The Seventh Chakra

by J.R. Bowles

CHAPTER 57

  They all arose early and everyone was busy getting ready to depart for Roanoke. It was raining again so Billy didn't take any of their bags in his truck. Fortunately Michael, as usual, was prepared and had ordered a van to pick them up and take them to La Guardia Airport. It took them a while to check out of the hotel. The replacement clerk wasn't as efficient as Rudy had been. The police had been to the hotel earlier after someone had discovered Rudy's body. Everyone checking out of the hotel had been required to fill out a questionnaire asking them if they had seen anything unusual the night before. They were also required to leave a forwarding address in case the police needed to question them.

  Everything went smooth and they waited for their direct flight to leave. Michael rode with Billy and made Thomas travel with them just in case he decided to give them any problems. Bernie and Zolar made sure that all of the bags were checked in and the rest of them waited at the gate for the plane to leave. Typical of La Guardia their flight was delayed about thirty minutes but they were in the air en route to the Star City of the South by ten thirty.

  As their plane touched down the pilot announced the present temperature was a mild eighty degrees with clear skies.

  “It's good to be back home again.” Billy said as he inhaled deeply the pure clean air as he departed the plane.

  “It surely is.” Jackie agreed looking up at the soft magenta blue sky touched only by faint wisps of clouds moving gently. She smiled as the fragrance of flowers and rich soil teased at her sense of smell. Not a trace of rotting garbage in the air, she thought.

  “It's hard to believe we were all born here.” Bernie said. “I've never been here before, except being born here, that is. It truly is beautiful.”

  Michael had reserved rooms for them at the Hotel Roanoke and had rented a van for their transportation. They loaded into the van and watched the quaint scenery as they traversed the roads which meandered across the city.

  Billy as usual had become the designated driver. “The only bad thing about Roanoke is the roads. I think who ever designed the roads in Roanoke must have been drunk at the time.”

  “They are pretty confusing.” Zolar agreed sitting in the shot gun seat. “I think they tried to build over existing roads and back then it wasn't easy to move a mountain so they just went around them. I grew up in Salem, right next door but I haven't been back in over three years. I hope I get a chance to see my parents.”

  “Me too.” Morgan said. “My folks are in Dublin, that's in Pulaski County. None of you ever ask me where I grew up. But you're right about this area it's like entering a garden of paradise. You know as a Flight Attendant, I've been all over the world, but I think the Southwest part of Virginia is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Of course I may be just a little biased.”

  “Have you ever been to the Smoky Mountains?” Mindy asked.

  “No.” Morgan shook her head. “But I hear it is nice.”

  “Nice? It is truly lovely. The trees, oak, pine, cedars, the peacefulness and the contour of the land is heavenly.” Mindy said. “Jamal you told me you were born here but where did you grown up?”

  “I was born here, like the rest of the centers but I grew up in Lynchburg. You know it looks like people are getting along better than I use to remember.” Jamal said as they pulled up to a red light and stopped. He stared out the window watching people walking slowly and peacefully along the streets. None of them were rushing around as if the world would end if they weren't on time for something or other. He smiled slightly as he noticed several black men nod and greet a white man they met. He turned around to watch them as they pulled away from the light and was surprised at how openly friendly they were toward one another. It's certainly not New York, he thought, had it always been like this? No, he told himself, they use to practice segregation. Separate water fountains, restrooms, schools and even the amusement park in Salem, what was it called? Lakeside, that was it, even Lakeside had not allowed the Afro Americans in. They had one day a year they called colored day. They had to sit in the balcony of the theaters but now at least on the surface it didn't look like those restrictions were still true. He wondered.

  They pulled up in front of the Hotel Roanoke and unloaded the luggage. Michael had arranged for each of them to have their own rooms. Even Jamal and Mindy had separate accommodations. Michael figured it was safer for them to have their own rooms available and if they wanted to sleep together it was up to them. He had booked reservations for three days although he wasn’t sure how long they would actually need the rooms.

  “Everybody, get settled into your room and then meet back in the restaurant in about thirty minutes.” Michael directed.

