I'm Moving
I told Bishop Adkins and Eld. Franklin my decision on the 30th. I told Evg. MaCulvie and his wife later that day. Everyone is so happy for me. It's so cool.
I am going to move down there on April 6. I told Keyva when I was going to move. She is still acting mad at me.
I have started packing up my stuff. I still have some stuff at my mother's house. I don't know if I am going to be able to go get it.
I am renting a small trailer and hook it to my car. It is a 10 hour trip. Mrs. MaCulvie wants me to get someone to ride with me. I don't really have any friends, so I don't know how I am going to do that. She even said that she will pay for the plane ticket. I will figure something out.
I am excited.
M.B.Vick
The Email…
Keyva emailed me.
Hello.Please do not think that I am about to apologize for what I said on the phone. It’s good to hear that you are coming down here. It will be good for the choir.
Have you told anyone else?
I am not planning to tell anyone until you tell me that it’s okay to tell. Don’t think that this means I am no longer mad at you, because I am still upset with you. I am flowers and candy upset with you.I still can’t believe that you didn’t tell me anything. Every time I think about that, I get mad.If I weren’t mad at you, I world be doing flips about you coming down here.Smiling on the inside because of the news,Ya Girl – KeyvaP.S. You’re a duddie head. :PThat was so cool. She know she ain’t mad at me no more.
M.B.Vick
A Cold Stare and a Colder Shoulder
I went to church today. When Keyva saw me, she gave me the coldest look I have ever seen. It sent a dreadful chill down my spine.
She stared at me through the whole service. Every time I looked at her, her stare was colder than the previous look.
I was hoping that Eld. Franklin would preach all day, but he didn’t. I tried to get back to Eld. Franklin’s office before anyone could say anything to me, but I didn’t make it. Marcus caught me. He said, “Man, please tell me that you are going to move down here. Man, we really need you. Down here.” Keyva walked by me, on purpose, she stared at me and kept on walking by me. Marcus looked at her and then at me. He said, “She is mad at you. What did you do?” I said, “It’s what I didn’t do.”
I called Keyva. She answered the phone. I didn’t even get a chance to say hi before she lit into me.
“I cannot believe that you had the unmitigated gall to bring your trifling behind down here and not tell me. You could have at least emailed me. And don’t give me that surprise crap. I ain’t buying it. I know we ain’t in a relationship or anything, but we are supposed to be friends. If this is how you treat your friends, I hate to see how you treat a girlfriend. I don’t care if you ever move your tail down here. Bye!”
I wanted to fall out laughing. She was heated. I called her back again, but she never answered the phone.
The last time I called, I left her a message.
Hey it’s me, Micha. I have decided that I am going to move to Rowmanellieo.
I wonder what she is going to think when she hears the message.
M.B.Vick
This Feels Like Home
I am sitting here at Eld. Franklin’s house. This feels like home. I can’t explain it, but it feels like home.
I think Carlton and I are friends again because he has been coming in and out of here all night. It’s been cool. I played cars with him for awhile. I asked him to leave though.
I thought about this one time when my brother and I played with some toy cars. They were the cheap kind, the ones that just have the shell and no body. We played with those things all day. It was so cool. It wasn’t too long after that, that he went bad. I was nine and he was twelve.
Carlton must have seen me crying. A few minutes later, Eld. And Sis. Franklin walked into the room.
Here I am sitting on the floor holding onto a toy car, crying. I was so embarrassed. Eld. Franklin asked his wife and son to leave. He sat down on the floor with me. We talked for awhile. He hugged me after it was all over.
I am at home.
M.B.Vick
He Read My Blog
Eld. Franklin called me on tonight. He had read my blog and knew about everything that happened last week. He was calling me to check on me.
It was too funny. I felt so much better after he called.
We talked for a long while. I cried like a big ole baby while we were on the phone. I told him everything; my mother, my brother, my father, my old pastor, school, church, and anything else I could come up with. He listened to me, too. I thought he was going to tell me that he didn’t want me to come down there after all of the mess I had told him. He was cool. He told me that I should come to Rowmanellieo for the weekend. He said that a ticket would be waiting for me at the airport. Why did I start crying again?
I truly need help.
Keyva is going to kill me because I am not going to email her and tell her that I am coming down there.
M.B.Vick
One Crazy Week
Monday was the only day that didn’t cause me stress. The rest of the week, Lord, have mercy.
TuesdayI went to my church in Dorinda to talk to Eld. Ford. I told him about the offer from Canaan. Well, that lead to him all but calling me an ungrateful trick worker. Apparently, I don’t appreciate all that he has done for me. (He hasn’t done a thing for me.) He went on and on forever. I almost started crying, but I held back the tears. I have never heard anyone say anything so hurtful to me.
I tried to explain to him that Bishop Adkins had told Eld. Franklin about me. Eld. Ford didn’t seem to care. He accused me of going behind his back and asking for the position. I was in there for an hour. It was horrible.
I went home and called Bishop Adkins. I told him what had happened, tears included. He tried his best to calm me down, but I didn’t. Bishop said that he would set up a meeting between Eld. Ford and I. I was dreading that.
Thursday MorningMy meeting with Bishop and Eld. Ford was in the morning. I had a meeting scheduled with my college advisor that afternoon.
The meeting with Bishop and Eld. Ford was awful. Eld. Ford talked about me like I wasn’t even in the room. He called me childish, immature, conniving, hateful, and evil. Bishop asked me to leave the office for a few minutes. I have no idea what Bishop said to Eld. Ford, but Eld. Ford apologized when I came back in the office.
