The End of the Rainbow

by Dontá Morrison

  The two sat and feasted on the meal and somehow found time to have communication between all of the chewing that was taking place. After loading the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen, they flopped down on the sofa. They put in an old movie that they had both been trying to watch for the past few weeks and cuddled up into each other. An hour and a half later they awakened and realized that this was yet again another failed attempt to try and figure out what happened to the white looking black girl that was embarrassed to have a black mother.

  “Tyrin, I had the weirdest dream while I was away.”

  “Really, what was it about?” he asked as he looked over the top of Khalil’s head in an effort to watch ESPN.

  “I can’t really explain it, but I get chills just thinking about it.”

  “Was it a nightmare? Or a bad pastrami sandwich you ate.” He joked as he focused on sports highlights.

  “Shut up stupid. I was in a room and…” the ringing of the telephone interrupted the story Khalil was about to tell. As the phone rang they looked at each other and tried to figure out which one of them was going to answer it, neither of them looked too interested in picking up the phone so it went to the machine to be checked later.

  “Baby.” Tyrin said.

  “Yes.”

  “I made us reservations for dinner tonight.”

  “Where?”

  “Boa.”

  “Really! What’s the occasion?” Khalil asked. “I missed you and it was just my way of doing something nice. I also want to take you shopping today and spoil you like I used too, because I know you want to be cute for pride weekend.” He innocently said.

  “Are you serious?” He asked, before he delicately kissed him on the lips,”I would love to let you take me shopping.”

  *****

  The Range Rover pulled up at to the valet in front of the South Coast plaza. While all the ghetto fags were swarming to the Beverly Center, he went where the white folks shopped. Tyrin was excited about the venture because he loved to make Khalil happy. However, he hated shopping and the whole mall experience. To be honest most of his clothes were purchased by Khalil and he liked it that way.

  Tyrin followed in amazement and watched Khalil talked to salespersons like he was a vendor for the company. On most of the merchandise he knew the quality better than the paid representatives and it was quite comical to observe. Nearly a thousand dollars later they were on the 405 fwy heading home in complete satisfaction with their purchases.

  They made a stop by their co-owned apartment building in Leimert Park because they needed to do a walkthrough of the recently vacated unit. They hoped that the former residents hadn’t trashed the place and it would be a simple clean up task for their contractors.

  Early on in their relationship the two of them were living together in one the apartments within the eight unit complex. When the owner made it known that he was preparing to sell the

  building they jumped on the opportunity to purchase the prime piece of real estate in the heart of Los Angeles’ Crenshaw district.

  They transformed the property both inside and out, and created a space for tenants that was worthy of the rent increase. The joint venture, tied in with a few other investments, is what catapulted them to the home they currently reside in “We should replace the carpet. It looks like they spilled oil on it. Or better yet, we can upgrade it to hardwood.” Khalil said as he stood over a black stain.

  “You think we should see if Rick can get rid of the stain? Or are you just trying to get more money for the place?” Tyrin asked.

  “Well it’s always about the money but if you want to take the time and check with Rick that’s cool too. I’m just thinking about the fact that if we change the flooring and raise the rent, the next occupant that moves in can’t complain about anything. If we try and change it after whoever moves in, we can’t raise the rent. Make sense?”

  “Good point I’ll check into it on tomorrow. We forgot to pick up a For Rent sign on the way over here.” Tyrin said. “It should be one out back in the garage. Want me to go look?”

  “We can go together.”As Khalil walked towards the front door, Tyrin stopped him and hugged him tight. “I love you boo.” He squeezed Khalil like it was his last time holding him and as they stood in the middle of the empty room embracing each other like they had just discovered love. “I love you too.”

  *****

  Boa was a hot new steakhouse in West Hollywood that was known for both its cuisine and upscale atmosphere. Khalil stayed back in the cut and proudly watched Tyrin glide over to the concierge and make her aware of their reservation. He coolly walked back and informed him that it would be five minutes before their table was ready. Khalil looked at his new Cartier watch that was presented to him before they left the house and jokingly said,

  “I’m clocking her.”

