The Mystery of Chad Harris: Fate Delivers Us, Chapter Twenty-Two
 
 

The days since Chad's return from Arizona had been solemn ones for the Russell Family, who had done all they could to lift Chad's spirits, but, to no avail.

Eve looked as Chad was engaged in the gardening. He had done many odd jobs around the Russell House these past few days, to keep his time occupied. Now, he was weeding out the lawn. Eve came out of the house to the backyard and called out,

" Chad, why don't you take a break. I fixed you something."

" It's OK, Dr. Russell. I'd rather work. "

" Chad, I insist. Doctor's orders."

Chad smiled and came to the table. " I'll go inside and wash my hands." Once Chad was back, Eve had poured both of them glasses of lemonade, and Chad's plate completely ready. Chad bit into the large sandwich and realized after a few bites just how hungry he was. He smiled a bit at Eve.

" Chad, I know that I haven't exactly been one of your biggest supporters in this family, but, I'm concerned about you. I know that you've undergone a big disappointment, but, you have to work through it. You have all sorts of support."

" Even you, Dr. Russell?"

" Yes, Chad. I support you."

Chad and Eve were silent for a few moments, and then Chad spoke up.

" You know, Dr. Russell, of all the people that I've met in this town, you were the one person who kept on warning me not to get my hopes up. I thought sometimes that you were being cruel, but, I know that's not the case. You didn't want to see me as destroyed as I was when that old man died out in Arizona. You ever feel close enough to something that you could taste it?"

" Yes."

" That's how it was with me and this search. It had been abstract, ever since I was a little boy. But, we got so close. I could literally SEE my mother for the first time. Until then, she had been a figment of my dreams and nightmares."

" Chad.."

" Dr. Russell. I can count on less than one hand, the number of families that I've been with that I would consider fit to raise goldfish, let alone children. But, you and Coach Russell, you've been something to behold. I don't think that I've made my interest in Whitney a secret, Dr. Russell. You know what?"

" What?"

" If I was going to really be honest with myself, I'd admit that a large part of me liking Whitney, is her family. You all and Whitney are like the perfect package. I know that I'm not good enough.."

Eve reached out and touched Chad's hand. " I don't want to hear that from you, Chad. You're a wonderful young man. You grow on people. You've grown on me.", she says with a slight laugh.

"Yeah?"

" Yes. Chad, I know that this was so painful for you. But, I think that you making this journey has been good. It's had a point and a reason to it, and I think you were to come to Harmony, so that you could meet all of us. "

"I think so too."

" Chad, I hope that you won't think me presumptuous.", Eve said, pulling out some papers from her pocket and sliding them over to Chad.

Chad picks up the papers and begins to read them. "Harmony University?"

" I thought that you needed to begin the rest of your life right now, Chad. You may or may not ever find your parents, but, you need to begin your life. You talk so much of doing your music. I think you need an education."

" Dr. Russell…"

" Chad, let me say this. You can call me a 'bougie' snob if you want to, but, I believe that education is the way that someone improves their situation. Chad, you've proven that you have what it takes, but, facts are, unless you're born a Crane, in THIS world, those pieces of paper, especially for Black people, mean a whole lot. Usually, the pieces of paper are the only way that we get our feet in the door. You have too much going on Chad, to not prepare yourself for the future. "

" Dr. Russell.."

" Don't talk to me about cost. TC and I have plenty of friends over at Harmony U, and what we can't help you find in scholarships, TC and I are willing to pay."

" I don't take Charity, Dr. Russell."

" What charity? This is an investment, Chad. In you. In your future. Possibly my daughter's future. We have plans for Whitney, Chad. I'm not ashamed to say it. Whitney's tennis talent, if nurtured right, can take her far. She's beautiful and poised, and we've been trying to prepare her for her life in the spotlight. To be blunt, Chad, if you want to be with Whitney, YOU have to prepare for that too. I won't have anyone around my daughter's that an embarrassment. "

" Which you think I am.", Chad says sadly.

" No, I don't. But, Chad, if Whitney's career takes her to the Top 10 in tennis. That not only means money from tournaments, but, endorsements. Whitney is beautiful, elegant. I can see her as a spokesperson for nearly any product. That will bring her into contact with the rich and famous, Chad. People want to talk about it being a classless society in America, but, that's simply not true. There's classism in America like any other country, and it's subtle, the differences. Chad, if I didn't think that you could help Whitney in that world, then I wouldn't bother. You're a gem, Chad. You’re handsome, solid. You have 'it'. At first I thought you would use 'it' to do harm to my family, but I realize that's not the case. Education is NEVER a bad thing. Knowledge can never be taken from you, and how far you go with it is your choice. Russell Simmons, Puff Daddy and Master P have all gone to college of some form or another. Suge Knight didn't, and that, in addition to his thuggery, is why he's in prison right now."

" That's cold, Dr. Russell. I didn't think you knew anything about Simmons, Puffy or Master P. "

" Who do you think has been in the pages of Forbes and Fortune these past years? Only those truly ignorant don't know that Rap/Hip-Hop is a multi-Billion dollar industry, and what makes it different from other forms, is the fact that so many Black entrepreneurs have their hands in the actual pie. Russell Simmons was the second coming of Berry Gordy, though he's never gotten the respect for it. Chad, you have more 'authentic' street credentials than ANY of them. Take this opportunity. Learn what you need to help you build your music dreams."

" I didn't tell anyone this, but, I passed my GED a couple of months ago. "

" That's wonderful!"

" Yeah. Theresa helped me study."

" I have all the paperwork inside, and you can have it anytime."

" Thank you, Dr. Russell.  Dr. Russell, what happens if Whitney and I don't stay together?"

" Then, you'll be an even better prospect for the young woman lucky enough to get you. ", Eve says smiling.

" Your faith in me means a lot, Dr. Russell. I couldn't respect two people more than you and Coach Russell. I hope that I can respect my parents half as much, if I ever find them."

His statement moved Eve. " Thank you, Chad. I'll go get us some Italian Ice."
 
 

Madelaine arrived home from the restaurant and went upstairs to see Piccola sitting on her favorite chair, ordering the maids around.

" You need to put that hat in THAT trunk, Essie. "

Madelaine went over to Piccola with a confused look on her face.

" Piccola, I don't understand. What's going on?"

" I'm going to visit with my family in the Bayou for awhile."

" Why?"

" Ladies, why don't you take a break and return in thirty minutes."

The maids nodded and left the room. Madelaine closed the door.

" Piccola, why would you be leaving me?"

" Because, it's time. I can't go with you where you need to be."

" And, where is that?"

" Harmony."

Madelaine shook her head. " I haven't been in Harmony since 6 weeks after my husband died."

" I know. But, it's time that you return."

" Why?"

" The cards have been consistent, Madelaine. The secret of Chad Harris WILL be revealed. The only way you have of controlling it is by being there."

" But, Theodore called and told me that Chad had reached a dead end."

" Don't be fooled. The truth is out there, and waiting to be uncovered. If you're in Harmony, YOU will be the one to control it."

" Piccola, what you're talking about is the destruction of my family."

" Not necessarily. Without you, though, they would most certainly be destroyed. I've been with you all the way, Madelaine. But, I can't help you here. Both our presences in Harmony would breed suspicion. You must go to Harmony alone. To save your family."

Madelaine had tears in her eyes." Is there any other choice?"

" No. "