The Real Housewives of Adverse City 2

by Shelia E. Bell

  “Miraculously, she’s going to be fine. Both ankles fractured, one is an open fracture, but thank God it’s not life threatening. But she’s facing DUI charges. Her blood alcohol was three times the limit.”

  “I’m sorry but I’m also thankful to hear that she’s going to be okay physically. Have they let you see her?”

  “Yeah, I saw her for a few minutes before they took her to surgery.”

  “And the police officers? Do you know how they’re doing?” Carlton asked a visibly shaken Derek.

  “I didn’t get much information because I’m not the next of kin or anything, but as you can see, the waiting room is full of officers. One of them told me that the two police officers she collided with are going to be fine. Thank God for that as well.”

  “Yes, you’re right. It could have been so much worse. We have to give God all the praise.”

  Derek nodded in agreement. “She had just promised that she was going into rehab after she got the DNA results for you and Liam.”

  “Speaking of that, I just got a call from the attorney’s office on my way here. The results came in early. They’re here. When I leave here, I’ll soon know if I have another son,” Carlton explained.

  “I see. Well, I’m not leaving Peyton’s side. I’ll find out the results when I can.”

  “No worries. I’ll let you know as soon as I learn the results. I’ve prayed about it and I just want God’s will to be done. But like I told Liam, if he is my son, I want to be in his life. I don’t want to come between what you and him have formed together. I know you adopted him and you’ve raised him as your own. I admire you for that, Derek. I really do.”

  Thank you, Pastor Porter.”

  “Is Liam here with you?”

  “Yes, he went to the cafeteria to get a sandwich. We’ve been here practically all night.”

  “When did she have the accident?”

  “Around one o’clock this morning. I got a call around three-thirty this morning. Scared the crap outta me. I woke Liam up, and had to tell him the news. Man, that kid has been through a lot.”

  “He’s going to be fine. God has him covered. We just have to keep him surrounded in prayer. He has you in his life and you’re a good father.”

  “He needs his mother in his life,” Derek said sadly. “Why can’t she seem to get herself together? If I’m tired of the empty promises, I know Liam is. I’m telling you, as my pastor, I don’t know if our marriage can survive. Not after this. I want her to be okay, but this may be it for us.”

  Carlton patted Derek on his shoulder. He understood where he was coming from but he didn’t want to encourage the man to give up on his marriage.

  “It’s not the time or place to think about that, Brother Hudson. Just concentrate on making sure Liam is okay and stay by your wife’s side until she gets through this.

  Meesha and Eva both came rushing into the hospital.

  “How is she?” each of them asked as they approached Carlton and Derek.

  “I haven’t seen her yet.” Carlton replied.

  “She’s in surgery. They have to set the bones in her ankle. Both of them are broken. They’re not life threatening, and that’s what I’m grateful for,” explained Derek.

  “Thank you, God,” said Meesha.

  “I’m glad she’s going to be okay. It’s what she’s going to have to deal with when she’s released from the hospital that I’m concerned about,” Eva added.

  Both of the friends remained at the hospital so they could be there to support Derek. Hopefully, they would be allowed to see Peyton after she came out of surgery.

  Eva received a text from Avery telling her that she was en route to the hospital and would be there shortly.

  Without incident, Avery arrived, just as nervous and concerned as the other housewives about Peyton.

  Eva and Meesha got up and hugged Avery when they saw her come into the waiting room area. “Hey, where have you been?” Meesha asked Avery.

  “Girl, we’ve been texting and calling you all morning. I said the girls must have had something going on this morning,” Eva remarked.

  “Uh, yeah, they did. And after that I had to meet up with Ryker to take care of a couple of things. But I’m here now. How is Peyton?”

  “She’s in surgery. She fractured both of her ankles,” Eva told her.

  “But God is good and she’s going to be okay,” Meesha remarked.

  Avery acted as normal as her friends. She showed no signs of being mentally shaken or out of sorts.

  “So is everything okay between you and Ryker?” Meesha asked.

