The People in the Park

by Margaree King Mitchell

  This being a magical night was an understatement. Riding in the Hummer limo with my friends was cool. We had so much fun teasing each other, and Patrick fell right in with the group. As I observed him and how at ease he was with my friends, I knew I had made a good decision, a right decision.

  ****

  Jay and Steffy arrived at the prom together. Along with Jared and Rick and their dates. Jay had a certain smugness about him. I pretended not to notice them. I placed my hand in Patrick’s, and we walked into the ballroom.

  “Can you believe that?” Callie whispered. “He had the nerve to bring her!”

  “Nothing surprises me about Jay anymore,” I said. I immediately led Patrick onto the dance floor.

  We literally danced all night. I could see Jay and his friends, Rick and Jared, staring at us from the sidelines. But I didn’t care. I was having the time of my life. This night couldn’t have turned out any better.

  At one point, Callie’s boyfriend, Brian, said, “You can’t have her all to yourself. Share.”

  So we changed partners. I danced with Brian. Patrick danced with Callie.

  The next song I danced with Chris, Melanie’s boyfriend, and the song after that, with Ross, Stacie’s date. I saw Jay coming towards me. I tried to turn away, but I was too late. Jay grabbed my arm and led me onto the dance floor. To make matters worse, it was a slow song. I remained at a comfortable length throughout the song, even though Jay tried to pull me closer.

  “Who is that guy?” Jay asked.

  “A friend,” I said.

  In spite of myself I said, “So you and Steffy are dating?”

  “Are you jealous?” Jay asked.

  “No!”

  “We’re just hanging out,” Jay said.

  “You could bring Steffy to the prom although her dad’s house was raided?”

  Jay said, “I know how it appears to you, but it’s not like that.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I had asked her before the raid happened.”

  “I see,” I said. “And I was your girlfriend before Dad was falsely accused.” As soon as the band finished the song, I disengaged myself from his arms.

  Then it was back to Patrick. We took occasional breathers to get punch. But after a short break, it was back to the dance floor. I had the best time! Everything was so magical and so perfect.

  After Prom, it was back in the limo and on to Brian’s parents’ cabin in the Ozarks. The three-hour drive rolled by easily. I rested comfortably in Patrick’s arms, his warm breath and sweet kisses nuzzled my neck.

  Brian’s parents were waiting when we arrived at the cabin. Breakfast was served as we squeezed out the last remnants of prom night. After breakfast we changed into comfortable clothes and played games and watched the dawn break through the darkness. By then we could barely keep our eyes open. We finally fell asleep at daybreak.

  Around eleven we awoke and had fruit, yogurt, and donuts before our scheduled hike. Brian’s mother had packed a picnic lunch for us. The guys carried the food, refreshments, and blankets as we went hiking up a trail around one of the low mountains. About halfway up, we stopped for a picnic. Patrick spread the blankets along the ground while Callie took the food from the picnic basket. Brian passed around sodas and water.

  After we ate, we didn’t feel like climbing anymore, so we stayed where we were and talked and kidded around with each other. The late sun’s brilliant rays shone down upon us. It was typical April weather in the Ozarks, not too hot and not too cold. As the sun was setting and a cool breeze started to encircle us, we decided it was best to go back down the trail.

  Patrick and I brought up the rear as we descended the mountain. We walked hand in hand as did the other couples in front of us.

  “Who was that guy you were dancing with after Ross?” he asked.

  “A classmate,” I said.

  “From the way he was looking at you, I could tell that he really likes you.”

  I might as well tell him. “Jay was my boyfriend until a few months ago.”

  “I see.” Patrick nodded as if suddenly everything was clear.

  “What do you see?”

  “I’m a stand-in until the two of you get back together.”

  “Patrick! Jay and I are not getting back together.”

  “I didn’t mean to upset you. I’d rather know now than later.”

  “I’ve worked hard trying to get my life back on an even keel, and you think I’m playing with your feelings?”

