Drama in the Church Saga (25 page)

“Take a day or two to sit and pray on it, and if you still feel the need to go to him, go ahead and go. Just call me first and let me know.”

Tressie nodded her head okay. Danyelle grabbed her things and left. Once she got into her car, she pulled out her cell phone and made a call.

“Hello, Philadelphia Police Department,” a woman answered.

“Yes, I'd like to report the whereabouts of a fugitive on the run,” Danyelle informed her.

“Hold, please. I'll connect you to a detective.”

Tressie, if you won't remove Payce from your life, then I'll have to do it for you. I just hope that you'll forgive me
, Danyelle thought.

 

 

Julian watched his plasma flat screen television in the den. Station after station reported the results of his latest drug test. He had tested positive for steroid use.

The NBA was known to perform random drug testing on their players, but this came as a complete surprise to him. On Monday afternoon, the team had just finished practice for the day when the general manager called him into the office. It was then that he learned he had been randomly selected to take an on-the-spot drug test.

Although the league insists they don't know who is going to be selected for drug testing until that day, players were usually warned weeks in advance. One of Julian's teammates later told him that he overheard someone say that Julian's name had been switched with another player's. Suspicion arose in Julian's mind as to why he was singled out for drug testing.

He refilled his glass with Hennessy and stood in front of the television screen. He watched as a reporter interviewed Carlos Torres.

The reporter stuck the microphone in his face and asked, “How do you feel about Julian Pennington's current drug test results?”

“Whatever Julian is going through right now I'm sure he would appreciate the media's cooperation by respecting his privacy,” Carlos responded and walked away.

Julian shook his head at the screen. He was glad he had friends like Carlos who didn't judge him.

“Julian?”

He turned around and saw Caitlyn standing in the doorway with a suitcase in her hand.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“I'm moving back home,” she said. “I'm going to go stay with my parents for a few weeks.”

“What brought this on?” he brazenly inquired.

“My uncle thought it would be best if I put some distance between us. Not permanently, just until the suspicion of your drug use is straightened out.”

He turned his attention back to the television. “You're walking out on me?”

“No!” She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I would never walk out on you. We're still going to see each other and if you need me, all you have to do is call.” She exhaled. “My uncle is scared that if the press suspects that we're a couple and living together, that they may try to connect your steroid use to the team. He said that the press could say that management coerced your drug use by pressuring you to dominate the court because you were dating the owner's niece. Any negative publicity could affect the entire Sonics organization.”

“Caitlyn!” Julian grabbed her hands. “I need you here. Everyone is abandoning me. My family won't return any of my phone calls, I'm suspended from the league, and now you're leaving me!” he shouted. He fell back down on the couch and placed his head in his hands.

“I'm just trying to do what's best for everyone,” Caitlyn cried.

“Go!” Julian mumbled. “Go! Leave! I don't want you here. A few nights ago you told me you loved me. Now, at a time in my life when I need you the most, you're going to bail out on me. You never loved me. You loved what I represented. I was a black man with lots of money who could buy you whatever you wanted. That's what you loved.”

“That's not true!” she protested. “The only reason I'm leaving is because my family is concerned about me. They thought it would be best if I stayed with them for a while.”

“Oh! Now I understand. Your parents are scared that your black boyfriend might lose it from all the drugs he's been using, and hurt their little girl.”

“They would never say that.”

“They didn't have to say it, because that's what they were thinking. I wonder how they would react if they found out that their baby girl forged a doctor's signature to get me that prescription for steroids.”

“Julian, I'm scared!” Caitlyn screamed. “I'm sorry I ever convinced you to take those pills. I was just trying to help. You put so much importance on being named rookie of the year. I knew how badly you wanted to prove yourself to be the best. I thought maybe the steroids would help, but now I realize that I've made things worse, and I may have ruined your career.”

Julian stared at her as she cried. He knew it was over between the two of them. She never loved him. She was in love with what he represented, not who he was as a person.

“Good-bye, Caitlyn.”

