Chapter 24
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” Unknown
The following weeks began to get somewhat better. She enjoyed her new position. She’d talked to Johnathan several times since she first met him. Her ankle had healed, and she had the pleasure of being shown around the city by Belinda.
She accepted an invitation from Belinda to go to church the upcoming Sunday. She was looking forward to it. It had been months since she’d been inside a church, and she missed it.
Tonight, however, she was having dinner with Johnathan. Since their chance encounter, the two of them had been talking quite frequently on the phone, and on campus. The more she talked to him, the more at ease she became around him. He was nothing like Bleak or her father. Johnathan was his own man, with a different personality, a different swagger.
He was polite but at the same time, he didn’t hesitate to speak his mind. He was well respected on the college campus and had received many awards for his outstanding service to in his field. Johnathan was a few years her senior, but that suited Adanya just fine. He owned his home, and had several other properties he rented out to mostly college students. During one of their phone conversations he told her that he was not involved with anyone, had no children, and had never been married. Adanya was further impressed that they shared the same Christian belief.
Johnathan attended a small church in North Carolina that he had belonged to since he was a young boy. Both of his parents, and two of his seven siblings, remained members of the church. He was close to his family, another plus for him in Adanya’s eyes. Hearing him talk about his siblings made her want to get to know her little sisters. Maybe one day she would after her life got back in order.
Adanya told Belinda about Johnathan, and much to her surprise, Belinda knew him. After having been reassured by Belinda that he was a cool guy, Adanya was looking forward to getting to know even more about him. This would be their first time going out on an official date, and Adanya was slightly nervous.
◊
Sunday arrived and Adanya listened to her GPS as it directed her to Belinda’s church. After parking, she walked to the front of the church where she waited on Belinda. She didn’t have to wait long. Belinda came and escorted her into the massive sanctuary.
Adanya enjoyed the fellowship. The pastor delivered a dynamic message. He reminded Adanya of the pastor in Houston, Texas, Joel Osteen. His message was clear, easy to understand, and addressed everyday issues.
After church, she and Belinda went out to eat. It was over lunch that Adanya found herself telling Belinda about her family situation. “That’s messed up,” Belinda told her after listening to the whole spiel. “But you know what?”
“What?”
“They’re still your family. They may have hurt you, but I’m sure they love you. Don’t you love them?”
“Sure, I do. They’re my family; I just can’t deal with all the mess.”
“We all have some kind of mess, Adanya. I’m not condoning any of the things you say your father did or what your mother did. But what I am saying is that life is too short to live it being mad, angry and having an unforgiving spirit.”
“But I do forgive them.”
“If you have, why haven’t you talked to them? Why haven’t you reached out to at least try to get to know your little sisters? I’m sure having a big sister would be fun for them. But you’ll never know because you’ve chosen to punish them.”
“I’m not punishing them.”
“You sure aren’t trying to have them in your life. We all have done something we’re ashamed of, Adanya. I’m sure you can agree with that.”
Adanya nodded. She thought about how she started abusing alcohol when she found out Annalisse wasn’t her real mother. She thought about how she acted like she was an executioner and a judge when it came to her parents.
“Look, all I’m saying is you should pray, and I mean really go before God and ask His direction. If something happened to your parents, or even little sisters, while you were harboring all that bitterness in your heart, then you would be devastated.”
“Maybe I do need to get things in order with them. It’s just so hard, but I guess it’s even harder not talking to them, and not being around them. I miss them. I really, really do.”
“Then, I say, when you get home this afternoon, call them. Check up on them. Sometimes you have to be the bigger person.”
“I might.”
“Okay, now that we’ve got that out of the way, tell me how things are going between you and Johnathan.” Belinda smiled and then placed some of her food in her mouth.
Adanya drank some of her tea before she answered. “Good. Slow.”
“Uhhh, good and slow?”
Adanya smiled. “Not that kind of good and slow,” she giggled. “Good like I like him. Slow in like we’re just friends. I don’t want to get involved with anyone right now.”