Bishop told Eld. Ford that I had nothing to do with the offer. I still don’t think Eld. Ford believed him. Eld. Ford left before I did. Bishop said that he wanted to talk to me some more.
Bishop tried to make me feel better, but I was too upset. I couldn’t believe that Eld. Ford would even say those things about me. Bishop told me to not worry about anything and that everything was going to work out.
Yea right.
Thursday AfternoonI went to go talk to my college advisor. That was a disaster. It boils down to this, if I withdraw now, my credits from this semester won’t transfer. This is some bull.
Thursday NightThere was one bright spot to today. I had a couple of great emails from Keyva.
Email One from KeyvaHey Micha,I was just thinking about you. You haven’t emailed me, so I guess you are busy handling whatever it is that you need to handle.Hope things are going okay for you.If you get a chance, please email me.
Missing you like crazy,Ya Girl – KeyvaEmail Two from KeyvaHey again. I was thinking about you. I can’t believe I am missing you this much.You are probably gonna have a fit with that one. SMILE.Marcus acted a fool in choir rehearsal. Someone asked where you were. Marcus got upset very upset. He got all purple in the face. It was too funny.After church, I asked him what was up. He said that he wished that you were at rehearsal just like ole girl that had commented about you. Marcus was like, “I will be glad when Micha gets down here for good. This is crazy.”Everyone misses you. You should feel so special. SMILE!Wishing You Were Here Just like Everyone Else,Ya Girl – KeyvaFridayI went to see my mother. My brother’s friend wouldn’t let me in the house. I asked him to ask my mother to come out of the house. She did. She looked bad. I mean sickly. I could tell that she has been drinking. I wanted to cry. I told her that I was going to move to Rowmanellieo. She said, “Bye.” I was hoping that she would try to talk me into staying, but she didn’t. She just went back into the house without even a look back at me.
This is crazy.
I tried to email Keyva back, but every time I went to type, I broke out crying like a big baby.
M.B.Vick
One Last Time
My flight was scheduled to leave at 8:50. I had a few hours to kill before going to the airport. I was expecting Eld. Franklin to take me to the airport, but Keyva showed up to take me to the airport. I was happy, but I tried not to show it.
We drove to the airport in silence. I asked Keyva a couple of questions, but she didn’t answer them. She seemed sad and mad; all at the same time. I didn’t know what to do.
We made it to the airport 4 hours early. We sat out in the lobby. Finally, Keyva said something.
Keyva: I guess you think I am crazy now.
Me: Not really.
Keyva: Yea, right.
Me: Girl, I don’t think you are crazy. It’s kind of cute that you got jealous.
Keyva: You shouldn’t get so excited about that.
Me: (I laughed.) I know. But it is too cute.
Keyva: You are getting too much pleasure out of this.
Me: I know.
Keyva: I like you, okay.
Me: I know.
Keyva: That’s it. I know.
Me: Yep.
Keyva: If you say so.
Me: Do you wanna go out with me the next time I come to town?
Keyva: When is that going to be?
Me: I am not sure. I gotta get some stuff in order back at home. I gotta talk to some people. I still have some things to check out in Rowmanellieo before I decide what I am going to do, so I’ll be back.
Keyva: Yea, I wanna go out with you.
Me: Can you plan the date?
Keyva: Yea, I can do that.
Me: Cool. are we cool?
Keyva: Yea, I shouldn’t have gotten so mad at you. I just didn’t like the way that girl was rubbing all on you. And she was in church, too. She was shameless.
Me: You are cute when you get jealous.
Keyva: Whatever.
Me: Yea. So, you wanna be my girl?
Keyva: No, I don’t know anything about you.
Me: Uhh huh.
Keyva: Just don’t be flirting with women in front of me.
Me: Yes, mame. I wont. I am gonna tell everyone that I know in
Dorinda that I have a girlfriend.
Keyva: Yea and you’ll be lying.
Me: I wont be a liar for long.
We both laughed. We talked for awhile longer.
She kissed me on the cheek when she left. I am never washing my face again. (Corny, I know.)
M.B.Vick
Church Was Off the Hook
I enjoyed Sunday service. It was great. The choir sounded excellent. Eld. Franklin had us sing “Fret Not” again. He likes that song. We went up with it. it was so cool. Eld. Franklin preached like crazy. I have never seen anyone preach that hard before. His subject was “Fret Not”.
It was so awesome.
After that service, I wanted to join the church.
Psalms 37:1-111: Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
2: For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.
3: Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4: Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5: Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
6: And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.
7: Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8: Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9: For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10: For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11: But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
M.B.Vick
In Case You’re Wondering…
Keyva and I made up, if you call it that. Apparently, Marcus reminded Keyva that she and I weren’t involved in a relationship. According to Marcus, Keyva rolled her eyes at him and mumbled something bad under her breath. She still hasn’t talked to me. she didn’t even come to the service tonight. I was sad that I didn’t get to see her. I tried to call her, but she didn’t answer the phone. I emailed her, but she hasn’t returned the email.
I talked to Eld. Franklin about what happened with Keyva. He told me that things would work out. I think that is his response to everything. I knew he was right, but I sure felt sad. My girl and I had already had a fight and she isn’t even my girl.
I got this thing bad.
M.B.Vick
And It’s Saturday…
Keyva and I had plans to go to breakfast on Saturday morning, but because of the young lady from Friday night, Keyva canceled.
It was funny because Keyva accused me of flirting with ole girl and I hadn’t. when I laughed at Keyva for being jealous, she hung up the phone.
