Headstone: The Curse

by Taylor, Tanya R.

  “I think John should hang his head in shame.” Kera stared blankly ahead at the television, the volume of which had been lowered. “The man’s an executive at a consulting firm that gets lucrative contracts with the government, so he’s raking in a ton of money. How could he treat his parents so coldly?”

  “Because he’s spoiled, that’s why. According to Toby, Mrs. Reed saw to that. He was one of her favorites, you know?”

  “Yep.”

  “Mr. Reed was nothing of the sort. I’ve seen it for myself over the past fourteen years that Toby and I were married. He treated all four of his children the same.” Jonie took a sip of her coffee and kept the mug slightly above her lap. “I really admired Mr. Reed for the man he was. He reminded me of Dad, a little.”

  Kera smiled at the mention of their father.

  “No-nonsense, but kind and compassionate at the same time,” Jonie added.

  “Yep.”

  “Mrs. Reed, as you know, was a nice lady, but there was another side of her that a lot of people outside of the family didn’t see. She was a bit manipulative; pitted her kids against one another, particularly the ones she adored over the others. She always wanted to be the center of attention. For instance, if she saw John and Toby having any type of togetherness, she’d say something about Toby that would cause John to continue to be distant with him. Those two never hit it off as brothers.”

  “John just thinks he’s better than everyone else!” Kera got up and headed to the kitchen where she poured herself a glass of orange juice.

  She stood at five-feet-seven inches tall with a slender physique and her wavy, auburn hair fell an inch above her shoulders. She and Jonie could pass for twins, except that Jonie was a few inches taller. The girls were the only children of Randolph and Betty-Jean Fox who were alive and well and living in Hawaii where they were both natives. In their late teens, right after their wedding, they’d moved to Mizpah and raised a family with the agreement that Hawaii was where they’d return to spend their retirement years. Kera and Jonie adored their parents and went to visit them a few times each year.

  “John is a special kind of cold,” Jonie told her sister. “Belinda and Rachelle are no better than he is, though. They’re all doing better than Toby financially, so they should’ve been more of a help to Mr. Reed when he was here wheelchair-bound and bedridden. Sure, they showed their faces every so often, but no one once offered to either take Mr. Reed to their house for a while to help out or even offered to assist in any other way.”

  “Doesn’t Belinda own a six-unit apartment complex and brags about that fat bank account where she doesn’t even have to work anymore?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Rachelle at least has a steady job making good tips at the resort, so she should’ve been able to contribute something, even if it wasn’t that much. I swear they’re all gonna burn in Hell.” Kera stretched out her legs on the couch and rested her back against the arm of the chair. After downing half of the juice, she placed the glass on the side table.

  “You know what I think would be ideal?” Jonie asked.

  Kera looked her way. “What?”

  “If they were made to experience hell on earth before they ever closed their eyes to this world. That’s how much I can’t stand them.”

  Kera nodded. “I agree. Karma girl. You know what they say about it. It’s a—”

  “I know... I know.”

  * * * *

  Toby headed to the work shed attached to his house after breakfast one Saturday morning. He’d brought along a hot cup of cocoa Jonie had made for him.

  As he pushed open the wooden door, sunlight burst through the old shed—the contents of which were a long, wooden rectangular table, loose plywood everywhere, various tools and carpentry equipment. He walked in and opened two windows located on the southern side of the room, facing the road. Everything about the place reminded him of his father since it was Harvey’s idea that Toby erect a shed in his yard to do woodwork when things got slow financially. It was exactly what Harvey had done to help his family get through “dry seasons” when he and Marry were still raising the kids. The income wasn’t always very attractive, but it managed to sustain the family.

  Just like his father, Toby had built his house with his bare hands and with the help of a few guys he’d befriended in the construction industry. It was a small, two bedroom dwelling, with the white picket fence Jonie always wanted and a back patio where they’d spent many evenings relaxing together. Having carpentry skills had saved them more than half of what it would have taken to build otherwise, but they didn’t escape having a small mortgage.

  Clearing off the dusty table, a feeling of guilt overwhelmed Toby and he began to weep silently. Shaking his head as if it would hold back the pain, he dried his tears and assembled the wood he intended to use that day.

  “How’s it going?” A voice crept up behind him and he quickly turned around.

  A tall, burly man in his forties stood in the doorway, blocking a good portion of the sunlight.

  “Hey, Matt.” Toby cleared his throat. “How’s the family?”

  Matt walked in. “Sandra and the li’l rascal are doing better than me.” He grinned. “How have you been?”

  Toby reached for his saw and drill, and rested them on the table.

  “I guess as good as can be expected.”

  Matt approached the table next to Toby. “I miss the old guy; can only imagine how you miss him.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Those stories of his of days gone by are etched in my brain forever. I learned so much from him about this town and life in general—things I never learned from my own dad, especially since he was missing in action my entire life. I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but in a way old Harvey was like a father figure to me; I respected the man so much.”

  Looking his way, Toby could see his eyes were welling up a bit, but Matt was a tough guy who worked out daily in his homemade gym and rode a Harley. He wasn’t about to be caught dead crying.

