Can't Stand The Rain Read online

  “You know I can’t, my love,” she replied and gave him a kiss on the cheek and they all laughed.

  “Do you guys come here a lot?” Kale asked Nancy.

  “Usually, my girlfriends and I come here every now and then; it’s my favorite spot to come and dance and get shitfaced when needed. My career fiend brother never ever gets out so I decided to drag him out of the house and make him come with me instead of them. He’s ridiculous, today is his birthday and all he wanted to do was stay at home in bed and read. Oh yeah and we had dinner at our parents’ house. He’s becoming too old too fast and he ain’t gone know how to have fun pretty soon if he keeps this up.”

  “Wow, it’s your birthday? How old are you?”

  “I’m 27,” Larry answered; although he felt a bit shy and embarrassed after listening to his sister tell the truth about his dry and boring life.

  “Yeah, he is 27 but acts as if he’s 57. I mean, I love my brother to death, but our parents put so much pressure on us all to do more than well in life and my poor brother here busts his butt and his balls over and over again just to please them. He never takes the time out to sit and have any fun unless I make him. I mean, I want to be successful too, that is very important, but sometimes my parents measure their success in a much different way than I do. In my eyes, I am successful and if my brother here ever loosens up and is truthful with himself, he would be happy and successful as well. You know how hard we partied in college? He never got the chance to party at all because our parents had him studying so hard, then after he graduated they still weren’t satisfied with that. And now they want him to get married and make them some grandbabies, but I tell you one thing, I see no grandbabies coming from my brother nowhere in his future,” Nancy babbled.

  “So what do you do?” Troy asked.

  “I’m a dentist,” Larry responded.

  “He’s being modest, he is the best dentist in Beaumont,” Nancy bragged.

  “Yeah and I wouldn’t be the best if it wasn’t for Mom and Dad. I know they get a little out of hand at times and go overboard, but you know it’s for our own good,” Larry proclaimed.

  “It may be for your good but not mine. I don’t care what they say, I’m not gonna be the doctor or lawyer that they want me to be. Our dad’s a doctor, a chiropractor, and our mom’s a lawyer and we hated it when we were growing up. We loved them, but hated their careers, because they were never there. Their idea of giving us a good life was not the same for us. When Larry here became a dentist instead of the surgeon that Dad wanted him to be, he fussed to no end. But I told them all, being a dentist will at least let him spend time with his family when he does get one. If he were a big time surgeon, we or no one else would ever be able to see him.”

  “I know they mean well, and I know you mean well too Nance, that is why I love you all. I will be okay. I wanted to be a dentist ever since we were younger and I love being a dentist. I know Dad was upset when I refused to become a surgeon, but you all have to realize that this is my life and I must do what I choose to do. Most of the time though, I just choose to make my parents happy because that’s what makes me happy. I do agree with you though, I will try and live a little more. I am actually enjoying tonight. It is the best birthday I have had since I stayed out late on my 18th birthday with my friends,” Larry admitted.

  “Yeah and both Mom and Dad nearly committed suicide and homicide going crazy waiting for you to come home,” Nancy reminded him.

  “I know. They grounded me for six months,” Larry stated and laughed, although he was slightly embarrassed.

  “They only let you off because you graduated and moved out. But enough about us, sorry you guys, I’ve been going on and on about our problems. I guess I just needed to vent a little bit. That dinner we had with our folks had me going. I need another drink.”

  The way that Nancy was rambling, they all could tell that she had had her share already. She pushed back her chair and stood.

  “I’m headed to the bar to get myself a drink. You guys want anything? Awww, what the heck, I’m bringing you all something anyways, my treat. It’s the least I could do for boring you all with my complaining. Troy, would you like to join me to help carry the drinks?”

  “Sure.”

  Troy also got up and they walked over to the bar to order drinks. As soon as they reached the bar, Nancy confessed.

  “There is a reason I asked you to join me in retrieving the drinks.”

  “Really? What is it?”

  “Everything that I said about my brother and my parents are true. My brother is only 27 and he never ever has any fun.”

