Array Ashley - Murderville

“Like slaves,” Liberty said dismally.

“Like rarities,” Abia shot back. “Some men pay for one night… they fly out and leave their wives at home so that they can enjoy a single night of pleasure… but some of the men pay to keep you long term. Those men are so rich that you won’t have to lie on your back another day of your life. They spend big money, and I can’t have you walking in there with bags under your eyes from these sleepless, drug-filled rendezvous. So like I said… slow down before you crash and burn.”

WILLOW SAT IN THE LARGE STADIUM AND tears of joy filled her eyes as she looked at the sea of square hats. It was a significant day in her life… it was the day that her son, A’shai, would receive his degree. Her heart swelled with pride as she blew him a kiss. A’shai gave her a charming wink and then held up his hand giving her a sign that only the two of them shared… a hand gesture that meant ‘I Love You’.

“I am so proud of that boy,” Willow stated to Baron who sat to her right.

“Me too. Today is a big day… it’s his day,” Baron replied.

The prestigious couple held hands as they admired their son for his tenacity and drive. Willow knew that A’shai would do something great with his life. She had connected with him from the very first time she lay eyes on him. She was well aware of the life that he had come from because they shared a common past; that made this day even more joyous. A’shai had done quite alright for himself. He had defied the odds.

When his name was called, Willow stood to her feet excitedly, clapping and smiling with class.

A’shai accepted his honor and then walked over to his mother to plant a kiss on her cheek. “This is for both of us,” he whispered in her ear. Willow had urged him to pursue an education more than anyone else in his life and had helped him see it through until the end. She was his biggest supporter and he paid homage to her by sharing his greatest accomplishment with her.

She gripped his face and kissed his cheek before he walked back to his seat.

After the ceremony Willow and Baron greeted their son with love. A’shai was beaming from ear to ear. His usual serious demeanor was overshadowed by the triumph he felt.

“Congratulations, son,” Baron stated as he gave A’shai a firm handshake.

“Let me get a picture with my baby,” Willow said as she pulled him close and fixed his silk neck tie.

Baron chuckled as he shook his head. “Come on, Will, you’re embarrassing him,” he said.

A’shai was not really one for picture taking, but he would do anything to please Willow. He pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and posed for the shot.

“Get one of me and my favorite girl,” he said, making Willow feel like the love of his life.

“I think me and a few of the fellas are going to go out to celebrate,” A’shai said as he removed the cap from his head.

“What? Oh no! I made you a big dinner. I thought you could celebrate at home with us,” Willow said.

Seeing the disappointment on his mother’s face A’shai kissed her cheek and said, “Dinner sounds like the perfect way to celebrate, ma.”

They took a few snapshots and then headed home. A’shai walked into the house and was shocked when he heard…

“SURPRISE!”

He smiled as he recognized all of his closest associates and classmates. Even the hood had come out to show him love.

“Congrats, son!” Baron shouted as he patted A’shai on the back.

He turned to Willow and Baron. “Dinner huh?” he said with a chuckle.

“I had to get you back here somehow,” Willow said. “I’ve been planning this for weeks. I want you to have a ball and live it up. You deserve it!”

Willow walked away to play hostess to her son’s friends while A’shai stood next to Baron, completely taken aback by how many people had shown up. He knew that he had love in the streets but this was like a real live block party.

“Enjoy yourself tonight, Shai. This is your gift from your mother. I have a different surprise for you tomorrow. I love you, young man,” Baron stated.

“I love you too, Pop.”

An old Teena Marie slow jam came on and A’shai immediately recognized Willow’s favorite song. He went and found her and then pulled her onto the dance floor.

“Boy, what are you doing? There are plenty of fresh tail little girls here for you to dance with,” Willow said as she threw her head back as they two-stepped.

“Nope I don’t see nothing but the most beautiful lady in the room,” A’shai replied. They danced the night away and although normally A’shai wasn’t the dancing type he indulged his mother, showing her the time of her life. He truly shared his big night with only her, turning down girl after girl who tried to steal his attention away. “Thanks for this, ma. Thank you for everything,” A’shai stated, knowing that he would be nowhere if it had not been for her generous and kind heart all those years ago. She had pulled him from the trenches and changed his entire life.

“You don’t ever have to thank me. You are my son, and you mean the world to me.”

Baron smiled as he looked over at his son, A’shai, who sat across from him. A’shai had just graduated the day before in Michigan and already they were across the coast in L.A.

They sat in the back of the luxury stretch limo, sipping champagne while waiting on the “special call.” They both wore black tuxedos accented with silk bowties and diamond cufflinks. Presidential would be an understated way to describe the way the two men looked on that night. It was a special night and both of them could feel the electricity in the air. It was the night of The Gentleman’s Ball, the single most exclusive ball of the year. Only politicians, millionaires, and bosses attended the private affair. The location of the event was kept secret for up to twenty minutes prior to the start time. Each man or entourage was told that they would receive a phone call to notify them of the location and only people on the guest list would be allowed to enter. It was very private and Baron had the pleasure of attending the same ball a few years back. He thought bringing A’shai was a great way to celebrate his accomplishment. He also knew that it was a good way to get A’shai’s feet wet in the corporate black market.

“You know, your mother was very proud of you yesterday,” Baron said as he poured champagne into the flute. A’shai smiled and nodded his head as he remained silent. They sat in parking lot of the Hilton that they were staying in and like clockwork, the phone rang exactly twenty minutes before 10 P.M. Baron picked up his phone and pushed the talk button.

“Hello,” he said as he waited for the voice on the other end. A man told him the address to the ball and hung up. And just like that, they were headed to the secret location.

The prestigious hotel was closed down for the night. The sign out front read:

CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION

However, the hotel was actually about to host L.A.’s most exclusive event. Limos lined up in the back of the hotel as men entered through the rear entrance. It was a black tie affair so every man wore a black tuxedo with black tie. As Baron’s and A’shai’s limo pulled to the back curb, both men admired the beautiful women who stood outside acting as personal hostesses, one for each car that pulled up. A tall blonde beauty opened the door for them and stepped to the side so they could walk on the red carpet that led to the back entrance.

“Welcome to The Gentlemen’s Ball,” the exquisite woman said.

“Thank you,” Baron said as he stepped out of the car and reached into his pocket. He slid a crispy $100 into the woman’s hand, and she accepted it gladly. She placed the bill inside of her cleavage and smiled. A’shai stepped out and fixed his cufflinks, and they headed into the building. As they walked inside, masquerade masks were handed to them, and they were ordered to put them on to conceal their identities. As soon as they put the masks on, they were greeted by another hostess who handed them each a hand-rolled Cuban cigar along with a flute of the finest champagne. She then pulled a lighter from her cleavage and lit the cigars for them both. Baron took a puff and smiled.