  “I could tell,” Toby patted his back. “Dad had that kind of impact on people’s life. At least he’s in a better place now and got his dignity back.”

  “Yeah.”

  A few moments of silence ensued.

  “So, how’s that fine wife of yours?” Matt was obviously desperate to change the subject.

  “She’s good. Looking for work now that Dad’s gone.”

  “Jonie’s a smart girl. I’m sure she’ll find something in no time.”

  Toby nodded.

  “Are you sure you’re okay, bud?” Matt sensed he had something strong on his mind.

  Toby sighed heavily. “A month has passed since Dad died and I…I’ve just been feeling lousy about not being able to afford a headstone for his grave, you know? When I visit the cemetery, there are all these other headstones on the graves and Dad’s grave is bare. I feel like I’ve failed him because I don’t have the money to get one for him.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m sure in time, he’ll get that headstone,” Matt replied. “How much does it cost?”

  “Twenty-five hundred big ones.”

  “Woo! I’m sure you can find a cheaper price somewhere without sacrificing quality. Twenty-five hundred sounds steep to me.”

  “Unfortunately, since it’s a private graveyard, they have their own rules and one of them is that you must purchase the headstone from them and that’s only their starting price,” Toby explained.

  “Sounds like a rip-off to me!” Matt scoffed.

  “Same thing I said. Things are pretty slow right now at work, so I’m gonna try and make a few items and hopefully, I’ll get some sales for them.”

  “What are you making?”

  Toby placed a sheet of plywood on the table. “Well, Dad taught me how to make wooden clocks, chairs…you name it. But I think I’ll make a couple of little doghouses, particularly for the smaller dogs since a lot of folks around here are into animals.”

&nbs
p; “That’s a great idea!” Matt said. “Sandra and I will be your first customers.”

  “Really? I didn’t know you had a dog.”

  “Technically, we don’t, but Sandra’s adopted a Chihuahua last week for Robbie and it’s coming home tomorrow.”

  “Wow! That’s awesome.” Toby managed a smile. “Little Robbie will be elated.”

  “Yeah. We’re surprising the li’l guy. It’ll be like an extension of his sixth birthday, you know.”

  “That’s cool, Matt. You and Sandra are great parents.”

  “We do what we can. Me, being a trainer, and Sandra a cashier at the food store, we don’t make all that much, but we do our best to take care of the kid.” He sighed. “If I was in a better position, I’d help you pay for that headstone you want, but I hope buying the doghouse will be some sort of help.”

  “Thanks, Matt. I really appreciate that.”

  Matt checked his wristwatch. “I have a training session at the gym for ten, so I have to get a move on. See you later, bud.” He turned to leave.

  “Aren’t you gonna ask how much the doghouse is gonna cost?” Toby asked him.

  Matt looked back. “Nope. I’m sure you won’t charge me an arm and a leg.”

  Just then, Jonie appeared in the doorway.

  “Oh! Hi, Matt. Didn’t know you were back here,” she said.

  “Hey, beautiful. On my way out.” He smiled. “I’ll see you guys later.”

  Jonie stepped aside to let him pass. “Okay. Give Sandra my regards.”

  “Will do.”

  And he left.

  She hurried over to Toby.

  “What is it, honey?” He saw what seemed like nervous excitement in her eyes.

  “I was going to wait until you came back inside the house, but I just couldn’t,” she started.

  He dropped the saw and focused entirely on her.

  “I had bought a pregnancy test kit home yesterday…”

  “And…” His heart started racing with anticipation of what Jonie was about to reveal.

  “I don’t know how you’d feel about this, considering our financial state right now, but…”

  “Are you pregnant?” he asked.

  Jonie nodded, slowly.

  Toby grabbed her into his arms and held her tightly.

  She pulled away moments later. “Are you happy?” She sought a candid response.

  “Am I? I only wanted a child of my own for the past fourteen years! This is the best news ever!” He hugged her again, this time, not so tightly for fear of harming the baby.

  Jonie was relieved. “I’m glad you’re not upset.”

  Toby grimaced. “Upset? Why would I be upset?”

  “Well…because babies are expensive, you know?”

  He cupped her narrow face. “I don’t want you to worry about that, Jonie. We’ll be fine; trust me.”

  “But Toby, nobody’s gonna hire me now that I’m pregnant and your job in construction is slow.”

  “Listen, Jonie. Stress isn’t good for the baby and neither is it for you. I want you to leave all the financial concerns to me. Haven’t we always made it through—even all those months you weren’t working when Dad was here and his medical expenses were mounting?”

  She nodded.

  “We’ll continue to make it through. I’m about to build some doghouses to sell to supplement our income, and Matt and Sandra are gonna be our first customers.”

  “Really? I didn’t know they had a dog.”

  “They’re getting one tomorrow for little Robbie,” he told her. “Imagine how many more sales I can get. I’d just have to invest in supplies.”

  She held her husband close and gazed into his eyes. “You’re so innovative, honey. That’s one of the many things I love about you.”

  They kissed passionately.

  “So how far along are you?” Toby asked.