She looked at him and knew that his good-bye was forever. She slowly rose to her feet and grabbed her suitcase.

After she left, silence filled the room. He was completely alone. Never in his entire life had he ever been alone—his mother, his stepfather, Valencia, someone was always around supporting him. Memories of crowds cheering him on, applause from fans in the stands, the sound of his mother's voice giving him praise, classmates holding banners with his name on them, and Valencia sitting in the bleachers beaming with pride filled his mind. Except now there were no fans, no cheers, and no Valencia. He got up and threw the glass he was holding into the fireplace.

Val, Olivia, Danyelle, and Tressie gathered together at the church for their weekly Bible Study meeting.

Val watched Bryce sleep soundly in her arms. “Look at him. He has no idea of the drama that has surrounded his little life. I still can't believe that Bryant was going to sell his own son.”

“And he would have been successful if Mr. Murray hadn't found him in time,” Olivia said. “I feel sorry for Taima, though. She still doesn't know where her little girl is. The police are trying to help her locate the couple who adopted her daughter, but it's going to take a while. I'm sure the uncertainty of whether her child is being well cared for is driving her insane.” She picked up Bryce's hand and kissed his fingers.

“Do you know how much prison time Bryant could get?” Val asked.

“I'm not sure, but I hope he gets life without parole. The prosecutor's office contacted me and asked if I would testify against Bryant. They let me know that the Greensboro Police did a background check into Bryant's past. This isn't the first time he's done this. They have a list of girls he has pulled this scam on. He not only faces charges here, but also in New Orleans, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Boston.”

“Thank the Lord Bryce was returned safely,” Tressie added. “Has anyone heard from Elise? It's getting late. She should have been here by now.”

“Oh! I forgot to mention that I heard from her earlier in the week,” Olivia replied. “She called to tell me that she wouldn't be able to make it to Bible Study for the next few weeks.”

“Did she say why?” Danyelle asked.

“No. The only thing she said was that Miles had been in an accident and was hospitalized.”

“Is he all right?” Val asked.

“I'm not sure. She was rather vague over the telephone. She wouldn't answer any of my questions and was in a hurry to hang up with me. She said she'd call me next week. I'm worried about her.” Olivia turned to Tressie, “Did you ever find out who tipped the police off to Payce's whereabouts?”

“Livie, maybe you should ask Danyelle that question.” Tressie's bitter words shot across the church. “Danyelle, is there something you want to share with the rest of us?” Tressie asked.

Everyone stared at Danyelle, waiting for her to respond to Tressie's question.

“Tressie, I'm sorry,” she finally confessed. “I tried to keep quiet, but I could see the pain Payce was causing you. I thought if he went away it would be best for everyone.”

“Best for whom? Not me!” she screamed. “Do I look like I'm okay?” Tressie leaned across the church pews and pointed her finger in Danyelle's face, “You had no right to call the cops.”

Val leaned over to Olivia, “Aren't you going to do something? It looks like Tressie is going to jump on her at any minute.”

“No, they're fine. I think they just need to vent,” Olivia said.

“Tressie, you were about to make one of the biggest mistakes of your life. Think about it. You would have not only been married to a fugitive, but you would have been one yourself. You were going to sacrifice your friends, family, and freedom. For what? Payce? Would he have done the same for you?”

“How dare you make decisions about my life? What I do is my business. You had no right to interfere,” Tressie roared.

“I said I was sorry,” Danyelle replied.

“Sorry is not going to change anything. Payce is locked away for three whole years. He won't speak to me because he thinks I'm the one who sold him out. What am I supposed to do now?” Tressie grabbed her things to leave. “Stay out of my way and out of my life.”

The church door slammed shut after Tressie's abrupt exit.

At a loss for words, Olivia spoke up, “Why don't we start the meeting off with prayer? I'll begin.”

“Jesus, I praise you and thank you for always acknowledging and answering prayers. When we call out your name, you listen. Lord, touch both Tressie and Danyelle. Touch their hearts that they may listen for your voice in everything they do. Jesus, once again I thank you for bringing my son safely home. Amen.”

