Dead and Stinkin' Read online

  “My child, your unborn son will be the death of a family member, and the abomination will continue. He will become sexually involved with yet another of the same bloodline.”

  Jackie looked on in horror as the fortuneteller’s words both confused and terrified her all at once. She shook uncontrollably and did not even feel Larry’s embrace.

  “I’m sorry, my children. You seem like such a nice couple. I truly wish I was not the bearer of this accused prophecy, but I’m only the messenger. I will pray for you both,” the fortuneteller said, doing his best to comfort the couple.

  Without saying anything further, the fortuneteller got up, walked to a room in the back, and closed the curtain. Larry and Jackie were left sitting speechless for a moment. Wide eyed, they just stared at each other.

  It got so silent that Larry and Jackie could hear their hearts pounding inside their chest. Staring nervously into each other’s eyes, Larry and Jackie could read each other’s thoughts. What started out as a wonderful day and a lovely evening by sundown had turned into a nightmare. In the last few minutes their whole life had been turned upside down and shattered. The couple walked away from Coney Island that night, their hopes and dreams of a joyous and prosperous life dashed on the side of the boardwalk at Coney Island. Silently Larry drove home while Jackie repeatedly whispered the Lord’s Prayer.

  Chapter 02

  “Honey, I just don’t see that we have a choice in this matter. Believe me when I say, I know this is murder but we can’t let this baby come into the world knowing what we know.”

  Larry and Jackie had endless discussions about what the psychic reader told them. They had eventually decided on what had to be done. Larry still had to reassure Jackie that the abortion was necessary. They had talked about several options, and even went to three other psychics that Jackie knew and trusted. With minor differences, all the predictions were very similar. The common theme of an unborn son that would cause tragedy to the family resounded in all the psychics’ predictions.

  On the fateful day, Jackie sat in the abortion clinic looking at the young women and pregnant teens about to destroy their babies. Jackie began to weep. Even though her mind was made up, she still mourned her unborn seed. Larry, sitting next to his wife, noticed a short plump lady walking around. She was handing out pamphlets, and talking to some of the young expectant mothers waiting their turn. The abortion clinic was more like a little shop of horrors for both Larry and Jackie. The plump lady spotted Jackie crying, and walked over.

  “This is not the only answer young lady. There are other options, you know.”

  Jackie looked up at the lady standing over her and Larry did the same, but with a suspicious face.

  “Excuse me, miss, but what are you talking about?” Jackie asked.

  The woman sat down next to the couple, handed a booklet to Larry and spoke quietly with Jackie.

  “Miss, if you truly want to terminate your pregnancy, you should consider giving another couple a chance at parenthood. There are many loving couples who are unable to conceive children on their own.”

  The woman waited for Jackie to respond, but getting none proceeded with her spiel.

  “My name is Miss Jones. I work for an organization that’s desperately seeking unwanted children for adoption, and placing them with good, caring and stable families. The baby and parents, original and adopters are given a chance at a full, satisfied life. It’s a win-win situation for all, and we also offer post-natal care free of charge,” the woman said.

  Jackie stared at the lady. She saw the sincerity in her eyes, and heard the compassion in her voice. Jackie then looked at her husband.

  Seeing that she was considering what the lady was offering Larry quickly said, “Hold on, baby, don’t forget about—” Larry thoughts stirred and he abruptly stop speaking. He was reminded that they were not alone by the look in his wife’s eyes. He glanced at the woman and said, “Pardon me, Miss Jones, could you please give us a minute alone.”

  “Why yes, sir, of course. This is a decision for the both of you to make. Please take all the time you need,” Miss Jones said, walking off to talk with a young girl who had just walked into the clinic.

  “Jackie, are you considering this? Baby, what about the predictions?” Larry asked. Suddenly he stopped when he saw the pain on his wife’s face.

