Trinity Pt.2 "Grief"
This would pose a slight problem for the women who hold his children in trust, knowing that the blood types of the kids are an inherited and collaboration of both parents. Selena fully aware of her sons blood type and that she being a universal donor, would leave for the airport in Tennessee a little early to make the trip to the hospital and do what she could. The night was long as she thought if the boy could give if the need was great, this was the thought of Debbie clear across town, but only with the desperate need to keep her child in the shadows. Tony being blood type B, meant that not everyone could roll up there sleeves and give, and that burden fell on Victoree who remembered her difficult pregnancy as the months ran on. It was early afternoon when the transfer room got busy and the number of people from nearby Oxford crowned the hospital, and easy in and out for someone who wanted to go by unnoticed, an excuse for being there lye within almost anyone. Debbie made hast to a nearby bathroom to claim her self and fill out the special forms needed to allow her child to give blood, coming from a stall was Selena with Lil A, with a small gauze and Band-Aid coving the spot where he had already giving to the father he had meet for the first time just days before.
The look was intense from woman to woman, but it was the forms in Debbie’s hand that were the tale tell sign. Selena reached for her without a word, showing all compassion, her little boy huddled at her waist side. Not too many words were spoken, after the omission that Victoree didn’t know that Anton was the son of Tony. She said that this was the closest that she has been hear the two of them at the same time, Victoree known to be the fighter and sure that this acknowledgement would send her into a rage. She took the ride up with some other people and had a good excuse ready with any on lookers. Moving from the bathroom the girls where united in force against the storm of controversy called cousin Victoree. Anthony jr. was sitting with his grandmother when his two other brothers broke the grip of their mothers, headed for the only other kid in the area and the only one with a video game. Selena found a way to pull the attention towards her as she asked if she could see Tony before she was off to New York. As his mother took them to the side, she spoke with Selena and told her how Tony had just shared with her the other day that she had another grandson. The soft moment was broken as Victoree rose from her seat and headed for the conversation, not at all aware that Debbie was standing by for the nurse to service them next. Selena waited for the elevator to the 4th floor with his mother, as it open Victoree had one foot in the door and said that she would join them and check in with the nurse. She seem to steer fear into lil A as the elevator rose to the forth floor, just down the hall to ICU, only two would be allowed in at one time. Just as Victoree was ready with her first burning question, I didn’t know that you two still heal a friendship after all these years, Selena, well we have one reason and we know a few of the same people.
Victoree stung by the retaliation, didn’t stop for the nurse she was waving down but linger to the door way… (What) Selena asked his mother to take lil’A inside to say goodbye, as mother asked the girls to play nice. Selena turned to Victoree’s surprise and said to the sum time crazy girl, that little boy is saying goodbye to his father, my son and his name is Antonio Alexander. Taking note of the strange looks on Victoree’s face, and the motion of her hands as she began to ask a berisa of questions, mother returned to the hallway, just as Debbie was returning to the many friends of the Alexander clan, as she began to make her way down the long passages of the first floor. Selena went on to say that there is not too much to be said, we are going to stay in prayer for Anthony, but as of today we are retuning to our life in New York. Victoree reached for a phone and called downstairs and asked her brother to bring Anthony up to her. When he quickly reached the elevator, Debbie had retuned from going the wrong way, Lamer and James told her to get on the elevator, cause she needed to cross over on the main floor to the east building and then walk the breeze way to parking. Inside no one pushed a button as the boys began to talk and play, the door opened to the forth floor where they were met by and somewhat angry Victoree, well then this chic has the news of the day, that this little boy is Tony’s son. If that’s true, Debbie you may as well have his baby too, we all know your ass came up with this mystery child just weeks after me. Debbie pulled Anton close, there in the elevator she got real loud and kept asking Selena questions, as all the boys of Tony Alexander stood facing each other for the first time. This really has no bearing on you in any way, I understand that you have been with him on and off over the years but, we have our own lives in New York, I’m not trying to involve myself in any drama and Tony and I have said all we need to speak about. The door open to the main floor and Debbie and Selena with there boys in tow took off in different directions.
When Tony was talking and greatly stable some 7 whole days later, it was Victoree that could not wait until the ink dyed on the bills that the university and the chemical company where paying as part of the settlement. She ask directly and very low about Selena and her baby boy, but the silent words of Tony where smashed as a nurse came into the room to retrieve her for an emergency phone call. It was her sister asking her to hurry home that their grandmother had been taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. Victoree felt that she need to get better information before leaving because, so many lawyer were coming and go from Tony’s room and asking him to settle or trying to send him a payment that would not send them into the courts for a long trail. As she hung up the phone to make another, the charge nurse had another call waiting for her. This one from her brother he was in the hospital, at the family was gathering and told her that Grandma June was not sure to make it through the night. With this news to process, a code blue was flashing for the room of Tony, a doctor rush in as he had slipped into a coma, his body just needed more rest than anyone realized. It would be close to five weeks as Tony’s new body adjusted to the changes and many medications that held him in peace.
Grandma June died that same day and was to have her going home service that following Monday afternoon at 2pm. There were friends and family from Mississippi and Alabama, old friends that moved away to Chicago, Allison her very best friend held the repast at her home just at the other end of the street. As once again the two cousins where in toe with there kids, all the children where in one room from time to time, but it would be the jealousy of Victoree as she looked at the pictures which lined the walls of the house of lil’A and Selena. There was one or two that lead her to question one person or another, as she came up on the picture of Anton and Lil’A at play in the yard of Grandma June from the past summer. It was some old family friends that spoke about the picture and how proud June was of the boys, that she sent the picture out to many friends cause she had hope a friendship for the years to come. Victoree took notice that the cousins never have the boys together over the years it always seem that Debbie was on the hide out. So now she stood before a large color picture of the two boys at play, and quickly put two and two together. She caused the biggest scene at the repast not crying for the dead but screaming, “you can have that little house down the street, we know how hard you worked for it… but you can’t have Tony, who is the father of your baby!” Debbie is standing in disbelief, and total acknowledgment, with family running to her defense, the uncertainty flashing across her face. Victoree now walking across the large living room to face her second cousin of the same age, Debbie took the stand and said to Victoree, as usual no one can talk with you or claim you down but the father of my son is no ones business. It does not matter to anyone but my family, the family that I am building for my son one of security. So while we are on the subject you may have the house if you like, because we are moving to Atlanta by the end of the month.