  They all agreed and went off in search of their rooms. They didn't waste time unpacking and were all back down to the restaurant as soon as possible. They knew they had a busy day ahead of them and none of them wanted to be left out in fear they would miss something important.

  As they entered the restaurant Billy was waiting and directed them to a private room where they would eat lunch and discuss their plans. Michael was the last one down. Billy greeted him and they both joined the others already seated. Food had been ordered and was already being served. All southern cooking, from breaded okra, country gravy, southern fried chicken, and homemade buttermilk biscuits spread out over the table. Their mouths were watering at the intoxicating smell bring flashes of their childhood memories to mind. Knives and forks were busy cutting butter and dipping jams and jellies. They were busy reminiscing about their mother's cooking, or their grandmother's cooking. The joyful energy in the room was contagious and each one seemed happy to be back home.

  The Reverend Thomas Lamb had been escorted by Billy to the room earlier. Michael had asked Billy if he would stay close to the preacher and if he tried to leave, to deck him. Michael hadn't heard from his detective and had called to see if he had found out anything about the deceased girl. Clarets' secretary had told Michael that he had gone out to try and contact the girl’s relatives and that he had promised to call her soon as he found out more details. She said, she had been told to wait at the office until he called and that if Michael would call her later she would hopefully have the information. She promised that she would call the hotel if she found out anything earlier and that she would be there until she heard something. “Even if I have to sleep here.” She had said it as if she were repeating a direct order. Michael smiled to himself; well at least they are trying. He told her that if she hadn't heard from Clarets by eleven she could close shop. She had thanked him and expressed her apologies for not have the information he wanted. She had realized how important a client Michael had been over the years and she made him feel important, not just the fact he had money but he was special. Then again, being from the south, she probably made all clients feel important. Southern hospitality, he thought.

  “I've found the location of the old hospital.” Michael began before sitting down and loud enough to get their attention. “Like everyone else here, I'm feeling a little queasy about all of this but if someone would volunteer to go with me, I think we should inspect the sight before we just show up there.”

  “I will.” Billy volunteered.

  “Thanks Billy, I figured you would. You have always been dependable.” Michael said graciously.

  “He truly has.” John complemented.

  “Hey,” Billy protested, “don't talk about me in the past tense.”

  “I'm sorry. You truly are. Is that better?” John rectified.

  “Thanks boss.”

  Michael continued. “We will go down there this afternoon and check it out. It's within fifteen minutes walking distance from here, so I want you all to do what every you want this afternoon but I want everybody down in front of the hotel by nine o'clock sharp. At five minutes after we leave with or without you. Reverend, I want you to stay with me the rest of the day. If you have any objections, you might as
well forget it, because I will tell you now, if you cause any problems, I'll shoot you full of drugs and drag you, and I have the drugs that will make you listen and obey. They won't knock you out. Do you understand?”

  “I understand. At this point I don't think it would do any good to protest. I'm just placing my faith in the Lord.” Thomas looked directly at Michael in defiance.

  “Very well.” Michael nodded. “Now is there anything else anyone wants to bring up, now's the time to do it.”

  “I want to call my father.” Zolar said. “I think there's more going on than he has told me.”

  “Me too.” Morgan looked around at the others. “My parents prepared me for all of this and since experiencing it, I don't think they told me everything. I think they know a lot more than they let on. For one, I want to know why all of you just happened to have been born in the same hospital, on the same day.”

  “That's a good idea.” John said glancing from Morgan and then to Zolar. “The more we know the better off we are. Uh, Zolar, before everyone goes their own way for the afternoon I wonder if you would stay and chat with me for a few minutes. You too Billy.”

  “Sure.” Zolar nodded, knowing John wanted to discuss the revelation they had talked about in the chamber last night. The others hadn't been privy of the information. When John found out none of them had indicated they knew anything about the creation theory, he pulled Zolar aside and ask him not to bring it up, yet. Zolar wouldn't have mentioned it anyway, it was just too bizarre. He wondered what John wanted to say.

  Everyone ate heartily, knowing they may need the extra fuel for the evening. Most of them had finished eating and were leaning back in their chairs relaxing. Mindy sat smoking on a cigarette, and John asked them for their attention.

