It was Saturday evening when the Washington family returned from the West Side Community Center. Ramone Washington and his little singing group won 1st place in the talent show. Rev. Conan, his wife and Joseph were so proud.
"Dude, you won FIRST place!", Joseph exclaimed, putting his arm around his brother's shoulders. That was awesome!
"That's my boy", Rev. Conan said with a smile. Boy, I knew you had some pipes on you but I didn't know you could hit them high notes.
"My little star", Mrs. Washington said.
"Can we order a pizza?", Ramone asked.
"Well, I suppose so", she replied. It is kinda late, a little too late to get started cooking dinner.
"I'll look in the kitchen drawer for the menu from "Santoro's Pizzeria", Rev. Conan offered.
The boys went upstairs to change out of their nice clothing. Rev. Conan came knocking on Joseph's bedroom door.
"Yes", Joseph replied.
"Its me, your daddy", Rev. Conan replied. Are you decent, son?
"Um, yeah, I will be in a minute", Joseph replied.
Joseph hurried up and threw on a pair of gold and black basketball shorts before opening up the door to his bedroom.
"Hey dad, what's up?", Joseph greeted.
"Mind if I come in?", Rev. Conan asked.
"Yeah, sure", Joseph replied.
"Well, remember how you asked me and your mama about them tickets to go see the P-Funk & The Soul Crush Crew?
"Um, yes, sir", Joseph replied, his heart beating a thousand miles per hour.
His father sat down on his bed and Joseph sat down next to him.
"Well, your mama and I did some talking and, uh, well, here you go", Rev. Conan said, presenting him with two front row tickets to see them live.
Joseph's eyes grew big and his mouth fell open when his father handed him the two tickets.
"Dad, I thought you and mom said y'all didn't want me going to some rowdy rap concert", Joseph said. I-Is this some sorta prank?
Rev. Conan's head fell back and he let out a roaring laughter.
"No boy, enjoy yourself", he replied with a smile. Look, you're doin' really well in school and you've been keepin' your room clean and doin' your chores like you should. I ain't the biggest fan of rap music but you, have fun.
"But why two tickets?", Joseph asked.
"Take a friend with you or a girl", Rev. Conan suggested. Look, I stood at a ticket booth in line for nearly two hours to get them tickets. I know y'all kids today are into that kinda music. Me, I'm old school. Gimme some Doyle Harvey or Dionna Patterson an' I'm a happy man.
"Doyle Harvey?", Joseph asked.
"Mhm, if it wasn't for Doyle Harvey, you an' your brother wouldn't be here", Rev. Conan teased.
"Dad, I ain't need to know all that", Joseph replied with a contorted face.
Rev. Conan laughed again as he got up from his son's bed.
YOU ARE READING
Akia
Ficción GeneralThis is the tale of Athens Georgia native Akia Janean Washington. She is the daughter of local pastor Rev. Joseph Abraham Washington and luxury car saleswoman Patricia Washington. She has an older brother Vaughn and her silly best friend Beatrice Ur...
