Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Let The Truth be Told: 2, #2
    Let The Truth be Told: 2, #2
    Let The Truth be Told: 2, #2
    Ebook263 pages3 hours

    Let The Truth be Told: 2, #2

    By Antoinette R. Davis

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

     This is a Fiction Novel about an up-standing family enthralled with lies. Claudia just said I do to pastor Terrence Madden and saying Good-bye to her worldly way of living. Transitioning into the First Lady has it's challenges especially now that Claudia has a baby and a career. The Ellison family faces one obstacle after another and they are holding together by a thread. It's going to take everyone in the family to pull together if they expect to survive.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherARD Writing with you in Mind
    Release dateSep 2, 2013
    ISBN9781393952763
    Let The Truth be Told: 2, #2
    Author

    Antoinette R. Davis

    An Entertaining and Compelling Fiction Author From Baltimore  In today’s fast-paced world where everyone is always busy and technology is king, sometimes it just feels good to sit back, take a break, and read a good novel. Hi, I am Antoinette Davis, and I am a fiction author that aims to spread the magic of reading in the world. At ARD Writing, I do my best to keep the world of books alive by writing wonderful fiction stories. To make sure that people enjoy my works, I always write with my audience in mind. By incorporating my thoughts and imagination with what my readers want, I am able to create beautiful and thought-provoking narratives that keep them entertained and compelled to read more.

    Read more from Antoinette R. Davis

    Related to Let The Truth be Told

    Titles in the series (32)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    African American Fiction For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      A Spirit Of Power

      Jan 24, 2020

      A Spirit Of Power
      6 min read

    • Article

      Cloud of Love

      Nov 24, 2018

      I collapsed onto my bed and closed my eyes. Fifteen family members would be arriving at our house any minute for my husband Tom’s birthday party. I should’ve been greeting our guests. Instead, I was in our room. I was just so tired. If I wanted to ma

      4 min read

    • Article

      Winning Letter

      Mar 3, 2023

      WE’RE barely into the year and already it feels like it’s a lot. The effects of loadshedding aren’t just about not having electricity – it affects our emotional state too. Having to figure out when to shop, do laundry, cook, care for kids, do hair, w

      5 min read

    • Article

      “We’re His Family”

      Oct 27, 2020

      “We’re His Family”
      6 min read

    • Article

      Tea With The Dragon Lady

      Sep 15, 2020

      Tea With The Dragon Lady
      6 min read

    • Article

      Tea With The DRAGON LADY

      Feb 12, 2020

      Tea With The DRAGON LADY
      6 min read

    • Article

      Light After Darkness

      Dec 1, 2021

      Light After Darkness
      3 min read

    • Article

      Miranda Tapsell

      Nov 2, 2023

      Miranda Tapsell
      8 min read

    • Article

      Prayers Answered

      Feb 1, 2024

      Prayers Answered
      6 min read

    • Article

      Broken In Two

      Mar 19, 2020

      Broken In Two
      6 min read

    • Article

      Justice For Tazne

      Apr 9, 2021

      Justice For Tazne
      4 min read

    • Article

      Winning Letter

      Sep 1, 2023

      SUNDAY nights were very much Carte Blanche nights in our household when I was growing up. Like many families around South Africa we’d watch Derek Watts and Ruda Landman in action, wondering what bad guys would fall under their investigative gaze. Der

      5 min read

    • Article

      Miranda Tapsell

      Nov 2, 2023

      Miranda Tapsell
      7 min read

    • Article

      Being There

      Mar 26, 2019

      Being There
      6 min read

    • Article

      Love That Hurts

      Apr 16, 2020

      Tony Hannington, 56, Herne Bay, Kent Settling on the sofa, I took a swig of my drink. Bit strong, I thought to myself, wincing. It was a Friday night in November 2013, and after a long day at work, this glass of Jack Daniel’s was just what I needed.

      7 min read

    • Article

      Winning Letter

      Dec 22, 2023

      THIS year was probably one of the most challenging for me – 2023 felt like it pushed my limits to see how much I could take. And just when I thought I’d had enough, along came more pushing. Based on conversations I’ve had with friends, I can pretty m

      5 min read

    • Article

      This Comedian Says Words Often Fail During Tragedy. And That's OK

      Oct 1, 2023

      Rob Delaney found out his youngest son Henry had brain cancer. This is a story about the saddest of places life can take you, but it's also about the biggest of loves and how to scrape up bits of joy.

