1Date: 4-14-1990
Brenda's p.o.v
My black prince, Dominique and I spent seven minutes in heaven at a friend's party. Technically
speaking, Kelly hosted the party. She and Brandon paid little attention to me. They were busy with
making out. Dylan and I had just separated so I was single again. A group of my peers introduced
Dominique to me. He played on our high school's basketball team. Brandon and Kelly caught
us having sex in the closet. Who knew I would become pregnant that night?
Date: 4-24-1990
Concerned, Brandon squeezes my hand. "Brenz, you look pale. I can take you back home
if you are feeling unwell?" he offers. He doesn't know that I am two weeks pregnant.
"I am fine" I lie trying to hold back my vomit. Although I am nauseous, I still manage to
walk toward the school building. Dominique's face increases my anxiety even more.
The word, dynamite which is my nickname for him slips off my tongue. He kisses me
and I lose control over my body. I vomit in front of him and our peers. A fainting spell
sends me to the hospital emergency room. I wake up to chaos, total destruction of my
family and love life. At least I have the right to decide between life or death.
Date: 9-10-1990
Depressed, I stare out of the bus window. The world passes me by. I wonder would anyone
miss me if I committed suicide? I have a job, an apartment and unborn twins, but that doesn't
mean I am completely happy. What I desire the most is a friend. Right on cue, a handsome
young black man sits by me. His name is Kurt Evergreen. He appears to be a few years older
than me, probably early twenties. Surprisingly, this kind fellow is my neighbor. Like a flower,
our friendship quickly begins to blossom.
Date: 9-10-1990
Kurt Evergreen's p.o.v
Depressed, she stared into a world of nothingness. I wanted to sit by the window, but I didn't feel like arguing. It was my desire to enjoy the bus ride home from work in peace and quiet. My heart bled uncontrollably for the pregnant white girl sitting next to me. We exchanged a few words. She said her name was Brenda Walsh. Six months pregnant with twins, Brenda was an adult even in her young age. Surprisingly, we lived at the same apartment complex.
Date: 12-15-1990
Brenda's flashback
"I am ready to be picked up" I cry into the phone. "I am driving into the hospital parking lot right now" Kurt says on the other end. I hop into his car outside in the hospital
parking lot. My tears speak for themselves. "You didn't have a successful check up" my neighbor and best friend concludes. "Dawn is growing at a slower rate than her
brother Kennedy. The doctor warned she would die at birth" sobbing, I explain. Livid, Kurt wants to kill the doctor. He is as hot as an oven until he feels my babies kick.
This settles him down some.
Date: 12-20-1990
Brenda's flashback
"Are we there yet?" I whine struggling through a painful contraction. "We are now here at the hospital" Kurt notifies me driving into the parking lot. He is kind enough to
carry me into the building. A nurse assumes Kurt is the father immediately. I tell her that he is not the father. My babies' father has been mia for a very long time. Anyhow,
Kurt hugs me goodbye. I wanted him to stay, but I knew he had to go to work. He fades away from my mind completely.
Date: 12-20-1990
Brenda's p.o.v
Love pushes through the pain even when I feel like giving up. I have twins counting on me to survive so I can't just quit or die. Compassionate, the doctor and his team of
nurses have taken the place of my parents. My first born, Kennedy Brian Brandon Walsh brings even more sunshine. His fragile little sister, Dawn Sophia Anne Walsh isn't so
fortunate. A damaged deformed skull ends her life prematurely. I hold her and mourn her briefly. Raising one baby instead of two is bittersweet.
Time period: A flashback
Brenda's p.o.v
Dawn was predestined to die well before December 20. She received her death sentence a week prior to the birth. My final ultrasound test showed Dawn grew at a
slower rate than her brother, baby A. Unsympathetic, the doctor warned I would go home with one baby instead of two. His words were a crushing low blow to me. My heart
crumbled into tiny pieces. I was so desperate to leave his office that I forgot to thank him. A trail of tears followed me all the way home in which was an apartment building.
