If you've been following these posts, you have a pretty good idea of the plot line. Subria and Shiloh meet as kids, they grow (I don't like saying fall) in love, there's baggage, and there are challenges to overcome as there are in any great love story. I just realized that things are going to need to go further between Subria and Kevin than I originally thought, and my mind is a bit blown right now 😩.
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| World Financial Center |
The next summer wasn't nearly as fun. I worked in 6 WTC again, but this time it was for the Equal Employment Officer at Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). I was the only one there and the EEO traveled frequently. He rarely left me with anything to do, so I made my own fun by doing a ton of creative writing, eating lunch down by the World Financial Center and hanging out in the mall under 1 and 2 WTC (mostly window shopping). Sometimes I would just ride the elevators in 2 WTC just to pass the time. My parents had moved from the Flatbush section of Brooklyn to Brooklyn Heights. Our apartment was right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, and I walked to work across the bridge almost every day.
What does all of this have to do with Subria and Shiloh? I'm glad you asked. When Shiloh graduates from college in the spring of 2001, he pursues a career in film. His office is in Tribeca not too far from the WTC. He and Subria are still working through the challenges in their relationship. Here's an excerpt from the Tomorrow Isn't Promised chapter of the novel.
Wait . . . before I go there, I'm going to ask a question of you readers after the excerpt, and it won't be rhetorical. I really want you to really answer the question, either as a comment here, or on FB since the comment feature on the blog can be a bit funky at times. I know you guys are reading - I see the reader count on the post, and I'd love to hear from you. Feedback keeps me going and motivates me to keep moving toward publication.
Also, the excerpt has Subria living with her older sister Song, her husband Josh and their children, Genesis and Gideon. I am seriously considering eliminating Song's character, so once I finish revising, that part of the book will most likely be different. Not sure how - I don't think I want her to live with her parents. Maybe I'll have her living with roommates. I'm still figuring that out. Just don't get too attached to Song 😉. I have some other things I'm wondering, too, like how realistic would the movie deal be, etc., but I'll figure it out.
Okay, here's the excerpt:
Summer, 2001
Subria was so thankful that Song and Josh had central air. She was also thankful that Future Leaders had an extended year so she could work there during the summer. Even though Song and Josh didn’t charge her anything to live with them, it was important to Subria to be able to help by buying her own groceries, and helping to pay for the water and electricity.
Mornings like this one, however, made it hard for her to leave the house. The news report said that it was going to be the first of a three day heat wave. This would definitely be a good day to take the kids at Future Leaders to the pool at the Harlem Y on West 135th Street. Subria needed to pick up a few things from the store before going to Future Leaders, so she ran out to Met Foods on Smith Street, and was about to go upstairs to give Genesis the animal crackers she picked up for her when her phone rang.
"Hello," Subria said, while putting the ice cream in the freezer.
"Hey, Subria." She nearly dropped the phone when she heard Shiloh’s voice on the phone. She had called him a few months back, but he didn't want to accept her calls, so she just kept praying about it, and waiting to see what God would do.
"Shiloh? How are you? It’s so good to hear from you." Subria closed the freezer door, and sat on the counter.
"It’s good to hear your voice, too. What have you been up to?"
"I’m working at the summer program at Future Leaders Institute. I’ll be doing my pre-practicum there in the fall. How about you?" Subria asked.
"Things are busy," Shiloh responded.
"You should be taking it easy, college graduate!" Subria said. "Amira told Song about Crafting Freedom winning the Screenwriting and Directing Award at First Cut! Congratulations!"
"Thank you, thank you," Shiloh said. "Yeah, $10K never hurt anyone."
"That’s for sure. Plus I know you always wanted more people to know about the Crafts' escape from slavery. So, what are you planning to do with all that money?" Subria asked.
"Remember how I always wanted to live on Strivers’ Row?" Shiloh asked.
"Yeah . . ." Subria said, a bit surprised that the conversation was so similar to how it used to be before things became so complicated in their relationship.
