Black Lies White Lies

by Laster, Dranda

  “I know and you know this partying is getting out of control.”

  “Well let’s talk about it later. I have somewhere to go tonight.”

  “And where do you think you are going?”

  “Lucinda and I are going to a party. I’ll be staying at her place tonight. Tomorrow is Saturday and the boys don’t have school.”

  “You think you can just run around here with your friends like I don’t exist? If you keep this shit up, you just might be staying with her permanently.”

  “You‘ve been threatening me all night. What’s your plan?”

  “There is no plan, but if this shit keeps going on I will put your ass in the street.”

  “And if you try that I will take my sons and you will never see them.”

  “Sabrina, before I let you take my sons, I will blow your brains out and spend the rest of my life in prison. So Little Sister, you better not push me.”

  “Do you think I’m worried about you hurting me, Anthony? I will do with my sons what I want.”

  “If you try to stop me from seeing my sons, you Conniving Bitch, you will see what I do to you. You are just like that whorish ass mammy of yours was, but let’s get one thing straight. I’m not your dumb ass father!”

  “You don’t have the right to say nothing about my mother!”

  “Right or not, I said it and I meant every word! So you go to your party with Lucinda, but I better not find out you are not where you say you going to be!”

  “I will be where I said, with Lucinda.” I hoped this thing with Stevie worked out.

  ~~~

  I went upstairs to change and shower. Who was he to threaten me? I put on my new butt hugging red dress, diamond hoops and six inch, rhinestone studded, Louis Vuitton heels. I ran a brush through my long, black, freshly done hair and felt ready for anything. I was not going to let this fool mess up my night.

  I grabbed my bag and was on my way down as Anthony was coming up. “Where are you going all dressed up in everything my money bought?”

  “Get the fuck out of my way, Anthony.” I could smell the alcohol.

  “Get out of your way? Bitch! I made you. The only reason you have what you have is because of me.”

  “Anthony, I’m not up for this shit tonight so just move.” Anthony grabbed for my arm but lost his footing. He fell down the flight of stairs. I just stood there, in shock, not knowing what to do. He must have landed hard because he wasn’t moving. Kim came running out of the next room.

  “Call an ambulance, Mrs. Long! I don’t think he’s breathing!” Things were happening so fast I didn’t have time to think.

  The boys came running in. “Daddy! Momma, help Daddy!” I snapped out of the trance I was in and dialed 911. It felt like it took forever for the paramedics to arrive. They started working on him immediately. He must have hit his head on the bottom step. They kept saying they couldn’t get a pulse. I didn’t want Anthony to die. He was the father of my kids and I still cared for him in my own way. “Miss, we must get your husband to the hospital or he’s going to die.”

  “I’ll follow you in my car,” I called after them as they wheeled him out the door. “Kim, please, will you take care of the boys? I’ll call you as soon as I get any news.” I jumped in my car and went down the driveway, realizing Anthony might not make it.

  But he had to. We had our differences, but life had a way of bringing you back to reality. I got on the freeway, doing 90mph and all I could think about was Anthony not making it. I pulled my car up to the front doors of the emergency entrance. I grabbed my keys and ran to the nurse at the front desk. “Where is my husband?”

  “Who is your husband?”

  “Anthony Long, the ambulance was supposed to bring him here.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Long, he is right this way. We need your permission to treat him. Right now the doctor is in with your husband and he is unresponsive, but we are doing everything we can.”

  “Can I see him?”

  “Yes, but right now they are putting him on a ventilator. The doctor will be with you in just a moment so don’t worry. We are doing everything we can.”

  Don’t worry. She must be kidding me. I stood there in shock wondering what I could do, but all I could do was wait. And that was hell.

  Candice

  Chapter 5

  I needed to think about getting ready to leave and starting back home. But I wanted to see Lance just one more time. I picked up my phone to give him a call. I’m sure he thought I was on the verge of a breakdown after last night. The phone started ringing. Maybe I should leave well enough alone.

