by La Jill Hunt
Tricia opened it and looked. “What’s this?”
“The gift wrapped one is for her,” Titus told her.
“And the other one?” she asked.
“Guess you’ll have to open it and see.” He shrugged and waved as he got into his car.
“You ready, Mom?” Tank called to her.
“Yep, let’s go,” Tricia said, grinning at the unexpected gesture from her husband.
After they boarded the plane, she took the unwrapped box out and opened it. Lying on top of the soft, white cotton insert were three of the newest charms to add to the already-full bracelet she wore. For a second, Tricia felt a little bad for still not having sex with him. But she told herself that despite the surprise gift he’d just given her, it didn’t change the fact that he wasn’t on the trip with her, so the punishment was deserved.
She put the top back on the box, and after sending Titus a quick thank-you text, she settled into her seat and tried to relax. Not only was she nervous about the two-hour flight, but the anticipation of being around her family for the next two days had her on edge. She was looking forward to seeing her mother and could even deal with her brother. But when it came to Felicia and Violet, she didn’t know what to expect. She distracted herself from thinking about her sisters by talking to Tank about his opportunity to attend Burke.
“I don’t wanna go there. I already told that alumni guy, Mr. Masters.”
“Matthews,” Tricia corrected him. “Don’t you realize how huge this could be for you?”
“Not interested. Besides, I’d rather go to an HBCU,” Tank explained.
“What’s that?” Tricia frowned. “I’ve never heard of that school.”
Tank shook his head at her. “It stands for historically black colleges and universities.”
“You’d rather go to a black school instead of an Ivy League one? Do you know how ridiculous that sounds?” Tricia asked.
“No, it’s not. There are some HBCUs that are just as competitive as Burke.”
“I’d rather you attend a university that’s diverse like the real world,” Tricia told him.
“I have my entire life to deal with diversity and racism and bias, oh, and white privilege. Going to an HBCU will give me the opportunity to celebrate my history and being with other like-minded students in an environment where we can thrive and embrace our culture instead of being critiqued and criticized for it,” Tank said. “I’ve been in diverse schools my entire life. Now I wanna go to a black one.”
“So, you’ve chosen a school?” Tricia asked. “You’ve made a decision.”
“No, not yet. But I’m just saying, I’m leaning toward the offers I got from HBCUs: Hampton, Xavier, Prairie View, North Carolina A&T... I got several choices, all full rides, same as Burke. Not interested, not going,” Tank said, putting his earphones on and leaning back in his seat. He may have been done talking for now, but if Tricia had her way, the conversation was far from over.
* * *
“Come on, Tank. We’re going to your grandmother’s house,” Tricia said a couple of hours later as she checked her reflection in the mirror of the hotel bathroom.
“I thought the party was tomorrow. I gotta go work out. You heard Dad,” Tank said.
Tricia walked into the room where Tank’s long and lanky body was sprawled across one of the two queen-size beds, texting on his phone. “The party is tomorrow. But we’re going over for a little while to spend a little time.”
“I can spend time with her tomorrow. I’m tired. We just got off a flight,” Tank said without looking at her.
“I was on that same flight, and I’m tired too,” Tricia told him. “Get up.”
“Mom, please. This is the first time I’ve gotten to relax in weeks. And I’m hungry. Can’t you just cut me some slack?”
“No. I’m not cutting you anything. Funny how you’re too tired to go see your grandmother, but not too tired to work out. Get your ass up and let’s go,” Tricia snapped. “We can eat at her house.”
Tank sat up and glared at her. “Fine.”
“Change into something nicer, please.”
He looked down at his T-shirt, joggers, and sneakers and asked, “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? You said the party is tomorrow. Why am I changing?”
“Just do what I asked,” Tricia said. “I’ll meet you downstairs in ten minutes, and don’t make me come back up here.”
