The End of the Rainbow (23 page)

“So I guess that means we ain’t going to beat the shit out of him for what he did to you, huh?” Kerrion smirked.

“Let it go Kerry. I am trying too. I ain’t all the way there yet but I do know that I can’t be vindictive.”

“We’ll shit, I ain’t nowhere near there so I can be as vindictive as hell and just repent later. He needs his ass kicked.”

“Shut up boy. Stop being so evil,” Lea said.

“Don’t trip Kerry. Even though I have made a conscious decision to change my ways, the old me is still fighting to go and do some evil mess, but all it would do is cause a boomerang effect and turn into a vicious cycle. Don’t get it twisted, I am in a lot of pain behind all of this and I am trying not to hate him outright for what he did to me, but I have to believe that some good is going to come from it all.”

Lea looked at her new friend and cracked a smile; she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She had known Khalil for quite awhile and she had never seen this side of him. It truly was a miracle for him to be talking like this and showing anger restraint, as well as talking in a way that did not make him look hateful.Spencer sat in silence and stared at his menu as the others talked. He didn’t quite know what to say in the midst of all of this. He was proud of his friend but he was so confused about it all and it was frustrating him. Thinking of how he would go on by himself without his club buddy was tearing him up inside. He wanted to show support but deep down he didn’t want Khalil to change, he didn’t want him to start talking about church and religion and how to live according to the bible. He was bitter and he felt left out. He had no relationship with God at all and was fine with that because he knew that God might have some words for him in regards to things he was doing with his life.

“Why you so quiet homie?” Khalil asked Spencer, breaking his mode of thought.

“No reason. Just looking over the menu.”

“Get a salad, you need to stay regular,” Khalil joked, as he winked his eye at him.

“Well I for one got your back and I am very proud of you. What you are doing can’t possibly be easy and you are going to need all of the support in the world,” Lea said as she sipped on her iced tea.

“I know that’s real. I have heard rumors of guys in the life turning their lives around for God but I have actually never met one myself. Bitch you a celebrity! Don’t forget about us when you start preaching and you better not be preaching about us or I will put a stop to that with some old photos. Don’t mess with me I’ll sabotage your ass right out of the pulpit,” Kerry said as he gave Lea a high five.

“You a fool boy,” Khalil said.

“But seriously though. Be strong man, not for yourself, for those of us that want to do what you are doing but can’t seem to find the strength. You are about to go through something you have never experienced before in your life. You are about to lose a lot, but I know that you are going to gain so much more. I wish I had your strength. I really do. My hat is off to you. I love you,” Kerry said as he held his glass in the air.

“I love you too,” Khalil said as he scanned the table and let the expressions of love sink into his mind. He wondered however what Spencer was thinking and why he seemed so distant. Normally he was the life of the party but this particular afternoon he seemed very somber, like he had just heard about a death in the family. Khalil watched him sip his rum and coke and stare blankly at the utensils on the table. He had a feeling about what was going through his mind but he would rather wait for him to confirm exactly what it was and not jump to conclusions.

They sat there and enjoyed their lunch before heading back to the salon to make some money. When Khalil walked in he noticed an extravagant arrangement of red roses posted up on his station. He didn’t even have to second-guess who sent them, instead he handed them to the receptionist and told her to enjoy. He beckoned for his next appointment to follow him to the back and began to do one of the things he loved and would continue to love no matter what. If he had nothing else in life, he knew he had the ability to change an ugly duckling into a magnificent swan.

EIGHTEEN

Khalil and Vanessa entered the sanctuary and went their separate ways in search of a row that wasn’t being overrun with stampeding parishioners. He wanted to find a seat as soon as possible; however she had a routine of meeting and greeting until it was time for praise and worship to begin. Fortunately for her since she was a regular and in good standing with many of the saints, she always had an available seat near the front of the sanctuary. Khalil scanned the building for a prime location but as he noticed that it was beginning to fill up quickly he made a move for the first available one he could find.

