'Nola's Island': Vacation from Degradation

Nola’s Island

Vacation From Degradation

A.D. King

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© Copyright 2011 A.D. King.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

Printed in the United States of America.

isbn: 978-1-4269-9403-6 (sc)

isbn: 978-1-4269-9402-9 (hc)

isbn: 978-1-4269-9404-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011915804

Trafford rev. 10/19/2011

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Prolouge

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Epilogue

This book is dedicated to Mrs INDIA BRUCE, my Guardian Angel, who's unconditional love, understanding and purity at heart is responsible for my enduring spirit and my hearts capacity for compassion towards humanity…

To anyone I ever hurt, disappointed or have fallen short on expectations. 'Life is a process of evolution and along its course I've been imperfect.' I've learned to love and appreciate those who contributed to my laughter, my tears and my growth. Hope you forgive me!

'Never Love Anyone More, Than You Love Yourself'

(R.I.P) TONY KING, I miss you big brother.

Acknowledgements

God is Love, and to thee I am thankful! For allowing me the embrace of Your Love and Grace through the vessels placed along the course of my life in family, confidantes and acquaintances, amidst a World Saturated with Pain and Sorrow.

Gratitude and love, for my courageous, fun and loving son, my boy who's fearlessness and strength I've never seen in a man. Who as a man has blessed me with a bundle of joy, 'Drew-Drew' you fill my heart with pride.

Sincere love and Thanks for my mom, Marie King, without you there would be no me.

Delores Tripp King, not only for being the backbone of the family but a aunt and mom to me. I've always had deep reverence for your caring, understanding, strength and perseverance, embracing independence and achieving individual success. The epitome of womanhood.

For my sisters Gabriella, Collette, Tasha. My brothers Dustin, Shawny and Dre. My nieces and nephews, lil Tony, lil Marie, Jameik, Barry, Howard, Justice, Devone Charlie Brown, Anisha, Daniel, Gabriel, lil Dustin, Jennessy, jellissa, Lu-Lu, Donnell, Shawonda, Big-man, Shaneal, Dior, Duvey, Damasio, all the future Kings and Queens.

All of my beautiful aunts, cousins, uncle Paul, and entire King family…

Special thanks and love, for India Dawnise Bruce, I commemorate you cousin for your strength and will power to succeed as a independent single mom. Thanks for finding and loving me.

For Keisha Anderson, you've motivated me to forget past accomplishments and failures, forget everything except what I need to do and do it now. love you for that! Ma-Foskey, for staying real and staying alive through the hell and madness. Entire Foskey family. Love is Love!

'Uffy-Butterz', 'Black-Rain', 'Drew-Dolla'

Prolouge

The President of the United States looked attentive at the camera when giving his State of The Union address.

Women of America Never could I have imagined the day I would preside as President of this Great Nation to see it emotionally torn apart from within. To think with all the obstacles Overcome, the Battles Won, the Blood, Sweat and Tears attributed in establishing a State of Democracy we failed to see what now seems inevitable. I stand before you today not only as your President but as a man and I apologize. I apologize not only for myself; I do so for my fellow Countrymen, for the Male Chauvinist Mentality that has been exalted for Centuries and beyond. Only now since you have found it necessary to take a vacation from degradation do we see the price of our arrogance. I speak on behalf of all the undeserving, yet imperfect men of this Country when I say we are incomplete without you. You are irreplaceable in comparison to any other women on this earth. Although to some I appear as a spokesperson promoting propaganda for profit I am not. I stand here solely on behalf of a Remorseful Nation when saying there is not one resource this Nation possesses more valuable or vital to our existence than you. There is no doubt in our minds your sensibility, compassion and understands reflects the conveyance of God’s love, you’re a gift worth cherishing and protecting always. You have a beauty that astounds all other wonders conceived by man or nature. The entire Universe stands astonished by you; your being represents God’s Sacred Temple funneling His continued propagation of Mankind. The President’s words were subtle and unfaltering. His focus remained straightforward and without even a wink.

