Once we were seated, we both begin to chow down. Dixon went in on his fish sandwich. I am guessing that he was just as hungry as I am.
“Dixon, why haven’t I ever seen you in this lunch period before?” I blurted after eating a mouthful of food.
“Tianna this is usually my study hall period. I am
usually in the library studying, but the library is
closed for maintenance at this time.” Dixon
announced.
“Oh, that’s nice,” I said.
I wished that I knew what I wanted to do with my life. One thing for sure is that I wanted to be someone who made a hundred thousand dollars a year. I really had some hard choices to make about my future. I wanted to make sure that I could give my future children the best life possible.
“Have you thought about college? I already received my acceptance letter for SU. They gave me a hundred thousand dollar Basketball Scholarship!” Dixon happily exclaimed.
“Wow! Congrats that’s outstanding! I have thought about college, but I am not sure of my career choice yet.” I mumbled as I took another bite of food.
“I am sure that you will think of something,” Dixon grumbled with a smile.
Suddenly Tim walked up to my table. He had a stern look on his face. I hoped that he wasn’t pissed about Dixon sitting here with me.
“What’s up, Dixon?” Tim asked.
“Nothing much Mr. Greg. As you can see I am having lunch with Tianna. Normally I would be using this time to study, but the library was closed,
so I was forced to have an early lunch.” Dixon replied.
“Yeah, I know. There is a bunch of kids shooting hoops in the gym now.” Tim mentioned.
“I have basketball practice after school. I don’t want to overdo it, Mr. Greg. I am trying to stay in excellent shape. I don’t need any injuries.” Dixon responded.
“Yeah, Dixon I understand. You have been doing great this year. I believe that you will take the team to the championship.” Tim praised Dixon.
“Thanks, Mr. Greg.” Dixon happily spat.
“No problem Dixon.” Tim chuckled.
“Hey, Mr. Greg.” I murmured.
Was Tim ignoring me? I was sitting right in his face, but he was having a conversation that did not include me. I did not know how I should be feeling about the situation. I decided that it was not a big deal though.
“Hey yourself Tianna. I was coming to tell you that you are wanted in the main office.” Tim informed me.
“Ohh this can’t be happening to me again. I wonder what the office want with me this time. I swear that I can’t take another death announcement!” I yelled angrily.
I was now wearing a frown on my face. I was very
confused.
I gobbled down the remainder of my food. I placed my nuts and my Fruit Rollup in my purse.
It was nice to meet you, Dixon.” I muttered.
“Same here. I guess I will see you around!” Dixon babbled.
XXX
DIXON
I really enjoyed having lunch with Tianna. I don’t know why the others do not like her because Tianna is a lovely girl. They would like Tianna too if they would give her half of a chance.
My classmates were all materialistic bullies who felt that school was a fashion show. None of them cared about getting their education. My classmates were only interested in sex, drugs, partying and alcohol.
I came from a poor family. My parents and grandparents pooled their monies together every month just so I could wear expensive clothes, shoes, etc. I did not come from a wealthy background, and I knew what it felt like not to have nothing. Education has become very important to me because I knew that education
was the key to a successful life. I was giving it my
all because my family depended on me.
CHAPTER 8
TIM
We left the crowded cafeteria. Once in the hall, I felt safe to speak to my boo.
“Baby it is good to see you,” I told Tianna.
“Tim I missed you. Where were you?” Tianna blurted.
I am usually in the cafeteria to make sure that Tianna has her lunch and snacks. I did not break away from my duties today because I knew that Tianna had plenty of money to buy whatever she wanted to eat.
“There was a big ass fight in Mrs. Wilson’s class. I was helping the administrators sort out what and who started the fight.” I acknowledged.
“Let me guess who started the fight. Was it big mouth Miranda Williams?” Tianna screeched.
“Yes, it was Miranda. Baby, how could you have known?” I stared sternly at Tianna.
“Because Miranda Williams is a shit starter!” Tianna informed me.