“What’s up man?” Cornelius asked as he made his way down the row in front of Khalil. “You back for round two?”

“Yeah man. Had to come see what this Sunday had to offer.” He replied with a laugh as he stood and gave his friend an embrace. “It can be quite rough from Sunday to Sunday and I needed a refill.”

“I feel you man. It’s good to see you back. I know how it can be trying to make it through a week where it seems as though everything is going wrong. But the good thing is that trouble doesn’t last always.”

“I pray that to be true because I don’t know how much more I can handle. I think the devil is trying to kill me!” He exclaimed with laughter.

“It’s all good man, you may be down but you ain’t out. Listen, what are you doing after service.”

“Uhmmmm, nothing I don’t think. Why, wassup?”

“Let’s hit up Roscoe’s and catch up on life.”

“Man that’s a plan. A number nine with a side of grits!! I’ll meet you out front after service.” Khalil said.

“Cool. Let me get back to my post before I get fired.”

“Aiight. See you after service.”

Cornelius began to walk away and then stopped dead in his tracks like someone had yelled his name. He turned and looked back at Khalil and said what the Lord had instructed him to say, “Don’t worry about that dream you have been having. God is going to explain it to you when you are ready to receive it.” He then walked back, gave Khalil another hug and whispered a prayer of encouragement into his ear. Khalil felt his eyes well up but he refrained from releasing any tears in front of his friend. They let go of each other and Cornelius noticed a gentleman standing next to Khalil observing the interaction. He smiled and extended his hand before asking, “How are you my brother?”

“I’m fine thank you.” Khalil froze like he was hearing a ghost and slowly turned his head to the left and looked dead into the eyes of Tyrin, whom after five years of being asked, had finally decided to attend a worship service.

“I’ll see you after church man,” Corny said, oblivious to the current situation at hand.

“What are you doing here?”

“Well, I needed to see you and I figured this would be the safest place. I can bet all I have that there will be no altercations up in here.”

Khalil snickered and said, “You don’t know church.” They sat down and he asked the same question once more and in return he received the same response. He looked around the church for his mother because he wanted to make sure that she wasn’t within eyesight of this scenario because even though she loves the Lord she still has a problem with people that mess over her children.

“It’s nice up in here,” Tyrin said as he took in the beauty of the sanctuary like a person in Rome touring the Vatican. “So how have you been?”

“Fine, Tyrin. I am fine,” he answered with a myriad of questions running through his mind.

“You know, you never told me your status,”

“Do we have to discuss that here? I mean there is a time and place for everything, don’t you think?”

“Well it’s not like the answer is lengthy. All you got to say is positive or negative.”

The praise leader grabbed the microphone and asked everyone to stand on their feet and join in with the praise team as they go forth in ministry and song. The audience jumped up like fans at a Laker game and began to give God a thunderous round of applause in an effort to set an atmosphere of praise. Khalil thanked God for the escape and joined in with the rest of the saints as they gave honor to God. He looked at Tyrin who was standing next to him clapping his hands and felt irritated by the fact that it took a diagnosis, fistfight, and breakup to finally get his simple ass in church.

After the praise team set the atmosphere the Bishop stepped to the podium, grabbed the mic and said, “Turn to your neighbor and tell them you are glad they are here.” Khalil turned away from Tyrin and directed the saying to his other neighbor before hurriedly taking his seat. Tyrin still standing, looked down at him and somberly took his seat and said “If I am making you uncomfortable I can just as easily leave.”

Khalil was in no mood for a guilt trip and knew that this had to be a very cruel trick by God to see if he was really serious about his newfound faith. He sat there and watched the rest of the congregation settle in their seats and knew that if he was to get anything out of the service he had to stop being selfish and let God have his way. “I apologize Tyrin. I am glad you are here.” How true that was he wasn’t sure but it was at least an effort to try and be civil.