I wonder if she realizes that we are not in a relationship.
M.B.Vick
At The Visiting Church
We went to Jackson Temple to sing for Evg. Champion Dixon. Jackson Temple is his home church. It was a good service. We sung “Fret Not”. Keyva showed out. Evg. Dixon showed out, too. It was cool. several people came up to me after the service and congratulated me on becoming the new musician for Canaan. I shot a couple of crazy looks at Marcus. He just laughed.
This young lady came up to me and flirted with me. I wasn’t even interested. It was kind of funny because Keyva got mad. She walked over to us and said, “Are you ready to go? We are about to leave.” She didn’t even speak to the young lady. I wanted to laugh so bad. I couldn’t believe Keyva was jealous. The young lady grabbed my arm and walked me out of the church. The young lady said, “Where did you get those cute eyes?” I thought Keyva was gonna hit her.
When I got to the house, I tried to call Keyva; she still hasn’t answered the phone or returned any of my phone messages or email messages.
M.B.Vick
Everything is Everything
Earlier, Sis. Franklin asked me if I wanted to go to the park with her and Carlton. I was scared that she might take me somewhere and leave me. she hasn’t spoken to me since Wednesday. Carlton ran in the room and jumped up and down on the bed, yelling for me to come with them. This kid is a trip. One minute he is mad at me. the next minute, he won’t speak to me. I can’t figure him out.
I took a chance and went to the park. As you can see, I am safe. I ran around with Carlton for the longest. I got tired. I really think that is why sis. Franklin invited me. (Don’t tell her I said that.) A couple of his friends were their mothers, so I didn’t have to play with him anymore. I went and sat with sis. Franklin. I figured I should try to talk to her so she wouldn’t hate me anymore.
In the end, she said that we were cool. she said that she had gotten over it on Thursday. She said that she would have talk to me earlier, but I kept avoiding her. When I told her why I was avoiding her, I think I got Eld. Franklin in trouble.
I guess now, everything is everything.
M.B.Vick
The Ride Home
Marcus asked me if I wanted Keyva to give me a ride home. As bad as I wanted to spend time with Keyva, I didn’t want to put her out like that. I told Marcus that he could take me home. Marcus was like, “Naw, I got some stuff to do.” I didn’t believe him, so whatever. He called Keyva over and talked to her for a few minutes. She looked at me a couple of times and smiled at me. I felt like I was being set up.
Keyva gave me a ride to the Franklin’s house. We took the long way. She showed me around some parts of Rowmanellieo. It was cool. I felt weird having her drive around so late. I kept thinking, “You ain’t even a gentleman.” We talked and laughed. It was cool.
After she dropped me off, I told her to call me when she made it home. I got a call about 20 minutes later. We talked for an hour or so.
I am so tired. I’m going to bed. I gotta start getting into bed earlier around here.
I am starting to like Rowmanellieo, though. :)
M.B.Vick
Oh My Goodness, Choir Rehearsal – Off the Chain
I went to choir rehearsal at Canaan House of Rest. It was off the chain. Marcus came and picked me up. He talked about the songs he wanted the choir to learn. I didn’t know two of them. He wanted them to learn Jehovah Reigns, Cry to Jehovah, and Without Jehovah by
Shiloh and I Worship the Lord by
Crowley Temple Mass Choir. I knew all of those. He also wanted them to learn Center of My Peace by
D.M. Adkins and We Are Gonna Praise by
Roger Gray and Confident in Jesus. I didn’t know those. Marcus told me that I could learn those for the next time. He made a crazy face. I laughed at him. Everyone at Canaan is so sure that I am coming down here.
Choir rehearsal was cool. They start at 6:30 with dinner. At 7:00, they have Bible study. A young preacher that is one of Marcus’ friends did the Bible study. They start rehearsal at 7:30. I was so shocked. They did everything, I mean everything on time. It was so cool.
Marcus talked for a few minutes. After he finished, he gave me the floor to teach the songs. I was half scared. Keyva smiled at me and it made me feel better. We did all of the Shiloh songs. They learned the songs really quickly. It was cool. Marcus asked if they wanted to keep going. Everyone screams yea. I did the song by Crowley Temple Mass. After that I was tired. I had never taught four songs in one rehearsal before. Get this, they wanted to keep going. I was like, uhh huh. Marcus came to my rescue and I was so glad. We got out after 9:00. Normally, they get out before 9, but everyone was having a good time.
They did some announcements at the end, one of which was a shock for me. Marcus said, “Don’t forget that we are supposed to sing for Champ on tomorrow and Saturday. Hopefully, we can get Micha to play for us.” Marcus’ friend, Champion Dixon clapped louder than the choir members. I knew I didn’t have much of a choice; I was going to play for them.
I wonder if I am gonna get paid. :)
M.B.Vick
Phone Call
At about 10:30, Sis. Franklin called my name and said that I had a phone call. I couldn’t figure out who was calling me. I went in the living room and picked up the phone. It was Keyva. I wanted to fall out.
Here’s how it went…
Me: Hello.
Keyva: Hello. It’s ya girl, Keyva.
Me: Cool. What’s up?
Keyva: Why you trying to act like you ain’t excited that I called you?
Me: I’m cool. (So, I lied.)
Keyva: Whatever. I am mad at you.
Me: I figured that much. Why are you mad at me?
Keyva: Please you no good and well why I am mad at you. You are trifling.
Me: I ain’t trifling. Why are you mad at me?
Keyva: Cause you didn’t tell me you were in town. That’s just shady.
Me: I wanted to surprise you when you saw me. Don’t be mad.