  Nancy got quiet and kept searching Troy’s face like she wanted him to say something. Troy was confused because Nancy hadn’t been quiet all night and wasn’t sure what she expected him to say.

  “No offense, but I don’t understand what this has to do with me,” Troy finally spoke.

  “I know, that’s what I’m about to explain. I was hoping that maybe you can talk to him tonight and get to know him. Maybe even get him to loosen up and dance a little. He’s actually a great dancer, for a white guy. If you decide that you like him, maybe ask him out on a date. Do you find him attractive in any way?”

  “Your brother?! Hell yeah, he is gorgeous. He’s the sexiest white guy I’ve seen that wasn’t on the television screen. And the fact that he’s a dentist is hot. I got a thing for doctors of any kind. He makes me want to open up for a root canal right now. I had a feeling but I just wasn’t sure if he was gay or not. Well, I knew it, I just wasn’t sure if he knew it is what I’m trying to say.”

  “Well a long time ago, he told me that he could be, but I don’t think he’s ever actually dated a guy before. He has dated a lot of girls, but I am pretty convinced that it was only for my parents’ sake and approval. When he left and attended college out of state right after graduation, he told me that he had met a guy that was in the same predicament as him basically and they wanted to try and be together and see where it would lead them but both were too afraid. Both our parents and the other guy’s parents were influential people in their city and they didn’t want to send any shame to the family name and business. You’re not offended that I asked you to ask my brother out, are you? I knew you were openly gay because Kale mentioned it to me and all the stories that she told me of you two let me know that you were plenty of fun and that’s what my brother needs in a mate. If you don’t want to though, I’ll understand.”

  “Are you kidding me? You can’t offend me by basically handing me a plate of sirloin steak with all the trimmings at no cost to me. Hell, I feel like I’ve lucked up and if he’s feeling me, I want to thank you. Even if nothing but sex will come from this lil’ hook up, I don’t care. I still feel like I done lucked up. That’s the sexiest white man I’ve seen and I just want at least one night to be able to get some of that pure white milk. I wanna see if it can do my body some good! And he’s a doctor. Jackpot!”

  Nancy laughed. "You are hilarious. I like you and if I know my brother, which I think I do, he will also. Okay let’s head back before this ice melts in our drinks.”

  “My sister thinks I don’t know what it is that she is up to, but I know her,” Larry says as he watches Nancy talking to Troy at the bar as they receive their drinks.

  Kale seemed a little confused, “What do you mean? What are you talking about?”

  “She’s trying to fix me up with your roommate. She’s been pressuring me to date more and just have fun.”

  Kale was almost afraid to ask, but went on ahead anyways, “Are you attracted to Troy?” “Yeah, he’s nice looking.”

  Kale’s eyes widened as a huge grin spread across her face as if she was thinking ‘I knew it!’ and then she asked, “So you are gay or bisexual?”

  “Yeah. I have always known that I was, but I was in denial for like, ever. But now I think it is time for me to live in honesty. I’m tired of lying to myself and everyone else. I just have these urges and now I think that it is time
for me to surrender to them.”

  Kale was shocked, not because he had admitted to being gay, that she could foresee, but the fact that his admission seemed more like a confession or a declaration to a woman that he had not even known for more than an hour. She guessed that he felt more comfortable talking to her because of the fact that she was a complete stranger. Funny how the world is; where at times you could share your deepest secrets with someone you don't know, but cannot do the same with those who’ve known you your whole life. She guessed it was the undemanding of them that made them seem so innocent and trustworthy. The fact that they are not there to judge you, yet only to listen makes you feel reassured.