  “I’m glad you like the gift. I’m going to the bathroom, be right back.” As Khalil stood next to the wall he noticed a group of successful looking black women staring at him. He politely smiled and gave a head nod; which was apparently the opening they were waiting for because one of them beckoned him to come over.

  He reluctantly walked towards the women and kindly said, “Good evening my queens how are you?” The women who seemed to be in their late twenties, early thirties were instantly impressed with his appreciation of their worth.

  “My name is Alyria and I was dared by my friends to grab your attention and pull you our way. I don’t want to seem forward but time is of the essence since our table will be ready soon. I was wondering if you were single.”

  Khalil smiled and although somewhat unprepared for this sudden advance, played it extremely cool “Wow. Unfortunately not, but thank you so much for finding interest in me.” She smiled and said, “Well to be quite honest it wasn’t for me; it was for my sister sitting down beside me.” Alyria leaned to the side to expose her sister and continued in saying “Today is her birthday and I thought you would be the perfect gift for her.”

  Khalil smiled and extended his hand to the sister that was bashfully sitting behind her more aggressive sibling. “Happy Birthday and although you are a beautiful woman I am in a relationship that I truly cherish. However I would love to send a bottle of wine to your table to help you celebrate this blessed day.” She smiled and humbly said, “Thank you and I apologize for my sisters’ forwardness. She is just a tad bit eager to get me to the altar. You are extremely courteous and I am sure that your girlfriend feels like the luckiest woman in the world.”

  Tyrin walked up behind Khalil to let him know that their table was ready. Before he could say a word, Alyria gave him a once over and asked “What about him?” Tyrin was confused by the question, as Khalil confidently stated, “He’s not single either.” The women let out sighs of disappointment and chuckled in defeat.

  “Come on baby, I’m hungry.” Tyrin said. Four pair of beautifully arched eyebrows rose up in unison and stared at the two unavailable men. Khalil gave a sly smile and said, “I’ll send that bottle of wine, OK.”

  They were seated at a table off to the side, which was cool with them because they didn’t come to be seen, they came to eat. Their steak entrees were cooked to perfection and when it was time for dessert they opted to share one instead of forcing another complete dish into their already stuffed bodies. “I need to tell you something.” Tyrin said.

  Khalil had noticed shifts in his demeanor all night but kept quiet and chalked it up to a situation at work. He knew that if he left it alone long enough Tyrin would eventually open up to him. What’s up? Who do you need to fire at work?”

  “It’s not work baby.” He turned his eyes away from him in an effort to find something else to focus on but it was to no avail. He looked back at him and figured that he had better spit it out before his mind came up with something far worse that what he was about to hear. “Remember that guy that called the other day that I told you about?”

  Khalil sat straight up in his seat and sternly asked,
“What about him?” He sensed from the tone in his voice that he was already about to start thinking the worse, so he had to clear that up first. “It’s not what you think, so don’t let your mind start drifting. Now remember I talked to you about the last girl I was ever with and how she moved to Europe to further her studies?”

  “Yeah.” Khalil said, without batting an eye.

  “Well the guy that called was her brother and he informed me that she passed away.” Khalil softened his disposition and the air became a bit more relaxed. “I’m sorry to hear that. Wow. So are you going to fly back for her funeral?”

  “Not quite. She died three years ago.”

  ”Three years ago, so why is he popping up now? Why didn’t he come around to tell you then?” Before Tyrin could answer, the server appeared with their dessert. As he picked up the fork to get a quick taste of the fattening delicacy, he glanced over and noticed that Khalil had his head propped up on one fist staring directly at him. He put the fork down, took a deep breath and blurted out, “I have a son.”

  “What?” he responded with a slight giggle.

  “Deja had a little boy and he’s mine.” He responded looking down at the table.