Keyva: Quit being cute, cause you are still in trouble.
Me: I know. Why you clown me like that in front of Eld. Franklin?
Keyva: Why did Eld. Franklin make that suggestion?
Me: I didn’t have anything to do with that.
Keyva: Whatever. Ain’t neither one of you all that slick. I’m gonna tell Sis. Franklin.
Me: Don’t do that. She is already mad at me.
Keyva: What did you do?
Me: None of your business. Why were you late to church?
Keyva: I got your none of your business. None of your business.
Me: Would you like to go out with me on Saturday?
Keyva: What?
Me: I just asked you out.
Keyva: Are you serious?
Me: Yes.
Keyva: Uhh, I can’t on Saturday.
Me: (That hurt.) Oh. That’s cool.
Keyva: Don’t you wanna know why?
Me: Yea, but I wasn’t gonna ask.
Keyva: I am going to sing at this musical at a friend’s church. Can you come play for me?
Me: (I’m smiling.) I guess so.
Keyva: You sound like I just told you that I hated you or something.
Me: I guess I just don’t want to go to church. I can play for you. What are you gonna sing?
Keyva: I haven’t decided yet.
Me: Just let me know.
Keyva: I will.
We talked for awhile longer, mostly just getting to know each other.
Her vitals…Birthday: July 10
Favorite color: pink
Favorite food: Enchiladas
Favorite dessert: Pecan Pie and Chocolate Chip Nut Cookies
Pet: No
Animals: Horses
My vitals…Birthday: June 11
Favorite color: gray
Favorite food: Macaroni & Cheese
Pet: Fishes
Animals: Fishes of all kinds especially whales
Favorite dessert: Any kind of cake
It’s after midnight. I’m going to bed.
I am going to choir rehearsal tomorrow night. Keyva is supposed to come by and pick me up. I am cheesing all big.
M.B.Vick
Off The Chain
Church was off the chain tonight.
Deacon Patten picked me up from the house. I tripped out. The Franklins must really trust Deacon Patten.
When the members walked in and saw me on the organ. They almost flipped out. It was so funny. Marcus gave me a big hug. He asked me if I was there for good. He got upset when I said no.
Prayer started at 6:30. The service started at 7:30. They actually had a service. There is an optional Friday night Bible study offered at the church.
Keyva got to church late. She didn’t get there until close to 8:00. Marcus saw me looking at the door, he said, “Boy, she’s gonna be here. She is usually late on Wednesday. She has a late class.” I rolled my eyes at him.
Keyva walked in. She did a double take when she saw me. I think she wanted to come up there where I was. She smiled at me and I smiled back. Sis. Franklin made a mean face at me. I looked down and the keys on the organ. I think she is still mad at me.
Eld. Franklin preached good. I think he read some of my blog because he preached from Psalms 37:40, And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him. He looked at me when he said the scripture. I smiled. His subject was Lord, Save Me. The one thing I remember most is that he said that when we are in trouble, we should cry out to God, because He is our only help and that we should wait on God.
We got out of service at 8:30. It was so cool. I have never gotten out of a service that early before. After church, most of the members asked me if I was there for good. I kept saying no over and over. It felt good having everyone try to sweet-talk me.
I looked for Keyva, but she had disappeared. I was so hurt. I couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t stuck around.
I walked outside. Keyva was out there standing by her car. I walked over to her. She folded her arms. She lit into me as soon as I got close to her… “I can’t believe that you didn’t tell me that you were here. Why didn’t you email me back? I can’t stand you.” I laughed and said, “I’m glad to see you, too. I wanted it to be a surprise.” She didn’t move. That girl is stubborn.
Eld. Franklin walked up to Keyva and me. He said, “Are you riding with me or do you want Keyva to give you a ride home?” I almost fell out. Keyva rolled her eyes and snipped, “He’s riding with you.” She walked off after that. I had to pick my face up off the ground. Eld. Franklin grabbed me by my neck and said, “You in trouble.” He laughed.
M.B.Vick
Evil House Guest
I really hurt Eld. Franklin’s feelings. I thought Sis. Franklin was gonna slap me when she walked into the room and said, “What did you say to my husband?” She had an evil look on her dace. I didn’t even care. I just glared back at her. I don’t think that she expected that. Man, I bet they change their mind about me coming to play for them now. Gees, I’m a jerk. Carlton’s even pissed at me. He threw a toy truck at me.
There is no one here but me. Nobody left me a note or anything. I just wanna leave.
Lord, please help me. I feel like an idiot. I know Eld. Franklin was just trying to help. I hate talking about my family. That’s what bugging me. I wish I could talk to Eld. Franklin. He seems like he cares. It’s just hard to trust new people. Plus, I don’t even know if I am coming down here to live. I don’t want to get attached to this dude and end up not coming down here. That would be even worse than him and his family hating me right.
It’s hard for me right now. I need some help.
Amen
I was surfing the net and it came to me…
“Email Eld. Franklin the link to your blog.”That was a crazy notion, but it would help me out. I wouldn’t have to actually tell him. He could read it.
I emailed Keyva and asked for Eld. Franklin’s email address. She sent it back to me and this note…
Didn’t anyone teach you to speak to someone first thing in the morning?I see that you are still alive, even though you can’t respond to emails. Anyway, here’s his address.Ya Girl – KeyvaI emailed Eld. Franklin…
Sorry I acted like an idiot. I didn’t mean to. If you will go to my blog http://mbvick.alwaysinspired.info/ and read it, you will find out why I am such an idiot.M.B.VickI didn’t even say hello or anything. These folk are gonna think I have no home training. Oh well.