She cried as she made her way to the side porch, when the younger sister of June took Victoree to the side to explain to her how a slow and steady pace sometimes wins the race. The repast went on for hours as the whole street seem to come and go over and again, different clubs and organizations met in every corner of the house to fill the void of the recent loss. Some parts of the house where inconsolable as old memories and bad blood where brought to the surface, the true mark of a dysfunctional family funeral. In the weeks to come when Tony emerged from his coma, he had now spent just under 8 weeks in and out of heavy sedation or coma. Debbie was now in Stone Mountain, working as the head of a major rehabilitation center. The news of the settlement reached her in Atlanta, but no one knew the depth of the settlement, details would be locked for years. The first thing Tony did he did for the boys he knew he had fathered, taking a greater chuck of his misfortune and setting it in trust for each boy. Giving it all too much thought, he tried thirty as a start point and then even older at 35 giving them time to grow and work get some experience in the world. The strong voice of his mother was heard in his head over and again college first, she wants each boy to get a good education. So the plan was put in place to give each of his boys a large college fund, then later and as the trust would grow they would have the remainder when they reach thirty.
By now a year had past and although Tony was taking good to his rehabilitation, Victoree was in and out of relationships, and more than ever trying to define if Tony was the father of her cousin’s son. She gave up the reason for asking him directly due to the fact that she was told how he would always take care of his son Anthony, she would send her time caring for him and checking in on him over the past year that he spent in Memphis. When Tony was released to home care, the thought of moving and starting anew was first on his mind, knowing of the joint venture with Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta; Tony took the chance to break free of Mississippi and head for the big city. Only one thought to stay in Memphis but he was very aware that his son would be growing up nearby and that he has the option to see him once in a while. So he asked Victoree to go with him, to give their up and down relationship one more try, settling on the west corner of fort Mc Pherson. It was a direct line the hospital system that he needed so much and a new start with plans for going into a small business. The happiness and the discord of their one time love would last another 5 years. By now the boys where fourteen years old and living separate lives within 20 miles of each other and only 30 minutes down the 403 or route 152. Over the past five years they did one good thing, start a business with quick food right at the subway stop on the line to the airport and points south. As they open the second store it was Victoree that saw they were running in two different directions. The Lakewood/Ft McPherson station stop was close to bare in the early nineties when Victoree new that this had to be the first location in the quick stop food plan. It would be called Jordan’s after the family name, and praise for the grandmother whose recipe for cinnamon rolls and buttermilk biscuits would lead the menu. It had to be simply snack food that you can pick up and go for the train, with a common price.
The first location had all baked goods for the first year and they did well, the fresh caramel cake and chocolate chip brownies where packed to grab and go. The money seem to flow hand over fist and it was where Victoree spent most for her time. For the next location she would need to do some remodeling to the ruin down bank that was the closet building to the station, from the one side of the street who had to pass right by her quick stop in order to enter the Marta system, so she would need the help of Tony another loan an excess to his contact list. They opened the second Jordan’s at the Decatur station stop in late November of 91 and the 3rd location not in a targeted black neighborhood but the lone station for Doraville which most people drove to and parked their cars, for the underclass it was a long bus ride to the station, which had a small strip of stores across the 4 lane busy road. This would be the first store to open with small bites like chicken wing snack, sausage biscuits sandwiches or chicken crochets and fries. It would be these easy to pick up and consume items that lead Jordan’s to become a staple of good eats in Atlanta, and on the lips of anyone waiting for the train. It was more that enough for the mother of two who took on a new man with a small baby girl, when the Tony years finally came to an end. But there would be many times to two boys would meet, as they made moves in the high school game. The weekends call for all kids to hit the mall circuit, starting at one end with everyone converging on midtown by evening, or greenbrier which had the big movie house and lots of places to eat, the parking lot was clawing with ruff necks and short pum pum shorts at any time of the year.
There was a confrontation or two the brothers where on the side lines watching the action, Anthony the soon to be street kid waiting to be called to action. The Gemini in him was opening his mind to a rough get in your face attitude, at home he would seem to be nice and in the streets or the hallways of his southwest high school he was becoming a little thug. Hardheaded like his mama, Tony was the first to see the difference this being one of the reasons why they ended the high school dance fifteen years later, the boy was changing and with Debbie so busy managing a thriving business she had no time to check her teenage boy. It was March of 93 when Debbie got her hands on a card and a note, lying next to the check book that she had never seen before, the note asked about lil’A (Antonio) how he was doing, what was his college dreams, and if he had qualified for the big apple games. Things were going in one direction for the past months, so with this acknowledgement she didn’t blow up, she thought to be smart for once and try to take full control of the business. By now they where already living separate lives, she seeing a brother from the base when ever time would permit. It not that Tony had controlling interest, he wasn’t even in the day to day business, however at months end or when it was time to pay the bills he was deeply involved. After close to two years now and the Decatur store still had outstanding bills, they where making money but large amounts where paid out each month, the largest to Tony, so she came to him with this amicable plan to keep the friendship strong. She would sign over the first store to him, the big money maker, keep the Decatur store as the home base of the business manage all three but take no revenue from the prime source which often feed the other two.
