Jeremy

Jeremy

J. TIP THOMAS

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

JEREMY

Copyright © 2011 by J. Tip Thomas.

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ISBN: 978-1-4620-3941-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4620-3943-2 (dj)

ISBN: 978-1-4620-3942-5 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 07/27/2011

Contents

Inspired By True Events

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Inspired By True Events

Jeff Alexander is a laborer for Goldstein’s Warehouse. He lifts and stacks boxes of different size and weight for delivery to businesses in Seale, Alabama. Jeff is a burly man with a baldhead and a small mustache in the middle of his top lip. Carrie, his wife, cares for Jeremy, their only child. Carrie believes God provides their needs and she tells Jeff to give thanks for all the things God has provided. Carrie and Jeff’s education isn’t beyond the fifth grade; however, they have the ability to resolve common problems. Jeremy is six years old, an excellent student with the ability to read and write. Jeff and Carrie aren’t able to assist Jeremy with his assignments from school. The notes his teacher gives him, Jeremy reads the information to Carrie and she tells Jeff. This particular morning, Carrie is washing the breakfast dishes, and occasionally, looks out of the kitchen window that’s above the sink. Jeremy is on his knees, crawling and making sounds with his mouth of a truck’s motor, as he push his toy truck on the floor of the living room. Carrie looks at Jeremy but doesn’t disturb his playtime. She returns her gaze to the kitchen window and sees white clouds in the sky and the sun partly hidden. There’s no traffic, horses, or persons in the area. She steps backward, from the sink and feels Jeremy head against her leg. She looks down and sees Jeremy pushing his toy truck. Jeremy, watch where you’re going with that truck. I almost stepped on you and you know Momma don’t want to hurt her baby.

Jeremy giggles and thinks of a solution, Momma, can I go outside? I’m not going to leave the yard. Can I Momma? Can I? I want to play in the dirt with my truck.

Carrie looks out of the window, again. Their home is half a block from the road and it’s not enclosed with a fence. Carrie remembers Jeremy was playing in the front yard, several months ago, and two teenage boys riding horses came onto the yard and chase Jeremy. She heard Jeremy holler and she ran out of the house with a broom in her hand. The boys heard Carrie’s scream as she ran with the broom toward them. They laugh and steered the horses away from the yard. Carrie observed Jeremy when he crawled under the back porch. She called for him to come out. When Jeff arrived, after a hard days work, she didn’t tell him the boys chased Jeremy because he possibly would’ve looked for the boys and if he got in a fight, the police would put him in jail.

Carrie glance out the window, again, and wondering if she should allow Jeremy to play in the yard. Jeremy, while on his knees, pulls the hem of Carrie’s dress and says, Momma, please let me go outside. I promise not to leave the yard. Jeremy stands and places his small arms around Carrie’s waist and hugs her. Carrie smiles and rubs his head. Jeremy, She says don’t you dare go out of this yard. You understand me?

Yes, Momma, I promise not to leave the yard. Jeremy picks up his truck, turns and looks at Carrie before opening the door. Carrie says, Go on.

Without responding, Jeremy opens the door and rush to put the truck in the dirt. Thirty minutes later, Jeremy hears the hoofs of horses and one of the teenagers, There’s the boy. Let’s chase him; again, I don’t see his Momma. She’s in the house. The boys yell at their horses, Get up!

Jeremy sees the horses galloping toward him; he picks up his truck and screams, as he runs from the yard. The teenagers laugh as the horses’ gallops behind Jeremy.

Carrie hears Jeremy’s yell and she runs from the house screaming for the boys to stop chasing Jeremy. They look at Carrie and laugh as their horses gallop on the roadway. Jeremy runs across the roadway and hides in the tall bushes.

He remains motionless and quiet until he hears Carrie call his name. He stands and rushes to the safety of her arms. Carrie grasps Jeremy’s small face between her hands, and kisses his forehead. She holds his hand as they walk back to their home. Moments later, Jeff comes home from work, when he opens the front door and sees Jeremy wiping his tears on Carrie’s apron he asks, What’s wrong with my boy? He look at Carrie and waits for an answer.