M.B.Vick
Talking and Thangs…
Eld. Franklin was still laughing when we got to the car. We talked while we drove to the house.
Here’s how it went…
Eld. Franklin: She is mad at you.
Me: Yea. I didn’t tell her I was in town. Women are hard to understand.
Eld. Franklin: Yea, and it doesn’t get any easier. I’m 40 and I haven’t figured them out yet.
Me: I only have one in my life and she works my nerves something crazy.
Eld. Franklin: I read about that. I don’t know what to say. Does your mother know that your brother is a criminal?
Me: Yea, she has bailed him out of jail like 500 times. She said that he brings money into the house. More than the pennies that I bring in. I can’t believe she did me like that. I sat up with her when she was sick and trying to get sober. I wiped the vomit from her mouth when she came home drunk. I never judged her or said anything bad about her. She ain’t right.
Eld. Franklin: It’s hard sometimes. You just have to put your brother and your mother in God’s hands and pray for them.
Me: I don’t want to pray for neither of them. If I did pray for them, I would probably pray the wrong prayer.
Eld. Franklin: You can’t be like that.
Me: I know, but that’s how I feel. I got a jacked up family. The only person that ever acted like she loved me was my grandmother. And she is my father’s mother. That nigga won’t even claim me.
Eld. Franklin: We all have jacked up lives in some way. Every last one of us. Even the people who you think have it all together. It’s up to us to put the past behind us and make a better future tomorrow. Bishop Adkins had to counsel me for the longest when I first got to Greater Buelahland. My mother use to beat my sisters and me. I had issues with women for a long time. I had to go back to a lot of girls from my past and apologize to them for how crazy I had treated them. Parents don’t realize how their actions will affect their children. I am trying hard with my son. I don’t want to transfer any of the trash from me past to him. I pray about that everyday.
Me: I ain’t having no kids. That way, I know I won’t give my kids any of my trash. I got plenty of it, too.
Eld. Franklin: When did you get saved?
Me: One of my homeboys from school witnessed to me. He would always ask me to play for him when he sung at church. He always talked to me about God. He was cool peops.
Eld. Franklin: That’s good. Does anyone else in your family play?
Me: My grandmother played. I heard that her father was like a great musician. He used to play at the area juke joint. My grandmother told me that I as good as my great-grandfather. She said that I had the music in my heart, hands, and soul. She always made me feel good. I miss her a lot.
Eld. Franklin: That’s cool. Do you play any other instruments?
Me: The drums, guitar, and piano.
Eld. Franklin: Even if you don’t come down here and play for me, you can always call me and talk to me.
Me: Thanks. How long is Sis. Franklin gonna be mad at me?
Eld. Franklin: I have no idea. She is very protective of me. You might not want to eat or drink anything she hands you for awhile.
That was pretty much it. Things are cool between us now.
M.B.Vick
Crazy Tonight
It got crazy tonight. I’ll tell you later.
I got another email from Keyva.
I guess you were serious about not emailing me until tomorrow. Anyway. I decided to email you and tell you goodnight. This don’t mean I like you, so don’t even think that.I am supposed to go sing at the student center for the service that they have there. I wish you were here to play for me. Oh well. Hopefully, you will email me tomorrow.Later…Ya Girl – KeyvaM.B.Vick
Talk To Me…
I cried myself to sleep. So, I’m a punk for crying. Sue me!
Eld. Franklin woke me up when he got home.
Here’s how the conversation went…
Eld. Franklin: Boy, what are you doing sleep this time of day?
Me: Don’t know.
Eld. Franklin: Are you still in that funk? What’s wrong with you?
Me: It doesn’t matter anyway.
Eld. Franklin: It matters to me.
Me: Why? You don’t even know me! all you need is a musician. Why does it matter to you what’s bugging me?
Eld. Franklin: I am a minister. I care about people and it is my job to care about people. If you couldn’t play, I would still care about what’s bugging you.
Me: Whatever.
Eld. Franklin: It’s hard for you to trust men.
Me: Yea. I guess.
Eld. Franklin: Why is that?
Me: I don’t want to talk about it.
Eld. Franklin: It’s gonna keep eating at you. You should really talk about it.
Me: Look, man, you ain’t my daddy and I ain’t gotta tell you a thang!
Eld. Franklin: I am not trying to be your father.
Me: Just leave me alone!
Eld. Franklin: If that’s what you want.
He left the room. I think I hurt his feelings. I don’t really care right now.
Keyva emailed me back…
So, you’re name is Micha Broderick Vick. That’s cool. how did you get that name?Why did you call your family some heathens? You need to get out more.It would be funny to see you trying to teach kids music.I am thinking about a pediatrics nurse. I like working with children.My family is happy that I am in church, although, I get funny looks from time to time.Why do I have to wait for tomorrow for a response back?Missing you like crazy,Ya Girl - KeyvaI ain’t gonna respond. I feel like doodoo!
M.B.Vick
Email Back Sucked…
Eld. Franklin emailed me back. He said that he would read my blog later. He also said that Deacon Patten would be by to pick me up for church at 6:00.
I don’t want to go to church tonight.
M.B.Vick
Emailing And Emotions…
I woke up from sleeping. I had an email from Keyva. That was cool. here’s what we emailed back and forth.