Ten minutes later, she was still sitting in the rental car in front of the hotel where the valet had parked it, waiting for Tank, who hadn’t come out yet. She called his phone, but he didn’t answer. The only reason she didn’t leave him was that she refused to go to her mother’s home by herself, especially knowing that her younger sister was still living there.
“Tank, if you don’t hurry up and bring your ass . . .” She began leaving a voicemail when he came sauntering out the front doors, dressed in an outfit that was almost identical to the one she’d asked him to change out of. The only difference was that the T-shirt and sneakers were a different color, and he now wore a large pair of headphones over his ears. He started to walk around to the passenger side of the car when she honked the horn and pointed. “You’re driving.”
“Not only are you forcing me to go, but you’re making me be your personal chauffer? Bet.” Tank shook his head as he adjusted the seat of the car so he could fit comfortably.
“I figured it’d been a while since you’ve driven since you’ve been grounded, and based on your attitude, it’ll probably be a while before you drive again, so I suggest you enjoy it while you can,” Tricia warned.
“Trust me, I’ll be driving off to school soon,” Tank grumbled.
“What did you say?”
“What’s the address we’re driving to?” Tank had enough sense to correct himself.
“You don’t know where your grandmother lives, Tarik?” Tricia shook her head.
“I know where Grandma Regina and GrandTee live,” Tank said, referring to Titus’s parents, who lived even farther away than her mother, yet Titus managed to take Tank to visit at least three to four times a year.
“Here.” Tricia gave him the address.
* * *
“Tricia, you’re here,” her mother said as she opened the door and gave her a big hug. “It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too, Mama.” Tricia enjoyed the warmth of her mother’s arms and held on for what was probably a little longer than expected.
“Tank, look at you.” Her mother looked up and noticed her grandson standing behind his mother. “So tall and handsome.”
“Hello, Grandmother,” Tank said, hugging her.
“Come on in here.” Her mother led them in the door. The sound of music and the aroma of food welcomed them inside. Tricia saw a few of her mother’s neighbors sitting in the living room, and a couple of cousins. She politely spoke as she followed her mother into the kitchen, where her mother’s two sisters were chopping ingredients as they sat at the table and drank liquor.
“Mama, I thought the party wasn’t until tomorrow,” Tricia said.
“It is. But we started celebrating a little last night. And Bertha and Shelia just came over to help me cook a few things.” Her mother stirred a large pot that was on the stove.
“Hey, Tricia.” Her aunts waved.
“Why are you cooking? I thought Felicia was having the food catered. You shouldn’t have to cook for your own party. If I had known this, I would’ve hired a caterer,” I said, shocked that my sister had dropped the ball but now seeing an opportunity to make it right. “As a matter of fact, let me call Kroger and see if we can order some platters and maybe some chicken. We probably still have time.”
“Girl, stop it. You know Felicia got the food taken care of. I just wanted to have a little of my own special dishes like potato salad and macaroni and cheese. I didn’t want anybody else making that.”
“Well, at least let me help,” Tricia offered.
Her mother,
along with Bertha and Shelia, all turned to look at Tank, who stood in the doorway laughing uncontrollably.
“What’s funny?” Tricia asked.
“You offering to help cook. Wait ’til I tell Dad.” Tank doubled over.
“We know your mama don’t cook,” her mother said. “But at least she offered. Come on over here and let us see how handsome you are. I heard all about that winning basketball game.”
Tank walked over and stood beside her mother. “Yeah, it was pretty cool.”
“So, you pick a college yet?” Aunt Shelia asked.
“He has several opportunities. Burke University is really after him,” Tricia bragged.
“What? Burke? That’s awesome. We’re so proud of you,” the three older women said to Tank at the same time.
“I have a few offers I’m still considering.” Tank shook his head at Tricia.
“Well, the family is proud of you,” Aunt Bertha told him.
“We sure are, nephew,” Violet announced as she walked in and hugged Tank. “You something like a big deal, huh? Looking like your daddy, you probably got plenty of chicks.”
“Nah, I don’t.” Tank grinned sheepishly.