Little by little, I threw away Dawn's things. I tried to detach myself from Dawn. My womb didn't want to let her go though. I pushed Kennedy's stuff aside until the moment
I faced reality. A kind neighbor named Kurt Evergreen drove me to the hospital when my labor started. He took me to my last check up a week ago. Just like the doctor
instructed, I paced the hallways. A sharp abdominal pain and a gush of water paralyzed me. I bent over gasping for air. A nurse immediately rushed to my aid. She
accompanied me to a delivery room where I gave birth.
Date: 12-20-1990
Brenda's p.o.v
After much begging, I was allowed to see and hold Dawn at last. Carefully, I uncovered the pink blanket around her face. Despite her deformities, Dawn resembled a Barbie doll. Gasping for breath, she longed for me like a little puppy. I was happy to acknowledge her to be my child for once. A nurse grabbed Dawn before I could say I love you. "Your daughter is struggling to breathe. I will take care of her" a nurse persists. She grabs Dawn from my arms. "Where are you taking her?" I ask the nurse. I buried Dawn in my heart and mind. Full of hope and promise, Kennedy bonded with me much longer and quite easily.
Date: 12-25-1990
Kurt's p.o.v
Bittersweet describes my mental state. Brenda had invited me over to join Kennedy and her for Christmas breakfast. In all my twenty-one years, nobody h
as cared about me as much as Brenda. She has been my only true best friend so far. If I wasn't a workaholic and there wasn't a huge age gap between us
then I would date her. Dawn's spirit hovers above us.
Date: 12-25-1990
Brenda's p.o.v
"Merry Christmas, princess" I cry placing a teddy bear and balloons on Dawn's tombstone.
Kennedy's twin sister, Dawn died at birth five days ago. Thankfully, Kennedy is asleep in his stroller
so he can't watch me fall apart. "There is a butterfly on your shoulder" Kurt points out. "You are
beautiful" I tell Dawn's spirit. Dawn's spirit flies away and I never see her again. "Kennedy and I
will be moving to Atlanta in January because I have a new job there" I announce to Kurt. Kurt
considers my departure to be bittersweet.
Date: 3-14-2000
City: Atlanta, Georgia
Time of day: Evening
While heading out of the door to go to WalMart, Kennedy and I encounter Kevin Chase.
He smells of cigarettes and whiskey, but I kiss him anyway. Only God knows what he has been
doing all day. My pregnancy announcement shocks him. He promises we can talk about the baby
at a later time. I am in such a rush that I overlook the pain and sorrow in his tired eyes. Later on,
my other neighbors tell me that he committed suicide.
Date: 11-30-2000
Drifting in and out of consciousness, I wake up in a bloody bed. I conclude I am hemorrhaging.
Severely dehydrated, I try my best to prepare Kennedy for school. Going to the hospital is a distant
thought. I must take care of my son first. This has been my main priority even going through a
biopsy a few months ago. The doorbell rings and I beg Kennedy to answer the door.
I collapse in the arms of my good friend and neighbor, Catherine. When I wake up, I find myself
at Grady hospital. I am face to face with my daughter, Maisie Prudence Walsh who was delivered
via an emergency cesarean section.
Time Period: An Alternate Universe
Scenario: Dawn is alive and has mental retardation
Kennedy's twin sister, Dawn has mental retardation. Even though Dawn is twenty six,
she has the mind of a helpless feeble newborn baby. A difficult birth put her in this
terrible position. OH, what such a pity! Kennedy blames himself for not allowing her to leave the
womb first. He wishes he could trade places with her. Kennedy and me switch between taking
care of Maisie and Dawn.
Date: 11-30-2015 (twenty five years later)
Brenda's p.o.v
Today my daughter named Maisie celebrates her fifteenth birthday. The hardest part
of Today is my biopsy. I experienced a similar situation when I was pregnant with Maisie.
Hopefully, my current test results will turn out to be negative like my previous ones.