From KeyvaHey, I am not even mean. We sung Hold Onto Jesus and Praise The Name of Jesus. I am so tired of those songs. You really need to move down here so we can sing some descent songs. Marcus really think he be directing. Ohh, he gets on my nerves. He told me that you like me. Is that true?We rehearse on Thursday night. I don't want to list those songs. You need to ask Marcus.Why do you sign your email with M.B.Vick?It's obvious that you got your bag because you emailed me. Why haven't you said if you liked what was in it? Marcus told me to make the bag for you. He said that you told him that you liked M&M's.Why did you get so upset when I looked in your bag?Glad You Emailed Me,Ya Girl - KeyvaFrom MeWow, those are some old songs. He told you that I liked you, for real?You are good at avoiding questions. That's just how I sign my emails. I sign my blog like that, too.I didn't know that you put the bag together. I do like M&M's. Thanks for making the bag for me. I am not sure about the teddy bear though. That's the first one I have gotten.Do I have to answer the last question? I don't want to talk about it right now.M.B.VickFrom KeyvaYes, Marcus told me that. Well, do you like me? You have a blog. What's the address? Do you talk about me in it?I just thought the teddy bear was cute. You can give it to someone else if you want to.I guess you don't have to answer it if you don't want to.When are you coming back to Rowmanellieo? Why do you like me? Are you real eyes green?I sign my emails like that because that's how I tell my friends it's me on the phone. After they say hello, I say, "It's ya girl Keyva." It's just something I do.Ya Girl - KeyvaFrom MeYes, I like you. I am not telling you the address. I don't want you to read it right now. Yes, I talk about you.I am not giving away my teddy bear.I may be back sooner than you think. I kind of liked it down there. I think you’re pretty. You can sing. So, far that's all I know about you. Yes, these are my real eyes.Were you born in Rowmanellieo? Does your family go to Canaan? What do you do for fun? Do you have a boyfriend? What's your middle name? What is your major?M.B.VickFrom KeyvaYou are so mean. I don't wanna read your funky little blog anyway. :PYes. No. Go to the movies, go to the park, and go bowling. No. They go to a Baptist church. Renee. Nursing. Anymore questions, nosey?Were you born in Dorinda? Does your family go to your church? What do you do for fun? Do you have a girlfriend? What's you middle name? Are you in school?I have a class in a few minutes. It may be awhile before I can answer you. Don't be mad if I don't answer you. :)Ya Girl - KeyvaFrom MeSo, your name is Keyva Renee Palmer. That's pretty.My blog is not funky or little. You know that you want to read it. :PYes. No, they don't. They are a bunch of heathens. Play music mostly. I don't go out much. I never wanted anyone to meet my crazy family. No. Broderick. Yes. My major is Music. I have no idea what I am going to do with a Music degree. Maybe be a music teacher or something. Who knows?That's cool that you want to be a nurse. It seems like you would be a great nurse, especially when drawing blood.What does your family think about you going to a Pentecostal church?I will email you tomorrow.M.B.VickI didn’t feel like talking after I answered the question about my family. They get on my nerves. I am so tired of them. I am gonna get off of here and go watch TV or something.
I got the craziest family in the world. My father won’t hardly claim me. My mother has started drinking again after being sober for a year. My brother is a criminal, hangs around criminals, and now he is bringing that element into my mother’s house. My mother would rather live with a criminal than a Christian.
God help me. I am about ready to cry.
M.B.Vick
To The Store and Back
I went to the store with Sis. Franklin. That was crazy. Carlton kicked me on the way to the car. Sis. Franklin yelled at him and then apologized to me. It was kinda funny.
At the store it was crazy, Carlton was begging for everything. Sis. Franklin asked me what kind of cereal I liked. I didn’t want her to buy anything for me, but she insisted. She asked me if I wanted anything else. I told her no. She laughed at me and said, “You are easy to shop for. I like that.” I think she was being sarcastic.
I tried to play with Carlton while he was sitting in the cart, but he just kept kicking me. I wanted to punch him. Sis. Franklin kept yelling at him. I asked him, “Why are you being so mean to me?” He swings at me. I walked away from him because I was about to fight with a 3 year old.
We walked around the store forever. She had a full basket. I almost asked her who she was shopping for. When we got to the check out line, I grabbed a thing of M&Ms. Sis. Franklin reached for them. I told her that I could pay for them. She gave me the meanest mother look I had ever seen. Carlton said, “You in trouble.” He laughed at me. Sis. Franklin said, “Boy, go to the candy aisle and get a bigger bag of M&Ms before I whip you.” I laughed. Carlton tried to go with me, but his mother told him no.
It took forever to get all of the bags out of the car when we got back to the house. I thing Sis. Franklin made me do most of the work. Carlton wanted to help, but Sis. Franklin told him no. He threw a fit in the middle of the hallway. Sis. Franklin told me to just ignore him. It was hard because he kept grabbing my leg as I walked by.
Sis. Franklin asked me to watch Carlton while she got dressed for work. I thought she had lost her mind. Carlton smiled and ran to my room and went to banging on my laptop. I guess whatever he was mad about was over. Kids are crazy.
Sis. Franklin came in the room dressed for work. She said, “Carlton, come on so we can go.” Carlton yelled, “NO!” I thought his mother was gonna have a fit. She said, “Boy, come on. I ain’t got time to be playing with your little tail.” Carlton screamed, “Me wanna stay with Mike!” I looked at Sis. Franklin and shook my head no. I ain’t never babysat nobody. Sis. Franklin smiled. She grabbed Carlton and drug him out of the room. I was so glad.
Sis. Franklin called my name. I went into the living room. She said, “There is a pad with the numbers on it in the kitchen. If you need anything, just call one of those numbers. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back around 6:00. Aaron may be back before that. I’m no sure. See you later.” She walked off the door. I can’t believe they left me at their house by myself.