Danyelle prayed next. “Heavenly Father, I messed up, again. Instead of putting my trust in you, knowing that you are in control of all things, I took matters into my own hands. Now, one of my best friends is angry with me. I ask that you heal her heart from the pain I've caused and that one day she'll be able to forgive me. Amen.”

Val was the last person to pray. “Lord, I thank you for providing me with a place to call home. Friends and family are people I have always taken for granted, but not everyone has a family to call their own. I want to thank you for Julian.” She paused. “Although we didn't work out the way I had hoped, I know everything was according to your plans. I thank you for carrying me through one of the worst times in my life. I thank you for the memories, the love, and the strength to move on.”

Before everyone could say amen in unison, a male's voice spoke up.

“Lord, I want to thank you for placing a woman in my life who loved me unconditionally. She loved me when I had nothing and I took that for granted.”

Val lifted her head at the sound of Julian's voice. He stared back at her. She was shocked to see him there.

“Lord, I ask that you forgive me for the way I treated her. I was blinded by your blessings of money and prestige. I mistreated your gifts, and now I realize what really matters. Amen.”

“Amen,” everyone said in unison.

A surprised Olivia stood up to give him a hug. “Welcome home, stranger. We weren't aware that you were flying in. When did you get here?”

“I flew in yesterday.” He spoke to Olivia, but his eyes never left Val. “I needed to see your cousin. I knew she'd be here. I've been calling you at home,” he said to Val.

“I got the messages. We said all we needed to say to each other in Seattle.”

“Can you just hear me out?” he pleaded. “I traveled all the way across the country to apologize to you. I've admitted that I was wrong in front of all these people. What more do you want from me?” he cried.

“How about the truth? Don't act like the only reason you came home is because of me.” She snapped her neck and raised her voice. “Everyone here knows what's going on. It's all over the news. You tested positive for steroids. You've been suspended from the league for the rest of the season. Julian, how could you do something so stupid?”

“It was the pressure. Everyone expected me to excel, so I had to do something to help me compete.” He tried to justify his actions.

“Were you taking steroids when I was out there?” she asked.

He nodded.

“And you never said anything to me? We used to tell each other everything. What happened?”

“I don't know,” he replied solemnly. “My whole world just started spinning out of control. I was scared.”

“So you chose Caitlyn's arms to run to? Was I not there for you?”

“No, this is entirely my fault. That's why I'm here. I want us to try again,” he begged.

Torn between her love for Julian and his betrayal, she didn't know what to do. “Where's Caitlyn?” she asked.

“She left me as soon as the media got word of my steroid use. She said her uncle didn't think it would look good for his niece to be dating a ball player who uses drugs.”

Hostility drove her words, “So that's why you're here. She left you, so I'm supposed to take you back.”

“Valencia, I love you. You know you are the only person I've ever loved.” Remorse filled his words.

“Where was the love in Seattle?” she screamed. Calming herself down, she chose her next words carefully. “I'm sorry, but everyone has choices to make in life and you chose Caitlyn. You allowed another woman and sex to come between what we shared.” She pulled her engagement ring off her finger and handed it back to him. “I don't want it and I don't want you.”

Silence filled the room and a defeated Julian hung his head down low. Tears welled up in his eyes. He stuck the ring in his pocket and turned to leave.

“Julian, wait a minute.” Olivia stopped him. “Val, can I speak to you for a moment outside?” She grabbed Val's hand and pulled her out into the church vestibule.

Once they were alone, Olivia motioned for Val to sit down on a nearby bench. “Val, I'm not trying to get in your business like Danyelle did with Tressie, but maybe you should think about what you're doing?”

“What I'm doing?” she screamed. “What about what he did to me?”

“I'm aware of everything that happened between the two of you, but did you ever think he could really be sorry?”

“Olivia, I don't believe you're going to defend him.”

“What he did was wrong, but he deserves a second chance. We all make mistakes; none of us are perfect. You can see he's been beating himself up over what happened. The man apologized.”

