Creating Survivors: Children Able to Navigate the Ups and Downs of Life with Grace

Chapter One

As Taylor rolled over in bed, she did not feel her husband lying next to her. She looked at her alarm clock which read 6:07 A.M.

"Good morning, baby. How’s my beautiful wife?’’ Keith asked as he brought her breakfast in bed.

After last night, I couldn’t be better,’’ she answered. Then you bring me this delicious looking breakfast and your delicious looking body on this bright and sunny morning. Wow, I love all this wonderful treatment… Everything looks good babe, but how about you be my breakfast in bed?’’ She smiled and threw her arms around her husband’s neck, kissing him softly.

He kissed her then pulled her arms from around his neck, "Now let’s not get anything started that we can’t finish,’’ he said.

Oh baby, now that’s a good one,’’ she kissed him softly. Let’s not play games here. You know that whatever I start, I finish,’’ she said, continuing to kiss him.

"Tay, baby I’m serious. I have to get ready to meet with Jeff this morning on this case we have together. This is a pretty big case, and I don’t need any distractions.’’

"Oh, I see. So, now I’m a distraction?’’

"Tay, you know I didn’t mean that.’’

No Keith, I get it. This is Saturday and it’s supposed to be your day off,’’ she crossed her arms in front of her chest. So tell me, when can I get some of your time Mr. Big Time attorney? When do you play husband? What day does your wife get?’’ she asked as tears formed in her eyes.

Gently touching her cheek, Tay, please don’t give me that look. Check this out. Let me go meet with Jeff, and I won’t be long at all. I will come back and cater to my beautiful wife all,’’ kissing her lips, day,’’ he kissed her lips again, long,’’ he kissed her lips again then added, I promise.’’

"We never spend time together anymore, and I thought that we would be able to spend the day together, but that’s fine. Don’t make me any more promises. It’s always about work with you, so do what you do best… Work! Then, you can come home to your second job, being a husband. I know how important your first job is to you.’’

"Taylor, you know that’s not true.’’ Keith reached out and grabbed her arm, but she pulled away and marched towards the bathroom, her red lingerie showing 90% of her beautiful flawless caramel complexion.

Keith could not resist getting up to follow her. He ran up behind his wife pulling her back around to face him. He began kissing her and she couldn’t resist kissing him back. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him as he carried her to the bed. He sat her down and as she began to unzip his pants, he began taking off his shirt, his muscles bulging through his beautiful honey colored skin.

Kissing every inch of her body, he began making love to his wife, she receiving every inch of her husband, enjoying every minute of him inside of her. Her hips propelled with every thrust of his pelvis. Their rhythm as one made perfect harmony. As he climaxed, the shaking of the bed knocked the breakfast tray onto the floor, the sound bringing them back to reality as he lay on top of her, kissing her softly.

He looked into her beautiful eyes and smiled. "You are so beautiful. I never would have thought, that I would have pulled a woman like you.’’

"Now, why is that, baby? You were the heartbreaker in high school. You were every girls dream. A track, basketball and football star. The question should be, how did I a freshman, pull you, a senior.’’

"Well, it was love at first sight, baby girl,’’ he whispered into her ear as if it were a secret.

Taylor looked at her husband and smiled, unable to speak. Every time he whispered into her ear, it would paralyze her. His voice was so soothing.

He looked at the alarm clock, which now read 8:46 A.M. "Oh, I have to go. I’m supposed to meet Jeff at nine.’’ He kissed her, grabbed his cell phone off the night stand, and headed for the bathroom.

After calling Jeff to say he was running late, he turned on the shower and jumped in. The sound of the running water gave Taylor an idea. She made her way into the bathroom, tiptoeing into the shower as Keith washed his face. There, she stood behind him, waiting for him to turn around.

She began kissing his back softly and he turned to face her. He began kissing her from her lips to her waist. She pulled him back up and began kissing his lips as the water ran over their bodies. He picked her up and pressed her into the shower wall as she wrapped her legs around him. Their bodies joined once again and she received him as if she never gets enough of him.

