The Retreat Read Online Free PDF Page A

card because my brother got high. All I ever wanted from him was for him to get his life straight with the Lord. Even now, in the midst of his sin and illness, he lies up there unrepentant and wanting someone to pity him,” Chauncey said with frustration.
    â€œThose things we can get back. We have one brother and right now he’s scared, and we’re the only family he’s got.” Nicole pointed toward Henry’s room.
    â€œI’ve sat in AA meetings and therapy sessions just to hear my brother use me as a scapegoat for why he couldn’t get clean. I’m tired of it and I don’t have time.” Chauncey looked at his watch.
    â€œWhere you got to go now?” Nicole asked.
    â€œThe Men’s Retreat is Thursday; I got a couple of things before then to take care of.”
    Nicole let out a sarcastic laugh, and with her hands on her hips, she started to tap her black leather flats on the hospital’s mint checkered floor.
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    â€œAre you serious? It’s Monday, bighead! You have all week. What’s more important? Being a good deacon or being there for your brother when he needs you the most?” Nicole asked.
    Chauncey did not even bother to dignify Nicole’s question with an answer. He brushed by her and went back into the room. Henry’s eyes were full with tears, and Chauncey was certain that he had caught most of the conversation.
    Chauncey placed his hands over his brother’s head. His brother closed his eyes as a sign of pleasure. “Father, we ask that you touch my brother’s body. In the name of Jesus that you heal him. I ask in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.” Chauncey turned and headed toward the door.
    â€œDon’t leave,” Henry pleaded.
    â€œI’ve got to go. I’ve got some important matters to attend to, but you don’t need me; you need the Lord.”
    â€œPlease,” Henry said with his eyes full of tears.
    Chauncey should have been moved by this pathetic display, but he wasn’t. All he could think of was how Henry was the most stubborn person on the planet. Instead of making it right with the Lord, he preferred to call on his brother to save him. But even Chauncey could not save his brother. Chauncey walked past Nicole, who was still at the door, and did not bother to say a word.
    â€œBye, bighead,” Nicole shouted.
    The nickname Nicole used to call Chauncey when they were kids still conveyed a sense of love and affection.
    Chauncey did not break his stride as he continued to walk, and held up his hand as a sign that he had heard his younger sibling. He was always treated as the enemy. All Chauncey ever tried to do for his brother and sister was equip them with a spiritual foundation. As far as he was concerned, both his sister and his brother might end up in hell.

Chapter Four
    In school, Chantel had been fascinated with Japanese culture. She welcomed the rumors that she was half black, half Asian. Her tight lids gave weight to the rumors. So the fact that the living room of her two-bedroom apartment was decked out in Japanese decor was not a shock to Jamal.
    The answer to a two-year mystery lay in a manila envelope that sat on a Japanese-inspired table. Every day doubt grew while certainty regressed. Truth was abstract, and while Jamal could coach himself into believing that the results did not matter, deep down inside he knew that the result made a world of difference.
    Chantel placed her petite hand on top of Jamal’s stony hand. When she smiled, her cheeks looked like she had swallowed golf balls. Jamal considered it an honor to even be in her presence. Timing and guilt had so much to do with why they were not together; it had everything to do with where they were now.
    She broke the seal of the envelope and removed the contents from inside. She held her breath as her almond eyes scanned the document. Chantel took in a deep breath and did not exhale as she handed the document over to