“Is it because of the guy back home? Your stepbrother?”
“No, not really. I mean, I liked Bleak, but it wouldn’t have worked. It would have been too awkward.”
“I understand. So, why do you need to take it slow with Johnathan then?”
“I’m in a new city, with a new job, meeting new people. I don’t want to get hung up on the first guy that steps my way. I want to enjoy life. And when, or if the right man comes along one day, and after I work on myself, then maybe I’ll entertain getting serious with someone. But until then, I like things just the way they are.”
Belinda shrugged. “Nothing wrong with that.
◊
Later that evening, after she made it back home, Adanya decided to follow Belinda’s advice. Annalisse was the first person she called. She was glad she did, because Annalisse was ecstatic when she heard Adanya’s voice.
During the two hours they talked Adanya felt like heavy weights were being lifted off her shoulders.
Next, with much more difficulty, she called her father.
“Pumpkin, God knows I’m sorry for hurting you, and Annalisse. But believe me when I tell you that I love you. You’re my firstborn. You’ll always be my special lady.”
“You said that you worked everything out between you and God. Guess that’s good enough for me. I want you to be part of my life again. I want to get to know my sisters.”
Adanya could hear Kenneth sobbing, and she released her tears as well.
“You have made my day, my week, my year,” he cried into the phone. “This is an answered prayer. I love you so much, Pumpkin. Please believe me.”
“I do, Daddy.”
Before she ended the call, she asked to say hello to Caitlin and Cady. Adanya couldn’t help laughing as each of the girls talked over the other one. They told her that they wanted to see her. Adanya was overjoyed, and for the first time in a while she felt happy.
◊
Thanksgiving was approaching, and Adanya decided to go home to spend time with Anaya, see her father, meet her sisters, and try to let the past remain in the past.
Her first stop after arriving in Memphis was Nanette’s apartment. It was still her safe haven. The wounds caused by the pain of her past lingered. Would there ever come a time when it wouldn’t hurt? She shook the confusing thoughts and refaced on why she was in Memphis. This visit, she prayed, would prove to be a journey of healing for all of them.
Nanette and Adanya sat on the sofa talking. “Are you going to see your daddy?”
“Yes. If I say that I forgive my parents, then I have to act like it. You know some folks say they can forgive but they’ll never forget.”
“Yeah, I hear that a lot.”
“Well, think about that. Is that really true forgiveness? I mean, when God forgives us, He forgets.”
Nanette nodded. “You’re right.”
“He says, as far as the east is from the west, that’s how far He removes our sin from us, so who am I not to at least try to forgive and move forward.”
“I think it takes a lot out of a person to hold on to unforgiveness and anger.”
“This is why I have to do my part to make things better. If I can do that, then I believe I can return to North Carolina a better person.”
“So what’s next?”
“I’m going to see him, and meet my little sisters.”
“Are you going to get in touch with Bleak too?”
“Nope. I think I better let that stay where it is – in the past.”
“I just knew you and Bleak would become a couple. Guess some things aren’t meant.”
“Guess not. Anyway, I’m going to get ready to go see my daddy.” Adanya gathered her purse, stood up and walked toward the door.
Nanette remained seated. “You need me to ride out with you? Eads is quite a ways you know, and I can be there with you for moral support.”
“Thanks, but I need to do this on my own. I’ll keep you posted.”
“Okay, I’ll be here.”
Adanya turned around just as Nanette got up and started toward her. The two embraced.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you. You really are my best friend.”
“I better be.” Nanette laughed.
“I’ll see you later.” Adanya went back to the door, opened it and without looking back, headed to her car, got inside, and drove off.
◊
Adanya put in the address and followed the instructions of her phone’s navigation system. She turned on her father’s street an hour after departing Nanette’s apartment. Her throat muscles tightened as she looked at the luxurious homes lining the streets. They made the one she’d grown up in look miniscule. Adanya felt her anger and resentment mounting as the navigation system said, “Your destination is on the right.”