All I could do is laugh because Tianna was so right about Miranda Williams. I looked over Miranda’s records with the administrators today, and it seems that Miranda has been a troublemaker since the fifth grade. The administrators are
setting up a plan to get Miranda some counseling
and sending Child Protective to her home to see what her home life is like. Miranda may be removed from her home until her behavior changes.
We were finally at the main office.
“Ms. Gunner I have brought Tianna Perkins here as you requested.” I notified Ms. Gunner.
“Thanks, Mr. Greg.” Ms. Gunner replied.
“Hello, Tianna. How are you under the circumstances?” Ms. Gunner piped.
“I am fine. Thank you.” Tianna chirped.
“I am sure you are wondering why you are here. I got a call from your mother. You must go home immediately there is a family emergency.” Ms. Gunner muttered.
“Okay! Ms. Gunner.” Tianna said with sadness.
“Mr. Greg would you be so kind to escort Tianna home. You may take the rest of the day off since it’s less than two hours left. Your pay will not be docked. The district will reimburse you for your gas and mileage accordingly.” Ms. Gunner uttered.
The bitch sounded like a robot. I wondered how many times a day did she deal with this type of thing.
“Thanks, Ms. Gunner I will see you on Monday. Please enjoy your weekend.” I grunted.
I was glad that today was Friday. I was delighted to be out this bitch.
“Tianna run and get your things, and I will meet you outside,” I instructed her.
I was ready to go. I wanted to see what the hell Antoinette wanted. I was not going to allow Tianna to go anywhere near her mother without me being present. I did not trust Antoinette at all.
Tianna met me outside in less than five minutes.
“Tianna, are you ready to see your mama?” I questioned her.
“Hell no! But let’s just get the shit over with. What on earth could my mama want now?” Tianna ranted.
I felt so sorry for the poor child. It seemed like Tianna could not catch a break. I am going to make sure to be a shoulder that she can cry on.
XXX
TIANNA
I was feeling some type of way. Why couldn’t mama just leave me be? How could she fix her mouth to call for me after letting Mr. Brady damn near rape me last night? Damn. I knew my mama did not give two fucks about me, but I never knew how heartless and cold that she could be.
The way that she was letting Mr. Brady fuck the shit out of her makes me that think that her love for my daddy was not genuine.
Tim and I were standing at my doorstep. I pulled out my keys to unlock the door to let us inside.
“Ohh look who decided to come home. The little bitch is not alone!” Vera angrily spat at me.
“Vera, can you please shut the fuck up? I am not in the mood for your shit!” I complained.
“Antoinette come get your little bitch of a daughter before I beat the shit out of her hoe ass!” Vera howled.
I was sick of Vera. I could never stand her old ass. She was a terrible influence on my mother.
“I am not going to dignify that with a response!” I screeched.
Vera said nothing else to me. The bad b
ody bitch sat her flat ass on my dead daddy’s couch and rolled her crossed eyes at me.
“Watch your damn mouth!” Tim howled at Vera.
“Who the fuck are you? You pussy mouth motherfucker!” Vera shrieked.
“I am the pussy mother fucker that’s going to throw your trash talking ass out of here!” Tim bellowed.
“Antoinette I am about to take my ass home before I cut me up a greasy ass nigga. I don’t need
to catch a case!” Vera hollered.
“What’s going on? What are you talking about?” Mama yelled.
“I am talking about this young nigga your daughter brought up in here. He has his nerves to talk shit to me!” Vera shouted.
“Would you just shut the hell up? Vera, you are always talking a whole lot of shit. I know you said something foul for Tianna's fiancé to get on your ass. Just zip it.
“Fiance, huh? Mmm. Okay bitch.” Vera said softly.
The old hag finally shut her damn mouth. Thank God!
“Mama, what do you want that couldn’t wait until after school?” I sassed.
“I just wanted to tell you that you have to go to the undertaker and sign the life insurance policy over.” Mama blurted.