"Well, I put a down payment on one of the renovated houses on W. 138th between Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglass."
"Are you serious?" Subria asked. "I thought you’d definitely put that money away for a rainy day. That down payment probably wiped you out, huh?’
"Not really," Shiloh said.
"What do you mean?" Subria inquired.
"Subria, you’ll never believe the call I got last week," Shiloh said.
"What?" Subria asked. "You’re killing me over here!"
"I got a call from a movie company. They offered me a deal."
"Shiloh!! Oh my gosh! That’s wonderful news," Subria said, jumping down off the counter. "Shy, I’m so proud of you."
"Thanks," Shiloh said. "This is the stuff I always used to dream about."
"You be careful, though. Do you have a lawyer? Don’t sign over your rights or anything," Subria warned.
"I won’t sign over my rights, Subria," Shiloh said laughing. "You’ve always been one of my biggest advocates. I have a lawyer. He’s a friend of my dad, and he’s really good."
Things were quiet for a few seconds. Subria’s eyes filled up with tears, and she felt an ache in her chest. She tried to talk without revealing the lump in her throat. "Well, we’ve been friends for a long time. I wouldn’t want anyone to take advantage of you. Anyway, I’m so happy for you. God is definitely showing you favor."
"Yeah, He is," Shiloh said, surprised to hear Subria talking about God.
"I finally left IFG, Shy," Subria shared, knowing what he was thinking.
"Really?"
"Yeah," Subria said, smiling.
"Where do you go?" Shiloh asked.
"I go to Chief Cornerstone. Remember my Auntie Esther's church?" Subria asked.
"Yeah, I do," Shiloh responded.
"Well, when I came back from Charlotte, Song and Josh had joined, and you know Jazz and Nairobi have been going there for years. I left IFG and started going with Song and Josh after I moved in with them."
"Oh," Shiloh responded. "I didn't realize you weren't living with your parents."
"Yeah, and guess what else?" Subria asked.
"What?" Shiloh asked.
"My parents left IFG, too, and now they go to Chief Cornerstone with us. Isn't that great?" Subria asked.
"Wow," Shiloh commented. "That's really wonderful. Well, listen, I know we really need to talk, so is it okay if I come over tomorrow?"
"I'd love it if you'd come over tomorrow," Subria said.
"Okay, I'll email you later so we can set up a time, okay?" Shiloh asked.
"Sounds good," Subria said.
Subria and Shiloh began to spend time together again, and although Subria could tell that Shiloh was still a bit tentative with her, she focused on being patient. She believed that everything would work itself out eventually.
Subria was encouraged when Shiloh took her over to see his new house. The kitchen and one of the bathrooms were almost complete, and Shiloh seemed at peace in his new home. He even took her to the studio so she could see Crafting Freedom. With every major thing Shiloh shared with her, Subria hoped that it would only be a matter of time before his heart would melt heart toward her completely, and they'd be dating again.
Sunday, September 9, 2001
"So, what does your week look like?" Shiloh asked, as they sat around his living room.
"Well, I have classes and work tomorrow," Subria responded, "but my schedule is open on Tuesday. I need to go down to Borders to pick up a Rites of Passage curriculum that came in for me. It has some cool team building activities for the students, and I wanted to take them over to the school to meet with the teacher I’ll be working with. My cooperating teacher has a free period at 11:00, so I was planning to go to Borders at around 8:30, and then head over to the school. The rest of my week is just classes."
"Which Borders are you going to?" Shiloh asked.
"The one under 5 World Trade, "Subria responded.
"Isn't there one closer to your school?" Shiloh asked.
"Well, this one was the only one that had the curriculum I was looking for. The rest of them would have to put it on special order. Besides, it opens early, so I can go there before heading over to the school in the morning."
"Oh, okay," Shiloh responded. "Let me drive you back over to your sister's house. I have to go to the studio to help with some edits."
"Okay," Subria said, grabbing her bag and heading out the door with Shiloh.