He rubbed his fingers through her shoulder length hair as they now lay in bed. He gently kissed her forehead. Baby, I really have to go. I want to be able to spend all the time in the world with you, but I have to support us. I’m giving this my all. I need you to understand that, Tay. I really do,’’ he kissed her nose. Baby, I gotta go. You have me extremely late. I’ll call you as soon as I get to the office.’’

"Okay honey, you make sure you make this meeting quick. We have unfinished business here.’’ She winked at him.

He kissed her again and headed for the door.

Chapter Two

The door bell rang about 4:16 P.M. and Taylor looked out the window and saw her sister’s car parked in the driveway.

She opened the door. "Hey honey bun,’’ Taylor said, greeting her sister.

"Hey girl, I had to come and check on my baby sister, since you don’t come around anymore,’’ Tyra said sarcastically. Tyra was only 3 years older than Taylor, but people would swear that she was her mother because of how protective of her she was.

Taylor hugged her sister. "Well, you do live five blocks away, Tyra. You are always welcome to come visit me.’’

"Yeah, well, I be so busy at the counseling center, you would think that I live there.’’ She sighed.

"Yes girl, I know what you mean. Law school has my mind going in circles but thank God graduation is right around the corner. Then Keith is so busy at the office, it’s as though he doesn’t know where home is.’’

Work, work, work and no play,’’ Tyra sighed then yelled with excitement, Oh, but I do have to go to Shreveport for a month to work with a program at the Juvenile Detention Center! I’m so excited about that. I love Shreveport, great people and great hospitality. I don’t have to pay living expenses or anything when I get there. Everything will be taken care of. God is truly awesome. I can’t wait to work with the girls at the center. They are really great children, but you know how it is when the world gets to them. They just need a little direction and an extra push and I’m just the woman for the job.’’ She smiled.

"Awww, Sis, I’m going to miss you when you leave, big head,’’ Taylor said. She walked over to her and hugged her.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, save that for the birds,’’ she laughed then she said, I’m going to miss you too but it’s just for a month. We will hang as soon as I get back, she looked around their home. Wow, did I ever tell you how beautiful your home is?’’

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Yes, Ty, every time you come over you remind me.’’

Tyra took a seat on the kitchen barstool, "Well, this house is huge, girl. You and Keith are so blessed. God has really shown you guys favor in spite of yourselves.’’

"Look, don’t start with all of that, Tyra. You talk about it every time you come here, about how we need to go to church, like I don’t know that. You know, I’m just really tired of discussing it.’’

"I’m just saying your house is huge, that’s all. I’m not here to preach to you,’’ she said, putting her hands up as though she was surrendering.

Yeah, it is pretty big, huh?’’ she giggled as she looked around. But it feels as though I have no one to share it with.’’ She stared off in a daze.

What do you mean, Tay? You and Keith are good, right?’’ she looked at her a little more closely. Wait, are you thinking about babies?’’

No not at all,’’ she said, waving away her words. Babies are the last thing on my mind, but I can’t say the same for Keith. He’s ready for babies, so he thinks, but he can’t even stay home long enough to be a husband. So, how is he going to be a father, and help me raise a baby?’’ she sighed. "I don’t understand why he wants children so badly? It’s like he has baby fever or something.’’

"Ha! Girl, you are crazy, but you know men have a biological clock as well.’’

"I’m just tired of him not spending enough time with me, and I know if a baby comes, he will definitely ignore me. Then, I’m trying to get through law school myself. Even the thought of a baby is tiring.’’

Tay,’’ she chuckled. I swear, Mom and Dad spoiled you waaay too much, and it’s showing up in you now. You can get anything you want from Keith, but you can’t give the man a baby. I mean, you have him wrapped around your finger. Anything you want from him, you get.’’

"Yes. Everything but time,’’ Taylor snapped back.

Let me tell you something, Tay. You have a husband who loves, supports and adores you. You don’t work, and he doesn’t even want you to work, just so you can focus on school. He makes sure that you are well taken care of and that you have the finer things in life. What more do you want? Do you know how many women wish they were in your shoes?’’ she rested her chin on her hand and looked Taylor in her eyes. So, you tell me, what’s the real problem because I don’t think Keith is it,’’ Tyra countered.