  “Yes, of course. We’re better than ever. Why do you ask?”

  “You and I haven’t had a chance to talk since I came back. I was hoping everything was going well for you. You deserve to be happy, Avery. I don’t know if any of us have told you, but with what’s happened to Peyton, it reminds me of how fragile life is. It’s best to tell our loved ones how we feel as often as we can. So right here, in the middle of this waiting room full of people, I want to tell you that you are an amazing human being. I’m glad to call you my friend,” Meesha said.

  Avery looked at her like she was seeing Meesha with a brand new set of eyes. What was wrong with her? How could she even think of being the source of breaking up a marriage and a happy home? Something was wrong with her. It was as if a light bulb went off in her head.

  “Thank you, Meesha. That was nice of you to say.”

  “They’re not empty words, Avery. I don’t want you to ever feel less than. I don’t want you to ever doubt how important you are to so many people. Your girls adore you. And you’re the best friend any of us could ever have.”

  Eva teared up. “She’s right, Avery. You have been my best friend ever since I met you. There’s nothing I feel that I can’t tell you. You listen to me without judging me. I love you.” Eva wrapped her arms around Avery again and embraced her. Meesha joined in and they all had a group hug.

  As they separated, Derek came up and Liam walked up seconds later.

  “Hi, Avery,” Derek spoke

  “Hi, how is Peyton?” Avery asked. “Is she out of surgery?”

  “No, not yet. I got a call from the operating room a few minutes ago. They said the surgery is progressing well. They expect it to be another hour or so before they’re done. One of the fractures is an open fracture so it takes more time to set.”

  “Liam, is there anything you need, honey?” Avery asked him.

  “No ma’am. I’m good.”

  “He’s tired. We’ve been here since I got the call at three-thirty this morning.”

  “Why don’t I take you to my house? You can get some sleep, eat, or whatever,” offered Meesha. The boys are at home too so I don’t think you’ll get too bored.” She smiled at him.

  “Thanks, but I’m good.”

  “If you change your mind, just let me know. It’s really no problem. Okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Have you guys eaten anything?”

  “We had something from the cafeteria.”

  “Why don’t I run out and get you something. I passed several restaurants on the way. It won’t take long for me to go pick up something and bring it back,” Eva suggested.

  “Maybe later. You want something, son?”

  “No. I’m good for now,” Liam said.

  “Son, excuse us for a minute. I need to talk to your mother’s friends in private. I won’t be long.”

  Liam walked back into the waiting room and took a seat in front of the big screen television. He pulled out his phone and did what teens do.

  “What’s going on?” Eva asked first.

  “Yeah, is Peyton really going to be okay?” asked Avery.

  “Yes, Peyton is going to heal. It’s going to take some time of course, but as far as the charges against her, I’ll have to talk to your husband about that,” he said, looking at Avery.

  “Ryker will be glad to help. But of course, you know that,” she replied
and smiled.

  “Meesha, Pastor Porter was here before you and Eva arrived.”

  “Yes, I know. He called me when he left. He’s gone to the attorney’s office for the DNA results.”

  Avery appeared uneasy at the mention of Carlton, but she managed to hold it together.

  “He is? The results are back already?” Eva asked.

  “From what Peyton said, it would be at least another week before the results came back,” Avery stated.

  “Yes, that’s right, but sometimes they come back sooner. I guess it depends on how many tests are in queue; I really don’t know. I’m just glad that all of this will be over and done with today,” Derek replied.

  “Or just starting today,” Meesha said rather reluctantly. She looked in the waiting room at Liam. He could very well be her stepson. Any moment now, she would know for sure.

  Avery replayed everything that Carlton had said to her. At first, everything was jumbled up in her head, and she couldn’t make sense of anything. The thought that she had texted and called him like she had was insane. Was she insane? If she wasn’t then why had she behaved like a crazy woman? Maybe there really was something wrong with her. There were times when she felt like she couldn’t control herself. It had been like that since she was a teen, at least that was when she first noticed that once she got angry and upset about something, she became uncontrollable. As she grew into an adult, she used to think that maybe she was bipolar, but she never gave it a serious thought. She settled on the conclusion that she had inherited her mother’s mean streak and revengeful temperament. Her mother used to pitch a fit whenever things didn’t go her way and she took a lot out on Avery when Avery was growing up. In today’s society, her mother would probably be labeled as abusive.