I am still waiting for Keyva to email me back. I think I am going to go to sleep.
M.B.Vick
Smiling Like Crazy
I emailed Keyva back…
You are mean. Sorry, I made the lady wait.I am fine. I wish I could have been there on Sunday. We could have sung Fret Not. :)I hope no one thinks I am a crackhead.What did you all sing on Sunday? What night do you all have choir rehearsal on? What all songs do you all sing besides the ones I knew about for the conference?What’s up with signing your emails, Ya Girl – Keyva?I am about to go. Hit me up later.M.B.VickI am smiling like crazy. I want to tell her that I am in town, but I resisted the urge to do that. Sis. Franklin said that she is going to the store. She asked if I wanted to go with her. I told her that I wanted to go. I am just too excited about going to the store. We should be leaving in a few minutes.
Carlton hasn’t been up here all morning to bother me. I wonder if he is mad at me or something. I don’t have much experience with children. He was asleep when I ate breakfast. I ate with Eld. Franklin.
I am rambling. I am getting off.
M.B.Vick
She Emailed Me Back
Keyva emailed me back. This is what she said…
I see that you finally emailed me back. It took you forever. You shouldn’t make a lady wait so long.How are you doing? Service hasn’t been the same with no musician. We had a musician before, but he was shady. He would just show up to get paid, but he wouldn’t come to rehearsal. He barely even made it to Sunday morning service. I think he was a crackhead, but I don’t have any proof. Email me back when you get this.Wishing You Were Here,Ya Girl - KeyvaI can’t believe she fussed at me like that.
M.B.Vick
I Emailed Her
I just emailed Keyva. I can’t believe I did it. Eld. Franklin is at work. Sis. Franklin works part time at a daycare. She isn’t going to leave until 2:00 PM. I will be here by myself until 6:00, when Sis. Franklin gets home. Carlton goes to the daycare with her.
Here’s what I emailed Keyva…
Hello, Keyva. It’s Micha. I was just emailing you to say hello. Hit me back if you have time.M.B.VickHow corny was that? I just hope she emails me back.
M.B.Vick
Making A Trip 3/6
Early Monday morning, Eld. Franklin called me. He asked me if I could be at the airport for a flight to Rowmanellieo. I asked him on what day. He laughed and said, “Today.” I coughed and said, “When would I come back to
Dorinda?” He said, “On Sunday.” I didn’t know if I could do it. I had missed a week of school already. I didn’t think that my professors were going to go for another missed week. I said, “I will have to go talk to my professors and see if they will let me out of my classes. I can call you back and let you know.” We talked for awhile longer and then said goodbye.
I tripped out. Why did he want me to come back to Rowmanellieo?
I knew that I could get out of work pretty easily. I wasn’t too sure about my classes. I talked to my professors, all three of them. Only one of them gave me a hard time. I only have his class one night a week. I didn’t have any tests in the class and I had completed all of my homework assignments. I didn’t see the problem. He went on a tirade forever and then told me to go, but I wouldn’t be able to make-up the assignment for the class I missed. I was like cool.
It was 11:46 when I called Eld. Franklin back. I told him that I could leave and go to the airport. I was excited about going back to Rowmanellieo.
Eld. Franklin met me at the airport. I was surprised. We didn’t talk much on the ride to his house.
He had a nice house. I found out that he and his wife had a 3 year old son. He hadn’t been at church with them during the conference. Sis. Franklin was in the kitchen when we got to the house. She was cooking some fried chicken. Their son was at the table coloring. Eld. Franklin introduced me to his son. “Carlton, this is our new musician, Micha.” Micha jumped down from the table and came over to me and hugged me. He said, “Hi, Mike.” I laughed. Eld. Franklin said, “His name is Micha.” Carlton let me go and said, “Mike, Mike, Mike.” I laughed.
Dinner was great. Sis. Franklin can burn something fierce. I know I ate too much food. They may not want me staying with them for 4 months.
Eld. Franklin showed me the guest bedroom. That was where I was supposed to stay when I “moved” down to Rowmanellieo. I put my stuff down and sat down on the bed. Eld. Franklin sat down in a chair near the bed. He said, “Your face has been long ever since you got here. What’s the matter?” I said, “Nothing.” He said, “If I am going to be your pastor, you are gonna have to trust me.” I laughed and said, “You are very confident.” He smiled, “Yep. I am. What’s wrong?” I didn’t know this man well enough to tell him my family business. I said, “Nothing.” Eld. Franklin said, “Whenever you feel like talking, let me know.” He left the room.
I was playing on my laptop when Carlton walked into the room. He jumped up in my lap and said, “You playin’ on yo’ puter. Can I play?” I said, “Yea.” He punched on the keys and played around with the mouse. He got down from my lap and jumped on the bed. I wasn’t sure what to do. I said, “Are you suppose to be jumping on the bed like that?” He just kept on jumping. I went over to the bed to get him off the bed. I reached for him and he made a move and fell off the bed. He started screaming like I had hurt him or something. A few seconds later, both of his parents were in the room. I just knew that they were going to throw me out of their house.
Sis. Franklin ran to Carlton. Eld. Franklin asked, “What happened?” I didn’t want to get Carlton into trouble, so I said, “We were playing around and he fell.” Eld. Franklin walked over to the bed and looked at it. He said, “It looks like somebody with little feet were jumping on the bed.” I looked down at the floor. Carlton smiled at me. He said, “Uhh uhh, we were playin’ like Mike was said.” I wanted to laugh, but Eld. Franklin looked at me like he knew I was lying, so I didn’t.