“His apology is not enough,” Val replied.

“Val, the boy is being punished. He's lost basketball, the respect of his friends, family and fans, and now you. Don't you think he's suffered enough?”

Val knew Olivia was right, but she didn't want to admit it.

“You think I should forgive him?” Val asked.

Olivia nodded her head. “Val, think about it. We do things that are unpleasing to God everyday, and after we've fallen on our faces and realized that we were wrong, we drop to our knees and ask for repentance. God readily accepts us back into his loving arms each and every time. So if God can forgive, why can't you? Julian is only human; he is prone to make mistakes. The good thing is that he's realized his mistakes.”

“Livie, I'm scared.”

“I know, honey, but that's a part of life. Don't think you won't have to endure heartaches just because you found true love.”

“When did you get so wise?” Val asked. “I used to be the one who gave advice. This is a switch, you telling me what's best.”

“I guess my experience with Bryant and Bryce made me a stronger person spiritually,” she replied. “Are you ready to go back inside?” Olivia asked.

They entered back into the church just as Danyelle was wrapping up the saga involving Payce and Tressie. “. . . now Payce is in jail and Tressie is mad at me.”

“I sure have missed a lot.” Julian replied.

Val sat down next to Julian and turned toward him. “Julian, you hurt me a lot. The trust I had in you is gone, but I'm willing to try again.” A smile spread across his face. “Don't think it's going to be easy. It's going to be a long time before I totally trust you again.”

“I'll do whatever I have to.”

“I should let you know. I'm not going back to Seattle. I'm staying right here and finishing out my education, so if you want to be with me, you have to move back to Philly.”

He nodded his head in agreement. “What about the ring?” he asked.

“You keep it. When the time is right, you can slip it back on my finger.”

 

 

Tressie was pleasantly surprised as she walked into the prison gymnasium. The brightly colored walls and friendly atmosphere was not what she was expecting.

For a few hours every day the prison's gymnasium was turned into visiting hall. Here is where inmates got a chance to spend an hour or two with loved ones.

Tressie sat and patiently waited for Payce. She watched as other visitors—mostly women—entered the prison with their children. Women carrying babies and toddlers seated themselves around her, and it wasn't long before the visiting hall was full of people. She noticed a bunch of guys being escorted into the visiting hall by an armed guard.

Out of nowhere, Payce came and sat down in front of her. Her eyes danced with joy; it had been weeks since she had last seen him.

“Hello, beautiful! Did you miss me?” He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek.

“Missed you I have,” she replied. “I thought you were still mad at me.”

He moved over to the chair next to hers and grabbed her hand. “At first I was mad, but after I spoke with Darshon, he told me what happened.”

“I'm sorry. I should have never trusted Danyelle.”

“It wasn't your fault. Danyelle was only trying to look out for you.”

“That's no excuse. I'm still not speaking to her.”

“Don't be angry with her. Perhaps what she did was for the best.”

Tressie was surprised to hear him say that. She was sure he would have been just as mad as she was.

“When I called and asked you to run away with me I was being selfish and thinking of only myself. What kind of life would that have been for you? You deserve better than that. Being here has helped me to realize I was wrong. Last night, I recognized that this was all God's plan and it worked out just the way he planned. God has been trying to get my attention for a long time, and I would never stop to answer his call. Now that I'm here I have to acknowledge him. I'm here for a reason.” He continued, “Tressie, I'm finally getting my life together, and there is nothing here to stop me. I have no distractions. I've enrolled in college, and by the time I'm released I'll be ready to be a productive part of society.” He beamed with pride.

Tressie flashed a phony smile.

“What's wrong?” He knew her well enough to know that her smile was not genuine.

“What about us?” Her heart pounded in her chest, scared of what his answer would be.

He knew when Darshon told him Tressie was coming to visit she was going to ask about their future together. He loved this girl more than he loved himself. Despite the many times he'd hurt her in the past, her happiness was important to him.