The English style Tudor was back off the street. The closer she drove toward the home, the more she could see just how massive it actually was. She swallowed, and told herself, don’t go there. Let it go. You’re past this, Adanya.
She drove and parked in the circular driveway behind a pearl white Jaguar. Bet that’s Carla’s Jag. Again, she swallowed, turned off the ignition, and proceeded to get out of her car and walk up the long walkway until she found herself planted in front of the equally massive door. She pushed the doorbell, and sucked in her breath and slowly released it.
She heard her father from the other side saying, “I’ll get it.” She braced herself, took one last sigh, and waited.
“Pumpkin,” he said when he saw her standing in front of him. “I’m so glad you came.”
Her father was in a wheelchair, his legs held in place by wide, black Velcro straps. He hadn’t said anything about being in a wheelchair, no one had.
“Come on, in.” He pushed the button on the electric chair, rolled to the door and closed it. He then turned and led her into the foyer.
The sounds of children’s chatter caused her to become a little nervous. At the same time her daddy slowly took hold of her hands, lifted them to his mouth, and gently kissed them.
“Caitlin, Cady, this is Adanya, your big sister,” he announced before she had a chance to make one more step into the house.
“Hi, there.” Adanya smiled at the two little blond curly haired girls, who had strong features of the father the three of them shared.
With a pronounced limp, residuals of the car accident, Caitlin walked toward Adanya.
“I’m Caitlin..”
“Nice to meet you, Caitlin. I’m Adanya.”
She pointed at her younger sister who stared intensely at Adanya like she was trying to size her up. “This is Cady.”
“Hello, Cady.”
“Hello,” the little girl replied.
Adanya followed behind the wheelchair. This is what your infidelity cost you, Daddy. What a price to pay.
They entered into a hearth room that looked like it been pulled straight from a magazine. Adanya was used to having lived a rather expensive lifestyle, but this place was nothing like she would have imagined. Her father had definitely gone over and beyond for his so called other family, but Adanya kept talking to herself, trying to maintain self-control. She was here to meet her sisters and come to some resolution with her father – that was it.
“Sit down anywhere you like,” Kenneth offered. “Carla will be back in a few minutes. She’s running some errands.”
“Thank you.” She sat down in the plush sofa chair.
“Are you moving here with us?”
Adanya smiled and shook her heard. “No, honey. I came here because I wanted to meet you and Cady.”
“Oh.”
Cady waited on her daddy to get settled, then she climbed up on his lap. Adanya smiled as she watched the little girl. She used to do the same thing when she was her age.
“I know it took a lot of courage for you to come,” Kenneth said. “But just being here, seeing you again makes me the happiest man alive. I have all three of my girls under one roof. This is going to be some Thanksgiving.” He smiled and Adanya nodded.
“Baby, did you get everything taken care of ?” Adanya followed his eyes and his voice and saw Carla’s entrance.
“Yes I did. I have everything I need to assure we have a good Thanksgiving dinner. Hello, Adanya.” She walked over to Adanya and offered her hand to shake.
Adanya accepted and smiled slightly. “Hello, Carla.”
“We are so glad to have you. Did John offer you anything to drink or eat?”
Adanya shook her head, still feeling somewhat weird hearing her father being called by his middle name. “Uh, no, but I’m fine. Thank you.”
“Are you sure? Because I can get you something. It’s no bother.”
“That’s right, Pumpkin. Would you like a sandwich, something sweet, something to drink, anything?” Kenneth offered.
“No, really I’m fine.” Adanya felt awkward. She wanted to jump up and run out of there as fast as she could, but she knew that would not be the thing to do.
“Look, Daddy, Carla, I can’t stay long. I just wanted to come by, meet my sisters, and well try to make a fresh start with you, Daddy.”