Sis. Franklin held Carlton and said, “Well, you all are going to have to be more careful. I don’t want either one of you getting hurt.” Eld. Franklin left the room. Sis. Franklin was holding Carlton and trying to walk out of the room. Carlton screamed, “I wanna stay wit Mike.” Sis. Franklin said, “We should leave Micha alone. He doesn’t want to be bothered with you.” Carlton said, “Mike is me friend. I wanna play.” I said, “It’s okay Sis. Franklin. He can stay.” She put her son down and left the room.
Carlton grabbed by leg and wrestled with it. I almost fell down. I picked him up and threw him on the bed. We spent the rest of the night wrestling.
M.B.Vick
Oh My Goodness, DSL
I am in Rowmanellieo right now at Eld. & Sis. Franklin's house. They have DSL. They also have their house networked where I can use my computer wirelessly.
Oh, my goodness, DSL!M.B.Vick
What’s in the Bag?
I was depressed most of the weekend. I didn’t even go to church. Sis. MaCulvie tried to get me to eat, but I wouldn’t. I just cried.
Evg. MaCulvie tried to talk to me, but I didn’t want to talk to him.
The bag that Deacon Patten had given me popped into my head. I had put it in a drawer. I didn’t want to look in it. I went to the drawer and got the bag. I looked through it. There was a book about prayer in the bag, a big bag of M&M’s, a teddy bear, and a note. I opened the note. It was from Keyva. It read…
Sorry about looking through your bag. I shouldn’t have done that. I think you are a great musician. I hope you will come back to see us. Here’s my email address, if you want to email me.
Miss you already,
Ya Girl - Keyva
The note made me smile. I wondered what, Ya Girl, meant, but I didn’t want to get too excited. I felt better. I was still mad about what happened at my mother’s.
At least, I had Keyva’s email address. I am back in love with Keyva Palmer.
M.B.Vick
Whew, This Week…
I had to get some rest this week. My head was swimming when I got back into town.
Evg. MaCulvie and his wife asked me a lot of questions when I got to the house. I tried to answer all of them. I said Keyva’s name a couple of times. Sis. MaCulvie asked me who Keyva was. She had a silly grin on her face when she asked me about her. I tried to play it off, but Sis. MaCulvie wouldn’t let me. I told them who Keyva was. I got teased for awhile about it. It was cool talking to them. That was the best part of the week.
I talked to Evg. MaCulvie about playing for Canaan House of Rest. I really want to go down there and play for them, but I don’t want to quit my job. I felt like an idiot because my sole reason for staying in
Dorinda was a job, not my family or church home. Evg. MaCulvie was cool. He said, “Sometimes, we need to get away from our family to be who God wants us to be. If we won’t move on our own, God may have to make us move. You just have to move, so that God won’t push you.” He laughed when he said that. I didn’t see anything to laugh about. He talked to me some more. I wasn’t really listening, though.
I decided to go over to my mother’s house to tell her about moving. I should have just kept my tail at home.
My brother, his girlfriend, and three of the thuggish looking nigg*s I have ever seen were over there sitting on the couch I help my mother buy. They were drinking beer and smoking. My brother cussed me out and asked me what I wanted. I told him that I was looking for Mama. He told me that she was in the back room.
I went to her room. She was laying in the bed. I sat down on the bed next to her. She lifted her head and said hello. She smelt like a liquor store. I couldn’t believe it. She had been sober for a year and now she was drunk. I got mad. I went into the living room and yelled at my brother, “Who gave Mama something to drink? She had been sober for a year.” My brother said, “Nigg* ain’t nobody give mama nothing. Her trifling old as* went in the kitchen and drunk my sh**. I don’t care how long she’s been sober. She must have enjoyed it because she drunk three forties.” Craig and his friends laughed. I walked over to Craig and shoved him. His two thuggish friends grabbed me. Craig hit me in the stomach and told me to back off. I wrestled free and went back into my mother’s room.
I sat down beside her. I said, “I wish you wouldn’t have drunk anything. You were doing so good.” She laughed and said, “Boy, I’m an old woman. Let me have some fun.” I just shook my head. I said, “I have a job offer in Rowmanellieo.” She didn’t say anything. I repeated what I had said. She just stared at me as if I was speaking a foreign language. I stared into space.
My mother said, “Are you gonna go to Rowmanellieo?” I said, “I don’t know yet.” My mother said, “It’ll probably be good for you. It’ll make a man out of you.” I got upset. I said, “I am already a man.” My mother hit me in the back of my head hard. She said, “You ain’t no man. You are a little punk. You need to be more like Craig.” I stood up and yelled, “Craig, ain’t no man. He is a criminal. If going to jail, selling dope, and treating women like dirt, makes me a man, then I will never be a man. Craig is going to bring trouble in this house.” My mother yelled, “At least Craig brings some money up in this house. I mean some real money, not them pennies you bring up in here. Take you like as* to Rowmanellieo. I am sick of the sight of you. Get outta my face! Craig, come this little nigg*!” I stood up.
Craig walked into the room just as I was walking out. He grabbed me by the arm and drug me out of the room, through the living room. When we got to the door, he said, “Yea, don’t bring your trifling God talking behind around here no more. The real son is here now. Mama don’t want you. I don’t like you. So, run your butt up outta here. I betta not see you around here anymore.” He raised his shirt and showed me a gun. He said, “I promise ya, I will use it.”
I cried most of the way home.
M.B.Vick