  Khalil never took his eyes off of Tyrin because he knew that this had to be some kind of a joke. There was no way in hell that the man he had been with for the last five years had a child and didn’t tell him. He looked hard at him, waiting to hear “I’m kidding” or “Gotcha”, but after moments of silence he began to realize that this was no joke and he was now ready for an explanation. “What the fuck do you mean you have a little boy? How long have you known about this phantom child and why in the hell haven’t you ever mentioned this little fact to me?” Khalil asked from behind clinched teeth so his voice wouldn’t carry across the restaurant.

  “Baby, I just found out on Thursday.” He replied throwing his hands up in the air as a sign of surrender.

  “Oh, how fucking convenient. The day I go out of town you find the fuck out that you have a child.” So far his comments had been low key but he knew that if Tyrin kept on going he may have to raise the decibels on his voice.

  “Will you calm down and listen to me please.” He asked, nervously looking around the restaurant to make sure that no one was noticing the uncomfortable situation between two black gay guys.

  Tyrin explained the story from beginning to end, constantly re-enforced the fact that he had no idea she was pregnant. He studied Khalil’s body movements and noticed that he was breaking ground with him. He talked for what seemed like an eternity trying to get his story through to him and was relieved when he saw Khalil pick up his fork and begin to taste the dessert. When he began asking questions of concern in regards to the health of Caleb, Tyrin felt a tad bit relieved. He knew that Khalil was angry and filled with

  lots of questions, but he was happy that the conversation was no longer one sided.

  After dinner they drove around discussing the topic further until all was calm between them. Exhausted with the conversation they decided to go to the Laugh Factory on Sunset blvd to get their minds onto something else. Tyrin felt a sense of relief knowing that he still had Khalil on his side and for all intents and purposes, the worst was part was over.

  SIX

  “Pick up the phone! I know you’re in there!” Khalil shouted into the answering machine. Spencer was comfortably lying on his couch watching the Golden Girls. He reached down onto the floor, picked up the cordless, and laughed out loud at the antics of Rose. “What do you want?” he asked.

  “What are you doing?” Khalil questioned.

  “Minding my own damn business.”

  “I need to talk to you.” Khalil said.

  “Ughhh, what now Tina? Tell Ike you sick of his mess and just leave.” he joked.

  “This is serious. Have you eaten breakfast yet?” he asked.

  “Nope.”

  “Meet me at DuPars’ on Santa Monica in about forty-five minutes, my treat.”

  “You’re damn right it’s your treat, because I’m just fine right here on my couch watching these old white ladies act a mess. And I can’t stay long because I got a client at 12:30.”

  “Just get up and go.”

  “Alright, damn. Bye.”

  Spencer walked into the restaurant and spotted his best friend sitting at a table in the corner. He approached, looked down at him, and asked in a rather nonchalant manner, “What’s wrong, Blanche?” He sat down and made mention of the fact that he was glad he called because he was down to his last pack of ramen noodles. They glanced over the menu and decided to split an order of pancakes and individually order a la carte items.

  “Where’s Tyrin and what did he do?” Spencer asked in effort to get the ball rolling as to why he was beckoned here.

  “He and Craig went down to Venice beach to play basketball.”

  “Craig ain’t gay yet? He got that Ice Cube thing going on. You think I could reel him my way?” Spencer said in an attempt tolighten the mood.

  “If Craig were gay he’d be a lesbian.” He somberly replied. “Anyway this meeting is about me and not your weak ass conversion tactics on the straight men of L.A.” he said as he slowly stirred the straw in his orange juice.

  “Well then bitch you better start talking before I get my shit to go and head the fuck back home.” Spencer snapped.

  Khalil looked up, smiled and effortlessly said “Tyrin has a son.” Spencer shot a surprised, yet confused look at Khalil, “What do you mean, Tyrin has a son. Bitch, when you give birth? I mean I know you gay, but damn, you took it up a notch.”