  “Could I have your attention please?” All heads turned towards him in expectation. “As you know within the past short week we have undergone a great transformation in our lives. We didn't know each other but were bound by something mysterious to us all. We have laughed, we have been frightened and we have cried at the loss of two people. I want us to remember Azid and Rudy. Azid was a friend to Jamal who attempted to kill me out of love for his friend who he thought was in danger.” John turned to Jamal. “Jamal, I don't hold any ill will toward him. He loved you and true friendship is one of the few real values in life.”

  Jamal nodded at John. Tears formed in his eyes as he fought to keep them from flowing down his cheek. He swallowed to relive the painful lump in his throat.

  “And Rudy, whose death and present state of existence in the eternal void, I personally feel responsible.” The group began to murmur that he wasn't to blame but John squelched them. “If I had not been chosen to have these things happen to me then Rudy would not have been condemned. We don't know what caused him to be stuck there but he touched each one of our lives if only briefly and I hope that we will hold his memory in reverend respect.”

  John sighed audible and looked around the table at their faces. Faces which had become familiar to him. “Last night, Zolar and I had two revelations. One was the one that you experienced. One of being condemned to eternal loneliness but the other was an intellectual awakening in which you did not share. At this time I am not ready to share it with you but I want you to know tonight we don't know what will happen. I have my suspicions and I believe Zolar would probably agree with me but tomorrow I may no longer be with you.”

  They turned to each other asking what he meant. It was Billy who finally silenced them.

  “Be quiet!” He shouted. “John what are you saying? What went on last night?”

  “I won't tell you what went on last night. I'm sure that you will find out tonight but it is my belief this is my last day.”

  “No,” was the protest as they again started speaking all at the same time.

  John raised his hand. “Listen, my friends, you are all very special to me. I have had a good life. You taught me more than just what the opening centers brought. You have taught me to laugh, to cry, to love and to enjoy life.” He squeezed Morgan's hand. Tears were flowing down her cheek.

  “I guess you could call this our last supper.” John continued. “Tonight I will have to make a decision and that decision, no matter what it is, will affect each of you. I just want you to know no matter what happens I love you all.”

  They all stood and awaited him. He went to each of them and hugged them and whispered in their ear. None of the others heard what he said, except when he hugged them and gave them his whispered message.

  “Billy, you are my most beloved friend. You taught me to live.” John said hugging Billy. Billy held on to John his tears damping John's hair.

  “Morgan, you are my lover. You have taught me the passion in my soul.”

  “Jackie, you taught me strength.”

  “Bernie, you taught me warmth.”

  “Zolar, you have opened my eyes to all which is around me. “

  ”Jamal you have taught me to forgive.”

  “Michael, my oldest friend, we shared so much when we were young. You have taught me the constancy of being a kind and truly good person.”

  As John stood before the Reverend he offered him his hand. Thomas stared down at the offering and said loud enough for the others to hear. “If you are making a mockery of the Lord's Last Supper you have a lot to learn. My Lord had twelve disciples and you have only nine. You are three short. If you had Rudy and Azid you would only then have eleven, you are still one short but then again my friend Becky could have been your twelfth. But you do not have them and if you are accusing me of being your Judas then I pray to God, he allows it to be so. For I would be honored to be traitor to you but there is no one for me to betray you to. In the beginning, I believed you to be the Anti-Christ, now I have come to doubt this; I do not know what you are. I have seen you and the others heal and even raise the dead. I have not seen you deliberately hurt anyone. I will not judge you for only the Lord God has the right to judge.”

  Thomas clasped John's offered hand and held it. John leaned to him. “Thomas, I have not chosen this burden as I am sure you did not, but you have taught me dedication.” John then turned to Mindy and embraced her. “Mindy, although I do not know you very well, you have taught me to be still, listen and wait. You are patient. I don't know why I tell you this but in this world there is good, evil and indifference. All of these are equal. Where do you stand?” He did not wait for an answer to his rhetorical question he turned and walked away.

  “What is he saying to me?” Mindy thought, she let her eyes water enough for the others to see that she was sharing their sadness. “Does he know I am after his power? Impossible! I have done nothing to make him suspect me. It must be my imagination.”