Tony would deliberate on this for a week or so, taking a careful look over the past months how they grew so fast and now it was just a point where bills were due. He knew it would survive so he took the deal, letting her think that she had the upper hand, and watching her work even harder. A side bar to the deal he wanted Anthony in and after school program, something to keep him busy while she worked late, she was unreasonable because he had basketball. Tony gave her the unfortunate news how he was let go from the team because of his attitude, so he will be placed with the mid town hawks and play intramural sports, friends of his run the program and this will straight out some of the tough guy bullshit that he is starting to build. Victoree was some what opposed but what could she do, Tony was always a part of this boy’s life. It was a little bit of a struggle year for her as she watched with a careful eye, the three or four woman that ran in and out of his life; always in the back of her mind the treasures that Tony may have hided away she is mindful of any new people in his life. Debbie almost never would come to the house but his mom was in for a visit and she was over for the day to sit with her, it being the first of the month Victoree had to drop off any information about sales to Tony. The two meet in the house off to the side where he kept and office and placed many formal papers and plans for the future. He told her that his mom would be in town for the week, if she wanted to come by to visit and/or plan a dinner with Anthony it would be nice to do this Saturday or Sunday, that now was not a good time to say hello cause she was with Debbie in the back.
Although she knew of the obvious visits at time this would be the first time they were face to face in years, there was that time for a nasty look as cars past on his winding small two lane street. So she said with a smile I know how to be friendly and I haven’t seen cousin in years, not sure why you still have affection for her, I no (I no) she’s your friend and that question about her son you have never answered. But that was all years ago and we live in the same big city, it’s a shame that we don’t even speak, I can be a bigger woman. So before Tony could raise from his seat and move for one of his canes, Victoree was in motion to the back yard. He didn’t race for her but reached for the phone letting his mother know that Victoree was in the house. She put the phone down to see Victoree making her way across the patio; she told Debbie who had her back to the coming nightmare, that her cousin was coming they welcomed her. The two ladies rose from there chairs to meet, mother said hello reaching across the large table, she was just at Debbie’s side. She took in a long look at her as she noticed her hair was tightly braided, she was thin and so fit, the jogging suit showed off every inch of her strong body standing and waiting for Victoree to pounce. (Hello cousin) It’s been such a long time, as she stepped in front of her face to face, it was Victoree that was caught by shock and awh. Time had done Debbie good, and she was no longer plan Jane, gone was the awkward smile, a nice pair of glasses replaced what used to be some welfare edition of black thick frame, now standing before her was a woman that she had never seen before.
Mother reached for another glass from the side bar and asked if she wanted to join them, Victoree was trying not to stand in shock voiced that she only wished to say hello, to show some respect, to take a moment to ask about a dinner plans later in the weekend. Trying to be nice she extended the dinner to included Debbie and her son, but to her surprise Anton was in New York away at a retreat for two weeks, and would miss out. She said her goodbyes and quickly put her tail between her legs trying hard not to let it show that she was so surprised with the transformation. At the door where Tony was now standing she held it together and said I told you I was more of a women, besides I have no use for the lies that some people continue to tell. It would be month before Victoree would have anything nice to say to Tony, her visits always short, she kept everything to business trying to show a different side and making sure that her son Anthony was a constant presents in his fathers life, she would drop him off there once a week and even made reasons for overnight stays, in the back of her mind it was all calculating. For Tony this was the son he would know, this was the son that he would see the most and learn to have some things in common with. But as the pull of the streets was too much for Anthony, he also found a way to show two faces to the world around him. After two years of intramural sports he got back with the high school athletics and was now the best point guard for his Decatur high school, which his mom had moved him into using the address of her store for residence. After the many voices of discord in the other school system she knew it was time for a change, although this would bring the two brothers closer by the day. Anthony would often travel marta to and from to visit with his father, some days he would arrive at the store late and wait for mom to go home. But it was Anton with his many friends of many races that often went into the Jordan’s at Decatur station, diving up for the quick snacks on their way to track meets or to check out the competition at another school nearby. Anton had been in the store a time or two and even passed Victoree right by so unaware of the family connection. He was doing so well, just an average kid making his way running in the cross country club, and indoor track at some point this would put him in the high school of his older brother.
Antonio on the other hand was making big moves in Queens at St. Johns prep he was just named the freshman with the fastest feet, making the New York Times for running a mile in 5 minutes flat. He was on the right track, a student of philosophy and a master of the outdoor track, he took after his father who was know to have a quick take off if ever you tried to race him. Selena was doing a good job with Antonio, the young man had good grades and many interest. For this last year of high school the unknown brothers would have one run in not so much face to face, but friend to friend. Their was a bench clearing foul during the all city finals of the senior year for Anthony and his boys, Decatur high was playing Mc Clarin for all the bragging rights, every high school student would come out to see this game and of course see all the pretty girls. The game was held in the war memorial downtown, the reffs seem to be one sided and most of the night; bad call after back call, when both side had become agitated, it was a foul and a hard slam to the court that caused the benches to clear and the crowd to fill the basketball court. The game was called with only those few seconds that remained on the clock once order was restored. The stores where doing well, positioned as they where all of them where just above average and met cost each month. But that was not the case for Tony who was now taking dialysis once a week, for the first time the body that had recovered so well was starting to show signs of weakness. It was early spring of 95 when he would take his time to explain this change to each of his close family members.
