The Diary of A Mad Black Drunk Man

Chapter 8: Jerrick vs. J.R.

SeaBrook House, Bridgeton, New Jersey. August 1993 3 months left until J.R.'s release from Rehab.

Counselor Michaels: I know I ask you this question every month Jerrick, and you give me the same answer. It's been 5 months and four days without alcohol. How Do you feel???

(J.R. smiles)

J.R.: I feel good counselor, I feel good.

(Counselor Michaels writes in his notepad)

Counselor Michaels: There's something I have to tell you about yourself. Do you mind???

J.R.: Not at all....

Counselor Michaels: I believe there's you and then there's another you.

(J.R. stares hard at Counselor Michaels)

Counselor Michaels: There's Jerrick, and then there's J.R. As you told Tammi, you're a violent bitter person it doesn't have to be that way. Thats not Jerrick, that's J.R. Jerrick was the person that told Tammi the truth, J.R. was the person who didn't tell Tammi the truth. Jerrick is you right now at this moment, J.R. was the person who snatched me up in the collar. The only way you remain Jerrick is to never drink again. It's that simple.

(J.R. shakes his head forward)

Counselor Michaels: If you were willing to put on a show for Tammi, you could have easily put on one for yourself. You can't keep blaming Leeroy and everyone else for the situation you're in now Jerrick. You're here and you're getting better that's all that matters.

(J.R. lights up a Newport)

Counselor Michaels: You have 3 months left, the remainder of the time you're here starting tommorow I want you to write your do's and don'ts. The What's and what ifs. The Pros the Cons. You're one of the most inspirational patients I've ever had in these 12 years. And the only thing that you should be worried about is what's going to happen in November when you leave here. If you went 5 months without a drink, you can go 5 years, you can go the rest of your life Jerrick. You're in control no one else.

(J.R. looks stupid in the face)

Counselor Michaels: So you're married now, How was marriage treating you.

(J.R. laughs)

October 1981, Bush Terminal Post Office, 3rd Avenue

(J.R. lays sleep in the mailroom with a hangover)

(Adam walks in and shakes his head. Adam claps loud)

(J.R. wakes up and jumps)

J.R.: What, Wha tha fuck Is going onnn.

(J.R. holds his head)

Adam: Another hangover. Huh? Jerrick.

J.R. with sarcasm: Yeah why???

Adam: Jerrick none of your mail has been sorted, You're sleepy, you're Drunk. If this continues I will have to inform Mr. Ellis.

J.R.: Little Adam from Boston, let me tell you something. I will take you and whip Mr. Ellis ass with you. Don't tempt me. You come walking in here like you the mothafucking boss. Kiss Assers never become Boss. Everyone know ya humping each other anyone. I been wanting to knock them glasses off ya face since Day one. Keep fucking with me hear, I'm not what you want Get my drift...

(Adam mad mumbles and walks out.)

(J.R. laughs and takes a shot of rum)

J.R. sings: I ammm gonna whup somebody's Asssss. Ohhhhh Ihhhhh am gonna whup somebody's Assss. If Adam don't leave me alonnnne, Mr. Ellis gonna fire me and send me home, Cus Ihhhh am gonna whup that Motherfuckers Asssss.