She blinks her eyes to stop the tears and says with a quiver in her voice, Jeff, I is sorry. I see what happened and I do the best I could. Jeremy was playing in the yard, minding his business. I see him from the kitchen window and I see two boys, riding horses. They rode in the yard and Jeremy run across the road. Lord! I shout and run out the backdoor. I see Jeremy run in the bushes, and I don’t see him no more. The boys on the horses see me running behind them and they rode away. I went yelling and looking for Jeremy and he comes to me.

Come here Jeremy, let me look at you, Jeff lifts Jeremy and turns his small body in the same manner he inspects boxes for damage in the warehouse. He’s fine. I sees on marks on him. How you feel boy?"

Jeremy sniffs and places his arms around Jeff’s neck, I am fine, now Daddy. Is the boys coming back on they horses to get me? They run me from the yard with they horses before. Why they do this Daddy?

Carrie responds, I didn’t tell you about the boys coming into the yard the first time cause, I didn’t want you to get into trouble. Jeff, we got to move from here. I don’t know why folks won’t let us be? Jeff hugs Carrie forgiving her for not telling him about the boys chasing Jeremy.

"You is right Carrie. I don’t want no body coming here causing trouble that will harm you or Jeremy.

Please Jeff, we is got to move the sooner the better. Lord knows I is scared of the young folks that keep coming back making trouble.

Jeremy looks up at Jeff and Carrie Yeah, Daddy, let’s move. I don’t want those big boys chasing me with those horses again.

Jeff has heard men talking about the job opportunity up North, so North is where he will take his family. He nods his head and says, Okay Carrie we will move next week. I’ll tell the boss bout my trouble with folks bothering my boy. I is sure he’ll understand why I got to go. Shucks, we got to move before I get mad and fight. I don’t won’t to go to jail cause of some foolish folks acting crazy. I worry about getting a job later. Lord knows I wish I had more learning, and then I could get a job and won’t work as hard as I do to make a living. Jeff looks at Jeremy, now you listen to me. I won’t you to get more learning to have a better life than me.

Okay Daddy, I will, Jeremy replies. He looks up at Carrie and with his small hand take hold of two of her fingers.

Carrie says, Don’t you worry Jeff; the Lord is going to take care of us. He knows everything we say and do. You is a good men, Jeff, and the Lord knows that. You and Jeremy sit at the table, I is going to fix you all something to eat. Jeremy eats anytime you eat even if he ain’t hungry.

That ain’t good for him, Carrie. He’s going to be too fat to run and play. Jeff looks at Jeremy. Boy, if you ain’t hungry, you go and play with your toys. I’ll come to your room after I finish eating. I want you to read, to me. one of them books you got."

Okay Daddy. Jeremy leaves the table and Jeff says to Carrie, Sometimes I wish we had another child. We give Jeremy too much love.

We can’t love our son too much Jeff. You eat your food and stop talking foolishness. I think I’ll go into Jeremy’s room and let him read to me, while you eat. I’m learning new words from my boy. And you know what Jeff, Jeremy enjoy us listening to him read.

Yeah, I know. And I is glad he’s a good boy. I wish I had more to give him… other than my love.

Jeff, I told you to stop talking foolishness and eat your food. Jeremy and I know you is doing the best you can. Let me get out of this kitchen. You can talk to the walls.

Jeremy heard the conversation. He looks from the doorway of his bedroom and says, Momma, I’ve a nice short story I want to read to you while Daddy is eating.

I’m coming Jeremy. Jeff is talking foolish. He’s a little mad about the boys coming into the yard.

I ain’t a little mad, Carrie, I is a mad enough to really hurt somebody. I knows what will happen to me if I fight… the police will put me in jail. I is sure the boys riding the horses live on the other side of the train tracks. Ain’t nobody living around here can afford to care for a horse. Carrie, will you give me a tall glass of tea before you go in Jeremy’s room?

Sure Jeff.

