kicked Trenity between his legs. He fell to the floor holding himself.

  She leaped off the bed headed towards the door. Trenity grabbed her left ankle and she fell to the floor. He crawled over to her and ripped her blouse open. The more Madison fought back the harder Trenity fought. He snatched on her skirt so hard that the zipper split causing a cut on her side. Trenity unzipped his pants. Madison knew what was about to happen. This was not the first time that she had been in this situation. He forced her legs apart. With his arm pressed against her neck she knew there was no turning back. She felt his flesh force its way into her. The pain of him entering her caused her to scream. Trenity gave her a quick slap across the face.

  TRENITY

  Shut the hell up.

  The pain increased as his rhythm picked up. Madison tried to break free but Trenity’s 5’11, 235 solid muscular frame would not allow her too. He pushed harder and harder, while his inhuman grunts filled the stillness of the room. She knew then that he was close to climaxing. Trenity let out a loud scream releasing his juices inside of her.

  TRENITY (collapsing on top of her)

  Well you always wanted a baby – there you go. Now go clean up.

  Trenity arose from her. His manhood was still erect as he walked out of the room. Madison laid on the floor wondering why she allowed herself to stay in this situation.

  11

  DWIGHT

  Hello.

  MADISON

  Dwight, are you still here?

  DWIGHT

  Yes, why?

  MADISON

  Can you take Grandmother to the cemetery? She wants to visit Grandfather.

  DWIGHT

  Why? We just buried him three days ago.

  MADISON

  Dwight, this was her husband. They spent over forty years together.

  DWIGHT

  Why can’t you take her? You know that she don’t want me to take her.

  MADISON

  I am in Birmingham on a business trip. Come on just take her and when I get home tomorrow I will make it up to you.

  DWIGHT

  Call her and tell her I will take her. Give me an hour.

  MADISON

  Thanks. This will also give you two time to talk.

  DWIGHT

  I am so looking forward to it.

  I laid the phone down on the nightstand to go take my shower. Lord knows that I didn’t want to take her and I know that she felt the same about me taking her.

  After a quick shower I threw on some jeans and shirt. I dragged myself to my rental car and sat there looking in the rearview mirror for a good minute. I was dreading driving down to the ranch.

  Upon my arrival I sat in the car and called Landon. Not surprised, he didn’t answer his phone.

  I went up and rang the doorbell. I thought that it was funny that a family member would have to ring the doorbell at their family house.

  Grandmother opened the door dressed as though she was going to a country club social. “Old southern money” I thought. She would never let anyone see her dressed down. She grabbed her purse and a sun hat. She never spoke a word. Not even a simple “good morning”.

  We got into my car and headed towards the cemetery.

  DWIGHT

  How are you Grandmother?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I am fine. I was wondering when you were going to speak. I know that I raised you better than the way you act.

  DWIGHT

  Gran, I came to your house. You should have…you are right. I was wrong.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I am surprised you are not back in Seattle.

  DWIGHT

  No ma’am. I am going to leave on next week.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA (gruts and clutches her purse)

  Hummmm.

  I wanted to ask what that was for but used my better judgment.

  DWIGHT

  So gran, how have you been since Grandfather’s passing.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I have been okay. Some days harder than others. But I’ll make it.

  DWIGHT

  You know that we are here for you if you need anything.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Madison and Landon are here. You are going back to Seattle. Not that I would call you for anything anyway.

  DWIGHT

  Why are you so hard on me? I have always done any and everything that you and Grandfather asked of me. Honor student in high school and college, clean around the house without being told to, never got into any trouble. Just because my father is not your son? How do you think all of this makes me feel? My mother is dead just like your husband. She is not coming back. I feel that I don’t have anyone to talk to, hold me, tell me things are going to be alright. Yes, you and grandfather gave me a great life. I am thankful for all of that. But when are you going to let it go and treat me like I am a part of this family.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You are about to miss the turn to the cemetery.

  I slammed on the breaks. If she hadn’t had on her seatbelt her head would have hit the dashboard. I turned into the cemetery and hurriedly found Grandfather Davis’ grave. I jumped out of the car and opened the trunk. I saw the bag that Grandfather gave me on his death bed. I started to open it but I heard Grandmother getting out of the car. I then remembered him saying not to tell anyone that he gave me that bag. But what was in it I wondered.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  You can’t help an old lady out of a car.

  I let the trunk down and walked over to the passenger side of the car. As we walked to the grave Gran held my hand. This was totally a surprise. I looked out of my peripheral to see that she was wiping a tear that was falling.