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
Shiloh slowly stretched out his hand to shut off his alarm. It was 5:30, and even though he didn’t have to be to the Givance Productions studio office in Tribeca until 9:00, he made it a practice to allow himself enough time to pray, study, shower, and make himself a good breakfast. Shiloh always got into the office early, because he knew it made a good impression.
Even though Subria had her own kitchen in the basement, she was glad that Song and Josh invited her to have breakfast with the family each morning, even during the week. When she came upstairs, however, she didn’t smell anything cooking. That was definitely not typical. Song usually had breakfast done by 7:00. It was already 7:15. No one was even downstairs.
"Song?" Subria called, looking around downstairs.
"We’re upstairs, Bria."
When Subria went upstairs, Genesis was in Gideon’s room with Song.
"What’s up, Song?" Subria asked.
"Giddy’s sick, Auntie" Genesis said.
"Oh no," Subria responded, grimacing at Giddy’s little sick face.
"Josh had to leave early, so he doesn’t even know. I really can’t miss school this early in the year."
"I can stay with him. Don’t worry about it," Subria said, picking up her nephew.
"Are you sure, Subria?" Song asked. "What about your classes?"
"I’m positive. I don't have any classes today. The only thing I was going to do was pick something up from Borders, and check-in with my cooperating teacher, but my practicum at the school doesn’t officially start until October. Really, it’s no problem."
"Subria, you’re an angel. I’m going to run down and get Genesis some cereal before we go."
Shiloh got on the 2 train at 135th and Lenox at 7:16 a.m., and transferred to the 1 at 14th Street just like he did every day. He got off at Franklin Street by around 7:45 a.m., and by the time he arrived at his office, he was relieved to see that the only other person in the office was Al Givance.
"Good morning, Mr. Givance. How are you?" Shiloh said, extending his hand and smiling.
"I keep telling you to call me Al, Shiloh," Mr. Givance responded, smiling and shaking Shiloh’s hand in return.
"I know," Shiloh responded.
"Getting an early start, huh?"
"Yes, sir."
"What are you working on?"
"Sending out letters to all these folks who sent queries for their screenplays."
"Do you ever read these screenplays?" Al asked, picking up a pile of letters, and flipping through them.
"Yes, sir," Shiloh responded. "There’s some good stuff in there."
"Well, son, after seeing your work, I think I’d like you to do a little more than respond to queries. Leave that to Edward."
"But, Mr. Giv –"
"Don’t worry about it, Shiloh. You’ve been responding to queries all summer, even though you won that big contest at your school. I hear you got a movie deal."
"Winning that contest was a blessing, but I still have to pay my dues, sir."
"And that you have. Edward is a senior in high school. He should be responding to queries. You’re ready to move on to reviewing scripts, son."
"Thank you so much, sir. I don’t know what to say."
"We’ll have lunch later on so you’ll know what I’m looking for. In the meantime, check out the Writers Guild of America website, and review what they rated as the top 101 screenplays. I want you to be able to tell me what made five of these screenplays so great."
"Yes, sir!" Shiloh responded.
As Mr. Givance returned to his office, Shiloh sat down at the computer to look up the Writers Guild website, and he became so engrossed that he didn’t even notice when his co-workers came into the office. He tried to focus on films he already owned, or wouldn’t mind renting. There were many impressive titles on the list, and he wasn’t surprised by most of them – To Kill a Mockingbird, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Usual Suspects were a few of his favorite films, and his mother would watch Terms of Endearment every day, if she could. He was saddened, however, by the lack of films by people of color. The only producer he recognized was Spike Lee for Do the Right Thing. Although he was proud to see the name of his former teacher, he knew there had to be more work by people of color out there worthy of acknowledgment on this list. He seriously considered creating his own list and became determined to make quality movies and mentor other people of color who could, too, so that the field would be expanded as well. Shiloh’s concentration was broken by commotion coming from over by the windows.
"What’s going on, yall?" Shiloh said, running over to the window.
