by Beth Bowland
“I guess we’re not the only ones who are getting an early start. Mr. Maxwell is up early as well,” Kiara added.
Mr. Keith ran his hands through his hair and nodded. “Yeah, he was up early and said he saw some weeds in the yard and pulled them up for us. I don’t remember seeing any weeds in the yard, but oh, well. I guess I should be thankful.”
“Yeah, thankful,” I said.
“Enjoy your day,” Mr. Keith said and went back into the house.
“Let’s go see if anyone else is outside yet,” Kiara said.
We strolled around the alleyway, but there was no sign of Mr. Maxwell. As we approached Chu’s house, I saw him standing in the driveway in dress pants, a shirt and tie, and his hair slicked back on his head.
“Not a word,” Chu said to us as we approached. “We’re on our way to the airport to pick up Grandma Thuy.” He grimaced.
“Oh, yeah, today is the day.”
“Yo, you guys gotta rescue me later on. Just come over and get me, please,” Chu said.
Mr. and Mrs. Willene backed out of the driveway and stopped to allow Chu to get in. They waved to us, and we waved back. Chu slumped in the backseat.
“Girls!” Mom yelled down the alleyway. She waved for us to come to her.
As we approached, I couldn’t help but notice the huge grin on Mom’s face.
“I’m getting ready to go to the hair salon. Lisa said she could fit me in if I came now,” Mom said.
“I thought every other Saturday you went to Lisa,” Kiara said.
“Yes, but I have special plans for this evening,” Mom answered.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“Not we…me. I have a date tonight,” Mom said as she threw her purse across her shoulder and dangled her keys.
“You have a what?”
“Ooo…who are you going out with?” Kiara said.
Mom smiled again. “Oh, didn’t I mention it to you?”
“No,” Kiara and I said in unison.
“Dr. Jackson invited me to the theater and dinner.” Mom still had that goofy grin on her face.
“What? Mom, you don’t want to go out with him! He’s not your type.”
“How do you know, Kat?” Kiara asked.
I swore that girl had no clue about real life.
“Katrina, I don’t have time for this. You two stay near the house. I shouldn’t be gone that long. Smooches!” Mom got into her car and blew us a kiss as she drove away.
I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but there was no way I was going to allow her to go on that date tonight.
Chapter 7
KIARA POKED ME IN THE SIDE as we walked back to the house. “Wouldn’t it be cool if Mom and Dr. Jackson fell in love?”
I spun around so fast, I looked like Michael Jackson. “No, Kiara, it wouldn’t be cool if they fell in love. It would be gross!” I tried to control the screech in my voice, but my words came out full force. “Dr. Jackson could be psycho or something.”
Kiara kicked her shoes into the hall closet. “Well, you don’t seem to think there’s anything wrong with his son. I see how you’re always flirting with him.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “I’m not always flirting with him. He flirts with me!” I stomped upstairs to get away from her.
“Whatever, Kat. You just try to be polite when Dr. Jackson comes to pick up Mom,” she yelled at me.
“Shaddup, Kia. You are so annoying right now. Don’t tell me what to do.” I went into my room and slammed the door.
Mom walked in several hours later. Her hair was styled in a sleek bob.
Kiara reached out and ran her fingers through her hair. “Pretty, I like it.”
I had to agree with her. “Yeah, Mom, your hair looks really good.”
“Thanks.” Mom stood inside her walk-in closet, pulled out a few dresses, and held each in front of her. “What about this one?” She held up an emerald-green, shimmery-style, party dress.
Kiara shook her head. “Nah, too sparkly.”
Mom held out a different one. A black, one-shoulder piece.
“Ooo, that will look hot,” Kiara said.
Mom raised her eyebrows and smiled. “Hmm, maybe this is the one.”
I felt ill and tried to think of something to say. I really didn’t want her going out tonight. “Mom, do you really think a woman your age should consider wearing something that may be looked upon as hot?” I sat on her bed crosslegged.
Kiara and Mom started laughing.
Mom flipped the dress over her arm. “My age? What do you mean my age?”