      8 min read

    • Article

      Derek Ramsay In A Relationship

      Mar 1, 2021

      Derek Ramsay In A Relationship
      14 min read

    • Article

      Meet The Makers

      Feb 10, 2020

      IT WAS AN UNLIKELY premise for reality TV – the goings-on at a family-run Auckland funeral home with a strong commitment to tikanga Māori. But television producer Annabelle Lee-Mather sensed star quality (wise, kind-hearted and sometimes kooky star q

      14 min read

    • Article

      A Borrowed Heart

      Sep 17, 2020

      A Borrowed Heart
      3 min read

    • Article

      Join The Weekly Conversation

      Aug 27, 2023

      Join The Weekly Conversation
      3 min read

    • Article

      Without Tammy

      Jan 26, 2023

      Without Tammy
      6 min read

    • Article

      Prince William Holds ‘Emotional’ Call With Nurse Who Joined Covid Bubble With Terminally Ill Girl

      Apr 7, 2021

      The Duke of Cambrdige has held an “emotional” call with a nurse who formed a bubble with the family of a terminally ill girl to protect them from Covid-19 last summer. Prince William spoke to Jenny Manson, 54, one of more than 300 healthcare workers

      4 min read

    • Article

      The Power Of Love

      Jan 25, 2024

      The Power Of Love
      6 min read

    • Article

      The Power Of Love

      Jan 25, 2024

      The Power Of Love
      6 min read

    • Article

      His Last Gift

      Nov 25, 2023

      His Last Gift
      6 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Let The Truth be Told

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Let The Truth be Told - Antoinette R. Davis

      Chapter 1

      Claudia, Honey have you seen my tie? I can’t seem to find it anywhere, says Terrance.

      Which tie are you referring to baby?  You have a million of them,

      Aha I found it.  You know our team is playing today so I asked everyone in the congregation to wear purple and black. I can’t stand in front of the people delivering the word and not represent, laughs Terrance.

      Terrance can you go check on the baby, I think I hear him crying.  I don’t want to burn your breakfast,

      Baby I’ll eat it anyway just because you cooked it, says Terrance as he places his arms around Claudia’s waist and gives her a kiss on the neck.

      Terrance, go ahead and check on the baby please, you don’t want to start something you can’t finish, Says Claudia as she pushes Terrence away You know church folk like the Pastor there on time, laughs Claudia.  She really didn’t want him to stop; she loved his romantic side.

      Claudia knew her being the First lady would have its challenges but she felt she was up for the challenge.  Ever since Terrance was asked to Pastor New Life Ministries her life has been a whirlwind and being a new mom didn’t help matters.

      Baby you don’t be late for church either, it doesn’t look good for the first lady to be late, says Terrance as he makes his way to his car.

      As soon as I get little Terrance ready, we’ll be right there and yes sir we will be on time,

      Claudia watches as Terrance drives off thinking how blessed she is to have a loving husband and a beautiful son. This is the life she has always wanted, a career and a family.  Being First Lady of a Church was never in her wildest imagination.

      The phone rings

      Hello mama;

      How’s my baby girl and my grandson; are yall on your way to church, ask Mrs. Coretta?

      Terrance just left and I am getting Jr. ready now.  Are you coming today, you know how much Terrence loves it when the family is in the congregation.

      Yes I was going to surprise you, but I plan to be there.  I talked with Terrance’s mother and she is so proud of that boy.  I heard Terrence’s brother is getting a scholarship to play basketball.  I tell you Ms.  Darlene may have lived on welfare all her life but it looks like her children are taking her out of the ghetto and into luxury.

      Well I don’t know if she is proud, but she keeps calling here for the money.

      Claudia there’s nothing wrong with helping your parents out every now and then.

      Yea you’re right, but she stays in his pockets as if he doesn’t have a family to feed.  Remember this is how Terrence started dealing drugs because of his mother’s financial situation.  At some point, this lady has got to learn how to support herself.