  Jackie stared at her husband before saying, “Baby, this is our child. I can’t kill it no matter what those cards say. Believe me when I say that I know we can’t take the risk of bringing that curse into our lives. Maybe if our child was raised by another family that would prevent the curse from happening,” Jackie said. Cutting Larry off before he could speak, Jackie continued. “Larry, let’s give our son a chance at life. Please, baby, for me.”

  The moment he looked into his wife’s sad eyes, Larry’s heart melted. He loved her so much and denying her anything was next to impossible. Larry shook his head.

  “Jackie, it’s your body and our baby. I can’t force you to do anything that would hurt you physically or emotionally. So if you decide against the abortion it’s cool with me. I just hope and pray… ”

  Larry’s words were muffled when Jackie threw her arms around him and kissed him. Miss Jones witnessed this and came over with a smile.

  “Um well, whatever you two decided it looks like someone is very satisfied with the decision.”

  Jackie broke off the embrace and addressed her.

  “Yes, Miss Jones, we will agree to the adoption for our baby’s sake. But I have one condition,” Jackie said.

  “Condition… Ah what condition is that?” Miss Jones asked, looking puzzled.

  “I would like to see my baby one time before he is taken from me. I want to hold him and kiss him, and tell him that I’m sorry.”

  Miss Jones looked at Jackie then Larry before saying, “I’m sorry but that’s just not our policy. We really can’t allow that.”

  “Okay, believe me when I say that I guess there’s nothing further to talk about. Have a nice day, Miss Jones,” Jackie said, staring at Miss Jones.

  She stood and walked over to the receptionist’s desk.

  “How much longer will it be?” Jackie asked the nurse.

  “You’re next,” the nurse said.

  Jackie waved at Larry and started walking toward the small operating room. Miss Jones followed her and caught up with her from behind.

  “Wait, dear, maybe I can try to work something out. Please don’t go in there just yet. Let’s see what I can do first,” Miss Jones pleaded, holding Jackie’s arm.

  During her pregnancy, Jackie cared for herself as if she would keep the seed developing inside her. She religiously kept her prenatal medical appointments, ate the right meals and slept right. Larry was detached and tried not to go back against the plan. He rarely talked about the son who should have brought them closer, but instead pushed them further away from each other.

  The deep divide burned inside both of them, ripping the walls of tolerance they had for each other. Larry coped by being silent about it, going about his business in as usual as he could do it. Jackie bore the brunt of the burden. The pregnancy took its toll on her body and emotionally she was detached.

  When the day came and she was going through labor, he drove her to the hospital and stood around anxiously waiting for the baby’s arrival. It was an easy labor and Jackie went through it with no complications. Later she was thrilled while resting up in the recovery room. A nurse brought the newborn bundled in white linen.

  “Oh my God, Larry, look at him! Believe me when I say he looks just like you. Poor child,” Jackie said, teasing Larry.

  Jackie held her seven pounds, four ounces son for the first and possibly last time. Larry looked at his son smiling. He thought of the fortuneteller’s prophecy and his joy was quickly extinguished. Larry walked to the window in the recovery room and stared outside. Jackie could see his face. She knew his sorrowful thoughts, but was wrapped up with the baby in her arms. She planted gentle ki
sses on her son’s forehead and couldn’t help but to examine him from head to toe. With all his fingers and toes, her son was a healthy baby boy.

  She kept on scrutinizing her baby, making sure everything was where it was supposed to be.

  “This is such a cute butterfly looking birthmark behind his left ear,” Jackie smiled, turning to look briefly at Larry before gushing. “He’s so adorable, if only we could keep him, huh Larry?”

  Miss Jones heard the tone of the mother’s voice and hurriedly made her way over to Jackie’s bed. She had been previously sitting in a corner of the room, but didn’t like what she was hearing.

  “I’m sorry, Jackie, but the longer he stays with you the harder it will be for you to let him go. So I better take him now, dear.”

  Jackie looked at Miss Jones as if coming out of a trance. Then she glanced up at Larry, who was still looking out the window.

  “Larry, don’t you want to say goodbye to your son?” Jackie asked.