“I know this isn’t easy for you. God knows I haven’t exactly made it easy, have I?” He held on to Cady as she pushed herself farther on to his lap before she laid back and stuck her thumb inside her mouth.
Adanya looked at him, and suddenly felt pity for him. She studied his face and he looked worried.
“It is hard, Daddy. It’s real hard, but God has been dealing with me lately, and I knew it was time to face my fears, so I’m here.”
“Excuse me, but would you like some alone time with your father?” Carla asked.
“No, that won’t be necessary.”
“No, really, I don’t mind. Me and the girls need to get changed for dinner anyway. We’d love for you to join us.”
“No,” Adanya quickly said. “I can’t. I have some other stops to make. But before you leave, I want to say something to you, Carla.”
Kenneth looked uneasy. Carla stiffened.
“I want to tell you that I’m sorry for the way I treated you in the past. I had no right to take things out on you. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course, but I know you’ve gone through a lot. None of this is easy, not for any of us. So much has happened, but I love your father, Adanya. No matter what he’s done, I love him, and I can’t see myself living without him. He’s a good man, and a good father.” She looked over at Caitlin who was sitting quietly on the sofa opposite Adanya, then at Cady who remained nestled in her father’s lap.
“I’m sure he is. Daddy, how are you? Does your leg give you many problems?”
“Let’s just say I’m learning to cope a little better every day. I’m just glad to be alive. I know what happened was my fault. I caused a lot of pain to the very ones I professed to love, and again I want you to know how sorry I am.” He wiped his eyes like he was trying to keep tears from pushing forth.
“I’m sorry too. I love you, Daddy. And like Carla said, and I have to agree with her, you are a good father. You always were. I can’t deny that. I just wanted to come by here because it’s leading up to Thanksgiving, and I don’t want another day to go by without first of all letting God know how grateful I am, and then to tell you that no matter what has transpired between you and me, that I still love you.”
Carla, as if unspoken words had been exchanged between them, walked over and removed Cady, who had fallen asleep on her father’s lap. She squirmed when Carla lifted her, but did not wake up.
“I knew she was going to do that. She always falls asleep when she sits in his lap.” Carla spoke in a whisper. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go lay her down.”
“Sure,” replied Adanya.
“Come on, Caitlin, sweetheart.”
“But I want to stay here with my sister,” she whined. Carla looked over at her husband, and he nodded.
“Please, don’t make her leave. This is the first time I’ve seen them.”
“Okay, if you say so,” he answered.
Carla smiled. “I want you to know you’re welcome here anytime, Adanya.”
“Thank you.” Adanya replied and Carla disappeared up the hallway.
“Have you seen or talked to your mother?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good. Real good.”
“Do you want to see my room and my dolls?” Caitlin suddenly asked.
“Honey, not today,” Kenneth said.
“I don’t mind,” Adanya answered.
“Okay, it’s up to you.”
“Come on, I want to show you all my Barbie dolls and my Karito dolls. I have a lot of them.” Caitlin sprung up off the couch.
“Have fun,” remarked Kenneth. “I’ll be out in the garden when you come back downstairs.”
“Okay,” Adanya replied.
Caitlin grabbed Adanya’s hand and led her up the stairs and to her room.. For the next few minutes, Adanya listened to Caitlin tell her the names of what seemed like about twenty or more dolls. The Barbie dolls were in all colors with gorgeous doll outfits and the diverse line of Karito dolls included Wan Ling, a panda lover from China, to Lulu, a soccer star and co-host on a children's TV show to Zoe, a bohemian songwriter from New York.
On her way back down the stairs, Adanya stood momentarily frozen when she heard Bleak’s familiar voice.
“What’s wrong?” Caitlin asked.
“Uh, nothing.”
Adanya took the last step and there, in front of her stood Bleak. He looked just as handsome as ever, and Adanya felt like she’d lost her breath for a moment.
“Hi,” he said, looking just as stunned. “What are you doing here?”