Thanks.

Carrie places the glass of sweet tea on the table, and rubs Jeff baldhead. She turns to walk away and Jeff pulls her dress. Carrie stops, What do you want now Jeff?

I want to look at you.

Carrie gives Jeff a hug. She knows he wants more and she’ll satisfy him later. Jeremy has priority… so she goes to his room.

Chapter 1

EAST CHICAGO, INDIANA . . . 1954 . . . Jeff, Carrie, and Jeremy settles in East Chicago, Indiana an industrial city. Jeff gets a job as a laborer for a brick refinery. Carrie believes God has shown Jeff the way to a safe state and neighborhood, where Jeremy can go to school and become somebody important. Years later, Jeremy is a teenager attending Wallace High School. Jeff can afford his family the basic needs, food, shelter, and minimum clothing. Jeremy and many of the neighborhood teens wear blue jeans, fleece, and gym shoes. Jeremy’s history book, Conceived In Liberty, is among his favorite, especially Abraham Lincoln’s quote A new nation conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equally, November 19, 1863 Jeremy’s observation of Jeff’s experiences has proven Lincoln’s address doesn’t apply… in 1954. All men are equal; however, all men do not receive equal justice or have equal rights. A big foot rest on the backs of men in Calumet. Jeremy knows there are limited opportunities for him with or without an education in Calumet, which is a small neighborhood, surrounded by freight train tracks in East Chicago, Indiana. Everyone knows their neighbors and others living within the train tracks. Jeremy wants to leave Calumet, but can’t until he has a plan that will help support his parents. He left for school, late, this morning disappointed with his life possessions. Half a block from the school, Jeremy hears the final bell rings, warning all students to sit in their seats. He will use this time to open one or two student’s locker that have a nice aroma of food. In the hallway, Jeremy sees Eddie sniffing the vents on lockers. He rushes to where Eddie has his nose near a locker

Hey, hound-dog boy, it’s against this school rule to steal a student’s lunch?

Eddie looks to see if anyone heard Jeremy or is looking in their direction. Hey asshole, mind your business. In fact, you should be in your classroom. Why are you talking to me? You piece of shit. Get away from me and mind your business before I punch you in your mouth.

I am looking and talking to you, hound dog boy, to report your ass to the principal for stealing lunches. I don’t want too many thieves involved in my business. Do you understand, hound dog?

I’ve heard enough. I’m not a hound dog. You don’t know who you’re messing with. Eddie takes a step toward Jeremy to get close enough to punch him.

The hall monitor see them arguing and rush to settle the argument before they disturb the classrooms. Hey! The female monitor says, You boys are supposed to be in your classroom. If you do not leave this hallway, immediately, and go to your assigned room, you must come with me to the principal’s office.

Jeremy says, Wait a minute. I am sorry. I’ll go to my classroom. He looks at the nametag attached to the woman’s sweater. Rose M. Scott He says, Ms. Scott, I promise, I’ll never talk with this slim half human again. In fact, I don’t know his name.

That’s fine. Go to your classroom. The bell rang several minutes ago.

Eddie frowns and waits for Ms. Scott to leave. He looks at Jeremy and says, I’ll be damn, you’re a true ass kisser. Listen boy, from now on, you work on the opposite side of the hallway, when you see me.

Good idea Slim, I’m glad you’ve decided to do the right thing.

Hey listen darkie, my name is Eddie and don’t you forget my name.

And my name is Jeremy, so what?

Listen smart-ass from now on we’ll not respond until we’re address by our proper name do you understand me?

Yeah, I understand you. So what do you want me to do? I’m not going to change.

Ah, you’re hopeless.

On the second floor, Jeremy sniffs lockers on the right, and Eddie sniffs lockers on the left side of the hallway. They met at the end of the hallway and decided to leave the building and eat the stolen lunches on the football field. Eddie says, as he chews a sandwich, What do you say, Jeremy, do you think we can be friends?

Sure, why not. we’re common thieves with the desire and passion for a better life. If we’re going to be friends, we must promise not to tell… on the other… , if you’re called into the principal’s office.