Graduation was looming for the boys and he was very interested in what they would do after high school, a surprise visit to Stone Mt, and Debbie was met with a lot of questions. When he called her she said that she could come right home to give her about 40 minutes, he was knocking at the door Anton was inside trying to peek out the window and needing to avoid confrontation. He and another boy was in the back room off the garage, where he had some weighs and other exercise gear, but in the darkened light of the room they had been push close together, whispering and experiencing a new sense of touch for the first time. The two girls that where in the corner of the room filled the couch with attitude and a little bit of mystery, they had been over many times and no one ever came to the door. So he thought to pack himself away good and run to the front door, only to see the Father making his first ever visit to his home meant that his mother would soon follow, so the door was standing wide as he tried to say hello then rush Tony inside. But it was awkward and father caught a look at his bulging shirt and said who’s hiding in the house, you better get this right cause you mom will be here in a few. The smile that he was wearing gave him a slight sense of peace, so Anton went down to retrieve everyone who was standing half naked and trying to put clothes on to come and meet my father. The moment went by so fast as they made an exit and mom rounded the corner, that he had no time to process the feeling and the pictures that were very much alive and dancing in his 18 year old head. On a trip to the bathroom his father laughed and asked so which one was for you, noting that the one girl was so very short, yes he laughed and smiled for the time and said that’s a real gift between your legs boy so please just take your time.
Graduation had come to the forefront and after what seemed like a long prom season it was welcomed by many, although Anthony could have made it a special night as well he choose the streets on this night and riding from one venue to another to heckle and tees, revisit many on the girls that had already laid victim. He had stated a bit young just before this 16th birthday he was in the streets laying pipe and being a would be player from one side to the other, after causing a fight or ruggious there was always a (pyt) hood girl willing to dance with the devil. He had learned some mad skills in this area and the rep that was growing around him was that he was known to give good long lasting sex. To the surprise of Tony news came from New York City that his boy would be graduating a year early, opting to skip the 12th grade Antonio would be free to enter college in the fall. It would seem that all the boys where making to graduation in the same year. Only it was Anthony with his magic tool that was faced with summer school in order to get his diploma, it was two classes with incomplete grades that kept him out of the ceremony that year. The countdown to the Olympics had got down to just months away and the fever in the city of Atlanta had begun to grow, the centennial Olympic stadium was on track to be completed and this new park in the center of it all was emerging. Anthony went to work straight away for the committee with his high school work completed he wanted to be a part of the action, and knew that he was building and placing stones as landmarks for the future. Antonio choose to stay in NY even staying with in the faith taking a full scholarship at St. Johns University, known for the basketball team and could stay home nearby to save some money.
Anton however chose this night, this warm night in May to seek and return to a feeling that had been plaguing to his memory. He drove around the streets this early morning as most of the bars where closing and played his music watched all the beautiful people from his car, but it was the sight of the new park and all the newest of downtown that caused him to leave the comfort for a walk. He walked where he could and so many people where hot for the new scene, that park was alive with lights and sound and new explorers, as he made his way back to were he parked on a side street, he got turned around, as he passed this drunken man barely able to stand trying to take a piss, he laughed coming closer and trying to take in a full look as he passed him by. Another street and another happy couple only they had each other and was playful to no end, on the wrong street he had to double back he thought for a minute this is the same man. Only this guy was young a wasted holding on to everything in his path, the keys that jiggled in his hand was a bad sign, so Anton stopped to ask if he was alright, and when the fine brother fell onto him it was all he could do to keep his hands to himself. The guy said I’m not to drunk I just can’t find my car, I know not to drive man believe me, if I find it I’ll be good time to sleep. But Anton was lost himself, so he tells the guy I’m no good kinda lost myself, I came back this way cause that new park it just at the end of the street. So the guy is like I got this, I know the streets good kid, but damn I got to piss so badly, at that moment whipping it out to paint the cars wheels as he holds tight to a street lamp. Anton steps to a clear view cause the guy just closed his eyes and let it all go. As he let go of the pole he lost his balance fell against a car, comments were exchanged, I can’t let you drive man are you sure that your just going to sleep it off. Man I got this my car is just on the corner, at Cypress gardens, well I don’t know were that is but I know I’m not two far away.
Serious kid you seem to like touching me, know it’s not like that but you keep falling into me, but you got to give me those keys cause I really can’t let you drive, and again kid I know these streets I’m good when we get just around this small street. As they past Anton’s car more questions and Anthony was real curious about why didn’t get to the city much cause Stone Mt, aint that far away. Now finding the large older bronco against the darken wall of a big building, then to the bathroom again only this time words were exchanged and it was the drunk Anthony that let it be know that if you were a chick kid, believe I would pound the pussy hard, but come on kid I’m not with that other shit. You been touching me all the way over here, you helped me at that’s cool, when he can’t get the car open things are clear he’s in the wrong spot. Anton took the keys trying another truck just to the right, when Anthony followed, he tried to put him in the back seat and he was not going for it. As he claimed into the driver seat, Anton went to the other side so unaware of what he was about to play with, and so unaware of the brother next to him fighting for sleep. I’m gona put the keys here in the back seat cause you say you not trying to drive, now in the front seat the drunken man is talking shit. He gives the man anything but the car keys and he sits up to try and start the truck, “yo what the ?, where the keys dropping the fakes to the floor board, when Anton move down between his legs for the keys, “ooh so you think you can still try and get some dick.” Anton with a touch close to his open zipper said to the sleeping giant I’m trying to save your life. He retuned to the car after standing nearby to see if he was going to look for the keys, come on man give me the keys it’s cold, hey what did you say your name was, Anthony, yeah Mr. Stone Mt. why you still here. Well you are still rolling around in this car; if you’re going to sleep it off, then pull up your pants and go to sleep! It would be some thirty day later when the two would meet once again, to a faded memory.
