Blind Innocence

About the Book

Tarell’s story is one that couldn’t have stayed hidden. He was both humbled in the sight of God through his innocence and abused in the blindness of many in their own ignorance. This story will evoke emotions ranging from sadness to joy, while making you laugh in between. In a world where movies and literature reign supreme, Blind Innocence offers a unique story that has yet to be portrayed, offering a refreshingly, new journey through the life of a troubled adolescent. Tarell is mentally challenged and has been through a lot in his young life, suffering abuse from both his biological mother and his adoptive mother, women in general, and society. Just when it appears as though things are finally starting to look up for Tarell, who after meeting his biological family, all hell breaks loose. What started out as a dream quickly becomes reality, and soon, it all turns out to be a nightmare.

Then he meets Debbie, a young girl who, among all the other women he came across, has a heart filled with compassion and sorrow after hearing his story. Debbie talks her mother into taking in the homeless Tarell, but more drama erupts when Debbie’s mother, a conniving, Christian woman, uses his mental disability against him in order to pacify her insecurities, causing him to endure even more mental and emotional damage. But as they say, What doesn’t break you will only make you strong.

Blind Innocence shares a poignant glimpse into one man’s life as he faces seemingly insurmountable odds and slowly tries to create a meaningful life.

After everything Tarell has been through, will he be broken, or arise, victorious and strong?

Blind Innocence

A. Adams Jones

Blind Innocence

Copyright © 2012 by A. Adams Jones

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4759-0154-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-0156-6 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-0155-9 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012905198

iUniverse rev. date: 10/17/2016

Contents

About the Book

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter Thirty Four

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Six

Chapter Thirty Seven

Chapter Thirty Eight

Chapter Thirty Nine

About the Author

But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:14-17

Reviews

Jones’ debut coming-of-age novel chronicles a neglected and abused young man’s quest to not only survive, but also thrive. Jones wrote the novel as a source of inspiration, not as entertainment. This volume, which will be followed by a sequel, ends with the author’s prayer, whose words reflect the philosophy of her novel: Lord….Your words have always been said to me that you would work it out, and not to forget to practice patience and let your will play out. Moving, if not always graceful, inspirational fiction. – Kirkus Review

Spotlighting the plight of an educable mentally retarded child of a single, drug addicted teenage mother, the author has provided a window into the world of mental disabilities and the concomitant poverty and abuse such a child can face. The theme of human depravity and aggression against the weak is made quite viscerally manifest. The characterizations and plot are gripping and realistic. -US Review of Books

A. Adams Jones’s heart-wrenching novel Blind Innocence offers insights into the often tragic trials of living with a mental disability. Blind Innocence is a harrowing and hopeful novel that raises awareness about living with disabilities through the dynamic characterizations of its leading cast. A story of the strength of faith, forgiveness, and love. It imparts a keen sense of melancholy and pain. Counteracted with the power of faith and love, such elements result in a fresh take on the genre. -Foreword’s Clarion Review

This story is well thought out, compelling, and the characters are generally believable. Blind Innocence will elicit readers sympathy, and the message of God’s saving grace will no doubt resonate with fans of the Christian genre. -BlueInk Review

The characters in this book come to life in this well thought out story about a young man with mental health issues and his relationships with others. This book is a definite page-turner that caused me to lose sleep all night; I couldn’t put it down until I got to the end. Highly recommended!!!!!! -Sonje Williams of You2books publishing company.

Blind Innocence is a solid urban book for the masses! A down to earth story that most can relate to in one way or another! This story is sure to keep one’s interest. -Alfred Adams Jr., Bestselling author of My Brother’s Keeper, Port City, No Fair Exchange and Till Death do us Part

Dedications

This book is dedicated to both my beloved cousin/sister Myra Redden and my sister Lorraine Brown Alexander… R.I.P.; I love you!

Also, to all who are close to my heart and have passed on: My grandparents, Granville and Ruth Adams & Lonnie and Rose Mae Brown. Also, my aunts: Prim Rose and Della. My uncle/father, Harold Redden, my cousin David Redden, Uncle Wolf Brown, Uncle David Cobin, cousin Antonio Cobin, cousin Jerome Cobin, cousin Leward Cobin, and my beloved friend, Troy Washington. R.I.P. I love y’all!!

Acknowledgements

F irst and foremost, I would like to thank you, God, whom I love and adore so much for adopting me into your family and teaching me your ways, which have changed me. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am today, doing the things I do. Without you I am nothing and cannot do anything effectively. Above all, everything good that I do, I dedicate it to you… I love you!!

To my husband Michael, a.k.a. (Swell), thanks for being my husband. What would I do without you? I thank God for you, "Smile. I’ve never in my life felt that I needed any man. I always felt that they were in my life only because I wanted" them there, so it was surprising to me when I realized that I needed you. For the first time in my life I saw that I didn’t have to fight alone, and whatever little hidden fears that were there, even behind the fights, were gone, and I felt a human’s security, something I’ve never felt. And it was God who sent you to be my human hero… I Love You!

To my parents, Alfred and Dorothy Adams, I want to thank you for giving me natural life. Without you, there would be no me. Thanks for your love and everything you’ve taught me. I love you both very much, always and forever.

To my aunt Annie, you have been like another mother to me. I love you and thanks for everything. You are one that can relate to my character when a lot of people can’t. Many don’t understand a lot of the things I do, but you encourage me to keep doing them no matter what. Thank You!