Eddie extends this hand little finger for Jeremy to clutch, Okay, it’s a promise. Where do you live, Jeremy?

Where do you think Calumet of course? There is no other neighborhood for poor folks to have fun and forget about their unpleasant surrounding. Calumet population isn’t that great. I don’t know why we haven’t met on the main avenue.

Well, my Momma said, ‘There’s a time and place for everything’ so I guess it wasn’t time for you and me to meet. However, I’m sure you and I know many of the same people living in Calumet."

No doubt and It’s my wish to know better people and live a better life, someday.

Jeremy and Eddie didn’t return to the school building. They decided to walk to Calumet. After crossing the train tracks, they see, Adam, a cocaine pusher. Calumet is his territory. He has workers selling his product on different avenues. The cops arrest his workers and release them the next day, but they haven’t put Adam in jail. Adam is sitting on the back seat of a Cadillac limousine with the tint window halfway down. His chauffeur body guard, Lu Wing, park in front of Gloria’s house. Jeremy and Eddie know Gloria is a prostitute and she doesn’t deny her profession. Adam gets out of the Cadillac and extends his hand for Gloria to grasp after he realizes he’s standing on soft dirt. An unexpected gust of wind blows Adam’s blond hair and his white shirt opens revealing the gold chain around his neck. He pushes his hair behind his ear and changes his position to block the wind from Gloria’s face. Lu Wing looks out of the limousine’s windows for anyone who may attempt to cause a problem for Adam.

Jeremy and Eddie are watching Adam from a distance whereas they are safe and not considered a threat. Jeremy says, Now, that’s a cool Dude. He has respect for women regardless of their lifestyle or profession. Man, I wish I could earn the same amount of cash as Adam without selling drugs. Look at him. I know he’s doing all right, especially, when he can afford one of the best whores in this neighborhood. Gloria ain’t cheap.

"Yeah, he’s doing all right. Adam is a drug dealer who will make the Daily Calumet News headline after someone kills him or he goes to jail for life. I’ve heard he’s bold and doesn’t fear the police. Now I see he really doesn’t hide his intention. By the way, yesterday I saw Albert Sims, for the first time in a long time. I was wondering why he hasn’t been in school."

Albert Sims, he’s in one of my classes, Jeremy says and is disappointed. Albert never studies for a test and received good grades, I always envied his ability. Where did you see him and what is he doing?

He’s one of Adam’s street workers, Eddie has no respect for addicts so you know what he’s doing and why.

Well, I’ll be damn. I would’ve bet my last dollar, Albert, wouldn’t use drugs.

Yeah, I know. I didn’t want to believe my eyes, when I saw him selling drugs. He was standing on the corner of Melville Avenue looking and smelling bad. I stood with enough space between us to let the wind blow the stink away from my face. It’s too damn bad he has fallen in the pit-of-hell. Whatever money he’s paid, he’s buying shit and putting it into his nose or arms. Man, he looks and smells bad.

Well, his interest in education is over, in fact, his life as a healthy man is over. He’s a forgotten citizen. It’s just a matter of time. Using or selling drugs is the only thing you and I should never do. I want you to remember that Eddie. And maybe we should stop stealing lunches from lockers. What do you think?

Well, stealing lunches ain’t a real bad crime. The kids with the good lunches usually have extra money to buy junk food. Whereas, you and I do not have either Now back to the drugs. I’ll remember what you said about using and selling drugs… and I want you to remember your words. Because if you’re arrested don’t expect me to come to the prison to see you"

That’s not a problem Eddie. I can assure you, I’ll never go to jail without you. Tell me what Albert said before you walked away.

Come-on Jeremy, you’re not that dumb. You know what junkies do, after they’re hooked. You can’t believe anything they say.

Yeah, I know. Tell me anyway. I really like the guy.