“Hi, Brother,” Caitlin said, and as quick as her body would carry her she rushed over to Bleak who swooped her up in his arms, and kissed her on her cheek before putting her down.
“Hello, Caitlin,” the blond haired woman said. It was the same female who had been in the restaurant that day with Bleak.
“Hi, Mallorie. Guess what? Daddy bought me a new Karito doll,” Caitlin said. “You want to see her?”
“I sure do.” Mallorie flashed a beautiful, flawless smile.
“Babe,” Bleak said. “Hold up. Let me introduce you to, to uh, my step sister.” He looked just as dumb as he sounded.
This was the part of the trip she hoped she could avoid. She didn’t want to see him. She just wanted to meet her sisters, spend a little time with them and her father, and then leave. But if she was going to completely heal, and completely let go of the past, she knew she had to release the love she felt for Bleak, and allow it to slowly develop into what she hoped one day could be a solid friendship.
“I think we’ve already met, honey. Remember, the restaurant. I know it’s been a minute, but I never forget a face. Am I right?” Mallorie asked, and eyed Adanya with caution.
“Uh, yes, I believe you’re right. I forgot about that.”
“Adanya,” Bleak stuttered slightly. “Mallorie and I are engaged. We’re getting married next June.”
Mallorie immediately lifted her left hand and showcased the nice sized diamond on her ring finger.
“Oh,” Adanya managed to say. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you. Nice seeing you again. Come on, Caitlin. Let’s go see your new doll.” Mallorie kissed Bleak on the lips before she took hold of Caitlin’s hand and led her back up the stairs toward her bedroom.
“Why are you here?”
“I came to see my father, and to meet my sisters of course.”
“Oh, is that right?”
“Yes, that’s right. I see you and he have made amends too.”
“Yes. I had to forgive Him if I expect God to forgive me.”
“Look,” she said to him as her heart continued to play somersaults with her tummy. “It was good to see you again. I hope you and Mallorie are happy. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to find my father and say goodbye.”
“He’s outside in the front garden.”
“Thanks.” Adanya walked around and past him.
“Adanya?”
She stopped at the sound of his commanding voice. “Yes.”
“Have a good life.”
Adanya looked but did not respond. Instead she turned back around and walked out the door.
She saw her father sitting in the beautifully designed garden. “I’m getting ready to leave.”
He looked. “Already?”
“Yes, I have to.”
“Is it because of Bleak and Mallorie? Be truthful with me, Pumpkin. You know I know you probably better than anyone. And I can tell that you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset. Bleak was a good friend while it lasted, that’s it; nothing more.”
“I wish you would stay a little longer. We’ve barely had time to talk.”
“I know, but I really do need to get going. We’ll talk again soon. I’ll stop by before I go back to North Carolina.”
“Is that a promise”
Adanya nodded, turned, and walked off to her car.
He’s going to marry her. Why should I care? Why does it hurt? Adanya drove in silence, no radio, no CD playing. Only silence accompanied her on the way back to Nanette’s apartment. Silence and thoughts of what she and Bleak might have had. But her life had been transformed and it was time to let fresh memories come into her life.
Her phone rang. “Hello.”
“How are things in M-town?” Adanya smiled when she heard Johnathan’s voice.
“Great. Everything is going according to plan.”
Adanya liked Johnathan. He made it easier to forget Bleak. She was determined not to put her heart on lock down. She had been praying about Johnathan, and was ready to let God do whatever He saw fit to do in her life. If they were meant to have anything together, then she was not going to be the one to put a damper on things.
“I just called to hear your voice. I miss you.”
“It’s good to be missed. I miss you too. I can’t wait to get back.”
“See you in a few days. Take care of yourself, and Happy
Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Johnathan.”
She smiled again as she ended their call, while at the same time thoughts of Bleak and his impending marriage quickly disappeared.
◊
The Kaplan family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner at Annalisse’s house.