The reality is, you are the World, the mother of civilization and we are your children. You have carried and fertilized us to evolve beyond that of primitive. You have inspired us to keep faith and hold on to hope that we can make life a better place not only for ourselves but the world as well. I understand if you view my standing here before you as some or another Political tactic just to win over your opinions and beliefs through falsehoods. The sincerity of my words are heartfelt and do not come accompanied by broken promises. As your President I vow to reinvent a Country that will not tolerate corrupt practices of degrading women in any form, there will be the revising of Constitutional Laws which will focus on sexual solicitors of women, physical and mental abuse, child paternity support and penalties for philanderers. This I vow will be thoroughly enforced in our laws and implemented as part of schools curricula throughout America starting at preschool level. These are the solemn vows I make to you as your President and on behalf of my fellow Countrymen in mourning. We ask for your forgiveness and to be given a second chance to prove your worth in our actions for it is you who determine whether we are able to stand together equally in love of fall extinct, remembered as the greatest Nation that failed to repent from afflictions within and evolve from them. Finally I must say you must know that forgiving is due man as it is written… The President went on reciting a verse from the Bible ’with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you…’ I’m sure many of you are familiar with these words of scripture implanted in our minds since our beginning and with that in mind I say. Who am I, let alone any representative of Mankind to reverse what’s believed to be the Creators curse, we can only hope He is forgiving and understanding enough to show pity on our hopeless souls as we plan to put an end to the days when man rule over Women as we no longer wish to rule over you but with you. God bless you; please forgive us and return knowing we need you. The President said in closing his address.

Chapter 1

Cassandra, parked the Ford Taurus station wagon in front of her mother in-laws’ home in Bayside Queens. Before she could unfasten the seat belt, her 12 year old son timothy and 10 year old daughter Tianna were out of the car running to their grandmother’s house. Cassandra was not as resilient as her children. It was the first of the month which meant taking her mother in-law Eleanor to the supermarket. An annual task she regrets volunteering seven years ago. For her, it was not only the task she found troublesome but the person. Cassandra saw Eleanor as a fake, who pretended her acceptance of Cassandra and approval being married to her son. Cassandra was aware that Eleanor would ostracize with other family members to exempt her from certain family functions. Many that Cassandra didn’t mind staying home while the kids went with their father or whichever family member decided to come get them. The children, on the other hand, they loved their grandmother. Because she never denied them anything, showing a sense of unconditional love towards them equally.

Cassandra took her time getting out of the car. She wanted to waste as much time possible, in order to spend the least time with the woman. She hoped that Eleanor would be ready to go on their arrival but unfortunately, that was not the case. When entering the house she found that Eleanor had just finished bathing.

How long are you going to be? Cassandra shouted to Eleanor, from the living room.

Not long, I’m getting dressed now, there’s some fresh coffee in there if you like. Eleanor replied from upstairs.

No thanks, I already had my cup for the day. Cassandra said, shaking her head, watching her son and daughter making chocolate milk and eating mixed donuts at the kitchen table.

You two are a trip; didn’t you just eat cookies at home? she said to the kids before sitting down on the couch.

Cassandras’ attention was drawn to the T.V. Where a day time talk show called the Nola show was conducting a special. The host of the show Nola was addressing all the women of America. She was trying to get through to them about taking a free vacation to an island she owns. She was letting all women across the country who felt physically, mentally, emotionally and economically mistreated by men know, they could participate in what was called operation vacation from degradation. Operation vacation from degradation was geared towards giving the men of America the opportunity to recognize the true worth of a woman by experiencing life without them.

Nola’s offer caused Cassandra to reflect on her husband Kenneth and their marriage of 9 years. She didn’t know why she found so much interest in Nola’s proposal. Her husband was a good father and provider for their children. But after 11 years of being married to the man, she saw a change in him. She did not trust that Timothy, a 2nd grade homicide detective at the 75th Precinct in East New York Brooklyn, started working cases that required him to be away from home for two and three days. Cassandra noticed that since taking on this position there has been a distance between them. Even though, there was no substantial evidence. She recognized a difference in her husband and had a gut feeling of infidelity.

Okay, I’m ready. What’s that you watching, a repeat? Eleanor asked when entering the living room.

No, it’s some type of special, some bullshit about a free trip to an island for all women who want to get away from no good men. said Cassandra

A special? That’s no special everybody knows about this, the stuff about Nola providing free transportation to the island by boat or plane is true, people have already gone, where you been that you don’t know? said Eleanor

Besides work and taking care of these children, I don’t have time for other nonsense. said Cassandra

I hear that but I don’t k now about it being nonsense, I wish I had a Nola around 30 years ago offering a free vacation, cause Lord knows I had my fair share of putting up with a man shit. Said Eleanor

Well if it’s true, it definitely sounds like a good idea, one worth considering. Cassandra said, hinting Eleanor of her interest.

Are you considering going…? Eleanor spoke with a curious expression on her face I don’t see how you would be a candidate for this, you and the children aren’t having any problems are you, is Timothy treating you guys wrongly?

Yeah, I bet you don’t … Cassandra uttered, before addressing the children Come on kids, your grandma is ready, let’s go. Eleanor knew that Cassandra said something, but brushed it off.