  Larry turned, looked at his wife and newborn then walked out the room without speaking. Jackie kissed her son for the last time and handed him over to Miss Jones. She reclined in the hospital bed and cried herself to sleep.

  Days later in the office of an adoption agency in Brooklyn, prospective parents Mr. and Mrs. Wingate sat filling out papers and finally signed their names to the adoption forms. The baby born to Larry and Jackie officially changed family.

  “Well, Mr. and Mrs. Wingate, all the forms have been processed and the adoption has been approved.”

  Paul and Mary Wingate had been waiting for this day for three years. Ever since Mary found out that she could not conceive on her own, the couple finally realized their desire. It was truly a dream come true. The Wingates, a very well to do, African American couple, were college grads, and owned a chain of dry cleaning business. They lived in midtown Manhattan in a luxurious five-bedroom apartment overlooking the East River. With future secure, their life was exciting and the only thing missing from was a child of their own. Mary Wingate shed tears of joy when news of the approved adoption hit. She hugged her husband and expressed hearty gratitude to Miss Jones.

  Everything was prepared for his arrival when the Wingates brought their young handsome son home. A fully furnished bedroom awaited him and a nanny had been already screened and hired. A plan from nursery to college was already in effect. Every area of his life was already mapped out after being carefully thought out and researched. This would be the couple’s only child and nothing was left up to chance. They name their son Edward, after his grandfather who had recently passed away. Even though his destiny was already decided, Edward would have the best of everything. His proud, new parents had the resources to make it happen. Unfortunately all the money and love in the world could not change one crucial area of the young Edward’s life.

  Chapter 03

  Edward Wingate grew up to be an intelligent and handsome young man. The years went by quickly and he had already attended and graduated from a very prestigious grade school in Manhattan. An extremely good student with excellent grades, Edward, a promising athlete was scheduled to attend a preparatory high school in the fall.

  “Edward, do you have everything you need?” Mary Wingate asked her son.

  It was his first day of high school and she was more nervous than he was. Edward smiled at her and calmly responded.

  “Yes, mother. I’m all set. I’m going to meet Chip and Roger downstairs so we can walk to school together.”

  With much enthusiasm and excitement, Edward kissed his mother before rushing off. However his first day at his new school started alright, but ended in unnecessary drama. After his last class ended, Edward was walking to the bus stop on his way home when he was surprised by some of his classmates.

  “What’s up pretty boy? Yo, you know you look like a girl,” one of the boys laughed, confronting Edward.

  Edward had soft facial features, but what most boys hated about him, the girls loved. He was sexually active since junior high, and was a hit with the girls on his first day in high school.

  “You hear me talking to you Wingate? You look like a little bitch.”

  Edward ignored the boys and looked down the street for the bus. The boy doing the heckling finally worked up enough courage to get front and center in Edward’s face. Before the heckling teen knew what had happened, he was flat on his back with a busted lip and a tooth missing. His friends took off leaving their pal on the floor bleeding. Edward nonchalantly stepped over the boy and walked away. This same type of fisticuffs drama had plagued Edward through grade, and now was about to do the same in high school.

  After the incident with the glass jaw boy, Edward really had no more trouble with bullies in school. His peers, having quickly found out that he was no punk, respected his knuckle game. At third period, Edward was very excited because it was time for science class.

  The teacher, Miss Branch, was young and fine. All the boys in school lusted and fantasized about having sex with her. Edward was much too cool to act overly excited about his teacher around his classmates, but like the rest, he constantly thought about her. Before class started, Edward was approached by one of his girlfriends.

  “Eddie, I was hoping I’d catch you before class, baby.”

  Camille was a young Jamaican girl who was crazy about Edward. She kissed him on the cheek.

  “Hey, cutie, what’s up?” Edward replied, hugging Camille.

  “I just wanted to give you the money for your sneaks and invite you to lunch. Are you free later?”