  As we reached the grave Gran pulled a towel from under her right arm and gently placed it on the ground. I helped her kneel down beside Grandfather’s grave. She looked up at me and told me go away. I decided that I would visit with my mother again. I knew that it would be awhile before I visited her again.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA (playing with the flowers on the grave)

  Well Davis, I came as promised. (sighs) The house feels so empty without you there. I walk around trying to find things to do. I go to the country club for lunch and go out shopping with Ethel, Maggie, and Dadie. Although I did that same thing before it is different knowing that I am coming home to an empty hou
se.

  Bobby called yesterday. He is still over in Kabul, Afghanistan on tour. I know that it tore him up that he could not make your home going service. The grands are doing okay. Dwight is still here. Davis, I want to talk to him and just pour out my heart but I can’t. But a side of me can’t forgive his mother. Why am I blaming him? His mother married Bobby to pull herself out of that trailer park. She saw money and an opportunity. Maddie and Landon are doing well. Maddie is out of town right now on business and Landon is back in school. (sighs) Oh I almost forgot, we are reading your will next week. You never showed me the final version. You better not have something crazy in it or else I will meet you sooner than you think.

  DWIGHT (walking over to Gran)

  Gran, are you ready? It looks like it is about to rain.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I guess so since you walked over here interrupting me.

  I took Gran by the hand to help her up. She grabbed her towel and folded it neatly and placed it back under her arm. Suddenly a loud clap of thunder rolled across the sky. I counted the seconds before seeing lighting to measure how many miles the storm was away. I got to one and there it was. I knew that we would not make it home before the storm hit.

  12

  The rain was coming down so hard that you could feel the splat on the car. I pulled into the garage and entered the house through the kitchen.

  Once Gran opened the door she fell back and clutched her pearls. She gained her composure and walked back into the house. It looked as though a Mississippi Tornado had destroyed the entire interior. We walked slowly through the house not knowing what to expect. Gran tried her best to control her emotions but her face told it all. I pulled out my cell phone to call the police to report a possible burglary.

  Gran walked all over the house to see if anything was missing. She called out for Landon a few times but there was no response. I wanted Gran to have a seat but she was determined to walk her house. I called Landon’s phone and still no answer. It was common for him not to answer but usually he would return the calls. My mind really began to ponder. My next thought was to call Madison.

  MADISON

  Hey Dwight, what is going on?

  DWIGHT

  I need you to get home quickly. The Ranch has been destroyed.

  MADISON (frantic)

  What – a storm hit it?

  DWIGHT

  It looks like it. Someone broke in and destroyed it.

  MADISON

  I am on my way. Trenity is at home. I will call him and have him to come over.

  DWIGHT

  Okay. I am trying to…

  I heard Gran scream.

  DWIGHT (running to where I heard the scream)

  Gran! What’s wrong?

  I found Gran in Landon’s bedroom. There was blood all over the room. I looked over the room in a 360 degree turn. I could not believe what we saw. I heard a bumping coming from the closet. I walked over and opened the door. Landon feel out all bound up. His eyes were covered with white elastic bands. His mouth was covered with gray duck tape. His hands were cuffed behind his back. His feet were tied together. There were bruises all over his face. His clothes were torn and pulled.

  When I grabbed him he began to struggle to get loose.

  DWIGHT

  Landon it’s me. Calm down.

  I gently pulled the bands from his eyes only to find that they both were swollen shut. Gran just fell on the bed Covering her mouth. I turned and looked at her to make sure she was okay. I began to finish unbinding my brother.

  DWIGHT

  Landon, who did this?

  Landon didn’t speak quickly. I noticed that when he opened his mouth blood dropped out. Knowing my brother could not see me I didn’t want a tear to fall.

  DWIGHT

  Landon. Does it hurt for you to talk?

  He suddenly grabbed his chest and rolled to his side. I had to leave the room. Once I got out, I called for an ambulance. Before I could make another call the police was ringing the doorbell. I let them into the house and walked with them over the mansion. I wasn’t sure what was missing and what wasn’t. I went back into the room where Landon and Gran were. I asked Gran if she felt like talking to the police about the mansion. She obliged and walked with them. I stayed with Landon until the paramedics arrived. I called Madison to update here on things. Trenity walked into the room where Landon and I were.

  DWIGHT

  Trent just got here. I will call you back. Be careful on the road….Okay, I love you too.

  TRENITY

  How is he?

  DWIGHT

  I am not sure. I know that he has to be in pain. He can’t talk. He tried but nothing came out.

