Decision Time Read Online Free PDF

prohibition, when alcohol was illegal. Frommythical stories I’d heard about Bud, he was the type of man who didn’t take any mess off of anyone. Legend has it that his fuse was so short he once shot a man in the foot because he’d accidentally tripped up a set of stairs and broke several bottles of alcohol he was carrying for my great-grandfather. I believe Grandmother Lorraine inherited elements of Bud’s no-nonsense personality. She was a feisty and bossy woman who could get on your nerves really quickly if you allowed her to get under your skin.
    â€œI don’t feel like meeting anyone,” I huffed because I thought for sure she was about to parade me around in front of her elderly acquaintances.
    â€œI didn’t ask what you felt like doing.” She stopped, turned toward me and snapped her fingers. “Now get that frown off of your face before I give you a left hook.” I gave her a condescending look and thought, Yeah right. You’ll swing and miss, and I’ll fall out of the floor laughing . I gave her a sly grin when she turned, and I followed her into the living room, where the visitors were waiting. The living room was in need of a major overhaul. The sofa and love seat were red and white and covered with plastic. I swear, she must’ve gotten liquored up and gone out to a Valentine’s Day door-buster furniture sale where she spent all of her cash. The furniture was old when my father was a teenager, which meant now it was ancient and needed to be donated to a museum. It was amazing that after all the years that had come to pass, the furniture was still sturdy enough to sit down on. On the wall above the sofa were framed photos of Jesus, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy. She had recently added aformal photo of President Barack Obama to the lineup, as well. On another wall was a collection of family photos, one of which was of me as a toddler.
    â€œHello,” I greeted the elderly woman and the young lady.
    â€œThis is Miss Winston and her granddaughter, Lori. They’re my neighbors,” Grandmother Lorraine announced.
    â€œNice to meet you,” I cordially addressed them while concurrently making eye contact.
    â€œHave a seat right over there and visit with us for a moment.” Grandmother Lorraine directed me to an empty seat. I sat down across from Lori and instantly sensed she’d been forced into this awkward visit just as I had been.
    â€œI’m not looking for a girlfriend,” I whispered to Lori.
    â€œThat’s good. Because I’m not looking for a boyfriend,” she fired back, releasing a loud sigh and frowning.
    â€œLori, watch your manners!” Miss Winston seemed appalled by Lori’s rudeness. Lori huffed indignantly and seemed to care less about anything her grandmother had to say.
    Miss Winston slowly turned her head away from Lori and focused her attention on Grandmother Lorraine. “I don’t know what’s wrong with these children today, Lorraine. They just don’t have any respect whatsoever.”
    â€œThat’s why I’m glad my son and grandson are here with me. The instant my son began having trouble with his ex-wife, I told him to send Wesley to me so I could attend to him while he straightened out his affairs. I would’ve gotten Wesley in church and would’ve taught him how to be a good and respectful Christian. If Wesley had come to live with me for a while he would’ve nevergotten into so much trouble.” Grandmother Lorraine spoke about me as if I weren’t in the room. I gawked at her with a puzzled expression because no one ever mentioned to me that she wanted to take me in. Not that I would’ve wanted to come, especially since she had such a strict and stern hand.
    â€œWesley, wipe the ridiculous look off your face. If you open your mouth any wider it’s going to fall onto the floor,” Grandmother Lorraine admonished. I