Anyway, Maisie's birthday is a time of remembrance for me. I sing along to Monica's
song, "Angel of Mine" in which playing on the radio in the doctor's office. This song
brings Maisie's father, Kevin Chase to mind. Kevin Chase aka KC was my neighbor
and boyfriend. Severely depressed, my black prince committed suicide on March 14, 2000.
Kevin died nine months before Maisie was born. My pregnancy announcement wasn't
enough to keep him happy or alive. Enticing, drugs sent him to an early grave.
Date: 11-30-2015
Kennedy's p.o.v (he is 24 ongoing 25 at the time)
Anxiously, I wait here in the hospital lobby with my sister Maisie. Strangely, mom is getting a biopsy on Maisie's fifteenth birthday. I remember mom experienced a similar scare
before Maisie was born. Those biopsy results turned out to be negative. It is times like these that I realize how truly precious life is. I try my best to make Maisie feel special
today. We exchange funny stories and jokes. The future appeared bright until mom announced she had breast cancer.
Date: 12-20-2015
Brenda's p.o.v
There was a song in my heart today because it was Sunday and Kennedy's birthday.
Kennedy, Maisie, and I took turns using the bathroom. As for fun, we timed each other to see
who spent a lot of time in there. Kennedy won the contest. After we were dressed, we ate
breakfast and had our daily morning devotional. Since I was singing with the choir
this morning, I drove myself to church. Kennedy and Maisie arrived at church just in enough time to
hear me sing. God's presence consumed the whole entire building. He brought a little heaven down
here on earth. He worked through my children and church members to bless me. Apparently,
Kennedy and Maisie cooked brownies without my knowledge yesterday. Our church members
paid them money for the brownies. Their donations went toward my battle against cancer.
Date: 7-15-2016
Brenda's p.o.v
With all the recent racial hate crimes, I never imagined I would lose my son. A drive by shooting ended Kennedy's life. I recall he was walking home from the grocery store.
Since there was no father in the household, Kennedy provided for Maisie and me. He was just so young and full of great potential. He didn't deserve to die. Black, white, or
mixed like my children, all lives matter. California calls me back home. I hope my family and friends will receive me with open arms. I pray they can take care of Maisie if I
may succumb to breast cancer.
Date: 8-21-2016
Brenda's p.o.v
Fearful, I stand before my parents' house with a suitcase in hand. I feel like vomiting. "Mom, they will be happy to see you" Maisie assures me. Holding
my hand, Maisie accompanies me to the front door. I ring the door bell, but nobody answers the door. Luckily, I have my house key. I unlock the door and my mind is flooded
with memories. I am transported back to a much happier time, pre the "dark ages". My perfect utopia actually doesn't actually come true. In reality, the house gives me
goose bumps. Brandon's smiling face restores life back into the dark gloomy place. "Brenda!" Brandon exclaims hugging me tightly. "Brandon, I am happy to see you. Where
is mom and dad?" I wonder. "Mom and dad are dead. Mom had a brain aneurysm last year. Dad passed away in his sleep soon afterwards" emotional, Brandon explains. My
heart sinks like a ship within my chest. Adding to Kennedy's death, their loss is extra painful. "Hello Brandon, my name is Maisie. I am your niece" Maisie chimes in. I am
thankful for this brief distraction. At first, Brandon is skeptical about Maisie's paternity. I dodge his questions concerning her father. He comes around eventually. Somewhere
between catching up and watching the news, I am disorientated. Strangely, Kennedy's death by which occurred in Georgia has followed me out here. Brandon doesn't know that
Kennedy is his nephew nor I have breast cancer. Grief takes such huge toll on my body that I faint.
Date: 8-21-2016
Maisie's p.o.v
"Your mom's condition is getting worse" the doctor warns me outside mom's recovery room. "I know. What else is new under the sun?" I cry. "Cherish every moment that
you have with her" he advises walking away. "Maisie, what is your mom's condition?" Uncle Brandon demands. "My mom has breast cancer" I sob into his arms. My words
catch him off guard. "Everything will be ok, sweetheart" he promises stroking my hair. I don't understand this situation had to happen in order for us to grow closer. I am
shut out of mom's private conversation with Uncle Brandon. I couldn't hear them talking, but I assume she came clean about everything including Kennedy. I imagined them
crying and hugging it out together.