  “Are you?”

  We stood facing each other.

  “Why would I Patrick? We talk all the time. You know me.”

  “I’m just feeling a little insecure,” he said.

  We continued down the trail.

  “Anybody back there?” called Callie.

  “We’re coming,” I said, loudly.

  I slipped on a rock. Patrick caught me before I fell. Before he let me go, he said, “Lauren, I really like you a lot. I want to spend more time with you. I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes.”

  “I like you, too,” I said, gazing into his dark brown eyes. “Jay and I are through.”

  Patrick and I continued on our way. Whenever we arrived at a steep rocky area, he went first and held my hand as he helped me descend.

  Dinner was almost ready when we reached the cabin. We took quick showers and settled down for dinner on the porch. The mountain views were magnificent. Magical, really.

  We soaked up the good times, with good friends and fellowship. At ten o’clock we piled into the limo for the trip back to Fairfield. Brian’s parents were staying another day. They bid us farewell and waved until we were out of sight.

  46

  Monday morning I floated through the park basking in memories of my wonderful prom weekend.

  Deciding to go to the prom with Patrick demonstrated that I could make good decisions about my life. I would much rather spend the weekend partying with my friends than with Jay’s friends. If I’d gone to the prom with Jay, we would’ve been in a limo with Rick and Jared. I shuddered even thinking about it. They defaced my car and gave a half apology way too late. I tried to put all that behind me.

  Thoughts of my grandparents and their lives in Memphis came to mind. I really didn’t know that much about them. My childhood memories were fuzzy. What were Mom’s parents like? What did they like to do? I only knew that they loved me, sending me birthday and Christmas gifts every year. They were only a voice on the phone when I called to thank them for the gifts.

  I knew even less about Dad’s parents. I only talked to them once a year on the phone, every Thanksgiving. They had been in and out of the hospital the past few years. Dad went to check up on them every couple of months. He never suggested taking me or mentioned that I should get to know them.

  It occurred to me that there was a lot I didn’t know about my own family. So, how could I know myself fully if I didn’t know who they were? Questions. Questions. Life is full of questions.

  I had to hurry to school, or I’d be late. Mrs. Clancy had warned prom goers not to miss school on Monday or be late. I’d been so caught up in my thoughts that time had gotten away from me.

  I raced through the door just as the bell rang. Mrs. Clancy was there with her clipboard. She smiled at me and shook her head, but she didn’t make a notation on her board. Behind me were Jay, Rick, and Jared. They weren’t so lucky. Secretly, I was pleased they got caught.

  I sailed through the day on Cloud Ten. Nothing could spoil my mood. I met Callie, Melanie, and Stacie in the cafeteria for lunch. Soon as we sat down Steffy placed her tray on our table.

  “I miss having lunch with you girls,” she said, sitting across from me. “Do you mind if I sit here while I wait for Jay?”

  Callie, Melanie, and Stacie rolled their eyes and waited for me to respond.

  “Sure,” I said. “Sit.”

  Steffy flung her hair back. “I had the most wonderful time with Jay at the prom. You shouldn’t have given him up. H
e’s a real catch.”

  “Steffy, why are you sitting here?” Melanie said.

  “I’m waiting for Jay. Who was that you were with at the prom, Lauren?”

  “A friend.”

  “What was his last name? Luciano? Luchessi? Whatever. It sounded like the name of a mob family.”

  “Oh, you didn’t go there!” Stacie said. “Remember, we live on the same street. Who was that kicking in the door of your house a week ago?”

  Steffy turned red. She was clearly disconcerted, but tried to shake it off. “I’m going to the tanning salon after school. Anybody want to go? Oh, Jay just came in. See you.”

  Steffy gathered her tray and started towards Jay.

  “Steffy!” I called to her.

  She turned towards me.

