Chaos in the Blink of an Eye

by Patrick Higgins

During the holidays—especially Easter and Christmas—Abdul did all he could to dissuade Jamal and Dante from participating, claiming they were meaningless, pagan holidays, to be avoided by all who followed Allah. Tamika knew this both hurt and confused the children. She was ultimately forced to ban Isaac from seeing them during the holidays.

  Things progressively deteriorated until the young couple eventually separated. Though the decision was mutual, Tamika cried for weeks on end. Her whole world had fallen apart.

  Now alone, raising two kids, the limited security she and Isaac had striven for dissipated into thin air. At 27 years of age, her dream of becoming a nurse was growing more distant with each passing day. As much as she still wanted it, she didn’t see it happening.

  Even so, she continued reading her nursing books every chance she got. Perhaps someday...

  As for a relationship, Tamika had neither the time nor the heart for one. Part of her wanted to change her last name back to Ferguson. Why remain Tamika Moseley when Isaac was no longer part of her life? Not only that, he changed his last name from Moseley to Muhammad.

  Why should she be stuck with it, when it wasn’t even hers to begin with? She finally decided against it because a) she couldn’t change her name; she was still legally married; b) she didn’t want to confuse the boys by changing their last name too, and c) what if Isaac came back one day to reconcile things?

  Tamika pushed that thought out of her mind. Isaac wasn’t coming back. She had to accept it and move on. Thankfully, he still sent child support money, but he never included a return address on the envelope.

  Tamika’s biggest goal now was a modest one—to be the main authority figure in her kids’ lives. She didn’t want to rely on daycare workers to do what she felt was her job. She was aware of the imminent danger kids faced growing up in single-parent homes. The odds were definitely stacked against them.

  Tamika refused to let her two boys become part of those grim, negative statistics. She couldn’t rely on a teacher or daycare worker to raise her two boys. It had to be Mommy. The more time she spent with Jamal and Dante, the more of an influence she would have on their lives. It was that simple.

  Tamika saw a man hailing her down for a ride and snapped out of it. She pulled the taxicab to the side of the road and the man climbed in.

  “Where to?”

  “Javits Convention Center.”

  “You got it, mister!” Tamika drove off...

  8

  AS THE PLANE DESCENDED through thickening clouds, Justin Schroeder saw the bright lights of the Michigan landscape below.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, the captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign, as we are on final approach into the Detroit Metro area,” the flight attendant said.

  “Please make sure your seat-backs and tray tables are in their full and upright positions. Also, please turn off and stow all electronic devices you may have been using. We should be on the ground in a few minutes. Thank you.”

  The plane pulled up to the jet-way at exactly 8:45 p.m., EST, six minutes early. Justin Schroeder was happy to be in Michigan, but part of him still felt guilty for leaving his pregnant wife behind. He missed her to the point of aching for her.

  But Heather had all but insisted that he go. “Once the baby’s born,” she opined, “you may never get the chance to do it again.” Her words had a real numbing effect. It was now or never.

  Schroeder turned on his phone and sent a text message to his wife: Just landed. Call you once I get back to Brian’s place. Love you.

  Inside the terminal, Brian Mulrooney paced the designated waiting area. He hadn’t felt this high-spirited, this energized, in quite some time.

  After a hectic few weeks at work, a seven-day vacation was just what the doctor ordered. After a fun-filled weekend in Michigan, the three longtime friends, and native New Yorkers, would fly to the Big Apple together on Monday morning. Whereas Brian would remain in New York until the following Saturday, Justin would fly back to Colorado Springs the day before Thanksgiving, to spend the holiday with his wife and in-laws.

  Renate McCallister sat quietly and waited patiently as her boyfriend stopped pacing the floor to study the faces of all who passed by looking for Justin. She could only smile.

  Renate was eager to meet Justin, but her mind was elsewhere. She, too, had plans. After a full night of hopefully intense partying with her sister, they would sleep it off at Megan’s apartment then go shopping in the morning.

  Finally, Justin Schroeder reached the designated waiting area. Brian gave his longtime friend a punishing bear hug, lifting Schroeder’s 6'4'' frame off the floor. Finished nearly squeezing the life out of him, he released his grip allowing Justin to breathe normally again.

  Brian turned to Renate. “Honey, this is Justin.”

  Renate got up out of her chair. “So, you’re the great Justin Schroeder, huh?”

  “Well, I don’t know about great, but I am he...” Justin extended his right hand.

  “Come on guys, no need to be formal,” said Brian, “give each other a hug! You’re practically family!”

  They embraced. Justin couldn’t deny Renate McCallister was a real head turner. If he needed any further proof, he had it in the handful of men staring at her, silently wishing they were on the other end of her embrace instead of him.

  At five-eight, the 29-year-old woman had long blonde hair, a beautiful face and near-perfect figure. Schroeder felt certain that one look from her could easily reduce most men to putty in her hands. This was something Renate had long grown used to. Brian too.

  Driving back to Brian’s apartment, Renate couldn’t stop smiling. She loved seeing old friends getting reacquainted. As the two walked down Memory Lane together, it’s like her boyfriend was transformed into a teenager again. It was nice seeing this side of him.