  “I’m serious Spencer. He has a seven year old little boy.” He continued, trying not to laugh.

  “Did this just happen overnight or something?”

  “Something like that. When we were in Frisco, the brother of the dead mother came and told Ty that the boy was dying and needed a kidney. He wants Ty to give the little boy one of his. Ty claims that he never knew the mother was pregnant, well scratch that, he said he knew but she said she would get an abortion when in actuality she didn’t. Anyway, long story short, she died of complications caused by her diabetes and now the little boys’ life is in jeopardy unless he gets a donor, but my thing is…”

  “So the uncle came looking for the father.” Spencer interjected.

  “Exactly. So now what am I supposed to do?”

  “About what?” he asked dumbfounded.

  “Caleb. His son.”

  “Nothing. That little boy is not your problem. I mean I understand that he is a part of Tyrin’s life, but in all actuality he has nothing to do with you. Do they want child support or something?”

  “No.” Khalil softly said.

  “Then why the fuck is you belly aching over this shit. Pick your damn head up. Tyrin needs to un-ass one of those kidneys so that baby can live. Then he needs to do what he needs to do in order to be a father.” Spencer expressed as he waved for the waitress to come over.

  “That’s the problem. What if he feels as though he doesn’t want his son to be around this lifestyle? What if he decides he wants to get custody of this boy and move him into our home?” Khalil waited until after Spencer asked for another glass of water before he continued. He needed to have his full attention of the table so that the reality of his dilemma could be felt. “Listen. Caleb is his blood, he has nothing to do with me, and so I would be forced to take a back seat. That little boy represents something I could never give Tyrin.” He stared at Spencer trying to see if his presentation had swayed him into understanding how he was feeling. He needed him to understand that his concerns were valid and worth their time in conversation.

  “Uhmm, Whoopi, are you trying to win another Oscar, because you are really being dramatic?” Khalil let out a sigh and sat back in defeat. “Caleb is not going to replace you. Tyrin ain’t letting you go for nothing in this world. I truly believe that. I think what is going to happen is that the two of you will end up being in this child’s life in some way or anothe
r. You are two of the strongest men I know and any child would be lucky to have you as parents. You guys aren’t fickle queens like most of the couples we know, ya’ll shit is tight through and through. You better be glad he’s yours because if I were trifling I would try to steal him from you. I think that your selfish ass has gotten spoiled and now that you may have to share the limelight with somebody cuter, you are a bit intimidated. It happens to a lot of relationships that decide to bring a child into the picture. The dad becomes jealous because he is no longer the center of his wife’s world and vice versa. It’s just another level the two of you have to climb too before you reach the top.” Spencer looked at his friend and moved his head from side to side trying to make eye contact. He needed to get confirmation that Khalil understood what he was saying.

  “You’re right. I feel you.” Khalil forced a smile.

  “Are you mad because you didn’t get a baby shower?”

  “Fuck you man.”

  The two of them sat and enjoyed their brunch while discussing life events. After eating they opted to go and browse some of the shops on Melrose before going their separate ways. Khalil went to visit his mother who was home from church and Spencer went back to his resting place on the couch, turned to the Lifetime channel and waited to see what movie Meredith Baxter Birney or Valerie Bertinelli would be starring in next.

  *****

  Khalil pulled into the driveway of Vanessa’s Windsor Hills home. As he got out of his car he made sure to wave at the neighbors next door that not only watched him grow up, but also talked about him behind his back because of his sexuality. Upon entry into the house he yelled out to his mom so she wouldn’t be startled. She responded back letting him know she was in the kitchen, and he made his way into the area where the Cornish hens were resting in a roasting pan on the counter; broccoli & cauliflower were steaming; and a salad was tossed and in the fridge. All that was left for her masterpiece was the macaroni and cheese, which was almost ready to be placed in the oven. The open sliding glass doors allowed the gentle summer breeze to circulate throughout and the sound from the T.V in the family room was a welcome invite to come and watch.