  “Maybe a few weeks. I won’t know for sure until I see an OBGYN,” Jonie replied.

  “Do you have an appointment with the doctor yet?”

  “No, honey! I just found out I was pregnant before I rushed in here to you!” She smiled. “I can go to one of the local government clinics.”

  “If you do that, you’ll be sitting there for hours on end just to see someone and it’ll be the same thing every time,” he said. “Make an appointment with a private doctor. Just make sure it’s a good one.”

  “Okay.” She turned to leave.

  “And Jonie…”

  “Yes, honey?”

  “Don’t worry about the cost of the visits. I’ll get that covered.”

  “Okay.”

  After she left, Toby was more determined to get his side business rolling. Though optimistic of their future, in the back of his mind, their current plight nudged at him as if to convince him that he was a loser doing nothing more than swimming forward against gigantic waves.

  4

  _________________

  July 21st…

  John Reed’s white house was colossal and the envy of his upscale neighborhood. A white, six-foot-tall brick gate surrounded the entire five and a half acres of land and miniscule security cameras were positioned in random locations of the property. John and his wife had purchased the estate from an attorney after he’d retired to Barbados.

  Toby pulled up to the house and noticed that Belinda’s and Rachelle’s cars were parked in the semicircular driveway. Although John had been living there for more than a decade, Toby had only visited his brother’s house a few times. He’d heard of some of the parties held there, that he and Jonie were never invited to; Belinda and Rachelle, and on many occasions, their mother had been present.

  Toby walked up and rang the doorbell.

  Seconds later, John opened up. “Come on in!” he said, rather cheerfully, smoking a cigarette.

  John was always a swanky dresser even while at home. He’d once shown Toby and the girls his master closet which was the size of Toby’s bedroom at the house. Coat suits, dress shirts and pants of all colors and styles, and dozens of shoes boastfully complimented the space. Then there were heaps of travel bags and suitcases that John could select from whenever he sought to travel. Toby thought John’s closet looked like a shop and he was baffled by his brother’s obsession with material things, in general. Pam had her own separate closet which was also packed to capacity, though not as large as her husband’s.

  “Toby, how are you?” Rachelle asked from the couch.

  “I’m okay,” Toby answered, taking a seat on the sofa.

  Belinda was stretched out in a recliner near the television, sipping champagne. “Where’s that wife of yours?” she asked.

  “You’re talking to me?” Toby arched his brow.

  “Yah.”

  “Her name’s Jonie and she’s at home.”

  Belinda had a stern and rather unpleasant face and Toby always felt she resembled their parents the least. Considering her self-centered attitude, he often wondered if she and John, in particular, were actually related to the rest of them.

  Rachelle looked Toby’s way and cracked a smile.

  “If you’re wondering where miss stuck up is,” Belinda added, “she’s right upstairs minding her own business, as usual.”

  Toby shook his head as John nonchalantly had a seat on the other end of the couch.

  “Do you mind keeping it down, Belinda?” John said. “The woman does have a right to ban you from her home if you decide to be insulting.”

  Belinda sucked her teeth. “So, what’s this all about, Toby?” she asked.

  John turned to Toby. “Before we get into that, feel free to help yourself to a glass of wine or champagne. Everything’s at the bar.”

  “I’ll pass, thanks.” Toby leaned forward slightly. “I was thinking since it’s been four months now since Dad passed away, we should probably look into getting a headstone for his grave. I don’t know if any of you have seen the grave lately, but when I was there about a week ago, I had a hard time finding it and when I d
id, there was nothing except the piece of cardboard paper with his name and date of death written on it. I think we really need to try and get that headstone. If I had the money, I would’ve just paid for it myself, but I can’t.”

  For a few moments, there was complete silence in the room as John and their two sisters subtly glanced at one another.

  “Well, I can’t be bothered with any headstone right now,” Belinda frankly stated. “I have a lot of expenses on my plate as it is. As far as I’m concerned, that can wait—not that Dad’s body is going anywhere.”

  Toby inwardly scoffed at the remark.

  “I can’t afford it either,” Rachelle said.

  John picked up his glass of red wine and took a sip. “The last thing I’m concerned about right now is a frigging headstone.”

  Toby sat there in disbelief. He knew John and Belinda were good for it. Toby knew Rachelle made decent money as a hostess at a high-end resort, but sometimes things were slow, so, he understood.

  “Well, couldn’t we all just chip in a little?” he asked.

  Silence prevailed.

  Soon, Rachelle said, “Look Toby, we know how much you loved Dad and we all loved him too, but right now, paying for a headstone isn’t really that important. Dad wouldn’t have cared.”

  “How about we get an offer for the house then?” he proposed. “Aside from getting Dad a headstone with it, I don’t know about anyone else—but I can sure use my share of the money, especially since Jonie and I are expecting.”

  “Expecting what?” Belinda looked confused.

  “A baby, silly!” Rachelle blurted. “Toby…that’s really nice. Congratulations.”

  “Yeah, congratulations,” John said, dryly. “But Rachelle’s about to move into Mom and Dad’s house for a while.”

  Surprised, Toby looked at Rachelle, searching for an explanation.