  John went back to his seat and sat back down. Each one followed his example, all wondering what was happening. Did John know he was going to die? Was that what this was about? They sat quietly waiting for him to speak.

  “I am sorry to have brought you all down but I wanted the opportunity to say goodbye in case I am not with you tomorrow. “John told himself he hoped that they would be here, even if he wasn't. Perhaps the Reverend Lamb was correct when he called him the Anti-Christ. His decision tonight would determine if any of them were here. The burden of having to choose. If he were able to choose now, he knew even if he died, and he felt sure he was going to, he would chose for the world to continue. But how could he make that chose if all of them would someday end up like Rudy cast off into an eternal damnation of loneliness. For if he chose for it to continue that could be the scenario. If that was the case then he would have no alternative but to end it all so the universe would collapse back into itself.

  “Let's call it an afternoon.” John concluded. “I want to remind you Michael wants us down front at nine o'clock.”

  As the group broke up, Zolar and Billy remained behind as John had requested.

  “Thanks guys for w
aiting around.” John began. “Sorry I had to lay such a bummer on everyone.” He shrugged his shoulders.

  “I understand.” Zolar said in hopes to soothe some of the anguish he felt John must be feeling.

  “What I wanted to say is about tonight. Zolar, I've been thinking about what you and I saw last night. I think only the eight of us should be present. Billy, it's like this, Zolar and I, found a chamber underneath Governors Island and on its wall someone has drawn a picture of a red star and a figure in white lying on what looked like an altar. Around the altar were seven people. I don't think Mindy, and Michael should be present. Zolar, I was wondering if you agree with me?”

  “Yeah, I do. I was wondering about how to bring it up. I'm glad you did but how are we going to tell Mindy and especially Michael they shouldn't be there? After all Michael was the original center.”

  “That is the problem. I don't think Mindy will care but I really think Michael is going to protest. I've known Michael most of my adult life and he doesn't know how to take no for an answer. Somehow we have to convince him it's for his own good.”

  Billy sat there for a moment. “John give us a while to think about this. I'll be going with Michael and the Preacher down to inspect the area. We don't know what we will find. For all we know there could be a factory on the land now. Let us look and then I will report back to you.”

  John nodded his head in agreement. “That sounds reasonable. We will find the lay out of the land and then we will make a decision. I was thinking, well, Michael threatened to drug Thomas, if we could get hold of those drugs―we might just have to drug Michael. I hate to do it but if he's unreasonable we may be forced to do it. I really don't think Mindy will be a problem but she's pretty attached to Jamal and she might figure that she has to tag along with him. We might have to drug her too, but if we do then we're forced to contend with Jamal.”

  “Let's find out the lay out first.” Billy suggested. “There may not be room but for the eight of us.”

  “Okay,” John said. “Billy you had better go ahead and find Michael and scope it out.”

  “Got you Boss,” He stood. “Where will you be when we get back?”

  “I'll be in my room.”

  “See you in a while.” Billy waived at them as he departed.

  “Well Zolar, what do you think?” John asked.

  Zolar understood what John was asking. “I'm glad you didn't tell them about the decision you will have to make. I think they would probably be frightened. I know it scares the hell out of me.”

  “Me too,” John shrugged his shoulders and rolled his neck to relieve some of the tension.

  “John, don't think about it. You will do whatever you have to.” Zolar spread his hands in the air. “If you decide it's time for us all to come back together, then so be it. If you decide for it to continue, well, that's just the way it will be.”

  “What if I make the wrong choice?” John said the uncertainty was reflected in his eyes.

  “John, I know it probably the hardest decision anyone has ever had to make but you have to have faith in yourself. You have been given an example of what can happen. Think about Rudy. He is locked away for all of eternity to suffer the miserable existence of aloneness. He is but a part of the whole. You have a lot to take into consideration.”

  “Do you think if I choose collapse the entire universe will collapse or just our solar system?” John asked running his hand through his hair.