"A plane hit one of the towers," Camille yelled, not making eye contact with Shiloh. "Eddy heard it on the radio."
"What?" Shiloh said.
"Yeah. Look out the window," Camille said.
Shiloh looked out the window, and he saw thick, black smoke billowing into the sky from lower Manhattan.
"Was it an accident?" Shiloh asked.
"We don’t know," Camille said. "This is bugged, huh?"
Shiloh picked up the phone and dialed Subria’s cell number. It went straight to voicemail. He hoped that it was because her phone was turned off. She was constantly forgetting to turn it on.
"Hey, Subria," Shiloh said, trying unsuccessfully to hide the alarm in his voice. "I just heard what happened, and I know you said you were going down to Five World Trade today. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. I’ll call again in a minute. If you get, this, though, call me. Okay? All right. Bye."
As everyone in the office stood at the window mesmerized, Shiloh grabbed his bag, and headed for the door.
"Where are you going, Shiloh?" Edward asked.
"A friend of mine is down there," Shiloh yelled, as he ran down the stairs.
Shiloh left his office a little after 9:00, and was terrified when he looked up and saw that
Shiloh stopped running when he got to Chambers Street. Only seven more blocks to go. He heard one woman say that she thought a misguided pilot hit the first tower, but now with the second tower being hit, she was sure we were under attack. Another man said that he saw people jumping from the towers. Shiloh wouldn’t allow himself to believe that. He continued running, at this point having to dodge through thick crowds of people. When he got to Vesey Street, the police already had the block sealed off. He looked up at the towers, and to his horror, he realized that the man had been right. People were jumping.
By the time Shiloh left Vesey Street, it was around 9:40. Firefighters and officers were escorting wounded people over to a makeshift triage area in front of St. Paul’s church yard. There were even more people on the street, and several buses filled with transit police passed by him on their way to the towers. Fire trucks raced down to West Street, and Shiloh wondered how they would get everyone out of the buildings. It seemed as if the people who were above where the planes hit wouldn’t be able to get out at all, and thinking about that made Shiloh feel numb inside.
He tucked himself into the corner, as many people were doing, and attempted to call his family, but all he could get was a busy signal. The lines were down. Everyone in New York was probably trying to call their family and friends. He dialed Subria's number again. No answer. Subria lived just over the Brooklyn Bridge, so Shiloh hoped that she was already heading home and figured he'd have better luck going to her house to make sure she was safe.
Shiloh followed the crowd up Park Row and got over to the bridge by around 9:50. He wanted to get across quickly, but too many people were leaving Manhattan. He just got on to the bridge when he felt the ground shake again. Shiloh looked back toward the towers, and saw that the south tower was collapsing. Part of him wanted to stay and watch, because it was just so unbelievable, but he was carried along by the rush of the crowd running away from the cloud of smoke, ash, and debris that was overtaking lower Manhattan toward safety in Brooklyn. Shiloh’s heart broke for all the people who didn’t have a chance to escape the tower before it fell, and even more for those who escaped, only to look up and see the tower descending upon them.
Shiloh couldn’t tell if he was choking from the soot or from the lump in his throat, but he tried to block everything else out of his mind, and focus on getting to Brooklyn Heights.
I can't believe it has almost been 16 years . . .
Read on when you're ready.
The question: Should Shiloh find out whether or not Subria is safe the same day, or should he wonder for a while? He spent a long time being upset with her for her involvement with Kevin, and things are just starting to get better between them. I don't want it to come across like I'm trying to exploit a national tragedy, or in any way disrespect those who died or suffered harm that day. I feel deeply connected to what happened that day, and although the impact on me differs substantially from those who lost so much that day, it is an event that I really want to explore in this novel.
I remember trying to contact my family from Massachusetts, and how relieved I was when I found out that every one was safe. I also remember not knowing the fate of friends who worked in the area until much later that day, which was terrifying. What say you, reader? Feel free to share any other questions/observations that came up for you as well. If you want to tell your September 11th story, I'm listening.
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