After dialysis on this Tuesday afternoon, Tony was admitted to the hospital the father of these three boys would die that next day. Victoree was first on the scene. It was coming, it was not sudden but no one was ready as it all played out a typical day, his friend Dallas had sat with him and they had plans for lunch at fat Matt’s when they left piedmont, he was the one to make the call to Victoree when there was a need to keep him over night. Although she maintained that she was going to wait for his mother, she had Tony moved to Young funeral home, it had a general meeting place a good location for the few that would travel from Mississippi and other points east and west. She felt it was the right thing to do than to wait one more day leaving him in the hospital, piling on more things to be done as his mother arrived. Tony wasn’t one of the guys that went to church in any fashion but if his mom wanted to reach out to a place for the service, he had many friends that were part of a congregation at the AME Zion in this neighborhood. His mother and sister arrived in the late night of Wednesday, to that surprise of what Victoree had already accomplished and when asked if she had made any phone calls to his family and friends she replied that she was moving slow outta respect.
The look was intense from woman to woman, but it was the forms in Debbie’s hand that were the tale tell sign. Selena reached for her without a word, showing all compassion, her little boy huddled at her waist side. Not too many words were spoken, after the omission that Victoree didn’t know that Anton was the son of Tony. She said that this was the closest that she has been hear the two of them at the same time, Victoree known to be the fighter and sure that this acknowledgement would send her into a rage. She took the ride up with some other people and had a good excuse ready with any on lookers. Moving from the bathroom the girls where united in force against the storm of controversy called cousin Victoree. Anthony jr. was sitting with his grandmother when his two other brothers broke the grip of their mothers, headed for the only other kid in the area and the only one with a video game. Selena found a way to pull the attention towards her as she asked if she could see Tony before she was off to New York. As his mother took them to the side, she spoke with Selena and told her how Tony had just shared with her the other day that she had another grandson. The soft moment was broken as Victoree rose from her seat and headed for the conversation, not at all aware that Debbie was standing by for the nurse to service them next. Selena waited for the elevator to the 4th floor with his mother, as it open Victoree had one foot in the door and said that she would join them and check in with the nurse. She seem to steer fear into lil A as the elevator rose to the forth floor, just down the hall to ICU, only two would be allowed in at one time. Just as Victoree was ready with her first burning question, I didn’t know that you two still heal a friendship after all these years, Selena, well we have one reason and we know a few of the same people.
Victoree stung by the retaliation, didn’t stop for the nurse she was waving down but linger to the door way… (What) Selena asked his mother to take lil’A inside to say goodbye, as mother asked the girls to play nice. Selena turned to Victoree’s surprise and said to the sum time crazy girl, that little boy is saying goodbye to his father, my son and his name is Antonio Alexander. Taking note of the strange looks on Victoree’s face, and the motion of her hands as she began to ask a berisa of questions, mother returned to the hallway, just as Debbie was returning to the many friends of the Alexander clan, as she began to make her way down the long passages of the first floor. Selena went on to say that there is not too much to be said, we are going to stay in prayer for Anthony, but as of today we are retuning to our life in New York. Victoree reached for a phone and called downstairs and asked her brother to bring Anthony up to her. When he quickly reached the elevator, Debbie had retuned from going the wrong way, Lamer and James told her to get on the elevator, cause she needed to cross over on the main floor to the east building and then walk the breeze way to parking. Inside no one pushed a button as the boys began to talk and play, the door opened to the forth floor where they were met by and somewhat angry Victoree, well then this chic has the news of the day, that this little boy is Tony’s son. If that’s true, Debbie you may as well have his baby too, we all know your ass came up with this mystery child just weeks after me. Debbie pulled Anton close, there in the elevator she got real loud and kept asking Selena questions, as all the boys of Tony Alexander stood facing each other for the first time. This really has no bearing on you in any way, I understand that you have been with him on and off over the years but, we have our own lives in New York, I’m not trying to involve myself in any drama and Tony and I have said all we need to speak about. The door open to the main floor and Debbie and Selena with there boys in tow took off in different directions.
When Tony was talking and greatly stable some 7 whole days later, it was Victoree that could not wait until the ink dyed on the bills that the university and the chemical company where paying as part of the settlement. She ask directly and very low about Selena and her baby boy, but the silent words of Tony where smashed as a nurse came into the room to retrieve her for an emergency phone call. It was her sister asking her to hurry home that their grandmother had been taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. Victoree felt that she need to get better information before leaving because, so many lawyer were coming and go from Tony’s room and asking him to settle or trying to send him a payment that would not send them into the courts for a long trail. As she hung up the phone to make another, the charge nurse had another call waiting for her. This one from her brother he was in the hospital, at the family was gathering and told her that Grandma June was not sure to make it through the night. With this news to process, a code blue was flashing for the room of Tony, a doctor rush in as he had slipped into a coma, his body just needed more rest than anyone realized. It would be close to five weeks as Tony’s new body adjusted to the changes and many medications that held him in peace.
Grandma June died that same day and was to have her going home service that following Monday afternoon at 2pm. There were friends and family from Mississippi and Alabama, old friends that moved away to Chicago, Allison her very best friend held the repast at her home just at the other end of the street. As once again the two cousins where in toe with there kids, all the children where in one room from time to time, but it would be the jealousy of Victoree as she looked at the pictures which lined the walls of the house of lil’A and Selena. There was one or two that lead her to question one person or another, as she came up on the picture of Anton and Lil’A at play in the yard of Grandma June from the past summer. It was some old family friends that spoke about the picture and how proud June was of the boys, that she sent the picture out to many friends cause she had hope a friendship for the years to come. Victoree took notice that the cousins never have the boys together over the years it always seem that Debbie was on the hide out. So now she stood before a large color picture of the two boys at play, and quickly put two and two together. She caused the biggest scene at the repast not crying for the dead but screaming, “you can have that little house down the street, we know how hard you worked for it… but you can’t have Tony, who is the father of your baby!” Debbie is standing in disbelief, and total acknowledgment, with family running to her defense, the uncertainty flashing across her face. Victoree now walking across the large living room to face her second cousin of the same age, Debbie took the stand and said to Victoree, as usual no one can talk with you or claim you down but the father of my son is no ones business. It does not matter to anyone but my family, the family that I am building for my son one of security. So while we are on the subject you may have the house if you like, because we are moving to Atlanta by the end of the month.