  Troy and Nancy returned to the table and rejoined Larry and Kale. They finished off their drinks seemed like as quickly as they started them and then returned to the dance floor. They were all now anxious to celebrate now that they had a reason to celebrate. They danced and talked all night until closing. Troy and Larry shared most of the spotlight as they danced together. Larry really let loose on the dance floor. The others were all shocked and excited. Nancy’s mind was definitely blown for she had never seen her brother act in such a way their whole lives. Her brother was not a drinker at all so she knew that after a few drinks he would be out of there. Her plan was not to get him completely wasted, but to get enough drinks in his system to let his hair down and enjoy himself. She knew that this would not be a permanent change for her dependable, workaholic brother but was still pleased to see him in his temporary enjoyment. It was so nice to see him enjoy himself and have a great time. She really hoped that he and Troy would hit it off.

  Chapter 10

  Kale did not return home until after five o’clock that morning. Because she was so wasted she decided to drive to her parents’ home and go to sleep in her old bedroom. She wished she could have went to sleep cuddled up in Pit’s arms but realized that she couldn’t muster the strength needed to make that drive and was afraid of falling asleep on one of those long, dirt roads that were on the way. She hoped that her parents wouldn’t be startled if they had heard her coming in, so even though it was late, she decided to call them and let them know that she would be staying the night at their home upon leaving the party. Afterwards, she called to inform Pit of her whereabouts so that he wouldn’t be worried or upset if she was still asleep when he tried to reach her.

  They were having such a great time at the club that when it closed they were still in the mood to party. Nancy volunteered her home to them. She had a bar in her basement that was packed with liquor, which they didn’t need too much more of, and she informed them that she had also just purchased groceries and could cook something for them. Of course they all agreed. They ended up spending three hours over at Nancy’s home chatting, drinking, dancing, eating, and even playing a few hands of cards. Nancy insisted that they all spend the night over at her place, but Kale declined. She had already called and spoken with her mom and informed her that she would be going on home and as it got later she didn’t want to call and wake her again. Besides, she knew that Pit would rather her stay at her parents’ home than with a friend that he barely knew. Troy and Larry were enjoying themselves so much and she wanted to give them some time to be alone.

  Once Kale finally made it to her parents’ home and her head touched her pillows, she felt like she was in heaven. Her feet and body ached and she was so glad to finally let them rest. Within two minutes she was knocked out cold. She was getting some great rest in until three hours later when her sister came into her room. At first, she thought she was still asleep and was dreaming. What was San doing here? She is supposed to be at school, what the hell is going on? Sanayah stood in the doorway and watched her sister look confused and try her best to keep her eyes opened and focused. Then she smiled and spoke.

  “Good morning beautiful, get your behind up!”

  “San? Are you okay? What are you doing here?” Kale asked, a bit startled when she realized that her sister was really in her room and this was not a dream.

  “Apparently I am not here because I went out to the club and got wasted and am now suffering from a lack of sleep and an awful hangover like my darling sister,” Sanayah said and laughed at her own joke, trying to lighten the mood before answering her sister’s question. “Things are okay, I just need you to get up, now. Dad fixed us some breakfast and I have something that I need to tell all of you.”

  “Breakfast! What time is it?”

  “Ten minutes after eight.”

  “TEN MINUTES AFTER EIGHT!!! Are you serious?! Do you know what time I went to bed? What do you have to tell us that is so important and can’t wait?”

  “No, it cannot wait. I am sorry sis, if it was not important I would let you go back to sleep. But I do not want you to miss out on the news. So after we all talk, then you can get back in the bed and get some rest. Come on, do you smell that? You better get downstairs quick before the food gets cold. You know how much you hate that.”

  Kale threw back the cover with frustration.

  “Aww San, you’re giving me a headache. This better be important too.”

  “You cannot make me believe that I am the cause of your headache,” Sanayah snickered. “Mom told me that you got wasted last night and that is how you ended up here. I am glad though, because you can make it to the table much quicker from up here than your place. So hurry and wash up and GET DOWNSTAIRS!”

  Sanayah was so nervous about informing her family about her situation. She was doing all that she could to hide her fear by keeping a smile on her face and staying perky; but, if she did not get her chance to spill everything soon, she felt as if she would explode or pass out. She left out of her sister’s room so fast she had to pause for a second and hold on to the hallway wall before going down the stairs. She felt so dizzy, like she could barely stand. She started thinking, man, I must hurry and sit down and get something in my stomach before my hunger and nerves get the best of me. She started to take a step towards the stairway but suddenly stopped.