  “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”

  Fear flashed across her face. In an instant it was gone. She threw back her shoulders and went over to meet Jay. They joined Jared and Rick at their table.

  I recognized her expression. It was fear. I knew it intimately. She was probably afraid of what would happen to her father. What would happen to her and her mother? What would happen to the lives that they had crafted? Yes, I recognized fear all too well.

  “I heard that her mother wasn’t even sick,” Melanie said. “Word is that she transferred here because her daddy couldn’t afford to send her to boarding school anymore.”

  “She needs treatment for that tanorexia,” Callie said. “She lives in the tanning salon.”

  “Every day, there’s something new going on with them. Her mother is friends with Mom’s good friend so we hear it all,” Stacie said.

  I didn’t join in the talk about Steffy. I knew how she felt. Trying to pretend that nothing had happened, that everything remained the same. I knew the uncertainty that lay ahead. I could empathize with her. But still. She had acted so snarky with me.

  Our talk turned to prom night. I was half listening to the conversation. My mind was on Steffy and her family’s misfortune. I needed to say something to her, even if I did understand what she was going through.

  When we finished our lunch and prepared to leave, I said, “Let’s walk past Steffy’s table.”

  My friends were all for taking the long way around.

  Jay smiled when we reached them. Their conversation ceased. They looked at us.

  “Steffy,” I said. “I was just wondering how my car is holding up. Is the ride still smooth?”

  I thought she would burst into tears. She looked down and didn’t say anything.

  “Good for you,” Callie said as we made our way outside. “Good for you!”

  “I didn’t know you had it in you girl,” Melanie said.

  “She deserved it,” Stacie said.

  I’d felt good saying it, but I didn’t feel so good afterwards. I had deliberately hurt someone with my words. In the moment that she started to cry, I vowed never to do that again.

  The rest of the week, I met Callie, Melanie, and Stacie for lunch. We relived prom weekend in much detail. We never tired of talking about it. I especially cherished being with them. Even though this was our last year together at Fairfield Oaks, they would be my friends forever.

  47

  Dad arrived home Saturday morning.

  He was getting more and more involved in work at the law firm in Atlanta, so he didn’t come home anymore on Friday. He worked late Friday evenings, finishing up his work for the week and took an early flight Saturday morning so he could be home just as I was waking up. I slept in Saturday mornings and usually had a leisurely brunch with my parents mid-morning.

  Today Dad and Mom said they had something important to talk to me about.

  “I have discussed this with your Mom, and we’ve decided that you can stay here and go to Lincoln Prep and stay with your Aunt Ira,” Dad said. “It’s important that you and Tiffany know each other and form a bond as cousins.”

  “However, we want you to come spend the summer with us in Atlanta,” Mom said, reaching for my hand.

  I recoiled quickly. “I can’t go to Atlanta. Dr. Smithfield offered me a job in his office this summer. I accepted.”

  Mom was aghast. “You did what?”

  “I’ve provided for you so you don’t have to work in the summer,” said Dad. “I know we can’t travel this year because I have this new position, but you and your mother can still travel, and we’ll be able to take weekend trips.”

  “I had hoped you’d help me decorate the Atlanta house,” Mom protested.

  “You don’t have to work a summer job,” Dad repeated.

  “I know I don’t have to. I want to,” I said.

  “Dr. Smithfield had no right offering you a job without talking to me first,” Mom said.

  “He was just trying to be nice and to help out.”

  “We don’t need his help or his money,” Dad said.

  “The other week we had talked about how important it was that I start making my own decisions. I really, really want to have a job. I want to know what it’s like to contribute something to the world.”

  Mom rolled her eyes. “You can do that without working. Besides, you’ll be out in the world soon enough. Don’t be so eager to grow up.”

  “But I am growing up. Most students have summer jobs. Why can’t I?”

  “Because you’re a Moffit. You don’t have to do what everybody else is doing!” Mom was angry. She got up from the table and left the room.