      Well in the meantime let’s pray for the lady after all raising all those children by herself cannot easy, says Mrs. Coretta

      She found a man to help her make those children; therefore, she should find a man to help her take care of them,

      Claudia Ellison-Madden stop being so judgmental, the flesh is weak and things happen, says Mrs. Coretta

      Claudia laughs, "Yes they do happen, but that many times with different men.  Come on mama give me a break.   

      Mrs. Coretta laughs, You’re right, baby girl but we all make mistakes, she’s entitled to hers, 

      Finally, Claudia arrives at church and on time for the eleven o’clock service.  Terrance looks out at the congregation as he sits in the pulpit.  He sees his loving wife, adorable son, mother, and mother in law on the first row. 

      Pastor Madden delivers a power word to the congregation and as usual, the congregation was up on their feet praising GOD and giving high fives to one another.  Claudia never did understand why she had to keep turning to her neighbor and she asked Terrence to please refrain from saying it so much but he didn’t so every ten minutes someone was looking at her quoting what Terrence told them to say and it drives her nuts.  Once the service ended Terrence stands at the door and acknowledges each member that comes up to shake his hand.

      After Service

      Pastor Madden that was an awesome sermon you preached today, Says Sister Judd

      Well hello Pastor Madden, this is my second time here and I felt you talking directly to me, says the young lady as she reached to shake Terrence’s hand and gives him a big sexy smile and a wink. 

      Mrs. Coretta is standing right behind the lady and interrupts her, excuse me, hi I’m Pastor Madden’s Mother-in-law.  He’s married to my daughter and I can assure you he was talking to everybody in the church Mrs.  The sermons are for everyone.  Am I correct on that son-in-law, asks Mrs. Coretta.

      Mrs. Coretta has seen a lot of women come to church to get a man in her day but she was not about to let that happen with her son-in-law.

      Absolutely, mama Coretta, Absolutely, says Terrance with a smile.

      Claudia! You and the baby come and stand next to your husband and greet the congregation, yells Ms. Coretta.

      Mama, why are you yelling at me?

      No reason, just stand next to your good looking husband, Mrs. Coretta pushes Claudia next to Terrence.

      Claudia may be naïve but Mrs. Coretta had her back.

      Chapter 2

      It’s a small world

      Hey man, I haven’t seen you in a while. Have a seat, where have you been hiding at, Ask Christopher

      Man I have been going through a lot of changes. I just lost my wife to cancer.  I am now a single dad trying to raise and understand two kids.  I just moved back to Baltimore permanently, Says Victor

      Aww man I am so sorry to hear that, I didn’t even know you were married, says Christopher with a shocked look on his face.

      I thought your sister told you, says Victor

      Naw man, Claudia didn’t tell me anything like that.  Anyway, I’m sorry to hear about your wife passing,

      Chris man my life has been turned upside down.  I don’t know if I am coming or going.  I really took my life and my relationship with my wife for granted.  She had cancer and didn’t even tell me, 

      Terrance enters the barbershop. 

      Hello, hello gentlemen how are the fella’s today? I see you got the game on Chris, says Terrance.

      Christopher speaks to Terrance. Victor is unaware who Terrance is, however he speaks to him too.

      Victor continues talking;

      I’m telling you cancer took her away from here so fast.  I don’t know what I am going to do without her, Victor looks and sounds distraught.

      Vic man, just pray and ask GOD to help you through this difficult time.  My uncle comes in here to get his haircut; he told me he has cancer.  He said all he can do is pray about it.  Ain’t that right brother-in-law, Chris looks at Terrence

      What’s going on, did I come in on something, ask Terrence

      Yea my man here just lost his wife to cancer, Christopher points to Victor.

      Sorry to hear that by the way, my name is Terrence. I’m married to Claudia, Christopher’s sister, They shake hands I’m also a minister and if you are looking for a church home or someone to talk to I’ll be more than happy to make myself available or get you, someone you will be comfortable with to talk to, offers Terrence.

      Thanks, Victor looks at Terrance, thinking, so you’re the one, I know my kids could use some help.  Their lives have really changed since their mom died,"

      We just started a program for children that have experienced grief and other psychological issues.  My wife is in charge of it. Claudia is a nurse and she deals with people who are experiencing mental health issues. Come check us out at New Life Ministries, here’s my card and my cell phone number if you need to talk, Terrence offers his support.