“Well, you are older, and all the fashion shows say that women your age should dress a lot more conservatively.” My mind was racing, trying to gather strong arguing points.
“Katrina, sweetie, I am hardly older. Good Lord, child.” She smiled and spun around in the mirror still holding the little black dress.
I joined Kiara inside the closet. “Okay, what about this?” I held up a white ruffled blouse and black skirt.
“Katrina, that’s the outfit she ushers in at church,” Kiara said.
“Kat, what is it about Dr. Jackson that you disapprove of?” Mom asked.
“Nothing Mom, I just don’t think he’s the one for you. I heard something about him having split personalities.”
“Did you really hear that?”
“Maybe. I could have misheard the conversation.”
“Just who did you hear this from?” Kiara said.
“Uh, I think the Rosenthals,” I lied again. They’re a bunch of gossips, so no one would think I’d just made it up.
Mom shook her head. “Well, I’m going out tonight, Katrina. I’m just really surprised that you’ve never had anything to say about Dr. Jackson before now.”
“Yeah, that’s because he wasn’t trying to ask you out,” Kiara laughed.
I remained silent. Mom walked over and kissed me on top of my head.
I looked up at her. “It’s not that I don’t want you to go out. I just don’t think he’s good enough for you.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, he wears too much cologne, and you know how your allergies have a tendency to flare up. What if in the middle of dinner you have a sneezing fit or broke out in hives? That wouldn’t be very nice, would it?”
“Okay, that’s enough, Katrina. I’ve got to get ready. Why don’t you girls see if Ivelisse can come visit? You guys could watch some movies or something,” Mom said before heading toward her bathroom.
I perked up at that point. “Cool, I’ll go call.”
Kiara and I went out to the kitchen. I called Ivelisse on speakerphone.
“Do you want to come over and watch movies? Mom’s going out tonight.”
“Yeah, that sounds good. I’m sure I can, but I’ll go ask Mom. I’ll call you back if she has something planned. If not, I’ll see you soon.”
“Ask if you can spend the night,” Kiara added.
“Okay. Well, hold on a sec,” Ivelisse said. A few moments later, she returned to the phone. “She said yes. I’ll be over as soon as I get my stuff together.”
“Cool.”
We hung up and started rummaging through the kitchen for snacks. Mom walked in wearing something totally different than what we’d picked out. Kiara and I both stopped and stared at her. She was gorgeous. She was dressed in the shimmering, black spaghetti-strapped dress that hugged all her curves, plus snazzy, slingback pumps. Mom might be thirty-nine, but she was definitely fabulous! Those kickboxing classes three times a week really showed.
“Wow, you’re sharp,” Kiara said.
I couldn’t help but smile. Dang it! I knew when Dr. Jackson saw her, his teeth would probably fall out of his mouth. Not that I’m implying the man wears dentures, but I’m just sayin’.
“You look nice, Mom,” I said, feeling defeated.
The doorbell rang, so I went to answer it. I was happy that it was Ivelisse and her mom.
I opened the do
or. “Hello, Mrs. Sanchez.” She was wearing a yoga outfit and sipping purified water.
The Sanchez family were total fitness buffs. They were always up at the butt-crack of dawn doing tai chi and could easily do a family fitness commercial.
“Hi, Kat. Where’s your mom?”
“She’s in the kitchen.”
Kiara came out, and I took Ivelisse’s overnight bag and pillow. I could hear Mom and Mrs. Sanchez talking.
“Dr. Jackson is going to need a doctor when he sees you in that dress,” Mrs. Sanchez said.
Mom shut the door, and they started laughing and giggling like two girls. I wondered what was so funny. Ivelisse said something, but I was trying to listen to what they were saying behind the closed door.
“Stop being nosy, Kat,” Kiara said.
Ivelisse pulled me away.
“Wonder what they’re laughing about,” I said aloud.
“Grown folks business,” Kiara said.
“Whatever.”
“Katrina, get over it. They’re going out tonight, and I agree with Kia in hoping they have a nice time,” Ivelisse said.