I knew something wasn’t right because mama was too kind to me.
“I don’t want to go to any funeral home to talk to the undertaker. Mama, you go ahead and handle that.” I complained.
“Tianna I tried. My hands are tied unless you sign the papers over to me.” Mama fibbed.
”Mama I don’t understand. Daddy was your husband what does this has to do with me!” I
wailed.
“Your daddy made you the beneficiary. I am not legally married to your daddy. I am just his common-law wife. Everything belongs to you.” Mama admitted.
“What are you talking about mama?” I retorted.
“Tianna Perkins I don’t want to talk about it! I need you to sign those damn papers!” Mama angrily spat.
“Antoinette I am sorry, but I am going to advise Tianna not to sign the documents over to you. Did you think that your gold digging ass was going to get away with stealing Tianna’s inheritance? I will take Tianna to the funeral home to make the Homegoing arrangements for Mr. Perkins. The remaining monies after all funeral costs are paid in full belongs to Tianna legally.” Tim snapped at mama.
“I was not trying to steal Tianna’s inheritance I was just trying to make things easier for her.” Mama lied.
“Don’t worry about making shit easy for my woman. I have got Tianna’s back for life. What I need from you is the Funeral Home’s address. Did you get the documents that I need to marry Tianna yet?” I questioned Antoinette.
I don’t know who the hell that Antoinette thinks
she is jiving, but she got the right nigga. I will ring her fucking neck and don’t think nothing of it so Antoinette better chill with the shenanigans.
“Yes, I did first thing this morning. What’s your name fellow.” Mama asked Tim.
“My name is Tim, but a low down hoe like you can call me Mr. Greg.” Tim firmly stated.
Mama’s eyes now turned to slits. I knew she was fuming and wanted to throw fiery darts at Tim. My mama had to cooperate unless she wanted to be under the jail cell for attempted rape and child endangerment charges with her homie lover friend Mr. Brady.
Mama grabbed some documents from the coffee table and handed them to Tim. Tim looked the paperwork over and checked his watch for the time.
“Come on Tianna let’s go get hitched!” Tim squealed in delight.
“Let’s do it!” I screamed.
“Hold it! here is the business card for the undertaker.” Mama howled.
“Thanks, Antoinette. We will take care of it tomorrow. You are more than welcome to meet us at the courthouse in two hours for the ceremony.” Tim told mama.
“I will be there if the Lord spares me and nothing
happens,” Mama stated.
I wasn’t worried about my mama showing up. She always says that and ends up drunk. It was better that she wasn’t there I did not want my mama screwing up my wedding day.
“Here Tianna. Here is your engagement ring. I bought it for you this morning and our wedding bands.” Tim explained.
“Oooh it is so beautiful,” I exclaimed.
I gave Tim a kiss on his lips.
Vera got her big ass up to look at my ring.
“Oh shit! Antoinette look at this big ass rock on your daughter's finger!” Vera gasped.
Mama got up to have a look at the huge ass rock on my finger. I looked up at her. My mama had tears in her eyes. It was the first time seeing emotions other than happiness and meanness come from my mama.
“Tianna you have done well. I guessed you listened to me after all when I said use your pussy to get what you need. I wished now that I had taken my own advice for myself. I wished you the best baby girl. Your parents would be proud of you. I am blessed to have raised you.” Mama blabbed.
“Mama what are you talking about. You said that my parents would have been proud. You are my
mama? Right?” I wailed.
I do not understand all of this was too much for my mind.
“I am not your birth mother. Tianna, I was you real mothers best friend before she died. I was so jealous of her that I wanted everything that she had. I wanted you and your father. When your mother died during childbirth, it was only right that we stayed together to raise you. Tianna, you look just like your real mother.
I gasped in disbelief. Was mama serious?
“What was my real mama’s name?” I wailed.
“Her name was Tiara Perkins. Tiara was your Duke’s wife on paper.” Antoinette admitted.