She cried as she made her way to the side porch, when the younger sister of June took Victoree to the side to explain to her how a slow and steady pace sometimes wins the race. The repast went on for hours as the whole street seem to come and go over and again, different clubs and organizations met in every corner of the house to fill the void of the recent loss. Some parts of the house where inconsolable as old memories and bad blood where brought to the surface, the true mark of a dysfunctional family funeral. In the weeks to come when Tony emerged from his coma, he had now spent just under 8 weeks in and out of heavy sedation or coma. Debbie was now in Stone Mountain, working as the head of a major rehabilitation center. The news of the settlement reached her in Atlanta, but no one knew the depth of the settlement, details would be locked for years. The first thing Tony did he did for the boys he knew he had fathered, taking a greater chuck of his misfortune and setting it in trust for each boy. Giving it all too much thought, he tried thirty as a start point and then even older at 35 giving them time to grow and work get some experience in the world. The strong voice of his mother was heard in his head over and again college first, she wants each boy to get a good education. So the plan was put in place to give each of his boys a large college fund, then later and as the trust would grow they would have the remainder when they reach thirty.
By now a year had past and although Tony was taking good to his rehabilitation, Victoree was in and out of relationships, and more than ever trying to define if Tony was the father of her cousin’s son. She gave up the reason for asking him directly due to the fact that she was told how he would always take care of his son Anthony, she would send her time caring for him and checking in on him over the past year that he spent in Memphis. When Tony was released to home care, the thought of moving and starting anew was first on his mind, knowing of the joint venture with Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta; Tony took the chance to break free of Mississippi and head for the big city. Only one thought to stay in Memphis but he was very aware that his son would be growing up nearby and that he has the option to see him once in a while. So he asked Victoree to go with him, to give their up and down relationship one more try, settling on the west corner of fort Mc Pherson. It was a direct line the hospital system that he needed so much and a new start with plans for going into a small business. The happiness and the discord of their one time love would last another 5 years. By now the boys where fourteen years old and living separate lives within 20 miles of each other and only 30 minutes down the 403 or route 152. Over the past five years they did one good thing, start a business with quick food right at the subway stop on the line to the airport and points south. As they open the second store it was Victoree that saw they were running in two different directions. The Lakewood/Ft McPherson station stop was close to bare in the early nineties when Victoree new that this had to be the first location in the quick stop food plan. It would be called Jordan’s after the family name, and praise for the grandmother whose recipe for cinnamon rolls and buttermilk biscuits would lead the menu. It had to be simply snack food that you can pick up and go for the train, with a common price.
The first location had all baked goods for the first year and they did well, the fresh caramel cake and chocolate chip brownies where packed to grab and go. The money seem to flow hand over fist and it was where Victoree spent most for her time. For the next location she would need to do some remodeling to the ruin down bank that was the closet building to the station, from the one side of the street who had to pass right by her quick stop in order to enter the Marta system, so she would need the help of Tony another loan an excess to his contact list. They opened the second Jordan’s at the Decatur station stop in late November of 91 and the 3rd location not in a targeted black neighborhood but the lone station for Doraville which most people drove to and parked their cars, for the underclass it was a long bus ride to the station, which had a small strip of stores across the 4 lane busy road. This would be the first store to open with small bites like chicken wing snack, sausage biscuits sandwiches or chicken crochets and fries. It would be these easy to pick up and consume items that lead Jordan’s to become a staple of good eats in Atlanta, and on the lips of anyone waiting for the train. It was more that enough for the mother of two who took on a new man with a small baby girl, when the Tony years finally came to an end. But there would be many times to two boys would meet, as they made moves in the high school game. The weekends call for all kids to hit the mall circuit, starting at one end with everyone converging on midtown by evening, or greenbrier which had the big movie house and lots of places to eat, the parking lot was clawing with ruff necks and short pum pum shorts at any time of the year.
There was a confrontation or two the brothers where on the side lines watching the action, Anthony the soon to be street kid waiting to be called to action. The Gemini in him was opening his mind to a rough get in your face attitude, at home he would seem to be nice and in the streets or the hallways of his southwest high school he was becoming a little thug. Hardheaded like his mama, Tony was the first to see the difference this being one of the reasons why they ended the high school dance fifteen years later, the boy was changing and with Debbie so busy managing a thriving business she had no time to check her teenage boy. It was March of 93 when Debbie got her hands on a card and a note, lying next to the check book that she had never seen before, the note asked about lil’A (Antonio) how he was doing, what was his college dreams, and if he had qualified for the big apple games. Things were going in one direction for the past months, so with this acknowledgement she didn’t blow up, she thought to be smart for once and try to take full control of the business. By now they where already living separate lives, she seeing a brother from the base when ever time would permit. It not that Tony had controlling interest, he wasn’t even in the day to day business, however at months end or when it was time to pay the bills he was deeply involved. After close to two years now and the Decatur store still had outstanding bills, they where making money but large amounts where paid out each month, the largest to Tony, so she came to him with this amicable plan to keep the friendship strong. She would sign over the first store to him, the big money maker, keep the Decatur store as the home base of the business manage all three but take no revenue from the prime source which often feed the other two.