The sermon was convicting and full of empowering words that could carry a person through life. Tyrin was amazed at how compelling the Bishop was and couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of him as he planted the words of God into the hearts of the people. He sat and wondered what it must feel like to have that much knowledge about God and be in a position to share it with the world. So often he had heard people try to convince him that he should get to know God or at least attend church on a regular basis

but he had never felt the need until now. He glanced over at Khalil who was intently listening to the message and clutching his bible like his life depended on it and realized that if he had only taken Khalil up on his many offers to attend church that maybe things would be different.

The choir stood again and began to sing a song of invitation and Tyrin felt a tug at his heart that had never been there before. Something was telling him to get up and walk down to the front but he knew that everyone would stare at him so he decided to sit still. As the choir continued to minister he noticed that all sorts of people were exiting their seats and flocking to the front for prayer. The funny thing was that none of them looked as though they had problems or were in dire need of God’s help; but then again he looked like he was doing fine too. The older woman sitting next to him leaned in and said, “Don’t be afraid to walk to the altar, only the devil will tell you to stay in your seat.” He looked over at her and then turned and looked at Khalil who had his head bowed in prayer, “I’ll walk down there with you if you need me too,” she continued.

“I’m fine. Thank you,” he replied.

The Bishop continued to speak and was pleading with those that were struggling with their decision. He reiterated the fact that no sin is too great for God to forgive and no matter what trouble you are in God will walk you through it. Tyrin grew uneasy and knew that he had hit rock bottom emotionally but was a little leery with this whole give it to God concept. However, before he knew it, he was standing on his feet and squeezing past the other people in the row in an effort to get to the aisle and make his way to the altar workers.

Khalil looked up and saw the back of Tyrin walking toward the front and didn’t know how to react. He wanted to rejoice but then again he was a bit angry that God would choose right now to get Tyrin’s attention. “I asked you to kill him, not save him.” he exclaimed to God under his breath. His eyes followed him all the way to the front and noticed Tyrin lower his head at the command of the intercessor. Moments later his shoulders began to shudder as obvious emotion began to overtake him and with uplifted hands Tyrin was worshipping God.

He looked over at the side of the platform and noticed Kerrion staring in awe at Tyrin’s emotional display of reverence to God. The two of them made eye contact and Kerrion being totally unmoved by this breakthrough event in Tyrin’s life, folded his arms and stared at Khalil as to say what the hell is he doing here.

After the benediction Khalil hurriedly made his way outside. He was in dire need of fresh air after the stunt God just pulled. He stood in silence and confusion while patiently waiting for Tyrin to come down off the mountain and exit the sanctuary.

“What the hell?!?” Kerry exclaimed as he stormed his way towards his bewildered friend.

“Shut up Kerry. I’m as confused as you are.”

“Khalil, why would you invite that nigga to church? I thought you had moved on and away from all of that? What is really going on?” he asked.

“He just showed up okay. I didn’t invite him and I am as surprised as you are. And more than that I can’t believe he went up for prayer.”

“And had the nerve to try and go in! Did you see that? The nigga even had the balls to drop a tear or two.”

“Khalil!” Tyrin yelled out as he excitedly approached them. “I thought you had left me.”

“He did. Check your e-mail,” Kerrion cattily exclaimed.

“Hello Kerry. It’s good to see you.” He let the comment slide off his back and then continued on with conversation “Wanna go get something to eat? Whatever you want, it’s my treat,” He said with excitement.

“No. He doesn’t.” Kerry answered.

“I’m fine. Thanks for asking though.” Khalil said.

“How about a movie or just go get a cup of coffee or something?” he continued.

“Tyrin? I thought that was you.” Vanessa said as she approached them “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine. How are you?”

“Blessed. So what brings you here today?” she continued.

“We don’t know!” Kerrion sarcastically answered.

“Kerry.” she said with a stern look.