      Thank you, I will definitely check this out for my kids, says Victor.

      The congregation at New Life Ministries is steady growing and every Sunday more and more people are joining.  When Terrance took over the congregation, it was at seven hundred and fifty members.  They now have close to nine hundred members.  People seem to have taken a liking to Terrance’s style of preaching.  He’s young and handsome but most important he’s fallen and got back up again.  Young people can appreciate that in a Pastor because they don’t feel like they are judged.  Souls are being saved and Terrance is doing what God has called him to do.

      A few weeks later

      Claudia I spoke with Rev. Taylor and Rev. Bernard and they both feel that it is time I get an assistant.  With all the traveling, I have been doing and with the congregation growing, I will need an assistant.  What do you think, ask Terrence

      Claudia laughs, Honey are you trying to say you need a bodyguard? Whatever happened to God having your back,

      God does have my back, but I’m talking about an assistant.  I have been the guest minister at three churches and each time I have traveled alone.  I would like an assistant, says Terrence defending his decision.

      Well if you feel you need one sure go right ahead, Claudia still does not understand why her husband needs security.

      Oh, before I forget, I met a friend of Christopher’s at the barbershop a few weeks ago name Victor.  He just recently lost his wife and him and his kids may be stopping by the church for grief counseling.  I told him that you handled child counseling.  I also gave him my cell phone number in case he needs to talk,

      Terrence notices Claudia wasn’t engaging in the conversation.  Baby are you listening to me, ask Terrence staring at Claudia

      Claudia is standing there stiff and in a state of shock.

      Yes, yes I hear you, baby.  I thought I heard the baby crying.  Let me go check on Jr, says Claudia

      Claudia runs upstairs to the baby’s room, picks him up, and sits down in the rocker. Oh baby what is mommy going to do. I never thought I would hear that man’s name again or see his face ever again.  I have to remain calm and cool, this is no big deal, says Claudia to herself.

      Terrance enters the nursery.

      Hey is the baby alright? You ran up the steps so fast I thought something was wrong.  Claudia, I’m thinking of asking CJ to be my assistant and travel with me.  He’s no longer traveling to New Orleans and he’s been laid off for a while.  At least this way he’ll have something to do and I can pay him. What do you think, asked Terrence?

      Claudia still has Victor on her mind so right now she can’t wrap her mind around what Terrence is saying.

      I think that’s great honey, call and ask him now. So about this guy, Victor did he say anything else to you, ask Claudia with a nervous tone.

      Not just that his wife died from cancer.  He looked a bit distraught. I hope he calls me.   I would really like to help his family,

      says Terrence.

      I hope he doesn’t, says Claudia under her breath.

      Terrence calls CJ and he accepts his brother-in-law's offer to be his security and so has Terrance’s friend Lemel.  Terrence met Lemel when he lived in the projects.  Lemel ran the recreation center there.  Terrence has always looked up to Lemel as a mentor.

      Ok so that’s done now I need to hire a new secretary.  Do you have anyone in mind,

      You could ask Charmaine.  The bank laid her off a few months ago and she has not found a job yet.  What happened to your old secretary?

      She gave her two weeks’ notice.  She said since the congregation has grown it is too much for her.  I was sorry to see Ms. Binsky leave she has been with the church for years.  She was the original founder's secretary seems like, Terrance laughs, can you call Charmaine and ask her to do this.  We can discuss salary if she takes the job, says Terrence

      Claudia walks over to Terrence puts her arms around him Terrance everything is happening so fast are you sure you want to have another baby so soon,

      Claudia, are you crazy? Yes, I want another baby. You don’t want Jr. to be alone, do you? Besides, God put us here to multiply,

      Yea, but I do not want a lot of babies running around here.  Don’t forget Mr. I still have a career and I am not letting my hard work go to waste to be a baby machine.  Let’s agree to two more and that’s it, ok,

      Ok, you want to start now, laughs Terrance as he grabs Claudia and pulls her close to him.  He kisses her passionately as he proceeds to undress her.  They make love passionately.  Terrance’s cell phone rings and he ignores the phone and continues to make love to his wife.  Just as Claudia was getting caught up in the lovemaking Victor popped up in her mind.   She tries to fight off the thought of him being in town and concentrate on how Terrence is making love to her but it wasn’t working.