  Thirty-five minutes later, they arrived at the apartment in Ann Arbor. Brian placed the case of beer he purchased on the way to the airport in the refrigerator.

  Renate was anxious to leave. “What time do you wanna meet on Sunday?”

  “The Lions-Jets game should end before five. So somewhere around six will be good.”

  “Just don’t forget all about me among all the hustle and bustle. I want to meet Craig before you all head to New York on Monday.”

  “I won’t.” Brian kissed her softly on the lips. “Be careful out there tonight.”

  “You too.” At that, Renate left the apartment.

  Watching her pull away, Mulrooney said, “Let’s Paaarrrty!!! Justin my man, do you want a beer, a shot or both?”

  “A beer please,” Schroeder said. Take it slow, he thought.

  “One beer coming right up!”

  “So, how’s life for Mister Hotel man?”

  “Great, but I don’t wanna talk about work now. I’m on vacation, bro!” Much like Justin, Brian no longer was the partying type. But this was a special occasion. He was going to let his hair down a little, as the saying went, and relive the past with his old friend.

  “Fair enough,” Justin said. “What’s on the agenda tonight?”

  “Well first of all, I thought we’d eat something. Hungry?”

  “Yes, I am. I didn’t partake of the fine dining, ala United Airlines.”

  Brian laughed. “Good. I’m taking you to one of the most happening places in Ann Arbor. After that, we’ll go to the midnight bonfire. Then pick a club. They’ll all be packed. Or we can go to…”

  Justin cut him off, “Bonfire?”

  “Yeah. It’s gonna be great,” Mulrooney said, patting Justin on the shoulder.

  “Sounds exciting.”

  “Afterwards, we’ll hit the nightclubs. Ann Arbor’s gonna be overflowin’ with thousands of
people tonight who all wanna party!”

  “Before we do anything, I want to call my wife.”

  “By all means.” Brian was somewhat taken aback by Justin’s low energy level. “Still tired from the flight?”

  “A little, I suppose. I admit I’ve mellowed over the years. I’m a married man now,” Justin said, flashing his wedding band.

  Mulrooney took a pull from the beer bottle. “I hope to meet Heather someday.”

  “Come visit us in Colorado. You’re always welcome...”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Brian took another long pull from the bottle. “Well Justin, I’m waiting…”

  “For?” he answered, a confused looked on his face.

  “What do you think of Renate?”

  Schroeder smacked his forehead. “What a moron I am! Sorry, Brian. To answer your question, she’s very nice. And beautiful! You’re a blessed man. Will there be wedding bells someday?”

  “In all honesty, I’m seriously considering popping the question this Christmas. As of now, no one knows but you.”

  “Well then, let me be the first to congratulate you!” They tapped beer bottles.

  Telling another person made it seem all the more real. And frightening. Brian said, “Congrats again on the pregnancy! When’s the due date?”

  “March twenty-second.”

  “Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?”

  “That’s out of our control.”

  “I hear you. That’s the Man upstairs’ job.” Brian downed the rest of his beer. “Ready for another one?”

  “No thanks. Just started this one.” Justin knew there was nothing wrong with having a beer with an old friend, but he wouldn’t allow himself to get too carried away. Just then, he heard an inner voice say, “Relax. You’ll get your chance to tell him about Me.” Okay, Lord.

  Brian returned from the kitchen, “After this beer, we’re outta here.”

  “I’m in no hurry. Still need to call Heather.”

  “Take all the time you need.”

  “It won’t take long...” Justin excused himself and went to the spare bedroom.

  “Sure, take your time.” Mulrooney took another swig of beer. What’s up with him? If married life did this to him, I’m staying single!

  On the third ring Heather answered, “Is this the love of my life?”

  “Only if his name is Justin.”

  “Ha-ha-ha.”

  “Glad you made it safely, baby. I miss you so much.”

  “I miss you guys, too,” Justin said, referring to Heather and their unborn child.

  “Aw, so sweet. How’s it going?”

  “We’re having a beer together.”

  “Are you at Brian’s apartment?”

  Justin sighed. “Yes. But he has a full night of partying planned.”

  “Have you prayed about it?”

  “Yes. In fact, a moment ago I felt a prompting in my spirit to relax—that I’ll get my chance later.”

  “Well hey, I can’t top that. Just be careful out there. And don’t get too crazy,” Heather said.

  “You know me better than that, baby.”

  “Just teasing. When ya planning to give Brian his Bible?”

  “Don’t know yet. But I don’t think it’ll be tonight. He’s in rare form. Already on his second beer. Probably be on his third by the time I rejoin him.”

  “You know I’m praying for you both. Many from church are praying as well,” Heather said.

  “I can’t tell you how comforting that sounds, honey. Your idea of bringing wrapping paper was brilliant,” Justin said in a near whisper. “This way, if I don’t get the chance to hand-deliver the Bibles to Brian, Craig, or his parents, I’ll wrap them and leave them as gifts.

