Free Love, Lies & Consequences by Natasha D. Frazier Page A

Most sports analysts predicted that he was a sure pick for the NBA draft. After marrying during the Christmas holiday, his final collegiate basketball career was in full swing and he vowed not to allow anything or anyone get in the way of him achieving his dream of making it to the NBA. He was sure that Tammy was on board with him achieving his dream.
    Just as everyone predicted, Joshua went on to the NBA, but he lost Tammy in the process. In Tammy’s eyes, his lack of attention to her needs, constant traveling and total disregard for her own dreams almost immediately tore their relationship apart when his NBA career began. Tammy decided early on that their marriage would always be about him and what he wanted and that they should end it before things got ugly.
    From Joshua’s perspective, separation was not the answer. He loved Tammy and thought they were planning to build a life together. He thought she would be able to handle his career and what it would require of him, especially as a rookie, but she remained selfish and wanted more time with him as newlyweds. He didn’t think the NBA was that much of a change from the amount of time required from him in school, except that once he received the contract, more traveling would be involved than before. He had even gone through the process of purchasing a house so that they could begin building their life together. Instead, she chose to move to Texas while he went on to pursue his career in Boston.
    Some days, she regretted being immature and bailing on her marriage. She hadn’t thought that being the wife of a pro basketball player would be so difficult. She always thought that when they were married, he would spend his time doting on her. Part of her understood that his career would be demanding, but a greater part of her wanted to be more important to him.
    “I don’t have nearly as much going on in my life as the three of you. I talk with Josh from time to time and that’s about it. I still love him but I don’t want to fight for his attention,” she said, moving down to the floor in front of the fireplace with the rest of her girls. “I’ve known him half of my life already. We dated through high school and college, and he is really the only guy that I have ever wanted to be married to.” But at what expense? Why do I have to be the one to give up everything while he gets to live his dreams? she thought.
    “On a much more serious note, I’d like you all to please be in prayer for my granny. She has been diagnosed with lung cancer.” Knowing the possible outcome, Tammy became saddened. She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin. Her friends sat in silence as she made her request.
    She reflected on the conversation she had while visiting with her grandmother earlier that week and that gave her a smile.
    Tammy’s grandmother said, “Just know that Granny has always loved you and I am so proud of the woman that you have become. Too bad that handsome lil’ boy didn’t stick around. He is still my grandbaby, even if things didn’t work out between you two.”
    Her grandma was always bringing up Joshua, but she pretended as if she didn’t know who Granny was referring to. “Who are you talking about, Granny?”
    “You know exactly who I’m talking about. Josh. When is the last time you talked to him?”
    “It’s been a while. But let’s not talk about him; I want to make sure you’re okay,” Tammy remembered saying.
    “Oh, don’t worry about me honey. Granny has lived and loved and you need to do the same. Promise Granny that you will call my grandson.”
    “Okay, I will,” Tammy promised, not knowing when she would call.
    “No, call him right now. I want to talk to him,” her grandmother said as a way to make sure that Tammy would keep her promise. She knew that Tammy was stubborn and would probably never reach out to him although he made contact with her from time to time.
    “Really, Granny? This is what you’re worried about?”