Severed Family Ties

Chapter 1

Disappearing Act

“James Brandon Smith is my biological father,”   Carl said as he taped the infamous picture to the antique style swiveling mirror in his bedroom.

 “Nothing about this man indicates a blood connection,” Carl said.  He compared his milk chocolate skin, his dreamy brown eyes, and his tall muscular physique to the picture.

The picture of James Smith  revealed an average complexion, dark eyes, and a man of standard height..  His hair was trimmed close to his head tapered sides led to a neatly kept goatee.

Carl taped a picture of Kevin Grover on the opposite side of the mirror.  Affirmatively he stated,  “Square jaw structure, almond colored and shaped eyes,  the same chiseled features, same muscular frame.  This is my Dad,” he said.

Grandma Alicia sauntered in to the room. She stood in Carl’s room with her arms crossing her chest, money balled up in one hand looking up at Carl with those piercing black eyes. She leisurely strolled to the mirror and stood there studying the photos before flipping the mirror in disgust causing it to spend several times.

Carl stood hanging on to one side of the mirror with his head lowered swinging from side to side. Grandma comfortably sat in place on his bed never taking her eyes off of him.

“Your Mother was promiscuous, a common whore.  “This,” she said pointing to the picture of Kevin, was a confused weak man and your Daddy.”  She paused before standing to say, “I am ashamed to say JB is your biological father.  Get Over it,” Grandma Alicia said.  With a disgusted push, the mirror flipped over revealing a smooth mahogany wood finish.

 “I am not your tormentor though you may see me in that way.  I have only your best interest at heart and the forgiveness of your soul.  Do not stand there in front of that mirror wearing that whoa was me face and developing that defeatist attitude.  You’ve had a tormenting beginning. Let’s not predetermine the ending,” Grandma Alicia said. “Get your behind out of that mirror and up to practice,” she demanded.

Tears in his eyes voice quivering as he spoke, Carl said, “You told me two weeks ago my whole life is a lie.  The graduation ceremony is not important to me, please leave,” he said quietly.  

“Apparently we need to revisit my house rules and God’s commandments. As head of my household and matriarch of this family I demand that you obey God’s commandment to honor thy father and mother.  Exit my premises, take these funds and go pay your senior dues.  The number one rule in this house is when an adult tells you to do something it’s not negotiable,” Grandma Alicia growled.