Life in the Love household had not been the same since The Passions had embraced Kingston. He had been on a natural high since gigs started coming in regularly, spending every waking moment perfecting his craft. Mumzee and Trina were awakened each morning with a song to go along with their breakfast. Trina was especially amazed at the raw talent her brother possessed. She knew he sang, danced, and played a variety of instruments; but that was just her brother clowning. This new star who was now emerging utterly captivated her. Now when he clowned, he had her attention. She constantly told him he was wonderful. He didn't think that Trina had showed that much emotion since she had been in the world. While Mumzee beamed with pride, she always knew Kingston would come to grips with his talent. She knew he had talent, when, at about age three, during morning service, Sister Johnson had gotten the Spirit and had started dancing down the aisle. Kingston suddenly bolted from his seat and matched Sister Johnson step for step, didn't miss a beat. His mom had to spank his little butt; after all, the Spirit was nothing to play with. If he heard a song in church, he would come home and sing it all day. He had only to see something once or twice to mimic it. Thank God, he had somewhere to channel his energy. Now, maybe he would leave his cousin, Blaze, a lightweight hustler of sorts, alone. She loved her other grandson with all her heart, but she surely did not want Kingston to follow his footsteps. But Kingston was impressionable, the flashy lifestyle fascinated him. Now that he was developing an interesting life of his own; Blaze didn't seem so enchanting. "Mumzee, why don't you and Trina come to Congressman Dixon's fundraiser next Friday night ?" Kingston asked. "I don't know...maybe Trina and her friend would like to go," replied Mumzee replied. "No, I want you and Trina there, my family. I'm sure Blaze wouldn't mind taking you." It was like pulling teeth trying to get Mumzee to agree. Finally, she promised she would, on the condition he come to church on Sunday. "You know you haven't been to church in a month of Sundays. You really ought to go and give thanks to the Lord for the direction your life is going." "You're right Mumzee, I'm having the time of my life. I don't think it will be a problem. I promise, I'll be there."About 4a.m. Sunday morning, Mumzee heard Kingston tiptoeing down the hall to his room. If Mr. Entertainment think he's going to sleep all day, he had better think again. Humph! as she rolled over and went back to sleep. A few hours later, while Mumzee was cooking breakfast, Kingston charged into the kitchen, holding two shirts. "Which one should I wear, the blue or the mustard ?" "Wear the mustard one, it brings out your skin tone. You're up early, I thought I was going to have to drag you out of bed. I heard you come in a few hours ago." "I promised both God and you that I was going to church. I would'nt want to break a promise to either of you," Kingston said as he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. By the time he, Trina, and Mumzee arrived at Sylvester Street Baptist Church, he began to feel sleep creeping up on him. He nodded during announcements; tithes and offerings were a faint passing. When the choir began to sing, he came alive. Mumzee did'nt know who was directing, the choirmaster or Kingston. Now he was wide awake, ready to recieve the word. Pastor Carlton delivered a powerful sermon on Luke 12:48.* After church, Mumzee asked him if he'd enjoyed himself. He told her yes; he had forgotten how good going to church made him feel. Maybe, he would try to make it more often. Kingston was trapped in the vestibule after service by a string of young women offering encouragement. Trina smiled because she knew how he felt; the same thing happened to her at school. All of a sudden she was very popular.
Sunday after church, Reese and Monica decided to go to the State Street Festival; it was the last day of the event. "Reese, wait a minute, I forgot my camera, I still have some shoots to do for my photography class." They walked hand in hand down State Street admiring the variety of ware the vendors displayed. They purchased a few pieces of artwork and several small trinkets, sampling the various ethnic foods along the way. There sat a gypsy lady. She looked at the couple and with outstretched arms, she said, "Come, let me tell you of your future." Monica poked Reese, "Come on Reese, let's do it, just for fun!" OK, what the heck," shrugged Reese. They sat in anticipation of peeking into their future. First she took Monica's hand and studied it, then took Reese's hand as he smirked at Monica. "Ah...these two hands are very different, yet they are the same." Her face lit up with a bright smile. "You two have a great future together. Much success in love and business will come your way. You two will build a great empire together. The world is at your fingertips." Just then a voice from behind said, "I sure hope this gypsy lady knows what she"s talking about." They turned around, it was Kingston standing there with an attractive young woman. "Are you doubting me, young man?" "No, I just don't believe in that stuff. No one knows the future." "Sit, young man." Kingston reluctantly sat. She studied his palm. "Interesting...very interesting. There are lots of twists and turns for you; but you must be careful, very careful, for your good fortune can be taken away from you." Kingston laughed as he stood up. Gypsy lady squeezed his hand and said, "Remember this...to whom much is given, much is expected." He gave her a quizical look and walked away with the others.The four decided to stroll over to Grant Park to chill, Monica taking shots along the way. Reese ran up the stairs of the Art Institute and grabbed the lion by the tail. "Hold it Reese, that's a good shot." They took turns clowning in front of the camera. The four of them sat on the steps and fantasized of their futures. Kingston and Reese shared their dreams of what the group could become. They were on one accord.
MORE TO COME
