The Ladder

Chapter 24 - Falling off the ladder

Sunday was here and Nashon was going to introduce his family to Serenity for the first time. They arrived to the smell of meat searing on the barbecue. Serenity had on a cute two piece hooded jogger suit that showed a little of her stomach and some all white classics. She was dressed perfect for the occasion. Nashon wore a printed T, jeans and new white sneakers. Aunty came down from the porch when she saw them drive up. Hi baby, she hugged and kissed Nashon. Aunty this is Serenity. Serenity gave Aunty a big hug and told her she had heard so much about her and she was so happy to finally meet her. Aunty was smiling from ear to ear. She gave Nashon a nod of approval.

Aunty led Serenity by the waist to meet the rest of the family like she was her best prize. Tisha come over here. Tisha handed the baby to Boobie and walked towards them. Tisha this is Nashon's friend Serenity. Hey girl, what's up. Girl, I love your braids, they are tight. Thanks girl, I do them myself. For real, well I need to come to you for the hook up. Girl, I've got you. Tisha said as she rested her hand on Serenity's shoulder. Is that the baby? Serenity walked over to the baby with a big smile and arms stretched as Aunty and Tisha followed. He is adorable! Oh my gosh! Tisha, he is really gorgeous. Boobie handed him over to her and she sat next to Tisha holding the baby. They laughed and talked. Nashon was watching every interaction. Her personality was so magnetic they loved her instantly. Mel came over and gave Nashon a handshake and a hug. Hey man, I see you decided to bring Serenity.
She's the one dog look at how everyone loves her already. Nashon looked at Mel. In his head, he was saying he knows. Aye, help me take this stuff out the car man.

Serenity was having a good time. She didn't need Nashon by her side to feel comfortable. Nashon went inside to talk to Aunty. How are you doing Nashon? Aunty it's not been easy; I could lose everything.
Everything I worked hard for, all my success. Nashon listen here, you have always been successful. It may not be the standard of success that Tiffany wanted, but it was success to us. You will make it without all the glitz and glamour Nash. Aunty it's a lot to lose.

You see that girl over there Nash, when she looks at you, she sees Nashon not that person you were pretending to be, the real you. That's the person who matters, the person you are on the inside. Nashon stared out the window at Serenity as she laughed with Tish, Mel, and Boobie. Your right Aunty, I can be me again with her. She doesn't care about how much money I have, and you know what she makes me happy. I've never been happier, even with the expensive cars and watches, she is what truly makes me happy. Nash you're finally getting it. It's what's inside that matters.

But I was almost at the top of the ladder.

Nash that ladder isn't going to reach that far, if you have to go so low in order to climb it.

Aunty was right. Was it really worth giving up his family, his character, his whole identity to climb that ladder? Aunty may not have had any fancy education, but she was very wise. Living in the hood her whole life she had seen some things and overcame many obstacles. She saw how the love of money had sucked the souls out of people and they were now just walking corpses. It wasn't easy raising three kids on her own and steering them in the right direction. Especially, with the temptation of the hood pulling them to sell drugs or join a gang, but she did it and made it look effortless.
Nashon and Serenity arrived back to the apartment in the city around
10. Nashon had a 9:00 meeting scheduled with Tom the next day. He hadn't been work since the fight. He knew tomorrow everything could change. He and Serenity prayed together before they went to bed.

Nashon arrived at the office the next day. He walked past the board room and saw all the board members seated waiting for his arrival.
Nashon looked at his office one more time, knowing it could be his last. Lisa had a sad look on her face. Nashon took a deep breath and walked into the meeting room.

Mr. Wallace have a seat. All the members had a serious look on their face. Tom stood pacing the floor. Mr. Wallace let me start by saying that you have made a great contribution here at Apen. You have been a valuable asset to our company, and we would love to keep you on our team. Unfortunately, due to changes that are beyond our control. We are unable to secure your position here at Apen Investments and with great regret, we are left with no option but to terminate your employment.

Tom handed Nashon an envelope containing his dismissal letter. Nashon jumped up. But sir, all that I've done! All the hard work I put in for this company! I know Shaun, but our hands are tied. Security was waiting by the door and Tom signaled for them to come in.

Nashon's whole body was shaking as he walked to his car. It was over. He was back at the bottom where he started. He was even worse off than where he started. He was almost a half a million dollars in debt with no job. He sat in his car and bawled uncontrollably. He was at his lowest point. How could God allow this to happen? He leaned against the staring wheel and prayed. Lord, why have you deserted me? I know I've done wrong in my life, but I don't deserve this. I don't know what to do. Help me Lord. I don't want to go on.

Nashon opened his eyes and looked down at the manila envelope in his lap containing his dismissal letter. He opened it up and read it. Dear Nashon Wallace this is a notice of your immediate dismissal at Apen Investment Corporation Ltd. You are required to vacate the premises and return any property belonging to the Apex Corporation. Enclosed is the remunerated value owed to you with earnings accrued during your employment. Nashon read the next page. the following amount including sales commission, profit sharing, vacation owed and salary has been credited to your account:

Amount credited: $485,000.00
Accrued loan balance $0.00

Nashon's eyes opened wide. God are you serious? Wow God, you are amazing! Thank you, God thank you! thank you!