A while later Mrs. Sanchez and Mom came out of the bedroom, still giggling.
“Okay, girls, behave. You know the rules,” Mrs. Sanchez said. “I’ll be checking in on you.”
She gave us all hugs before leaving.
Chapter 8
DR. JACKSON ARRIVED AROUND SIX. I was the closest to the door, but I did not intend to answer it.
“Katrina, get the door!” Mom yelled from her room.
Kiara was with her in the bedroom helping her put on her necklace.
“Katrina!” Kiara yelled.
“All right, all right. I’m going,” I said.
First, I peeked through the glass panel to make sure it was him. Yep, it was him, all right, Mr. Ebony Man, front and center. I could already smell his cologne. I opened the front door. Starting at his feet I thoroughly checked out his attire, and although I didn’t particularly care for the doctor, the man knew how to wear a suit. If Dr. Jackson was any indication of what Andre would look like in the future, I was ready to sign on the dotted line.
“Good evening, Katrina,” Dr. Jackson said.
“Hello,” I said, refusing to smile at him. I stepped aside and allowed him to come in.
Ivelisse peeked around the corner to look, then went back into the family room. Soon Kiara came out and started schmoozing. “Hello, Dr. Jackson. It’s so nice to see you again.”
I wished I had something handy to throw at her. Did I have to be the only voice of reason in this house? Couldn’t everyone tell how in love Andre was with me? And hello, I’m his future daughter-in-law. He can’t date my mother!
Mom strolled out, and I swear I heard Dr. Jackson start panting.
“Hello, Bryce,” Mom said as she approached.
Dr. Jackson reached out and hugged Mom, then kissed her on the cheek. “My, my, my, Haven, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you. You look debonair as usual.” Mom touched him on the arm and allowed her fingertips to linger there.
“Mom, what time will you be back home?” I blurted.
I heard Ivelisse let out a gasp from the family room. I could feel Kiara’s eyes boring holes through me.
“I’ll be sure not to keep her out too late,” Dr. Jackson said, still staring at Mom.
I so wanted to tell him that I wasn’t talking to him and ask if he would be so kind as to mind his own business. But I didn’t. My ear did not want a repeat torture treatment.
Dr. Jackson helped Mom with her shawl.
“I’ll be right out, Bryce,” Mom said, as she took my hand and motioned Kiara back to the family room. “Girls, I’ll just be gone a few hours. You have my cell phone if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Ms. Hollister,” Ivelisse said. “Yeah, I’m sure my mom will call or come down and check on us every so often,” she added.
Mom kissed Kia and I goodbye and walked out the door, but not before giving me one of her stern looks.
We all went into the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets and fridge. Soon I found everything that we needed to put together root beer floats. Ivelisse made microwave popcorn, and Kiara found a bag of Twizzlers. We grabbed the floats and headed upstairs to the loft. Kiara grabbed more blankets and pillows. Mrs. Sanchez would do a flip if she knew what I was feeding her daughter.
“What movie are we watching?” Kiara asked.
“Something scary, I hope,” I said.
Ivelisse rummaged through her bag of movies. “I’ve swiped the perfect one, classic horror at its finest. Zombies of the Night.”
Kiara sighed. “I don’t think that’s a kid-friendly movie.”
“Whatev…which version is it? Old and crappy or new and crappy?” I asked.
“New and crappy,” Ivelisse answered.
“Hit the lights, Kiara.” I snuggled down into the blanket.
Kiara froze. “Why do you want the lights off?”
Kiara never enjoyed watching scary movies.
“Come on, Kiara, you can sit next to me if you’re scared. You gotta set the mood,” I said.
“Yeah, you can’t watch a scary movie with the lights on,” Ivelisse said.
Kiara reluctantly turned off the lights and climbed on the couch between Ivelisse and me.
As soon as the intro music started, Kiara pulled the blanket up so far up, you could barely see the top of her head. An image of a woman being chased through a cornfield lit up the screen; behind her, a zombie dragging an ax.
Kiara peeked from over the cover, muffled a scream, and quickly ducked back under.
The woman tripped and fell.