Brenda's p.o.v
"Mom…Momma…Mommy" Maisie sobs collapsing into my arms. I bet her cries can
be heard out in the hallway. Brandon just says awe. "How may I help you, Maze?" I wonder
stroking her hair. "Please don't die" my daughter begs me. "My life is in God's hands" I
promise her. "Did you come home to die? Did you come home to leave Maisie in my care?"
Brandon interrogates me. I look deep inside myself for the truth.
Situation: An Alternate Universe-What if Brenda died?
Time Period: Nighttime-bedtime
Maisie's p.o.v
Before going to bed, I give my mom a goodnight kiss and hug. Mom invites me to sleep with her. I
don't turn down her offer. I lay down and wrap my arms around her stomach. I absorb her warm
body heat and vice versa. My dream world is doubly blessed by her beautiful singing.
Time Period: The Present Reality-Morning
Maisie's p.o.v
The urgent need to urinate breaks me away from my dream world. My sudden movements don't
disturb my mom. Fast asleep, she can't even hear me flush the toilet.
Date: 8-21-2016
Brandon's p.o.v
Ode to Dawn, my deceased niece. I never knew she existed until a recent trip to WalMart. Brenda, Maisie, and I encountered a single white mother shopping with her biracial
fraternal twins. The situation affected Brenda so much that she ran out of the store crying. I followed closely behind her into the parking lot. Maisie finished our grocery
shopping. "Why are you crying?" concern, I begged my sister outside. "Kennedy had a twin sister named Dawn. Dawn died at birth. A damaged deformed skull cut her life short"
Brenda recounted through heavy intense sobs. I comforted Brenda until she found the strength to stand on her own two feet again.
Date: 8-22-16
Brenda's p.o.v
Brandon is kind enough to babysit Maisie while I spend time alone. I encounter my former boyfriend, Dylan McKay at the beach. We dig our feet into the sand and soak in the
warmth of the sun. The sunset reminds me of a sick dying person. My fate weighs heavily on my mind as usual. The wind blows my hair exposing my numerous gray strands.
"I am getting old, Dylan" I mention in a serious and yet jokingly way. "You are quite young at heart" he says trying to make me feel better. "Will you still love me even if I am
not young and beautiful?" I wonder. "Yes of course" he smirks stroking my hair. "Sometimes I fear that I might not have long left to live" choked up, I add. "You are a
warrior. You can survive through anything" he encourages me. "I love you" I smile pulling him close to my body. "I love you too" he whispers in between kisses. After the
dust settles, we cruise around Beverly Hills in his new Mercedes. We meet up with our friends at our favorite gathering place. My breast cancer prognosis strengthens our
bond even more.
Date: 1-15-2035
Situation: Brenda's flash forward-The present reality-At the Park with Maisie and Jay (Brenda and Dylan's son)
The green grass brings Kurt to mind. I recall his name was evergreen. Among all places, I reunite with him at a park. My kids and I encounter him on the walking trail. I am
surprised he remembers me. Still waiting for a heart transplant, he inspires us. We encourage him to stay strong. Careless, I allow my black prince to get away once again.
Kurt was as sweet as chocolate candy, that's the one thing I will remember about him forever.
Brenda's p.o.v
Butterflies guide Kurt, Maisie, and me to Dawn's gravesite. The sight of numerous balloons and flowers makes me emotional. Even in death, my daughter was dearly loved. "I
have looked after Dawn in your absence" Kurt informs me. "Thank you" I sob heavily into his arms. "No problem, Brenz" Kurt smirks. "How would've life turned out if Dawn
was alive instead of me?" Maisie wonders. "I would've still loved you, Kennedy, and her" I assure Maisie.