Annalisse was rebuilding her life, and seemed to be adapting well to being single. In the divorce, she had walked away with a substantial lump sum settlement, the house minus mortgage payments, her car, alimony for seven years, and 49% stock in Anniston Digital Technology.
She became heavily involved in the company, which presented some extra perks for Annalisse.
Adanya was glad to see how well Annalisse looked.
“Adanya, you remember Mr. Hunt, don’t you; VP of Marketing at Anniston?” The expression Annalisse wore revealed a relaxed, rejuvenated, revitalized woman. The way she looked at Mr. Hunt, it was easy to conclude that they were probably involved.
Adanya looked at the well-dressed man and immediately felt at ease when she remembered how nice he had always been to her. When she was a little girl, he would give her candy whenever her father brought her to his office. He sported a bald head, almond colored skin, and had a certain ruggedness about himself.
“Yes, I remember. Hello, Mr. Hunt.” Adanya smiled. Good for you, Annalisse.
“It’s good to see you, Adanya. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Happy Thanksgiving to you too, sir.”
As they sat at the dining room table and prepared to dive into the delicious meal, Adanya cleared her throat and stood up next to her chair.
“Before we eat, I’d like to say something.”
“Sure, go ahead,” Annalisse said
“God has been dealing with me for a while. I know I haven’t been the best person to get along with, but I want to be better and do better. I’ve listened to everything each of you had to say about what happened in the past. Adanya placed her hand on Anaya’s shoulder. I even talked to Aunt Anaya. She made me see life so clearly, through the eyes of innocence and a childlike faith. She showed me what love truly means. Love is unconditional. I do believe that you all did the best that you knew how to do at the time that you did it. I believe everything happened the way that it did for a reason. One of those reasons is so that I could be born and experience how blessed, and how loved I am by you all.”
Adanya started to cry. “Mother.” She looked directly at Annalisse. “Please forgive me. I was wrong to treat you the way I did. You have been by my side all of my life. You have loved me and cared for me. You taught me about the love of God. You have shown me how to be a lady. And I’m so thankful for you.”
Breaking her eye connection with Annalisse, she looked at Joe Hunt then back at Annalisse. “I’m glad to see that you’re getting on with your life. I hope happiness follow you everywhere you go, Mother.”
Annalisse smiled, nodded, and wiped tears from her eyes.
“Each of you provided me with a life that has overflowed with blessings.” She turned toward her grandparents. “Gram. Gramps, thank you for your guidance and for never giving up on me.”
Lastly, Adanya looked at Anaya who had never stopped eating. “Aunt Anaya, I love you so much.”
“I love you too, Pretty Adanya.”
“I feel like this is the beginning of better and brighter things for the future of our family. I once asked my dad, ‘What’s blood got to do with it? Well, I finally understand that the blood of this family is what connects us; joins us together as one. Through all of this, I have come to realize that blood, our spiritual blood, has everything to do with it. ”
THE END
###
Words From The Author
How important is family? How much are you willing to forgive your family when they wrong you? Today there are many dysfunctional families. As I think about that word, dysfunctional, I wonder if there are any families that are NOT dysfunctional. I have come to the conclusion that all families have some type of dysfunction. If they did not, that would mean that they are perfect, and as you know there is none perfect, not one. If there is no one that is perfect, then how can families be perfect? The answer: they can’t.
But, you know what? Knowing that every family is dysfunctional in some shape, form, or fashion only means that we cannot get around God. We need God in every area of our lives. It makes no difference whether we need him as an individual, or as a collective body, the fact remains we need Him.
Without God, the family will fall apart. Much of that is happening today because society as a whole wants to strip God out of everything, and from everywhere. Society wants to put Him away and keep Him away. Nowadays it isn’t the proper thing to do to mention God. Our children and grandchildren are limited as to what they can publicly do when it comes to their Christian faith.
That is why it is important that we not allow society, government, or any organized religion to destroy the family. Yes, families may be dysfunctional, but they do not have to be destroyed. We have a savior who though we are weak, though we make mistakes, though we hurt each other sometimes in our family structure, we can maintain the family as long as we keep God first.