Tony would deliberate on this for a week or so, taking a careful look over the past months how they grew so fast and now it was just a point where bills were due. He knew it would survive so he took the deal, letting her think that she had the upper hand, and watching her work even harder. A side bar to the deal he wanted Anthony in and after school program, something to keep him busy while she worked late, she was unreasonable because he had basketball. Tony gave her the unfortunate news how he was let go from the team because of his attitude, so he will be placed with the mid town hawks and play intramural sports, friends of his run the program and this will straight out some of the tough guy bullshit that he is starting to build. Victoree was some what opposed but what could she do, Tony was always a part of this boy’s life. It was a little bit of a struggle year for her as she watched with a careful eye, the three or four woman that ran in and out of his life; always in the back of her mind the treasures that Tony may have hided away she is mindful of any new people in his life. Debbie almost never would come to the house but his mom was in for a visit and she was over for the day to sit with her, it being the first of the month Victoree had to drop off any information about sales to Tony. The two meet in the house off to the side where he kept and office and placed many formal papers and plans for the future. He told her that his mom would be in town for the week, if she wanted to come by to visit and/or plan a dinner with Anthony it would be nice to do this Saturday or Sunday, that now was not a good time to say hello cause she was with Debbie in the back.
Although she knew of the obvious visits at time this would be the first time they were face to face in years, there was that time for a nasty look as cars past on his winding small two lane street. So she said with a smile I know how to be friendly and I haven’t seen cousin in years, not sure why you still have affection for her, I no (I no) she’s your friend and that question about her son you have never answered. But that was all years ago and we live in the same big city, it’s a shame that we don’t even speak, I can be a bigger woman. So before Tony could raise from his seat and move for one of his canes, Victoree was in motion to the back yard. He didn’t race for her but reached for the phone letting his mother know that Victoree was in the house. She put the phone down to see Victoree making her way across the patio; she told Debbie who had her back to the coming nightmare, that her cousin was coming they welcomed her. The two ladies rose from there chairs to meet, mother said hello reaching across the large table, she was just at Debbie’s side. She took in a long look at her as she noticed her hair was tightly braided, she was thin and so fit, the jogging suit showed off every inch of her strong body standing and waiting for Victoree to pounce. (Hello cousin) It’s been such a long time, as she stepped in front of her face to face, it was Victoree that was caught by shock and awh. Time had done Debbie good, and she was no longer plan Jane, gone was the awkward smile, a nice pair of glasses replaced what used to be some welfare edition of black thick frame, now standing before her was a woman that she had never seen before.
Mother reached for another glass from the side bar and asked if she wanted to join them, Victoree was trying not to stand in shock voiced that she only wished to say hello, to show some respect, to take a moment to ask about a dinner plans later in the weekend. Trying to be nice she extended the dinner to included Debbie and her son, but to her surprise Anton was in New York away at a retreat for two weeks, and would miss out. She said her goodbyes and quickly put her tail between her legs trying hard not to let it show that she was so surprised with the transformation. At the door where Tony was now standing she held it together and said I told you I was more of a women, besides I have no use for the lies that some people continue to tell. It would be month before Victoree would have anything nice to say to Tony, her visits always short, she kept everything to business trying to show a different side and making sure that her son Anthony was a constant presents in his fathers life, she would drop him off there once a week and even made reasons for overnight stays, in the back of her mind it was all calculating. For Tony this was the son he would know, this was the son that he would see the most and learn to have some things in common with. But as the pull of the streets was too much for Anthony, he also found a way to show two faces to the world around him. After two years of intramural sports he got back with the high school athletics and was now the best point guard for his Decatur high school, which his mom had moved him into using the address of her store for residence. After the many voices of discord in the other school system she knew it was time for a change, although this would bring the two brothers closer by the day. Anthony would often travel marta to and from to visit with his father, some days he would arrive at the store late and wait for mom to go home. But it was Anton with his many friends of many races that often went into the Jordan’s at Decatur station, diving up for the quick snacks on their way to track meets or to check out the competition at another school nearby. Anton had been in the store a time or two and even passed Victoree right by so unaware of the family connection. He was doing so well, just an average kid making his way running in the cross country club, and indoor track at some point this would put him in the high school of his older brother.
Antonio on the other hand was making big moves in Queens at St. Johns prep he was just named the freshman with the fastest feet, making the New York Times for running a mile in 5 minutes flat. He was on the right track, a student of philosophy and a master of the outdoor track, he took after his father who was know to have a quick take off if ever you tried to race him. Selena was doing a good job with Antonio, the young man had good grades and many interest. For this last year of high school the unknown brothers would have one run in not so much face to face, but friend to friend. Their was a bench clearing foul during the all city finals of the senior year for Anthony and his boys, Decatur high was playing Mc Clarin for all the bragging rights, every high school student would come out to see this game and of course see all the pretty girls. The game was held in the war memorial downtown, the reffs seem to be one sided and most of the night; bad call after back call, when both side had become agitated, it was a foul and a hard slam to the court that caused the benches to clear and the crowd to fill the basketball court. The game was called with only those few seconds that remained on the clock once order was restored. The stores where doing well, positioned as they where all of them where just above average and met cost each month. But that was not the case for Tony who was now taking dialysis once a week, for the first time the body that had recovered so well was starting to show signs of weakness. It was early spring of 95 when he would take his time to explain this change to each of his close family members.
Graduation was looming for the boys and he was very interested in what they would do after high school, a surprise visit to Stone Mt, and Debbie was met with a lot of questions. When he called her she said that she could come right home to give her about 40 minutes, he was knocking at the door Anton was inside trying to peek out the window and needing to avoid confrontation. He and another boy was in the back room off the garage, where he had some weighs and other exercise gear, but in the darkened light of the room they had been push close together, whispering and experiencing a new sense of touch for the first time. The two girls that where in the corner of the room filled the couch with attitude and a little bit of mystery, they had been over many times and no one ever came to the door. So he thought to pack himself away good and run to the front door, only to see the Father making his first ever visit to his home meant that his mother would soon follow, so the door was standing wide as he tried to say hello then rush Tony inside. But it was awkward and father caught a look at his bulging shirt and said who’s hiding in the house, you better get this right cause you mom will be here in a few. The smile that he was wearing gave him a slight sense of peace, so Anton went down to retrieve everyone who was standing half naked and trying to put clothes on to come and meet my father. The moment went by so fast as they made an exit and mom rounded the corner, that he had no time to process the feeling and the pictures that were very much alive and dancing in his 18 year old head. On a trip to the bathroom his father laughed and asked so which one was for you, noting that the one girl was so very short, yes he laughed and smiled for the time and said that’s a real gift between your legs boy so please just take your time.