“Just one? What’s her name?” Violet nudged him with her elbow.
“Tank has more important things to worry about right now than some fast-tail girl,” Tricia said. “He’s been selected to play in the All-American Game in Atlanta next month. That’s his priority right now.”
“All right now, Tank.” Aunt Shelia clapped.
“Congrats on the game, nephew.” Violet then whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “And the girlfriend. You can tell me all about her later.”
“Did you bring the pans?” her mother asked Violet.
“Yes, ma’am. I did.” Violet held up the bag of foil pans she was carrying. “Felicia’s on her way to the venue to make sure it’s set up.”
“Hello to you too, Violet,” Tricia said.
“Hey, Tricia,” Violet said politely. “I wasn’t sure if you were speaking to me. The last time you saw me, you told me to never say anything to you ever again.”
Again, Tank giggled. Tricia gave him an evil glare, then turned to her sister and said, “Where’s Bethany?”
“Her father is picking her up from day care. She’ll be here in a little while,” Violet said.
“Oh, I thought the two of you weren’t together,” Tricia said.
The smile on Violet’s face disappeared and was replaced by a look of embarrassment. “We’re not. But we are cordial, and we still coparent our child.”
“That’s right, baby. And despite everything, he’s still a good daddy to Bethany,” her mother said.
Tricia still didn’t know what had caused the breakup of her sister’s marriage. Her mother always referred to it as “internal issues.” Tricia was hoping to find out exactly what the cause was this weekend.
“And where is your husband, Tricia? Tank, where’s your daddy? Is he here?” Violet asked with a smug look.
“No.” Tank shook his head.
“Oh, is he back at the hotel?” Violet continued.
“Tricia, y’all ain’t staying here with your mama?” Aunt Bertha asked, saving Tricia from having to answer the question.
“Now you know she ain’t staying here,” Violet said. “Only five-star accommodations for her.”
“No, we’re staying downtown. Tank needs to be somewhere that has a fitness center for him to work out in while we’re here. As a matter of fact, we need to be going so he can get his training done for the night,” Tricia said.
Tank’s eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to say something, but the daring look Tricia gave him caused him to stay quiet.
“You’re not going to stay and see your sister and brother, the rest of the family?” her mother asked. “Everyone is coming over. Tank can see some of his distant cousins.”
“We will see them tomorrow,” Tricia told her. “Let’s go, Tank.”
“You made me change and drive all the way over here for fifteen minutes?” Tank complained when they got into the car. “And we didn’t even eat.”
“We can get something to eat on the way back to the hotel. Or we can order room service and relax. You said you were tired anyway,” Tricia said. “I wasn’t expecting all of those people at the house. I didn’t think Violet would be there, and I didn’t feel like dealing with Felicia.”
“Mom, why the hell did we even come on this trip?” Tank asked.
“You know why we came, Tank. We’re here to celebrate my mother’s birthday with the family,” Tricia said.
“But you don’t even like your family,” Tank said.
“That’s not true. I love my mother. And do you know how they would talk about me if I didn’t show up?” Tricia looked at her son as if he were crazy.
“Who cares? You talk about them all the time anyway. What’s the difference?” Tank asked her. “You know as well as I do that tomorrow is going to be a total shit show, excuse my language.”
“That’s not going to happen,” Tricia told him, hoping that she would be the one who was right, and not him.
* * *
Her mother’s party was a celebration fit for a queen and resembled one. The venue was perfectly decorated like a palace with her mother seated at the front on a throne, wearing a crown and even carrying a scepter. There were a band and a deejay, food, liquor, and more food, and a huge cake, and more liquor. Everyone was in attendance: all of her mother’s friends, coworkers, family, and church members, enough people for Tricia to not only slip out undetected when she needed, but also to avoid her siblings, who were too busy entertaining guests and enjoying themselves. Tank seemed to be having fun with a few of the other teenagers in attendance.