      Later

      Claudia hears the baby monitor, little Terrance is waking and crying.  Terrance gets up to go get the baby and bring him back to Claudia.  Terrance checks his cell phone messages.

      Dang baby I have seven messages.   I got a message from Rev. Caraway.  He’s asking me to accompany him to Texas at a revival and here’s a message from that guy Victor I was telling you about.  His son has run away and he needs to talk.  Baby, I’ll take this in my office,

      Claudia gets nervous again.

      Terrance calls Victor back.  Hey, Victor this is Pastor Madden.  Have they found your son?

      Yes thank God.  The police picked him up.  I’m on my way to pick him up now from the police station,

      Which one, I’ll meet you there,

      He’s at the Randallstown police station.  Thanks, for meeting me there.  I don’t know what I might do when I see him,

      Baby what’s wrong is everything ok, ask Claudia

      I have to go and meet Victor, his son ran away and the police found him. Victor is on his way to pick him up.  I want to make sure everyone is ok, Says Terrence

      Why do you have to go? That’s between that man and his child. I don’t want you to go, Claudia is starting to get nervous.

      Terrance looks at Claudia shocked that she is acting this way. Claudia I can’t believe you are saying this.  This man called me for some support, why would I not help him. This is a part of my work,

      The reason I say this is, Claudia gets out of the bed and stands in front of Terrance in the nude to seduce him You are here with your family working on expanding it.  You can’t drop us for every phone call, says Claudia.

      Baby, I’ll be right back and we will talk about what you just said.  I love you and wait up for me. Terrance leaves the house.

      Claudia looks out the window as he pulls off. 

      How could this be happening to me dammit? Why is this man back in my life?  Lord if Terrence ever found out this could ruin my marriage.  God, you cannot let this happen to me, Claudia gets back in the bed with Little Terrance and turns the TV on.

      At the police station

      Terrance sees Victor waiting to sign his son out of custody.

      Hey man, you ok? I’m glad they found the little guy.  What’s your son’s name, ask Terrence

      His name is Victor, but we call him LV.  Man ever since we moved back to Maryland this boy has been acting up.  I don’t know what happened.  I know they miss their mother but my daughter does not act like this at all,

      The police bring LV out to his father. Victor hugs his son. 

      Little Victor why did you run away, what is wrong with you boy, ask Victor

      I want to go back to Delaware.  I hate Maryland, it’s dirty and the kids are ghetto.  I want my mother back, Victor Jr. starts to cry and Victor hugs him again.

      Victor introduces his son to Terrence. This is a friend of mine Pastor Madden, he will be talking with us and helping us get our lives back together,

      Hey man, call me anytime you need to talk, or you can drop by my office.  You have my card call me and I’ll let my wife know you’ll be bringing the kids to counseling,

      Terrance is finally home.  It’s 9 o’clock pm and Claudia is still up waiting for him. She is so anxious to hear what happened and if Victor mentioned her at all.

      Hey, baby you still up? I thought you would be sleeping with the baby, Terrance stands at the foot of the bed admiring his wife.

      Well how did everything go, Ask Claudia

      Everything went ok.  I scheduled a counseling session with Victor.  Have you ever met, Victor? You know he is a friend of your brothers.  Christopher cuts his hair,

      Yes, um yea, Claudia stutters, "I‘ve met him before.

      Terrance gets in the shower. Claudia sits up in the bed thinking about the answer she just gave her husband.  Technically I didn’t lie.  I’m getting in touch with Victor and tell him to find another counselor because I can’t live on the edge like this, Says Claudia to herself. 

      ––––––––

      Weeks later

      Claudia is up making breakfast for her family.  Little Terrence is sitting in his high chair at the kitchen counter.

      Good morning sugar, Terrence kisses his wife on the neck. Claudia smiles and continues to cook him breakfast.  

      Honey when are you meeting with that guy you offered to help with his son, asks Claudia

      Who Victor, actually we’re meeting today if he shows up.  He finally called me.  You know I am thankful, so thankful to GOD that people are joining the church.  Of course, you have people talking about my past but you know what, baby GOD put that in order to help me help others.

      "Baby I see ten

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1