You two wanna go on a vacation with your grandma? said Eleanor as they headed to the car

Yes, I wanna go on vacation with you grandma, is mommy coming too. Tianna said taking Eleanor’s hand.

Yes, your mommy sure can, she may want a vacation too, what about you Timmy? Eleanor said turning to her grandson

I don’t think I wanna go on vacation with a bunch of old ladies. said Timothy

That’s not nice to say Timmy. Cassandra said in a no nonsense tone

I’m not talking about grandma, I meant all those other ladies. Timothy said covering it up.

Timmy, don’t wanna go nowhere if Adah not going. said Tianna

Who’s that? Eleanor asked

Some little girl he has a crush on lives next door, are we going straight to the market or do you need to make a stop? said Cassandra

Yes, I need to stop at the ATM, plus I want to stop at Marshalls to get the kids a spring outfit, we can do that afterwards if you want. Eleanor said

The entire drive, Cassandra could not shake lose operation vacation from degradation from her mind. She wondered about the type of statement women would be making and how serious it would be if most of them left. The kids acting up in the back seat caused her to consider if she needed to get away from them also. They were hitting each other and shouting.

Stop it you two, behave yourselves, you know your grandma don’t like it when you guys fighting’ one another. said Eleanor

Next time I’m gonna leave you two at home with your father. Cassandra said pulling into an open parking space at the Walbaums market in Five Towns. She knew that her statement was nothing more than a scare tactic because Eleanor would definitely not go without her grandchildren.

Inside the market, Cassandra took her own shopping cart and picked up a few things. Her mind was on whether she was wrong for feeling a need to get away from her husband. She purposely kept a short distance behind Eleanor and the kids. You would think the kids were the ones shopping, as they seemed to choose most of the items that went into Eleanor’s cart. Cassandra turned into an aisle shortly after them. This aisle was a bit more crowded than most. When nearing Eleanor and the kids. Eleanor asked Cassandra her opinion on a vegetable for the kids before turning to Tianna.

Tianna, grab me two cans of them Boston baked beans. Eleanor said

That’s not Tianna. Cassandra said. She moved closer to get a good look at the girl Eleanor had mistaken for her daughter and could tell why such a mistake would be possible. Outside of the girl wearing different clothes and being a bit taller, there was a striking resemblance. What happened next really caught Cassandra off guard.

Grandma Eli, what you doing here, I didn’t know you were shopping today. The girl said walking to Eleanor."

Hey! Sade, what you doing here baby, where your mother at? Eleanor said, hugging Sade and accepting a kiss from her.

Whose child is that Eleanor? Cassandra could not help but ask, knowing Timothy was Eleanor’s’ only child.

This is, uh? Eleanor’s throat looked as if a frog had got caught in it. Seeing this, Cassandra focused her attention on Sade.

Who’s your daddy Sade? Cassandra asked instinctively

Hey! Eleanor, how you doing, if I would have known you were going shopping this morning when we spoke I would have driven you… The expression on the woman’s face changed in when Tianna came to stand beside her daughter. This must be your cousin Sade. The woman said

Sade turned to Tianna then to Cassandra My father’s name is Timothy. She answered Cassandra.

With Sades’ response came deep pain and disappointment. It was at that moment that Cassandra understood the aching feeling in her gut about Timothy having an affair and the strong urge to get away from him. The girl Sade was no more than a year older than Tianna, in between her and little Timothy. The reality that she was looking at the child of the man she had loved, honored and trust in marriage for 11 years, was a pill too big to swallow. Cassandra looked upon Eleanor as if she had inhaled a repulsive toxin that caused sharp pains of disgust. She braced the handle bar on the shopping cart with a death grip.

You know something Eleanor, I normally don’t speak to nobody’s mother in this tone but I have to make sure you know that you could never fool me, I always knew you were a fake bitch! Cassandra said turning from her mother in-law to her husband’s daughter. I’m sorry Sade, Tianna and Timmy is not your cousins, they are your brother and sister, your grandmother and whoever else in their fake ass family have been lying to you, let’s go Tianna… Cassandra let go of the cart taking Tianna by the hand. Timothy, get your behind over here now! she shouted, walking in his direction pulling Tianna along.

I’m sorry Cassandra. Eleanor tried to say with a dumb found expression.

Cassandra, Cassandra, my name is Sandy, I think we need to talk, if he could keep this away from us all this time, who knows what else is out there, you shouldn’t be upset at me or Sade, we are victims also. Sandy’s words caused Cassandra to slow her pace.

That’s right, you two need to talk, those children are family. said Eleanor

Cassandra looked past Eleanor to Sandy "Look, we can talk but not here