Thank you Aunt Dell and the rest of my Kansas family for being so kind to me during my stay in Kansas. I’m forever grateful. God bless you Aunt Dell and the rest of the Cobin family!

I would like to thank everyone who helped me put the Blind Innocence soundtrack together: OB, Pat, Maurice, Chain, my son Stephen, and all the artists on the soundtrack. Much love to you all!!

Thanks to Shaborn and Miz for answering all my editing questions; and to Michael, Tammy, Janna and Sonje for proofreading and helping me with the editing of this book. Love you all!!!

I would like to acknowledge my children: to my oldest child, John, I still think back on the day God blessed me with you; it was one of the happiest days of my life. I love you so much. You’re always in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

To Anthony, God has shown us that you are highly favored and that He has big plans for your life. Never forget that day. Love You!

Destiny, God has brought you a long way and look at you today, "Smile. I have seen your faith take off in these past couple of years, and I know that lately, it’s been rough, but keep the faith and watch and see what God does in your life. It’s coming!" Love you!

Hakeem, God has allowed you to see and witness many things. It’s all for a reason and it’s all for a purpose, His purpose. In due time, everything will be made clearer to you. Hang in there and keep seeking after God. I have many thanks to you, but I’ll just say, thanks for helping me rehearse that song, it meant a lot to me because you know how much I love to sing. "Smile" Love you!

Stephen, my youngest child, you remind me a lot of myself when I was growing up in many ways. Stay motivated in your sports and in your schooling. You’re on the right path. Stay focused and all of your dreams will come true. You are one that always takes God serious and that’s such a good thing. Love you!

Chris, I can’t forget about you. I want to thank you for being such a wonderful Godson and for always being there for me. You are no different in my heart than any of my own children. I love you dearly!

I would like to acknowledge my siblings; it’s even more of them than the amount of my children. Lorraine, R.I.P. Freddy, Michelle, Cynthia, Samantha, Alfred, a.k.a (Shaborn), author of My Brother’s Keeper, Port City, No Fair Exchange, and Till Death do us Part, Mark, a.k.a (Miz) author of Bishop, Bulldog Crew, Hater’s Animosity and G-Banks. Love y’all.

To my nieces, and nephews: too many to name, but I just want to say I love y’all.

To my sweet precious grandkids… nana loves you! Princess, the mother of my grandkids, thanks for taking such good care of them. Love you!

Alexis, I’m looking forward to the new edition. I know you will do a great job as well. I also want to thank you for all that you do. You have been there for me in more ways than you know. Love You!

I would like to acknowledge the Jones family; my other side of the family… love y’all!!

To the Washingtons, Thanks for embracing me when I came to CT over 20 years ago and made me feel like family, even today I am treated as family… Love y’all.

I want to thank you, Richard Barrett, Kim Brice, Tamara Burroughs and my attorney, Rick Altschuler for being a part of my life for over 20 years; y’all are very close to my heart. Love y’all!

Lilly, Larrisha, Brady, and Lava, you were some of the first people that heard this story while I was writing, and the ones that inspired me to keep writing. I just want to thank y’all for showing love; it meant a lot to me. Love y’all!

Chapter One

I t was a miracle that Tarell Johnson was even born on July 22, 1984 to 19-year-old Monique Johnson and 20-year-old Paul Wright. Monique was young, unstable, and on crack, which she had been smoking since she was 17.

At 5’6 and 135 pounds, light pecan complexion, almond-shaped eyes with thick dark eyebrows and long wavy jet-black hair, Monique was considered very pretty. In fact, a bombshell is what the guys in her high school called her. Monique was very popular throughout high school and was voted most popular among her peers. She was funny, down to earth, outspoken, crazy, and had a great sense of humor. Aside from being very pretty, she was also considered one of the best-dressed females in her school. She had a lot of friends and was liked by many. As popular as Monique was, one thing that made her stand out even more than her looks was the fact that she didn’t look down on people, no matter who you were. She didn’t care whether you were popular or not or wore the same nice clothes she wore. If you wanted to be her friend, she was willing to become one. However, if you rubbed her the wrong way or violated her in anyway, she would become your worst nightmare; she was tough and didn’t back down from anyone.

Paul was also very popular. He was a handsome, all-star football player for the high school team. He was brown skinned, six feet tall, and 170 pounds with a nice broad build. Paul was born to be an athlete and had big dreams for his future. He would tell Monique how he was going to one day make it to the pros, marry her, and take care of her. He was laid back and was the total opposite from Monique. Monique loved to hang out and party, but Paul would rather watch a good movie at home or a theater.

He would, however, accompany Monique from time to time when she partied. Paul had a saying: A person didn’t have to go along to get along. He didn’t agree with a lot of things Monique did, but he loved her, and for that reason, he could still get along with her. They were like night and day, but they loved each other.

Chapter Two

M onique’s experience with crack didn’t get out of control until after she had Tarell. Although she had experienced crack on numerous occasions, she also sold crack for one of the neighborhood drug dealers until she got strung out and no one would put any more drugs in her hands. But because she was so good at hustling, she had many different ways of getting money. Monique was an undercover smoker; that’s what they called ‘em, because for a while she was able to hide her addiction. She kept herself together and didn’t let her appearance go. But being undercover only lasted for a moment until her cover was blown. No undercover likes to smoke alone; there will always be at least one person smoking with you, and that very person will be