by AnDerecco
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.