  “Good morning, Candice. And how are you?”

  “I’m alright. I wanted to call you and say I’m certainly not crazy.”

  “I know you’re not crazy. Maybe a little deranged,” we both started to laugh.

  “Well I’m leaving tomorrow or the next day. Would you still like to have dinner?”

  “Yes, Candice, I would love to.”

  “So what about tonight? I would like to get an early start driving back if possible.”

  “I don’t know why you didn’t fly down and rent a car, that’s a long way back.”

  “Yes, but I will enjoy the time alone to think about things. So, Lance, where are you taking me tonight?”

  “Let’s just let it be a surprise. You will love it. I will pick you up at 8:00 o’clock sharp.”

  “That sounds like a plan. I’ll be ready.”

  It seemed like the day just dragged by or maybe I was just nervous. Being with Lance was like eating your favorite ice cream, always soothing.

  I needed to get something to wear. All I had were the two outfits I’d brought to wear to the funeral and a few around the house things. Maybe I would drive to Jackson and visit the mall. I went in the kitchen and asked Aunt Sally’s to go. “Baby, you go ahead and go. I’m going to start dinner for Tee. He will be home in a little while.” Now that was dedication. She waited on the man hand and foot. People didn’t have relationships like that anymore, even though most wished they did.

  I put on a blouse and skirt with some low wedges I’d brought on the trip. As I started out the door I asked Aunt Sally once more if she would like to go. “No,” she said again, so I grabbed my bag, got in the car and headed to Jackson.

  Jackson had grown since I was there last. Momma would take us on the occasions when she was shopping for herself. It was hard finding a parking place but I finally did, thank God. I hated malls. Back in New York shopping was different, the stores lined the streets.

  I strolled through the mall and found a quaint boutique that had a few things on display. I went through all the racks, looking for just the right thing. I found a lovely pink dress with a short slit in the back and not too much cleavage in the front. I wanted just enough hidden to be elegant, and a little something to be revealing. Now I needed to purchase accessories.

  I found a beaded ruby multi stone necklace with the last bead right between my breasts and earrings to match. Now shoes.

  I would have to find the right store for that. I went into the Shoe Palace. They had my favorite Louis Vuitton’s. I purchased a pink pair, with six inch heels that were perfect.

  I sure was going through a lot to impress Lance. I just wanted this night to be in his memory always.

  After I was through with my shopping I headed back to Aunt Sally’s. As I drove the hour home, I thought about my sisters and how things between us were strained. That was life.

  When I pulled up in front of Aunt Sally’s, Uncle Tee’s truck was parked out front instead of the garage so I parked behind it. Odd.

  “Is everything ok, Aunt Sally?”

  “Yeah, Baby. Tee must have been tired when he left work, that’s why his truck is out front.”

  “I was just making sure things were ok.”

  “Candice, you worry too much, things are going fine. Just get ready for your date with Lance.” She smiled at that. How did she know I was meeting Lance tonight?

&
nbsp; “I’m going to take a bath and get ready.”

  “I know you won’t be eating dinner with us, but I left some in the oven in case you decide to eat later.”

  “Ok, Aunt Sally. Thanks.”

  Lance is in for a treat, I thought as I started my bath. I’m going to be looking fabulous.

  ~~~

  At exactly 8:00 Lance walked up on the porch. He was always prompt. I could see his car from the window. I didn’t want to seem too anxious even though I was. I heard Aunt Sally tell him to sit and I would be out in a minute. I looked in the mirror one last time. The outfit I had purchased looked fabulous. Here goes nothing.

  I walked in and Lance’s mouth dropped open. Aunt Sally burst into laughter, “Son, you going to be ok?”

  “Yes, it's just that she looks so stunning.”

  “Yes, she does, Son, so pick your lip up off the floor,” and she laughed a little harder.

  “Are you ready to go?” He gathered himself as we walked out the door. “Candice, you look fantastic. Is all of that for me?”