  Why were we always fighting? Our lives used to run smoothly and in harmony. It was only when I wanted to start making my own decisions that everything seemed to go out of whack. Didn’t they understand that times had changed? I wasn’t a little girl anymore. I needed to feel in control of my life. I needed to do different things.

  Dad lifted my chin with his hand. “I know it’s all my fault. If the firm hadn’t imploded in such a public way things might be different. I’ll talk to your mother. I think it is great that you’ve gotten your own job. What will you be doing?”

  “Dr. Smithfield is converting his patient files to digital files. I’ll be helping his office manager input data into the computer.”

  “That’s good,” Dad said, pausing as if searching for words. “You didn’t want a newspaper internship?”

  “Newspapers are declining. Nobody from a newspaper offered me a job.”

  Dad kissed my forehead. “At least you can come visit me in Atlanta some weekends, especially Fourth of July weekend. We’ll explore Atlanta and get to know our new city.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Even though he didn’t agree with everything I wanted to do, he respected my right to do them.

  48

  At three thirty Monday afternoon, I went for a drive.

  Not the long weary drive I took earlier this year when I’d driven down to Columbia. This drive had the potential to be good, a healing of sorts. Still, butterflies churned in my stomach, not knowing what sort of reception I would receive. I didn’t want to call ahead because I might lose courage and not go. So the best thing to do was just get in the car and drive.

  In half an hour I’d reached my destination, a leafy tree lined neighborhood in south Kansas City. It looked different than it did the last time I was here. Then again, I hadn’t been noticing my surroundings. I was just looking for acceptance, which I found.

  Today it looked just like any other middle-class neighborhood, children out riding their scooters, boys in the street pitching a baseball complete with catcher’s mitts, girls playing hopscotch. A neighborhood like I remembered before we moved to Fairfield.

  I rang the doorbell. Aunt Ira came to the door. She wrapped me in her arms.

  “Lauren! Come in!”

  She led me into the kitchen where she was fixing dinner. Spaghetti and meat sauce.

  “Your mother called me this morning and asked me if you could stay here your senior year and go to Lincoln Prep.”

  I was too late. “I wanted to ask you
myself.”

  “Of course, you can. We’d love to have you. Tiffany is going to be so excited. As am I”

  After she had the meat sauce simmering, Aunt Ira sat next to me at the table.

  “Welcome to your new home,” she said, placing her arm around me. “I’m so happy about this. I’ve wanted you and Tiffany to spend more time together, to get to know each other, you know what I mean?”

  “I do.” I nodded. “You understand.”

  “Indeed.”

  “Mom and I are going to Lincoln Prep next week to register. She already has an appointment for next Monday.”

  “Your Uncle Bob went to Lincoln Prep,” Aunt Ira said. “He thinks it’s the best school in the city.”

  “How did you and Mom get to Kansas City since you’re both from Memphis?”

  “Your mom and I are a year apart in age. We went to college at a small HBCU in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Rust College. I met Bob there. I always knew he wanted to move back home. When we graduated from college, we only looked for jobs here in the Kansas City area.”

  “Mom and Dad. How did they get here?”

  “Your mom met your dad at Rust College, too. Your dad got accepted at law school at UMKC. So, your mom got a job here.

  “Your dad kept moving up in his career. We’re so proud of him and happy that this unpleasantness is over. Nobody who really knows your dad believed those reports about him.”

  I felt great knowing that our family thought well of Dad.

  “Stay for dinner,” said Aunt Ira. “You and Tiffany can compare prom notes. Your mom tells me you had a wonderful time at two proms.”

  I blushed.

  “Is there a special young man?”

  More blushing on my part. “No, we’re just friends.”

  “I’ve heard more ‘we are just friends’ than I care to. The next thing you know, there are wedding bells.”

  I laughed. “This is nothing like that. We’re going to separate colleges. He has his whole life planned even before he met me. I’m just trying to figure things out.”