“Well, I guess that explains why you have treated me like shit my whole damn life. Thanks, Antoinette or whoever the fuck you are. Come on Tim I am ready to go.” I stated.
“Tianna please forgive me. I was wrong. I should have taken extra care for you like Tiare would have, but I was so angry. Angry about the way Tiara just up and died on me. I knew that I should not have been fucking Duke but I did and I regret it now.” Antoinette confessed.
“Your apology is not accepted. Stay out of my life and don’t plan on attending my daddy’s funeral. I think you have done enough!” I barked.
I did not deserve the life that she forced on me of
pain, loneliness, and misery. I am so happy that I have Timothy Greg in my life now.
XXX
TIM
I am not too sure what the hell is going on with Antoinette or why she would give Tianna this kind of news so soon after Duke’s death? The woman was killing my vibe slowly on some real shit. I see now why Tianna always miserable at school. It seemed to me that Antoinette wanted to sabotage every piece of happiness that Tianna received and that was some fucked up shit to me.
“Tianna, are you ok baby?” I questioned.
“Yes, Tim. I am okay. I am used to being disappointed.” Tianna whimpered.
“No more disappointments all of that shit ends today. I got you boo.” I reassured Tianna.
“Ok,” Tianna replied as she wiped her tears away.
“Let’s get you a wedding dress and me a suit. Soon we are going to be Mr. and Mrs. Tim Greg.” I proudly acknowledged.
“I would love that. Oh, my God, I can’t believe that this is happening so soon.” I said alarmed.
“There is no stopping love. No stopping love.” I sang to Tianna. I was preparing to love her for life.
XXX
TIANNA
I was ready though. Ready to be loved for once. I was ready to love Timothy Greg forever.
We drove to the Mall, and I went to Macy’s while Tim went to buy his suit from Sears. I felt overwhelmed by all the beautiful dresses, but I settled on a beautiful white gown with roses on the hemline. The dress looked stunning on me. I kept the dress on and picked out a pair of red heels. I chose a gold necklace with a cross and diamond earrings with matching bracelet. I felt amazing.
After paying for my items, I went searching for Tim at Sears. When I found Tim, he was trying to choose from a black or blue suit, but when he saw me in the white dress with the roses, he settled on a red suit with a white tie, shoes, and hanky.
We were the most beautiful cou[ple that I ever knew. As we were heading out of the mall people cheering and yelling congratulations at us. We did not bother to correct them we just waved and continue on to our destination.
Tim drove us to the courthouse. I have to admit I was very nervous. I guess it was just wedding jitters. I know it is so soon to call this love but I have known Tim for two years now, and he has
always looked out for me. I did feel that I loved him because he has should me so much love and kindness.
Tim opened the door of the car so that I could step out. He was the perfect gentlemen. We walked hand in hand to the courthouse. I had a seat while Tim spoke to someone about marrying me today. Finally, after fifteen minutes, we were called to the back. There were a judge and two witnesses. In less than ten minutes we were man and wife. I was very pleased. The witnesses threw rice at us, and there were people outside of the courtroom cheering and carrying on when walked out. A photographer snapped our pictures.
“Mrs. Greg, what do you want to now that we are married?” Tim asked me.
“Tim I would like to go home and lay in bed for the rest of the day,” I answered him.
“Mrs. Greg your wish is my command,” Tim grunted.
“Thanks, babe I am tired it’s been a long day. My body is still sore from Brady attacking me.” I explained.
“Tianna you do not have to explain anything to me. I love you, and I trust that you wouldn’t lie to me. I will take you home, but I have to go out for a bit. I will be back as soon as I can. Do you want me
to grab something special to eat while I am out?” Tim asked me.
“Sure I would love some crab legs and shrimp,” I told my hubby.
“Okay, I will bring some back,” Tim muttered.
We pulled up to the house. Tim unlocked the door and immediately changed his clothing.
Together 'Til Never Page 5