  “Well, Lance, I wanted to look nice.”

  “I hope I picked a place to your liking.”

  “It doesn’t matter the place as long as we have a terrific time.” Lance opened the door of his black Dodge Charger. “Fast car,” I commented.

  “I have the need for speed,” he laughed. “I made dinner reservations at the Peabody hotel in Memphis. I hear it’s unbelievable.”

  “You didn’t have to go to so much trouble. It would have been ok with me to eat somewhere here.”

  “I don’t think so. A classy lady like you deserves the best and I’m willing to give it to you.”

  “That’s nice, Lance. You have always treated me like a lady. Except for when you made me touch worms.” We laughed at the memory as we cruised down the highway. Traffic slowed when we reached the city limits of downtown Memphis. We pulled in front of the Peabody Hotel. Lance handed his keys to the valet as we headed into the restaurant.

  The hotel was beautiful, so rich with color and detail. We walked in to the Maitre’d, “The reservations are under the name Jackson,” Lance informed him.

  “Right this way, Mr. Jackson.”

  The table was magnificent, with candles and the most beautiful white orchids I had ever seen. “Lance, you didn’t have to go through all this.”

  “I understand, Candice, but for you I would do anything.”

  “What on the menu looks appealing to you, Lance?” I asked after he’d ordered champagne.

  “I think I will have the lobster and asparagus tips.”

  “That’s sounds yummy, but after eating at Aunt Sally’s these last couple of days, I think I will have the crab salad. Her cooking will put the weight on you.” We sipped champagne and made small talk. “Lance, what are you doing in Atlanta?”

  “I own a trucking company. I’m thinking of expanding. It keeps me busy.”

  “Really, where to?”

  “Maybe further East. Maybe New York.”

  I hoped he couldn’t see the shock on my face. “That would be super if that’s what you wanted.”

  “The South is an excellent place to live and I do well in Atlanta but maybe, if things go well tonight, we will see more of each other.”

  “Well, Lance, we will just see how things go.”

  “Candice, is this wishful thinking? Me wanting things to go beyond this? My feelings are still the same. I never stopped loving you.”

  “As you know we have been living different lives.” I couldn’t tell him about Ashton.

  “Is there someone else that you’re serious about?”

  “No,” I lied.

  “Maybe I could be that exceptional someone.”

  I was saved by the waiter as he placed the food on the table. “Everything looks fantastic, Lance. Why haven’t you married or had a serious relationship?”

  “I’m always on the go doing one thing or the other. Before my business got off the ground, I had to stay focused. My hands were also full taking care of Mom and Dad. They did take care of me all my life.”

  “Why don’t you just move your parents to Atlanta?”

  “They could live with me, but they won’t leave Brownsville. Their life is there and that wouldn’t be in their best interest.”

  “You are such a selfless person to see after your folks that way.”

  “No, I just love my parents.”

  I kind of forked over my salad, thinking. I wished my parents and I had the kind of relationship that Lance seemed to have with his.

  “Is everything ok with your salad?”

  “Yes, I was just thinking about Daddy.”

  “Your father’s going to be ok, Candice, he’s always taken care of himself.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.”

  “You know what? I’ll check on him from time to time to ease your mind.”

  “Thank you. The more people checking on Daddy the better.”

  We finished dinner and left the restaurant. “Candice, would you like to go down to Mud Island and take in the view? The night is still young.”

  “Why not? I haven’t been there in years.” As we headed down toward the river I thought maybe I could have a life with Lance. Now that was wishful thinking.

  We parked the car and got out. The moon was shining over the water turning it to black glass. You could smell the muddy water. It reminded me of the times we’d go fishing in the muddy Mississippi when I was a kid. My grandmother would say, I love the taste of mud catfish. It was an acquired taste that most of the people in the South seemed to have. Sometimes I missed the things of home.

  “Candice, you seem to be in deep thought.”