  “You okay?” Meesha asked.

  “Huh? You talking to me?” Avery replied.

  “Yes. You looked like you were standing there daydreaming.”

  “Ha, I was. I guess it’s as good a time as any to tell you ladies my good news.”

  “Tell us, tell us,” Eva said. “Then I’ll tell you mine.”

  “You ladies keep talking. I’m going over here and sit with Liam. I’ll let you know when I hear something. Okay.”

  “Okay, thanks, Derek. We’ll be standing out here,” Meesha told him.

  “Now tell us.”

  “You go first,” said Eva.

  “Well…. Lexie and Heather are going to be big sisters. I’m pregnant!” She clapped her hands and smiled.

  “That’s wonderful,” Eva managed to say with a forced smile. The thought of what the doctor told her gave her mixed emotions. She was happy, more than happy for Avery, but it looked like the possibility of her having children was over. She and Harper were back together and she would have to resign herself to having a childless marriage. Had she made a mistake by going back to him?

  “Eva, you go next,” urged Meesha, then I’ll tell you mine.”

  “See, this is what happens when we miss Ladies Day Out. We have so much catching up to do,” Avery laughed as the girls gave her high fives.

  “No, you go next, Meesha. I guess you’re going to tell us that you’re pregnant, too,” Eva joked.

  “How did you know?” Meesha said, laughing.

  “Hold up. Are you serious? You’re pregnant?” Eva said.

  “Yes. Number five will arrive in five months! Can you believe it?”

  “I was wondering when you were going to share the news,” Avery said feeling like she was about to zone out again. Control yourself. Remain calm. It’s going to be okay.

  “What’s wrong?” Meesha asked, noticing the strange look on Avery’s face

  “Uh, nothing. Congratulations, again,” she managed to say.

  You already knew, Avery?” Eva remarked.

  “Yes, by accident. I overheard Meesha when she told Pastor Porter the other night. We happened to be at the same restaurant with the kids.”

  “Oh, I see.”

  “Another one of our kids is going to be about the same age.”

  “Yes, isn’t that just the bomb?” Meesha chuckled, then she immediately stopped when she saw Eva’s face. She didn’t want to be insensitive. Eva wanted a child so badly and to have the doctor tell her that she had never been pregnant, had affected her in a bad way.

  “Eva, I didn’t mean to disregard how you must be feeling. When you told me about the false positive test results, it blew my mind. I’m so sorry.

  “No, it’s all good. I’m happy for you and Avery.”

  Avery walked up to her friend and hugged her. “I should have waited to tell you my news I’m sorry. I agree with Meesha. I didn’t mean to be insensitive to your feelings. God knows I know all too well how that can make a person feel.”

  “Didn’t I tell you that it’s okay. I promise, I’m good.”

  “So tell us your good news, Eva,” Avery insisted.

  “Me and—”

  Harper appeared out of nowhere. “Hello, ladies. Hi, sweetheart,” he said, leaning down and embracing Eva and kissing her lightly on the lips. “I heard about Peyton. I came down here to check on her and to see if Derek was down here. That’s when I saw you standing over here. How long have you been here?” he asked.

  “Not long. I was going to call and let you know about Peyton, and tell you that I was down here in the ER waiting room, but then…”

  “No need to explain, sweetheart. I really hate this for Peyton and her family. I just heard she’s being charged with a DUI and probably any other thing they can tack on to it.”

  “Do you think she’s really okay though?”