"I would like to feel as though I am important to him, not just someone he takes care of financially, or comes home and makes love to. Don’t get me wrong. It’s great and all that he wines and dines me, but what about quality time together? He’s always putting his work before me and thinks that if he showers me with gifts, then that’s okay. Even when he’s here, he’s working. I feel so alone sometimes. Maybe you don’t know how that feels, but I can assure you that it doesn’t feel good.’’

"Well, how do you think God feels when you put everything before him? Let’s be real. I noticed that when you met Keith, soon after, you started falling off with going to church in order to spend time with him. I haven’t seen you in church since you’ve been married. It’s been a long time, Tay. You guys need to get your lives in order, before it’s too late; Maybe that’s the real reason why you feel the way you feel.’’

"I know, Tyra. I’ve tried to talk to Keith about that, but the subject of church always starts an argument. I try not to talk about it as much, because of that. He gets so angry about it,’’ Taylor sighed.

"Well, why do you think he feels so strongly about church?’’ Tyra asked.

"I don’t know, he never discusses it with me.’’

"Well, I say that you guys need to have a heart to heart about it. You need to get to the bottom of the problem, before it tears your marriage apart. Our parents taught us not to forsake the assembly, and you were raised to know that it is important to keep God first in everything… Tay, I’ve never asked you this before, but… is Keith saved?’’ Tyra asked, approaching the subject with caution.

Taylor was offended by her sister’s question, which had been a question of her own for quite some time now. "Ty, let’s just drop it. Okay?’’

"Drop what?’’ Keith asked as he walked into the kitchen.

Keith, I didn’t hear you come in, baby, Taylor said. She walked over to him and quickly grabbed his briefcase then greeted him with a kiss.

What did I miss?’’ he asked, and looked over at Tyra. Tyra, how have you been, Sis?’’ He walked over and hugged her.

"I’ve been well. Working at the center, trying to make a difference while getting burned out.’’

"Don’t get burned out. You can’t save everybody,’’ Keith chuckled. He walked over to the cabinet to grab a glass.

It struck Tyra when Keith mentioned about saving everybody, and she thought to herself, What did he mean by that exactly? Then she said, "Well, I guess I better get going. I need to get some rest. Those girls at the center are trying to wear me out… Love y’all,’’ she kissed Keith’s cheek then headed for the door.

"Wait, I’ll walk you out,’’ Taylor said. She walked her sister to her car.

"Look, Tay, I love you, but you really need to have that talk with Keith about what you believe, and vice versa. You were not raised to turn your back on God. There’s danger in turning your back on him and you know that, Taylor. I promise you, once y’all get your lives to line up with the Word and will of God, things will get better in your marriage,’’ Tyra said, hugging her sister.

"Thank you, Tyra. I will have that talk with him as soon as the time is right.’’

"Well, the time would have been right when you guys first met. Don’t wait any longer. You don’t want it to be too late… Love you.’’ She kissed her cheek.

Love you too.

She watched her sister drive off then she stood and looked up at the sky. God, you know my heart and I want to make things right with you. I just need your help, she silently prayed. She was ready to have that heart to heart with her husband.

Chapter Three

Taylor went into the kitchen to cut up a tray of fruit. She then headed upstairs to the bathroom to run some bath water. She lit the candles around the tub and turned on some soft music. She listen to the words of Boys II Men as they song, "I’ll Make Love to You.’’ She pressed the repeat button then headed to their home office where Keith was working on a case.

She stood in the doorway and watched him for a moment. She then walked over to him and kissed him softly on his neck as she wrapped her arms around him. She whispered softly in his ear, "Baby, don’t you think it’s time to put the cases away? Come spend some time with your wife.’’ She took him by his hand.

He stood up and kissed her. "You are so right, babe. I’ve missed you all day.’’ He allowed her to lead him to the bathroom.

He looked around the bathroom. Wow, honey this is beautiful and that fruit is looking mighty good,’’ he looked at her and licked his lips, And so are you.’’ He kissed her and gently bit her bottom lip.

"Take off your clothes,’’ she whispered, her lips now brushing up against his ear.