  TRENITY

  Landon, it’s me Trent. If you can understand me I want you to squeeze my hand.

  Landon tried but the squeeze was weak.

  TRENITY

  Landon I don’t want you to move anymore. The paramedics are on their way.

  Trenity looked over at me.

  13

  Madison and I gazed the Meridian night skyline from the hospital window. She wrapped her arm around my waist and laid her head on my shoulder. I put my head on top of hers. This was the love that I remembered from when we were younger. I just wished that I was able to receive it from my grandparents.

  I directed Madison to the couch across from where Gran sat.

  DWIGHT

  I am hungry. Does anyone want anything?

  MADISON

  I am good.

  DWIGHT

  Why don’t we go out to get something to eat?

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA (looking sternly at me)

  How dare you talk about leaving here when that baby is in ICU? You have always been selfish!

  MADISON

  Gran…Dwight is not being selfish. He is just suggesting that we go eat. Landon is stable.

  TRENITY

  You all go get something to eat. I will stay here. Here take my card (reaching in his pocket to get his wallet).

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  I am not leaving Landon.

  DWIGHT

  Gran…

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  Don’t speak. You are the reason my house was broken into. There is no telling what followed you from Seattle. They beat that baby because they couldn’t find you.

  MADISON

  Gran! Don’t do this. Dwight had nothing to do with someone breaking into your house. You really need to stop abandoning him and blaming him for things that you know he didn’t do. One day you are going to need him and he just might turn his back on you.

  GRANDMOTHER ELLA

  How do you know?

  TRENITY (walking over to Grandmother Ella and sitting beside her)

  Gran…everything is going to be fine. We will find out who broke into your house and why. I promise.

  Madison watched as Trenity consoled Grandmother Ella. Her mind flooded with the memory of him raping her. He took her hand and gave it a quick kiss and then rubbed it against his face. Madison rushed her way to the restroom.

  When she returned everyone was waiting on her.

  MADISON

  What are you staring at?

  DWIGHT

  You…so we can go to dinner.

  MADISON

  I am ready.

  DWIGHT (whispering to Madison)

  Are you okay?

  MADISON

  I am fine. Just had a little moment.

  Madison helped Gran off of the hospital couch so that they could go eat. Trenity reached over to give Madison a kiss and she expediently turned her face. I was shocked by her action.

  14

  Trenity was in the hospital room with Landon when the nurse came in.

  NOAH

  How are you? I am here to check Mr. Cove’s vital.

  TRENITY

  Okay that’s fine.

  Noah went ahead and did his usual routine. Trenity watched him carefully as he checked Landon.

  TRENITY

>   How are his vitals?

  NOAH

  His blood pressure is a little high but that it normal for the situation. He doesn’t have a temp and his heart rate is normal.

  TRENITY

  Good. Good. So are you on call duty tonight?

  NOAH (turning to Trenity)

  I am. I just came on.

  TRENITY

  How long is your shift?

  NOAH

  Twelve hours. Why do you ask?

  TRENITY

  Just curious. I want to know the nurse that will be checking on him. I am Trenity Cooley (extending his hand for Noah to shake).

  NOAH

  Nice to meet you. I am Noah.

  TRENITY

  All I get is a first name. I gave you a last name.

  NOAH (smiling)

  Darbey. My name is Noah Darbey.

  TRENITY

  Okay Noah Darbey. How long have you been nursing?

  NOAH

  This is my fifth year. What do you do?

  TRENITY

  I am a pharmacist.

  NOAH

  Also in the medical field. Great. Well it was nice meeting you. I have a few other patients that I need to see.

  TRENITY (grabbing Noah by the arm)

  Hope to see you again soon.

  NOAH

  I will be around later.

  ________________________________

  At dinner my phone rang. When I pulled it out of my pocket I saw that Brian was calling. I excused myself from the table.

  DWIGHT

  Hey baby.

  BRIAN

  What are you doing?

  DWIGHT

  We are out to dinner right now.

  BRIAN

  Where?

  DWIGHT

  O’Charley’s. Why?

  BRIAN

  I am trying to find you.

  DWIGHT (smiling)

  Where are you?

  BRIAN

  I am in Meridian. I flew down when I talked to you earlier today. I didn’t like the stress in your voice.

  DWIGHT

  Awww baby. What would I….wait a minute. You can’t. How will I explain you to my family?

  BRIAN

  Your partner. How else would you?

  DWIGHT

  Brian…you know that I love you but my family will not go for this or understand it.

  BRIAN

  Well I am on my way. So between here, at this small ass airport, and O’Charley’s you better think of something. Love ya!