B-Low’s Changing Places

CHANGING PLACES

VOLUME 2

By B-Low

In last week’s review of B-Low’s Changing Places, our story leaves off with a score to settle, once Mel learns who was responsible for his mother Davida’s death. In Volume 2 of this story, readers are reminded that the road to changing places and leaving the street life isn’t always easy, like the gospel hymn “No Ways Tired.”

Now living in Minneapolis, Mel finds out that a former associate, J-Roc, had not only kidnapped his mother for ransom, but killed her. Taking an out-of-town trip to track J-Roc down, he ultimately settles the score by killing him. Upon his return, he learns that his girlfriend Renita is going away to Tennessee State University rather than attend a local college and set up housekeeping, which breaks his heart. The fact Renita’s brother Jr. brought trouble to his family’s home by holding a package of drugs only made things worse.

Harold’s prison sentence has created more than its share of problems. Back in Chicago, his wife Ole’Girl has relapsed into drugs and is cheating on him with Eric, putting the business he built into jeopardy and straining her relationship with her daughter Yolonda. Li’l Harold is getting deeper into the vortex of street life and gangbanging, hating his brother Mel for his status with Harold and looking for a way to destroy him and his relationship with their father. When someone from the past tells Li’l Harold the truth about his father and Davida, he thinks he found the perfect weapon to use against Mel. And these are just a few strands in the spider web, not to mention ghosts from the past resurfacing.

As time passed, Mel wanted to continue to make changes toward legitimate success. To glorify self-destructive behavior was no longer acceptable; to make his changes successful involved a faith walk and a closer relationship with God.

When he was released from prison, Harold had already learned to count his blessings as well, seeking to help his community through opportunities for homeownership and empowerment in rebuilding a prosperous community.

Through all these trials and tribulations, some of the characters finally recognized the dangers of a destructive lifestyle and got out; others didn’t and suffered the consequences. Still, there was hope for those who did.

B-Low reminds us in Volume 2 that we are all put to the test, sooner or later. Also, the people we surround ourselves with play an important factor in the direction we are headed in life. In Glenn, Mel found true friendship; with Mel, Harold, and Ole’Girl, forgiveness played a major role in their lives once all the ugly secrets were revealed. We are not stuck in the whirlpool of the despair of the streets. Change can and does happen in constructive and positive ways, and it begins within us.

Changing Places (Volume 2) is available through Amazon and www.stompentertainment.com

Thank you once again, B-Low (Albert), for showing readers hope, faith, and love.