  “Just don’t forget to include the letters you wrote.” Heather was referring to the letters Justin spent several hours writing for each of them, explaining the Source behind the many positive changes in his life.

  “I won’t.” In a near whisper, Justin said, “One way or the other, they’re getting these Bibles and they’re gonna know I’m a Christian.”

  “Amen to that! Well, I’d better get going. This pregnancy thing can really make a girl tired. I’m going straight to bed as soon as I get to my parents’ house. Hope you have fun tonight. Be careful out there.”

  “I will. I really miss you, baby.”

  Heather yawned, “I miss you, too.”

  “Please give my love to your family.”

  “Yes, sir. And when you get to New York, do the same for me.”

  “You know I will.” Pausing a moment, Justin said, “Be careful driving to your parents’ house.”

  “I’ll be fine. The roads have been plowed.”

  “Still, be careful. You have our precious child inside you.”

  Heather laughed. “You be careful, too. After all, you have half of our future babies inside you!”

  “I will, promise. I love you, Heather.”

  “Love you, too.”

  Justin Schroeder ended the call not knowing this would be the last time he would speak to his wife.

  At least in this lifetime…

  “Ready to go,” he said, rejoining Brian.

  “Let’s rock and roll!”

  9

  BY THE TIME BRIAN and Justin were seated at the restaurant, it was eleven p.m. They needed to order fast and eat even faster. What was the point of going to a bonfire after it was already lit?

  The waitress approached, and they ordered everything at once: drinks, appetizers, and entrées. Brian ordered a beer. Justin ordered a Sprite.

  Brian shot him a look that screamed, “Why in the world are you ordering soda?”

  Justin picked up on it and said, “Don’t like eating and drinking alcohol at the same time.” It was a bogus excuse for sure, but it worked.

  Twenty minutes later, the waitress brought their food; a seafood pasta dish for Justin and a medium-rare steak with all the fixins for Brian. They shared an order of Buffalo chicken wings.

  Everything looked delicious. Brian dipped a chicken wing in ranch dressing and stuffed it in his mouth. His eyes were glued on a TV to see the score of the Pistons game.

  Justin bowed his head and quietly gave thanks to God for the food. Finished praying, Schroeder was disgusted with himself. People give their lives for their faith all the time, yet I’m unwilling to be embarrassed for mine? Why can’t I just come clean!

  Justin was justifiably upset. An avid Christ follower for nearly 13 years, he never felt intimidated or embarrassed when praying aloud in front of others back in Colorado. He was always too focused giving thanks to the Most High to be concerned with such pettiness. Very seldom did anyone object to his praying. They simply figured it was who he was.

  Why this, now? Schroeder knew the answer. Being with Brian Mulrooney forced him to face his past again. It brought him face to face with the old Justin Schroeder. Brian thought he knew Justin, but he only knew the old Justin.

  What really tore his stomach up was the realization that not much had changed over the years. He still was that same weak, spineless man. Oh sure, with the protection of the flock, he was strong, bold even. It was easy to talk about Jesus in front of other Christians.

  Where was the challenge there? Strength truly did come in numbers.

  Schroeder pretty much understood that whatever a person brought into a new relationship was generally accepted by the other person as who they really were; whether a spouse, business partner or a good friend. That’s just the way it was.

  As the relationship strengthened and deepened, mental composites were created then tweaked a little here and there, before being stored away in memory. Once the relation
ship was firmly established and mental composites were fully in place, however, change was almost always frowned upon, because it destroyed the mental image that was already deeply embedded in the mind of the other person.

  Instead of re-tweaking mental composites a little here and there to adjust to the newly changed person, most refused to believe they’d changed at all. They chalked it up as a temporary phase they were going through.

  In Colorado, Justin Schroeder started out a stranger in a strange land. He had no roots there, no blood. He was it—the whole ball of wax. When a person was suddenly cut loose from those who knew him, it forced him to take a good look in the mirror and chart progress and soul-search.

  Being isolated helped set the stage for unprecedented personal growth to occur. It was the very climate in which change was most welcomed.

  A person could re-chart their entire course in life under such conditions. But when bogged down by the frailties of day-to-day living, surrounded by those who already had mental composites cemented in their minds, sound thinking tended to be as far removed as China was removed from America, geographically speaking.

  Had Justin remained in New York City after graduating high school, perhaps he never would have found himself or his salvation. To find it, he needed to leave his childhood hometown.

  Spiritually speaking, Justin was more related to his family and friends in Colorado than his own flesh and blood in New York. As true children of the Most High God, Heaven was their final destination when life on Earth came to an end. Justin wanted that same assurance for his parents and for Brian and Craig as well. While the decision to receive or reject the Truth was theirs to make, he felt he had a role to play. Yes, he needed to set the stage by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.

  “You okay, pal?” asked Brian, interrupting Justin’s train of thought.

  “Huh? Yeah, why?” Schroeder replied.

  “You’ve been twirling pasta on your fork for the longest time, completely oblivious to your surroundings.”

  Justin cleared his throat. “Sorry. I’m fine, really. Out there in la-la land, that’s all.”