  “Two fractured ankles, and one is an open fracture. You know, the bad news is that some people never walk again after a fracture like that, and she has two, but the orthopedic doctors will know more once the surgery is done. I wouldn’t repeat that to Derek and his son though. They’ve got enough to contend with already. Baby, have you eaten? I’m about to have lunch. You want to join me? Of course, I’m only going to the hospital cafeteria.” He lovingly placed his arm around Eva’s shoulder. “Whaddaya say?”

  “I say, I’d love to.”

  “You ladies are invited to join us. Right, honey?” Harper said.

  “Of course. We were supposed to have lunch today anyway.”

  “No, I’ll pass,” said Meesha looking confused.

  “So will I,” Avery added, not understanding the display of affection between Harper and Eva. “I don’t want to be a third wheel.”

  “Nonsense,” Harper spoke up. “I can’t stay long anyway. I have a surgery consult in an hour. I was only coming down to check on Derek but seeing my babe was an unexpected perk. Come on, lunch is on me,” Harper laughed. “You all can chat it up after I leave.”

  “In that case, okay,” Avery reluctantly agreed.

  “Well, you’re not going to leave me all by myself.”

  “Then lunch it is,” Harper said. “But before we go, I want to go say something to Derek. I’ll be back in five minutes, then we’ll head upstairs.

  “When did this happen?” Avery whispered to Eva as Harper walked over to Derek and Liam and began talking.

  “That was my good news. Harper and I are back together. He came to the hotel. We talked, and decided to give it another shot.”

  “But the way he treated you. Do you think you can trust him?” Meesha whispered.

  “You went back to Carlton, obviously,” Avery said in an unexpected biting tone.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard me. You took Pastor Porter back and look at everything he put you through, so why can’t she forgive Harper? You’re not the only one who gets to have a pass, you know.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that. And Eva,” Meesha said, and looked directly at her, “I’m sorry if that’s the way I came off. If you’re happy, then I’m happy. I just want you to be happy. And Avery, I don’t know where the sudden attitude came from, but I am not one to pass judgment on anyone. You, of all people, should
know that.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Meesha. Anyway, there’s so much more to the story that I haven’t shared with any of you, which is another reason we need our Ladies Day Out. If only you knew what really happened, maybe you would see things differently. Harper is not the bad guy you think that he is.”

  Harper walked back up and planted himself next to his wife. “Okay, you ladies ready?”

  “I know I am. I’m hungry. I didn’t have any breakfast,” Eva eagerly responded, wrapping her arm around her husband’s waist as he towered above her.

  Chapter 22

  “Relationships based on obligation lack dignity.” Wayne Dyer

  “That was a pretty decent veggie burger for a hospital cafeteria,” Meesha said, wiping her mouth and pushing her plate away from her.

  “My chicken sandwich was actually good, too. The fries were a little too soft for me. I like ‘em crispy, but the salad was fresh,” Avery remarked.

  “Yep, I agree. My food was good. You see I ate everything on my plate,” Eva said, laughing.

  “The way you cleaned your plate, they may not have to wash it,” Avery joked.

  “Ewww,” Meesha and Eva said.

  “Now that Harper’s gone, can you tell us what you were talking about when you said if we knew the full story we wouldn’t be so hard on him?” asked Avery.

  “Yes, what did you mean by that?” Meesha asked.

  Eva looked around. “Had to make sure Harper wasn’t still lurking around. I wouldn’t want him to hear me telling our business.”

  “Girl, please. You know our husbands know that we tell each other everything. If they don’t know that, then they’re not working with a full deck upstairs,” Meesha commented while Avery remained quiet.

  Eva inhaled, exhaled then slowly began to tell them the whole story about Harper, his vasectomy, her pregnancy and everything in between. When she was done, she wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “It’s allright, God is a forgiving God. All of us should know that,” Meesha assured her. “And I hope that you and Harper’s marriage will be renewed and restored beyond measure.”

  “So do I,” Avery said. “The only thing that I don’t like is the way he threw you out. So you cheated on him, and that’s horrible, but how can he be so willing now to take you back. And yes, I know it’s because you told him about the false positive test and all, but still just be careful. I don’t know if I would trust him just yet.”