Learn forgiveness when family members wrong you.
Learn how to seek God’s face for strength and direction when you feel that there is nothing that can be done to salvage your family.
Look in the mirror. See what role you have played, or are playing in the disintegration of your family. Learn and remember that love is the key. Forgiveness is necessary. Relying on God is a must if you want your family to stand under the pressures of a world that is quickly going on a downward spiral.
Look up to the hills from whence cometh your help. Know that all of your help comes from God. He is the ruler and He can heal the broken areas of our lives. He can heal families. He can save children, and deliver parents. He can do any and everything, but we must rely on him.
Adanya experienced some harsh things in her life because of the decisions her family made. They made many mistakes, but the bottom line remains: family is still family. She had to learn that even the worst mistakes are worthy of forgiving. She had to learn to look within herself, and recognize her own shortcomings, her own faults, her own weaknesses.
Family is important. Whether your family is dysfunctional, dissected, damaged, or destroyed, God is able to restore, reunite, resurrect, and revitalize it.
Discussion Questions
• How did Anaya have the mental capacity to give Adanya a name that fits in with the family name structure?
• Was the family right to keep the truth from Adanya? Why or why not?
• If you believe Adanya should have been told the truth, at what age or time would it have been appropriate to tell her?
• Do you know anyone who is autistic? If so, how does autism affect them?
• What role did Maurice and Eva Kaplan play in the family?
• Would you say that Adanya grew up in a ‘good’ family? What makes a good family?
• Do you know of someone who has led or is leading a double life? What affects can it have or does it have on the family?
• Do you believe Bleak knew who Adanya was when he first approached her?
• Do you believe Bleak and Adanya could have had a relationship despite their family connection?
• Discuss the relationship Adanya had with her father? Are daughters closer to their fathers than sons? Why or why not?
• How did Annalisse feel about Adanya?
• Do you believe the fact that this was an upper middle class family affected the family dynamics?
• If this was an average family, would the secret about Adanya have been kept hush-hush or would it have been out in the open from the very beginning?
• How do you feel about Carla’s relationship with John Phillips?
• Was Carla wrong, dumb, stupid, or just plain in love for the way she reacted about her husband’s double life?
• Could you forgive someone like John Phillips? Why or why not? (Male or female)
• What does family mean to you?
• Is there ever a time when you should cut your family off? Why or why not?
• Were Bleak and Adanya in love?
• Should Annalisse have done some time for her crime?
• What is the significance of the title of this story as it relates to the characters and the overall story line?
A Personal Invitation from the Author
If you have not made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, God himself extends this invitation to you.
If you have not trusted Him and believed Him to be the giver of eternal life, you can do so right now. We do not know the second, the minute, the hour, the moment, or day that God will come to claim us. Will you be ready?
The Word of God says:
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are SAVED” (Romans 10:9-10 NIV).
Connect Via Social Media
To arrange speaking events, book signings, and or workshops please contact the author at sheliawritesbooks@yahoo.com You may also reach this author through http://www.twitter.com/sheliaebell
http://www.facebook.com/sheliaebell
Other Books by Shelia E. Lipsey (Bell)
BEAUTIFUL UGLY SERIES
(Book 1)
Beautiful Ugly
(Book 2)
True Beauty
MY SON’S WIFE SERIES
(Book 1)
My Son’s Wife
(Book 2)
My Son’s Ex Wife-The Aftermath
(Book 3)
My Son’s Next Wife
(Book 4)
My Sister, My Momma, My Wife
STAND ALONE NOVELS
Always, Now and Forever Love Hurts
Into Each Life
Sinsatiable
BENDED KNEES ANTHOLOGY
Against the Grain
GROUP NOVEL
Show A Little Love
NON FICTION
A Christian’s Perspective – Journey Through Grief
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Shelia E. Lipsey, God’s Amazing Girl