Nazareth Heights Book 2: The Adventures of Adrianna Williamson

NAZARETH HEIGHTS II

The Adventures of Adrianna Williamson

by

Camille Kleidysz

Smashwords Edition

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Published on Smashwords by:

Joie Books

824 Corporate Way

Atlanta, GA 30339

Nazareth Heights II

Copyright June 2010 by Camille Kleidysz

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Table of Contents

Homecoming

Dare To Be A Daniel

Who Are We?

Growing Pains

Is That You?

New Beginnings

Street Cred. 101

Those Eyes

Our Moment

Fall Block Party

Where Do I Belong?

Invisible No More

Is This Love?

Ti’s The Season To Be Jolly?

How Could This Be?

Not Now…Not Ever

Frail Secrets

Restoration

Confessions

Whole Again

Home Where We Belong

By Any Means Necessary

Redeemed

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SUMMER IN THE HEIGHTS

Dark, angry clouds slowly swallowed the tottering plane. The airplane rocked and dipped against the turbulent winds, and heavy rain drops began to violently slam against the windows. Adrianna’s moist, cold hand quivered, and slowly slid down, gripping the sides of her seat. Her eyes clasped tight, and her mouth felt dry and stuck together.

Adrianna attempted to pray, but was unable to articulate a coherent prayer. She noticed the flight attendants quickly fastening their seat belts and nervously darting their eyes. She clinched her fist and desperately searched for words to pray. She could only whisper, Jesus…Jesus. The searing emotions of fear and uncertainty gripped Adrianna Williamson’s mind and soul. Her thoughts immediately flooded with the terror of never reuniting with her father.

Adrianna often heard stories from her grandmother of how her father once held and sang to her as an infant. However, her memory was vacant of his touch, his expressions, and his voice. Adrianna immediately felt anger and resentment. What kind of man are you? How could you go this long without seeing me? I’ll be sixteen soon! And…I’m a good student…I even got accepted into Langford!

The plane immediately dropped in the air, jolting Adrianna in her seat. She was beyond frightened. Adrianna’s anger toward her father suddenly transformed into an undying, and unconditional love for a man that she longed to meet.

The turbulent landing into the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport set the tenor for Adrianna’s first summer in Atlanta. It was the summer of complete change. This was the summer she had hoped to meet her estranged father. The man who abandoned her when she was eighteen months; the man she yearned to meet throughout her entire life. The man whom she still failed to meet, despite her summer vacation with her father’s parents on Cascade Road.

Once again, Samuel Williamson shattered his daughter’s heart and hopes when he failed to show up at his parent’s home to reunite with the baby he left so long ago. Cascade Road was in complete contrast to the chaotic street life of Nazareth Heights. Her grandparents’ neighborhood was serene and pleasant. Sprawling oak trees hung over the sidewalks and front porches, and shaded the residents from the relentless Atlanta sun. Bundles of colorful flowers spilled over large clay pots and sat in the front of each porch. The elderly residents of the neighborhood would spend their lazy, hazy afternoons sitting on their porches; talking and laughing, while observing the passing cars and pedestrians.

The neighbors were always polite, and took the time to make eye contact; always saying hello, while giving wide toothy grins. The families that knew the Williamsons never failed to stop Adrianna and shout, Adrianna is that you girl? I remember you when you were just a little, bitty thing. Girl… if you don’t look just like your daddy! He must of spit you right out. Your mama didn’t have nothin to do with that!

Adrianna thought it was comforting to be surrounded by people, who knew her father, but during the course of the summer the comments about her appearance, became irritating and annoying; like a virus that would not go away.

Adrianna learned to smile politely, but her thoughts contradicted the pleasant expression on her face: Don’t they have anything better to say? Don’t they realize that I’ve never even met the man? What about asking me about my grades? Or where I’m from? I’m a straight A student! I’m more than my so called father!

Upon Adrianna’s arrival to Atlanta she never failed to e-mail Lacey and Bree, eagerly detailing every aspect of her trip. After contacting her Faithful Four sisters, Adrianna could not wait to send an e-mail to Terrance Francis.