Okay well, Albert grin and I saw his nicotine stain teeth. He had the nerve to put his hand in his nappy hair. I tell you, drug addicts are humans without a purpose, and they’re helpless when that shit enters their blood. He says to me, ‘What’s happening Eddie? Can I sell you a hit of good shit?’ I was shocked. Why would a friend offer a friend shit that will ruin their life? I wanted to punch him in his mouth, but the energy to fight a dead man does not make sense. I took leave from the sonofabitch without saying goodbye."

Listen Eddie, Albert made the decision to try drugs, and now he must live with the consequence. Most addicts die trying to recover.

You’re right, but I still hope Adam and all drug dealers, are arrested, and put in jail until their death. If I had the power, I would call the police, now, and have his ass arrested.

You have the power, Eddie.

Yeah, I know but I don’t have the money or nerve to call the police. You know what happens to people who call the cops on drug dealers.

Sure I’ve heard and read what happens. Drugs are an enormous business that generates billions of dollars and that money goes into many different people pockets.

Now you’re talking. Give me the money, Baby, Eddie says.

If it’s your desire to have a lot of money, we must concentrate on our education. Without a proper education, we’ll not manage our money and shucks I don’t want to kill someone because of my stupidity.

Jeremy, if I acquire a lot of money I’ll hire someone to manage my cash, and if they cheat me, then I’ll kill them. Eddie replies.

Listen Eddie, all of God’s children has an option regarding drugs and the way they live their life. In our opinion, Adam is doing a bad thing that’s against the law, but as we know, laws aren’t justifiably enforced. This is what I know about the United States Constitution and the working of Congress. Many citizens have no idea that Congress members can retire with the same pay after only one term. Congress members do not pay into Social Security, and they specifically exempt themselves from many of the laws they pass. They’re exempt from any prosecution for sexual harassment, while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. The Government shouldn’t have elites that are above the law. The self-serving hasn’t stopped and Adam is a member of the group with the heart and soul of a snake. He has a special place in hell waiting for him.

"Damn Jeremy, that’s some heavy shit you’re telling me. Our folks and many citizens are tricks used to support the Government and people with big bucks. Are you sure the President knows what you’re talking about?"

Sure. What I have told you is public information for anyone interested in the working of Congress.

Listen Jeremy, too much information isn’t good for me, Eddie replies, what am I suppose to do with your information?

Eddie, we’re too young to vote; however political information is important and we should remember our rights and vote. You should remember the Bill or Rights. The first ten amendments of the Constitution guarantee certain rights of the citizen. It may be difficult for you and me, but our dream can come true. We must know and use the laws to guide our decisions. As of now, the only thing I want out of this life is a steady income, nice clothes, a nice car, and plenty women. I’m sure you want the same.

After listening to you, I don’t like the Government or Adam.

It’s not a crime to dislike our Government or another person, Jeremy says; however, you must respect the rights of people."

Respect Adam’s rights as an American citizen, shit this guy is a drug dealer.

Yes, and until he’s arrested and proven guilty of selling drugs, he’s Mr. Adam.

I’ve had it. I’ve had it. That’s enough of politics and the American way.

Eddie, you must learn the rules of the game before you’re able to play and become a winner.

Jeremy, cut the shit. Stop telling me the laws and important shit. I’m not ready for higher learning. Adam and Gloria are the main attraction, at the moment, and I want to see what’s going to happen between them, Eddie replies. I want to see if she acts different with a rich man. I know all men aren’t the same. A little freaky here and a little freaky there will make it feel better. Someone told me that I don’t remember the freak. Anyway, this Dude is rich and can afford any woman he wants, so you know he’s freaky. Come-on lets go.

Take it easy Eddie. What’s the rush? Adam is satisfying his sexual lust, which is not going to benefit you or me.

"Listen Jeremy, looking at this dude having sex with Gloria, a good looking prostitute, is exciting. And I am going to peek this action."

Chapter 2

THE AFFAIR … Gloria stands near the limo, pushes her hair extensions from her face, and laughs loud for anyone in the vicinity can hear. She stumbles when her spike heels sinks into the dirt, where grass will not grow. Adam grabs her arm and pulls her