He slowly began taking off his clothes while looking her in her eyes as she watched. Then he got into the water.

"Just relax. Don’t think about work or anything else, let’s just focus on our time together,’’ she whispered.

He laid back into the tub and began listening to the words of Boys II Men that continued to play over the stereo.

She sat on the side of the tub, fed him some fruit then gently kissed him. She began washing his back slowly. She stood, removed her clothes and got into the tub, sitting on top of her husband, facing him.

"How was your day, baby?’’ she asked, trying to get a feel for how to go into the next part of their conversation.

He pulled her into his strong arms. "It is so much better, now that I’m here with you. How was yours?’’

"It was wonderful and even better now that my husband is home with me,’’ she responded, gently kissing his lips.

"I guess it’s time to complete our unfinished business, huh?’’ he asked. He softly kissed her neck.

Well, you know that I have something beautiful and creative in mind just for you,’’ she bit her lip then smiled. She looked him in his eyes. But right now, we have something more important to talk about.’’ Now she was a little more nervous.

What about? What’s on your mind, baby?’’ Keith kissed her and noticed that she was trembling. You are shaking baby. What’s wrong, are you cold?’’ He wrapped her in his arms even tighter.

No…

"Well, what’s wrong? Are you pregnant?’’ he asked with hope in his tone.

"No, Keith, that’s not it.’’

"Well, is there someone else?’’ he asked in a joking manner.

"No, baby, just let me talk for a minute.’’

Well, you are making me nervous because it seems as though it is serious.

"And it is serious. I just need you to listen to me for a minute.’’

"Okay, I’m sorry. Talk and I’ll listen. You have my undivided attention, baby,’’ he said, kissing her lips. He rested his back on the tub as he prepared himself for what his wife wanted to talk to him about.

She took a deep breath and looked him in his eyes before saying, "I want to go to church tomorrow.’’

He studied her for a minute then said, "I’ve never stopped you from going to church… Go, and I’ll be here when you get back.’’

"No, that’s the thing Keith. I want us to go… together.’’

"No Tay, that ain’t happening. You know how I feel about that.’’

"Actually, I don’t know how you feel about that, or why you feel the way you feel. I need you to talk to me, Keith. I have been married to you for 5 years and you have never talked to me about your reasons for not wanting to go to church.’’

"You never asked.’’ He snapped.

"I have asked you, Keith on several occasions, and you know it. You’ve just always avoided it.’’

"You know what, Tay? I’m tired, and I don’t have time for this.’’ He got out of the tub and grabbed his towel.

"That’s your problem. You never have time. You’re always running. It’s been more than 5 years and we have never been to church together. Do you know how that makes me feel?’’ she asked. She got out the tub, grabbed her towel and followed him into their bedroom.

She pulled at her husband, but he jerked away. "Don’t touch me, Tay. Let’s just drop this. I thought we were going to have another wonderful night together, but you fooled me. You with all this nonsense,’’ he yelled.

That’s the problem. This is not nonsense. You never want to talk about what it is that bothers you so much about church, and you get so defensive. I just want you to tell me, why? she yelled back at him.

He abruptly turned to face her, "I loved you Tay from the moment I met you. You brought so much light to my life. I didn’t feel a need to bring up any of that church foolishness. You showed me so much love and I didn’t need God, and I certainly didn’t need the church. From that moment on, all I needed was you. Now, I’m tired, and I’m going to bed.’’ He turned and walked away.

She got back in his face, Well, I’m here to tell you that I’m not the only one you need, and I would hate for you to find that out the hard way. You need to reevaluate some things in your life. You say that you love me then do this for me. Go to church with me tomorrow, just this once and we’ll go from there,’’ she looked deeply into his eyes. Please, Keith.’’

He just stared back as her words tugged at his heart, but then he turned and walked away.

"At least talk to me, tell me why you feel the way you feel,’’ she said.

He turned back towards her and began to kiss her softly on her neck. He removed her towel.

"Keith, we need to finish this,’’ she said then she moaned at his gentle kisses.

"Umm hmm, I agree, we do need to finish this,’’ he said, continuing to kiss her. His hands began exploring her body.

"Stop