  “Yeah. I guess I was thinking of the good old times.”

  “I know what you mean. Things seem to have changed over the years.”

  “Sometimes, Lance, I wish I could go back to simpler times when all seemed right with the world.”

  “I know.” Lance put his hands around my waist and pulled me close. “Candice, I could make you happy if you let me.”

  I looked into his eyes, brown and warm. “I know you could, Lance, but things are so different now.” He put his lips to mine and kissed me until my head began to spin.

  “I love you so much, Candice. Would you please let me love you?”

  The sweetness of his mouth stirred something in me and my defenses began to fall. “Lance...” I tried to pull away from his embrace. I knew I couldn’t keep up my resistance for long. My body wanted Lance like it always had. “Stop. I can’t do this.”

  Lance heard me. “Stop? You can’t be serious right now. Why won’t you let me love you?”

  “This just won’t work, Lance. It can’t work. Things are just so complicated right now. Let’s go, Lance, before thing go too far.”

  We walked back to the car in silence. I knew he had to be frustrated with the way I was acting. I just couldn’t tell Lance that I loved someone else. For the first time, I admitted to myself I had feelings for Ashton.

  As we drove the highway to Brownsville I didn’t know what to say or how to say it. Let’s just get home. We were about 30 miles from Brownsville when Lance spoke. “Candice, I’m sorry if I took things too far. I didn’t intend to force things. I just have all these feelings for you and I don’t know what to do with them. I won’t let it happen again unless you want it to.”

  “Lance, don’t be sorry. Things are just happening too fast.” I sat there thinking of all that had happened in the past few days. Momma dying, Daddy being sick. It was too much to take. I wanted this day to end on a good note. “Lance, I didn’t want you to get wrapped up in all my stuff, and for that I’m sorry.” We pulled up in front of Aunt Sally’s and I started to get out.

  “I hope things are OK with us, Candice.”

  “Of course they are. No harm done.” I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” As I got out of the car and walked in the house I couldn’t help but feel things were un
settled with Lance and me. I would have to think about that tomorrow.

  I walked into the house and saw Aunt Sally sitting in her favorite spot on the couch. “How did things go tonight with you and Lance?”

  “They went OK I guess.”

  “You guess? You and Lance have known each other for a lifetime. Don’t let anything come between the friendship you and Lance have. They are hard to come by.”

  “I know, Aunt Sally, and I won’t. I’m tired. I think I will just go to bed.”

  “Ok, Baby. I will talk to you in the morning. By the way, are you leaving tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I need to get back to work.”

  “Well let’s talk about it tomorrow.”

  I walked down the hall thinking about Lance. I wondered if Lance and I would still be together if things had been different. I guess things turned out just as they should have.

  I turned the covers back as my mind wandered to Ashton. I didn’t know Ashton the way I did Lance. Lance was my childhood sweetheart and the kindest person I had known. Ashton was the man I loved, or so I thought.

  Morning came quickly and I planned to go back to New York today. The morning was going to be a hot one. I could smell cooking from the kitchen. It didn’t matter how hot the day, Aunt Sally was going to cook.

  I began packing for the long trip back wishing I would have flown instead of driving. I picked up my phone to check my messages. I hadn’t gotten any from Ashton since I’d been here. I had four messages, all from Brenda.

  I listened as I continued packing. “Candice, I hope things are going well there because things are going haywire here. Anyway get back to me soon.” Brenda always made things seem a little over the top. I was sure everything would be ok. I did need to get back though. I actually missed the city and Ashton.

  I took a bath and dressed in my traveling clothes. Aunt Sally had made pancakes. I had to get away from all this homemade food or I wouldn’t be able to get through the door. As Aunt Sally and I sat down to eat, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it Aunt Sally.”

  I opened the door and there stood Lance. “Can I come in?”

  “Sure, we were just having breakfast. Would you like some?”

  “No thanks, but I would like to talk to you.”