November 1993 Seabrook House, Bridgeton, New Jersey ( 1 week until J.R.'s release from Rehab)
(Counselor Michaels and J.R. jog up the road by the rehabilitation center)
J.R.: You're jogging too fast Counselor. ...
(Counselor Michaels laughs)
Counselor Michaels: No Im not old buddy, old pal. It just means that I'm in shape.
(J.R. catches up to Counselor Michaels)
Counselor Michaels: So thats what led you here huh? Shooting yourself?
J.R.: Yeah that and along with some other things.
Counselor Michaels: Is thats why you hold your right arm?
(J.R. shakes his head forward)
J.R.: The bullet is still there the doctors couldn't remove the bullet. Some feeling in my left hand is gone, and I don't walk the same.
Counselor Michaels: The feeling in your left hand is gone, I guess that means your fighting days are over.
(Counselor Michaels laugh)
(J.R. stops giving him a serious look)
(Counselor Michaels runs along leaving J.R. behind)
Counselor Michaels: COME ON JERRICK. Im leaving you. Thats your final lesson this week, getting left behind.
(J.R. thinks hard and then speeds up)
(J.R. writes things down as Counselor Michaels walks in and sits down)
Counselor Michaels: So like your Uncle said Jerrick. Why didn't you just kill yourself.?
J.R.: I was scared!!!
Counselor Michaels: Are you serious???? Jerrick J.R. Payton was scared? Well what about the night you were about to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge?
J.R.: I was even more scared then. Just because I can fight and speak my mind doesn't mean shit Counselor. I've been scared all my life...
Counselor Michaels: This is your last week here Jerrick. I'm only responsible for you now. Once you leave you're on your own.
(J.R. lights up a newport)
Counselor Michaels: That's where being left behind comes in. If you go back to drinking, fighting, going to jail, That will be it for you Jerrick. Your son won't respect you, nobody will. They will only see you as the person that they've always have and that will lead to your destruction.
(J.R. inhales deep on his cigarette)
Counselor Michaels: As your best friend told you along time ago. You're getting too old for this. You're 37 years old you don't wanna keep taking baby steps towards happiness and freedom.
(J.R. writes down what Counselor Michaels says)
Counselor Michaels: Don't you want Happiness and Freedom?
J.R.: Of course I do Counselor, but I'm scared...
Counselor Michaels: So I take it that you're scared to leave here....
J.R.: Yes I am.
Counselor Michaels: Why? Explain.
J.R.: I like it here, I like talking to you, everything here seems alright.
Counselor Michaels: I understand that Jerrick but I can't hold your hand for you. You were sent here so I could help you prepare for going home. Why are you afraid to go home???
YOU ARE READING
The Diary of A Mad Black Drunk Man
Historical FictionJerrick J.R. Payton let alcohol and violence take over his life in Brooklyn, New York City, after a hard child hood, a very abusive father, and an unforgetful unforgiving experience.