Terrance failed to return any of her e-mails. To avoid feeling hurt by Terrance’s rejection, Adrianna would tell herself that all of her e-mails were delivered to his spam file. Throughout the month of August, Bree and Lacey stopped receiving e-mails from Adrianna. Adrianna Williamson had become completely silent. And no one knew why.

Summer in the Heights was like an old, familiar song evoking sweet, pleasant memories. And comforting, like a grandmother’s famous dish on an easy, Sunday afternoon; regardless if the dish was tasty or lacked spice. For the good, or for the bad, Nazareth Heights was the thriving heart beat of the city, and its wild energy entangled itself within the souls and spirits of its residents, and became all that they knew to be good.

Crowds piled into the streets, steps, and stoops seeking relief from their stifling hot apartments. Sweaty, cackling children continued to burst open fire hydrants, desperately seeking relief from the steamy, concrete jungle.

Corner bodegas served as the community daycare centers for the neighborhood children whose parents were unable to afford summer activities, but could give their children two dollars for dime candy and twenty-five cent bags of potato chips and cheap cans of soda.

The kids from the neighborhood would often congregate by Mr. Santos’ bodega to socialize and play cards. Mr. Santos would often rush out of the store in between customers, to discipline or offer sound counsel to the children in the neighborhood.

Little girl’s intricate, braided and twisted hairstyles would become unraveled from the fierce movements of running, jumping, skipping, and playing endless rounds of Double Dutch. During the steamy summer months barbecue pits seemed to be present on every other corner. Savory smoke would ascend in the air like coiling snakes inviting the residents to partake.

Sal’s Pizzeria seemed to be standing room only throughout the summer. Those who were unable to endure the packed crowds would grab a dollar slice, fold it in half, and walk through the neighborhood with greasy lips and strings of cheese hanging from their mouths, enticing others to make their way towards the neighborhood pizzeria.

Mr. Ortiz, the neighborhood ice cream man from Santa Domingo, made his money for the entire year from his special recipe he brought from the Dominican Republic. Throngs of people would come from all over Manhattan to purchase Mr. Ortiz’s famous mango ice cream. Mr. Ortiz and Miss Lilly’s Soul Food Café put Nazareth Heights on the map as a notable tourist site.

The summer in the Heights remained predictable and infallible. The Faithful Four successfully survived their first summer without the missing link to their childhood covenant. Their thoughts never failed to stray down South, often wondering if Adrianna would return to fulfill her vow.

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HOMECOMING

Ouch! Breeana Camilla Cruz that hurt! Watch it with the pin! Am I bleeding? Bree began to smile, and continued to pin Lacey’s cream, satin sash onto her dress. Please Lacey, you’re not bleeding, but you will if you don’t keep still. I don’t want your sash to fall off when you walk down the aisle! Bree continued to struggle while pinning Lacey’s sash carefully around her waist. There…I think it will stay on now.

Bree gradually released the delicate bow and slowly stepped away from Lacey. As she continued to survey her Faithful Four sister’s dress, she immediately gasped, and placed her hands over her mouth. "What… Breeana…what? Do I look stupid or something?

No…No! You look beautiful Lacey…your hair! Josephina gave you the perfect updo! It looks so good on your face, and you look so happy! You’re glowing… I can just tell…you’re going to be a beautiful bride. Lacey do you understand what’s happening? We’re becoming women!

Lacey briskly shook her head, and squeezed her eyes as if she had tasted something sour. Wait Bree…slow down. The becoming a woman part… I like! But when you said you can see me as a bride? Now that’s just scary! I can’t even see myself as a bride or any body’s wife… it’s going to take a special man to even attempt to marry me.

Breeana adjusted the sash on her pink, chiffon dress and began giggling. You talk about me looking beautiful? Look at you Bree! You didn’t tell me you were going to go and cut off all your hair! Any drastic change to your appearance has to be approved by me first. Breeana grinned, and slowly glided her hand across her newly cropped hair.

You know I’m just playing…the cut is tight! It brings out your features. Lacey walked around Bree, and inspected her new hair cut. You look like a miniature Rhi-Rhi now…I like it! All you need is Monty Blue and a recording contract with Sugar Row records, and we’ll be in business!