  “Truthfully, I think it will be the whole universe. The universe is several billion years old and I'm willing to bet that it's time. All through the ages most of the religious teachings have pointed to the judgment day, when man would be taken to heaven or cast to eternal damnation. And the one's that didn't teach damnation taught that the kingdom of heaven was within.”

  John shivered even though it was warm in the room. “That's what I was afraid of, and for some reason I think even though it took the universe a long time to expand the collapse will be almost instantaneous.”

  “I agree with you.” Zolar nodded. “With the collapse all of the known laws of the expanding universe cancelled and replaced by the opposite; where time was once radiation and that's the part which will be lost. The ones that are moving out of sync with the rest, those will be lost to the same fate as Rudy… lost in the nothingness.”

  John groaned and stood up. “Thanks Zolar, I appreciate your complete cantor. I'm going to go to my room now and rest.”

  “John,” Zolar called to him before he left the room. “If a man was traveling down a road and ahead of him the bridge was out, you would do everything in your power to get him to stop. Just remember, whatever decision you have to make you won't be able to make it until you know all of the facts. Don't worry about this. Tonight you will have all of the facts. It's no use to worry about it until then. When you have the facts then you can decide. Hey, for all you know the bridge ahead of us may still be there but whatever it is you will know tonight. So there's no use to spend this time agonizing over it. Get out and enjoy what's out there.” Zolar shook his head and added gravely. “It might not be there tomorrow. There might even not be a tomorrow.”

  “Thanks Zolar.” John turned and headed for the front door. He would go out for a walk. He had planned to spend the rest of the day brooding about the great burden he had but Zolar was right. It might not be there tomorrow.

  “One more thing,” Zolar called. “While Michael's gone I'll see if I can get into his room and find the drugs just in case we need them.”

  John nodded and walked out the front of the hotel. The Star on the mountain was the first thing to catch his eye. It was so huge and painted white. He wondered if it would be lit in white or red tonight. If the drawing in the chamber was correct it would be in red.

  He was glad he had listened to Zolar and went out for a walk. The traffic seemed light compared to where he lived in Florida and practically nonexistent when compared to New York. Even though the temperature was in the low 80's he felt a clean refreshing breeze brushing his face. As he walked along he could tell that the city, like most cities, was feeling the urban decay. He walked along taking random streets. He was going nowhere particular and tried to focus on the splendor of his surroundings. He stopped to watch several kids playing in a park. One child in particular caught his attention. She was sitting in a swing trying to push herself into motion but was unable to move past a gentle sway. She appeared to be about four or five years old and John wondered where her parents were. After several minutes she became frustrated with her failed attempts and tried to get one of the other children to push her. Most of the other children were a little older and John could tell from watching them they had refused assistance. One older girl had given the younger child a shove which almost knocked her down.

  Finally the young girl must have decided to give up and left the park. As she walked out she passed John but did not seem to notice him watching her.

  Even though the traffic was light it was still enough that a young child should not be attempting to cross the road alone. There were no traffic lights near and the child must have decided to cross the road in the middle of the block. She stopped and peeked out from around a park car. John saw her muscles tense as she readied herself to run across the road.

  John reached down and caught the back of her collar just as an old Chevrolet, driven by some teenagers rushed around the corner. As he held her, the car sped by traveling at least thirty miles faster than the posted 25 mile per hour limit.

  John felt the girl's body stiffen as she stood less than six inches from the side of the car. After the car passed, her body became limp and John thought she was going to faint. She turned around to see who saved her. Little brown eyes and a turned up nose peered up at him. She pushed her hand through her hair which hadn't been washed or brushed in days and moved it out of her eyes.

  “Thank you, Mister.” Her faint melodious voi
ce trembled with the thick Roanoke accent.

  “Are you okay?” John asked gently.

  “I, I think so. It just scared me. I almost got killed didn't I?” Her eyes widened at her own revelation.

  “You might have been. You should be more careful.”

  “I looked both ways. I don't know where that car came from?” Her eyes widened and she smiled brightly. “You saved my life. My mommy said Jesus saved lives. Are you Jesus?”

  John was flabbergasted by her question. So much had happen to him the last week he suddenly wondered why this incident had happen. The word coincidence had been dropped from his vocabulary.