Graduation had come to the forefront and after what seemed like a long prom season it was welcomed by many, although Anthony could have made it a special night as well he choose the streets on this night and riding from one venue to another to heckle and tees, revisit many on the girls that had already laid victim. He had stated a bit young just before this 16th birthday he was in the streets laying pipe and being a would be player from one side to the other, after causing a fight or ruggious there was always a (pyt) hood girl willing to dance with the devil. He had learned some mad skills in this area and the rep that was growing around him was that he was known to give good long lasting sex. To the surprise of Tony news came from New York City that his boy would be graduating a year early, opting to skip the 12th grade Antonio would be free to enter college in the fall. It would seem that all the boys where making to graduation in the same year. Only it was Anthony with his magic tool that was faced with summer school in order to get his diploma, it was two classes with incomplete grades that kept him out of the ceremony that year. The countdown to the Olympics had got down to just months away and the fever in the city of Atlanta had begun to grow, the centennial Olympic stadium was on track to be completed and this new park in the center of it all was emerging. Anthony went to work straight away for the committee with his high school work completed he wanted to be a part of the action, and knew that he was building and placing stones as landmarks for the future. Antonio choose to stay in NY even staying with in the faith taking a full scholarship at St. Johns University, known for the basketball team and could stay home nearby to save some money.
Anton however chose this night, this warm night in May to seek and return to a feeling that had been plaguing to his memory. He drove around the streets this early morning as most of the bars where closing and played his music watched all the beautiful people from his car, but it was the sight of the new park and all the newest of downtown that caused him to leave the comfort for a walk. He walked where he could and so many people where hot for the new scene, that park was alive with lights and sound and new explorers, as he made his way back to were he parked on a side street, he got turned around, as he passed this drunken man barely able to stand trying to take a piss, he laughed coming closer and trying to take in a full look as he passed him by. Another street and another happy couple only they had each other and was playful to no end, on the wrong street he had to double back he thought for a minute this is the same man. Only this guy was young a wasted holding on to everything in his path, the keys that jiggled in his hand was a bad sign, so Anton stopped to ask if he was alright, and when the fine brother fell onto him it was all he could do to keep his hands to himself. The guy said I’m not to drunk I just can’t find my car, I know not to drive man believe me, if I find it I’ll be good time to sleep. But Anton was lost himself, so he tells the guy I’m no good kinda lost myself, I came back this way cause that new park it just at the end of the street. So the guy is like I got this, I know the streets good kid, but damn I got to piss so badly, at that moment whipping it out to paint the cars wheels as he holds tight to a street lamp. Anton steps to a clear view cause the guy just closed his eyes and let it all go. As he let go of the pole he lost his balance fell against a car, comments were exchanged, I can’t let you drive man are you sure that your just going to sleep it off. Man I got this my car is just on the corner, at Cypress gardens, well I don’t know were that is but I know I’m not two far away.
Serious kid you seem to like touching me, know it’s not like that but you keep falling into me, but you got to give me those keys cause I really can’t let you drive, and again kid I know these streets I’m good when we get just around this small street. As they past Anton’s car more questions and Anthony was real curious about why didn’t get to the city much cause Stone Mt, aint that far away. Now finding the large older bronco against the darken wall of a big building, then to the bathroom again only this time words were exchanged and it was the drunk Anthony that let it be know that if you were a chick kid, believe I would pound the pussy hard, but come on kid I’m not with that other shit. You been touching me all the way over here, you helped me at that’s cool, when he can’t get the car open things are clear he’s in the wrong spot. Anton took the keys trying another truck just to the right, when Anthony followed, he tried to put him in the back seat and he was not going for it. As he claimed into the driver seat, Anton went to the other side so unaware of what he was about to play with, and so unaware of the brother next to him fighting for sleep. I’m gona put the keys here in the back seat cause you say you not trying to drive, now in the front seat the drunken man is talking shit. He gives the man anything but the car keys and he sits up to try and start the truck, “yo what the ?, where the keys dropping the fakes to the floor board, when Anton move down between his legs for the keys, “ooh so you think you can still try and get some dick.” Anton with a touch close to his open zipper said to the sleeping giant I’m trying to save your life. He retuned to the car after standing nearby to see if he was going to look for the keys, come on man give me the keys it’s cold, hey what did you say your name was, Anthony, yeah Mr. Stone Mt. why you still here. Well you are still rolling around in this car; if you’re going to sleep it off, then pull up your pants and go to sleep! It would be some thirty day later when the two would meet once again, to a faded memory.
After dialysis on this Tuesday afternoon, Tony was admitted to the hospital the father of these three boys would die that next day. Victoree was first on the scene. It was coming, it was not sudden but no one was ready as it all played out a typical day, his friend Dallas had sat with him and they had plans for lunch at fat Matt’s when they left piedmont, he was the one to make the call to Victoree when there was a need to keep him over night. Although she maintained that she was going to wait for his mother, she had Tony moved to Young funeral home, it had a general meeting place a good location for the few that would travel from Mississippi and other points east and west. She felt it was the right thing to do than to wait one more day leaving him in the hospital, piling on more things to be done as his mother arrived. Tony wasn’t one of the guys that went to church in any fashion but if his mom wanted to reach out to a place for the service, he had many friends that were part of a congregation at the AME Zion in this neighborhood. His mother and sister arrived in the late night of Wednesday, to that surprise of what Victoree had already accomplished and when asked if she had made any phone calls to his family and friends she replied that she was moving slow outta respect.
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