I laughed. “Geez, like we didn’t see that coming.”
“I know, right.” Ivelisse chuckled. “And why was she wearing five-inch heels in a cornfield.”
The music intensified as he got closer to the woman. Her eyes widened, filled with terror.
I saw a light from the corner of my eye. It looked like something flashed across the window. I continued to stare but didn’t see it again.
“What are you looking for?” Kiara whispered.
“Nothing. I thought I saw something.”
“Something like what?” Kiara asked.
“What are you whispering about?” Ivelisse said.
“Katrina saw something.”
“I said, I thought I saw something,” I answered.
“Maybe it’s the zombie from the cornfield, and he’s made his way to Atlanta with his ax,” Ivelisse whispered.
I could feel the nervousness radiating from my sister. “Stop it. You’re gonna scare Kia,” I said.
“I’m not scared,” Kiara said as she slumped farther down into the couch cushion.
There was another flash, and this time Ivelisse turned her head toward the window. “Hey, I just saw something too.”
Ivelisse jumped up from the couch and went over to the window. I joined her. Kiara didn’t budge. We peeked through the blinds and tried to see into the yard.
“There!” Ivelisse said. “Is that someone in your yard?”
“It looks like it,” I replied.
We watched the shadow move toward the back.
“Let’s go to Kiara’s room and look out the window,” I said. “Kiara, come on.”
Kiara did not move. “Uh, I think I’ll stay here,” she mumbled through the blanket.
“Okay, suit yourself.”
The window in Kiara’s room faced the backyard. We hunched down and peered through the window. The shadow was carrying a flashlight that he clicked on from time to time, as if he was looking for something. I couldn’t tell if he was in our yard or Mr. Maxwell’s yard. If it was Mr. Maxwell, why didn’t he turn on the floodlight in his backyard? The moon came out of its hiding place behind the clouds and lit up the darkness.
“It’s that creepy, long-haired Mr. Maxwell,” I said.
“And he’s in his yard,” Ivelisse said.
“Ye
ah, it looks that way, but I could’ve sworn it looked like he was in our yard.”
“Maybe he hopped the fence.”
We continued to watch him in silence until he disappeared inside his home.
When we returned to the family room, the TV was muted, and Kiara was completely covered in the blanket.
I yanked the blanket off, exposing her face. Her eyelids were squeezed together.
“You big ole scaredy-cat,” I said, tossing the blanket back over her head.
Huddling under the blanket, we turned the volume up and continued to watch the movie. Right in the middle of a grisly scene, the phone rang. It was Mrs. Sanchez checking up on us.
We heard the front door open a few hours later. I looked at the clock on the DVD player, and it showed eleven o’clock.
“Oh, that’s Mom,” I said as I got up.
“You can’t go down there. What if he tries to kiss her good night? They don’t want to open their eyes to see you gawking at them,” Ivelisse said.
“He’s not going to kiss her,” I said, silently hoping I was right.
“Let’s go spy on them,” Kiara said, clicking off the TV.
We tiptoed down the hall toward the stairs. Kiara and I were experts on getting around the house unnoticed. I paused to let Ivelisse know which floorboards squeaked and steered her away. Crouching at the top of the stairs, I could see Dr. Jackson standing inside the doorway. Mom had a rose in her hand. He told her he’d had a fantastic time. She smiled and said it was lovely. He leaned forward and pulled her into his arms. I held my breath, and if Mom had any sense she’d be holding hers as well because his cologne was reeking up the stairs. Good grief, I bet he spent a ton of money each month on cologne, because I was sure he used an entire bottle each time he went out.
Dr. Jackson leaned in and kissed Mom.
What the heck was he doing? And why didn’t Mom slap him across the face? It wasn’t a very long kiss, but it was a kiss still the same.
“Oooo…” Kiara said aloud.
Mom turned toward the stairs, and we scurried back to loft area. Once we heard the door shut, Mom came up the stairs, so we all grabbed a blanket and pillow and pretended to be asleep.
I heard her linger for a moment, probably looking around, before returning downstairs.