  “No honey, I'm not Jesus.” John answered.

  “Well if you were you might not tell me.” She said smiling up at him. “I was so scared.”

  “Well you're okay now.” John smiled and nodded. “Where's your mamma?”

  “I don't know. They just went to the store one day and never came back.” She said.

  “Who takes care of you?”

  “I take care of myself.” She boasted proud of herself. Her little chest puffed out in pride.

  “But you're too young to be alone. You must live with someone?” John quizzed.

  “I did live in my house and then some policemen came and I hid behind the house. They put a bunch of papers on the front door and did something to the locks and I couldn't get back in.”

  “Honey you should have gone to a policemen.”

  “Nuh-uh, they'd put me in an orphanage and treat me mean.”

  “I don't think they would. They would probably find a nice family for you to live with until they find your mommy and daddy.”

  “I never really had no daddy. It was mama's boyfriend.”

  “What's your same?”

  “Sally Ann. What's yours?” She smiled and twisted back and forth.

  “John. How long's your mommy been gone?”

  “A long time. More days than I have fingers and toes.”

  “Aren't you hungry? How do you get anything to eat?” John asked when he realized the child's mother had been gone for more than twenty days.

  “There's a hamburger place over there,” She pointed. “And they're always throwing away all kinds of stuff. I just go after dark so they don't run me off or call the policemen.”

  “But where do you sleep?” John asked as he surveyed her, noting that she looked like she hadn't washed in a long time.

  “Where ever I can. Sometimes I sleep here in the park but there's a lot of bad people that come around here at night. Most of the time I sleep in a cave down that road there.” She pointed a grimy finger.

  “You can't go on living like this. We have to call the authorities.” John said.

  “No.” She said and started to run.

  John reached out and grabbed her shoulder. She stopped and turned to look up at him.

  “Please, Mister John, please don't call them. If my mama comes back she won't be able to find me.”

  “You can't go on living like this. What will you do when it gets cold?”

  “I can take care of myself.” She protested.

  “Well at least let me get you something to eat.” John suggested and watched her eyes get big. He realized she must be a hungrier than she had been acting. She swallowed at the mention of food and John realized her mouth must be watering.

  “I'm okay, Mister John.” She said in spite of the hungry look on her face.

  “I won't call the policemen, I promise.” John released his grip on her shoulder.

  “Okay, Mister John.” She answered hesitantly.

  “I have a whole bunch of friends for you to meet. Would you like that?”

  “A whole bunch? I don't have any friends. The other kids call me names and won't play with me. Are any of them kids?”

  “No, no kids but there are some nice ladies there.”

  “Oh, goodie.” She squealed.

  When they got back to the hotel John took her to the restaurant and asked her what she wanted.

  “Anything 'ceptin hamburgers, if I could.” She said as she propped herself up at the table.

  “I tell you why don't you go wash your hands and face over there in the bathroom and I'll order something for you. “

  ”Okie dokie,” she answered and skipped off to the rest room.

  John used the phone in the restaurant and started to call Morgan. He thought for a few minutes and called Jackie instead. Jackie was a little bit older and her whole persona was more of a mother than Morgan's.

  “Hi, Jackie, this is John. I found a little girl that's hungry and I brought her back with me. She doesn't have any parents and she needs a little tender loving care. I tried to talk her in to letting me call the police but she’s afraid of them. I know it's sexist but I think she might feel a little more comfortable with a woman than a man. From what I gather she didn't really have a father. Her mother just had a live in boyfriend and they both disappeared awhile back.”

  John paused and then said into the receiver. “Thanks Jackie, we will be in the restaurant.”

  John went back to the table and waited. He ordered the little girl a good well balanced meal and a big glass of milk. Just as she returned Jackie entered the restaurant.

  “Hi Jackie this is Sally Ann.” John introduced.

  Jackie pulled up a chair and sat down and offered the girl her hand. “Hi, Sally Ann.”

  “Hello Miss Jackie.” Sally Ann took Jackie's hand timidly.

  “Please just call me Jackie.”

  “Nuh-uh. My mommy always said to use Mister, Misses or Miss and Mizz if a woman wanted to be called that but I'm not s'pose to use first names.”