“I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand why he picks now to come to church. Khalil has been asking him for years and then he waits until all this drama has erupted to decide to get his life right.” He looks over at Tyrin and asks again, “Why are you here?”

The air was thick and even though Tyrin had felt the experience of a lifetime he still knew that reality was ever present. He wanted to apologize again for all his mistakes and actions but he didn’t think it would do any good. He scanned the faces of the three individuals and knew that even though Kerrion was the only person bold enough to put it out there, the other two wondered the same thing as well.

“I just wanted…” he looked over at Khalil and let out a long sigh of defeat “I don’t know why I am here.”

“Neither do we.” Kerry said.

“Kerry, that’s enough.” Khalil said in an effort to stop the unnecessary verbal abuse in front of the church. “Tyrin it’s not that we don’t want you to go to church or whatever, but it’s just so much going on and there has to be space.”

“I understand that but you have to believe me when I say that I am going through hell without you. I can’t do this alone. I have tried to convince myself that I can make it and that I am strong, but it just isn’t working. I need you.”

“Kerrion and I are gonna go, okay. Call me later.” Vanessa gave Khalil a hug and leaned over and gave Tyrin a hug as well. He held onto her as long as possible before she released him and smiled with grace and compassion.

“Hey everybody.” Cornelius said as he walked up with obvious cheer. “Hi momma.” he said to Vanessa as he wrapped his arms around her for his weekly hug.

“Hi baby boy, how is the Prophet doing?” she said with a laugh.

“I am good. Wassup Kerrion, how are you?” He asked as he gave him dap.

“Hey man good seeing you again, did you enjoy service?” He asked Tyrin.

“Actually I did. It was very inspiring.”

“Praise God. I am glad you got something out of it. Wassup Big K-Dizzle? You ready to bounce, I’m starving?”

“Yeah. Give me a minute.”

“You going to eat with him?” Tyrin asked sounding puzzled.

“Yes. This is Cornelius. He and I grew up together. By the way Corny this is Tyrin. He and I go way back as well.”

“Nice to officially meet you,” Corny said with a laugh as he extended his hand.

“Likewise.” Tyrin said in a defensive manner.

“Well let me know when you are ready. I’ll go and chalk it up somewhere out here, aiight?”

“OK.”

“Who the fuck is that?” Tyrin snapped.

“Excuse me,” Khalil said in shock as he looked around to see if anyone had heard his language.

“Tyrin! Did you just say what I think you said?” Vanessa asked.

“I apologize mom but how is he going to go eat with that dude after I just asked him to go and eat with me?”

“You tripping. Khalil, walk away before he embarrasses us all.” Kerry said as he grabbed Khalil by the arm.

“No. I am not going to embarrass anybody, but I think that it’s foul how you would tell me no and then throw it up in my face that you are going to eat with some other nigga.”

“You’re serious aren’t you?” Khalil asked in amazement as he continued looked around to make sure that no one was within earshot of his tirade.

“Walk away.” Kerry continued.

“Tyrin I think you need to go home. This is not the time or the place for this conversation.” Vanessa said.

“Well when is the time? He won’t answer my calls. When he does call me it’s like talking to a brick wall. I am trying to change and let him see how much I care but nothing is working.”

“Go home Tyrin.” Vanessa said again.

“Not until he talks to me!” He looked at Khalil who was frozen on the sidewalk and knew that he finally had him where he wanted him. He was in a place where he could not run and had to face him.

“Sister Taist they need you in the back.” one of the prayer warriors said to Vanessa in a very urgent voice.

“OK. Thank you. Can you two please settle this once and for all?” she said and hurriedly ran back into the church.

“Talk to me!” Tyrin forcibly said.

“Not here.” Khalil calmly answered.

“Where?” he asked between gritted teeth.

Khalil stared blankly into Tyrin’s eyes and could not form words to come forth. He was utterly caught off guard by this confrontation and wanted so badly to walk away but he knew that if he said or did the wrong thing Tyrin would lose it.