Tales of Indifference
An Anthology of SULTRY, SECRETIVE, & SIMPLISTIC Short Stories
by
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Oddly enough, off the court, Darrell was the shyest of the triad. Well, that was only true if he was alone. With his two buddies, he would boast, cheer, yell, and rave like any other 21 year old full-blooded healthy male. At 6’3”, Darrell was the epitome of power on the court. He averaged 35 points a game, 12 assists, 10 rebounds, held a 80% FT average, and an astonishing 90% 3-point average with typically 5-7 powerful ‘3s’ at his discretion against any opponent. Darrell had toughness on the court, shyness off the court, but a true marshmallow when he saw someone he truly liked. She was about 5’8” tall, a beautiful Halle Berry hair cut, and eyes like Jennifer Lopez. She was a foreign student whom he had laid eyes on during freshman experience weekend upon visiting Florida A&M. Sadly enough, she hadn’t yet connected the dots back to him but his hopes were beaming with internal excitement. That weekend was magical and his infatuation was immense for a girl whom he only knew her name, Tammy. But it sounded oh so melodic in his mind. She now became the greatest reason, other than basketball, to return to school officially this fall. This last summer togetherness meant the world to the three of them. It was the end of the beginning, and beginning of the end. For this month, these best friends would have to begin finding themselves and place a tight seal on some of their escapades as they were near there adventurous end. Soon, late nights would no longer exist, no more dating in symmetry, and even the overprotective nature would have to calm down. On the positive side, they were still going to be relatively close in proximity as the schools they selected were in Florida and Alabama. This was intentional as time wise they could yet visit one another in less than 4 hours each. “Clifton, get the door man. Do you not hear that annoying doorbell?” yelled Darrell from upstairs. Surprisingly, they were all home on this Saturday morning. They truly enjoyed the comfort of their 2-story loft that they rented the last semester of the senior year in high school. All of their parents agreed since they couldn’t seem to be separated anyway. This loft wasn’t the usual bachelor pad some may think. It was neat and tidy simply because they all grew up with that being a priority from their grandmothers’ who lived in each home. It was very spacious; 3 full baths, 3 average-sized bedrooms, ceiling fans in each bedroom, and even open bay windows. To be honest, it did have one atypical feature of most young men; a partially empty refrigerator. This was at least until one of the mothers’ would come over and visit and then restock it accordingly. Outsiders would assume they don’t work, but all three of them work and enjoy it wholeheartedly. It chimed again. The doorbell rang a third and fourth time. At the door stood a naval military officer, with a stern yet consoling look on his face. Within moments, the friends’ lives would change forever as they once knew it. “Sir, I’m looking for Mr. Horton Randall”, the gentleman stated. “Uh, uh, uh”, Clifton stuttered. He shook his head and tried to quickly regain his composure. “Would you like to come in?” Clifton asked the officer as he was still standing outside the door. He walked with such form and flawless posture; shoes shined to perfection and dress blues as neat as any suit just picked up from the cleaners but still on the white paper hanger. Within moments, Horton and Darrell came in simultaneously. The two of them just stopped and looked at one another. All Clifton could do was stand as he knew Horton had a brother and sister in the navy. He also had two other relatives in the Air Force but his father had died in a war when he was only 2 years old. Horton had no idea that this gentleman who stood holding his top hat in hand was there for him. Though, Darrell was in shock as well because his father was serving a high ranking naval position in Germany. To date, he had already served over 30 years. The only sound in the room was the clock that sat on a nearby end table. It was small in size but at that moment the ‘tick, tock’ was ever so loud. With hearts beating, palms sweating, and knots in their stomach, the 45 seconds of silence seemed like an eternity. “Mr. Randall, Mr. Horton Randall”, he continued. He looked at both Darrell and Horton because he wasn’t sure who to address. Then, within a flash, Horton just fell to the floor. He couldn’t take it. He was having intense palpitations which seemed like a heart attack, the frog in his throat seemed like he had swallowed an apple, and the knot in his stomach and pain in his heart were too powerful. Clifton and Darrell stood motionless listening to the officer detailing the death of his 25 year old sister who was killed by friendly fire. Brandi had already served 8 years and was on a mission in Uganda. The only words that resonated from his voice were “…Officer Brandi Horton was a remarkable soldier and will be missed and loved by all…” All they could think was this was supposed to be her last overseas mission for at least 2 years. All three had planned to go see her when she returned to the states. Her nickname was “Brae” by all who loved her.
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About the Book
Tales of Indifference: An Anthology of Sultry, Secretive, and Simplistic Short Stories is unlike other short stories because it uncovers a full revelation of characters such as Chris. This man made a black tee something that any woman would crave simply by looking at his rippled body. He had a flawless six pack, toned thighs, biceps and triceps to make anyone want to hold onto for dear life. So, why is it this substance ‘blood’ appears and he not only is stunned but his life becomes turned upside down? Another desirable yet interesting character which readers will begin to either relate to, truly adore, or long to dislike is Cassi. To the outside world, she is successful, happy, and all together. But what happens when she enters her vehicle would surprise most. Then, we have three friends, Darrell, Horton, and Clifton. From youth to collegiate days, they have shown others the value in sincerity. But a simple, unexpected arrival at the door changes their lives forever. Within these pages, every story causes one to seek to befriend, challenge to change, or rival in the thought that the outcome is simply unique enough to want more. Thus, the underlying truth is love; tragedy, friendships, divorce, turmoil, happiness, mental illnesses, and physical challenges are mere factions of what you will encounter as you travel through this rich and dynamic book. The desired goal for anyone reading is to yearn to see these characters become more visible and open up your thought processes to their humanistic appeal.
About the Author
Tracey ‘Girlz’ has been writing seriously since her high school days. She was privileged to have teachers who encouraged her creativity passion. They often fostered her desire to manipulate thoughts and ideas. To be honest, she was the secret writer of her high school newsletter. Early on, she wrote for B Visible Magazine, which is based in her hometown of Memphis, TN. Although she currently resides in South Carolina, she is more determined to forge forward in her lifelong endeavors. Her other marketing experiences include work in radio and television (formerly ‘In the Midst with Tracey’ host). Her educational accomplishments include a Certificate in Computerized Accounting, a BBA in Management from LeMoyne-Owen College and MSSW in Social Work from University of Tennessee. Her professional/social associations include Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., maintaining a relationship with her undergraduate alumni, and networking with other therapeutic professionals. Her 18 years of social service coupled with managerial and teaching experience has added to her base. Writing is simply a natural correlation of her innate desire to be a blessing to others. Prior to the term ‘bucket list’ becoming popular, she always knew she was destined to write a book. Although not currently teaching, she hopes to implore her ideal that (a) education is imperative; and (b) life is empirically shorter than we can conceive. Her two daughters, Dominique and Angel are a great part of who she is. Her hope is that others will realize they too can succeed and to not be held to the confines of others or a “box”. To date, she enjoys being a mother, friend, sister, daughter, therapist, teacher, speaker, and writer. To be an author, is a lifelong dream and another accomplishment she is yet proud to add to her catalog of undertakings.