  “Okay, then you, call me Miss Jackie.” Jackie forced a big smile. The poor little girl was incredible dirty and she looked like she hadn't been eating too well.

  “Here comes your food.” John said.

  Sally Ann's eyes got big and she smiled when she saw the quantity of food being brought.

  “Is all of that for me?” She asked in disbelief.

  Jackie eyed John. Just like a man, she thought, ordered too much. Didn't he realize she hadn't being eating very well and this much food would probably make her sick?

  “It's all yours.” Jackie said. “But maybe you should just taste a little of all of it. If you eat too much it might make your tummy hurt.”

  “I guess you're right.” Sally Ann looked solemn. “But if I don't eat too much could I have some ice cream?”

  “You sure can.” John said.

  “Okay.” Sally Ann said as she began to eat rapidly but slowed down as she saw Jackie watching her. “You sure are pretty Miss Jackie and you smell so nice.”

  “Why thank you. I think you're pretty too.” Jackie returned the compliment.

  “You do?” Sally Ann smiled brightly. “Nobody ever told me I was pretty before.”

  “They haven't?” Jackie asked in disbelief. How could a mother not tell her own child how pretty she is? All little girls like to hear that from their mothers. “Well you are.”

  “Would you like some new clothes?” John asked Sally Ann eying her oversized and ragged dress.

  “New. Really? Brand new, from a store?”

  “Yes sweetheart.” John nodded.

  “I never had nothing brand new. My mama always got my clothes from the old clothes shop or the 'vation army store.”

  “The vation army store?” Jackie asked.

  “Who's that?”

  “You seen 'em, they ring bells outside of the liquor store.” Sally Ann explained. “But brand new clothes, really?”

  “Yes brand new and new shoes too.” John said.

  “Tennis shoes?” She asked hopefully.

  “Yes,” John answered, “and pretty shoes too.”

  “Oh boy,” Sally Ann said. “I'm full. Can we go now?”

  “I thought you wanted ice cream?” Jackie smiled.

  “I
'm full. I'm ready to go.” Her eyes smiled up at Jackie.

  “Here's my credit card.” John said, handing it to Jackie. “Buy her as much as she wants and whatever you think she needs and Jackie, thank you.”

  “John there's no need to thank me this is pure pleasure.” Jackie said taking his credit card and slipping it into her purse. “Are you sure you don't want to go along with us?”

  “I've never been much of a shopper.” John answered.

  “Coward,” Jackie grinned and then turned to Sally Ann. “Why don't you go wash your hands and face?”

  “I washed them before I ate.” Sally Ann protested.

  “But after eating chicken your hands might be a little bit greasy and you don't want to get your new clothes greasy, do you?”

  “Oh yeah.” Her eyes widened and she stood up and headed back to the rest room. “Excuse me.”

  After she was out of hearing range Jackie patted John's hand. “This is really a nice thing to do John but what are we going to do when we leave?”

  “I hadn't thought about it. We will be forced to call the authorities. And what do we do about tonight, what do we do with her then?” He then had a good idea he would ask Mindy to watch her. It would take care of two problems at once. He would have someone to watch Sally Ann and an excuse for Mindy not to join them.

  “Maybe Mindy would watch her.” John suggested.

  “Maybe,” Jackie said in agreement.

  When Sally Ann returned she had scrubbed her face to where it was red and washed her arms up to her elbows. Jackie thought, “Maybe I should have her bathe first.” Then decided against it. Sally Ann was too anxious and she would still have to put the ragged dress back on her. Besides she would probably want to bath after she got her new clothes so she wouldn't get them dirty.

  They bid John good-bye and left.

  “Thank you.” Sally Ann called back to him over her shoulder. “You're the most nicest man I ever did meet.”

  John felt a lump in his throat and his chest hurt. He wondered why he had done it. He guessed he felt sorry for her. No one should ever have to live like that and she was still just a baby. He sat there thinking to himself and ordered a cup of coffee. Why was he doing this? Why did it even matter? The world may no longer exist tomorrow. He shrugged, well even if it didn't, at least Sally Ann would enjoy today.