Bree immediately nudged Lacey with her elbow. Stop it Lacey. We’re in church! You’re talking about Monty Blue and Sugar Row records? You are so crazy. You need to stop before you get us in trouble.

Lacey and Bree began to laugh uncontrollably; calling the attention of Mrs. Larkin, the head deaconess. The deaconess rushed over to Lacey and Bree to remind them that they were still in church, and to remember to be ladylike and reverent.

Yes Mrs. Larkin, we’re so sorry. Lacey replied timidly. I was just trying to make Bree laugh, but we’ll remember to be ladylike and reverent. When Deaconess Larkin walked away the girls began to laugh once again. What are you two laughing about? Bree and Lacey’s eyes widened and both exclaimed, Neicey it’s so good to see you! Girl… where have you been?

Neicey’s deep, mahogany skin glowed from the summer’s dewy air. She wore a white gardenia on the side of her hair that complimented her chiffon dress. Bree lightly touched Neicey’s flower, your hair is so nice who did your braids?

Neicey gleamed with excitement. You would not believe that they just finished braiding my hair, right in time for the service. I went early this morning to one of the African shops on 125th Street. Lacey wrapped her hands around the bottom of Neicey’s braids; making them gently swing across her back. Well it was worth the trip because you’re working those braids! The girls stood in the middle of the church lobby beaming, reminiscing, and chatting about their summer and their future plans for the new school year.

Breeana immediately changed the tone of the conversation. So is everyone really ready to go through with this commitment? Neicey looked at Bree with a bewildered expression. What commitment? You’re scaring me. Are you talking about the Dare to be a Daniel Service?

Yes…Yes what did you think I was talking about? Bree answered with excitement. Neicey immediately exhaled, okay good, I’m just a little nervous today. It’s a big step in our lives….but I’m ready…I know the alternatives, and I just don’t want to go down that road.

The girls immediately became silent. Lacey began to slowly speak, there are worse things that could happen to us besides taking a vow of purity. I think it will keep us on track toward our goal. Neicey began to shake her head in agreement and asked, but what if we fall in love with someone. What do we do with all of those feelings?

The girls paused, and the moment immediately became awkward. Bree began to speak once again. Neicey, if it’s the man that we’ve been praying for, he’ll wait for us, and he’ll just have to put a ring on it! The girl’s began laughing, and gave each other high fives. Lacey chuckled and turned toward Bree. Wow Bree, we just had this deep, philosophical moment and you quote a top ten R&B song right before our Dare to be a Daniel service? Well... what can I say, it’s the truth! Whatever works.

Bree smirked, while Neicey and Lacey burst into spontaneous laughter. What is everyone laughing about? The girls quickly turned around and saw Liston and Terrance standing before them.

They were dressed in khaki, summer suits accompanied with crisp, white shirts and blue ties. Lacey suddenly gasped when she saw Liston. Liston Brown… you told me you would never set foot in a church! What are you doing here?

What are you talking about Lacey? You invited me. Lacey stepped closer to Liston. Yes I did. But I didn’t think you would come. You actually look like a respectable citizen. You’re not rocking your usual hood rat attire. Who dressed you? Because I know you didn’t pick out those clothes yourself.

I picked out this assemble thank you very much. Neicey began fanning herself with a church program, and slowly walked toward Terrance. Consider it a job well done Terrance, because he looks very nice. I barely recognized him.

Thanks for the compliment Neicey, but… did I look that bad? Liston asked with frustration. The group became silent and collectively replied. Yes Liston…You did.

Enough about Liston… has anyone seen Adrianna? Terrance… I know you know where she is. When is she coming back? Neicey asked with an eager expression. A perplexed look suddenly twisted Bree’s face. You know what Neicey? I haven’t heard from her since July. Terrance you’ve been so busy, but I’ve been meaning to ask you… has Adrianna e-mailed you this month?

Terrance cleared his throat, and looked off into the distance. "Terrance, have you heard from Adrianna? And if you did… and