“From Titus,” Tricia said after they all sang “Happy Birthday.” She presented her mother with the gift-wrapped box her husband sent.
“It’s beautiful.” Her mother gasped as she opened it and took out the silver bangle bracelet holding the same three charms he’d given Tricia. Other onlookers oohed and aahed at the gift.
“And this is from me.” Tricia handed her another box.
“Mama, we agreed we would open your gifts at home, not here, remember?” Felicia stated.
“This gift is special.” Tricia rolled her eyes.
“All of the gifts are special,” Felicia said in a tone that was as stiff as the fake smile on her face. “We don’t want to take away from the party by opening gifts.”
“She can just open this one,” Tricia said.
“Yes, she can, at home.” Felicia took the box from their mother and handed it to Violet’s soon-to-be ex-husband. “Can you put this over there with the other gifts?”
“No problem.” He shrugged.
“Okay, Mama. Let’s go cut this cake.” Felicia brushed past Tricia and took their mother by the hand.
Although she wanted to, Tricia refrained from cussing her sister out. The last thing she needed was for Felicia to have an opportunity to say Tricia embarrassed the family. Instead, she went and found her son and told him it was time to leave.
“Man, you can go. I’m staying,” Tank told her.
“No, we’re leaving now. Let’s go. I’m not coming back to get you.”
“I can Uber back to the hotel. Or get Aunt Violet or someone else to bring me,” Tank said. “Plus, I want some cake.”
The teens Tank was sitting with were all staring at her. Tricia felt herself become flushed. “Fine.”
Tricia returned to the hotel alone. After getting undressed, she called Titus to tell him what happened.
“I already know,” he said. “Tank told me.”
“Told you what?” Tricia asked.
“That you threw a temper tantrum over your gift and left during the cake cutting,” Titus told her. “He said the party was off the chain though and the cake was the bomb. I told him to bring me a piece.”
“Titus, I didn’t throw a temper tantrum.” Tricia sigh
ed. “I was just ready to go. You know how my sisters are. “
“And I know how you are. But listen, I’m about to go hit this gym. Tell Tank he’d better run that cake off on the treadmill in the morning.”
“I’m going to tell him something all right,” Tricia said. But she forgot all about the choice words for her traitorous son, because by the time he got back to the hotel room, she was fast asleep. When she woke up the following morning, he was already down in the hotel fitness center. By the time he got back to the room, he barely had time to take a shower, get dressed, and pack for their return flight home. They were stopping at her mother’s house on the way to the airport to discuss the plans for the retirement party that Tricia had volunteered to pay for.
“You know you don’t have to do this,” her mother said as they sat in the kitchen. “Your sister just threw me that big old birthday party. Don’t you think a retirement party would be overkill?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Mama,” Tricia insisted. “You worked for that post office for over forty years. You deserve to celebrate, and I’m gonna make sure it happens.”
“Okay, if you wanna do it, then who am I to object?” Her mother laughed.
Tricia took out a pen and the notepad she’d bought specifically for this purpose and flipped it open. “Now, what date are we looking at?”
“Well, I believe my last day of work is in July.”
“Okay, July.” Tricia’s cell phone rang, and she took it out of her purse. “Hello. Hey, yeah, he’s right here. Tank, phone.” She walked into her mother’s living room, where Tank was sitting and watching SportsCenter.
“Who is it?” He frowned.
“Take the phone.” She held it out, and he took it from her hand.
“Hello?”
“I want cereal!” Bethany toddled into the living room and yelled.
“Bethany, come back here and put your shoes on.” Violet chased after her.
“I’m sorry, I can’t hear you,” Tank said, putting a finger into his ear that didn’t have Tricia’s phone pressed to it.
“Go outside on the porch so you can hear better. There’s too much going on in here to have a decent phone conversation.” Tricia rolled her eyes at Violet, who was now tossing a still-whining Bethany onto the sofa with one hand and trying to hold a pair of tiny sneakers with the other.