  “But of course, Camille. How could I turn down a date with you, boo?” Edward smiled, showing off his well-cared for teeth.

  Camille’s eyes widened. All the girls in the school sweated Edward. Constantly angling for a better position on his list of girlfriends, they would shower him with gifts, money, and of course, sex. Edward Wingate was a fat cat in this preppy school arena. The bell rang for class and Edward kissed Camille on the cheek. He also took a hundred dollars off her.

  “See you at lunch, boo,” Camille shouted, walking down the hall.

  She was hoping that her rivals saw Edward’s affection on display toward her. Edward’s friends had informed him that the science teacher, Miss Branch, always stared at him during class. Some were jealous because she would constantly praise his work. Today the science class was about to end and Miss Branch walked to Edward’s desk.

  “Mr. Wingate, please remain after class. I would like to discuss your homework assignment.”

  The class ended and Edward waited at his desk for Miss Branch. She called him into the lab room at the back of the class. Edward walked to the dark lab room and reached for the light switch.

  “Over here, Mr. Wingate.”

  Although Edward could barely see his teacher he walked to where Miss Branch’s voice came from. Her hand grabbed his.

  “What’s up with the lights, Miss Branch?”

  “We don’t need the lights for this science project, Mr. Wingate.”

  Edward was a confused until the teacher took his hand and placed it between her thighs. He caught on fast.

  “Miss Branch, I don’t… ”

  He stopped speaking when the teacher started to remove her panties and rub his hands over her soft mound. Miss Branch moved closer to Edward, putting her lips inches from his ear.

  “I want to see if you understand your homework assignment. It calls for you to study the female reproductive system, Mr. Wingate. Let’s see what you’ve learned. Fuck me.”

  Edward wasn’t new to sex. Even though he was feeling nervous, he quickly got into position. Bending her over a desk, Edward penetrated Miss Branch. The horny teacher moaned, calling his name. Edward proceeded to blow her back out. His pounding strokes cause Miss Branch to cry out loudly and she tugged at his hair while having an extremely violent orgasm. Their fuck session seemed to last for a long time. Edward was about to discharge in his teacher for the third time when the lights suddenly came on.

  “I’m sor
ry, Mr. and Mrs. Wingate. I’m afraid we have no choice but to expel Master Wingate from the Academy. The type of behavior he was engaged in has never happened here before, and cannot go unpunished. Miss Branch has resigned, and I called you here to discuss the board’s decision.”

  Miss Lewis, the school principal, called the meeting with the Wingates only as a courtesy. Edward’s fate had long been decided.

  “Please, Mrs. Lewis, is there anything you can do to give Edward another chance? He is truly sorry for what he did. Is there anything you can do?”

  Mary Wingate looked over at her son who was glancing aimlessly out the office window. She sensed that Edward had no remorse and was unaffected by the possibility of his expulsion from school. His indifference was also seen by Miss Lewis. She made her final decision.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Wingate, and I’m sorry Edward, but the board’s decision is final. You will have to find a new school to attend. I’m truly sorry this situation had to happen.”

  “Let me stay, please. I don’t want to go,” Edward shouted out in his sleep.

  The familiar cries awoke his parents. His father hurried into Edward’s room, and sat on his bed.

  “No, please, let me stay,” Edward screamed, before his father managed to wake him.

  “Edward it’s me your dad. I’m here, Edward. You were just having another nightmare. It’s okay, son.”

  Edward woke up shivering in a cold sweat. He sat up in his bed.

  “Dad, why do I have the same weird dream all the while? And it always seems so real.”

  Since the fourth grade, Edward had been having nightmares. Usually they were all the same. He was always being taken somewhere he didn’t want to go. The weirdest part about the dreams was that he could never see the faces of the people in his dreams. Tonight there was no different, but he knew they were coming more frequent. After he calmed down, Edward went into the bathroom to brush his teeth. Later his mother came into his room.

  “Edward, remember we have an appointment seven thirty this morning at Dwight High School. Are you getting ready, son?”