  Kale got up and headed to her bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face. She took a look in the mirror and realized that she looked just as horrifying as she felt.

  “Boy, my sister better be lucky I love her or else I would crawl right back into bed and sleep this hangover off,” Kale said to herself as she reached for her toothbrush.

  After she was done, she literally drug her feet out of the bedroom and headed downstairs. When she stepped out into the hallway she noticed Sanayah laid out on the floor just above the stairs. She screamed and ran over to her sister.

  “San, oh my God! What has happened to you?” Kale shouted as the tears immediately swelled up in her eyes and proceeded to fall free down her face. “MOM! DAD!! HELP ME PLEASE!!!”

  She needed to get her parents attention and their help. She sat down and placed Sanayah’s head in her lap and rubbed her hair. Giving Sanayah a kiss on her head and cupping her face into her bosom, Kale started rocking, praying, and sobbing harder in fear of the worst. By that time, their parents were at the foot of the stairs.

  “Girls, what is going on?” her father asked but didn’t wait for a response.

  Once they noticed Sanayah lying on the floor and Kale sitting under her holding her, they both shot up the stairs so fast their father taking the stairs three at a time and their mother right behind him taking them two at a time.

  “What happened to her?” Mrs. Weber asked Kale as tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “I-I-I-I-I really don’t kn-know. I came outta my room a-an-and saw her lying here on the floor,” Kale announced, struggling in between sobs to get the words out.

  “Well she’s still breathing so that’s a good thing, but let’s just dial up an ambulance. Just in case there is something serious going on with her, we do not want to be sorry we took too long to come to her rescue,” Mr. Weber said.

  He was the only one who was even thinking straight and rational enough to call the ambulance in the midst of all this anxiety an
d fear.

  “Okay, I’ll call,” Mrs. Weber exclaimed as she ran off to the nearest room with a phone still crying.

  “Let’s lift her up and carry her into this room here so we can lay her on something soft and more comfortable,” Mr. Weber said.

  “Okay.”

  Kale was shaking and crying, almost feeling too weak to walk, let alone help carry her sister to the bed. Mr. Weber sensed that and decided he would carry his oldest daughter in the room himself. With Kale close behind him, he brought Sanayah into the guest bedroom where Mrs. Weber had gone to call 911. They laid her on the bed in a supine position. Since they were unaware of the cause and severity of Sanayah’s sudden collapsing, Mr. Weber thought that it would not be wise to try and elevate her head just in case she had an injury or something. Or maybe he should. They were so scared and confused they didn’t really know what to do. They couldn’t really recall hearing a thud when she fell to the ground so they weren’t sure if she had hit her head or not, and if she did, how hard. On second thought, he didn’t like the way she looked while lying in this position so he grabbed a pillow and placed it underneath her head to give her a little cushion.

  Mrs. Weber was just hanging up the phone with the 911 operator, “Okay, thank you and please hurry. Bye.”

  She hung up the phone and walked over to the bed.

  “What they say?”

  “They said that they will send someone out STAT and that it shouldn’t be too long before they get here. Ten minutes at the most,” she reported still looking a bit shaken up and worried. “Ten minutes is a long time when you don’t know what’s going on with your child.”

  Sanayah was hearing a lot of voices and noises going on around her, but she wasn’t sure what was going on with her. Am I dying? Have I died already? What is happening to me? Sanayah started thinking to herself trying to figure out what was going on with her. She tried to remember what the last thing was that she was doing. She felt more moving going on around her and soon realized that it was her that was doing the moving, or being moved. She opened her eyes and saw only a blur at first, but then the blur started to come together and she saw that the voices and movement that she had been hearing and feeling were the paramedics talking and strapping her onto a stretcher to be transported to the hospital. When Sanayah saw herself being carried down the stairs she remembered where she was and why. Then came the panic. She felt her sister’s hand in hers and she lifted up to speak.